Count Your Blessings

"Blessings crown the head
of the righteous ..."
(Proverbs 10:6)
Thanksgiving blessings, dear friends! As I thought about what to write in acknowledgment of our American holiday this week, every focus seemed too expected, too familiar, too trite. But, after taking it to the Lord in prayer, He spoke to my heart, "Count your blessings."

In the past, I have chafed at this greeting ("Blessings!") because I often perceive it to be commonly and cavalierly offered, seemingly without the reverence and respect due to such Divine favor. I have resisted using it myself because, regrettably, the word "blessing" has been much misused by some who have twisted it to suit their own interpretation of earthly prosperity. While the Lord can certainly bless one with physical and material wealth, position, and power (and there are Biblical examples of such blessing), the most important--and I believe the purest-- form exists in the spiritual blessings granted through faith in Christ Jesus and obedience to God's law.

Those whom the Lord blesses, I believe, are pure of heart, delighting in God's revealed and written will, choosing to live faithfully and trustfully in the sovereign care of their gracious and loving Father, using His blessings not for selfish pursuits or exploitative purposes but for the benefit and blessing of others. The blessed are not those who are temporarily happy due to earthly circumstances but those who are consistently joyful due to eternal expectations. Blessings are not found in earthly storage units but in heavenly storehouses (reference Matthew 6:19-20), and the most bountiful blessings on earth are but a shadow of the heavenly reward awaiting the Lord's faithful!

Below are a representation of Scriptures, which define those who are "blessed". Beloved, I pray that as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, you will meditate upon God's Word, fully embracing your Divinely bestowed blessings and fully acknowledging the Lord Who favors His faithful. And please know that "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." (Philemon 1:6-7).

Count your blessings ...

"Blessed is the man
who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers."
(Psalm 1:1)

"Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered."
(Psalm 32:1)

"Blessed is the man
whose sin
the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit."
(Psalm 32:2;
see also Romans 4:7-8)

"Blessed is the nation
whose God is the LORD ..."
(Psalm 33:12;
see also Ecclesiastes 10:17)

"... blessed is the man
who takes refuge in Him."
(Psalm 34:8; see also 2:12)

"Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods."
(Psalm 40:4)

"Blessed is he
who has regard for the weak ..."
(Psalm 41:1)

"Blessed are those
You choose and bring near
to live in your courts!"
(Psalm 65:4a)

"Blessed are those
who dwell in Your house ..."
(Psalm 84:4)

"Blessed are those
whose strength is in You,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage."
(Psalm 84:5)

"O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man
who trusts in You."
(Psalm 84:12;
see also Proverbs 16:20;
Jeremiah 17:7)

"Blessed are those
who have learned
to acclaim You,
who walk
in the light
of Your presence, O LORD."
(Psalm 89:15)

"Blessed is the man
You discipline, O LORD,
the man You teach
from Your law."
(Psalm 94:12;
see also Job 5:17;
Proverbs 29:18)

"Blessed are they
who maintain justice,
who constantly do
what is right."
(Psalm 106:3;
see also Isaiah 56:1-2)

"Blessed is the man
who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight
in His commands."
(Psalm 112:1;
see also Proverbs 28:14)

"Blessed is he
who comes
in the name of the LORD."
(Psalm 118:26a;
see also Matthew 21:9;
Mark 11:9;
Luke 13:35, 19:38;
John 12:13)

"Blessed are they
whose ways are blameless,
who walk according
to the law of the LORD."
(Psalm 119:1)

"Blessed are they
who keep His statutes
and seek Him
with all their heart."
(Psalm 119:2;
see also Luke 11:28)

"Blessed are all
who fear the LORD,
who walk in His ways."
(Psalm 128:1;
see also Proverbs 8:32)

"... blessed are the people
whose God is the LORD."
(Psalm 144:15)

"Blessed is he
whose help
is the God of Jacob,
whose hope
is in the LORD his God."
(Psalm 146:5)

"Blessed is the man
who finds Wisdom ..."
(Proverbs 3:13)

"Blessed is the man
who listens to Me,
watching daily at My doors,
waiting at My doorway."
(Proverbs 8:34)

