Author Archives: bertlewis

The Final Test Of Love

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“The final test of love is obedience.  Not sweet emotions, not willingness to sacrifice, not zeal, but obedience to the commandments of Christ.  Our Lord drew a line plain and tight for everyone to see.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                    – A.W. Tozer –

             At times, the Bible confronts us with things we don’t naturally like to hear, but that doesn’t make it any less true.  Obedience as the proof of love for God is one such example.  In each of our sinful natures, there exists a self-willed spirit that resists submission or obedience to others.  We see it in varying degrees in our relationships with others as we live day to day.  Somehow in our society obedience has become synonymous with weakness.  But we must face the fact that our love for God is measured by just that; obedience.  I love this quote from Tozer because the other things he mentions: emotions, sacrifice, and zeal are all good things which result from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  But in and of themselves, they are not the final test of our love for God.  It is only obedience:  

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word…” (John 14:23a) 

“Whoever does not love me does not keep my words…” (John 14:24a) 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.  And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) 

            Though obedience is proof of our love for God, it is wrong to think that it is how we gain His love.  He loved us first; proving it at the cross.  Our obedience is an offering we make in return that serves to bring glory to His name.  In all things, let our hearts say to the Lord, “not my will, but yours, be done”.

Father To Son

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“Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes…” (1 Kings 2:2-3) 

            Father’s, how many times have you failed your son?  How many times has your advice been less about him and more about your own pride?  Or how many times have your failures made you feel inadequate to give advice at all?  Of all that Scripture testifies about concerning David, Israel’s greatest king and “a man after God’s own heart”, it never claims his greatness as a father.  In fact, in many ways, David’s greatest afflictions were his children.  Those difficulties were often consequences of his sinful actions.  I imagine due to instances in which he strayed from God’s will, failing to trust in a given moment, at times David must have felt unworthy to offer his children advice.  Do you share that feeling?  If past failures cause you to question your right, but more importantly, your sons need for godly advice, be encouraged.  Be encouraged because though David shares many like experiences with you and me, he never stayed in the place where guilt kept him from doing what God would have him do.  And you don’t have to either.  

            “Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes…” As David aged and neared death, it was Solomon, his son who would be Israel’s next king.  In this passage, David sought to encourage Solomon as he prepared to assume the throne.  He knew that the challenges Solomon would face would require bravery, but he also knew that blessing would only come by faithful obedience to the LORD. 

            If in all the advice you’ve given your son, you have never given the advice David gave Solomon in this passage, know that it’s never too late.  Although he lived the consequences of his past failures, David always pressed on, understanding the completeness of both God’s forgiveness and faithfulness in spite of his own lack of both at given moments.  You may be living the consequences of your past failures as a father.  If so, accept them and start anew.  Don’t miss the opportunity to leave your son with the most valuable advice you can give him.  Your responsibility is not that he accepts it; Solomon didn’t heed all of David’s.  It’s only that you give it.  It doesn’t take a perfect father to instill Christian values in a son.  It takes a committed father who begins each day asking his Heavenly Father for help.  So, tell your son to be strong, to show himself a man, to keep the charge of the LORD and walk in His ways.  And when he does, tell him to expect God’s blessing because our Heavenly Father keeps all His promises.

 Prayer

Father, failure is part of being an earthly father.  I admit my many failures through the years and thank you that you have given forgiveness.  Help me LORD to understand as David did how faithful you are in keeping your promises.  Help me to seek to be in fellowship with you each day so that the counsel I give my son will be in accord with your will.  Thank you for your grace and goodness each day. 

“Lord, Why Did You Send Me?”

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“O Lord, why have you done evil to this people?  Why did you ever send me?” (Exodus 5:22) 

            Never think for a moment that God’s call on your life will be easy.  Moses’ call was anything but easy.  Though receptive and faithful to God’s call, it didn’t mean Moses never questioned it.  In fact, it happened almost immediately when the LORD told him he was to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt.  But God was gracious to reassure Moses of His power, provision and presence each step of the way.  So with those promises, Moses returned to Egypt, went to Pharaoh and said, “Let my people go”.  Enslaved for four hundred years, was freedom in sight?  Was Moses the man to lead the salvation the LORD would bring Israel?  Upon Moses’ request for freedom, Pharaoh not only responded negatively, but then ordered the work to be made even more difficult.  This brought a response of anger and complaint from the Hebrew people, questioning Moses ability to lead them.  In turn, Moses complained to the LORD and questioned Him.  

