Week 2 Day 3

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.’

Hebrews 12:11

Discipline is tough. As we saw yesterday, its hard edge of training on the recipient, allows time to examine hearts. Such instruction, empowers the persons to absorb consequences of behavior and opens the route of change. That is good news. There is restoration after discipline.

For many of us, like Israel, the route of change may take a long time. As we continue our study of Hosea, we will read chapters three through seven and note some key points. The chiastic structure of the book introduces a relationship between a husband and wife in chapters 1-3. As the book evolves, we see a correlation between God and his people (chapters 4-14).

The wronged prophet must now deliver the message and heart of a betrayed God.

Please Read Hosea chapters 3-7 today and consider the following questions:

1. In spite of Gomer’s pitiful state on the auction block of slavery, Hosea takes pity on her and buys her back. What does he say to her in chapter 3 verse 3?
2. Who purchased us from our slavery to sin and empowers us to live a better life according to Romans 6:5-11?
3. God’s pursuit of us wayward people is heartwarming isn’t it? Our parent’s longing for our child to travel a path of freedom is innate in all of us because we reflect the image of our loving Father. What do the children of God lack in this message from Hosea?

Hosea 4:1        Hosea 4:6        Hosea 4:14

• Their lack of knowledge is not a mind issue though, is it? It is really the same issue we all encounter in our own lives and the people we love. It’s a heart issue. Take a peek ahead at the following verses to see what I mean:

Hosea 4:1        Hosea 7:6        Hosea 7:14      Hosea 9:1        Hosea 9:10

Hosea 10:2      Hosea 13:6     

• It seems to be a twofold problem for the people of Israel. They like the culture around them and they lack proper leadership to steer them away from destruction. Who does the prophet address in Hosea 4 and what does he say? (vs 4-6)
• God calls Israel and us to repentance, he is always giving the opportunity to learn from the consequences of our behavior.  Summarize below what the prophet says in chapter 5 verses 1-4?
• Yes, discipline is tough. What does God hope to accomplish for His wayward children according to chapter 5 verse 15 through 6:3?
• Although, they like Adam violated the covenant (6:7), God is faithful in His discipline, what does he see in the future? (Ch. 7:1)

I know we don’t see this future return in this chapter or in the remainder of this book of sacred text. However, we do see it through Christ Jesus as this love story plays out in the New Testament.

The purpose and intent of God’s discipline cannot be underestimated or overlooked. He is a loving God who gives time and warning for his people to turn from their idolatry, drinking, violence, and sexual sin.

The sin is exposed openly in the harsh words of the prophet to shed light on the behavior that causes death. In hopes that, examining the heart will bring remorse and encourage change. As difficult at it is, we cannot underestimate the power of discipline.

Hebrews 12:9-11 English Standard Version (ESV)

Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Week 2

Day 2

I’m learning as we study this book, that Hosea is a young prophet during the time of his contemporaries, Isaiah and Amos. His first message from the Lord was to marry a promiscuous woman, Gomer.

The first child born of this woman for Hosea is Jezreel, which means “God sows; what is scattered”. My study bible states this is the only child ‘clearly’ designated as Hosea’s child. The name draws attention to the day of judgment on Israel but also to God’s promise to restore His relationship with His people. (HCSB, 2018, p. 1395)

In chapter one of Hosea we see the Lord announce His intent to bring bloodshed upon the house of Jehu in order to avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel, the town where Jehu had brought God’s judgement on the house of Omri. This story of annihilation for Ahab and Jezebel is found in 2 Kings chapter 9 if you want to read that historical account.

