Who is the Baby in the Manger?

This Christmas season, I have been reminded anew of the depth of the Christmas story. The simplicity of it is that Eternal God took upon Himself the flesh of a human so that He could pay the price of death for the sin of all mankind. Crucifixion is one of the most horrific deaths, and for Jesus to go through that for us–for me–is astounding and humbling.

But some of the thoughts going through my mind are centered on just how much Jesus gave up for us.

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ² but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. ³ He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.     Hebrews 1:1-4

Jesus, Who created the whole universe and upholds it with His own power, did not cling to the privileges that He deserved. He could have required (and would have received) complete obedience and honor to His every demand. But knowing that we needed Him, and the salvation that He alone could provide, He humbled himself, submitting to the will of the Father.

⁶ Who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, He Humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.     Philippians 2:6-8

The simplicity of the Christmas story itself is a marvel. A simple young lady. A simple carpenter. Both willing to face the condemnation and stigma of a child conceived outside of marriage. They knew the truth that Jesus was conceived in a miraculous way, that Mary truly was a virgin. But not many would believe them. And would ostracize them. There was no sterile hospital, not even a comfortable home where she gave birth, but a humble stable, a cave where animals were kept. This is where the King of Glory–the Creator of all–was born.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

I hope you look at the manger scene in a new way this year. He is not just a cute little baby in a manger. He is the Creator of all Who gave up everything for you. What will you do with Jesus this Christmas? Come to Him. Kneel before Him and give Him your heart.

Finding Rest for Your Soul

I found some really comforting truths this morning as I was reading my Bible. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said,

Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

When I think of a yoke, I think of restriction. You can’t get out of it. Hard work. I think of two cows or oxen trudging along in grueling work. I don’t think of rest.

But Jesus was addressing those who were already overburdened with life and were exhausted. Does that sound familiar? Jesus didn’t come to make the burden harder, but to come alongside us to bear the burdens that we already carry. He is yoking Himself to us (He will never leave us or forsake us!) Since He is infinitely stronger than we are, He’s carrying the load for us.

He also says that He is gentle. I don’t know about you, but when I am overwhelmed with the burdens of life, one harsh word is enough to send me over the edge. But Jesus isn’t like that. He cares for us and doesn’t condemn us for not having it all together. For needing His help…again.

He wants us to learn from Him. So many times, our troubles could have been avoided, if we had only done things in the right way. Sometimes, we push for what we think we want, but if it’s not what God has designed for us, we find ourselves floundering and overwhelmed. But God doesn’t berate us. “Come to me…learn from me…I will give you rest.”

What’s the Real Battle?

Ephesians 6:10-13

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

This morning, I read an article using this passage in reference to rearing children. It was a really good article and was a good reminder that I only have a few more years with the kids at home. Where are they at spiritually? Are they passionate for the Lord? If I didn’t have any more time with them, would they be where I would like them to be?

I readily concur with the truth that we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of our children. I have been challenged to be more intentional with my own kids. However, as I was spending further time with the Lord, I was greatly burdened.

Our country is facing some very unstable times. With the Presidential elections only a few months away, there is a lot of uncertainty. As it is, our country is floundering, our world is increasingly becoming wicked and violent. It seems as if the arrogant, ungodly people are having their way. It is interesting how God arranges things. Andy just mentioned Psalm 73 this past Sunday when our pastor was away. The psalmist bemoans just this fact that the wicked seem to prosper.

But then comes verse 17, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.” God knows the end from the beginning. He has a plan for all that happens, and you can be sure that it will result in His glory. We may not see it in a dramatic result in the election of godly leaders as much as I desire to see that happen. It might just be in the day-to-day workings of our lives.

But beyond even the political scene, I was really challenged with the fact that every aspect of our lives is a spiritual battle. We don’t always “feel” the struggle; some days are pretty good. But the battle is still there. The battle manifests itself in many ways:  our thoughts, our reactions to tough situations, our dealing with our children, even just our simple lives. Do we try to do it in our own strength? If so, we will fail. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must face the battle in the only winnable way–on our knees in dependence upon God in prayer.

Our pastor has challenged us to spend at least 10-15 minutes in prayer every day. That’s really not much time. But how often do we really take the time to invest even that much in concentrated prayer? Will you join me in this challenge? Let’s “gird up” our minds and prepare for battle!

When in Doubt…Sing?

I was feeling a little mopey this morning. Andy, my husband, is away on business. This is his third trip in as many months. The last two were for a week; this time, it will be two. So when I awoke, I was feeling a little low. There’s still a week and a half to go. Adding to that is the fact that my uncle passed away, and while we weren’t close, he’s still family. And compounding it all is the fact that I’m not quite up to par physically.

