Receive The Crown Of Life

We may undergo many tests on our journey; but, the crown

of life is worth any hardships we might endure.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."  (James 1:12 NIV)

We all undergo trails and tests at various times throughout our lives. Those who follow Jesus should definitely expect no less than others. In fact, we will often endure even more for his name's sake. These tests may cause us to wonder if we are actually following Jesus or following our own wills. How can we know? Questions to ask ourselves in times like this are: Will what I do glorify God or myself? Is what I say the truth or am I misrepresenting the truth to justify myself or my personal agenda?

As we journey to the cross this Lenten season, let us remember that Jesus was tested and tried and not just by the devil immediately after his baptism. He was tested and tried throughout his short life and; although he was innocent, was ultimately tried, convicted, and executed. As we follow Jesus to the cross we can and should expect nothing less than to be tried and tested by the evil one and his minions. We will face hardships; but, the one who overcame them for our sakes, is with us.

May you always trust that the Lord is with you as you follow in his footsteps.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Some Things Cannot Be Bought

Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 36:7 NIV

My husband is a shopper. I am not. When we were stationed in Rota, Spain, the Exchange would have ladies night out specials. He went with my friends. I stayed home. I don't like to spend money. My husband also has a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles. He drives a three-wheeler at the present time. We live about ten minutes from the Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona so we get to tour it every few weeks. The dealership is huge and is located in a shopping center focused on bikers' dreams. I am not only not interested in shopping, I am not a biker. The only thing that interests me in the whole place is that used pick-up truck in the photo above with it's hood up. It is not for sale. It is being raffled to benefit Bikers Against Drunk Drivers (BADD). The bottom line is that it cannot be bought. One can purchase a raffle ticket among the millions that are probably being sold as it allegedly is the largest biker raffle in the world. But, that truck and the antique Harley sitting in the back of it cannot be purchased.

The most precious things in life cannot be bought. We cannot buy our salvation. That was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus that was poured out upon the cross for us. There is nothing that we can do or give that can buy us our salvation. Salvation comes by faith alone in Christ alone.

We cannot buy love. We might be able to purchase a companion for awhile. But, see what happens when the funds run out! Love is priceless. The love of God is priceless. There is nothing in this world that can buy His love for you. We don't need to buy it. He gives it to us freely even as He gave us His Son so that we might receive the free gift of salvation.

Money cannot buy love. The gift of love is priceless.

God's Peace - Pr. J