Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Its like this...the world is an interestingly strange place, and we are continually sorting, aren't we? Making sense of what is going on all around us, in us, in others~this makes for much work and confusion. I am about to clarify what the stand is for those who believe in God, the One and Only God. This is what we are NOT: wishful thinkers; hopefully naive; deceived with misplaced trust. We know we are mortal, human and live in a world that can be vicious and cruel AND, we are fearless in Christ. Christians are willing to give their lives for Christ on the mission fields; as priests and pastors; as servants of justice missions; as food providers to the hungry homeless and poor and lastly; with a gun to the head and the question "are you a Christian?". We are not subject to the same fear or attachment or human clinging to a life and world that will one day pass away, just as we do, since we all die. The disciples lived in close communion with Jesus for the three years of His ministry. They scattered when His time of crucifixion drew near. One of Jesus' favourites, Simon Peter, denied knowing Christ when asked if he knew Him, three times before the rooster crowed the day that marked the end of what was and the beginning of what is, the day Jesus was nailed to a cross. Shame, remorse, stricken with his cowardess and the fear that had him deny his friend, Simon Peter was broken hearted. His own safety had taken precedence over his loyalty and love for his friend. Alas, second, third and sometimes hundreds of chances are given to us to choose or choose differently. Simon Peter got his when Christ was crucified and rose again and appeared to his disciples John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, " Do you love me?" And he said to Him, " Lord, You know all things; You know I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to MANY. We believe in the crucified Christ, that He died and rose again, that He is the living God, everywhere all the time. The disciples learned this and and bore witness to what I am reiterating and they willingly died for Him, knowing the undeniable Truth. When I have Him, when you have Him, all else pales in comparison, all else falls away and is foolishness and chasing after the wind. The mark of a Christian is joy, unspeakable, incomparable, abundant overflowing joy. Jesus is the bread of life and our Manna from Heaven. Life is our greatest God given gift, mine is devoted to His glory. What have you dedicated your life to?