Now that we have a little historical background, we can ask questions about our first chapter. Please read Hosea ch. 1 and 2

1. What do you think of God’s instruction to Hosea in 1:2?
2. If we place ourselves in this ancient time period, (where women were basically property, and the punishment of adultery is death, by stoning) what characteristic of God begins to emerge?
3. God’s intention for the Northern Kingdom of Israel is clear, what is it? (vs 5)
4. The second child of Gomer, is Lo-Ruhamah (not loved, or my bible says, no compassion). What does God clarify about the Northern Kingdom Israel? (vs 6)

And who receives compassion? (vs 7)

• Gomer conceives again, and God says name Him, Lo-Ammi (not my people) what do you think this means for the covenant with Israel? (vs 8)

The Holman Christian Standard study bible says God is temporarily suspending His covenant with the northern kingdom. A reversal of God’s protection of Israel from Egypt when He rescued them from slavery (Exodus 6:7)  (HSCB, 2018, p. 1396).

We see a perfect and Holy God cannot tolerate self-destructing practices among the people He lovingly created. The harsh consequences for sin are felt throughout generations. We see it today among our own culture. The boundaries of safety set forth in the ten commandments are not just rules to kill our joy. They are for our protection. As people continually break these bounds of protection, their self-inflicted pain and suffering increase.

But God! His Mercy is never ending and His extension of grace reaches through our rebellion to pull us out of misery and despair! He cannot stand to see us suffer and offers a solution.

• We see a name change of two of the children in chapter two verse 1. What are they now called?
• When we read verses 2-13 pay attention to what appeals to Gomer (Israel) and maybe what is more appealing to us than what God offers. Make a numbered list below and any comparisons you can think of:

We see the similarities, don’t we? However, are you ready for God’s mercy after some sharp discipline? Please read through chapter 2:14-23 and answer the following questions:

• What is God’s first act of mercy in vs 14?
• What is promise is restored in verse 18?
• God says to Israel in verse 19, I will take you to be my wife forever, what four qualities does He list:

I will take you to be My wife in ________________, ____________, __________, and ______________.

The poetic justice, love and mercy of our God is displayed in the story of Hosea. We see a restoration of a disciplined people and the promise of a faithful God.  He opens the sky and the earth to produce their food. We can relish in the His endurance as we close chapter two: The earth produces their provision; He displays his compassion on “No compassion” and calls them “My People” who are “Not my People”.

I am reminded of Hebrews chapter 12 as we close out this chapter of Hosea. If you have time to read that today please do so, it will lighten your heart in the area of how God is working through this pandemic to bring our people back to Him. Here is a teaser for you:

“My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or faint when you are reproved by Him, for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son he receives. Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (Hebrews 12:5-8)

I am learning so much! No matter how unfaithful we are to God, He continues to pursue us! Does that make you just stop and wonder with awe?

Jesus is our great hope and God’s ultimate sign of his faithfulness and discipline turns our wayward eyes towards Him! Praise God!

Thank you for studying with me, let’s consider the following each day we study:

What is God speaking to my heart today? How can I pray through my own circumstances and how can I pray for you? Let me know!

Week 2

Day 1

I will take you as my wife in faithfulness, and you will know Yahweh.”

Hosea 2:20

I wonder if the thought of “faithfulness” is why so many couples avoid marriage in our culture? Is infidelity in marriage part of the reason why people fear to fully commit? A culture steeped in the storylines of television would tell us so. Our favorite celebrities fail a this. Our friends do, and sometimes even our parents. Perhaps, a deep seeded insecurity lies in the hearts of people recovering from infidelity’s emotional pain.

Although, I can understand having little faith in marriage for these tender hearts, there is hope in changing such perspectives. The hope is the promise of our faithful God. He knows all about unfaithfulness. Our Lord witnesses it every single day. Surprisingly, He remains steadfast in His part of the commitment, wooing his ‘promiscuous’ wife back to Him. A display of such devotion shocks hearts wrought with lingering distrust.

God’s display of devotion unsettles the deep seeded complacent hearts fearing to invest emotionally. It makes them question their own failure to take the risk. Selfless acts subjecting Him to rejection or humiliation by God, is too great for these tender hearts. It’s safer to stay inside the boundaries of defense.

