16 March, 2021
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
Abba Father, all glory comes to you, who are a Glorious God, all worship to our God of Power and Might, all honor to our God of Valour and Righteousness. True and Everlasting is our Lord and constant the promises to all the faithful. Lord, our mortal lives are beset with thorns in the form of trials and thistles in the form of temptation, as we progress day to day.
The love of Christ, our Savior and Messiah, is our greatest strength and tenacity in the midst of torment. Worthy is the one who lives only with love for the Lord, our God of Salvation, who has revealed all the truths of your Heavenly Kingdom to give resolve to our purpose and righteousness to our cause. To persevere in holiness when surrounded by the demons of temptation, is no mean feat and brings victory and crowning glory as our spiritual reward.
Following the path of godliness is the wisdom a sojourner who trusts in the Lord receives. Reparation and penance, forgiveness and fellowship, prayer and pondering on the Word of God which gives a life of grace to the soul, and total trust and surrender to the Holy Will of our God is a Christian’s duty while he lives.
Help us Father, to endure all, with stoic submission and pure humility, that will ensure the crown of worthiness, eternal life, sonship and dominion, to those whose righteousness begins with repentance, and is brought to completion, crossing life, beholding your beatific countenance, Lord God, with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Amen