"... blessed is he
who is kind to the needy."
(Proverbs 14:21)

"... the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all
who wait for Him!"
(Isaiah 30:18;
see also Daniel 12:12)

" 'Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' "
(Matthew 5:3;
see also Luke 6:20)

" 'Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.' "
(Matthew 5:4;
see also Luke 6:21b)

" 'Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.' "
(Matthew 5:5)

" 'Blessed are those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.' "
(Matthew 5:6;
see also Luke 6:21a)

" 'Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.' "
(Matthew 5:7)

" 'Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.' "
(Matthew 5:8)

" 'Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called
sons of God.' "
(Matthew 5:9)

" 'Blessed are those
who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.' "
(Matthew 5:10)

" 'Blessed are you
when people insult you,
persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of Me.' "
(Matthew 5:11;
see also Luke 6:22;
1 Peter 3:14, 4:14)

" 'Blessed is the man
who does not fall away
on account of Me.' "
(Matthew 11:6;
see also Luke 7:23)

" '... blessed are your eyes
because they see,
and your ears
because they hear.' "
(Matthew 13:6;
see also Luke 10:23)

" 'Blessed is she
who has believed
that what the Lord has said to her
will be accomplished!' "
(Luke 1:45)

" 'Blessed is the man
who will eat at the feast
in the kingdom of God.' "
(Luke 14:15)

" '... blessed are those
who have not seen
and yet have believed.' "
(John 20:29)

"So those who have faith
are blessed
along with Abraham,
the man of faith."
(Galatians 3:9)

"Blessed is the man
who perseveres under trial,
because when he has stood the test,
he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised
to those who love Him."
(James 1:12; see also 5:11)

"Blessed is the one
who reads the words
of this prophecy,
and blessed are those
who hear it
and take to heart
what is written in it,
because the time is near."
(Revelation 1:3)

" 'Blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord
from now on.' "
(Revelation 14:13)

" 'Behold, I come like a thief!
Blessed is he who stays awake
and keeps his clothes with him,
so that he may not go naked
and be shamefully exposed.' "
(Revelation 16:15)

"... 'Blessed are those
who are invited
to the wedding supper
of the Lamb!' "
(Revelation 19:9)

"Blessed and holy are those
who have part
in the first resurrection."
(Revelation 20:6)

" 'Behold, I am coming soon!
Blessed is he
who keeps the words
of the prophecy
in this Book.' "
(Revelation 22:7)

" 'Blessed are those
who wash their robes,
that they may have the right
to the tree of life
and may go through the gates
into the city.' "
(Revelation 22:14)

May you, my precious friend, be richly blessed!
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3). Precious Father, I thank You for the gifts of Your grace, Your mercy, Your love and Your Salvation. I thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, whom You sent to atone for my sinfulness and to provide the only Way to Your Holy presence. I am grateful for Your blessings, and I pray that I will never take them for granted. I pray to look "intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and [to continue] to do this, not forgetting what [I have] heard, but doing it—[so that I] will be blessed in what [I do]." (Reference James 1:25). I give You thanks and praise in the name of Jesus Christ, the Blessed One (reference Mark 14:61; Luke 1:42; 1 Timothy 1:11, 6:15; Titus 2:13). Amen.

"When the Son of Man
comes in His glory,
and all the angels with Him,
He will sit on His throne
in heavenly glory.
All the nations
will be gathered before Him,
and He will separate the people
one from another
as a shepherd separates
the sheep from the goats.
He will put the sheep
on His right
and the goats
on His left.
Then the King will say
to those on His right,
'Come, you who are blessed
by My Father;
take your inheritance,
the kingdom prepared for you
since the creation of the world.' "
(Matthew 25:31-34)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "Fruitful or Fruitless?"
• "Because He Says So"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Ready or Not ...

" 'So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man
will come at an hour
when you do not expect Him.' "
(Matthew 24:44)
Oh, precious friends! I am so delighted to be back at the keyboard! The past week and a half has been busy, and while my flesh cried out for time to write, my spirit patiently waited upon the Lord's timing.