However, God’s example of unfailing love in the book of Hosea, tramples walls wounded hearts erect head on. I admire Hosea for facing the ridicule and contempt from other men, as he carries out on earth what God does in Heaven.

He loves unconditionally.

A look into the full love of God, painfully exposes humiliation’s insecurity. Which is the fear and pain of being subject to shame all over again. Faced with the brilliance of God’s continual pursuit of disgraceful people, in the metaphor of an adulterous spouse, the question arises:

“If it’s not too hard for the Sovereign God of the universe to humble Himself in such a way, who am I?

 God’s command to his prophet, Hosea is this:

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go again; show love to a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, just as the Lord loves the Israelites though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.”  Hosea 3:1

Our study of scripture today takes place in Hosea. A story within a story. Hosea is told by God to marry a woman who is going to cheat on Him, several times. It is a parallel to the Northern Kingdom of Israel’s abandoning God to worship pagan gods.

Please read Hosea chapters 1-3 today to begin our second week of study on unwavering faith. Please note the metaphorical language used to describe a spouse’s infidelity. We see the pain, heartache, and lack of stability this behavior causes in the relationship. An exact replica of our own instability without God in our lives.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way!

Take heart! This book is a picture of His restoration! Restoring a marriage, a family, relationships, and a nation. That is just how powerful God moves through His word.

If, we open our hearts to His healing. I can’t wait to dig into this week’s study with you!

 “The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, you will not despise a broken and humbled heart Psalm 51:17 (HCSB)

The love of Christ and my own shy personality usually frees me from attention-seeking behavior. The revolting thought of negative notoriety is this introvert’s worst nightmare. Did you see the American lady making “British eggs” in England? Only to be shamed as a fake! Putting yourself out there is so risky in our easily riled culture.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that intimidation knocks at the door of my confidence when compelled into the spotlight of extreme attention. The kind that whispers, are you sure you want them to see and hear all of you?

Sitting with my back to the wall is my preferred place to observe and soak in my surroundings. You know, stowed away from presumptuous ears that assess my intelligence with a slight twitch of the eyebrow when they hear my Kentucky accent.

Yes, ladies are in tune with those not so subtle looks from others. I take a deep, calming breath as the dreaded once-over begins. The softer, approval seeker in me feels her sails inflate when met with acceptance. While the intimidated loner bristles with momentary self-doubt if she bumps against haughtiness. However, a sure-footed contentment in a Savior’s love overcomes momentary affirmation from others as a distinct truth is realized; I am average and it’s ok.

Average in appearance and knowledge maybe, yet far beyond what others observe on the surface.

Hidden to the observer in that split-second, critical glance is an extraordinarily reformed spirit! The Holy Spirit counsels and calms my doubtful heart awaiting a second cursory gaze from the onlooker. He defines my worth, not others. He fills my soul with satisfaction and spurs me on to live for Jesus. He calms quaking emotions while assuring me, I am accepted by Him. Because my heart is pure. He washed me clean with the blood of His sacrifice on the cross, and I received His grace the day I placed my faith in Him.

So, when the observer’s eyes rise for reassessment, the radiance of a fulfilled heart may take them aback. Perhaps, their perspective narrows as they see something beyond the exterior human face before them.

They see a heart filled with Jesus and an eagerness to please Him. The average appearance disguises, at first, a repaired spirit. A sprit once broken in a world where physical appearance is paramount. Although, the once broken spirit never measures up physically to flawless skin, perfect size, and great hair; she is free from the chains of imperfection seen daily in the mirror.

In its place is an awareness that too many years are spent seeking outward perfection. The realization is the true beauty of a humbled heart in love with her redeeming savior.  A sacrifice noticed in heavenly places and stirring wonder in men and women who encounter its humbleness.

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10

God never fails to give us a passion for something…….

He works in us and through us to help His people….. My passion is to learn! I love God, His wonderful word and His wonderful provision in the garden.

