Our house was buzzing this morning with the activity of grand kids and the preparations for our Thanksgiving meal. It was good to have Christian and Bridget, Riley, Caedmon and Eliana join us last night. My mom has been with us the last few days and Debbie’s sister and her husband, Sue and Sam Schmidt joined us for our meal.

With Debbie’s past work schedule’s and my illness, this was the first family Thanksgiving meal for us to host in our home in a number of years. It was good to be back together with the “Thanksgiving Day Parade” from New York on the TV.

So, we enjoyed a good day together, thankful for the Lord’s presence and provision for all that we have in Him and through Him.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Thanksgiving is like a fall Sabbath or New Year’s Day. It is a time to stop, reflect and evaluate. These “built in” pauses in our year do serve an importance purpose if we take advantage of them. Thanksgiving has traditionally taken place after the conclusion of the fall harvest. It is a time after gathering to pause, to enjoy the rewards of our labor, to recognize the value of our work and to gain a fresh perspective on the priorities of life.

Since we are far removed from the agriculture lifestyle, the significance of the ingathering normally related to the harvest is lost in modern day celebrations. The security of our lives is not impacted as much as it was on the success of the crops. However, the opportunity to reflect on what we have, who we have in our life and understand the source of our security has not changed.

When Paul tells the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances” – the can present a challenge. It is is easy to be grateful, celebratory and confident of the future when all is well and we feel in control or what we have and where we are going.

However, when the “harvest” is slim or health is challenged or the future appears dim, it is difficult to give thanks and to be thankful. It is in these times that we need to focus on the source of our security.

We can only give thanks in all circumstances when we realize that it is not only “God’s will” but it is through our faith in God that we can have the confidence we need as we face an uncertain future.

So, during this Thanksgiving season, let’s not just reflect on what we “have” but “who” is the source of all that we have and the One who secures our future. When we give “thanks to God” we recognize Him as our source, our provider and the One who is with us in all circumstances.

This morning I had a meeting with some directors of residential assisted living centers. It was interesting to discover how many there are in our area and the important role they fill in the care of seniors. I hope to be able to assist them with some of their legislative priorities this next session.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like flames of fire.  His feet were like bronze that glows hot in a furnace, and his voice was like the noise of flooding water. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp double-edged sword came out of his mouth. He looked like the sun shining at its brightest time.” Revelation 1:14-16 NCV

The Book of Revelation pulls back the curtain of heaven. We see descriptive words of the glory of the Son and of the throne of God. Revelation is a “prison” letter. Just as Paul wrote to churches from a prison in Rome, John writes to the seven churches of Asia Minor from the prison island of Patmos.

As the vision begins, John sees the glory of the resurrected Christ. It is important to note that He appears “among” the seven candlesticks, which represent the seven churches. Regardless of its condition, deeds that are notable and that which needs to be corrected, Christ is among His church. He has not abandoned His church, He is working through hearts and lives who, have “ears to hear what the spirit has to say.”

As the resurrected Christ appears before John, He appears in glory from head to toe. We see in the image of the white hair, the wisdom of the Lord. We see the “eyes” of fire that search the heart and soul. We see glowing feet of bronze that blaze that form a path of righteousness where ever He goes. The sword of truth comes from His mouth to speak to the heart of every issue. Just as God is light, we see that the Son is clothed in brilliance like the sun.

Jesus as the Son of Man reflected the character and ways of the Father while on the earth, but now we see the Son of God reflect the brilliance of the essence of God in His power and glory.

After John receives the messages to deliver to the seven churches, he then sees the throne room of God Himself, “The One who sat on the throne looked like precious stones, like jasper and carnelian. All around the throne was a rainbow the color of an emerald…Lightning flashes and noises and thunder came from the throne. Before the throne seven lamps were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was something that looked like a sea of glass, clear like crystal.”  (Revelation 4:3,5-6 NCV)

During the reign of Solomon, he attempted to build a throne that was awe inspiring and set him apart from the people. There may be glorious thrones on earth, but none that compare to the throne of God. What we see is that God reigns in power, majesty, glory and brilliance.

