LIVING OR LIFE

 

What a thought-provoking, inspiring quote, in my humble opinion, especially as a Christian.  It makes me reflect on how we are living our lives on this earth.

Do you

make a living…

or

make a life…

with your existence and limited time on earth?

 

I feel this quote shows how we, like Jesus, live in both our humanity and the spiritual world. Jesus was both human and divine, and we, too, share that because we are filled with the Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised we would have once He ascended into heaven. Continue reading “LIVING OR LIFE”

THERE IS HOPE

Shattered dreams,
   broken hearts,
       lonely people passing us by every day.
People without hope,
   searching for happiness–
       a lost and dying world.
 

What can we offer these people?

This world we live in seems to offer happiness to them in the form of

riches,
  fame,
    sex,
      drugs,
        alcohol.
But, this happiness does not bring them anything to hope in,
    for these “worldly” pleasures last but a few fleeting moments.
They don’t offer anything lasting and real,
    and there is nothing to cling to.

In this world, the only true hope is found in and through Jesus Christ.

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 Photo credit by Lex McKee under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
With Christ as the center of our lives, we can possess a lasting happiness that will carry us through this life.
Christ gives a peace that surpasses all understanding despite all the trials we may be facing.
He is our best friend and will never, ever leave us even though others may desert us.

Our greatest hope is in the day we will meet Jesus face to face, and then spend eternity with Him.

This (Christ) is the lasting hope we can offer people as we live it and walk it each day. As Paul states in his First Letter to the Corinthians, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Cori 15:19)

Christ is the hope we need to offer others–it will change their lives forever!

I think the song, Cry Out to Jesus, by my favorite Christian band, Third Day, is such an inspiring, encouraging song that talks about the hope that Jesus provides.  Take a listen and be blessed!  Let the words penetrate your heart and soul.

Remember…
There is HOPE for the helpless…..
    REST for the weary.
        And LOVE for the brokenhearted.
                                –Excerpt from Cry Out to Jesus by Third Day
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  –Jeremiah 29:11

WHERE ARE YOU?

Jesus says,

“You are so precious to me

I have given you so much–

the land that you walk on,

the air that you breathe,

all that you have and are.

But, my friend, where are YOU?

I need YOU to be…

   MY hands,

   MY feet,

   MY heart,

each and every day.

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Photo credit courtesy of Maria Jose Bustamante under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Don’t let this world that I’ve given to you

take away from ME.

I know there are so many “things”

to pull you in different directions–

away from ME.

Be concerned with the things that will

last for all eternity; not the temporary

things of this world.

Make sure you keep ME first in your

life as you go along serving…

your families,

your church community,

your friends,

and everyone you meet.

I need mostly, YOUR HEART,

full of love and compassion

to give to others.

EVERYONE I place in your path

is an opportunity to share a part of ME.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  –Romans 12:9-13

Even though I have shared this song before, I still think it fits well with this writing. May you be blessed with listening to Offering, by my favorite Christian band, Third Day.