The words created a shiver that started at the back of my neck and worked its way down. To my fingers, my toes. Six hours later, those words are still resonating.

"It's time to live like those who cannot die." (Beth Moore, in James, Mercy Triumphs.)

What a challenge! A soul-stirring, nerve-wracking summons. It arouses and frightens me at the same time. I want to do this, but I'm afraid. What if...?

What am I afraid of? Being embarrassed, failing, letting someone down. Bringing shame to those I care about. Dying, physically or emotionally. 

But what if, for a change, I was bold? What if spoke to a stranger about God's love? What if I befriended a homeless woman? Or a prostitute? Or spoke up to a drug dealer? What's the worst that could happen?

Jesus said, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7)

This is wonderful news, dear ones. We don't have to be afraid! Almighty God, who has the power to condemn, has rescued us by the sacrifice of His Son. When we trust in Him, He gives us eternal life. We cannot die.

Forever and ever, we are beloved children of The Great I Am. No matter what happens to our bodies, no matter what the enemy throws at us, we have already passed from death to life.

So what are we afraid of? I want to be bold. I want to obey, no matter the cost. God, help me.

What about you? How would your life change if you lived as one who cannot die?

Monday, October 14, is Thanksgiving Day here in Canada. I've tried to come up with some brilliant piece of writing wisdom to commemorate, but I'm afraid my well literary genius is dry today.

So instead of dazzling you, I'm asking you to spend a moment - or more - to count your blessings. Take some time to consider how God has blessed your life with freedom, abundant beauty, loving relationships, and so on.

I remember a chorus we used to sing in church. "Count your blessings, name them one by one." How long is your list?

Let's not wait to an official holiday to be thankful. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

"In all circumstances" - what does that mean?

It's pretty easy to be thankful when things are pleasant. But when we're trudging through trials...not so much. But it's good. And right. And God knows we can use a little less concentration on our trials and a lot more on him.

Right now, I'm in some pain. No big deal, just the aches that come with age. But when trials become my focus, I forget just how blessed I am. Do you ever do that?

But I have a choice: to feel sorry for myself (I know I do that too much), or I can remember to thank God, who has given me a longer life than I expected. More life, more joy, and more love.

I can still feel pain. That in itself is a blessing. 

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for today?
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