I was having a little pity-party. But after half an hour of moping, I finally got out of bed, starting my morning with coffee and my Bible. I have been using a devotional that I had downloaded, and today’s passage was 2 Chronicles 20:12.

O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.

Just a little bit of what I was feeling. But as I read the whole chapter, I was challenged. The Israelites under King Jehoshaphat were facing an attack from the Moabites and the Ammonites. The odds were decidedly against Israel (when isn’t it?) The enemy was described as “a great multitude” or “a great horde.” Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed. So what did he do? He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and cried to the Lord. The Lord answered him telling him not to fear. All they had to do was to stand firm and see the Lord work for them.

Jehoshaphat responded in praise and worship (and those with him) with “a very loud voice”! The next day as they prepared for the battle, Jehoshaphat encouraged the people to believe in the Lord, and they would see God work. Then they did the most unusual thing–they sang! Jehoshaphat had singers go before the army singing “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” They trusted God to take care of them, they showed their trust by praising Him, and God did just as He had said.

Now, I don’t have a multitude of enemies ready to attack. My problems aren’t really even that big, they just seem that way. But in all things, I know that I can trust God. I can trust Him to take care of things–to take care of me because He loves me and has promised to do so.

So how do I express my trust in God–by moping around? No. It is by singing His praises. When I sing, it takes my focus off my situation and re-focuses it on God. Singing to God and worshiping Him in difficult circumstances is the ultimate expression of trust. It shows that even when we can’t see how God is going to resolve our troubles, we trust Him to do so in His time. We trust Him to carry us through. So when you don’t know what to do–SING!

Is Trusting God the Key to a Healthy New Year?

2016. How in the world did it happen? I remember when even the thought of the year 2010 was incomprehensible. Yet time goes on, and while I’ve seen growth in my life, it seems like I’m stuck in a rut again. I’m tired of the same old, same old. Can you relate to that? It seems like there are so many areas where I’d like to see changes in both in my personal life and my family life that it can be overwhelming at times.

I think for me, one of the greatest desires for me is to be healthy. It’s not that I’m super sick or even plagued with sickness; I’m just tired of feeling blah. I’m tired of my clothes not fitting quite right. I wish I had more energy.

I know the key areas that I must improve in order to be healthy–proper rest, balanced diet, proper hydration, and the dreaded “E” word–exercise. But as I was reading my Bible this morning, I was reminded of another aspect that is so vital to my health. Trusting God.

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:1-8

One of the main reasons that we struggle with our health is that our lives are so stressful. It seems like we are trying to do too much. It can be that way for anyone, but it seems like that is more often the way for us as women. My mom had a mug that had this quote. “I am a working woman. I take care of a home. I hold down a job. I am nuts.”

Now, I’m NOT saying that it’s wrong for women to work outside the home. I appreciate all that my parents did for us. They did  what was necessary so that we could go to a Christian school. Some women have to work outside the home just to make the ends meet. I truly get that, because that’s where we are too. God gives grace for each thing He calls us to do. But how often do we go charging ahead trying to make things “work,” only to find that it’s causing us more grief? Do we seek the Lord in all that we do? Do we keep His principles and His Word before us and do them?

I’m not saying that obedience to God is the magical cure for any and all sickness, but there is the truth that much of the ick that we face in our everyday lives could be avoided if we had our lives in tune with what God has intended for us. Each person is different. What God has for me is not going to be what He has for you. But when I focus my energy on the roles God has for me and trust Him to take care of the things I can’t do (or that He doesn’t want me to do!), life goes much easier. I am able to get done what needs to be done. I am much more relaxed. So that even in the busyness of my days, I am refreshed.

Will you join me at the beginning of this new year in refocusing on the priorities that God has for you? I’m not talking about making new year’s resolutions. Just take some time to consider what roles God would have you fill and then be faithful to serve Him in those roles.

So what are some of the roles that God has for you? What are some things that should be dropped from your life?  Comment below and let me know how I can pray for you today.

A Year of Blessing

The Lord bless you, and keep you;
Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26 NASB

As we begin a new year, most of us would say that we would desire God’s blessing on our lives. We want to be kept safe. We want God to look upon us with favor and grace. Most of all, we want His peace. But in the mundane of everyday life, we lose our focus on God. Our own sinful inclinations draw us away from seeking the Lord. We can’t have His peace and blessing of His presence if we are hiding our faces from Him.

Let’s take the time this day, January 1, 2016, to make a renewed vow to seek the Lord.

Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And let him return to the Lord,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NASB

We all have, no matter how “good” we are, areas where He doesn’t have full control–areas of sin that need to be confessed and forsaken. May we find this year to be one of God’s blessing and peace because we are seeking Him and walk in His ways.

