dgraceofgod

Quotable

2009-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

from Ray Ortland

"The key sentence: ". . . but clerics called for their death." Of course. Moral fervor is our deepest evil. When we intend to serve God, but forget to crucify Self moment by moment, we are capable of acting cruelly while feeling virtuous about it.

Let's always beware that delicious feeling that we are the defenders of the holy. Christ is the only Defender of the holy. He defends us from persecutors. He defends us from becoming persecutors. We can take refuge in Him. But that esteem of Him also means we regard ourselves with suspicion, especially when judging another."

Lamenting forward

2009-07-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who has journalled every day for at least 15 years. For the same period of time she has read the word of God and My Utmost for His Highest every morning.
I can't tell you whether her motivation has been duty or delight on any given day.
What I do know is that she has some kind of a record of her days, God's working, and her responses.

My journals by contrast are large gaps, punctuated by sporadic entries. God has not been silent in my life, I've simply been shortsighted and undisciplined in my attempt to capture the rich graces He has poured out on me.

I know that many of my posts are variations on the same theme - but then again - it's all about Him. That is the best news possible.
I had some required vocational reading recently. The author asks the reader to come up with one word that "invariably describes" them.
I struggled - but the choices all rang the same note : "smatterer, dabbler, googler, flitterer" or any other word that describes the person who spreads themselves thinly across many disciplines, friends and causes - and is never truly satisfied.
Randy Alcorn's Facebook entry yesterday started: "We must say no to a thousand good things in order to remain free to say yes to the very few things God calls us to do."
I have known this for sometime. I don't know where to go from here.
If you are reading this and care enough to pray - join me in my pleading that He might show me.

Blindness

2008-03-12T18:47:00.000-07:00

A powerful man resigned his post today
and some of us, stone faced, rejoice
while feeling sorrowful for the "half" of him
who standing with him had no voice

"Hypocrisy, an ugly sin", we blaze
"He thought he stood, but take heed, how he fell"
and then we hear the voice of God break through
"My child, those words apply to you as well"

Sub "Way"

2008-03-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Toques and tams and turbans
headphones and hijabs
bob in broken rhythm
netherworld they stab

No sense of decorum
rush to get a seat
close your eyes or zone out
stare down at your feet

Opening door brings shock waves
in baggy knee length pants
blues the air with language
paranoiac rants

Homeward see a woman
begging on the stairs
one insists on giving
money smiles and prayers

Ancient forlorn female
doors close, left alone
"trains must keep on schedule",
say hearts cold as stone

See it as a skirmish
battle of the tube
seasoned cynics versus
naive small town rubes

Now here safely swaddled
snow our natural fence
cannot judge the people
who act from self defense

Held Back

2008-03-09T17:29:00.001-07:00

In the surreal blue-gray
not fog, but equally nebulous
I thank God for the united front of plows holding us back
In one sense - we're always flying blind
the immediate future totally obscured
despite our sense of cockiness
as we make our "best laid" plans
and then...
thankfully
joyfully
watch
as a Sovereign merciful God
causes them to "go astray"

Well, that was yesterday, and the picture above is this Lord's day.
The sun has risen, and so has the Son!

The island of regret

2008-02-24T17:43:00.001-08:00

I told a few friends this week that I was going to write a book entitled, 'Living on the Island of Regret'
I've decided instead to co-write an Arlo Guthrie style ballad with my buddy Todd (who doesn't know it yet.)
It might go something like this (without the audio you'll have to imagine the tune)

Intro
Lots of my brothers and sisters telling me where to live.
I'm just looking for a ticket off the island of Regret.

1st verse:
A friend took up his residence at 1-10 Kings Kid Court
Gold dust in his bible paid the cost
Another heads for Wormsville, a hairshirt on his back
seems caught up in all the love he's lost

Chorus:
Once I hitched a ride on that good old ship Repentance
thought that was the boats name anyway
Lately I've been thinking maybe pirates have boarded
left me stranded in Delusion Bay.