Another important aspect of heaven is that God is not alone. Heaven is filled with angels around the throne, the seven spirits of God that go throughout the earth, the four “living creatures” and we see the twenty-four elders.

The four living creatures call out in worship before the throne, “Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. He was, he is, and he is coming.” (Rev. 4:8 NCV)

The twenty-four elders lay down their crowns and they cry out, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you made all things. Everything existed and was made, because you wanted it.” (Rev. 4:11 NCV)

It is interesting that the first book of the Bible and the last book of the Bible, affirm God as creator and sustainer of all things. God is a God of plan, purpose and destiny. We see that for the world and we can understand that for every individual.

As you review these descriptions of the glory of the risen Christ and God the Father, allow your heart and mind to be lifted in praise and to picture yourself in the awesome presence of our glorious Lord.

This morning I enjoyed another meeting with a Long Term Care Hospital executive. It is always interesting to learn more about the inside processes and challenges in heath care at all levels.

After lunch with my mom, I had an afternoon massage. That was welcome after my workout yesterday. By the time I returned home, I was ready for a nap, before working on some other projects.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… You ask, “How have we tired him?” You did it by saying, “The Lord thinks anyone who does evil is good, and he is pleased with them.” Or you asked, “Where is the God who is fair?” Malachi 2:17 NCV

Malachi is one of the more interesting prophetic books. It is a question and answer discourse. It is like an interrogation or accounting of word and actions. What we see is in the attitudes and questions of the people they were “putting God on trial.” Their questions revealed a doubt about God’s love and questioning of God’s ways. But in the process the questions that revealed doubt and were used to excuse sinful behavior became “tiring” to God

The Lord was “getting weary” of their rebellion and the attitudes of His people. But in the words of those from thousands of years ago we see a reflection of the attitudes of many today.

The first one is expressed in believing that God is unfair, primarily because of the presence and seemingly toleration of evil. They had the attitude that, “God thinks anyone who does evil is good…” How often we see many who become resentful toward God because they can’t reconcile the “presence of evil with a God of love.” The irony is that they want God to judge to evil in the most wicked individuals, but not judge the wickedness in their own life.

We see that throughout time the Lord in His mercy and everlasting love has provided an opportunity for people to change their lives, confess and repent of their wickedness. But we do see God’s judgment does come on individuals, groups and nations.

We can be thankful for the Lord’s compassion that doesn’t wipe us all from the face of the earth. Jeremiah declared, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed…” (Lamentations 3:22 NIV) The psalmist asked the question, “LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” (Psa. 103:3 NLT)

We see another expression of “terrible things” the people said about God that echo to our present day.  “You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. It did no good to obey his laws and to show the Lord All-Powerful that we were sorry for what we did.” (Malachi 3:14 NCV)

What happens when what God does and allows doesn’t meet with our expectations When we have more trouble and hardships than are “fair”? What do we do when we see evil triumph over good and when we see the innocent suffer for the guilty? For many they conclude that it is “useless to serve the Lord.” Like the Children of Israel in the wilderness that grew tired of the provision of manna, they grow tired to the Lord’s mercy and patience.

In doing so, we see an attitude of expectation of God serving people, instead of people committed to serving the Lord. This was especially interesting for those original recipients of Malaci’s words. They lived in a day when Kings ruled in the land and people were expected to be loyal regardless of the decisions and conduct of the King. But the honor the people gave to human leaders they did not give to  God.

