The righteous are as bold as a lion- Proverbs 28:1

Righteousness is the Lord's to give.  When He gives, or endows us with righteousness, it is nothing like any thing on earth. Our own attempts of righteousness are "as filthy rags"- we are right-filthy.  It's as though He tips back the dark, dim glass and places a light in us that no darkness can absorb.  Light begets boldness, and increasing light begets more confidence in the Light-giver, until we are as a lion, unafraid.  He calls us righteous, saints, brethren, friends.

The Deliberate Life

What is my purpose?  This is a common question, something we want to know.  Because when we know, we are purposeful, deliberate, on course and confident.  In Ephesians 5 we are commanded to be very careful how we live, to be wise.  Because the days are evil, we should make the most of every opportunity.  This means, don't be clueless.  Where do we get our "clue"?  Be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Psalm 47 shoots straight:  He is the King over all the earth and of all the earth.  If He is King, and He is, and He will fill us with the Holy Spirit, and He will if we ask, then He is more than able to give us the specifics of our purpose for which He created us for. 

Just the Pre-quel

I have been musing on something all day.  This life is just the prequel for what is in the next life.  If we just started in heaven, we would wonder, "how did she get there?"- "where did she come from?" - "what was she saved from?"- "who was she before she inherited heaven?"- "why has she inherited all this?!"
From our conception here, we are living the prequel to all eternity.  We have a beginning.  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1.  If this is the prequel, then what is the event?  It's what I'm being prepared for, from the foundations of the earth. 

Homecoming

Today I'll dust a little, mop and vacuum here and there, because today my California boy is coming home.  It won't be for long, but it will be so nice to have him here.  Gathering my chicks under my wings.  It may not comfort them, but it always comforts me. 

April 14th Wonder

We are gathering for a party this afternoon to celebrate three year old Brennan.  Brennan is an exuberant little guy, with sparkling blue eyes and curly blonde hair.  He has a lot to say.  He is passionate about what he says.  He can spot good humor, and finds a kindred connection with those who also love to laugh.  He goes until he can no longer go.  He loves deeply. 
There is indeed a lot to celebrate with him today.
Happy Birthday Brennan Richard. 
I wonder what kind of man you are becoming.

Get Dressed

Put on the whole armor of God.  Not just a few, not only my favorites, not just the ones I think I need.  All.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  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 evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Pray also for me."  Ephesians 6:10-19.

Be a "taker"!  Take your stand against the devil's schemes...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one...take the helmet of salvation...take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With and against: 
     with the belt of truth buckled around your waist
     with the breastplate of righteousness in place
     with your feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
     with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one *FAITH*

     against the devil's schemes
     against the rulers
     against the authorities
     against the power's of this dark world
     against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

Be alert.  Wake up. Tune your ears.  Focus your eyes.  Ready your heart. 
PRAY!  All the saints need your prayers.  I need your prayers.
No fear.  Tell it fearlessly, as we should.  Encourage one another.

why?why?why?

Why is jealousy so dangerous?  Why does ingratitude burn me? Why do I have to be friends with someone I don't like?  Why do these emotions come on one day?
If not for grace, God's abundant grace that is in full supply to me, I would surely make each of these matters a two-fisted fight, rather than just an attack on me.  Today I am reminded that these are distractions to keep me from the One I love, the life I love, the power in me through His Spirit.  I would be miscalculating in a big way to settle for jealousy, disappointment, and lack of compassion instead of the life I've been saved for. 
Today I choose to live for You.  Thank you for supplying Your abundant grace in full measure.