DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Compassion~

Jesus Wept - Christian Genesis - Daily Devotional

 

  John 11:35 (KJV) –
“Jesus wept.”


💧 The Tears of God: Compassion in Its Purest Form

Two words. One eternal truth. “Jesus wept.” In this moment, the Son of God—who holds power over death—stood beside grieving friends and let His tears fall. Not because He lacked strength, but because He possessed perfect love. Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, yet He chose to enter the sorrow of others. His tears were not weakness—they were divine empathy.

This is the heart of our Savior: not distant, not indifferent, but deeply moved by human pain. He weeps with us. He walks with us. He understands our grief, our confusion, our longing. And in His compassion, He shows us how to live.

To follow Jesus is to carry this same heart. A heart that pauses for others. That listens. That weeps. That lifts. Whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to reflect His love—not just in words, but in presence. In every act of kindness, every moment of understanding, we echo the tears of Christ.


Supportive Scriptures (KJV)

  • Hebrews 4:15 — “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…”
  • Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…”
  • Romans 12:15 — “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
  • Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Reflective Question

When was the last time I allowed myself to feel deeply for someone else—not to fix, but simply to be present?


🙏 Prayer

“LORD-Thank You for showing us that compassion is holy. That tears are sacred. That love is not distant, but near. Help us to carry Your heart into every moment—to weep with those who weep, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to walk gently with those in pain. May we never be too busy to care, too proud to feel, or too hardened to love. Shape us into vessels of Your mercy and let our lives reflect the tenderness of Your tears. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I find Joy In You & Your Love~

The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength!

  “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Loving the LORD in Today’s Times and Always

In Nehemiah’s day, the people had just rediscovered the law of God after years of exile and spiritual drought. Their hearts were pierced with conviction, yet the prophet reminded them that sorrow was not the final word—joy in the LORD was their refuge and renewal.

Today, in a world of shifting values, noise, and uncertainty, this truth remains unshaken. Joy in the LORD is not fleeting happiness or circumstantial ease—it is a deep, abiding gladness anchored in His presence, promises, and peace. To love the LORD in modern times is to choose sacred stillness over chaos, truth over trends, and grace over grievance. It is to delight in Him not just when life is gentle, but especially when it is not.

Loving the LORD always means remembering that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His joy is not a luxury—it is our lifeline. It strengthens us to endure, to forgive, to hope, and to worship even when the world feels heavy.

Reflective Meditation  

O my soul, rejoice in thy Maker. Though the earth be troubled and the nations roar, The LORD is thy portion and thy praise. He hath clothed thee with gladness and girded thee with peace. Let not thy heart be cast down, for the joy of the LORD is thy strength. Lift up thine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh thy help. Thy help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Rest in Him, delight in Him, and be glad in thy God.

“Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the joy that is found in Thee alone. When my heart is weary and my path uncertain, Thou art my strength and my song. Teach me to delight in Thy Word, To rejoice in Thy goodness, And to abide in Thy peace. Let Thy joy be my shield and my song, That I may walk uprightly and worship Thee with gladness. Bless my household with Thy presence, And let Thy joy overflow in every room, every heart, and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Jennifer – A Light That Still Shines~

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🌟 In Loving Memory of Jennifer Woodley


A Woman of the Word, A Light to the World

Jennifer Woodley was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, chaplain, daughter, sibling, and friend—she was a Godly woman, radiant with the love of the Lord. Her life was a living testimony to the power of scripture, not merely studied but embodied in every breath, every word, every act of compassion.

Across oceans and time zones, her presence was felt—warm, wise, and unwavering. She was a spiritual mentor whose encouragement reached far beyond her physical reach. Her charm, wit, grace, and vibrance were unmistakable, yet it was her gentle strength and deep faith that made her unforgettable.


📖 A Heart Anchored in the Word

Jennifer’s love for God was the heartbeat of her life. She delighted in the Word—not just reading it, but diving deep, mining its truths, and allowing it to shape her every thought and action. Scripture was her compass, her comfort, and her joy. She often said that the Bible was not just a book—it was her lifeline, her daily bread, her source of wisdom and peace.

She didn’t keep this treasure to herself. As a school chaplain, Jennifer poured out her love for God into the hearts of children. She taught them not only Bible stories, but how to walk with Jesus, how to pray, how to listen for His voice. Her classroom was a sanctuary, her presence a reflection of Christ’s gentleness and joy. Children gravitated toward her because they sensed something holy, something safe, something real.


