New mercies You bring.

"Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war.  With the cross of Jesus going on before."

To save. That is what Jesus is doing in us as believers.  From the fear of God, to the wrenching desire of our hearts, His mercy is always fresh and new.  We are onward - that is where we are in our journey to sanctification.  We are here and now soldiers living in the strength of God's holiness if we indeed choose to be so; marching as to war.  We are not treated fairly, we are hurt with remarks, gossiped about, laughed at behind our backs.  We become weary and dejected much of the time yet something keeps us pressing onward.  We do not have the strength, talent, or ability to do so except for Christ alone.  The Lord blesses us with hardships, trials, and difficulties, and they are thankfully sandwiched with a heavy dose of His mercy, grace, and love!  We all who are living onward know to some degree that when the fire is the hottest is when God is closest to our heart.  Sometimes it does not dawn on us until the intense heat subsides a bit, but eventually we start recognizing it at the onset of the fire.  We start to see our desire for the closeness of our Lord and this is an onward process in our sanctification. " I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly"  John 10:10  For the most part we start with a complete worldly view of that verse and we are in for quite a disappointing bumpy ride.  But fear not, Jesus is our pilot and we will land safely in our Father's presence with exceeding joy!  I myself know what it feels like when the 'fasten seat belt' sign comes on and the stewards run to buckle in.  Ever notice at the first of a flight how no one who flies often even pays attention to pre flight instructions?  I am not a frequent flier but I have flown enough to become very aware of this fact and am guilty myself.  When the plane hits turbulence you can bet everyone in the plane pays attention at that point.  When fires commence in our lives, God gets our attention and will continue to do so until He has our focus 24-7.  Practice the presence of God, my friend, and even if it turns out you are going in for a crash landing you will walk away not even smelling like smoke either here on earth or in the presence of the Lord.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6,7

Heavenly Father I come before you this morning and ask for Your peace to be so prevalent that we realize the calming of our anxious hearts.  Let us remember Your promise "My peace I leave with You."  and may we truly remember to " be anxious for nothing..."  and commence in continual love and conversation with You!  To God be the glory forever and ever for 'How great Thou art, How great Thou art!' Amen

Love to all in Christ Jesus C:)