We see this reflected in the Lord’s interrogation of the people, The Lord All-Powerful says, “A son honors his father, and a servant honors his master.” I am a father, so why don’t you honor me? I am a master, so why don’t you respect me? (Malachi 1:6 NCV)

Our call is to trust God, not try God. We are called to submit to God and not expect Him to accommodate His plan and character to our limited understanding. The Bible says, “…how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!“ (Romans 11:33 NLT) If God’s ways are impossible to understand we need to accept that. We rest in His love, mercy and justice. His promise through Malachi to the people was this,

“…The names of those who honored the Lord and respected him were written in his presence in a book to be remembered. The Lord All-Powerful says, “They belong to me; on that day they will be my very own. As a parent shows mercy to his child who serves him, I will show mercy to my people. You will again see the difference between good and evil people, between those who serve God and those who don’t.”  (Malachi 3:16-18 NCV)

We should all be seek to be those who are among those who are known to honor and respect the Lord, to be those who will be found faithful in the day the Lord returns and makes a clear distinction between those who belong to Him and serve Him and those who don’t.

I attended the Larimer County Republican breakfast this morning and was surprised to see my friend Ryan Frazier. He was equally surprised to see me outside of Jefferson County. Ryan has recently announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate and will be an excellent candidate.

This afternoon, I had a good workout at the fitness center. It was intense but hopefully beneficial. This evening I begin to teach a four week series at our Monday night men’s meeting at Timberline Church.

The “Respite Ball” Debbie and I attended on Saturday evening was a successful event. I have been to a lot of fundraising banquets, but I never have been to one where over $300,000 in donations was raised in one night. Debbie and I enjoyed meeting some people at our table from our neighborhood and visiting with State Representative Jenny Arndt from Fort Collins.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Then the Lord will be king over the whole world. At that time there will be only one Lord, and his name will be the only name.”  Zechariah 14:9 NCV

It is an advantage having the “Books” of the Bible as we do today. We are able to see the span of time covered in the revelation of God’s redemptive plan and “connect the dots.” As the Old Testament prophet Zechariah spoke God’s message about the Lord restoring His people to the Holy City and the land of Israel, it would have appeared that all those events would happen in the same context of time.

But as we see the events that have taken place and those that have not, we realize that Zechariah was “seeing” events that are still to take place as the Lord brings total and complete restoration of His plan and purpose for His people of all nations, for all time.

In the final chapters of Zechariah we see the future day of the Lord indicated with the words, “at that time.” Here are some observations.

The promise of divine protection. “At that time the Lord will protect the people in Jerusalem…. At that time I will go to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.” (Zechariah 12:8,9 NCV) We see in Revelation that description of a final assault on God’s people, “Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16 NIV)

The promise of salvation. “At that time a fountain will be open for David’s descendants and for the people of Jerusalem to cleanse them of their sin and uncleanness.” (Zech 13:1 NCV)

The removal of false and misleading prophets. “At that time the prophets will be ashamed of their visions and prophecies.” (Zech. 13:4 NCV)

The Lord’s sovereignty over time and earth. “On that day there will be no light, cold, or frost. There will be no other day like it, and the Lord knows when it will come. There will be no day or night; even at evening it will still be light.” (Zech. 14:6,7 NCV)

We see when Jesus’ disciples ask him about when certain events would take place He responded, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.“ (Acts 1:7 NIV) We also see in Revelation the description of God’s eternal home. “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light…” (Revelation 22:5 NIV)

The promise of life giving water. “At that time fresh water will flow from Jerusalem. Half of it will flow east to the Dead Sea, and half will flow west to the Mediterranean Sea. It will flow summer and winter.“ (Zech. 14:8 NCV) We see a similar description from the prophet Ezekiel and in Revelation, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Rev. 22:1 NIV)

The Lord will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “…At that time there will be only one Lord, and his name will be the only name.” (Zech. 14:9 NCV) We see the description of the coming King in Revelation, “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (Rev. 19:16 NCV)

The proclamation of praise at everywhere.  “At that time the horses’ bells will have written on them: holy to the lord.”  (Zech. 14:20 NCV) The one dominate theme of God’s presence is continual worship and recognition of the holiness of the Lord. We see in Revelation the cries from the God’s throne of Holy, Holy, Holy. We see the verses that describe the culmination of the reign of the Lord in the anthem of praise in Revelation that declares, “…and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: “The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15 NLT)

With these and other declarations in the Old Testament, we see the God’s “time” has not experienced ultimate fulfillment. We see the parallel in the words of Jesus, the apostles and Revelation about the ultimate plan of God that will take place in His time and through His divine power.

