Author: Cheryl

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:35-37

I have shared in previous posts that my favorite season is fall. I love all things fall: the food, the pumpkin-scented candles, the cool, crisp weather, and the vibrant autumn trees. The kaleidoscope of fall foliage in Virginia and West Virginia is visually stimulating. People come from all over the world to see the beauty of the Shenandoah Mountains as the leaves turn spectacular colors to create a breathtaking palette along the mountain ridges. Despite knowing and remembering what a fall should look and feel like, it’s difficult to discern that fall has arrived in my new surroundings. The tall evergreens, palm trees, and warm temperatures don’t give even the slightest hint of the change in season, even though the calendar says otherwise. The calendar tells one truth, but my surroundings do not validate that truth. What is your plum line for truth? Is it the world (surroundings) or the Word (calendar)?

This world gives us ample opportunity to question what is truth or untruth. We are constantly bombarded with half-truths and lies in every venue of our lives. We can’t trust everything we read on the internet. Our politicians blur the facts regularly. Photographs can be manipulated, as well as statistics and comparisons. Even our minds and eyes can deceive us. But the word of God is entirely true, always has been, and always will be. That truth will never change.

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm and contains the longest chapter in the Bible. It is a repetitive meditation on the magnificence and value of God’s word. This psalm is intended to function as an instruction manual and a plum line for living a godly life. It is a psalm that brings great comfort in times of trial. “Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” (Psalm 119: 49-50). We can look for comfort in many places. Still, the unshaken fact is all we really need to sustain us is the precious promise that the Lord is faithful to His word. Unlike my faulty senses that try to tell me it is still summer and not fall during my daily walk, the psalmist reminds us that God’s word is indisputable, “The statutes you have laid down are righteous, they are fully trustworthy” (vs. 138). God’s word is not affected by easily deceived human senses or time. “Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations…your laws endure to this day” (vs 89-91).

Truth is a relative term to much of society; there is no plum line. When you need to know the truth about yourself, the truth about people, the world, the future or the past, the truth about what brings joy and happiness, and especially the truth about God, then there is only one source. It is God’s word (John 17:17). Ironically, the answers to all those questions we often ask ourselves can be found in Psalm 119. I would encourage you to spend some time this week reading and meditating on the many, many truths found within the verses that cannot all be expounded upon in the space of this tidbit. I tell you the truth: doing so will bring your soul joy! And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture is of my Dad’s home and the beautiful West Virginia fall foliage on the family farm.    

Messengers told Jehoshaphat, “A large army from Edom east of the Dead Sea has invaded our country.”  Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he asked the Lord what to do.  2 Chronicles 20:2-3

After years of peace, King Jehoshaphat was simultaneously besieged by three armies. Jehoshaphat was not a perfect king, but a good king in many ways. But even valiant kings can become unsettled and fearful, especially when surrounded by three different “ites”: Ammonites, Moabites, and Meunites. In our world, there are all kinds of different ‘ites” to throw our lives off kilter and produce fear. World events, relationships, illness, finances, and many other things constantly play a role in the stability of our lives. Jehoshaphat leaves us with a beautiful example to follow. In his time of crisis, he turned to God.  He called the people together and instituted a fast. Then they traveled to the temple in Jerusalem to pray. (2 Chron 20:3-5). Christians do not need to go to the temple to pray. Our journey is much shorter. It is only as long as the length of your calf. That is the distance from the floor to your knees.

In King Jehoshaphat’s prayer (2 Chron 20: -12), he gets to the heart of the matter. He honestly and openly confesses that he does not know what to do. “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Is there any more beautiful way to bring ourselves to the foot of the cross than with this simple prayer that, more often than not, describes our reality? When we don’t know what to do, He does. When we are powerless, He is all-powerful. The world offers many solutions to our problems, but Jehoshaphat turned to the only source that can give us what we need. And that source is God alone.

Whatever we are facing can feel like a vast army. It can feel like every “ite” known to man is against us. We can be taking fire from all sides and feel like we are losing the battle. But when God enters the picture, the odds change. The battle is His, and no one can withstand the power and might of His hand. But like Jehoshaphat, we must turn the fight over to Him through prayer. Our challenges in life can bring us into a closer relationship with God. Our lives can be transformed as our faith and trust in Him grows. Each “ite” that the Lord knocks down on our behalf is another layer to our testimony to share with others.  Let the words of the Lord to Jehoshaphat bring peace and comfort to our “ite” filled lives. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God’s……Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you….Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you (2 Chron 20:15,17).  Take your position in prayer, do not be afraid or discouraged, and know that the Lord is with you, and the battle belongs to Him. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture is of prayer at the Jerusalem Temple’s western wall and was taken during my trip to Israel in March 2022.

