It's a life or death situation!</p><p>Around 1400 BC, Moses declared: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19).</p><p>Around 1000 BC, the Psalmist declared, "I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17).</p><p>Around 950 BC, Solomon gave us this Proverb, "Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit &#x97; you choose" (Proverbs 18:21, The Message).</p><p>Around 30 AD Jesus made it clear, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10 ).</p><p>Around 57 AD Paul penned, "For if, because of one man's (i.e., Adam's) trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." And again Paul writes, "As sin reigned in death, grace also can now reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 5:17, 21).</p><p>Did you see the two powers? "Death reigned through, Adam." But it doesn't have to. "Those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." Which man do you want to connect with &#x97; Adam or Jesus? You are born connected to your father, Adam. But the good news is that you can connect through faith with the King of Life, Jesus Christ, and begin reigning in life with him!</p><p>Mother Goose told us that "Jack and Jill fell down and broke their crowns." Jesus wants to give them back to all of us.</p><p>Around 50 AD, James told us the crowns were available now. He writes, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12, ESV).</p><p>So life has struggles no doubt but we can take charge and live! We can truly reign in life if we go about it the Jesus way &#x97; by faith! The thief may try to rob, kill and destroy, but Jesus has a better idea &#x97; "abundant life."</p><p>Telling why he came, Jesus proclaims, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18&#x96;19).</p><p>Sounds like he wants to set us free to reign in life! Let him crown you! It happens when you crown him in your heart and soul as your King of kings!</p><p>John Parker meets with his ChristChurch friends on Sundays, at 10 a.m. at 260 North Sixth St. in Chowchilla and welcomes you there, too.