🤝 A Life of Fellowship and Humility

Jennifer loved fellowshipping about God every chance she got. Whether in church, over tea, or through messages across the ocean, she was always ready to speak of His goodness. Her conversations were rich with scripture, layered with grace, and filled with encouragement. She never sought attention or accolades—she simply wanted to glorify the Lord and uplift others.

Her humility was striking. Though she was wise, articulate, and spiritually mature, she carried herself with a pristine gentleness. She never boasted, never demanded, never judged. She lived with quiet dignity, always pointing others to Jesus rather than herself. Her life was a sermon—unspoken but unmistakable.


🌈 A Crown Well Earned

Even as she faced medical challenges, Jennifer never complained. She bore her suffering with grace, always giving glory to God.

She clung to the promise of Romans 8:18: –“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

And she lived by the hope of 2 Corinthians 4:17: –“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Now, Jennifer has received her crown of righteousness, as promised in 2 Timothy 4:7–8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”


🙏 A Prayer of Thanks

“LORD, we thank You for the life of Jennifer Woodley—a woman whose heart- beat in rhythm with Yours. Thank You for the wisdom she shared, the comfort she gave, and the light she carried. We are grateful for her friendship, her mentorship, and her unwavering faith.

Thank You for the children she nurtured, the friends she encouraged, and the Word she lived so beautifully. May her legacy continue to inspire us to live boldly for You. May her crown shine as a testimony to a race well run. And may we, one day, rejoice with her in eternal glory.

Until we meet again, dear Jennifer—rest in the arms of the Savior you loved so deeply. You are missed, cherished, and celebrated, always.

Enjoy the feast with the Lamb – you earned your crown my dear friend – and humble servant of the LORD.

In Jesus name, Amen.

On a personal note –
Jennifer, I know you are in the Presence of the One you loved so deeply, reaping the eternal rewards of a life well lived. I am happy and celebrate you going home in glory, but I miss you already.
I will miss our weekly emails that made me laugh and smile so wide. I will miss your wisdom and unparalleled wisdom in the LORD and scripture.
I will miss your encouragement, your compassion and your valued input and insight. Sunday’s will never quite be the same without your email from Australia sitting in my mailbox. But I am so grateful that God gave me such a gift as your friendship for 15 years. I was blessed and honored to have known you. Losing a loved one is hard, and losing such a close friend hurts to the core, but brings me joy, again knowing where you are, and out of pain and in peace. Thank you for being my friend, colleague, and spiritual sister. You were the best of the best.
And now – I bid you a loving and heartfelt adieu my kind sweet friend.
I will never forget you – and WILL see you again.
Lots of love,
Me~

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: We Are Sheltered In Your Strength & Love~

God's Presence - The Witness

 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” —
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)


🌄 Reflection:

Before the world stirs, before the demands of the day rise up, we pause and remember: God is our refuge. Not a distant fortress, but a near and loving shelter. Not just strength for the strong, but strength for the weary, the uncertain, the burdened.

Psalm 46:1 doesn’t promise a trouble-free life—it promises a God who is very present in the midst of it. That “very” is no accident. It’s the heartbeat of Divine nearness. Whether we face quiet anxieties or loud disruptions, He is not just aware—He is active, attentive, and able.

So, this morning, and all throughout the day and night – we don’t need to brace ourselves alone. We lean into the refuge. We draw from His strength. We walk forward not in fear, but in faith.

We know that He is with us through it all. The circumstances in life may be brimming with heartache, pain and odds that seem hopeless – but with God – all things are possible, and He is the Master of the Universe and in control of ALL.

Trust Him and lean into Him – and know that He is working at the helm, 24 hours a day and ultimately – He wants what is best for us – His children.

Isn’t that a comfort knowing He is with us always?

Have a blessed day my brothers and sisters.

🙏 Prayer:

LORD thank You for being our refuge. Thank You for being near—not just in theory, but in truth. When trouble stirs, let us run to You first. When strength fails, let us draw from Yours. Be our peace, our protector, and our provider today. We trust You with every moment, and we welcome Your Presence into every space. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Eternal Truth~

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“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” —
Psalm 119:160 (ESV)

 


Eternal Truth: 

The Hebrew word for “true” here — emeth — implies faithfulness, reliability, and certainty. It’s not simply factual truth, but life-altering truth, the kind that grounds souls and reshapes hearts.

