THE ICY GNARLY ELM

The icy, gnarly elm alone
in the dell, just beyond the spruces,
has taken on to moan and groan
and wonder of her uses;
to worry in the winter scene
where none but harshness grows—
and the cold wind blows.
 
Yet even so, the elm stands firm,
though the weighted ice is building.
And there lies at core a diseasing worm,
as the branches soon are breaking.
Forbidding is the winter scene
in which all things are made weak—
where the plight looks bleak.
 
But there is remembrance of who one is,
as the sun shines on and sparkles.
Even through the strain and brittleness,
there is reason yet for marvels.
Hostile may the winter scene become
and the stressful toll long—
but her trust is strong.

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

 

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

Winter has arrived, here in Veery Glade. Ice and snow covers the branches of maple, beech, and old gnarly elm trees. Only evergreens provide a dash of green color against the white backdrop of land and sky. We are locked in the grips of winter.

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Psalm 51:9

The battle with sin involves true repentance, which is turning away from sin. When there is no regret or remorse for one's wrongdoing, a submissive heart and mind to the Lord is not happening. When life continues in a sin-bent way and there is no sorrow for it, the opportunity for a change to a clean heart and renewed mind won't occur. The old has not gone away but remains. Nothing has been blotted out but is seen.

But there is hope. Remember the words Paul spoke as revealed to him by God?

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1 Corinthians 5:17

Change. That, my dear forest reader, is what being saved is all about! Like a butterfly becoming a fluttering flowery figure from a gravelly ground-crawling caterpillar, a change occurred.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

The heading of Psalm 51 is a Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him after he had sinned with Bathsheba. David expressed sincere confession before the LORD. He defined his sin and appealed to God's mercy. He acknowledged that God was right and he had been wrong. (Trying to justify a wrong is not the thing to do.) Looking to the Author of his faith, he asked for healing. He was comforted by God and rejoiced and announced truth. And then, he resolved to obey. Obedience would be David's way instead of making the same mistake again.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Psalm 51:17

Here's a reaching analogy but it makes sense to me: in physical training and wanting to become stronger, exercise breaks down muscle. In recovery, the muscle has a chance to rebuild. To lose that proud heart and the heart who thinks no sin is in them, a breaking point must be reached, which includes an admittance of error. We cannot enter Heaven on our own merit. Honor God with a contrite heart. He will not despise it.

I encourage you to read all of Psalm 51! It is a Psalm of repentance. With no heart change because of what Jesus, the Son of God, did on the cross, the unchanged heart will go to where unchanged hearts go. And that is hell. 

 

An elm tree holds up in the winter landscape. So we endure trials. We trust through prayer and lean not on our own understanding. Even when others scoff at us, we keep on praying. We know it is written that maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded. God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him—who pray believing.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

 

God waits/suffers long for as many as will willingly choose to repent.

Here is a book trailer for The Long Skip Home.

TRACKS IN THE SNOW

A glistening dell,
white-clad and temple-like,
a line of fresh-made tracks
beneath a spruce’s spike,
where winds have not come in
to shake the boughs of snow,
and in a winter’s blue,
the sunlight shimmers low.

It’s here we see a pattern,
while breathing crispy air,
the prints of whitetail deer
preserved in snowy care.
The pointed toes had followed
the ones before them made,
and dainty ones, too,
had crossed the frozen glade.
 
The wisest and the learned
trust in established ways
through cold and drifted trials
to kinder, warmer days;
So, let us raise a prayer
and speak our human need—
to step within the footsteps
of Sovereign-made lead.

 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

 

TRACKS IN THE SNOW 

Happy New Year to You, Forest-Dwelling Reader!

May the Lord richly bless you in the year 2025! May God’s mighty hand be at work in our lives as we pray throughout the year! Jesus said He will be with us to the end of the world and we know He keeps His promises.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

With this new year comes a new word at the end of every blog post, here on my Poems and Prayer blog. I completed all the beautiful attributes of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in the past years and, after thought and prayer, I have chosen this year's highlighted word. It is: REPENT. This word is mentioned many times in the Bible and is crucial for eternal life. What does it mean? Does the church preach it? I hope you will join me in delving into this essential condition more fully over the course of our new year.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 8:12

Jesus promises the ‘light of life’ to those who follow Him. Following in Jesus' footsteps involves turning away from darkness, turning from wicked ways. 

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

Acts 19:4

And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the scriptures. Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:45-47

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:5

Jesus gave a warning that all who do not repent will die. Repentance is of extreme importance. So, what does the word 'repent' mean? To repent is to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about a wrongdoing or sin. It is to feel sorry for something bad you've done, to be ashamed of a type of life you've lived. Repentance is to turn away from sin and turn to God for forgiveness. Repentance involves a commitment to not sin again, a resolve to be obedient to God's commands, motivated by love for them because they came from God.