            “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people?  Why did you ever send me?”  The Hebrew translation for evil is “trouble”.  From the very outset of Moses carrying out God’s call on his life, he encountered uncertainty and then questioned God.  Have you ever done that?  When God calls you, do you hesitate?  And when that call is great and consequences are difficult, do you question Him?  We often do.  When God calls you and your life is radically changed, you can count on two things:  First, people will doubt you; second, there will come a time, perhaps many, in which you will doubt yourself.  As we read about Moses as he led the Hebrew people, we know this occurred more than once.  When God calls a man or a woman, Satan is always there throwing up obstacles, creating doubt in an attempt to paralyze each of us from being used to further the kingdom of God.  But do you know what?  God is also there and you can count on Him to remove that obstacle in furthering His glory.  His call always comes with His promise to be with us.  We know the Bible’s testimony of Moses is a great one (Deuteronomy 34:10).  He was a great leader; he was humble, obedient and faithful.  But he was also a man, with all the faults of mere men.  He had moments in which he questioned and doubted God along the way.  You may too, but trust God’s power and purpose for your life and remember that the LORD has sent you.     

Prayer

Father, you are a gracious and loving God in using me even when I am so full of doubt in my ability to carry out what you have called me to do.  Help me remember that it’s not my ability that matters, but your purpose and power.  Forgive me when I hesitate before obeying and when I disobey altogether.  Thank you for the testimony of Moses’ faithful and obedient service.  By your power help me to be faithful to the call you’ve place on my life.  Thank you for grace each day as I live that calling.  Amen!

Bearing Fruit

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“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22) 

             Galatians 5:22 identifies godly attributes or “fruit” that results from the Holy Spirit working in the lives of believers.  Just as the maturity levels of Christians differ, the degree of fruit bearing varies as well.  It has always been apparent to me that my uncle Pete was a very loving man.  He enjoyed a good time and you could just sense his joy being around him.  As a kid, I remember never being able to get too comfortable when he was around because I didn’t know what prank he might pull next.  I was the target of quite a few.  Though more infrequent as a result of me living so far away as an adult, he still played pranks.  My son, Logan was often the targeted recipient.  I speak about my uncle in the past tense because a year ago today, June 5, 2011, the Lord called him home.

             “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control…”  Paul’s purpose in writing Galatians was to deal with the false idea that a believer’s right standing before God was Jesus plus circumcision.  Today, this manifests as Jesus plus something (good works, baptism, church membership, etc.).  The true gospel is that salvation is found in Christ alone.  In this specific section of his letter, Paul contrasted the works of the flesh, works that result from fallen humanity, to that which result from being led by the Holy Spirit. 

            As people streamed by during the visitation to offer their condolences, there were numerous expressions about the love and kindness Pete had shown them.  Just as living distance had lessened the pranks, distance had also kept me uninformed of these things.  I knew the attributes described in this passage existed in my uncle, but it was not always clear as to their source.  That was until I saw it with my own eyes, heard it with my own ears and felt it in my own heart.  Pete never claimed to be an Evangelist.  That’s not to say he shied away from conversations about the Lord.  I’m sure they occurred.  But what was evident to me from being at the visitation was that Pete lived out the implications of having Christ in his life.  Isn’t it the case that we testify more with our actions than with our lips simply because more people observe us than actually encounter us?  Make no mistake, there is plenty of room and need for both.  A godly testimony by our life often leads to an opportunity to testify with our lips.   

