Forty seven years thus far. Full health. Sound Constitution. Clear mind. GRATEFUL.
As I reflect on my gratefulness, my mind shifts to a family relative, almost the same age as myself, on death's doorstep. Soon they will cross the great divide.
I welcome the full weight of the opposite paradigm to rest upon me. Grateful.
Perspective is a wondrous gift too easily glanced over in a rush to run from emotion.
I stand. I will not run. Grateful.
This morning I quietly journeyed to a particular church long not visited.
Sitting in the back, God sat with me. Grateful.
Long time friend is He; my LORD. Grateful.
I have had an adventurous, yet arduous, existence. Grateful.
I wrote a book some years back not knowing my most pivotal battle to date would come on its heels. Grateful.
Battles; they come upon the weak and the strong with equal vigor.
I have often sat in the company of my great God, and in silent, reflective awe, wondered at my life's battles' great force; yet greater still, His force that both sustained AND strengthened me right in the very heart of the battles. Grateful.
Faith; IF exclusive, its power is without limit. Grateful.
Like its Creator, it will not co-habitat. Grateful.
Forever a student before my Master. Grateful.
Forever a warrior before my General. Grateful.
Single-minded. Committed. Executing HIS commands, even when... especially when.... they defy both heart and logic. Grateful.
Formidable and sure are my roots. Grateful.
Strengthened...sustained...by the Ground who secures and nourishes me. Grateful.
Oh, dear ones, to know Him is to know such unfathomable mercy coupled to such unfathomable power.
I am un-apologetically living a Christ-redeemed life...without regret....faith-filled....warrior...
with GRATITUDE!
I most sincerely pray I look around
and see YOU there with me with Him!
and see YOU there with me with Him!
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did NOT spare His own Son, but gave Him up FOR US ALL -
how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Who will bring ANY charge against those whom God has chosen?
It is God who justifies.
Who then is the one who condemns?
No one.
Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble? Or hardship? Or persecution? Or famine? Or nakedness? Or danger? Or sword?
As it is written:
'For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'
NO, in all these things, we are MORE THAN conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:31-37
....CELEBRATING VICTORY TO VICTORY....
To HIM be the Glory forever and ever!
Amen.
Amen.
