Foretaste of Forever

Because this is the week leading up to Canada's Thanksgiving WeekendI've been pondering various angles and expressionsof true thanks-living... :1-11Now the Spirit []expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith,giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foodswhich God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.4 For every creature of God is good,and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;5 for it is []sanctified by the word of God and prayer.6 If you instruct the brethren in these things,you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ,nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrinewhich you have carefully followed.7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things,having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.10 For to this end []we both labor and suffer reproach,because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,especially of those who believe.11 These things command and teach. Here it is again!! God's renewed mercy! Lam.3:22-23Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,Because His compassions fail not.23 They are new every morning;Great is Your faithfulness. Thank-you, thank-you, LordMay Thy renewed mercy kindle faith's renewed delight! *** Not with begrudging acquiescenceOr forced generosityMay more than pious performanceEmulate sincerity Not to soothe heart-parts still stonyBy fulfilling duty's bidOr to balance testimonyOn an ‘invisible grid’ Nor for the sake of appearanceEarning holy brownie-pointsThrough meticulous adherenceTo religious do's and don'ts But with unpretentious pleasureAnd with unaffected praiseStoring treasure over treasureBeyond mortal’s measured gaze With devotion’s willing laborMay life's unfeigned gladness beTo love God first, then by neighborBecause of God’s love for me May Motive's earnest endeavorWith genuine fervor brimIn earth’s foretaste of foreverBringing all glory to Him © Janet Martin