i want to remember these things

on earth, beholding is the layer between believing and behaving; in heaven, beholding will be the only thing. regarding belief, faith - hope in the things unseen - will be realized. regarding behavior, we will become a new creation.

"be courageous," as an imperative

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

"But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

emotional and intellectual courage; the courage to be vulnerable, the courage to be wrong. in the means (for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go), and the end (i have overcome the world). the certainty with which he states this imperative - and the underlying promises upon which the command rests - suggests that perhaps the "reasonable" fears we carry, the fears that limit our faith and obedience, are nothing but phobias.

Easter 2019

the cross signifies, among many things, a promise: one day I will sing of his love forever, not only for what he has done, but for who he is

not just forever, but continuously forever.

Phil. 3:10,11
1 John 3:2

maybe sometimes glimpsing beauty from afar eclipses experiencing warmth in proximity. (usually not, though.)

you were beautiful because you were beautiful; you were beautiful because you were mine