If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Turn from their wicked ways. Wicked ways still exist today. I'm sure that's not new info for you! But in the church, is repentance taught? Jesus, the Son of God, came to die for our sins. Remember the words Simeon declared when the baby Jesus was placed in his arms? The devil wants to lessen any need for repentance, to deceive, to make people think they are not in need of saving. People and even vile "pastors" who live and showcase their sexually immoral lives to attentive audiences place no emphasis on repenting. They make Jesus out to be a liar, both by their words and by the way they continue sinful living.

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Jeremiah 6:16

Thank God for good pastors who humbly preach repentance and remind us to stand in the crossroads and pick the better way. Saved people envision because the vision of spiritual eyes is connected with a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Without faith, the walk is void of the light of life. Without repentance, there is only death. Without the remission of sins, sins remain. Cling to the work Jesus has done and submit to His authority in your heart and mind.

Like most animals, deer take the path of least resistance. They follow a path already broken from the one who went first. Creation reminds us to trust God’s lead. Ask to see His tracks into 2025 and then follow.

Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Psalm 119:133

Remember that GOD LOVES YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE! He, alone, gives out-of-this-world help at any time, including to turn from wicked ways and repent.

BOUGHS OF HEMLOCK

Boughs of hemlock, full, adorning,

blessed to greet the chilly morning;

as when Magi came afar,

from the east, beneath the Star,

and gave sweet gifts to the King of kings,

Creator of created things,

who became a man—a babe to carry—

and trusted the goodness of Joseph and Mary.

Boughs of hemlock, rich and stately,

by the roadside waving greatly;

likened to the branches’ way

in Jerusalem that day,

when our Savior Jesus Christ wept,

and on the road to the cross, kept,

to atone for us eternal peace,

from sin’s sure hold, a sure release.

Boughs of hemlock sprinkled snow,

delicate grace on branches show;

like the change from winter time to spring.

A new life planted, faith will bring

fruit and life from a spirit clean,

and fine harvest of an evergreen.

Truth and honor in scripture well

will be honored, as time will tell.

And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

Leviticus 23:40

BOUGHS OF HEMLOCK

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 

Isaiah 9:2

God gave His Word through the prophet Isaiah. Light changes a dark scene. Hope alleviates trouble. Joy lifts turmoil. And being self-controlled keeps you alert.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Isaiah tells us God’s plan with remembrance of a past event. It was deliberate in the day of Midian when the odds looked ridiculous for Gideon who led a few men blowing trumpets and breaking jars against their enemy.

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, and the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 

Isaiah 9:4

It was also deliberate when Sarah gave birth at the age of 90. It was deliberate when King Hezekiah saw an angel standing in the battlefield after it killed 185,000 men of the king’s enemy because he had prayed for help.

Let there be light. I think God’s first words in Genesis were deliberate too. Jesus is the Great Light seen by the people walking in darkness. Only Jesus Christ can break the yoke of sin and swipe the staff of the task-master, the rod of Satan, the prince of darkness, the roaring lion who devours.

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 

Isaiah 9:5

What are the results of losing the battle of salvation? Hell. We will not all be blessed in the end and some have said. Jesus will divide the grain from the chaff, the believer from the non-believer. The grain will go into His good barn while the chaff will be tossed into the fire.

Now is the time to be saved by the only one who can save.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Jesus Christ is God’s Son given to us through the Virgin Mary. God became what He created—a human being! Jesus is God incarnate. Emmanuel, God with us. God came to us in the form of a baby boy. Jesus is the exact representation of Almighty God and is the Savior.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:7

There is ongoing just government and perpetual peace in the kingdom of the King of kings because of zeal. God’s enthusiasm has brought about His Word. Christ is able to accomplish great things! All power is given unto Jesus by Almighty God the Father. Jesus’ name is exalted above all names. He is the only one who is worthy to break the seals and begin the end times.

Keep asking God for the help needed to endure any hardship. He is able to hear us in prayer. Sometimes, we have to keep at it like the persistent widow. But in faith, be diligent, be controlled. The devil cannot stop God from answering prayer. But, being a deceiver, he is able to stop prayer from happening.

This is my last post for the year 2024. I'll have a new word for the end of each blog post in 2025. I've already picked it, but you'll have to read it next year to find out! :-)

We have snow on the ground here in Veery Glade. Sunshine on the snow crystals reminds us of the verse about our sin becoming as white as snow. Live a life trusting Jesus and look for that day of waving boughs upon entering the Heavenly realm as promised.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

With green boughs in hand, submit to the Spirit's call to maintain your self-control.