2nd verse
Heard today that all you need is faith in your believing
where they're teaching that I'd hate to go
There's a gospel train that heads down the wrong side of Charis mountain
lose the feelings and you'll plunge real low

3rd verse
Took a trip to PoMo River where an unchurch had emerged
Left entertained but stuck in deconstruct
Went caving with the Set Apart to see just how they lived
Got shunned for my disorderly conduct

4th verse
Well I've sure muddied the waters with my never-ending search
for fiery fervent fixed fidelity
But His truth cuts through my blindness and paradoxically
when I'm "cross-eyed" His face I'll clearly see.

got any melodic inspiration Todd?
And my dear sister who has agreed to play the bongos, you're on!

Reflections on time spent with nieces

2008-02-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

My nieces came to spend several hours with me today. They are 7 and 9, so it was hardly onerous. They are old enough to occupy themselves, and they are girls so it doesn't involve treating a variety of household articles like softballs. No lamps were broken. I learned a little about the world of Webkins, and they learned as the youngest one said that "cats aren't at all like dogs".
Every time I have this privilege, I reflect on the discipline and sacrifice that I haven't experienced as a result of being childless. I've bought into the deception that my time is my own. My role within the evangelical organization I work for has a degree of autonomy. Most evenings I have no-one telling me how to spend my time.

Discipline ?

2008-01-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

I have known people who professed no trust, belief or delight in God, who were able to give up destructive habits, seemingly permanently with an expressed resolve that was difficult not to admire.
I have read stories of the discipline (ascetic or otherwise) followers of various deluded cult leaders exhibited in pursuit of what most of us would see as irrational objectives.
"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments." Jim Rohn said this.

Paper chains

2008-01-05T16:33:00.001-08:00

Calling all sages to answer a riddle
why is it always when I'm in the middle
of sorting my papers and bobbles and books
and tidying up all my crannies and nooks
I find myself scurrying this way and that
distracted, fragmented,my efforts fall flat
while dreaming of freedom found in a clean slate
I wake up still chained by the clutter I hate.

At home or at work the conundrum remains
I print, copy, sort and start over again.
Some pieces of paper I've handled so much
I'm worried they'll soon fall apart at my touch.
They come out from bins, from baskets and cases
spread out over desks, floors, available spaces
So patiently waiting for my disposition
they welcome with joy each new printed edition.

Then panic ensues, there is company coming
I kick into high gear, all cylinders humming
It all gets heaped back into its hiding place,
It looks like it's vanished without any trace.
There's no fooling me, as I know where it's hiding
I can't shut out ongoing internal chiding
But then joy of joys, I find some time to spare
Will I clean or sort or turn quickly to prayer?

Despite claims of wanting a clean peaceful home,
the answer is obvious; I've written this poem.

a cup of tea

2007-12-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

My mother poured me tea today. It is reported by a reliable source that she swept her floor as well. Perhaps this doesn't impress you. Small labour compared to some.
Over a half century ago, on this very day, she was 'totus sum in', engaged in the business of delivering to the world a gift from God, a precious baby girl.
In all the years that have passed since that day a variety of people have had expectations of my mother. She's been asked to be a certain kind of wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, prayer partner, poet, mentor, customer, neighbour, reporter, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, patient...
I know there were many times she felt she'd missed the mark. She wanted acceptance and approval so badly, and in perverse sinners (like me) that seems to bring out a subtle cruel streak at times. But I can affirm that she was a mother to match all mothers.
Then came the dark years - shades of her own mother's experience, voices, terrors, followed by a perceived silence from God. The rocking of her world moved out in waves, threatening the moorings of other lives as well. And for me, a special message from the enemy, he'd told her that I would lose my faith as well. I emphatically declared the theological impossibility of such a thing, and then suffered doubts in secret on the many days when my trust was clearly anchored in all the wrong things.
Is she still in darkness? I cannot say for certain - she's been altered by so many chemicals and shock induced seizures that she's lost the ability to articulate her thoughts. She smiles occasionally and it isn't the forced grimace of recent years. She has regained her appetite for food, and Christmas Day she participated in a frivolous family game after spending most of the afternoon resting her head on my father's shoulder protected by his embrace.
Still, this is a woman with a soft public persona and a steel resolve. Maybe she's once again summoned up the strength for an Oscar caliber performance - for our sakes.
Either way, what a gift - my mother poured me tea today.
December 26th

Music - what a gift to us!

