HE IS RISEN!! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!! ALLELUIA!!

Even our good is sin because of God’s full perfection. It is only through Christ that we have any hope at all. We try to do good out of gratitude for the great thing He did to assure us eternal life and that others may see and believe.

But, more importantly, God keeps reminding me what it truly means to be strong and courageous. To resist temptation and encourage others to do the same. To look at conventional wisdom and when required, expose the fact that there is nothing wise at all; rather foolishness. Do you know God had to tell Joshua to be strong and courageous three times (in one paragraph no less!) as he stood on the banks of the Jordan waiting to cross into the land of His promise (Joshua 1:6-9)? This was the same Joshua that 40 years earlier had visited that same land (giants and all!) and assured the leaders of Israel (along with Caleb) that taking it would be a walk in the park. Yet, Joshua, in all his courage and strength needed a pep talk from The One who is truly The Almighty. We know the rest of the story.

I have found the key to victory is to remain humble like a child; for inflated confidence leads to arrogance, which ushers in pride, which ultimately leads to sin and a fall. We see this played out frequently; sometimes in our own lives, sometimes in those around us. Each day is a struggle, but thankfully, if we ask He will give us our daily bread, forgive us our tresspasses (if we forgive others), lead us not into temptation and surely deliver us from the evil one. We just need to remember that our Father alone is worthy to take on the power and the glory while still remaining pure. If we try to assume these things, they lead us to sin and temptation.

May God grant us His grace, compassion, humilty and truth to be the grown ups for a world that often does not know its left hand from its right. And may His Kingdom come and may His will be done…Amen.