THE SAPLING’S STAR

The night is cold, it is bitter cold,
and the trees are moving, creaking,
screeching in the cold, dark, winter night,
as the stars begin their peeking.

They can see the patch where the maples grow,
nestled in for winter, napping,
and beneath the trunk of a mighty red,
they can see the smallest sapling.
 
They are shown a strength in its tiny limbs,
of a promise building, keeping,
of a hope to give unsparingly,
of love for the woodland sleeping.

And they wonder who is showing this,

in whose light a-basking, savoring?

High above the sapling is its Star,

shining brightly, ever favoring!

 

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me
that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth have been from of old,
from everlasting.
Micah 5:2

 

THE SAPLING’S STAR

For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

I am confident that... The Designer of the Bethlehem Star loves us!

God wonderfully shone a light on the giving of His most precious gift—His Son, Jesus Christ. From the beginning of time, this birth was carefully orchestrated, knitted together, fearfully and wonderfully made in a mother’s womb.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:13-14

That mother was Mary, as we read in the New Testament, who waited for the birth of her baby.

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Luke 1:45

Through the prophet Micah 700 years before the birth of Christ, God tells us that from the tribe of Judah, in the town of Bethlehem, He would call to Himself a ruler from everlasting. Micah prophesied of a restored kingship in a kingdom that will last forever. He was talking about Jesus Christ even though he never got to see the Messiah (on earth).

And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

Micah 4:8

May we know this... God accomplishes what He does, what He sets forth to do.

So shall my word be
that goeth forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return unto me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing
whereto I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11

Do you see the sovereignty of the Designer who proclaimed the very first words, ‘Let there be Light’? Do you hear the authority of our Creator who created each star? Do you sense the presence of the One who sent the one-of-a-kind Bethlehem Star?

Who being the brightness of his glory
and the express image of his person,
and upholding all things by the word of his power,
when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down
on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Hebrews 1: 3

How fortunate we are to know the prophecies written in the Bible and see their fulfillment! And, like Micah and Mary, we wait for something too— for Christ’s second coming. Now, it’s our turn to wait. Those who wait on the Lord will renew their wings. They will see that restored kingship so richly talked about.

For it pleased the Father that in him
should all fullness dwell.
Colossians 1:19

Prayer is a privilege and lets us know God is working specifically in our life because of specific prayer. Bring what weighs heavy on your heart to the Everlasting Father in Jesus’ name and see what light He sheds on it. Prayer is a great step of faith that can be made every day.

But the LORD said unto Samuel,
Look not on his countenance,
or on the height of his stature;
because I have refused him:
for the LORD seeth not as man seeth;
for man looketh on the outward appearance,
but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

As we look to the Christmas season coming before us, remember the events of that special night beneath the Bethlehem Star. Jesus, God’s Word made flesh and the mighty ruler who establishes a bright kingdom that will last forever for those who put their trust in Him accomplishes because:

Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

Therefore I will look unto the LORD;
I will wait for the God of my salvation:
my God will hear me.
Micah 7:7

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

When there is a full moon here in Veery Glade, moon shadows streak across a snow-covered woodland floor. A maple sapling in starlight stands beside the trunk of its parent. In time, the young tree will grow in height and majesty.

May starlight shine on God’s Gift to us—forgiveness of all our sins and eternal life through faith in His Son.

May God's Word to you help you keep walking in your self-control.

WOODLAND PRAISE

It is high noon and the sunshine pours

on the pine trees standing stately,

raising gateways and old ancient doors

as the woodland sings whom it adores—

everlasting praises greatly.

 

In the grove, there is magnificence,

The most highest name exalting;

glory, admiration, one can sense,

even stones cry out the difference—

everlasting King extolling.

 

On the frost beneath my grateful feet,

in cathedrals, high and lofty,

I thank my Savior there I meet,

who sits upon the right hand seat—

everlasting love graciously.

 

In stalwart groves, by icy streams,

through creation that is honoring,

magnifying Christ who rightly deems

from the woodlands to the sea that teems--

everlasting kingdom revering.

 

 

By him therefore let us offer

the sacrifice of praise to God continually,

that is, the fruit of our lips

giving thanks to his name.

But to do good and to communicate forget not:

for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16

WOODLAND PRAISE 

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

Luke 17: 15-18

Jesus is The Great Mathematician. No number is missed by Him who is God Incarnate, able to count everything.

We read in scripture that Jesus had entered a village and met ten men with leprosy, a terrible disease. The lepers stood afar off and lifted their voices to Jesus saying, “Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus then told them to go show themselves to the priests. And on their way, they were cleansed. When one of them saw that he was healed, he turned back, fell at the feet of Jesus, and thanked Him. And he was a Samaritan.