  Supporting Scriptures

  • Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
  • Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
  • John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God…”

These scriptures echo the same truth: God’s Word doesn’t merely survive—it reigns.

Christianity Today

In a time when voices compete for moral authority, and truth often bends to popularity or convenience, Psalm 119:160 stands as a pillar. Christians today wrestle with shifting social norms, emerging ideologies, and digital noise — yet the Word remains true. It’s both an anchor and compass, guiding believers through uncertainty with clarity and conviction.

Across generations, from the prophets to reformers to everyday saints today, the righteous judgments of God have held firm, offering justice to the oppressed, mercy to the repentant, and wisdom to the seeking.

 Reflective Questions

  • What parts of God’s Word have sustained you through trials?
  • Are there areas where you’re tempted to compromise truth for ease?
  • How can you pass on the enduring truth of Scripture to the next generation?
  • What “righteous judgment” of God do you most cherish right now?

 


‘LORD -God, You are the beginning and the end, and Your Word is the heartbeat of eternity. Thank You for speaking truth into chaos and light into our path. Let Your judgments stir our conscience and awaken our faith. Help us cling to Your Word when the world feels unstable. May our lives reflect the unchanging beauty of Your promises. In Jesus’ everlasting name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: When The Waters Rise, Your Light Remains~

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Isaiah 43:2 KJV-
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.


There are moments when sorrow feels like a flood—relentless, unyielding, and deep. grief swells, memories sting, and the weight of what was lost threatens to pull us under. Yet even in that place, God speaks. not from the shore, but from within the waters.

His Presence does not always remove the storm, but it redefines it. He walks with us through the rivers that should have swept us away. He stands beside us in fires that should have consumed us. His love is not distant—it is embedded in the very elements that threaten us.

When we feel like we are drowning, His light does not dim-it pierces the depths. It illuminates the dark places of our hearts where hope has grown silent. God’s light is not fragile. It is not a candle in the wind. It is a flame that the waters cannot quench.

To stand firm in faith is not to feel strong. it is to choose to believe that God is strong enough for both of us. It is to lean into His promises when our own strength fails. It is to trust that even in the darkest night, the light of Christ still shines—not just around us, but within us.

❓ Reflective question

When have you felt most overwhelmed, and yet found a whisper of God’s Presence in the depths?

Supporting scripture 

  • Psalm 18:28 –For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
  • Psalm 34:18 -The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:6 -For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

“LORD- when the waters rise and my strength fails, be my Anchor, when sorrow surrounds me, let Your light break through the darkness. I do not ask for the storm to end, but for Your presence to be felt within it, remind me that you have walked through fire and flood before me, You are not afraid of my tears, nor distant from my pain, let Your love be the ground I stand on, even when everything else shifts. shine in my heart, LORD, until hope rises again. In Jesus Christ, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Refuge That Never Fails

Say To The Lord “My Refuge”

 

Psalm 9:9 (NLT) – The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.


Reflection and Tribute:

There’s a quiet strength pulsing through this verse. It speaks not to the triumphant or self-sufficient, but to the worn, the heavy-hearted, the ones pressed by life’s weight. The Lord isn’t just a distant observer—He is a shelter. A place. A Presence. Not symbolic, but real. Not theoretical, but tangible. In the times when trouble presses in, this verse assures us that God leans closer.

The word “oppressed” here can echo through generations—the exploited, the grieving, the anxious, the weary. It’s the soul caught in affliction without relief. And yet, it is precisely here that God reveals His character. He is not ashamed to be the refuge for the hurting. He doesn’t flinch from our brokenness. He becomes the safe haven where healing begins.

As Christians, we are called to mirror that refuge. To shelter others in love, to be extensions of God’s compassion. But first, we must learn to run to Him ourselves—honestly, humbly, even tearfully. Unconditional love flows freely when we trust that we are first and always loved.

This verse is not just comfort—it’s commission. To lean into Him during our own trials, and from that shelter, offer grace to others still searching for their safe place.


Reflective Questions:

  • When do I instinctively try to carry burdens alone instead of seeking God’s shelter?
  • How does God’s refuge reshape the way I respond to others in distress?
  • In what area of my life do I most need to remember that God is my refuge?

Supporting Verses:

  • Psalm 46 verse 1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
  • Isaiah 25 verse 4 – You have been a refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm.
  • Matthew 11 verses 28 to 30 – Come to Me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest.
  • Proverbs 18 verse 10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it.
  • Nahum 1 verse 7 – The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.

