“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9” We experience faith in the LORD simply because He chose to impart His Spirit of revelation to us. I did not choose my own parents, nor the circumstances that I grew up under, but in my life story the LORD chose these for me, and He beautifully intervenes throughout my life to reveal Himself to me. Though God sovereignly chose us for Himself (even as He chose the Jewish people as a people for Himself, Deuteronomy 7:6), He calls us to release our fleshly will to receive and do His will. He calls us to lose our selves in Him. He calls us to come into divine alignment with the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and Heaven itself. We are called to respond to His wooing and whispers, and follow Him. During a time when Rabbi was crying out in emotional pain to the LORD, the Holy Spirit spoke to Him, “If you would cooperate, it wouldn’t hurt so much.” Father has gifted us with the revelation of Himself, yet we must strive to stick CLOSELY to Him, just as a child clings to their parent for safety, guidance, and to keep from getting lost. Every day the battle is fierce as we strive to enter in through the narrow Gate, laying down fleshly impulses and the distractions of this world at the cross. Every day we war against the winds of this world (which seek to push us into the wide path of destruction), so that we daily cherish, honor, love, worship and follow our LORD and Savior. The war is rugged, but loving and following our Beloved One ALWAYS results in the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11), and crowns of joy to cast at His feet forevermore!