For thus says the Lord of hosts, “After glory He has sent Me against the nations which plunder you-for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye. Zechariah 2:8 AMP

The images are horrific. Israel is at war. Why should the welfare of Israel concern Christians?  Visiting Israel in March 2022 was a dream come true. It was at the very top of my bucket list. I’ve lived in and visited many foreign countries, but it did not feel like I was in a foreign land for some strange reason. As I walked the land of “milk and honey,” the more attached I grew and the more familiar it felt. As Christians, we should feel an affinity towards and familiarity with where our faith began. In Israel, Jesus was born, walked, taught, died, rose from the dead, and will return to establish His earthly kingdom. Aside from any deeper Biblical, theological, or geopolitical reason, on that one fact alone, as Christians, we should hold Israel dear to our hearts.

Historically, God promised Abraham, the father of the Jews, that He would give him and his descendants the land that is now modern-day Israel. “On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates” (Genesis 15:18). In Genesis 26:3, the Lord confirmed the promise to Isaac, Abraham’s son. “Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants, I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.” God affirmed the covenant a third time with Isaac’s son, Jacob, who was called Israel (Gen 32:28). “and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying” (Gen 28:13). The clear promise-repeated three times in scripture-is the reason we as Christians support and recognize the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jews.

Geopolitically, Israel is America’s most significant and most vital ally. Israel shares common beliefs with the United States, unlike many other Middle Eastern countries. They support the right to life and liberty, free and fair elections, freedom to worship, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. They share their many modern innovations with the world, particularly medicine, and bless millions.

But aside from these reasons, the most important of all, it is through Israel that we received the knowledge of the one true God. God used Israel to bring us the wisdom of the prophets, the Good News embodied in the Word, and our life-giving Messiah. Israel is where the greatest gift to humanity was birthed. Please join me in praying for Israel, not just during this atrocious, unprovoked attack but always. And that is your Tuesday Tidbit.  

The picture, from my time in Israel, is of the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives.

I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (AMP)

Jesus’s first recorded miracle is found in the second chapter of the book of John. The story is familiar, where Jesus turns the water into wine. Jesus, Mary (His mother), and His disciples were in attendance when they ran out of wine. Mary then goes to Jesus and says to Him, “They have no more wine.” This is an interesting way to address the problem that Mary wanted to help rectify. She didn’t ask Jesus to fix it or tell Him how to fix it, it was an implied request. She indicated to me that she was assured that He would solve the issue and He didn’t need her help with suggestions of how to do it. Jesus’s reply, “Dear woman, why do you involve me? My time has not yet come.” In a cursory reading of Jesus’s response, He seems not inclined to help. But Mary turned to the servants and said, “Do whatever He tells you.” She knew He would deliver but again she did not know how. I have a picture in my mind of this scene. Mary quietly states the obvious to Jesus concerning the wine, she gets a somewhat cold response, turns, and walks away, leaving Jesus to do what she knows Jesus can do.

The servants do precisely as Jesus instructs them, filling up the jars with water and taking it to the master of the banquet. As the master sips the water it turns into the best wine of the event.  Of course, it was the best!  Jesus is not going to create some off-label, cheap wine. He always gives His best. Turning the water into wine was miraculous and solved the issue Mary presented to Jesus. But verse eleven tells the whole story as to why. “He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.” Yes, an embarrassing crisis was averted and everyone went on to enjoy the celebration, but Jesus’s intention was not to make His mother happy and ensure the party continued. The miracle was to bring the disciples to a place of undeniable faith in who Jesus was. It is also a great example of how we should respond when we bring our requests, cried out or implied, before the throne of Jesus.

The wine jugs running dry were of no surprise to Jesus. And our trials are not a surprise to Him either. But He wants us to bring them to Him, just like Mary did. And just like Mary, when we lay them down at His feet, we turn and do what He tells us to do and wait in expectant assurance that He will deliver in His way and His timing. He does not need suggestions from us on how to fix the problem. He can reach down and smooth every bump in the road, but He doesn’t. Why? Psalm 40 gives us the answer. “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord” (Psalms 40: 2-4). And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.  

