By now, you’ve probably learned the shorthand sign for 'with' = w/, ‘without’ = w/o. When a server takes your food order, they use these signs w/ and w/o.
We say with and without quite often.
As American’s, we choose what we want by adding the words with and without. If you are polite, you will add the word ‘please’ to the words ‘with’ or ‘without’. I would like a garden salad, ‘without’ tomatoes, please. I want a Diet Pepsi, but ‘with’ little ice – please.
If you are ‘conservative’ with your money, then you must choose whether or not you want cheese on your burger, because if you say ‘with’ cheese, it could cost you another 35+ cents!
Today, I called my local grocery store to see if they wanted to donate fruit for the 100 lunches, to be given away to the homeless, on Christmas day. I was told that I needed a tax I.D. number, because ‘without’ this number, the store wouldn’t be able to write the donation off on their taxes; however, I was assured that this store had donated to many honorable organizations this holiday season.
I wonder how many companies and tithe givers would give large amounts of money, ‘without’ a statement to itemize, to get credit on their taxes. Regardless, I am thankful that they do give none-the-less.
‘Without’ a driver’s license, we shouldn’t drive a vehicle, because if we are caught, we will be left 'with' a ticket, and 'with' less money.
We can’t make it through this life ‘without’ using ‘with or without’.
It is easy to relate this to God, because God gives us each a choice, to live ‘with’ or ‘without’ Jesus Christ.
Jesus didn’t want to live ‘without’ us, so He died upon the cross, in order for us, to live ‘with’ Him.
If you do choose to live ‘with’ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and trust God, you will live forever in Heaven 'with' many mansions. John 14:1-3
If you choose to give to the needy, you will live 'with' the same purpose as Christ, and you will be blessed!!! (Psalms 112:5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely…(8)…in the end he will look in triumph on his foes…(9) He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor…
If you choose to spend time ‘with’ God (and His Holy Word), you will NOT walk alone in the dark. Psalms 119:105
If you choose to HOPE in the Lord, the Lord will provide you ‘with’ new strength. Isaiah 40:29-31.
If you choose to BELIEVE in Jesus, you will witness miracles. If you BELIEVE, you will hear Jesus’ voice, follow Him, and have everlasting life, in Heaven, ‘with’ Jesus. John 10:25-30.
If you choose to be a witness for Jesus, and lead souls to Christ, you will extend Jesus’ hope, peace, joy…LOVE… for generations to come, and you will live ‘with’ JOY & HAPPINESS Luke 15:32
Matthew
If you choose to be marked 'with' the mark of the beast, you will be left 'with' the wrath of God. Revelations 14:9-11.
W/ or W/O Jesus? (you get to decide).
May The Force be ‘with’ you!
God Bless!
In His Hands,
Love, Glen