"Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him..." Romans 6:8

We are saved to rise up, not to sit down. Salvation is not the end, salvation is only the beginning - the beginning of our journey through a land that is not our own - a land foreign to the people of God.

Salvation is Jesus' gift to us [lest any man should boast] - our service, our life of commitment is our gift back to Him.

Many never allow salvation to grow, keeping it locked away for fear. Fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of.... far too many hang on tightly to the familiar, fearing the uncertainty - forgetting our LORD assuredly spoke that He would never leave us or forsake us.

Salvation opens the door to a new life - a life in Christ, a door opening to light, hope, guidance, encouragement. Perhaps not your best life now [but throughout eternity] for our LORD told us to pick up our cross and follow Him?

Many are called; but few are chosen. Many receive the call to "Come" but few are willing to walk the narrow road Jesus walked - choosing instead to remain with the crowd, calling themselves 'Christians' while continuing to enjoy the pleasures of this foreign land.

Examine yourself fellow traveler - examine yourself.