I AM Enough!

We can’t stand ourselves; because, if we did we would be gentler and kinder to each other. 

You see, being kind to others, starts with being kind to yourself. I know many of you are thinking of how and what that means; and where do you even begin! 

Well the first thing to begin with is getting a good nights sleep! Sleep rejuvenates the body and refreshes your mood and attitude to face the day with a smile! 

Second, remove ALL negativity in our lives. Things that clutter our house, clutters our mind and mood. So seek to live simple. I know this is not your normal, but I have been doing this since my children’s birth, if they or myself get something new, we get rid of something old. If it still is of good quality, we would give the things to a family or child in need, if not, it went in the trash. This act keeps clutter down and cleanses the heart; whereas, making someone else’s lives better, pleases you and makes you feel better- and keeps you wanting to give more also! 

Third remember things don’t satisfy or heal, they just add up the debt from purchases you didn’t really have the money to buy; and credit cards create a bill that is not a necessity to have - A house, food, a car to get to work, and paying the utility bills are. Strive to have a contingency account; but do get out and live a little also. Yes, it’s ok to go to the zoo, an amusement park, the movies, or a vacation. But again, remember, you are in control of money- NOT money in control of you!

Proverbs 15:16 KJV

16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.

A well balanced life is very rare today and, to some, not even an option. It’s not good to be too busy, constantly in strife and struggling, and be unhealthy in every area of your life - which includes eating out often (which is VERY unhealthy), working long hours with little sleep (guzzling energy drinks to keep going that are loaded with caffeine - unhealthy also) over spending (because you feel you are entitled to fill that void in your life you aren’t sure why it’s there and what to do about it so you spend money, and run up the credit cards and credit), to the point of bankruptcy (Stress), and coming home to a garage full of things, closets over crowded, and a stack of dishes slapping you in the face; because you were too tired to do them the night before. Some would say being lazy; however, if you are tired due to your life being out of balance, you do not feel up to doing anything but in that little window of rest, you take it.

Get the picture now!

Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 AMPC

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance with gain. This also is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility)!

11 When goods increase, they who eat them increase also. And what gain is there to their owner except to see them with his eyes?

12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the fullness of the rich will not let him sleep.

13 There is a serious and severe evil which I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt.

14 But those riches are lost in a bad venture; and he becomes the father of a son, and there is nothing in his hand [with which to support the child].

15 As [the man] came forth from his mother’s womb, so he will go again, naked as he came; and he will take away nothing for all his labor which he can carry in his hand.

16 And this also is a serious and severe evil—that in all points as he came, so shall he go; and what gain has he who labors for the wind?

17 All his days also he eats in darkness [cheerlessly, with no sweetness and light in them], and much sorrow and sickness and wrath are his.

18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is for one to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun all the days which God gives him—for this is his [allotted] part.

19 Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, and the power to enjoy them and to accept his appointed lot and to rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God [to him].

20 For he shall not much remember [seriously] the days of his life, because God [Himself] answers and corresponds to the joy of his heart [the tranquility of God is mirrored in him].

Now before I bid you ALL a blessed day and a healthy and happy life, the foundation of a good life, begins with a relationship with God! So begin with the Bible, and the “Good” life will flourish! 

Support System

I would always tell my children when they were little to always surround yourself with friends who are smarter than you, is wealthier than you and who is a Christian! For the most part, they did it, but as we all do, we look to the left and to right of 

us to those who look like they are having more fun and doing things we’ve always wanted to do so they did it as well as I did as a teenager and got badly bitten! Because ALL those things we did was sinful and destructive to our body and spirit! And, boy, was it a hard climb out of that deep pit - but we climbed out and are still climbing! 

Answer each question honestly. 

1. Who do you call on when you are upset? 

    2.  Can you truly say you have committed to a cause, a loved one, or a relationship?

    3.  Are you in fear, in fright, or flight during a time of dread or terror?

We read the questions and see these words above; and we’ve even paused to contemplate in our minds “how” to truly answer; but yielding to the questions already proves the wavering of the thoughts and actions of a confused and indirect heart and mind that is set upon “what if”! 