That calls us to serve Him with full commitment, patience and devotion understanding “that time” maybe in “our time.”

Today was a busy day. I headed to church for an early morning meeting and then helped with the “Grief Share” class. After the class, I went to Denver to pick up my mom to attend the 90th Birthday celebration for a cousin of my father’s.

Cortland Rybicka was one of my dad’s cousins who farmed for years in Stasburg. My father always enjoyed connecting with him and my father actually worked for Cortland’s father (my dad’s uncle) in the early years of my parent’s marriage. It was good to see some of my aunts and uncles and other more distant family members. “Corty” has always been supportive of my political service, even going back to my years on the Stasburg School Board.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I will save my people from countries in the east and west.  I will bring them back, and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their good and loyal God.” Zechariah 8:7,8 NCV

As Zachariah prophesies about the the future of the Holy City, He promises to be to the people what they had not been to Him. The Lord says that His people will once again be identified with Him. They will no longer to the outcasts, aliens and slaves. God’s people had been anything but “good” and “loyal.”

Their evil actions impacted individual lives, families and a nation. They lived immoral lives, cheating each other fighting each other and following the ways and worship of evil nations. They were so disoriented in their actions they only fooled themselves.

“The Lord All-Powerful spoke his word to me, saying, “Tell the priests and the people in the land: ‘For seventy years you fasted and cried in the fifth and seventh months, but that was not really for me.  And when you ate and drank, it was really for yourselves.” (Zechariah 7:4-6 NCV)

Even though they had their annual rituals and religious observances, they were more self-centered than God-centered. They were more to appease their own conscious than to please God. This challenges us in our own lives and worship. Do we live and worship and commit to spiritual disciplines to truly please the Lord and obey Him; or is it to make ourselves “feel good?”

The Lord challenged the people that periodic worship was not what He wanted, but a devotion that was reflected in the daily character and conduct of their lives. “This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘Do what is right and true. Be kind and merciful to each other.  Don’t hurt widows and orphans, foreigners or the poor; don’t even think of doing evil to somebody else.’ (Zechariah 7:9,10 NCV)

As the Lord promises to restore the land to people, He pictures people who would enjoy long and prosperous lives and a place where children freely laugh and play (Zech. 8:4,5), it is clear that it is due to the Lord’s goodness and loyalty to His people.

This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: “I have a very strong love for Jerusalem. My strong love for her is like a fire burning in me.” (Zechariah 8:2 NCV)

Just as fires of judgment cannot be quench, neither can the “fire” of God’s love for His people. This imagery is not what we normally relate to love, but it is significant because it shows how strong and encompassing is the love of the Lord. Perhaps this gives insight into the writer of Hebrews when he says, “…since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28,29 NIV) The “fire” of God’s love accomplishes its goal just as much the “fire” of judgment.

What seems impossible or difficult for us to image, is not outside the realm of God’s love in action. “Those who are left alive then may think it is too difficult to happen, but it is not too difficult for me,” says the Lord All-Powerful.“ (Zechariah 8:6 NCV)

We can be thankful in our lives today, that the Lord accomplishes His purposes for His people. We may not understand how it will happen and may doubt that it can happen; but what the Lord purposes will come to pass. He does so, not because of our goodness, but out of His goodness and His loyalty to His character and promise.

This morning I had a workout session with my athletic trainer. The fitness center has new equipment I am looking forward to using, but will need to get much stronger before I can take advantage of it. This evening Debbie and I will attend a formal event known as the “Respite Ball.” This is the main fundraising event for Fort Collins with a focus on providing “take away” for caregivers of those with developmental disabilities.

