Victory Over Death

Arlington Cemetery

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:50-57 KJV)

 

Headstone after headstone after headstone! To see so many graves in one place is mind-boggling. But, death of the corruptible flesh is a reality for us all. It can be an uncomfortable part of life. But, thanks be to God that through our Lord Jesus Christ even though we die; we shall live. Death has no victory over those who trust in the life giving sacrifice of Jesus our Savior and Lord.

 

Our mortal flesh will disappear; but, we are not just flesh and blood. We shall put on immortality and live in the presence of our loving Father for all of eternity. Death has no victory. Jesus is the Victory. Thank be to God!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Grace Filled And Salty Speech

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Col 4:6 KJV)

When my granddaughter was young, she could be a bit salty. Okay, she could be a lot salty. She can still be a bit over the top when she is aggravated.

Salt is a good thing in the appropriate amounts for the specific occasion. A lot of salt is needed to move a pesky ant hill. Not so much salt is needed to flavor food. Salt poured on a wound might sting; but, it helps in the healing process. It does no hurt to be a bit salty at times. Salt is necessary for life.

Grace is also necessary for life. But, "grace and only grace is no grace at all," as my former mentor and teacher, Dr. Karl Keljo, often reminded me. Being a bit salty is a good thing. But, just as only grace without a bit of salt can do damage; so can being overly salty. 

May God grant us the wisdom to know how much salt we should or should not use to season our conversations with others.

God's Peace - Pr. J