2006-12-29T18:58:00.000-08:00

I've been blessed recently by listening to some amazing music - by that I mean that I appreciate the composition as well as (and especially) the lyrics.
If you haven't checked these out - might I recommend:

http://www.redmountainchurch.org/rmm/alb/albums.html - a group of church musicians who have recorded several collections of old hymns - many to new arrangements - I especially treasure the CD's - Depth of Mercy, and The Gadsby Project.

http://www.jimspencermusic.com/index.asp - His Faithfulness - The Poetry of Amy Carmichael - which has been set to music by Jim Spencer - you can check out some sound bites at the website.

Today I received an "old friend" in the mail. My favourite CD for some time was Mercy in the Wilderness by Steve Camp - full of great songs for reflection - Christ Died for God, We stand in Grace, the Beauty of Holiness etc. I had purchased it used at Chumleighs without knowing what a treasure I was getting. Then, at some point, I lent it out, but completely forgot who to. I've been looking for a replacement for some time as it is no longer being sold, and last week found someone by googling who had a "nearly mint" copy for a very reasonable price. It was great to listen to the words again tonight.

My dear nephew Andrew also put me on to Indelible Grace music - another group of wise people who have rediscovered the depth of truth in some of the older hymns. I haven't ordered yet, but there is lots to listen to at: http://www.igracemusic.com/

I'm sure this doesn't even scratch the surface of what is available out there in terms of beautiful sound combined with sound meaning.

What are you recommending these days?

Another beautiful covenant union

2006-09-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Glorious

2006-07-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

Came home tonight to this beautiful masterpiece.

God reigns

Abiding in the vine

2006-07-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Brief observation. Monday night a 30 foot "living"
limb from the tree at the back of our yard fell across the tip of our yard, landing largely in the yard of our next door neighbour. At this point only preliminary work has been done to remove it. By Thursday, all the foliage on that limb was dead and turning brown.

How much do we understand about John 15, and the absolute necessity of abiding in the vine?
This was a sobering picture for me.

The Joyful Couple

2006-07-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

My nephew Andrew married his "Rachel" on Saturday July 15th in West Virginia. I was privileged to witness the beautiful ceremony, which included stirring exhortations and encouragements from the father of the groom and the father of the bride. While they were directed specifically to the couple, I certainly benefited from hearing them.
In this picture, they are listening to one of the many speakers who expressed delight over them having made this covenant commitment.
There is nothing as beautiful as a Christian wedding, except maybe a Christian funeral.

My short lived relationship with Tolkien

2006-01-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

After having finally seen L.O.T.R. part 3, I decided to be the last adult in North America to read the books. This seemed fitting to me, my father was the last man in Canada to own a colour TV, my sister the last girl in her high school to get her ears pierced, etc.
Finding myself at the local library one day on business, I checked out the three volumes which make up the 8 books (sorry, I'm a little fuzzy on details). I brought them home with the express intention of a reading marathon.
I read the forward, where I found this interesting comment by Tolkien, "I think that many confuse 'applicability' with 'allegory'; but the one resides in the freedom of the reader, and the other in the purposed domination of the author." I liked that, and it was certainly true that I found much 'applicability' in part 3 of the cinematic coverage.
I'm afraid I didn't get any further. The books have now gone back to the library. They just didn't grab me, I guess timing is everything. Now I've got reading for a course, missionary biographies, Holy War (right Tod?), etc. etc. etc.
I might get to Tolkien in my retirement, except, wait a minute, would that be too much like a shell collection?

Tree fort?

2005-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

In honour of the eve of 2006 I thought I might post. It is 3:30 p.m. and I just finished watching the non-Gwyneth Paltrow version of Emma. The Austen era was certainly (perhaps realistically) cynical about the "church." It would be lovely to see a pastor portrayed as an imperfect shepherd who was certain of the genuine call of God.

So, we have a variety of snacks and delicacies to take us through the day, and threw in an Angus burger cooked on the indoor grill (this time without almost passing out from smoke inhalation.)
I wonder how many Canadian households find themselves attempting to satisfy all their food cravings on this day/night - in order to begin the new year with hope of change.

