Albert Einstein kept portraits of two scientists on his wall: Newton and Maxwell. Toward the end of his life he replaced those pictures with Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer. Said Einstein, "It is time to replace the image of success with the image of service."

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Albert Schweitzer

Seek first the kingdom...

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'" I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say, "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible. But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches. So I call upon His name.

When I say, "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner, who received God's good grace, somehow. Maya Angelou

2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Distress that drives us to God does that. It turns us around. It gets us back in the way of salvation. We never regret that kind of pain. But those who let distress drive them away from God are full of regrets, end up on a deathbed of regrets.

What fuels you up?

Life in the kingdom always points to peace.

1 Peter 3:8-16

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.