This past weekend, a group of men gathered together to seek the light and truth of God at our second annual men's conference.  At the conclusion of this conference, this same group of men left ready to re-enter the battlefield.

The Spirit of God was present.  You could feel it in the excitement, hear it in their voices, see it in their eyes and feel it in each handshake or embrace given or received.  The message is clear - the evil one is wagging war against all that we do, and together, as a group of men ready to live the lives that we have been called to live, we stand firm in our Faith though the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and come together now against that opposition.

As Easter approaches, I am reminded of a battle which has already taken place.  I post this in remembrance of this battle and as an encouragement to the brave men who are now choosing to Stand Their Ground.....

"... Oh death, where is thy sting?  O hades, where is thy victory?  Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!  Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!  Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!  Christ is risen, and life reigns!  Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the tomb!  For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the First-fruits of them that slept.  To Him, be glory and might, unto ages of ages.  Amen."  (Taken from the Pascal Homily.  John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople)

Your brother in Christ,

Jim