Dwelling in LIFE!

I lay down my LIFE, that I might take it up again.

--Christ from John 10: 17b

Jesus' prophetic, startling and puzzling words to his generation. They suggested he had a devil, or perhaps he was mad. But Jesus, as his father did, knew all things. He knew what was in store for him in the very near future.

What man is he that desires LIFE...?

--Psalmist David, 34:12

The hopelessness of those who know not God's love and forgiveness. Life without God is truly an unfulfilled, unsatisfactory existence. Only with him is there true life, true peace and true joy.

God's gift to us is eternal LIFE through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

For God declared in John, chapter three, verse sixteen:

For God so loved the world (US!) that he (God) gave his only begotten son (Jesus) that he who 

believes on him, might have everlasting LIFE!

God's promise to us:

Take no thought for your LIFE...

Wherefore, if God so clothed the grass of the field, or what you shall eat or drink or wear...

for your heavenly father knows what you have need of. 

(paraphrased)

--Matthew 6:25-32

What do we do?

Seek God first and his righteousness. 

That's it. The simplicity of accepting LIFE.

Spring and the Easter Season is a wonderful time to reflect on what God gave us, the promise and assurance of everlasting life for such a small price from us.

Can we rejoice in LIFE today?

What blessings of LIFE do you appreciate and enjoy? 

How has God's assurance of LIFE affected your life?

ABOUT CAROLE:

Besides being an active participant of many writing groups, Carole is an award winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance and whimsy into her books, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons? 

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

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Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Word Sharpeners: https://wordsharpeners.wordpress.com/

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

After The Resurrection

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 

I hope you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday. What a beautiful day to celebrate the most amazing sacrifice anyone ever made for us. Our Redeemer lives!

Last week, Christians blogged, Facebooked, and tweeted Scripture, songs, poems, and thoughts on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. On Easter morning, we reverently and enthusiastically worshipped, then hurried to family dinners, afternoon egg hunts, and of course—after-dinner naps.  

Celebrating Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday is easy. As the sun set on Easter, I wondered where our hearts would be Monday morning in the wake of leftover ham, half-eaten candy baskets, and wrinkled church clothes tossed in the laundry.  

Over two thousand years ago, on Easter Monday, Christ returned to work—His father’s work. He forgave Peter and then instructed him to “feed my sheep.” Among Jesus’ other activities was the Great Commission given to the eleven disciples.  

We are His disciples now—with the Bible and Holy Spirit to instruct us.  

"He makes His ministers a flame of fire. Am I ignitable? God deliver me from the dread asbestos of 'other things.' Saturate me with the oil of the Spirit that I may be aflame. But flame is transient, often short lived. Canst thou bear this, my soul-short life? Make me thy fuel, Flame of God." ~Jim Elliot, martyred missionary

Celebrating Christ’s resurrection revitalized me, as I’m sure it did many Christians. Beyond that, it’s a reminder of my rebirth each time I enter into God’s presence. Yet, as I grow deeper in my spiritual journey, I’m cognizant of the necessary steps to stay aflame. 

If my flame gets diminished during dark moments, when I feel less enthusiasm or challenged beyond my human abilities, saturation with the Spirit’s oil through Bible study and prayer is the only hope for my flame reigniting or burning brightly beyond Christian celebrations. 

As you go to the Lord in prayer or sit down for Bible study this week, consider the condition of your flame and how it impacts those around you. 

And while we don’t face serious persecution in this country, those seeking to fulfill the Great Commission worldwide do, as well as those who choose to become Christians in hostile countries. Please join me in prayer for Christians suffering persecution around the world. May their flame burn brightly despite efforts from those who seek to extinguish it.

Though I don’t pray scripted prayers often, this simple one written by Jim Elliot has resonated with me through the years. Perhaps it will with you, too. 

"Lord, make me a crisis man. Let me not be a mile-post on a single road, but make me a fork that men must turn one way or another in facing Christ in me." 

Amen.

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She is a 2012 RWA Emily finalist, with her Christian novel manuscript placing second in a nationwide field of Christian and secular entries. Laura is also an Associate Editor with Christian Devotions ministry, as well as a ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole.

© Laura Hodges Poole

Sunrise image courtesy of photokanok/freedigitalphotos.net