Cowboy Wisdom #2

Roy Roger's "Rider's Rules"

1. Be neat and clean.

2. Be courteous and polite.

3. Always obey your parents.

4. Protect the weak and help them.

5. Be brave but never take chances.

6. Study hard and learn all you can.

7. Be kind to animals and care for them.

8. Eat all your food and never waste any.

9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly.

10. Always respect our flag and our country.

Reformation in Geneva

One day, if the Lord permits, I would love to tour Europe and visit sites that connect the dots of Reformation history. If this were ever to happen, I would be sure to explore what has been referred to as "The Protestant Rome" namely Geneva, Switzerland. Two particular points of interest to me would be "The Reformation Wall" (shown here) and "The International Museum of the Reformation". Why is it that Geneva has such an appeal to me? Is it because Geneva is the city that is usually associated with John Calvin (included on The Reformation Wall)? Yes it is; yet that is not the primary reason. The main reason why I am interested in the city of Geneva is because of its historical example of being a disciplined Christian community and center for ministerial training (Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelly).

Whereas Protestant teaching found its original expressions in Lutheranism, the Reformed Protestant church developed a further concept of change in the sixteenth century. Holding to the same belief in redemption, the Reformed church affirmed the belief in salvation: by grace alone (sola gratia), through faith alone (sola fide), in Christ alone (sola Christus), according to the Scripture alone (sola Scriptura), to the glory of God alone (sola deo gloria). Having said this, there are a few distinctives that separated Lutheranism from Reformed Protestantism. One difference relates to a less liturgical form of worship embraced by the Reformed over against the continuation of many Catholic symbols, and medieval practices in Lutheran churches. What is more, the Reformed church evidenced a greater separation between church and state, with more of a congregational style of government that some argue prepared for democracy in the secular realm. With a high view of preaching, the sovereignty of God, and good works as evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of believers, Reformed Christianity had no small affect on sixteenth century culture.

The Swiss cities of Zurich, and Geneva were greatly influenced by the rise of Reformed theology and practice. Ulrich Zwingli, a bold warrior for reform in Zurich, died in battle in his prime. In Geneva, a french-born lawyer named John Calvin influenced an entire city after his miraculous conversion. As an astute academic, Calvin organized Reformation theology in a classic work known as The Institutes of the Christian Religion. His writings were well received by a fellow named Guillaume Farel (included on The Reformation Wall) who would encourage Calvin to join him in Genevan reform. Change for the better was no easy attempt in Geneva. With lax morals and heresy at hand, Geneva had a great need for transformation. After being banished from Geneva in 1538, Calvin married in 1540 and was persuaded to return to Geneva in 1541. Interestingly enough, Geneva's spiritual state was improved greatly by the faithful preaching of God's Word. Calvin's insight provided a model that was employed willingly by the city council. By submitting himself to the will of God, Calvin was used as an instrument to categorically change Geneva.

The Scottish Reformer, John Knox (also included on The Reformation Wall), studied in Geneva in those days and said the city was, "the most perfect school of Christ that was ever in the earth since the days of the apostles." Persecuted people fled to Geneva, and students from all around Europe came there to learn the Scriptures. A fresh discovery of the timeless truths of the Bible brought about an incredible change in Geneva. Today, Canadian cities, towns and villages struggle with all sorts of immorality. In addition, apathy and a lack of spiritual life among members of small communities raises up great barriers to progress. To see Geneva progress from state of flagrant depravity to a place of spiritual awakening serves as a real testimony of how the gospel can change an entire city for the good. Theodore Beza (included on The Reformation Wall), head of the Geneva Academy, continued reform in Geneva after Calvin. In the same way, God is calling people in the 21st century to continue God's work of reformation in the lives of His people. What we need most in our communities is a reformation of spiritual vitality (through the preaching of God's Word) in the name of Jesus Christ. Perhaps your community will be the next new Geneva!

