It seems like every time we try to walk out of this valley we take one step forward something happens to drag us two steps back. I can't seem to get out of this constant setback mode. Reminds me of Paul Simon's American Tune. I do think traveling around this country we're all losing ground. <>AMERICA</> Something I keep thinking about is how long eternity is. It makes me feel like "yeah, that puts things in perspective." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-28 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all. See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt. But examine all things; hold fast to what is good. Stay away from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this. Brothers and sisters, pray for us too. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I call on you solemnly in the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Every now and then I get a glimpse of it. It's all about the greatness of Christ

Eph 3:20
Now unto him (PAUSE)
that is able (PAUSE)
to do exceeding abundantly (PAUSE)
above all (PAUSE)
that we ask or think, (PAUSE)
according to the power that worketh in us, (PAUSE)

Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Psalm 88:2-4 Let my prayer come into your presence. Turn your ear to hear my cries. My soul is filled with troubles, and my life comes closer to the grave. I am numbered with those who go into the pit. I am like a man without any strength.

Psalm 98:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm asking for prayer my job is not reaping any harvest (I'm in sales with a long sales cycle,) my wife is unemployed (we need her health insurance.) My son needs resolution about his car it was stolen and totaled. But, these are just mere trials. I am holding fast to my Lord Jesus Christ.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Hab. 3:17-19 Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes, even if the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food, even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle. even then, I will be happy with the LORD. I will truly find joy in God, who saves me.
The LORD Almighty is my strength. He makes my feet like those of a deer. He makes me walk on the mountains. (Thanks Ron for that one.)

We were teaching on spiritual gifts at church on Sunday. Well my gift is discernment. One of our elders said Joel Osteen had the gift of teaching. I heard a lot of amens. I instantly spoke out and said he is "vapid' Well I was accused of being judgmental and opinionated. Well if this clown is speaking for God I haven't read the right book. Anyway my spirit of protecting the flock from the wolves took over. I couldn't help but speak out. I don't in the flesh like upsetting people but when it comes to matters like this I have to speak out. I like unity and peace, but I hate infiltration by false teaching. Peace, peace when there is no peace.

Ever since the beginning God's messengers have been under attack. I am starting to see that as I get closer to God the enemy advances. But, God has me in His "boot camp" and I'm just now engaging in the real fighting. I can't say I am certain that I have arrived at any point. But, I'm sure in a battle and all of of sudden it seems more thrilling and exiting than being left behind.