By Angus Harley

I declare June, ‘Take Pride in Jesus Month’. Why not? Lord, I am proud of you!!

Peacemaker. You came with the Gospel of peace, to seek out the spiritually sick, those who needed a doctor. You brought peace into our chaotic and destructive lives, where there was never peace with God. You stilled the storm and settled the waters. You brought us to yourself, raised us from the dead, and spoke, “Peace be with you!”

Redemer. You redeemed my soul from hell, from the power of the evil one, hauling me from the destructive path that I was on. You came to me when in the thickest of spiritual darkness and gloom, and there, in the midst, you met me with your presence, your joy, and your light. You delivered me from the guilt and burden of my sin, filled me with the unspeakable joy of the Spirit, and brought me into the presence of the Father. Forever I am your slave.

Infinite. Infinite in love, never ending in compassion and mercy. The same yesterday, today, and forever. You will never, ever, lack grace to forgive. You have no gauge with ‘E’ for empty, only ‘F’ for full. Just when we think we are beyond your grace, you lasso us with your infinite goodness and draw us to yourself.  Our souls are weak and depleted, yet you fill our cups, pressed down and overflowing!

Defender. I deserve only to be left to Satan’s attacks, such is my folly. Yet, you are there for me to defend me from him. Pushing him away by declaring that I am justified in Christ. You rush to be by my side when in spiritual combat, defending me from the assault of darkness and sin. You will defend me against death itself, and walk with me through its dark valley, to bring me into your Father’s house.

Eternal. You are eternal, Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, and have drawn us to yourself for all eternity. Why have you done this? Mere creatures, sinners, unworthy servants, is what we are. Such is your love for us that you must have us with you for all eternity. Oh, to be with you in the eternal realm!