Many reflections are swirling about in my head and in my heart. I want to write about faith in the fire, as righteously exemplified by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. I want to write about greed, deceit, and the love of money, as unrighteously demonstrated by Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. But the word that the Lord has given me for today is "ready".

Among the definitions for "ready", this particular one struck me: "completely prepared and in fit condition for immediate action or use".

Completely prepared for immediate use. Completely fit for immediate action. Oh, beloved, does that description fit you? Does it fit me? Does it fit the Church, the bride of Christ?

Much is being said, written, speculated, predicted, and prophesied right now about end times. I suppose there are such signs in each generation, and there are certainly many indicators of end times present in today's world. But, dear friends, it really shouldn't matter whether Christ returns tomorrow, next month, next year, or a hundred years from now. We should be ready, regardless.

We do not know when Christ will call for His bride. " 'No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.' " (Matthew 24:26, see also 24:50, 25:13; Mark 13:32; Luke 12:46). We do have signs of the end of the age as recorded in God's Word (reference Mark 13 and Luke 21). But, dear ones, I believe that our purpose is not to live in conscious analysis of current events and select passages of Scripture. Rather, I believe we are to live in the unconscious synthesis of the Holy Spirit (reference Galatians 5:16-26) and the entire Word of God. That seamless manifestation of His Truth, His Light, and His Love can radiate from us only when we are completely surrendered to the Lord.

The Bible states "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings." (Proverbs 25:2) and "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7). The Lord reveals Himself everyday ... in every way. But, precious ones, I don't believe that we are to seek to exist in the ecstasy of His signs and wonders. In order to be of service to the Living Lord, we must descend from the joy of our mountaintop experiences and live in His Truth and in His Light, down on the ground in the midst of the battle.

Living every day as a soldier in the Lord's ground troops is not for the weary, the uncommitted, or the faint of heart, and the Lord winnows His warriors (reference Judges 7:1-8). It is hard work, often requiring us to slog through some most undesirable circumstances. But, precious ones, faithfulness and obedience in those seemingly unglorious assignments are precisely what readies us for His return.

What glory does He get from a watching world, which perceives Christians as incubated and intubated in a Holy bubble? If I may be so bold, I submit that the Lord's greatest glory comes not from periods of untested joy and prosperity, but from periods of proven faithfulness and obedience, purposefully independent of earthly circumstances. From faith in the fire, a la Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3). From faith in the absence of fact, demonstrated by Noah (Genesis 5:28-9:29; Hebrews 11:7). From faith in fearful circumstances, characterized by the obedience of Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18; Hebrews 11:8-10). From faith in circumstances beyond human control, reasoning, and understanding, characterized by Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38, 46-55, 2:19). From faith in the face of death, represented by Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), and ultimately, embodied by Jesus Christ Himself.

The faith of these, and the faith of countless others--known and unknown, named and unnamed, past and present--was and is a ready faith, cultivated by a carefully chosen lifestyle, which consistently honored and glorified the Lord. None were perfect, but all were faithful. Long before (more than 500 years before!) the Lord directed Noah to build the ark, "he walked with God" (Genesis 6:9). Long before Abraham became our Divinely appointed patriarch, his life was characterized by prompt obedience to and faith in the Lord (Genesis 12:4, 15:6, 17:23, 22:3, 22:8). By continually walking with God, by constantly seeking His face, by consistently searching His heart, they were--and we are--made ready for the day of our greatest test of faith.

Beloved, let us cast off every shred of complacency and mediocrity, clothing ourselves instead with the full armor of God (reference Ephesians 6:10-18), including "the readiness that comes from the gospel" (reference Ephesians 6:15). Let us be ready. Let us be completely fit for His service. Let us be completely prepared for His immediate use.

He's coming ... ready or not.

Precious Father, oh glorious Lord, I thank You for incomparable and inconceivable eternal kingdom plan! I thank You, Lord, for the treasured glimpses of Your delight in our faithfulness, which encourage us as we trudge forward on the ground below. Please help us remember that our plodding is not without purpose and that our sole responsibility is to remain rooted and ready in You. I pray that our witness would go before You, "... in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17). May we " 'be dressed ready for service ...' " (Luke 12:35), and may we sound a clear call so that others will ready themselves for battle (reference 1 Corinthians 14:8). On the day of the Lamb's wedding supper, may we be found worthy to hear those precious words, " '... For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.' " (Revelation 19:7) I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Leader and Commander (reference Isaiah 55:4). Amen.