            Just as Pete himself was a gift in the lives of so many, the outpouring of love and expressions of gratitude for what he meant to others is a gift that the Lord left to those Pete loved the most.  Pete Leonard bore the fruit of the Spirit.  As with all Christians, some was seen and some wasn’t.  Let your life be filled with the Spirit of God that you may bear much fruit.  Don’t be concerned with how much is seen by others; just know that God sees it all.  He saw Pete’s and as He took him to his real home, where he will live forever, He allowed those that love Pete the most to have been blessed to see more than they might have imagined.  So though we love and miss him deeply, we know that it’s the Lord, the giver of all good gifts, we have to thank for having had Pete Leonard in our lives. Thank you God!   

 Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the testimony of other people in our lives.  Thank you for people who love, who have joy and who express so much kindness to those they come into contact with.  Soften our hearts to the work of your Spirit in each of our lives.  Help us to live in your power each day that we would bear much fruit.  Thank you mostly for the perfect gift that you have given us, your Son, Jesus Christ.  It is being “in Him” in which we receive our greatest blessings. Amen.

Grace Above Differences: Lessons From The John Edwards Case

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            In its simplest form, grace is defined as getting something that we don’t deserve.  None of us are truly deserving of the grace that God gives.  It is a gift.  Then why is it that we are so determined to be the arbiter of who should get it?  I’m faced with question myself today.  Yesterday, John Edwards, former U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential and Presidential candidate was acquitted of campaign finance violations.  Charged on six counts, he was found not guilty on one account while the jury deadlocked on the other five.  He is unlikely to be prosecuted again on those five charges.    

            There are few politicians that I disagree with more than I do John Edwards.  I couldn’t be more opposed to the policies that he has supported, and personally, I never really cared much for him either.  I always felt he was arrogant and lacked the authenticity I believe is needed to not only lead our nation, but anyone.  I guess that proved to be true, at least in this case.   This was not your typical case as it concerns campaign finance abuse.  What created such an interest and media frenzy in this case was the purpose for which these charges resulted.  It was claimed they were motivated in order to cover up an affair which produced a child, all while Edwards’ wife was battling terminal cancer.  Who could be more undeserving of God’s grace?  Who could be more undeserving of ours?  As I watched the evening news and saw Edwards’ statements I was confronted with my own bias.  Is he due less of God’s grace or mine because of our political differences or my personal opinion of him?  Certainly not!  As the evening went on I began to feel more sympathy toward John Edwards.  His sins have been exposed in such a public way and he will forever reap their consequences.  King David was guilty of this same sin with Bathsheba.  He was publically exposed and suffered the consequences for his actions.  Yet David was a man after God’s own heart.  This should tell us something about the depth of our sin and the greatness of God’s grace. 

            Who am I to take pleasure in the public humiliation of John Edwards because he’s different than me?  Too often, I think we’re tempted to reserve grace for those in which we are most alike, be it politically, socially or racially.  This is not a Christian understanding of grace.  Nor is it a proper Christian understanding of grace when we maintain a neutral opinion about what God has defined as sin.  Grace is never an advocate of remaining in sin, no matter the degree of that sin.  All sin is an offense to God.  The Christian faith is truly all about grace.  It is about the grace that God has shown in overcoming our sin through the person of Jesus Christ.  It is about the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, leading us to live in a way that both pleases and glorifies God.  

            As I listened to some of the commentary from the news media concerning the Edwards case, it seemed apparent that many were sorrowful, and rightfully so for what this has done to the Edwards family, particularly his children.  They are in need of God’s grace because they will always live with this.  But there seemed to be less sorrow and grace reserved for John Edwards himself.  Maybe he doesn’t deserve it, but neither do we.  From such a distance, we don’t know the true guilt or innocence of John Edwards, and we really don’t know if he is truly repentant for his sins.  In time we may, but we know this, God sure knows, and that’s what matters most.  In grace, we accept people where they are and pray that God continues to change them.  So, just as we pray for his family, we should also pray for John Edwards himself.  True repentance brings God’s forgiveness.  If God can forgive and bestow grace to him, why shouldn’t I?  Life events can often be a lesson for each of us.  This one made me reflect on God’s grace and who deserves it.  As an undeserving recipient of God’s grace, I must offer that same grace to others, even those with whom I have profound disagreement.  God often uses humiliation as a means to draw us to Himself.  In a statement after his acquittal, John Edwards said he didn’t believe that God was through with him yet.  Let’s hope not.  Let’s hope and pray that John Edwards has truly learned from what he’s been through and that in the days ahead, he will live a life that glorifies God.  While we’re at it, let’s pray that for ourselves as well.