To be steadfast and fixed in our hearts and minds is to know without a doubt, you can be yourself without compromising your integrity and convictions. 

Well God put on my heart, instead of three friends, add a fourth one. So briefly look at your past and then diligently look at where you are now - and where you would like to go.
Now pick at least four people you feel are your true friends; and ask yourself these questions? 

1. Do I have a friend who is smarter than me? Why? Because it helps you to increase in knowledge to exercise your brain as well as power (I call it confidence; whereas, knowledge of anything should give you confidence to pass an exam because you know it) You seek to increase and come up to a level that, without this friend, you would have never obtained. 
2. Do I have a friend who is a true servant of God? Anyone who serves God and is committed to Him will “affect” and “infect” you! 
3. Do I have a friend who is wealthy? How did they become wealthy. Through hard work , sacrifice, and belief they could have wealth like anyone else. Or did they steal, cheat, and step on toes to reach their goal. Through righteous living or unrighteous living. The righteous wealth is from God and adds no sorrow! (Proverbs 10:22 AMPC) "22 The blessing of the Lord—it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it]."
4. Do I have a friend who is exact opposite of me? Many of you who are married can answer this question with a yes. Men and women are opposites, yet are created to compliment each other through their individual gifts and character traits a spouse is supposed to focus on and acknowledge over what they do wrong. Their wrongs are very minimal  to what they do right; yet most women and some men will focus on that little wrong and tear down bridges and walls being built just to destroy one’s spirit- because your heart has become callous and hard. It is usually from a past hurt that has “nothing” to do with your spouse - but your choice to hold on to it is slowly crumbling all the while to a point of destruction and lots of debris.

It’s always good to surround yourselves with good company and good people; however, in the search to find them it will take time to first let God cleanse you first before you take it upon yourself to view another person insignificant and unworthy- because we ALL are unworthy of His Love due to our sinful nature that No One can deny. His Word says, "ALL have sinned and fallen short of His Glory" (Romans 3:23); yet God still loves us and wants a relationship with us that will last through All Eternity! 

Romans 3:20-25 AMPC 
20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin [not mere perception, but an acquaintance with sin which works toward repentance, faith, and holy character].
21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets,
22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
25 Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment.

Who holds you up when things are crumbling down?

Mental Health!

I am not an expert on mental health; however, in the environment I teach at, I am finding out that the majority of my students’ conduct is more emotional distress than physical! 

Boots relaxing and cooling off! Learn from animals.
They know how to relax an unwind from a stressful day! 

There are persons, that do suffer from emotional and mental disorders; but that is not who they are. 

I have a true story to share with you. I had the privilege of substitute teaching in a large public school about 6 years ago, and I accepted an 8 week assignment for a teacher on maternity leave. This class was not a special needs class; however, the students struggled more than others in Literature and English. So this class gave them additional help outside of their general Literature and English class. All of the students were eager to learn, except a few; and one of them, was very quiet, yet attentive to his studies. 

I talked to him often and happen to find out he received a full scholarship to a prominent division one college. In addition, his Grandmother, Mother, Father, and oldest brother (who was a drug dealer) did not graduate high school. He was going to be the first one in his family (That he knew of) to complete high school and go on to college. He wasn't very tall or stout, just a determined young man to be better and do better.

This young man started out in school in the special needs classes all through grade school and junior high school. No one ever told him he could do better. Upon going into his Freshman year, he decided he did not belong in this environment of learning and took himself out of special needs into general education. (At my time there, he was a senior, graduating in June of that year)

A teacher told me that she ask him what made him make that move? His answer was; “I knew I didn’t belong there.” The second question she asked him was, “Through this transition, what was the hardest thing for you to adjust to?” His answer was, “Learning to think for myself!” He said everything was told to him of how to think, speak, act and live. Nothing was of his choice or desire. And through the transition, he felt very vulnerable and fearful!” 