Confronting Fear

I'll never forget my first experience coming out of the bucking chutes at a rodeo. My debut ride was neither on a bronc nor a bull; but on a woolly critter in a competition known as Mutton Bustin'. Although my chest stuck out with courage upon my Dad entering me up in the event, it wasn't long until a certain lack of confidence in my own ability overruled the situation (unlike the Mutton Buster' in the picture). Upon digressing onto the startled ewe, my fears turned to tears, and my emotion led to a great commotion of yelling and screaming. With great persuasion, my Dad convinced me to grab hold of the thick shank which was sunken into a mat of wool. In my troubled state I can remember my Dad saying, "Are you ready?" With great apprehension, I began to back paddle from my previously cocky attitude and wanted nothing more than to set my feet upon solid ground. Before I even had a chance to contest against the the prospect of a sheep ride, I found myself engaged in perhaps the most wild and woolly ride of my life. With mouth wide open and knees up high, I bellered at the top of my lungs as the flash of fleece bolted out of the chute. Before the dust had settled from the split hooves of the fleeing flock member, I recall walking back to the chute with a deepened understanding of what is meant by an adrenaline rush. Forgetting about the initial trauma of being in the chute, I was overwhelmed by shear glee. After giving the Rodeo clown a high five, I strutted back to the chutes as if I had successfully rode Bodacious (an infamous bull in the sport of rodeo known as "The World's Most Dangerous Bull).

My first experience sheep riding at the FCA (Foothills Cowboy Association) rodeo in Carbon, AB is the most vivid encounter with fear I remember as a young cowboy. If memory serves me correct, the opening of the chute to my first sheep ride, gives rise to many other experiences where I have had to face fear right in the eye. The story I have shared serves as a reminder of how prevalent fear is in our daily lives.

The Bible speaks a great deal about fear. In the Scriptures we find: exhortations to fear God, cautionary warnings relating to fearing man, and instruction as to how to overcome the fear of circumstances including death. In the book of Hebrews 2: 14,15, the author answers the question, "How does Christ deliver us from the fear of death?" The answer is threefold.

1. Jesus became a man "...He Himself likewise partook of the same things [flesh and blood]..."


2. Jesus died - it was as a matter of fact "...through death..."


3. Jesus conquered Satan "that...he might destroy the one who has the power of death..."

Consequently, Jesus delivers us from the fear of death. Hebrews 2:15 says that Christ not only conquers the devil but "delivers all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." We have no reason to fear our last and greatest enemy if we embrace Christ as our Redeemer, Warrior, and merciful High Priest. If you have embraced Christ in this way, you have no reason to fear anything. Whether it be a circumstance you are facing in life or death itself. Death is a universal reality that is as certain as the nose on your face. Disillusioning yourself to death is like a skydiver arguing against the law of gravity. Without Christ your life is akin to jumping out of an airplane without a parachute. Using this analogy to illustrate the connection between fear of death and lifelong slavery, John Piper in Future Grace comments that slavery through the fear of death occurs in two ways. The first enslavement involves denial of reality (slavery to illusion). The second enslavement involves succumbing to fear (slavery to terror). Lets consider how this enslavement looks in practical terms in the lives of all those who will face death, namely everyone.

Slavery to illusion is when truth claims regarding death are discredited. For instance when someone holds the view that the death of a human is no different than the death of a tree. Or the universalist view that everyone goes to heaven when they die. If the thought of dying brings more pain because of the loss of possessions, and friends than it gives joy at gaining Christ, we might have religious delusions. If you are presently putting your faith in yourself, your religion, or any other person apart from Christ you may fall under this category of being a slave to illusion. If this is true of you, I trust, hope, and pray that you might be summoned to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by the working of the Holy Spirit.

Slavery to terror is when individuals succumb to fear as I did in the chute. Weeping, screaming, and spiritual unrest are all signs that point toward slavery of the terror sort. St. Augustine of Hippo once said something to the effect that you will be restless until you find your rest in Christ. Is your soul in safe-keeping in Christ? Or tossed by the winds of unbelief and hostility toward God? You can often notice terror in the lives of folks that are in a state of dying without Christ. It is most unpleasant to witness. If this type of slavery is true of you, I beg you to flee from the wrath of God upon your sin, and cling to Christ as your only hope for salvation and a heavenly home.

