In spite of
this frigid, bone-chilling final twist of winter assault, I know with all
certainty that SPRING is preparing to initiate its gentle unfurlings all around
us. Hit us again, winter, your days are numbered!
And so it is
as I prepare my heart for Easter. This world is frigid, bone-chilling, and the
enemy isn’t hesitant to launch his assaults, yet I know with all certainty that
just as we wait with expectant hope for spring, so my heart waits with expectant
hope for the great unfurling of the final act wherein Jesus returns for his
church, his people, the followers of his way. This rhythm of expectant hope
waiting is practiced within the season of Lent. 
I can give up anything because
Christ has become everything to me.
Our eyes are
fixed on you, Jehovah Nissi, on your battle plan and your kingdom come. Hit us
again, enemy, your days are numbered! We KNOW this world’s suffering will end,
but our lives NEVER will. We are in the preamble to eternity with the greatest
Love ever known. The only thing that can separate me is my own heart. “So take courage
my heart. Stay steadfast my soul. He’s in the waiting.”
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be
devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be
lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in
hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans
12:9-12
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels
nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39