I was doing some dishes, resolving to come upstairs and get caught up on my bible reading in order to begin the New Year at the beginning. A crazy desire came in to my head. I thought how wonderful it would be to have a platform or primitive tree house high up in the trees - and sit in it bundled up and read my bible while feeling the wind bite (hopefully not seriously) at my cheeks. Do you ever wonder where such ideas come from? We've done absolutely nothing to create privacy (pronounced the British way) in our backyard - we've never been able to justify it, but if someone were to take the decision out of my hands I would love to have a little secret garden. Or so I thought, until today, but obviously my deep seated desire is for a tree fort :o)

May we all be blessed with more hunger for Jesus, and more detachment from worldiness in 2006.

His pleasure and will

2005-06-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

I was sitting in an office yesterday waiting for someone and their calendar picture for June was a very colourful toad/frog of some kind, with the expected huge Marty Feldman eyes. (Side-note - "Marty had received a double-whammy. His nose was mangled in his youthful years in a boxing match; his walleyed orbs were the result of both a hyperactive thyroid and a botched operation after a car accident before his 30th birthday, in 1963.")
Anyway, I was thinking about the fact that God made that amphibian for His pleasure. Even the way that he fits into the food chain/ life cycle is ultimately for God's pleasure. The frog exists because God willed that He should - therefore he is not the Captain of his fate.
Another side-note:

Elizabeth Bishop - The Unbeliever

He sleeps on the top of a mast. - Bunyan

He sleeps on the top of a mast
with his eyes fast closed.
The sails fall away below him
like the sheets of his bed,
leaving out in the air of the night the sleeper's head.

Asleep he was transported there,
asleep he curled
in a gilded ball on the mast's top,
or climbed inside
a gilded bird, or blindly seated himself astride.

"I am founded on marble pillars,"
said a cloud. "I never move.
See the pillars there in the sea?"
Secure in introspection
he peers at the watery pillars of his reflection.

A gull had wings under his
and remarked that the air
was "like marble." He said: "Up here
I tower through the sky
for the marble wings on my tower-top fly."

But he sleeps on the top of his mast
with his eyes closed tight.
The gull inquired into his dream,
which was, "I must not fall.
The spangled sea below wants me to fall.
It is hard as diamonds; it wants to destroy us all."

Back to the toad. I was led to dwell on the fact that I also was made for God's pleasure and will. (same thing actually - 2307-thelema)
Isn't it strange - we know this - but there are so many different levels of knowing. The fact that my flesh can so easily convince me
that I am the centre of the universe...
In my usual googling tangent I've lost sight of what I was hoping to communicate.

So...God has also given some the ability to write poetry - for example my young "brother" Todd.
It is a marvelous gift - and whenever it captures even a smidgeon of truth - it brings Him glory.
(What is the smallest unit of measure for truth ? A smidgeon? An iota? )

I hope to do a study on the use of "thelema" throughout the N.T. - but as you can see - my disjointed scattered train of thought today may interfere.
I also need to study for a final exam, go for a walk, be domestic, be a help-mate, and in all of it - remember that I exist for God's will and pleasure.

The Bee

Saw Joe Boot - what a kick!

2005-05-30T18:56:00.000-07:00

Joe Boot spoke at a church in town yesterday. I'd never heard of him, but my dear friend Mel told me he was coming and I am so thankful I heard him. Very articulate defender of the gospel. Yesterday he spoke on apologetics and our origins - takes an unashamed literal view of the biblical account of creation. It was a humbling experience.

Sometimes deep is imagined

2005-05-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I was listening to a variety of Chieftains CD's that my husband's co-worker sent home for me, having heard that I was once a fan. Seemingly enjoying the angst and sadness of some of the tunes I went searching for specific songs on old albums - Art Garfunkel singing 'Barbara Allan', Billy Vera and the Beaters singing 'Hopeless Romantic' (is that an oxymoron?), and Peter Allan singing 'Tenterfield Saddler.' That song pre-dates the web, so I had never thought to check out the lyrics and always wondered at their cryptic meaning.
Google means that there are very few mysteries left:

The Late George Woolnough worked on High Street
And lived on manners
Fifty two years he sat on his verandah and made his saddles
And if you had questions bout sheep or flowers or dogs
You'd just ask the saddler, he lived without sin
They're building a library for him