The wine cup picture was taken during my trip to Israel at the Garden Tomb.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 46:1-3

While in the hair salon this week, I prayed over a woman who unexpectedly received tragic news about a family member. I didn’t know the woman but recognized her because she lived in my old neighborhood. But as the inconsolable cries continued, the Holy Spirit prompted me to take her hands, encourage her to breathe, and pray. The details surrounding her family member were very complicated, and it was a vivid reminder of God’s sovereignty in our lives and that He is in charge of all the details, no matter how complex. Psalm 46 assures us that God is always with us, no matter how complicated or tragic the circumstances are. The command “Be Still” is just that, a command. It is a physical command as well as a spiritual command. The God of the universe designed our bodies in such a miraculous way that by merely stopping to breathe, it stills our minds and our bodies so our focus can be centered on Him. When our emotions and bodies are racing, our focus is everywhere but on God. Stopping to breathe and be still is vitally important in times of stress, grief, and the struggles of life. In this Psalm, we learn God is with us in the worst of times, and through it all, we are commanded to lay ourselves down, be still (breathe), and know He is God.

This prayer is titled God’s Complete Control, written by Pastor Chuck Swindoll. The prayer emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and reminds us that God controls all aspects of our lives and circumstances.  Take a moment to be still, breathe, and pray this prayer.

Quiet our hearts, dear Father, and in so doing, remind us that You are sovereign—not almost sovereign but altogether sovereign. Nothing occurs in our lives that has not been masterfully planned and put together by You, our eternal God. As we cast our cares upon You, knowing You care for us, release our stress. We entrust our concerns to You today . . . large and small, new and nagging. We long to experience peace-filled living by stepping off this treadmill called pressurized living. We pray that Your mighty presence would take the place of the stress, the demands, the struggles, the mess we’ve created. We ask that You give us Your shalom —Your peace—like we’ve never known it before. We deliberately choose to trust You and to rest in You. In the name of Jesus. Amen. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.

The picture, taken this weekend by Mike Garrett, is of the majestic mountains in my WV hometown.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. 1 Peter 1:8

The ceremony was simple, solemn, and powerful. The Star Spangle Banner, played by a lone saxophone, pierced the quiet morning as the flag was raised to full staff, and as the flag was lowered to half-staff, Taps brought visible flowing tears from all of us. The flag was not just any American flag. This flag has flown over all three 9-11 memorial sites, and every day of the year except on 9-11, it is securely encased and displayed in the clubhouse of our new community. Many of our neighbors are retired police officers, firefighters, first responders, and military. The flag was carried and posted by retired New York City Firefighters and First Responders who ran toward the burning towers on that fateful day. The ceremony concluded with a NYC firefighter employing us to “never forget.”

Sometimes, I think we do forget. We go about our lives and unconsciously forget the price paid every day for the freedom we enjoy in this country. I think the same can be said of our salvation. I learned a new term this week; at least, it was new to me. Jared C. Wilson states gospel wakefulness means “treasuring Christ more greatly and savoring his power more sweetly than before.” He maintains that while it can be simultaneous with conversion or subsequent to conversion, for most Christians, it is a gradual process. But in all cases, gospel wakefulness is the sanctifying work of the Spirit. He describes his gospel wakefulness journey as coming to a place where “even though I am still subject to the ebb and flow of external circumstances, I am confident in Christ, at peace in Christ, worshipful in Christ, all in radically different ways than I was before gospel wakefulness. It is a lasting, enduring change, because it was not brought about by a dramatic worship service or some other temporary emotional impact but by my coming to the very end of myself and all hope and finding the saving arms of Christ, the only unmovable object.” Gospel wakefulness is not to be confused with salvation; it’s a deeper discernment, affection for, and consciousness of the cost of redemption. The supernatural cognizance, the “inexpressible joy” of the absolute gift for an undeserving soul then permeates our daily lives.

We have been commissioned to share the gospel and are urged to pray for a revival in this country. But I maintain that gospel wakefulness must be present to do either. We must yearn to be mindful of Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation daily. It’s more about the yearning than even the gospel wakefulness. With the hunger comes the wakefulness. “As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1). When our souls are awakened, stirred, and reminded, we must share. It is a natural occurrence of the overflow of joy.

Wilson’s book states that “the quantum leap of gospel wakefulness occurs in the midst of profound brokenness.” 9-11 profoundly broke many lives. Those who were there and those who lost family members will never forget that day. It will never be just another Monday for them. We must never forget that Christ died for us, He saved us, He set us free. As a son or daughter of the Most High God, it will never be just another Monday for us, either. Our lives are changed forever, and we must never forget. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.     

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor! Psalm 107:28-29

It wasn’t the first time I had to take shelter in the innermost room of the house. As we sat hunkered down in the hallway bathroom, listening to the weatherman on the TV just outside the door describe “rotation activity” all around us, I had an eerie déjà vu moment. We lived in Kansas, not once but twice, and living there schooled me quickly in tornado preparation. And that was the major difference between then and now. I wasn’t prepared this go around.