We had a meeting that month with all of the teachers who were teaching inclusions and this young man’s name came up to be recognized and congratulated on his success and receiving the full scholarship to this division one college. One teacher spoke up and said, “ How can a child from his background receive a scholarship to this prominent school?” She went on to say, “I doubt he makes it!”

Mark 2:16-17 AMPC

 16 And the scribes [belonging to the party] of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with [those definitely known to be especially wicked] sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, Why does He eat and drink with tax collectors and [notorious] sinners?17 And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, Those who are strong and well have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick; I came not to call the righteous ones to repentance, but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin).

My first inclination was to belittle her, just as she belittled him, but I held my peace and said to myself, “God made it happen and God will see him through!”

What we as a Nation, in our small thinking and worldly views, are telling our children that only those who come from a good background are privileged and should receive good. Those who are living a life of poverty and destruction should not be entitled to anything good. 

It’s the concept of lock them up and throw away the key mentality. Every person in this world are born with hope, are deserving of love, and a chance at success just like anyone else; yet, no one wants to put in the work! If life was easy, I would have found that road myself; but there are obstacles we all encounter in life that is not pleasing or comfortable. 

Psalm 120  (ESV) 

 Deliver Me, O Lord
A Song of Ascents.
1 In my distress I called to the Lord,    and he answered me.2 Deliver me, O Lord,    from lying lips,    from a deceitful tongue.3 What shall be given to you,    and what more shall be done to you,    you deceitful tongue?4 A warrior's sharp arrows,    with glowing coals of the broom tree!5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,    that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!6 Too long have I had my dwelling    among those who hate peace.7 I am for peace,    but when I speak, they are for war!

Christians are called to serve, not be served. Whereas, It does take a person who is “deeply” rooted in the Word, because the deception and manipulation is strong, but not powerful!

Colossians 2:5-9 AMPC 

5 For though I am away from you in body, yet I am with you in spirit, delighted at the sight of your [standing shoulder to shoulder in such] orderly array and the firmness and the solid front and steadfastness of your faith in Christ [that leaning of the entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness].
6 As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.
7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
8 See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah).
9 For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].

Everyone of my students who are told they are smart, do perform overtime, as an intelligent person who is able to critically think things through! To see the change of thinking and studying and how to do it in a way that is beneficial for them is in itself a “victory”! 

Over these three years of teaching in the environment I am currently at, I have seen over 95% of my students come in broken by their wayward actions and speech (that is not for ears to behold) and leave totally different. They carry themselves different, they reach out to a struggling classmate who wants to give up and quit; and they come to me at the completion of class and thank me for giving them hope and believing in them. (That’s Who God is and I’m grateful I am His servant) 

Now Don’t get me wrong, there’s conflict, write ups, and numerous conduct reports done before the change; but never give up or give in! Although they are adults, it’s still a way to correct wrong behavior and move forward with a new attitude and gratitude. It is so rewarding to see the change, the tears and the ambition to keep moving forward - and some go to college and become a light in this world! 

Note: Not everyone will reach that goal. It’s a few who fall off and have to start the process all over again. 

Everyday I feel the anguish of labor pains, that are soon forgotten, once that student is born anew! Praise God! Everyday also is a teachable moment to the “Broken” in Spirit!

John 16:21

21 A woman, when she gives birth to a child, has grief (anguish, agony) because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she no longer remembers her pain (trouble, anguish) because she is so glad that a man (a child, a human being) has been born into the world.

Character Flaws

I’m going to step out on Truth in the Bible, whereas, we have to stop portraying Jesus as a long haired, blue eyed Son of God. First let me clarify to those who do not have a relationship with God. In His Word, it was prophesied by Isaiah of His appearance.

Isaiah 53:2 AMPC

Riley has character 😊, that is flawless!

2 For [the Servant of God] grew up before Him like a tender plant, and like a root out of dry ground; He has no form or comeliness [royal, kingly pomp], that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him.