I want to combine the last 20 years of continuing education classes and on line nutrition classes with 25years of nursing adults to bring you encouragement, hope, fun, and healthy recipes to build an sustain these temporary bodies that serve our Lord.

So, feel free to look around! There are devotions, bible studies, and easy recipes to explore!

“….fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Learning to make tortillas was the best time investment I ever made. When I’m really hungry and don’t have the patience to wait on a meal, I can grab a tortilla, fill it with spring greens, add a splash of onion powder, and drizzle some plain yogurt over it for a filling snack!

This good deal of yumminess is all I need to tide me over until supper is ready!

When I make these as part of my weekly routine, life just flows better.

There is also something about making my own bread that gives me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Although, this simple item provides consistent fulfillment, I know in my heart, it is temporary. Just as the appetite it fills is temporary.

True peace comes with knowing eternal contentment, something that is beyond a piece of bread, but not beyond Jesus.

After all, he is the bread of life.

It’s just as soothing to my soul as a tortilla is to my hungry belly.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

Easy Tortillas –3 Ways

My favorite three recipes for tortillas are gluten free, spinach, and quinoa!

It’s fun to play and experiment with the different ways to bring more fiber, protein, and taste to the average tortilla. Here are three ways I like to try:

SPINACH TORTILLAS

• 3 Cups Org. Unbleached Flour
• 6 Ounces Fresh Spinach
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 3/4 Cup Hot Water
• 1/4 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive oil

Place the 3/4 cup water in a measuring cup with the fresh spinach. Microwave 1 minute. Puree in a blender and set aside.

Mix dry ingredients then add oil and pureed spinach and knead until

well blended. Separate into 12 balls.

Heat an ungreased skillet, roll flat each ball and heat each side 30-40 seconds. each side. Don’t overcook.

Place on a plate to cool then store in large freezer bag for 1 week. When ready to use, place a tortilla in the microwave 10-12 seconds to soften.

CHIA/QUINOA TORTILLAS

• 2 Cups Organic Flour
• 3/4 Cup Precooked Quinoa
• 2 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
• 1 Tsp. Salt
• 3/4 Cup Hot Water
• 1/3 Cup Organic Olive Oil

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. (Flour, quinoa, salt) whisk together. Add chia seeds to water and heat in the microwave 45 seconds.

Incorporate olive oil into flour mixture until it looks like course cornmeal. Add the warm water and blend well. (If you need to add a couple of tablespoons flour, go ahead. This depends on the moistness of the quinoa. Knead and form into balls. Roll out very thin on a floured surface. Cook in heated, ungreased skillet. 30-40 seconds each side. Set aside on a plate to cool. Store in a zip lock bag in the fridge until ready to use.

Substitutes you can use:

You can substitute flax seed meal for the chia seeds above/ 1 cup of buckwheat in place of one of the cups of regular flour—both provide more protein and fiber.

I hope you enjoy making theses tortillas!

Check out these 10 Easy Tortilla Meal Ideas, too!

Let me know how you make your favorite variety.

Don’t you appreciate wonderful facts about roots like parsnip? Look at what Jeremiah says below:

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:8

The root vegetables, withstands cold, takes cover underground, and fill our bellies with rich fiber. We can draw comfort from the nourishment they provide just as they draw and produce the nutrients from the ground. Providing a wealth of vitamin C to nourish our cells, this tasty root is the star of our dish today!

Saute’ in heated Skillet with 2 Tbsp Olive Oil The following washed and chopped veggies:

1 Parsnip, 3 radishes, 1/2 onion, 1cup red cabbage

Saute until tender and carmalized

Meanwhile:

Prepare 1 can of rinsed and drained chickpeas in a saucepan with the following:

2 Tbsp Sunflower seeds, 2 tsp worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon no salt seasoning, and 1 Tbsp olive oil.

