Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)
We search the earth for truth, we cull
The good, the pure, the beautiful,
From graven stone and written scroll,
From the flower-fields of the soul;
And weary seekers for the best,
We come back laden from our quest
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read.
John Greenleaf Whittier
Perseverance is as much about a strong won’t as a strong will.
“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8 (NASB)
“Joy–the kind God gives–is a faith thing. As you receive by faith what God has provided for you, your joy grows. As you slip your hand in His and walk in faith, believing that His paths are good, your joy thrives regardless of the circumstances in your life. As you place your burdens, your future, your limitations, your pride, your hopes and fears in His hands, the joy of the Lord will fill every corner of your heart.”
Helen Steiner Rice
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)
The closer to the Shepherd, the farther from the wolf.
“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b (NASB)
The Greek word here translated “always” means, literally, “all the days.” Every day, whether we are weak or strong, whether things go well for us or against us, Jesus is there with us.
There are days when we feel that we have failed, other days when we feel joy, still other days when we feel sorrow. He is with us through it all–in youth and in old age. He will be with us every day of our lives and then, when we come to the end of our earthly journey, He will walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
Redbird's Roost 