Jesus was what the world would call;  “Ordinary to look at!” When we view a King or Queen, our view is that of beauty and wealth for the eyes to behold! 

This is powerful to me of how God brought Jesus to us so that our hearts would reveal our true person, not view them from their outer appearance. 

If I may, I want to clarify this is in no way about race or wealth or division or separation; however, the truth of what Jesus looks like is not accurate! To walk where Jesus walked, He was of color. Now I know that ALL people still want to separate and divide by color, but God does not. He is not even impressed with wealth, titles, or our college degrees. Man is the one who differentiates, to a point of hate, disgust, and oppression that are, again, NOT who He is! 

Mark 12:13-17 AMPC 
13 But they sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to Him for the purpose of entrapping Him in His speech.
14 And they came up and said to Him, Teacher, we know that You are sincere and what You profess to be, that You cannot lie, and that You have no personal bias for anyone; for You are not influenced by partiality and have no regard for anyone’s external condition or position, but in [and on the basis of] truth You teach the way of God. Is it lawful (permissible and right) to give tribute (poll taxes) to Caesar or not?
15 Should we pay [them] or should we not pay [them]? But knowing their hypocrisy, He asked them, Why do you put Me to the test? Bring Me a coin (a denarius), so I may see it.
16 And they brought [Him one]. Then He asked them, Whose image (picture) is this? And whose superscription (title)? They said to Him, Caesar’s.
17 Jesus said to them, Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s. And they stood marveling and greatly amazed at Him.

All of us at sometime in our lives have detested someone or something because we lack God’s Wisdom and God’s Love. It is His character that sees beyond face value, it goes deeper than that and lives in that deep place that over time becomes a beautiful human being full of Godly character and Godly Wisdom that manifest through daily Bible study and prayer. It resides in a secret place no one, but God, can see - It is your heart! It can only be revealed by others through your action and your integrity. 

We have not come together as a Nation and Human Race that proves where our Heart and character lies! We have rejected others, and sit those not like us, outside of the perimeter of what society calls blessed, But to be blessed and of Godly character is to accept and welcome those who are of a broken spirit, crippled, sick, and poverty stricken. When you reject others, you reject God, because we are ALL His children 

What matters and is of value is our character. As mentioned previously, we are ALL His children, and He loves us ALL - And there is NOTHING you can do about it! You’ll see, when those who are His own, get to their final resting place - Heaven!

I Corinthians 15:29-34 AMPC 
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being [themselves] baptized in behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
30 [For that matter], why do I live [dangerously as I do, running such risks that I am] in peril every hour?
31 [I assure you] by the pride which I have in you in [your fellowship and union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily [I face death every day and die to self].
32 What do I gain if, merely from the human point of view, I fought with [wild] beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised [at all], let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will be dead.
33 Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.
34 Awake [from your drunken stupor and return] to sober sense and your right minds, and sin no more. For some of you have not the knowledge of God [you are utterly and willfully and disgracefully ignorant, and continue to be so, lacking the sense of God’s presence and all true knowledge of Him]. I say this to your shame.

“POWER” Outage!

We are having a serious blackout right night. No Faith, No Trust, No True Love for our fellow man - Yet in the midst of a crisis (that we are experiencing now) many are turning to our “Power Source” and “Power Supply” because “nothing” else can generate that much voltage, from God’s Wisdom and Love, that can light up the Universe. (By the way, those who are being saved through this pandemic is a major step in the right direction. May God bless you and keep you)

Matthew 4:12-16 AMPC 
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested and put in prison, He withdrew into Galilee.
13 And leaving Nazareth, He went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the country of Zebulun and Naphtali—
14 That what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be brought to pass:
15 The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, in the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles [of the peoples who are not of Israel]—
16 The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned.

His “Power” is infinite, omnipotent, and ALWAYS available to those who plug into it at anytime! And get this! It NEVER shorts out either- No matter how many are plugged into it and who is plugged into it.