Saute’ until browned.

Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

Fluff with fork, add 1/2 juice of lemon. 2 tsp fresh chopped lemonbalm and 1/4 tsp salt.

Roots never fail to bear fruit! I hope you enjoy!

“Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life” (Prov 4:23, HCSB)

As an adult I understand guarding the heart is pivotal to walking victoriously. However, the ears of my young heart failed to understand this life source. Stubbornly unaware of protecting it fiercely above all else, I left it unguarded. Saying farewell to the ways taught through childhood, I sauntered headlong into living my way.

I soon began to feel the effects of an unguarded heart, physically and spiritually. Just as I see it now, among my friends and acquaintances. Its impact infiltrates my church family, too. We are all subject to its slowly eroding repercussions if we don’t fully submit to the saving grace of Jesus and protect our hearts by doing what He says.

We are vibrant people, loving life and others, yet continually trying to overcome lingering bitterness of the soul without Him at the helm of our lives. It’s easy to succumb to the pressure of our culture and live as though we are in control. We are taught that in the school room. Frequent messages of, “You can do anything you set your mind to in life” are often motivators to equip children toward achieving goals.

What if we equipped them to understand instead, life is hard, unfair, and sometimes cruel? But we have a Savior who is ready and willing to join us in our journey. He understands cruelty and hatred because experienced it first hand. What if parents used every cruelty and unkindness experienced by their children as an opportunity to teach them about Jesus? Furthermore, how do we as parents and grandparents do this on a daily basis instead of depending on the church to do this one or two hours a week?

Like many others, my early years were in church, learning of God’s goodness and mercy. I became very aware of my need for him at age 9. I decided to follow Him, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and be baptized. Although the foundation was laid and my parents set a good example in the way they lived, they lacked good communication skills.

The firm foundation waivered, as my family drifted from the church of my childhood and began to steer their own way. I easily fell to peer pressure and desire to be accepted by others just four short years after accepting Christ. The pull of culture can happen so effortlessly at such a tender age. I hope my story can help another mother set up the necessary reinforcement in her daughter’s life to combat the danger of waywardness.

I remember, at 13 sobbing and begging God to ease the confusion of my warring spirit. A darkness was consuming my mind, my will, and emotions. I truly felt, I just could not measure up, or be the person He wanted me to be. So, I gave up. I lived for myself and for the world from that point on, and although I knew Him, I did not follow Him or His truth.

The place of waywardness is where my heart took the brunt of attacks from the enemy.

The next 17 years were ups and downs, highs and lows. I was an easy target. Yet, in spite of my stubborn resistance, God was faithful.

He continued wooing me back to Himself and allowing things to happen that simply destroyed my biggest enemy……my pride. When I refused to fully humble myself, He humbled me.

I do not recommend it. I want others to be wiser than I, closely examine their lives and hearts and see where they are living at the whim of their unreliable mind, will, and emotions. Because they will never fix it on their own. Nor will relying on short-term interventions like self-help books, yoga, mantras, or meditation.

Furthermore, the entire concept of guarding is to protect something of great value. God values our hearts. There is nothing more valuable than the place that houses our eternal souls. Although our efforts to guard it are noble, they are inefficient. The sly enemy is deceptively convincing us we are in control, when we are not. Look at the following proverbs to understand this dire situation:

• Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over my lips!
• Proverbs 2:8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
• Proverbs 2:11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you,
• Proverbs 4:6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
• Proverbs 4:13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.
• Proverbs 5:2 that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.
• Proverbs 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
• Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but sin overthrows the wicked.
• Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.
• Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.

God is reliable and you and I can trust Him with our most vulnerable and prized possession. Listening to His warning to fiercely protect our hearts preserves our lives. (Prov. 3:13)

His standard, set forth in His word, teaches me how he wants me and my child to live. How do we know what that standard is, in this temporal world, if we don’t read the Bible daily together? If we fail to attend a place of worship and fellowship, how do we remain respectful to God’s word and teach our children to do the same? By making the mistake of comparing ourselves to others and the way they live, we miss the way God wants us to live! 