Grace In An Unlikely Place (2)

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“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry”    (2 Timothy 4:11) 

            All Christians are called to use the gifts that God has given them for works of ministry.  We might not all preach on Sundays, but we are all ministers.  There are many instances in which Christians fail in carrying out their ministries.  Perhaps your failure is from a loss of will, shame due to sin or maybe even discouragement because of criticism from others.  Whatever the case, failure often results in questioning our usefulness for future works of ministry.  If what I have described above has been your experience, be encouraged. 

            “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry” As Paul wrote his last letter before his death, one of the requests he made of Timothy was to come and see him, and to bring Mark with him.  Paul viewed Mark as useful, both personally and in ministry.  This is a much different view than Paul had some years earlier as he prepared for his second missionary journey.  As the apostle Paul and Barnabas set out on their first missionary journey, Mark went along to assist them.  Mark knew most of the apostles, and he and Barnabas were cousins.  He seemed a perfect fit to join the team.  Well, maybe not.  For some reason, not explained in the biblical account, Mark left and returned to Jerusalem.  What is explained is that as Paul and Barnabas prepared to set out on their second missionary journey, Barnabas’s suggestion that Mark accompany them was met with sharp resistance from Paul.  Paul considered Mark a deserter for leaving them during the previous journey.  Their disagreement was so strong that it led to them going their separate ways with different people; Barnabas took Mark with him while Paul was joined by Silas.  Whether Paul or Barnabas was right in their dispute, Scripture doesn’t say, but what it does make clear is that though Mark may have failed early in his ministry, he was found more than useful in the long term.  The time with Barnabas must have been a time of growth and healing for Mark.  Even before this final letter of Paul’s life, he had seen Mark as a useful partner and “fellow worker” for the gospel (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24). 

            Do not let the title Grace In An Unlikely Place mislead you.  Grace doesn’t hide from us in God’s Word as all of Scripture is a testimony to God’s grace.  The title is meant as encouragement to look for grace where you may not expect it.  Mark’s testimony is of a ministry redeemed.  After past failure, he was used immensely by God, including writing the gospel that bears his name.  Additionally, in God’s providence, this early ministry failure created two missionary teams as opposed to just one.  This is how ministry always works; under God’s providential hand and always in His timing.  Our role is submission to His leading.  I hope Mark’s story encourages you as you minister.  I hope that it also encourages you in knowing that if you fail, lose your will or doubt, the Lord is never done with you.  Just as in the case of Mark, these things can be used to better prepare you for future ministry.  If that happens, your ministry will be used in just the same way as Mark’s, for God’s glory.     

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the grace that is found all throughout your Word.  Thank you that I can see an example of that grace in the life of Mark.  Through the testimony of your Word, we can be encouraged that failure doesn’t have to end our useful service to the gospel.  Help me to stay close to you Father and to rely on you each day to do what you have called me to do.  Amen!   

Obama And Same-Sex Marriage: A Unique Perspective

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            Differences in our society are not hard to see.  They may be economic, political, social or racial.  Too often, our differences are exploited for personal and/or political gain.  God however doesn’t see these differences.  He sees our hearts.  Regardless of the differences, we are all created in the image of God.  That makes us alike.  Below is a link to an article written by Eric C. Redmond, senior pastor of Reformation Alive Baptist Church in Temple Hills, MD.  As an African American, he offers a unique perspective on President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage.  While rightly expressing pride in his racial heritage, celebrating the election of our first black president, Pastor Redmond recognizes that in no way, does race supersede godly heritage.  Nor does it make an unbiblical view of marriage any less wrong.  Our likeness “in Christ” should be what we celebrate the most, and as such, mutual submission to the authority of the Word of God and obedience to His will should be our greatest priority.     