John 1:1-5 AMPC 
In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
2 He was present originally with God.
3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.
4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.
5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

My Son & Granddaughter -
What can they say, It's dark at King's Island at night!

The sad thing is, more are not plugged in, than are! I don’t know about you, but no human being can see in the dark. You don’t know what is in front of you or behind you; and be truthful, that old spirit of fear comes upon you and while you scoot around in the dark, trying to find a light switch, candle to light, or a flashlight, be careful where you walk! Especially in an unfamiliar territory. 

John 8:10-12 AMPC 
10 When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?
11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.
12 Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.

It’s a “Power” I NEVER want to leave home  without or be in my home without. It comforts, heals, redeems, protects, and directs our every step on an illuminating path that leads you from good to better to “Best”- because the “Best” is yet to come once that “Power “ flows through your veins, it can NEVER be distinguished! 

Matthew 5:11-16 AMPC 
11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.
12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

Psalm 91

Psalm 91 AMPC 

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

We are HIS Passion!

Little children know how to “Love” sincerely and in truth! 

My Great-Niece and Nephew. She had just finished a Gymnastic Tournament and her little brother could not contain himself. He beat us to her to give her the biggest hug! A Kodak moment for sure!

We misuse the word “Love” as a figure of speech to express how much we like a thing. We say things like, “Oh, I love that shirt”, or “I love your house!  The definition of love in the Hebrew language is “Ahava", which means - “to give” (free.messianicbible.com). 

We are raised in this world to take. As I write this, I do chuckle a little, because I have heard this more than I want to hear people say, "I'm going to get mine"; in which, I'm not for sure what "mine" is, but it could be a number of things. You very seldom hear, "Oh this coat is on sale, I don't need it, but someone in our family or neighborhood will need this size eventually." Or These chickens are on sale, I should probably get some extra just in case somebody I don't know will be in need of food this month."

I heard it from my elders as a child, but do not hear it as much today. To give of ourselves, our time and attention without demanding anything in return is how we should live on earth-daily. Our world would be a different place if more would live with a loving heart that is giving and serving others! Because when someone gives of the heart, it is heartfelt and people do appreciate it and will remember your act of kindness - in which they will live a life of kindness from your example. 

It is not in us to love wholeheartedly, unless we allow God in our hearts, even through life’s hardships. We fail more than we succeed; because of our rejection, not of our willingness and acceptance to His Grace and Mercy that heals, comforts, and restores us to a state of “peace, trust, and faith in Him that sin has no power over us - Because His love conquered death (sin) on the Cross! 

I John 4:7-9 AMPC 
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].
8 He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
9 In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him.

Now to have a loving heart and Godly character, watch little children play. A child is forgiving, trusting and believing that we aspire as Christians to have; but as adults, we lose that trusting heart over time! We get hurt, abandoned, abused, neglected, have tragedies in our lives and so forth, and become cynical because we hold on to the hurt more than LEAN on God’s Word and His Promises! It’s not easy to forget Who Love is - if you already know! 

I John 3:14-17
14 We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death.
15 Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him.
16 By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him].
17 But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?

Love cannot be bought, sold, or auctioned off, it was bought with a heavy price (Jesus’ life; Holy and pure) given to us freely! It was His Passion!

Mark 16:16-18 AMPC 
16 He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.
17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.

The Gospel is Jesus’ ministry here on earth of His life of how He went about healing the blind, the cripple, the leper, the deaf, raising the dead, and preaching the "Good News" to the poor. (Matthew 11:4-5)

God does not want to see any of His children in strife, turmoil, deception, sickness and pain anymore, because He bore our burdens at the Cross for us, so we can live in peace, health, and free from the bondage and torment of sin. Love made it possible and will endure through eternity!

Just a little note: we will have trials and tribulations in this life; but once we Cross over into eternal life, there will be NO MORE suffering at all.

There are three things that remain - faith, hope , and love - and the greatest of these is "Love" (I Corinthians 13:13 TLB)

We love Him; because He FIRST loved us! Amen!