 

“LORD, You are the shelter that never crumbles, the refuge that doesn’t require strength to enter. Thank You for welcoming us not when we’re strong, but when we’re overwhelmed and aching. Let us learn to abide with You—not just visit. Shape our hearts with Your protection and peace. And as You shelter us, teach us to be shelter-bearers for others. May our love echo Yours—in quiet strength, enduring hope, and gentle truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Calling Us To Be Set Apart & Shine~

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“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT)


In a world of blurred boundaries and diluted convictions, this verse pierces the noise with divine clarity. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, issues a call not merely to retreat, but to reorient—to live in alignment with the holiness of God.

To “come out from among them” isn’t an endorsement of isolation, judgment, or superiority. It is an invitation to purity in presence, integrity in intention, and distinction in devotion. The phrase reminds us that while we are in the world, we are not meant to be conformed by it. Our identity is found not in assimilation, but consecration.

Today, the “unbelievers” might not just refer to people who deny faith—but to systems, habits, ideologies, and lifestyles that contradict the heart of God. It includes false doctrine, and the traditions of men—those teachings cloaked in religious language but empty of Christ’s truth.

Many churches elevate clever theories, diluted gospels, and man-made rules above the voice of Jesus Himself. They teach what He never said, leading people into confusion, performance, or spiritual passivity, and endless fear that if they don’t do things” the church’s way” they will perish in a lake of fire – and commit unpardonable sins. The only unpardonable sin, as Jesus states is to “blaspheme the Holy Spirit…”(Matthew 12-31, Mark 3:28-29, Luke 12:10 address this fully by Christ Himself!)

 I have seen and heard people absolutely miserable with “fear” about not doing things according to their church beliefs.  I mean scared and living lives like slaves in fear. When in fact it’s the enemy whispering lies to them, flooding them into submission of stagnation and unjustified anguish!  There is no fear in perfect love – (1 John 4:18)

Christ is not the Author of “Fear” and “Torment”  or “Chaos”-

He is the Author of Peace, Love, and order.

Jesus warned us repeatedly in the Gospels: “Do not be deceived.” In Matthew 7, He says many will claim to speak in His name—but He never knew them. Revelation declares that false churches will rise, dazzling the world but deceiving the soul. To come out from among them is to reject the comfortable counterfeit and embrace the costly, living Word.

We honor God in this era by refusing to let culture—or compromised religion—define truth for us. The Lord desires vessels that reflect Him, not mimic the world or false religion. Our separation is not an escape—it is a testimony. By walking away from deception, we walk toward the voice of the Shepherd. And in doing so, we join the remnant, the called-out ones, the lovers of truth.

He doesn’t leave us abandoned in that separation. He says, “I will welcome you.” That’s the crescendo of grace—rejection by the world means reception by the Father. And being welcomed by God is the highest form of belonging, far more soul-satisfying than fitting in where we don’t spiritually thrive.

To honor the Lord is to guard His Word—holding it with reverence, discernment, and boldness. We don’t follow Christ because it’s convenient. We follow because He is true.

 “Dear LORD of Light and Truth, Set my heart apart for You. In the midst of voices that pull and paths that blur, give me the courage to walk the way You’ve marked. Let my life radiate distinction—not prideful difference, but holy devotion. Teach me to discern what distracts, defiles, and divides me from Your presence. Expose the lies disguised as doctrine and remove the traditions that cloud Your truth. Help me walk away from what no longer aligns with Your calling over me. Welcome me, Father—not because I am flawless, but because I choose You. Let my separation not be isolation, but a demonstration of Your love alive in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Embrace the LORD and His promises – and walk in the Light, and LIVE in His peace and mercy…He DIED for us – so we could do this!  No one else did this for us. No one Just ONE – Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ!  Amen!

DEAR GOD: Teach Us To Have Childlike Faith~

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“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)


This verse stands as a gentle yet powerful rebuke to those who would gatekeep access to Jesus. In context, the disciples were trying to shield Jesus from interruptions, thinking the children were unworthy or insignificant. But Jesus turns that thinking on its head. His words “suffer little children” mean “allow” or “permit” them to come—revealing not just His openness, but His insistence that purity, vulnerability, and trust are essential traits of kingdom citizens.

He elevates the humble state of a child as a model for faith: not one of naivety, but of sincerity, dependence, and open-hearted wonder. Children come without pretense, without pride, with unguarded souls. Jesus doesn’t just accept them; He affirms that the kingdom belongs to those like them.