O give thanks unto the LORD;

for he is good:

because his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 118:1

Cry mercy like the lepers and be cleansed! Jesus knows who asks for mercy, who calls on Him, who repents, who gives thanks, and who maintains their self-control. The Son of God never misses any heart by any person across all time.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

Listen to the saving wind through the pines. Jesus has the power to save! To cleanse! Those who do not call on Jesus will not be saved. They will remain un-cleansed and not able to stand before Almighty God, expecting to survive on their own merit. Receive Christ. Believe on His name. Remember, Christ means 'God's Anointed'. 

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

John 1: 11-12

No one can say our Creator doesn’t know mathematical measurements. Creation is our Creator’s handy-work, including us, mankind, made in His image. God has always been mathematical, deliberate, clear, and accurate.

Let them both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Matthew 13:30

Jesus will separate the good part of the harvest from the useless part. The weeds, or non-believing people, will be bundled and tossed to Hell’s flames by the Anointed. People who do not believe go to Hell. But the wheat, or believers, will be gathered in Heaven. Jesus, The Great Mathematician, keeps track of every soul. Being God, He's able to do that. Being human, He understands us.

Because that, when they knew God,
they glorified him not as God,
neither were thankful;
but became vain in their imaginations,
and their foolish heart was darkened.
Romans 1:21

If you haven’t already, be like the Samaritan. Bow before Christ—the One who has the power to cleanse and forgive your sin. Don’t die in your sins. Give your heart to Christ. Ask Him into your heart today!

When the sun shines through stalwart pines, I'm reminded of God’s goodness to me by sending His Son to die on the cross for my sins. As we stroll through the stately pines, let us strengthen our faith and prayer life. Let us maintain an attitude of gratitude. Giving thanks to our Savior keeps our hearts on Him and not wayward, worldly ideas that end in Hell. Counting blessings keeps focus on what Jesus has done for us and is doing. Keeping a prayerful heart in a right relationship with God ends discouragement. Praising God amidst turmoil revives our souls. He can restore our soul.

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising the thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: then that house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Praise and prayer—there’s no other way to be happy in the woodland realm.

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU!

Live a life praising Jesus, modeled after His temperance, or self-control.

A FOREST NIGHT

The leaves have fallen from the trees,
save the willowy group of Tamaracks;
and the coyotes yip in the rustling leaves
with the moonlight on their backs.
 
The shadows grow in the chilly air
and the wind brings out an owl,
and they know that winter brings its share
when the coyotes start to howl.
 
Yet, they hold on fast through the stirring night,
like the ones who always pray,
having faith and trust in the morning light
and hope for a brand new day.

 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, 

that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Luke 18:1

 

 

A FOREST NIGHT

Jesus, our high priest, sympathizes with what we go through. He is concerned about our weaknesses and knows the weight of our persecution.

For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

As we try to be obedient in maintaining self-control, Jesus knows our discouragements too. For example, when people take God’s name in vain (even in church), it is discouraging. Do we hear Buddha’s name spoken in vain? No, we don’t because truth doesn’t come from man-made lords and wayward practices aligned with Satan.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:12-14

The spirit in the world is not the same as God’s Spirit. God’s Spirit only resides in the heart of a believer. Run from beliefs opposing God’s Word. Flee from practices rooted in the spirits of this world.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus, the Son of God, is the only Lord with the power to save. Because of this, those who oppose Jesus and His followers advocate persecution of Jesus and His followers.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Luke 18:5 

The parable of the persistent widow shows us that we should keep ‘troubling’ God. The persistent prayer request was finally granted. Our continual committing to God of what weighs heavy on our heart is what we can do. He keeps track of tears and collects them in a bottle. The avenging is what God does. He will separate the wheat from the weeds because vengeance is His to have. He will avenge those believers persecuted for their faith.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Remember to pray throughout the year for the persecuted church around the globe in bondage for their faith. Sunday, November 3rd, 2024, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Also, pray for the Voice of the Martyrs organization, churches, and missionaries trying to help.

Remember them that are in bonds,
as bound with them;
and them which suffer adversity,
as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3

The leaves have fallen from the maple trees here in my neck of the woods. The willowy tamaracks are gearing up for winter. Creation’s timing reminds us that although the leaves are dying, a spring will come, like morning following night. There will be a return of the Savior King when He comes not as the sacrificial Lamb but as the conquering Lion, able to give the crown of life to those who had believed in their heart and gave a home within their bodies for the Holy Spirit. My dad is enjoying the crown of life now as he recently passed on into glory, having lived a faith-filled life.

Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast
some of you into prison, that ye may
be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days:
be thou faithful unto death,
and I will give thee a crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

 

Trust our powerful Creator who gave us His Son for whoever would believe in Him. Because of the hope we have, experience the power from the Holy Spirit to trust, through difficulties, the strength He gives us for self-control.