I sit in the woods this morning, reminded of the precious beauty and grace of the Lord. The sun begins to touch the trees and the plants with its warmth and I hear the birds and crickets singing. The squirrels are chasing each other in the trees. How awesome that God meets us right where we are.

On 4/17/18, I dreamed I was standing over a black and white checkered flag on the ground. It was a finish line. I looked out beyond the line and an old walking staff/stick was coming toward the finish line very fast, tearing up the dirt with one end as it sped quickly. The old staff stopped abruptly about a quarter of an inch away from the finish line. I heard ‘not yet’.

So spending quiet time with Jesus every day is a reminder that He is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. And we are so close to seeing our Lord and Savior. I was led to read again Matthew 24. Things are moving quickly but we are not quite there. Stay the course brothers and sisters. Hold on. Remain stedfast and do not be shaken.

Perseverance – doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. And succeed we will with the Lord’s help. Keeping our eyes on the prize, and what an amazing prize. Stay strong in the faith. God is letting us know we are so close.

Hebrews 12 – NKJV – This entire chapter is so necessary to hold to, but I will just show verses 1 and 2 here. Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Acts 20:24 – But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Romans 5:3-5 -And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.