“But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation” 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NKJV).

Faith, Love, Hope!

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times…” Thus begins Charles Dickens’ classic historical novel, A Tale of Two Cities. That iconic opening aptly defines our current time. We are just coming out of a glorious Thanksgiving season where many of us gathered with friends and relatives, feasted on great food, let our hair down, watched football, played games, and laughed. And Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, is just around the corner!

Notwithstanding, many, many people are hurting. Some are grieving the loss of loved ones they can no longer embrace during the holidays. Many are out of work, and some are struggling to just buy groceries as prices continue to soar.  Others are fearful of being seized by ICE and torn apart from their families. Everywhere, many are stressed by what feels like a continuous, unending nightmare in American political leadership and are wondering when the darkness will lift.

But I have good news! We are not of the night! We are of the day! We are the sons and daughters of the One who is pure light. “There’s not a trace of darkness in him” (1 John 1:5). While the 3 D’s, darkness, depression, and despair, will surely position themselves in our paths from time to time, we are not waylaid by them. They cannot take up residence in our hearts and minds. Our hearts are protected by the breastplate of faith and love! Our minds, the reservoir of our thoughts, are shielded by the helmet of the hope of salvation! We can handle every dark situation we encounter in life properly with faith, love, and hope. And we will always come through shining brightly, for we are children of the day!

Focus Quote: “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is

love.”             –1 Cor. 13:13 NKJV

Reminders: Please continue to join us at 5:14 p.m. each day as we pause to pray. Just pause and pray wherever you are.  Just connect to God and pray! I will also be praying with you. There is power in agreement!