Yesterday I mentioned attending a site tour for oil and gas production. It is actually my second tour in the past two months. It has been interesting to learn more of the specifics about these operations.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Shout and be glad, Jerusalem. I am coming, and I will live among you,” says the Lord. “At that time people from many nations will join with the Lord and will become my people. Then I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord All-Powerful has sent me to you.” Zechariah 2:10,11 NCV

It is interesting that both Haggai and Zechariah prophesied at the same time. It was during the second year of King Darius. The Lord was beginning to restore God’s people to Jerusalem and the land of Israel. We see the the people were ready for captivity to come to an end but to return to Jerusalem, it had to be the right time and they had to be the right people.

“…This is what the Lord All-Powerful says: ‘Return to me, and I will return to you..” (Zech. 1:3 NCV) The prophet Haggai spoke and said to those in Jerusalem, “You look for much, but you find little. When you bring it home, I destroy it. Why?” asks the Lord All-Powerful. “Because you all work hard for your own houses while my house is still in ruins!”  (Haggai 1:9 NCV)

So we see the Lord using the people in Jerusalem to get ready and begin to rebuild the Temple, while Zechariah spoke to those in Babylon and told them to “get themselves ready.” The Lord was looking for a “new” people to inhabit a “new” Temple and Jerusalem. In place of desolation and want, there would be plenty and people from all nations would dwell in Jerusalem and it would know the presence of the Lord.

The Lord shows Zechariah’s visions of horses and horns in revealing the spiritual activity of angels that was taking place to bring about their urn to Jerusalem. He was letting the people know that the nations (symbolized by the horns) that had punished Jerusalem and God’s people would now be punished by God.

The visions and words we find in Zechariah remind us of the words of Revelation. We see Revelation open with a vision of the glory of the resurrected Christian followed by four horses. We see animals with horns representing nations that will come against God’s people and we see the promise of the fulfillment of God’s plan when “God will be among His people.”

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:2,3 NIV)

Just as  God was using Zechariah and Haggai to prepare God’s people and God’s place we see that there is a place for God’s people being prepared, not by man but by God. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you…” (John 14:1) Our challenge and commitment is to be the people of God who are prepared and anticipating to be in the place where God is preparing for us and where He will dwell among His people.

That preparation requires us to live with God’s perspective and priorities in mind. The Lord spoke through Haggai and said, ‘The people say the right time has not come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.’” (Haggai 1:2 NCV) We must see our world and our lives as God sees. That requires staying close to Him and not just settling for business and life as usual. We are called to live now with the future in mind. Just as the Lord is preparing a place, we must be a prepared people, being faithful and patient until the coming of the Lord and fulfillment of His promise.

This morning the Larimer Energy Action Project that I am helping lead, conducted an orientation and site tour courtesy of Great Western Oil and Gas. Great Western were gracious hosts and took time to explain the procedures and processes involved in oil and natural gas development. We then toured a drilling site to see operations firsthand.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Show mercy to some people who have doubts. Take others out of the fire, and save them. Show mercy mixed with fear to others, hating even their clothes which are dirty from sin.” Jude 22,23 NCV

Jude writes to believers and tells them to,  “fight hard for the faith.” The reason for this is not the attacks from the godless and unbelieving; it is from those claiming faith that are bringing confusion. Jude was going to write about the “salvation we all share” but he realized that all did not share in the salvation that comes from Christ.

Those who were “warring” against the faith were those who “secretly entered your group.” Jude goes on and condemns these people in the following words, “They are against God and have changed the grace of our God into a reason for sexual sin. They also refuse to accept Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord.” (Jude 4 NCV) It is difficult to view those who act as if they are “for” God to actually be “against” God by the positions they hold and the actions of their life.

In this context, Jude provides encouragement on how to remain strong in “personal” faith; but he also instructs that those who are faithful to Christ have a responsibility to others.