Just weeks earlier, I attended the hurricane preparedness class. Get a kit, make a plan, and be informed is the Red Cross hurricane readiness axiom. And I had done none of that; now, Hurricane Idalia, which hit Wilmington as a tropical storm, had arrived.  

It seems logical to prepare ahead of time for hurricanes and tornados, especially when you live along the coastline. How about the storms of life? Should we prepare for the times that send us into our innermost rooms in fear, pain, and suffering?  I believe it is vital to prepare our hearts and minds for the inevitable storms of life. The fierce winds can blow us over if we are not ready, firmly rooted in our Christian beliefs, and have an intimate knowledge of God. But how do we prepare for life’s storms? Just like gathering hurricane supplies, there are practical ways to prepare ourselves. I believe, first and foremost, to be students of the Word.

As fall descends upon us and school starts, it is a great time to commit to a Bible study or a reading plan. We should study what the Bible teaches about trials and suffering. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). God’s word brings light into the darkest of situations. It is our anchor when the storm is rocking our world. We must study what scriptures teach us about God, who He is, and His character. Deeper still, we need to know God and trust Him. And that deeper relationship will develop only by spending time with Him, in His Word.

Trusting God and affirming His sovereignty plays a significant role in facing a storm. Do we believe He is in absolute control over everything that touches our lives? Do we truly trust that He has only good intentions? Do we firmly believe that our pain and suffering can be used for our transformation and His glory? Is our hope solely on Christ alone? We can make the kit and the plan and be informed, but are we fully prepared and ready without these assurances?

Developing our prayer life during the calm seasons is also essential. In turbulent times, praying should be just like breathing. Prayer will not be our go-to comfort if we grapple for words or feel awkward.  Trusting God with all things through daily prayer prepares us to turn to Him in the storms.

I have plenty of excuses for not doing something to prepare for Idalia. None of them is a valid excuse. At the very least, I should have stocked up on bottled water and filled up the gas tank (several stations ran out of gas). It can be frightening when we are unprepared for nature’s or life’s storms. It is during the times of peace and calm we must disciple ourselves in the Word and prayer. We must pray for and pursue a faith that courageously confronts the devastation the storms leave behind with a solid trust in God, a faith that says, “It is well with my soul.” And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.    

Since moving to North Carolina, the little church I have attended is doing a summer series on the Psalms. Unlike any other part of the Bible, the Psalms bring comfort, guidance, and wisdom into our lives through Hebrew poetry and song. They illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His word. The book of Psalms expresses worship. Throughout the many pages, we are reminded who God is and what He has done for us.

Moving is never easy. We have moved seventeen times, and the process has never been effortless. It isn’t easy physically, emotionally and spiritually. Some moves are more challenging than others, and this move for me has by far been the hardest. A part of that is because I’m older, and the physical demands are more taxing on the body. Also, I left a place that holds beautiful memories, a place close to home, surrounded by supportive and praying friends, and my list can go on and on. Even though my body hurts, my heartache has been the most painful. And I have lamented my pain to God, family, and friends.

In Psalm 116, the psalmist professes, “I love the Lord for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” God hears our prayers and comforts us in our anguish because “He is gracious and righteous, our God is full of compassion” (vs. 5). The psalmist then goes on to ask an interesting question. “How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?” (vs 12).  Christians know that we can never repay the Lord for our salvation, but the psalmist encourages us to give the Lord recognition by lifting up “the cup of salvation” and calling to Him. Then he goes on to say, “I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people” (vs 14, The Message). In verse eighteen, he repeats this promise to God and adds that it will be done with thankfulness. There are no conditions attached to this repayment for the psalmist. He doesn’t promise to fulfill his commitment or be grateful only if life goes his way and events like moving don’t get in the way.

Gratitude journals are trendy; even if you don’t record them, gratitude should be a part of our prayers and daily life. It’s easy in times of distress to get bogged down with the negative, but the psalmist reminds us that gratitude is what we can return to God. He goes one step further than writing it in a journal. He tells us to express it in the “presence of all his people.” Telling others how God has blessed us, in times of trial especially, is our witness. Everyone knows that life is hard, but they need to hear how God is there with us every step of the way.  Moving has been challenging, but I’m blessed to live closer to my daughter, attend church with her, be close to friends, and live in a beautiful home and neighborhood. I am using this platform to profess those blessings to you because I admittedly have not done well with publicly expressing gratitude during this transition time. God has been with us every step of this journey. He has provided praying and supportive family and friends, and He deserves the gratitude and the glory. “In the house of the Lord in the heart of Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!” (vs 19). And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.    

