"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

Gratitude

At this current moment, the number of things for which I am thankful seems abundant. However, I hope the amount by which I am thankful will never change. It seems to me that only one thing should suffice for all of my gratitude.

Counting the Cost

Luke 15:25-35

When I am trying to purchase an item that I cannot afford, the cost that lingers in my mind isn't the money I do have which is not enough; the cost that matters is the amount by which I am lacking. However, when it comes to salvation, I often find myself close-fisted, clenching my precious scraps. Perhaps now is the time to shift my gaze to the incalculable cost that has already been paid on my behalf, and count my costs for what they are - rubbish.

In Christ Alone Lyrics

In Christ Alone

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand



"Till He returns, or calls me home"

geez.