Declarations

I have no idea how this began, but the boys--- at first it was Andrew--- started declaring things around the house.  Come to think of it, I am pretty sure it was a past grammar lesson.  We studied what a declarative sentences are and how they function.  Since then, they have been practiced and rehearsed for fun within the rhythm of ordinary days.  My favorite declaration is the most simple.  Andrew says, "I declare that Eliana is a............ Baby!"  And with great joy and delight, Eliana smiles and claps her little hands and Elijah chasse's around her with great rejoicing.  Then Andrew, the speaker, and Elijah, the entertainer, proceed to the other babies, each time giving the same amount of fanfare to their baby-ness.

Having something declared of a person that is so clearly obvious isn't so compelling, unless preformed by the cutest kiddos on earth;).  I know it sounds silly, but the babies love it.  Then we move on to other self-evident things, like green grass and stinky diapers.  

That's about all I as a human being--- one who was made, not the Maker--- can do.  I observe, perceive, and verbalize existing truths.  

In contrast, there are declarations of those who believe the words of Yahweh God that are exceptionally different.  Those once alienated from God are elevated to a far surpassing, otherwise impossible position.  I cannot imagine making it through some days without His declarations.  Call it good theology, I feel and receive them throughout the day as constant mercies.  Goodness knows there is enough that is subjective to decipher.  My need for objectivity is paramount.   Time and circumstances do not change objective, God-breathed truth.  The extent to which I engage truth in faith and understanding doesn't change it either.  The truth about truth ensures real, outside-of-myself comfort.

I believe.  Lord, help my unbelief.  

Here are some of my favorites from the New Testament:

Jesus says ~ I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater them all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For our sake He made Him be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from you Father.  But even the hairs on your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 

What are your favorites?