Unwrapping the Gift of Christ, Part 2

As I considered what it meant to me that Jesus was God’s gift to us and began to study the Scriptures, I began to be overwhelmed with all that the Bible says about Christ and all we have in Him. I began to list everything I was finding, but then I came across this excerpt. I’m not sure exactly who wrote this, but it compiled my findings so succinctly, that I had to share it. As you read it, and let the words wash over you. This is simply a fraction of Who Christ is.

One of the great tenets of Scripture is the claim that Jesus Christ is completely sufficient for all matters of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4)! He is sufficient for creation (Colossians 1:16-17), salvation (Hebrews 10:10-12), sanctification (Ephesians 5:26-27), and glorification (Romans 8:30). So pure is He that there is no blemish, stain, spot of sin, defilement, lying, deception, corruption, error, or imperfection (1 Peter 1:18-20).

So complete is He that there is no other God besides Him (Isaiah 45:5); He is the only begotten Son (John 1:14; John 1:18); all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Him (Colossians 2:3); the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him (Colossians 2:9); He is heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2); He created all thing and all things were made by Him, through Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16); He upholds all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3); He is the firstborn of all creation (Colossians 1:15); He is the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3).

He has no beginning and no end (Revelation 1:17-18); He is the spotless Lamb of God; He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14); He is our Hope (1 Timothy 1:1); He is our Life (Colossians 3:4); He is the living and true Way (John 14:6); He is the strength of Israel (1 Samuel 15:29); He is the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16); He is Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11); He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2); He is Captain of our Salvation (Hebrews 2:10);  He is the Champion; He is the Elect One (Isaiah 42:1); He is the Apostle and High-Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1); He is the Righteous Servant (Isaiah 53:11).

He is the Lord of Hosts, the Redeemer – the Holy One of Israel, the God of the whole earth (Isaiah 54:5); He is the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3); He is the Light; He is the Son of Man (Matthew 20:28); He is the Vine; He is the Bread of Life; He is the Door; He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-13); He is Prophet, Priest and King (Hebrews 1:1-3); He is our Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9); He is our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6) He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9:6); He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4); He is Lord God of hosts; He is Lord of the nations; He is the Lion of Judah; the Living Word; the Rock of Salvation; the Eternal Spirit; He is the Ancient of Days; Creator and Comforter; Messiah; and He is the great I AM (John 8:58)!

This only scratches the surface of Who Christ is and what He means to us. The truth is—the whole Bible is written so that we can know God, to know Who Jesus is. From beginning to end, it’s all about Him! And yet, even if we were able to memorize the whole Bible, there would still be more for us to learn. God is infinite; John 21:25 tells us that if everything that Jesus said or did were written down, there wouldn’t be room enough in the world for all the books. Let us treasure God’s Word, for it tells us Who He is. Treasure the gift God has given us and worship Him. It’s not about what Christ has done for us, but WHO He is.

But it’s possible that you might not have ever accepted God’s greatest gift, His Son, Jesus. As I said in my previous post, Jesus is the real reason why we are here. He created us with the intent that we would bring Him glory, to love Him, to serve Him. But we would not. Romans 3 tells us that there is no one who is righteous, no one on their own seeks God, no one does good, and finally, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” I think that last part is the most telling. People go their merry ways without any thought of God. They don’t fear Him and turn against Him who created them.

But that’s the beauty of God’s grace. That while we were sinners, Christ died for us. He gave His life on the cross to pay the punishment for our sin so that we could have a restored relationship with God. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose again, proving that He truly is God. And the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that is available to us, to help us to live a life that pleases God.

God’s gift is, as it were, sitting on the table before you. Jesus truly is the most precious gift you will ever receive. He created you and loves you with an inexpressible love. He died for you so that you can have a relationship with Him. Will you believe Him and receive God’s gift? Or will you leave it there for perhaps another time. This gift is available to all.

For those who have already opened that gift, will you devote your life to knowing Jesus? It’s so easy for us to  get caught up with our own lives, doing even good things, but fail to reflect on our great Savior and worship Him as He deserves. Will you study God’s Word? Will you  treasure this unfathomable gift and worship the One Who gave it?

This Christmas, let’s take the time out from the hustle and bustle that comes with the season. Take time in the quiet moments of the mornings (or evenings) when the house is quiet and reflect with wonder our infinitely-faced Jesus.

Unwrapping the Gift of Christ, Part 1

What do you instinctively think when someone says the word “Christmas”? The world thinks of the lights, the decorations, the carols, presents, “jolly old Saint Nick” and his reindeer. Maybe some would think of the manger scene with Jesus as a baby in a manger filled with straw.