I can recall a time in my life that I had no assurance of my salvation. I experienced the terror of not knowing whether my sins were forgiven in Christ. It was as if I was enslaved to the idea that salvation depended upon my performance as a good boy. It wasn't until I discovered the infinite worth of Christ, and His once-for all-time performance of dying on the cross for sin that I experienced a sweet release. It was as if I was a man falling from the air at 10,000 feet and discovered that a parachute had been provided for my rescue. Have you discovered Jesus Christ personally? I trust you have, for God's glory and your inexpressible joy!

A Profound Worldview Tour

Since coming to Delia a year ago, we have heard nothing but good things about Focus on the Family's Truth Project. At the the beginning of the year, one of the members of Delia Christian Fellowship offered to lead a small group using The Truth Project as curriculum. We have found the study to be quite profound. Last night, Del Tackitt, lead a session on history.

By way of introduction, the tour roused interest in history by reciting Isaiah 46:9,10, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose." As the presentation continued, the speaker drove home how important the concept of remembering is in the Scripture. Del Tackitt used the Scriptures very well in building a case for the importance of history by guiding the listeners through the history of redemption and the importance of remembering the Lord. As I recall the food laws, feasts, and Passover described in the first five books of the Bible (Pentateuch), it becomes all the more clear that the purpose behind Jewish customs was primarily for remembering. For Christians today, the Lord's Table (Communion) is an ordinance that calls us to remember. We remember our helpless state without Christ, and our blessed state in Christ. We remember that we have been reconciled (restored into a right relationship) with God through the death of Christ on the cross. We recall I Corinthians 5:21, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." History is important because humanity tends to forget. Deuteronomy 8:11 says, "Take care lest you forget the LORD your God."

On a cautionary note, Del brought up both the danger and power of Historical Revisionism. In a nutshell, Historical Revisionism says, "If you rewrite the past, you can make people believe whatever you want in the present." In addition, the session on history brought up postmodernism and the cultures rejection of metanarratives. Basically what postmodernism is saying is that "there is no larger story." Without the recognition of a larger story that is written by God, man becomes the focus of writing his own story. We become nearsighted, and forsake God's revelation of truth in the Person of Jesus Christ, because we are so caught up with our own lives.

Allow me to share with you a discovery I made at age 17. This discovery came to me by the gracious hand of God. It is simply that I am not the center of the universe. Its not all about me! Sure God has included me in his story; yet I am not the be all and end all of history. As strange as it might seem, it wasn't until I discovered that my chief purpose in life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever, that I began to experience fulfilment and joy. So much of the time, we are so caught up in writing our own autobiography, and polishing up our investment portfolios that we forget about God's story. Its all about Him folks! He is the author of history, he is the one who has spoken into history, and he is the one to be treasured throughout history.

A Great Canadian Cowboy

Growing up on a cattle operation north of Blackie, Alberta, I was raised with a healthy respect for those who laid the foundations of the ranching industry. From the books my Dad read, I could tell that he stood on the shoulders of great ranchers that have gone before him. One man, that had a stature that could very likely hold up my Dad, is a true legend in the eyes of many Canadian cowboys and city folks alike. His name was John Ware (1845-1905).

Born into slavery in South Carolina, John Ware understood the value of treating all men, regardless of color of skin, with dignity and respect. Perhaps his upbringing had allot to do with the development of admirable character qualities such as: being good natured, a hard worker, honest, and a family man. At the expense of being a real gentleman, when John Ware settled in southern Alberta he was given a nickname that included a common racial slur toward black people. What's more, he was known by the Blackfoot First Nations people as "Matoxy Sex Apee Quin" (bad black white man). The Blackfoot's figured he was some how connected to the spirit world because of his uncanny strength, and sizable presence standing over 6 feet tall and weighing somewhere in the area of 230 lbs.