Time is a traveller
Tenterfield saddler turn your head
Ride again Jackeroo
Think I see Kangaroo up ahead

The son of George Woolnough went off and got married
And had a war baby
Though something went wrong and it's easier to drink than go crazy
And if there were questions bout why the end was so sad
Well, George had no answers bout why a son
Ever had need of a gun

Time is a traveller
Tenterfield Saddler turn your head
Ride again Jackaroo
Think I see Kangaroo up ahead

The grandson of George has been all around the world
And lives no special place
Changed his last name and he married a girl with an interesting face
He'd almost forgotten them both because in the life that he leads
There's no where for George and his library or the son with his gun
To belong except in this song

Time is a meddler
Tenterfield saddler make your bed
Fly again Cockatoo
Down on the ground Emu up ahead

Time is a tale-teller
Tenterfield Saddler make your bed
Fly again Cockatoo
Think I see Kangaroo up ahead

Time is a traveller
Tenterfield Saddler turn your head
Ride again Jackaroo
Think I see Kangaroo up ahead.

It seems so obvious now that I know - The saddler - George was his grandfather , and that is what he did for 52 years in an Australian town called Tenterfield. The son was Peter Allan's father - who had a drinking problem and shot himself. Peter is the grandson who changed his name, and married a girl with an interesting face (Lisa Minelli.)
So, no longer cryptic, but still sad. Peter, himself died of complications related to AIDS in 1992, and apparently is the subject of a musical called The Boy from Oz which I had never heard of until I googled last night. I was musing with a friend last night, wondering what it is in us that finds some kind of perverse pleasure in sad songs.
Well, as Andrew said, I guess I just felt the urge to say "Listen to me, somebody?, anybody?"

It is time, God willing, to prepare my heart for Sunday. I remember my sister lending me a book by Karen Mains about how to do that -for sure it matters to my Sunday how I spend Saturday night.

Personal application of James 4:13-15

2005-05-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I would study all day today. Procrastination.
Woke up with my back in spasms - I can't remember the last time I had a problem with my back.
I've just taken some muscle relaxants, and will now attempt to summon up some discipline and some interest in the study material. If any of it is successful, it will be by God's grace.

Did my usual "skim" read of a book by Kris Lundgaard - "The enemy within", which is a modern look at the material in two books by John Owen: " The Nature, Power, Deceit and Prevalency of the Remainders of Indwelling Sin in Believers", and "The Mortification of Sin".
I believe if I am able to truly meditate on this material and the scripture that it points to, and honestly answer the questions that he asks at the end of each chapter - I will begin to understand the ongoing battle with the enemy within - my flesh.

Praying for all my brothers and sisters in Christ today, that He would bring us to true repentance and a return to our first love.

Desperation - hunger to the point of death

2005-05-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

Just heard a revival preacher say that.
Too bad, here I was thinking I was desperate for God, but I sure act like I'm alive and kicking.
This is going to be a very short post - it's beginning to shape up like the one I posted and deleted earlier in the week.
I'm off to study for a mid-term (I hope.)

Rainy days and Mondays always get me ................

2005-04-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

If you are willing to date yourself as a Carpenters or Paul Williams fan, you'll know how that line ends.
The only thing shaking my joy today is me - I say one thing, but my thoughts and actions reveal that I am still living under the delusion that "it is all about me."
A family friend was standing at the shoreline in Myrtle Beach yesterday when a large wave knocked her over, resulting in a broken hip. She was airlifted back to Toronto for surgery. We never know what a moment will bring.
I myself would like to be knocked over by a large wave of the Holy Spirit that would leave me broken and humble. I say that - but do I really understand what I am asking for?
I am looking forward to the bible college graduation this Saturday - another opportunity for living vicariously :o) I'm so thankful for the passion of some of God's choice possessions that I have met through the college. I look forward to sharing in their excellent adventures as they follow the call of God around the globe.

To anyone who might learn from my mistakes - past, present and future (sadly)

2005-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

1. Try to curb any obsessive compulsive tendencies by limiting your reading to 2 books (plus the bible) at any one time - unless you are engaged in academic pursuits.

