These Excellent Spirits!
"Despite their fear of the peoples around them,
they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed
burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning
and evening sacrifices."
Ezra 3:3, NIV
Chaplain Kenneth Best served in World War I. One day
he held a communion service at 6 a.m., hoping to minister
to the men before the firing started; but the enemy started
the attack early. Though Best didn’t expect anyone to show
up at the service, he felt responsible to be there if they did,
despite the danger.
“To my surprise, regardless of shrapnel, about 100 men were
present. Never shall I forget my first service under fire. We all
felt God’s good providence watched over us, for not one was
hit. We are all in excellent spirits.”
Some days are frightening, and we’re surrounded by
circumstances that could make us anxious. But as we
go about the work God has assigned us, He's among
us. He is able to keep us in excellent spirits today.
"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s
ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and
drives away his fear."
John Newton