But Christmas is more than just a baby in a manger, heralded by angels, and worshiped by shepherds and wise men. Jesus, as Eternal God, humbled Himself, choosing to take on human form. He lived a life that we could not—one so wholly in tune with His Father’s will that He never deviated from it. He was without sin so that He could one day die on a Roman cross. He became the sinless, perfect sacrifice that would satisfy God’s wrath and judgment on us for our sin. That is so amazing and truly wonderful in itself. However, I would like to dig deeper, to see a new facet of the incarnation of Jesus.

Imagine that it is Christmas morning. The kids are all excited to open their presents. You are too, if truth be told. There’s something for you to open. Maybe you already know what it is; maybe you don’t. But there’s no way to use your gift, it is of no practical value until you actually open it.

I remember one year, I was hoping for a diamond. Nothing extravagant, just something that would tell the world that I was getting married! That didn’t happen until two months later, but when Andy did propose, I enjoyed looking at that ring. And to be honest, the best lighting was at church. I really WAS listening, but I also enjoyed looking at that diamond, turning it and seeing it sparkle, the different facets catching the light in different ways, making it more precious.

So what then, should it mean to us that Jesus is God’s gift to us? It’s easy for us, especially at Christmas, to see it as a single-faceted gift. 1 John 4:14 tells us that “the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” And we rightfully rejoice in that. But so often in our daily lives, we lose sight of the fact that there is so much more to the gift. Let’s look at Ephesians 1:3-23. I want you to notice all we have in Christ and all the extravagant words–how much God’s grace just overflows to us.

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ  as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,  I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,  and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,  which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

How rich these words are! What richness and abundance that God has for us! The spiritual blessing God has in store for those who are His own. Not that we don’t ever have trouble, because here on this earth, our lives are still marred by the effects of sin. But even in that, those trials are gifts to us. They show us that we can’t live life in our own strength. They open our eyes to Who Christ is. They cause us to grow more like Him and less like the world. Because in Christ, we are:

• Chosen in Jesus for God’s purposes and glory
• Adopted into God’s family
• Redeemed and forgiven
• Given an inheritance
• Hopeful in Christ
• Sealed by the Holy Spirit Who guarantees our inheritance
• Given wisdom, knowledge, understanding
• Shown the immeasurable greatness of His power.

Next time, we’ll look more closely at Christ–Who He is, and what it means for us that He is God’s gift to us. In the meantime, immerse yourself in the above passage. Let God’s Word reverberate in your soul, and reflect on how this relates to Christmas.

When Will the Time Be Right?

In 2012, I purchased a calendar from DaySpring. At the time, I didn’t realize who put out the calendar, I just liked it, and it was inexpensive. Score! But I didn’t realize what a gem I was getting. Inside the calendar was the usual piece of cardboard to keep the calendar nice. But instead of it being a blank and boring piece of cardboard, there was a message in the form of a poem.

When the time was right,
the sea parted,
the walls fell down,
the lions went hungry,
the sun stood still,
the star appeared,
the waves were calmed,
the stone was rolled away,
the Lord ascended…
And when the time is right,
the King of Kings will return.

God is never early and He’s never late –
He’s always right on time and His plans for you are good.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I was so excited! Maybe this was the time God was going to move us on, send us back into the ministry! My husband had been an assistant pastor for about 6 years. And then, he wasn’t. We knew that it was God’s hand, but that didn’t erase the pain and the struggle to make ends meet. Since then, it’s been a roller coaster. Sometimes creeping up to the top of the hill, where you take a breath, before you plunge down the other side.

So, almost four years later from my amazing find, we’re still on the roller coaster ride. Or maybe just on it again. “The time” hasn’t come yet. And you know what? I’m finding that it’s ok. I’m finding that God is faithful. That His grace is truly sufficient for each day. It’s not always easy. I still struggle some days. And you know what? I’m finding that that is really ok, too. As long as I continue to take my cares to my loving Heavenly Father and not wallow in my pain, I am growing stronger. I’m learning more about Who my wonderful Father is and learning more about myself.

I was reading 2 Corinthians 12 this morning, and verses 9-10 ministered to my soul. “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

So when will the time be right? I don’t know. It may be that what I had planned is not what God has in mind. But I do know that when the time IS right, God’s plan will be accomplished. I CAN trust Him, because what He does is good. It may not be easy yet. I may still need to grow. But I know that God is working all things out for His glory and my {eventual} good.

The Touch of the Master’s Hand

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”
“A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?”

“Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three…” But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: “What am I bid for the old violin?”
And he held it up with the bow.
“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?
Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
And going and gone,” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,
“We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?” Swift came the reply:
“The touch of the Master’s hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,
A game — and he travels on.
He is “going” once, and “going” twice,
He’s “going” and almost “gone.”
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand.