"Salvation is of the LORD." -Jonah 2:9

  When Jesus Christ’s count rymen tried to force Him to be their king, He withdrew from them (John 6:15). But when they came to arrest Him as a criminal, He let them take Him (John 18:1 - 5). Think of it! Jesus refused an earthly kingdom, but submitted to cruelty from it.   • He refused being enthroned by men, but accepted being killed by them.   • He refused their rule over men, but accepted their mistreatment of Him.   • He refused their royal throne, but accepted their shameful cross.   • He refused their crown of gold, but accepted their c rown of thorns.   • He refused their royal robe, but accepted the taking of all His garments.   • He refused to be a man of privilege, but accepted being a man of sorrows.   • He refused a life of ease, but accepted a death in grief.   And He endured all this for the salvation of His people. -preacher Daniel Parks

" Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh." —Romans 8:12 [KJV] Christianity teaches us to owe no man any thing. He is a prudent man who keeps his accounts clear and knows to whom he is indebted; he is a grateful man who acknowledges favors with just sentiments. If this is necessary and commendable in the economy of this short life, how much more so in things of a spiritual and eternal nature! How wise, how just is it to render to all their dues! If we are debtors to the flesh, let us serve that; but if debtors to the Lord, it is then our duty and privilege to serve Him.  What owest thou, O Christian, to the flesh? Verily, neither suit nor service: but alas! thou hast obeyed its sinful motions, gratified the corrupt lusts thereof, and what hast thou reaped for it but shame and sorrow?  These are the only fruits that sin and folly bear. The flesh with its corruptions and lusts is at enmity to thy God, and at war against thy s...