When confusion comes within the ranks of believers, Jude says it is important to show these people mercy. For a time or season, they may be “lead astray” by charismatic personalities and convincing arguments. When they understand the error of their ways, it is important for them to be treated with mercy. That is after all how the Lord responds to us.

Others may find their spiritual lives in danger. Their conduct is placing them at risk of God’s judgment. Jude says those who are fighting for the faith, need to take actions and Take others out of the fire, and save them. When someone, cannot in their own volition take actions that are in their best interests, then someone needs to help them make the right decision.

The third group Jude identifies seems to be those responsible for the false teaching and being the “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Jude says, they are to be give mercy, but to do so with caution. In other words, “don’t allow Christian love and compassion, to lead to compromise.”

I recall on leader giving the perspective of reconciliation and pointing out that there is a difference between forgiveness and showing mercy and trust. It seem this is the position of Jude when he says, “Show mercy mixed with fear….hating even their clothes which are dirty from sin.” It can sound trite or “Pollyannish” but we are called to value the individual, without showing approval for their sinful actions.

It is interesting the the “oath of office” for elected official in the U.S. includes the words, “defending….the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.” We don’t like to think of enemies of our nation being “among us” and the same is true for the family of believers. When we fight for the faith, it means we are on guard against the forces that wage war against our faith, trust and obedience to God both from outside and inside the Church.

This morning I made an early trip to Lakewood, leaving home at 5:30 a.m. I was surprised how many cars were on the road traveling to Denver at that time of day. I was headed to a meeting of Lakewood Republicans at Foothills Golf Course. This is a group that I regularly attended during my legislative days. It was my first time since moving to Fort Collins that I was able to join the group. I shared about my West Nile Virus journey.

While in Lakewood I had the opportunity to connect with my son, Christian and then visit my mother in Englewood.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God is strong and can help you not to fall. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and can give you great joy.  He is the only God, the One who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24,25 NCV

Often times a pastor will have a plan for a sermon and in the midst of that plan, realize that there is another message of importance and timeliness. That is what we see in this short letter from the Apostle Jude. In his words he says, “I wanted very much to write you about the salvation we all share. But I felt the need to write you about something else: I want to encourage you to fight hard for the faith that was given the holy people of God once and for all time.” (Jude 3 NCV)

Jude then explains that there are those who desire to influence believers by teaching that “grace gives license to sin.” Jude is straight forward in explaining his feelings about these people and uses examples about  Sodom and Gomorrah, fallen angels and even the words of Enoch about the impact of these people and their danger to true believers.

Jude admonishes believers to hold on to their faith, by a lifestyle that avoids godlessness. I was asked in my meeting this morning, “what does repentance really means?” We see that it involves a changed life style where what I have done, I don’t do and what I didn’t do, I now do. It also means that I remain true to that commitment to live a life in obedience to Christ and His ways.

As Jude closes his letter, he provides some great words of encouragement. He lets those who are faithful to know that “God can keep you strong.” The “downward” inertia of this world and the influence of others and our carnal nature can be great. The battle we fight, the life we live, must be done with the strength that comes from the Lord. When we depend on His strength, He keeps us strong….we won’t fall.

Judge also instructs believers to use their faith for strength by Holy Spirit empowered prayer.“…use your most holy faith to build yourselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 20 NCV)

Jude also reminds of the sustaining power of  God’s love and mercy. ^“Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ with his mercy to give you life forever.” (Jude 21 NCV)

Jude speaks of a day of victory and celebration when he says, “He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and can give you great joy.”  (Jude 24 NCV) Note that he says, “God can bring you…” It is not our own strength or ability but that which comes from God that gives us the assurance and pleasure found in God’s presence.

The final words of this letter remind us of the power of praise, “To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” (Jude 25 NCV) As we affirm and declare who God is the presence of God’s Spirit in our life in turn provides us strength.