“By his power he churned up the sea; by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces. By his breath the skies became fair; his hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?” Job 26:12-14

We found parking and a great spot even though we were getting our beach day off to a late start. The sun would occasionally peek through the overcast skies with a slight breeze blowing, a perfect day to be at the beach. We had been there a couple of hours when I noticed the family next to us packing up their beach gear, and I overheard the lady say she wasn’t going to stay and get struck by lightning. I wondered where she got her weather intel because the sky was cloudy but didn’t look ominous. But a few minutes later, the shrill lifeguards’ whistle sounded, and they were exiting the beach also. When the lifeguards leave their stand and head for the parking lot that is your clue to start packing. The sky, in just a few minutes, had grown intensely dark. As we hurried to our car, the lifeguards were just ahead of us, and we could hear a voice on their radio urging them to take cover immediately. It started to rain, and the thunder in the distance was getting closer. When we crossed the bridge to come off the island, the rain was coming down so hard it was difficult to see. I pulled into a parking lot to wait out the storm for safety. As we sat in the car and watched some of the most ferocious lightning I’ve ever witnessed, the thunder’s roar was even fiercer and, at times, shook the car.

Job’s reply to his friends in Chapter 26 is marked by the many questions he asks of them in his response. He is describing the wisdom and power of God and asking them to contemplate his questions regarding whom they believe God is and who He really is. I pondered this verse from my devotional this week and thought about how God manifests Himself in his infinite wisdom in a gentle whisper. “After the wind there was an earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11-13). So often in our lives, we look for the thunderous answer, the loud clapping approval, and the deafening assurance. But God speaks in whispers to our souls. And I believe it’s because, as I experienced while sitting in my car during the storm, cowardly cringing at each lightning strike and roaring thunder, my mind was obsessed with the storm’s power. There was no conversation or thoughts of anything else. The power and intensity were consuming. If God were to speak out in thunder, who could understand Him? We would be so fixated and overwhelmed by His power that the words would be lost. Instead, what we see of God and what he reveals to us about His nature is gently whispered in our hearts. A brush of His breath bears the same clarity as words fully spoken in a thunderous boom. Be thankful for His whispers and realize they are just the beginning of all He is and does. And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.   

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I was browsing the design center for the perfect rug when I noticed a signup sheet for a painting class lying on a table. This store has beautiful furniture, carpets, anything you need for your home, and a furniture painting studio. They specialize in giving unwanted furniture new life. I find furniture transformations fascinating, but I have never painted a piece of furniture. I decided it would be a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, meeting new people and learning about my fascination. I wrote my name in the last available slot.

The class required that I bring a piece of furniture from home. In our recent move, I have downsized our furniture collection considerably. But I had a small plant stand pegged for the Salvation Army that would be a perfect practice piece. It was severely scratched, the wrong color for my current décor, and held no emotional attachment. I couldn’t even remember when or where I bought it. Before Jesus enters our lives, we can feel the same. Unwanted, severely damaged, unworthy of transformation, and disposable. “He saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). We bring nothing to the table for our salvation and redemption. Jesus did it all on the cross. An unsaved person riddled with scratches and dents is no different in the eyes of our Lord than the unsaved one who considers themselves perfect. All need transformation. 

The first coat of paint barely covered the deep brown color and scratches. The old personality was showing through the new paint. It reminded me that our faith walk is a journey of sanctification. Jesus’s death on the cross entirely and wholly justifies us. But our old personality can resurface unless continually covered with the Word, submission, and prayer. If our times with the Lord are few and far between, just like the thin coat of paint, our flawed self can outshine the Jesus in us. It was difficult to completely cover the furniture’s flaws with the roller and brushes I used. I was getting frustrated and discouraged. Then the instructor showed me a different brush. She demonstrated the mop brush, saying, “It’s like spreading butter, smooth and soothing.” With the new brush, the paint glided on and covered the piece completely. How often do we use the wrong tools in life? We rely on our own wisdom and judgment, listen to wrong sources, and fill our time with fruitless tasks. All of which leads to frustration and discouragement. But it’s like butter when we seek sanctification through His Word and allow the Holy Spirit to cover us and guide our lives. Even if the days are not smooth, we have the soothing knowledge and hope of Jesus’s saving grace. Using the right tools is transformational in any of life’s situations.  And that’s your Tuesday Tidbit.