Furthermore, we miss the way He wants me to talk, to behave, to love and to disciple our children. In His word is the place where heart change happens. Putting others above ourselves is a term of endearment to God, not a sacrifice. It shows how much we return His great love and sets an example for our children to do the same.

The deep and abiding relationships springing from this reflection of our Savior, persuades others to want the freedom Jesus offers. A freedom from bitter, hardened and unguarded hearts. Well meaning lessons in childhood may still not be enough, no matter how attentive and intentional our parents are in raising us to know the Lord. Although, having a keen eye to her child’s mannerisms and changes in behavior is helpful in deflecting rebellion; figuring out who she really is on her own is essential.

During these years of uncertainty all momma can do is pray and offer gentle reminders of who she is in Christ. Guarding her heart starts with guarding her body, it’s an honor and a privilege. The callous, thoughtless exposure of it among her peers and culture sway her easily to believe otherwise. However, the deep rooted connection of body and soul can’t be denied. There is a reason God covered our first parents in the garden after their sin. He shows them mercy in alleviating their shame.

Moreover, is the fact that Jesus did the very same thing. He covered our sin and shame and made us whole in Him. And Jesus wants us to live life beyond the remorse of an unguarded heart and into fullness. His righteousness covers us from eternal damnation, but our daily choices impact our living victoriously.

More importantly, He is the answer our unguarded hearts have been yearning for all along.

“And next to him…..”

Week 1

Day 4

Yesterday, we saw Nehemiah’s confidence in God on display as he faithfully delegated repairs to his countrymen.  Refusing to be hindered by rumors, stage attacks, or gossip, he confronts his opposition head on. A direct controller.  My kind of guy! Perfectly suited to God’s assigned task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Perhaps, God is calling us to follow in his footsteps of faith.

Just as Jerusalem is surrounded by a crumbling wall, we too are interacting with people in the same situation. Their tumbling walls of social ease are gone. They are facing hard times in an uncertain world, without faith or hope. Coping with shreds of anxious emotions, they are unsure where to turn. Our opportunity to repair walls like Nehemiah is at hand.

The good news for our struggling countrymen is Jesus. He takes upon himself deteriorating walls of false security, selfishness, anger and bitterness. He restores a bleeding heart of anxious emotions to a mighty fortress of forgiveness, love, kindness, grace and hope!

I for one, can sure feel that grace and kindness through my local body of believers!

I’m sure you can too! We are stronger together.

As we read Nehemiah chapter 3 again today; take note all of the areas of the crumbling wall and gates to be restored; we will see specific names and families involved.

May Nehemiah’s confidence in the Lord be a beacon of light for our faith too! We can take our time and pray about that task (or person) he has laid upon our hearts. Or maybe, investigate areas where our hearts are drawn to serve. The slowed pace of life gives us more opportunity to learn more about situations and needs of others. The role does not have to be a big one. We can each participate in the area God has personally trained us for. 

That is exactly what happens in Nehemiah chapter 3. Each person does his (and her) part to rebuild or repair gates and parts of the wall. Read through that chapter and note how many times the phrase “and beside him’ is noted____________.

Yes! Just as each person or family is assigned to do a part of the work, we are assigned to do our work. Note how the Body of Christ works together, in different aspects to fulfill the work of the church in the following verses:

Romans 12:3-8

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Praise God, all members of one body! We rejoice together, we build together, learn from one another, support and encourage one another. Person by person, we build that mighty fortress of faith. Unlike the rebuilt wall of Nehemiah’s day that is built in 52 days and will be torn down again, ours is a fortress that lasts for eternity! The gates of hell cannot not prevail!

Prayers for all of us as we meet the call to serve, and fill the world with our hope in Jesus! Thank you for studying with me!