”Eternal life does not begin with death; it begins with faith.” Samuel M Shoemaker

I have to be honest. I am grateful that one of the most attractive aspects of believing in Jesus is the promise of eternal life. I mean, I love life and love it so much I could do it forever. And, if the taste of it here has been so good, think how wonderful it must be when we experience it new and without all the baggage of our own selfishness. Yep. The resurrection of Jesus excites me with all the prospects of working and playing in the dawning light of eternity.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 3/21/2018

“Love is not just a feeling, it's commitment and above all a sacrifice” Meme

Anyone who has loved someone knows that sacrifice is the highest expressions of it. This is how we know that God loves us so very much. He sacrificed. Christ became His partner in this. Together they offer everyone true spiritual freedom. Of course as it is commonly asserted, “Our freedom isn’t free.” It cost God. It cost Christ. But so great is their love that they joyfully made the sacrifice knowing it would release us from any condemning judgement. Accept it. 

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us…” 1John 3.16 Conversations Within” ts 3/23/2018

God has taken the sword of our enemy and turned it into a healing scalpel.

When death came to Christ and touched Him, it was not Christ, but death itself that was forever changed. The door which carried us away from God’s presence was made into an entrance. Because of Christ, death does not carry us away from our hearts desire, but carries us to it. In this sense we are able  to view death no longer as an enemy, but as a friend. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 1Co15.55 Conversations Within” ts 3/22/2018

"May God grant us the wisdom to discover the right, the will to choose it and the strength to make it endure. Amen” (First Knight--the movie)

Our Father’s grace comes to us in many forms. His Spirit enlightens us with wisdom; He encourages us with strength of purpose; and enables us with the enduring power of faith. What is left for us is to appropriate each of these blessings and walk by them day to day. We should not ask Him to do what He expects from us. We should not try to do what He expects from us without asking for grace.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2Cor.9.8 Conversations Within” ts 3/21/2018

“I do not understand the mystery of grace -- only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.” Anne Lamott

The grace of God is magical simply because its beauty is bathed in mystery and its power transcends all human effort. Grace accomplishes what we ourselves cannot do. Lost as we are, grace will lead us home. Imprisoned in darkness, grace will transform us into creatures of light. Grace meets us on the highway of turmoil and leads us to the path of peace. Grace morphs us form godless selfishness to godly love.

“Great is the mystery of godliness…” 1Tim.3.16 Conversations Within” ts 3/20/2018