Stand - Not just one word, but my one word

stand

/stand/

verb
- have or maintain an upright position, supported by one's feet
- rise to one's feet
- remain valid or unaltered
- adopt a particular attitude toward a matter or issue

noun
- an attitude toward a particular issue; a position taken in an argument
- determined effort to resist or fight for something
- an act of holding one's ground against or halting to resist an opposing force

And according to the Good Book
Ephesians 6: 11 - 15

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

My One Word

Each year my running brothers and I search, contemplate, and pray for a word.  One word.  The word we want to reflect our upcoming year. Not just the current occurrences and activities, but a word that we'll strive to fulfill.  During our annual reflection run on New Years Eve morning, we all share our words.  During the year we do our best to support each other in helping each other to live the Word.  Its not the time and place to describe here, but my word is "Stand"  On the surface a simple word.  But the more you think about it, and the more you know about our family situation and the challenges we face.  The challenges I face.  I think the Lord provided me with the perfect word.  The cheesy way to think of the work might be in the "Chumbawamba" sense.  "I get knocked down.  But I get up again.  You're never going to keep me down"  But my close friend Chris shared the Ephesians verse above, and frankly that just nailed it better than any words I could put to paper.  When 2014 comes to a close, the measure of the year will be the moment I can say.  "As for me and my family...  We Stood"

My motivational theme song to keep me focus during the challenging patches is this wonderfully appropriate song by Kristian Stanfill "The Stand"

betrayed and thanks

Two words you would not expect to see together in the same sentence.   And yet how profound.

...and on the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it...


Surely and example to all.  Amidst all the adversity and hardships we each face,  we can and should find and dwell on the things we should be Thankful for.

Here is a challenge.   For 7 days before you go to sleep, think of 10 things that happened (or didn't happen) that you are thankful for.  And give thanks to him who deserves it.