Hope Victorious

  The unity of believers is a strategic witness to the greatness and power of God. As Christians we have the opportunity to demonstrate God in how we live in unity amid a world obsessed with comparison, competition and performance. As our world is torn apart by division based on appearance, belief, opinion and affiliation – we can stand apart. Unity – togetherness. A choice that is difficult and costly. Unity is not agreement. It is not conformity. Unity is a choice, a prioritizing of importance.   Joshua rallied the people of Israel prior to his death and called them to choose again to serve God and not the idols and pagan gods of the land. They stood in the land of Promise, the land their ancestors waited for, wandering in the wilderness because of their lack of faith. Joshua and the new generations claimed it with their faith, they fought the battles and witnessed the victories of God again and again. And there they stood victorious residents of age-old promises, commit...

  Bird What do you sing about? And when you stop – Why? I like your morning song best of all Bright and cheerful – a greeting of the day   Where do you go in the rain? Are the drops heavy on your wings? I see you darting for cover But never witness your return to the sky   I see you in the trees – your house is so near my own You bathe in my fountain Enjoy the flowers I’ve planted Pull the worms from my lawn But I do not know you   I wish you could sit near me I can be still and quiet I would like to see your eyes And listen to your voice up close   Sing little bird And I will imagine You are saying good morning To me –   Tired Heavy eyelids           Deep breathing I am tired           Weary of going and coming and going again                     Weighed down by all the things that re...

  You’ve shared my brightest moments           Witnessed my triumphs           And your cheers have encouraged my effort You’ve seen my courage and heard my “yes” when it was tentative and unsure           You know the cost I bore           My whispered fears and quiet tears With steadfast faith in God’s goodness           You have prayed for me and with me           Your faith has pointed the way           When I felt lost and was too afraid to move   I have seen your heart too           The joyful, bold and overcoming times           When love overflowed and my pride in you mixed                with awe of the goodness and faithfulness of God We have celebrated and...