Into the Fire

. . . and what I will say are two different things. I think I’d like to end the year with some profundity but fear of failure leaves me wanting.

To comment on the highs of 2009 requires such a deep gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ for His provision, His power, and His pacing—and the fact that He consumes and occupies the very meaning of profound—that I doubt I can capture any of the intensity in mere words on a blog post. You know? Somehow by rating thankfulness as the most important emotion which hurtles to the front of all I can think of, I can’t seem to make it overcome “trite”. And that’s disappointing. Because being thankful isn’t trite in any form. Especially when it pours from the heart.

Somehow, in spite of some very personal heartache in our family, we survive with hope and grateful spirits. Even with the battle being played out before us we understand that God is good. And just. And right now that justice seems mighty important to us.

We remain thankful that soldiers we know, and many more who we don’t, fight for our freedoms and deserve our respect, our gratitude, our prayers, and our whole-hearted support for their sacrifices past and present.

There is evil in the land, and we need to be prayed up, prayed in, prayed out, and prayed for in order to do our part to combat the heinous ways and demonic influences parading around in all forms of deceit and corruption.

I can tell you this. I’ve lived many years and learned some things of value. The most important of them: nothing outside of God’s will has any merit or inherent value, yet He is able and willing to work everything together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Jesus loves everyone. We struggle to love a few. He died to save everyone. Only a few will take Jesus up on His gift.

My desire remains to love God, to obey God, and to praise God. I’m blessed. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Happy New Year to You in Jesus.