John Ware's contribution to Canadian history was in large part due to his skill as a cowboy. After leaving the Carolina's, he learned the skills of being a cowhand in Texas. Leaving Texas, John Ware headed north arriving in Idaho in 1882. While in Idaho, the talented cattlemen joined a cattle drive that was taking a herd to Alberta. Upon arrival, John Ware took a real liking to Alberta. Perhaps it was the freedom from discrimination that was not a reality in the southern states. Maybe he was motivated by opportunity and a foreseeable future in the ranching business. Whatever may be the case, Ware ended up working on the Bar U ranch (southwest of High River, AB) and Quorn ranches. It wasn't long before John Ware developed a reputation of being a stellar cowhand, a talented horse trainer, and a man of influence among the people of his day.

By the turn of the century, John Ware had a wife named Mildred, 5 children, and a spread northeast of Duchess, Alberta. Unfortunately, the Ware family was forced to leave after a spring flood wiped out their home. Hitting the trail once again (1902), John and his family moved to an area I consider to be the most beautiful place outside of heaven. South West of Calgary, in high country, is where John Ware spent the remaining time of his life, in an old log cabin that overlooked what is known as Ware Creek. Three years later, tragedy struck the Ware family with the death of John's wife Mildred to pneumonia (1905). Despite John Ware's impressive horsemanship and claim that he had never been thrown from a horse (a claim that is rare among cowboys), his life was ended the same year as his wife's in a fatal horse wreck. Leaving behind four sons and a daughter that was 12 years old at the time named Nettie, the Ware family also left a legacy in western Canadian culture.

In the life of such a man, one can attribute John Ware's success to God's common grace. Were it not for Ware's influence, Canadian cattlemen would not have a history worth writing about. His character and competence as not only a cowboy, but as a forefather of Alberta history cannot be overlooked. Some say that John Ware discovered Turner Valley oilfields with the flick of a match, and invented Steer Wrestling 20 years before the Rodeo event came to the Calgary Stampede. Clearly the life of John Ware contributed a great deal toward the prosperity enjoyed by Albertans even today.

Behold a God of Justice

We live in a day and age that demands second chances. Some of our favorite expressions can be the likes of, "Give the guy some leeway." Or, "Can you cut me some slack." We have all heard and have perhaps even said the familiar words, "Give me a break." Perhaps our human relationships make make easy provision for do overs because of consistent mishaps.

Currently I have been reading through the book of Leviticus. Although I have developed an appreciation for this book over the past 3-4 years, I must say that Leviticus is quite difficult to understand. If viewed from a purely rationalistic perspective, I could see Leviticus being a book of great contention, and frustration. However, if Leviticus is read with the understanding that God has revealed Himself as both loving and just, the book has the potential to speak a great deal into our lives under direction of the Holy Spirit. One of the difficulties with Leviticus is that an overarching theme is death. Death of bulls, death of sheep, death of birds, and even the death of people.

In Leviticus chapter 10 we are confronted with what seems to be an injustice. Upon a closer look, it will be discovered that the sudden and immediate death of Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu is one of the greatest portrayals of justice in the Scripture. We must bear in mind that Leviticus gives clear and concise protocol as to how God is to be approached. The God of the Bible is not to be approached in a cavalier manner. It is not as if fallen humanity can barge into His presence without careful consideration and caution. After accepting Aaron's sacrifice (Leviticus 9:23,24), Nadab and Abihu offered profane fire before the LORD. There willy nilly attitude was not overlooked but treated as a display of outright defiance toward God's prescribed method of doing priestly ministry.

Thankfully the Scriptures are not silent in regard to the LORD devouring the rebellious brothers. The Bible does not give excuses for such events taking place; just reasons. The reason is given in Leviticus 10:3 which says, "This is what the LORD spoke saying, By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified." You see, God is not willing to set aside His glory, even for the sons of Aaron. Just because Aaron was close with Moses didn't mean God would overlook such blatant error. In today's culture of money and fame, we seem to think that dollars and cents can get us out of serious problems. Either that or we try to bypass judgement with a connection we have with a higher level of authority. Aaron knew his sons were guilty and so "held his peace."