http://baptistpress.com/printerfriendly.asp?ID=37831

To My Graduate

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            A week from today, Kristin will officially be a high school graduate. One more summer is all that’s left before she goes off to college to begin a new chapter in her life. She has been a wonderful child and I know her time in college will be a great experience. Like most parents, I could see this day coming, but as it approaches, there are so many things running through my mind that I want her to know. Naturally, I want her to know how much Karen, Logan and I love her, how proud we are of her, and how much we will miss her being away from us. I’m sure as a parent, you share the same feelings about your graduate. As we get ready to let them go, I believe it’s normal to ask if we’ve done enough to prepare them. What more can be said that will serve to make this part of their lives as fruitful as it can be? I’m sure in all the advice I’ve given, I’ve left something out. I’m equally sure that Kristin had rather me keep some of it to myself, but there are a few more things I need to tell her. I would love to tell her that a college experience comes without any challenges. Sure, we know the typical challenges of time management, difficult classes and the usual distractions a college student faces. They’re a given. But there are other challenges as well, challenges that will test her faith in God. This is the purpose for the list below. Spiritual challenges are the most important challenges that Kristin needs to be prepared for. All of our children will face these same challenges. It’s not that their faith hasn’t been tested before,  it’s just that now, as a Christian parent you are not there to guide them as you have been. As parents, we are now at a point where we have to trust like never before and pray that they remain committed to the things they’ve been taught. With that said, here’s my list of things I’ve been thinking about and want Kristin to know. Maybe you want to share it with your graduate as well. 

  1. Be firm in what you believe about God because what you believe is likely to be challenged more than it has ever been before. 
  2. With newfound freedom sometimes it’s easy to forget who you are. Remember not only who you are, but also who God created you to be.  
  3. Influence can be a good thing, but it can also be harmful. God’s Word says there are things to run to and things to run from. Choose wisely. 
  4. You were made to worship, both personally and corporately. Make finding a good Bible believing church a priority.  
  5. Never will your temptation to stray from God’s will be greater than over these next years. 
  6. It will take more than your best effort and self determination to fight against temptation. It will take the power of the Holy Spirit in you.  
  7. Of all the books you read and study in college, the book that needs your greatest attention each day is the one written by God.  
  8. Though I will not always be there to watch over you, your heavenly Father will be (Psalm 121:4). 
  9. Prayer will be a powerful weapon for you to carry. Use it daily.   
  10. Respect all people and be kind to them, but never let anyone tell you that a relationship with God comes any other way than through Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). 
  11. As much as I love you, it pales in comparison to how much your heavenly Father loves you.
  12. Remember that God is faithful. Trust Him, seek Him and love Him. After all, He loved you first.

When Your Light Shines

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“Don’t you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at thing that shine, and life makes love look hard.”   – Taylor Swift –

            Sometimes simple lyrics tell a Biblical truth.  Such is the case with Taylor Swift’s recent hit song, entitled Ours.  A star in the world of country music, at only twenty two, she has had numerous hits.  Ours is a song about being in love and being true to the relationship in spite of having people criticize it.  Though I assume unintended, part of the lyrics of this song are striking in that they possess a truth that is taught in Scripture.  Basically singing a letter to the guy she loves, she tells him not to worry, and that “people throw rocks at things that shine”.  She is of course talking about their relationship.  And it’s true.  People do throw rocks at things that shine.  This doesn’t happen only in the context of living out Christian faith, but as a Christian, it will happen:  

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12)

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19)

            Persecution, often in the form of criticism, is indeed part of living separate from the world while at the same time, being in it.  Several public examples come to mind:  First, Tim Tebow, a star football player at the University of Florida and current NFL player.  For all who love him, many see him as a polarizing figure, criticizing him for his public displays of faith in Jesus Christ.  Second, Rick Santorum, a former presidential candidate who dared to stand for Biblical principles in the midst of the campaign.  Finally, Kirk Cameron, an actor who drew sharp criticism for expressing his belief in the Biblical view of marriage and homosexuality in spite of the unpopularity of those views among his peers.  These people, though certainly not sinless are living in the world, yet living differently by living a life that honors Christ.  Their lights are shining and because they are, people who prefer darkness are offended, demonstrating it by their criticism.  In Scripture, “light” correlates to holiness and purity whereas “darkness” refers to sin and wrongdoing. 