This wasn’t merely a cultural statement—it was a spiritual declaration. In a society that often undervalued children, Jesus honored them, made space for them, and validated their presence in the divine narrative.

What does this say about our Lord? It paints a radiant portrait of His tenderness and inclusivity. Jesus is not a distant figure waiting for perfect people to approach. He is the Shepherd who welcomes the fragile, the small, the overlooked.

He is the Defender of innocence, the Champion of the humble, the Friend who makes room at the table without judgment or expectation.

His kingdom is not reserved for the elite—it’s designed for those who lean into Him with childlike trust. That’s radical compassion. That’s divine grace.

To apply this verse in our lives is to create spiritual environments where the vulnerable are cherished. It’s teaching our children about God, not just through instruction, but through example—by showing them love, patience, and the joy of faith. It’s also a personal call: return to simplicity, shed the layers of cynicism, and come to Him with open hands.

In communities, it means we fight against exclusion and spiritual elitism. In our hearts, it means we continually make space for the child within us—the part that still believes, hopes, and trusts.

  • If the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, what does it look like for you to embrace simplicity today?
  • Could faith be less about answers and more about trust?
  • Do You trust the LORD in all you do and in all your paths?

When you do, it will be health and prosperity in spirit and body – and His love will embrace your soul – a feeling which is truly indescribable!  (Proverbs 3:5-8)
 

“LORD- We truly thank You for valuing the smallest among us. Teach us to welcome Your Presence with the innocence and openness of a child. Soften our hearts where pride has hardened them. Help us nurture love, trust, and mercy in our lives, and to offer others the same grace You’ve shown us. In Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: We Gird Our Minds With Your Grace~

The Mind of Christ: What it Means for the Believer - Bible Home

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) –“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Girding the Mind: A Call to Prepared Holiness


Intellectual and Personalized Analysis

The phrase “gird up the loins of your mind” evokes vivid imagery: in ancient times, to gird one’s loins meant to tie up the flowing parts of one’s garments to prepare for action, battle, or movement. Translated to a mental posture, Peter exhorts believers to ready their thoughts, shed passivity, and align their intellect with purpose. It is not a casual engagement with faith, but a deliberate one—like a warrior preparing for battle.

In our modern context, distractions abound—news cycles, emotional unrest, fleeting pleasures. To “gird up” now is to exercise mental discipline: to resist the temptation of spiritual apathy, to feed the mind with truth, and to pursue clarity and sobriety in thought.

Sobriety here isn’t just refraining from intoxication; it’s deeper. It’s spiritual attentiveness. It’s being clear-eyed in a foggy world, keeping sight of the grace revealed in Christ. That grace is not only past-tense salvation but the continual unveiling of divine strength in our weaknesses.

Personally, this passage reminds me to recalibrate daily. My thoughts can scatter under pressure. But when I take inventory of where my hope rests, I find stability—not in fleeting success or even my emotional state, but in the living hope unveiled in Jesus. That grace is both future-facing and presently transformative.


Scriptural Support and Echoes

  • Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The parallel here deepens Peter’s call to intellectual vigilance.
  • Ephesians 6:14 – “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” Paul’s imagery connects girding with truth—a weapon for spiritual warfare.
  • Titus 2:12–13 – “…that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…” Sobriety again linked to watchful living, preparing for Christ’s appearing.

Moral Reflections and Thoughtful Questions

  • Are my daily thought patterns aligned with truth, or shaped by fear and culture?
  • Do I treat my faith intellectually—reading, questioning, meditating—or merely emotionally?
  • How do I cultivate a mindset that’s sober yet joyful, prepared yet peaceful?
  • In what ways am I preparing for Christ’s return—not just morally, but mentally?

Holiness is more than moral purity. It’s a mind set apart. And the sharpening of the mind leads to clearer sight of the holy.


Prayer of Alignment and Exaltation

“LORD of Grace and Revelation, we come with minds often cluttered, hearts distracted. Yet You call us to clarity, to preparedness. Teach us to gird the loins of our mind—to resist spiritual laziness, to think deeply, to hope fully. Let sobriety be not heaviness but steadfast joy, a recognition that You are coming again. May our thoughts be anchored in eternity, our hearts settled in Your mercy. Give us strength to refocus, courage to question, and peace to rest in Your truth. We exalt You, LORD the embodiment of grace revealed. Lead us into holy thinking and holy living, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”