Have you ever offered profane fire before God? You may be thinking to yourself, I have never used censors or incense, or anything of the sort so how could I be guilty of unauthorized fire before God. Well, did you know that God has given people today a prescribed way of approaching Him? That way is through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you reject God's provision of a sacrifice for sin, namely His dearly loved Son, and seek to enter into the presence of Almighty God by your own merit, you are no different than Nadab and Abihu. They rightfully received their due for disobedience, and you will too. Ignorance isn't bliss in such matters. Therefore I urge you to come to God in the way he calls you to. God has mercifully provided a way for worshippers to approach Him through the death of Jesus. As sinful as they may be, Christ's all-sufficient sacrifice shields all those who put their faith in Him. God has a burning zeal for His glory that will by no means overlook the disobedience of man. Behold a God of Justice!

The Word of God Brings Life

One of the most curious; yet hope-filled passages of Scripture comes from a vision in Ezekiel 37. At first glance the subject matter of the valley of dry bones seems obscure, morbid, even grotesque. Having said this, Ezekiel's vision contributes a great deal to our understanding of the restoration of God's people, resurrection, and the life giving power of God's spoken word.

By way of review, Ezekiel's exposure to the dry bones was followed by the question, "Son of man, can these bones live?" The prophets response was a simple, "O Lord God, You know." This question is followed by a highly unusual command, "Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live" (Ezekiel 37:4). Interestingly enough, when the prophet began to prophesy there was a rattling sound compared to that of the earthquake in Ezekiel 3:12,13. The bones came together, sinews and flesh stuck to the bones, and skin covered the once dry bones. What is more, the Lord called Ezekiel to prophecy to the breath, "Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live (Ezekiel 37:9). Amazingly, the bodies were animated into living beings that stood on their feet as an exceedingly great army.

Thankfully we are provided with an explanation of the significance of the dry bones becoming living beings in Ezekiel 37:11-13. The bones are identified as the whole house of Israel to display the hopeless situation they found themselves in. However, the vision comes as a blessing in the sense that promised restoration is given to the people. We are told in verse 13 that the purpose of God's restoration is that the people know that God is the LORD. He is the one who created everything by the word of his power (Gen.1), He is the one who called Abram into a covenantal relationship with Himself (Gen.12), and He is the one who animates His people when he puts His Spirit within them (Ezekiel 37). This language is reminiscent of Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

The word of God brings life! "I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD" (Ezekiel 37:14). For the purpose of application, may I suggest that Ezekiel's vision highlights the importance of hearing God's word. The word of prophecy from Ezekiel is God's word. Allow me to share an observation. I get the impression that the faith of many Christians in the church today is likened to the valley of dead bones. There is spiritual dryness, observable joylessness, and the semblance of death and decay. When my faith seems cold I am reminded of Romans 10:17 which says, "faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." It is faith that animates lethargic, and apathetic Christians, and faith comes through hearing the word of Christ.

I am currently reading a book by Mark Dever entitled, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church. I was not too surprised to find that the first mark of a healthy church related to the preaching of God's Word. You see without the revelation of God's Word, there is no hope for dry bones left in a valley. In Dever's first chapter entitled Expositional Preaching, he asks, "How does God put His Spirit in Israel so that they will live? He does it by His Word." This is a brilliant; yet simple observation. God puts His Spirit in the lives of people through the implantation of His Word.

In addition to this Dever says, "It is in Christ that the Word of God has fully and finally come to us." This is a tremendous truth, that should cause each and everyone of us to cling all the more closely to our Lord, Savior, and Treasure, Jesus Christ.

In speaking of how the Word of God brings life, Dever astutely recognizes that "the church of God, can only be created around the Word of God." The church of God is not created out of a focus on great programs, community involvement, or entertainment driven preaching. If we are feeling lifeless and devoid of the Spirit's animation we need nothing less than a resolution to keep our noses in the Book. It is in fresh discoveries from the Bible that we experience renewed spiritual life.

Perhaps my favorite words in the English vocabulary all begin with the letter R. Although I love, riding, roping, and reading, I am talking more along the lines of restoration, reformation, and revival. Closing off his section on how the Word of God brings life, Mark Dever quotes a statement made by the old Reformer Martin Luther. When asked about his accomplishments Luther said, "I simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word: otherwise I did nothing....The Word did it all." Lets not forget that it is the Word of God that brings life.

Cowboy Wisdom #1

"Cowboy dress is determined by three factors: weather, work, and vanity."

