A light beating

“But the one who did not know and did what deserved punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be expected.  Luke 12:48 

How delightful to receive the light beating!

With Jesus pain has a purpose.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Challenge and controversy.  This is our place.  Yet, we are stronger and stronger.  We stand in spite of the beating.  We

lift our eyes up and see our blessings.  We see the work of the Lord.  So world! beat away. Curse away.  There is joy in the midst of the troubles you heap on us.

We will sing the praises to our Lord. The pain brings us hope.  It is the hope that keeps us going. 

We will stay the path before us even as it narrows still and becomes much more difficult.  We will stay the path until the Father says otherwise.  Man cannot change this resolve. 

Bless us, then.  We will cling to you.  Bless us as you have promised.  Bless us and we will continue to praise your name. 

Be a righteous man with hands that are clean. 

Bless us and may those blessings flow to our wives, our children and our grandchildren.  May the burdens we bear lighten their load. Stronger and stronger is our calling.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13

“Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess,

Deuteronomy 11:8