There are joys that we experience in this world that are not PERMANENT. This makes us sad at times. Conversely, there are sufferings that we experience in this world that, thanks be to God are also not PERMANENT that helps us hold on to faith. I am grateful that the extreme heat we have experienced the last few weeks were not PERMANENT. Many things of the world whether good or bad remain imPERMANENT. This allows us to focus on the one thing that is PERMANENT, our God of love whose mercy and kindness endures forever. May we rely on our gracious God our solid rock and foundation who will remain PERMANENT in a world and a life that is not.

At times when our faith journeys become difficult and overwhelming, we look for RESPITE and refuge. God makes it clear however, that our only RESPITE is HIs grace. In every place where we might want to give up or at least find a break, He ask us to look to Him for RESPITE under the wings of His love and mercy. Our human nature at times refuses to accept the cross as part of God’s plan for our salvation and so for RESPITE we want to escape. God’s invitation to us is to stay present to Him and to allow God’s love and grace to flow in us to grant us strength. May our Good Shepherd continue to lead us and guide us all the way to the Promised Land, our heavenly home.