"Praise be to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ!
In His great mercy
He has given us new birth
into a living hope
through the resurrection
of Jesus Christ from the dead,
and into an inheritance
that can never perish, spoil or fade--
kept in Heaven for you,
who through faith
are shielded by God's power
until the coming of the salvation
that is ready to be revealed
in the last time.' "
(1 Peter 1:3-5)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "A Battle Rages; Stand Firm!"
• "Because He Says So"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Wishing Well: Be Careful What You Wish For!

" ' ... the Most High is sovereign
over the kingdoms of men
and gives them
to anyone He wishes ... ' "
(Daniel 4:17; see also 4:25, 32; 5:21)
There's a well-known saying: "Be careful what you wish for", which subtly underscores the fact that what seems so wonderful on the surface may not be the blessing for which we hope. To put it more bluntly, if we wish for anything contrary to the heart and Word of of God, we can be sure that whatever we desire will be our downfall.

The 2008 US Presidential elections are over. There is not enough time or space here to articulate the significance of choices that were made, but, before we further flesh out this morning's reflection, let us remember that, as Christians, our battle is not against other human beings, all of whom our God created in His image. Our battle is against the Lord's enemy, the great deceiver. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12).

The battle, in fact, belongs to the Lord, and if you've read the back of the Book, you know the Lord wins the war! But Divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, and, as long as we are on this earth, we are to stand firm on this earthly battleground, clothed in the full armor of God (reference Ephesians 6:10-20), uncompromising in His Word, and unyielding in His purpose.

The day after the elections, I turned to the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel and sadly reread the account of Israel demanding an earthly king. They were not satisfied under the rule of the King of kings; they wanted an earthly king "such as all the other nations" (v. 5) had, and they pestered Samuel to appoint one.

As Samuel prayed with a troubled heart, the Lord told him: " ' ... it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their King. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.' " (v. 7-9). Verses 10-17 recount the actual burdens that would accompany the kingship for which the people wished, but, not seeing the proverbial forest for the trees, the people pressed on, unrelenting in their desire for an earthly ruler.

Samuel warned, " 'When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.' But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.' When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.' " (v. 18-21).

The Lord chose to turn the people over to their wishes, and they lived in the consequences of their desire. Hindsight is 20-20 vision, as another saying goes, and, in retrospect, I am certain that after the Lord granted their wish for an earthly king, many of of the Israelites recognized that the grass is not always greener on the other side (where are all these sayings coming from today?!) and wished that they had been more discerning in their demands.

There are good earthly rulers, and there are bad earthly rulers, but all are under the sovereignty of God, Who "sets up kings and deposes them" (Daniel 2:21). Scripture records the accounts of all kinds of rulers, all of whom were used for the Lord's purposes. Jeremiah 22 is one portion of Scripture that details God's judgement against evil kings, and this particular passage strikes my heart: " ' People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?' And the answer will be: 'Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.' " (v. 8-9).

Beloved, regardless of who is temporarily granted earthly authority and power, our love and loyalty must never stray from the Lord Jesus Christ, "the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). No human being can ever fulfill our desires for abundant freedom, love, protection, and welfare. Those pangs of longing will be softened here on earth only by the peace that comes from personally knowing and publicly acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ, and one day, for those who persevere in faith, in trust, and in love, those longings will be forever and fully satisfied as we joyfully enter our heavenly home where "the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17).

In the meantime, precious ones, let us move forward as Paul did: "... straining toward what is ahead ... press[ing] on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14). Let us choose carefully and let us wish well, remembering that "the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17).

Precious Father, what a holy, just, righteous, and incomparable King you are! My mind can not begin to comprehend the depths of Your love, mercy, and grace. But neither, precious Father, can I comprehend the shallowness of our own hearts. Please forgive us for swaying whichever way the wind blows (reference Isaiah 24:20; Matthew 11:7, 22:16; Mark 12:14; Luke 7:24; 2 Timothy 3:6), and please help us stay firmly rooted in You. I pray that Your people will choose carefully, discern divinely, and wish well. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--King of kings and Lord of lords! Amen.