A few weeks back I was reminded by my Mother of a season of life that I refused to wear jeans that didn't have a Wrangler patch on the right back pocket. At the beginning of a new school year it seemed to be customary that I would get a couple new pairs of Wranglers. It didn't matter whether they were black or blue; but they could on no circumstances be Levi's. I'll never forget the first time my Mother decided to save a few bucks and buy me Levi's instead of Wranglers. I was appalled! How could she send me to school without the best of cowboy garb?

Looking back, I am mindful of a certain level of vanity that is accompanied with the cowboy image. Bright shirts that make you stand out like a peacock, shiny silver buckles, and distinguished tall hats seem to have a purpose beyond practical matters. Although there are many cowpokes that pay very little attention to matters of fashion, it may be argued that there is a level of undue pride in appearance that sits under the brim of certain cowboy hats (including mine).

The words of the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 1:2 are as follows, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." If this includes the subject in question, it would seem that cowboy attire often includes that which is futile, useless, and insubstantial. Interestingly enough, in some cases the most skilled cowhands are the most crudely dressed. When it comes down to the nitty gritty duties of roping, and riding, it doesn't matter whether you have a flashy Wrangler 20X collared shirt on, or a shirt that was passed on to you by your Grandad with brown paisley's on it. The substance of a cowboy does not lie on external dress; but on internal resolve and grit.

Saddlebag Preachers

In the rise of evangelicalism on the North American shore, the Methodist Church exemplified a tireless pursuit of spreading the gospel. A noteworthy preacher by the name of Francis Asbury (displayed here) exemplified a deep passion for Christ in his circulation of the message of the gospel in the 18th and 19th century. Popularly known as a "circuit-rider" or "saddlebag preacher" Asbury (along with many other Methodists) took the gospel to people on horeback.

Asbury believed that people were lost without Jesus and displayed a genuine concern for the state of souls. It is said that Asbury covered 270,000 miles, crossed the Appalachian Mountains more than 60 times, and preached 16,000 sermons over the course of 45 years. The life of the itinerant preacher was rough, rugged, and relentless. His home was often the great outdoors, under a blanket of stars. Many circuit-riders died at a young age from long, hard miles and exposure to the elements. The persistance of circuit-riders led to a spoken proverb: "The weather is so bad today that nothing's out but crows and Methodist preachers."

In a day of urbanization, the rural church often feels neglected, unimportant, and unable to keep preachers for any length of time. Saddlebag preachers believed that no town or district was too small to have a gospel witness. Furthermore, these itinerant preachers believed the words of the Great Commision to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." These men were active gospel proclaimers that were motivated out of a genuine devotion to Christ to bring the message of Jesus to every person. Although the age of circuit-riding has been replaced by cars, and trucks, the principle of spreading the gospel far and wide with every means we have available should never be forgotten.

The Goodness of the Gospel

At the end of January my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of joining the Calvary Grace Conference in Calgary, Alberta entitled "The Goodness of the Gospel". We were deeply blessed by spirit-empowered preaching, reconnecting with old friends, and spending some time with my family. The sessions were filled with discoveries of the most excellent sort. It should be of no surprise however, since the subject at hand was both timely and timeless. I was reminded by the speakers that 'The Goodness of the Gospel' is affirmed throughout the entire Bible. It is the focal point of all redemptive history from Genesis to Revelation. Although I learned this principle while at Bible College, it was good for me to be reminded of this especially now that I am in pulpit ministry.

On a personal note, I can honestly say that the gospel is not only good news; but the best news I have ever heard. The verse that changed my entire perception of the gospel from a code of dos and don'ts to something to be treasured is Matthew 13:44. There I read, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." As a 17 year old farmboy these words instilled in me the type of joy that compelled me to leap over corral fences in a single bound. The gospel was no longer drudgery; but delight.

Ever since that Holy Spirit awakening, I have treasured the gospel supremely because of the Person that embodied 'good news'. His name is Jesus. He has become the only grounds for my salvation, and the foundation of my joy. I can honestly say that the gospel has become good news to me, as I trust it also has for you.