The present ministry of Jesus

"We speak of the perseverance of the saints as if that were some innate quality which is placed in us. But that is not the case. The perseverance of the saints means that for every second of your life, Jesus will hold you and and Jesus will keep you and Jesus will guard you. We will persevere because we are being preserved." - Ted Donnelly

"You hold me by my right hand, you guide me with your counsel and afterward you will receive me into glory." - Psalm 73

"The psalmist doesn't say 'I hold you'. The psalmist says, 'You hold me'." - Ted Donnelly

"...because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." - Matt. 24.12

But oh Lord, not mine, please, please, not mine!

"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love..." - John 15.10


Scripture from ESV

"Waking on a Fall Morning"

Morning
Soft gray light steals
Through cold and gentle curtains and
My bundled sleep
Swaddling, grave-clothes, bedclothes wrapped
Me now unwrapped to
Face the shiv’ry morning
But heat now greets
Me rising warm
With roasty air that boasts of toast
And coffee
And hearts that should be
Thankful

- AFC - 10-6-09