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'
And let him who hears say, 'Come!'
Whoever is thirsty, let him come;
and whoever wishes,
let him take the free gift
of the water of life."

(Revelation 22:17)

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

• "Resolute in Absolute Truth"
• "In God We Trust"
• "Applying Amos"
• "A Holy Harvest"
• "A Battle Rages: Stand Firm!"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Resolute ... in Absolute Truth

"As the time approached
for Him to be taken up to heaven,
Jesus resolutely set out
for Jerusalem."
(Luke 9:51)
Today is Election Day in the United States of America. As I write this (at 6:00 am EST), polls are opening. Men and women are voting. Many important positions will be filled and many important issues will be decided today, but none are as pivotal as the election of our president and vice-president.

Yesterday, a much treasured friend and sister in Christ called and asked me about my current state of spiritual awareness and discernment. She wanted to know how and what I was feeling.

I answered, "I am resolute. I am at peace, but I am resolute."

That description was not premeditated. It is not a term that I'd use describe myself, but it is the word that the Lord gave me at that moment.

Interestingly, my dear friend shared that "resolute" was the exact word that she had been given Sunday night to pray over one of the associate pastors at our church. (I just love the Lord! He is amazing!)

I believe there's more to that connection, and I am still praying through it, but, for the purposes of today's post, I think "resolute" fits quite well with what the Lord is impressing me to write about today's election.

In today's reflection Scripture (NIV), Jesus was resolute as He "set out for Jerusalem". My NIV study notes indicate that the literal translation of that phrase is "set His face to go to Jerusalem". It also references Isaiah 50:7: "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." The study notes for that Scripture state: "Like the prophets, the servant will endure with great determination."

Resolute as defined by several sources means ...

- unwavering, undaunted.

- firm, steadfast, fixed in purpose or belief.

- convinced; satisfied; sure.

- determined; decided; fixed; steadfast; steady; constant; persevering; firm; bold; unshaken.

Beloved, I am unwavering in my belief of God's Truth. I firmly believe that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ..." (Psalm 33:12). I also am sure of Isaiah 60:12: " ... the nation that will not serve You will perish; it will be utterly ruined."

Much rhetoric is flying, as always during an election year. Much is being said. Much is being promised. Much change is forecast. Words fly according to the way the political winds blow. Foundations sway. Sands shift beneath the surface of well-polished and carefully crafted appearances.

There is only one thing that is sure. There is only One person in whom Truth, Light, and Life are absolute (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). There is only one way that I can vote today, and that is according the the principles and commands of God's Holy Word. I resolve to honor the sanctity of His created life. I resolve to uphold marriage as He designed it. I resolve to support His people, Israel.

No human leader will perfectly fulfill all the duties and responsibilities, but, to effectively govern with Divine justice and righteousness, one must have the Lord Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the administration. I resolve to cast my vote for the person who best represents God's heart and best meets His criteria. As a Christian, I must be so resolved, for one day, I will stand before my Judge, Who will hold me accountable for choices made within my knowledge of Him.

As "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem", He knew exactly what events were before Him. It wasn't pretty, but it was the purpose for which He was born.

As I resolutely set out for my polling place today, I do not know what the results will be after the votes are tallied. It may not be pretty, but it will be what the Lord has purposed.

I can not presume to assume what will transpire in the days, weeks, and months ahead, but I do know this:

God is sovereign.

God is just.

God is righteous.

And, one day soon, Jesus Christ will return to visibly rule His kingdom.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of this day! Thank You for the blessing and privilege of serving as salt and light in a bland and blind world. Thank You for Your promise in Isaiah 11; how I long for its fulfillment! May Your will be done today, oh Holy God, on earth as it is in heaven (see Matthew 6:9-13). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Amen.

"For to us a Child is born,
to us a Son is given,
and the government will be
on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government
and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
(Isaiah 9:6-7)

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

• "In God We Trust"


• "Applying Amos"


• "A Battle Rages: Stand Firm!"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.