            The Bible gives numerous examples in which Christians are told to be lights in the world and to shine.  Paul told those in the church at Philippi to shine by living in a way that accords with faith in Christ (Philippians 2:15).  To those at Ephesus, he said, “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).  More importantly, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).  He also said, “Let your light shine before others…” that your good works that flow from living faith will bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16).  Never has a light shined brighter, exposing the darkness more than Jesus Christ.  That’s why He was and is hated so.  As your light shines, it may be costly.  People may hate you (John 15:18).  Suffering and persecution can be great or it may be very subtle, but sharing in the fellowship of Christ’ suffering is part of the Christian calling.  Trust God to provide the necessary grace.  Taylor’s lyrics are profound in another way.  Life does make love look hard.  Outward expression of love for God and for Jesus Christ can be hard under the influence of a dark world.  But there’s hope.  Jesus’ light still shines.  It shines so bright that the darkness can’t overcome it (John1:5).  So wherever you are, live as a child of God and let your light shine that it may point the way so that others may know Christ.

At His Word

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“But at your word I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5) 

            I have a dear Christian brother who claims Luke 5:5 as one of his life verses.  Through his knowledge of the Word, but mostly by his life, he has taught me a lot.  Like all of us, struggling through periods of discouragement, there is a pattern to his life that is marked by obedience to the will of God.  Often perceived as weakness, obedience of any sort is not a very popular word in our culture today.  It is made more difficult especially when you’re not sure where the road leads.  It requires walking by faith.  But obedience gives testimony to God being at work in a person’s life and with it comes proof of one’s love for God and usefulness in His service.  The apostle Peter demonstrated both. 

            “But at your word I will let down the nets” Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade.  After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Jesus approached him and said, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).  Peter expressed his previous failure, but he obeyed and this time caught an abundance of fish.  The purpose of Jesus’ encounter with Peter was not to teach him how to fish, but to show him that He was Lord.  Jesus would, however, spend the next three years teaching Peter and the other disciples how to fish.  They would become fishers of men.  Had you and I spent all night fishing and caught nothing, what might our response have been?  Peter’s response is both striking and instructional.  First, note that Peter’s past result didn’t influence his willingness to present obedience.  He obeyed at that moment.  Secondly, Peter obeyed in faith, though unsure of what the result might be. 

            Too often, we prefer to be able to see the road ahead before walking in faith and obedience.  The problem is that when you can see where the road leads, it’s not really walking by faith.  Peter could not have imagined where his road would lead and neither can you.  But you can trust that wherever it leads, the Lord will be walking it with you.  He will bless your obedience, even though challenges may result because it.  If you knew my friend, and some of the circumstances he has faced, had he lessened his commitment to heartfelt obedience to Christ, perhaps certain aspects of his life might have been a bit easier.  But that’s not my friend.  His obedience to God’s will is proof of his love for Him.  It brought Jesus great joy in obeying His Father and as a Christian obedience will bring you joy.  Your obedience will never be perfect, but it will be the default position of your heart.  Where in your past you chose not to obey, let it go.  It’s in the past.  A past paid for by the blood of Christ.  God’s desire is that you just take the next step.  Ask for God’s grace to obey His will.  You needed grace for salvation and you’ll need it throughout your life.  Trust that He will provide it because He will.  “Lord, at your word, I       will ……” 

 Prayer 

Dear God, thank you for the testimony of people who obey your will in spite of the consequences.  I pray that as the Holy Spirit works in my life; I will grow in obedience each day.  Thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, who was perfect in obedience and found joy in doing your will.  Because of that obedience, I can stand before you.  Thank you for your love.  Let my obedience to your will be my “thank you” to that love.