2. Do not read fictional romance - even if it is masquerading as "Christian fiction." Ditto for "chick flicks" - they paint an unrealistic picture of relationships. One might perhaps make an exception for Princess Bride, just because it is my favourite (although the book was much better.)

3. Remind yourself at least daily that no one except God can meet all your needs. This will be much easier to believe if you've complied with item 2.

4. When tempted to spread yourself too thin, remember that any sequence of priorities that does not list God first, spouse second, everything else following is bound to get you in trouble. God doesn't necessarily mean church.

5. Clothes do not make the person - even if they were an incredible buy at the local thrift store. In fact, even if they were in a grab bag from a dear friend or sister. The fewer items you can be content with, the more time you'll have to spend on meaningful pursuits. Clothes don't maintain themselves, besides which you can reach a point where having too many clothes results in decision paralysis. I guess it's been part of my "the world must revolve around me therefore everyone will notice what I wear to work tomorrow" idiocy.

6. You don't have to tell every detail of the story. You don't have to argue with your spouse as to whether the cat got sick on a Wednesday or Thursday back in 1984. In fact, I learned recently at a workshop on presentation that you should know 100% and teach/share only 20%.
You might also give the man in the pulpit the benefit of the doubt - my husband used to constantly tell me I expected every preacher to share every facet of every doctrine whenever they preached.

7. Some people can live with clutter but hate dirt (as in rings in the toilet bowl, hair in the sink etc.) Others could live in manure but detest any type of clutter - including today's mail on the counter. Of course some people hate both. Find out which type your spouse is, and seek to adapt yourself to their preference.

There are lots of other things I could mention, some have reared their ugly heads even today, but I'll end with

8. Pray constantly that you will not be moved away from a rock solid belief in the sovereignty of God. Period.

Tod, if you read this - I notice Holy War is back on the shelf at church - did you finish it? Are you ready to tutor?

God's glory

2005-03-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have to wonder, can I really write anything which will bring glory to God?
My disappointment in myself and my priorities today is colouring everything.
Clothes don't make the woman, (new or used :o), but send me into a thrift store and you send me into a frenzy of desire.
I finished Ethel Barrett's adaptation of Holy War last night, and was struck by the line "the only thing that truly hurt you is sin." Seems I forgot all about it once I saw the dollar racks.
If anyone ever reads this and thinks "what's the big deal?", I can assure you that the feelings of compulsion I get over a 50 cent used item are as strong or stronger than a Hollywood starlet gets over a $10,000 designer gown.
I am thankful for many things. I am thankful that the God of glory won't allow me to be comfortable with the status quo. I am thankful that I'm not going to any foreign mission field (if at all) until I can learn to fight the "Holy War" within right here.
I am thankful for the young women and men that God has put in my life, and how they expose me to fresh ways of seeing His glory.
I am thankful that tomorrow is the Lord's day, and I will have a chance to sit with my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ and remember Jesus, meditate on His beauty, and be thankful.
I'm off to prepare!

January 2nd - Ice Sunday

2005-01-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

Spent part of last evening researching the Sabbath, wanting to understand how God would have us spend the "day a week" in our redeemed post-Calvary lives. This morning the icy conditions meant that I could neither walk nor drive to church.
I am determined to read through the bible this year in a disciplined way, rather than the grazing pattern I fell into last year which John Piper quotes George Mueller as saying leaves us stunted in our growth.
I have not felt this 'lousy' physically for at least 18 months, all owing to the sin of gluttony which I have been flirting with for at least 2 weeks and which reached it's nadir yesterday.
As I read through Genesis, my prayer is that God in His mercy will cause the Holy Spirit to bring His word alive in a new, fresh, permanently life changing way.
Language is still a barrier, I'm trying to read it in NASB, then the Message, then the Childrens bible story book I remember from my childhood (which has lots of assumptions.)
What did God mean when he said "subdue" the earth, if there was no sin or death or eating of meat at the time?

Thursday November 11, 2004

2004-11-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Listening to Robin Mark sing about the glory of the cross, and thinking about how we remember our veterans today for giving their lives.
Father, I pray that the thousands who gather today to remember their sacrifice might by Your Spirit be drawn to the beauty of the One sacrifice for sins, the perfect God/man Christ Jesus - the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.