People seem to have the idea that we can use God as a genie. We can just ask and God is supposed to do it and we don’t have to do anything or meet any qualifications. The only thing you don’t have to meet any qualifications is salvation. Salvation is a free gift only given because of God’s grace and mercy. We need only to ask and we will receive. However, salvation is not the finish line with God. It’s just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to learning God’s ways and letting Him mold and shape us into the person He wants us to be.

Again, I ask, are you in position to receive the blessing of God?  God will not pour out His blessings on those who are not ready to receive them. He also will not bless you with anything that will hinder your relationship with Him. God blesses us according to His will for our life. Our capacity to receive it depends on our faith and the maturity of our walk with God.

God does answer prayer but He answers them according to His will. Not how much faith we have in the request being granted. Our faith should solely be in God and His sovereignty to answer prayer according to His will. Our job is simply to ask in faith, faith in God’s Word and His ability. We also should be persistent in our prayers. 

The first step in receiving from God is accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then we must be about our Father’s business. We must keep seeking His will for our life and His Kingdom by learning to live life His way. When we do this, we are aligning ourselves to be in His will; therefore, we are positioning ourselves to receive His blessings.

The world may seem blessed. Especially in material possessions and popularity. Don’t be deceived. Not all ‘so-called blessings’ come from God. Satan knows how to deceive people into thinking they are blessed because he opened doors for them. Remember Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness with giving him the kingdoms of the world if he would bow down and worship him. (Matthew 4:8-10) God is sovereign and ultimately in control but Satan has the lease on the Earth to tempt and deceive people. 

Not all things that appear to be blessings come from God. Be careful to know the difference. Not everyone who claims to give glory to God actually received their ‘so-called blessings’ from God. God does not bless people with fame and fortune if they receive it by sinning. We see this, especially in the entertainment industry. God doesn’t bless sin. Again, don’t be deceived. If you want true blessings from God and the assurance of eternal life in Heaven with God, you must do it God’s way.

Take up your cross daily. Read your Bible. Fellowship with God in prayer, praise, and worship. You must be about your Heavenly Father’s business daily to be in a position to receive from Him. When you place yourself in alignment with God’s will, you won’t have to chase after God’s blessings. They will find you where you are.

Scripture References

Matthew 16:24-27 NIV
[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [25] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. [26] What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

Psalm 37:5-6 NIV
[5] Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: [6] He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 1:5 NIV
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Note: Everyone is not called to be a prophet but God gives everyone a purpose before they are born.  It’s our choice to seek and pursue it

Isaiah 45:2 NKJV
‘I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; …

Psalm 23:6 NIV
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Deborah K. Givens, Admin

Human Pride is evil in the sight of God. Without God, we are nothing. He is the one who elevates a person and brings down a person. We would not be able to achieve anything without his grace and favor. He is the giver of wisdom and understanding. He is the giver of strength and health. Without wisdom, understanding, strength, and health, we could achieve nothing.

Be very careful not to take the credit for your own success.  Always give glory to God. Remember to always treat others with respect no matter what their status. You never arrive to the point that you are any better than someone else. Whoever wants to be great must be a servant to all. Great people show love, kindness, forgiveness, and esteem others better than themselves. We are all servants of God and each other. Remember that the next time you are tempted to get in your flesh to feel like you are better than someone else. God resists the proud and raises up the humble.

Prayer
Lord, I thank you for your grace and mercy. I ask you to forgive me for being prideful in thinking I’m better than anyone else. I know I am where I am in life only because you ordained it. I realize that earthly riches are fleeting and that I should be focused on my relationship with you and how I treat my fellow man. Please create in me a clear heart and give me a heart of compassion. I repent of my prideful ways and ask you to help me walk humbly in your sight. Teach and mold me into the person you created me to be. In the name of Jesus, I pray this prayer. Amen!

Scripture References

Proverbs 16:18 NIV
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 18:12 NIV
Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:12 AMP
Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance, But humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 29:23 NIV
Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

1 John 2:15-17 NIV
[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

James 4:6 NIV -…“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”⁠

James 4:10 NIV
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Psalm 75:6-7 NIV
[6] No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. [7] It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Mark 10:42-45 NIV
[42] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [43] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Philippians 2:3-8 NIV
[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. [5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Psalm 51:10 NKJV
Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Deborah K. Givens, Admin.

The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. We have accepted so many things that appear to be wisdom by human standards, but if it goes against the Word of God, the Holy Bible, then it is foolishness and sin to God. The beginning of wisdom is learning to fear God. God has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to teach us wisdom. Therefore, no one has any excuse for not seeking God’s wisdom. God gives us His wisdom freely without judgment. All we have to do is to first ask Him for wisdom, then spend time reading His Word, seeking His guidance through prayer, and His presence through praise and worship. If we continually seek God, He will teach us wisdom and help us keep His commandments.

Scripture References:

Proverbs 9:10 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Psalm 111:10 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

James 1:5-8 NKJV
[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. [6] But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. [7] For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; [8] he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NIV
[18] Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; [20] and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Deborah K. Givens, Admin

Matthew 6:33 NKJV
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs us to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above everything else, and God will provide everything we need. We are so concerned about the things we need, but Jesus explains to us that God is our provider in Matthew 6:25-34 (see below). That doesn’t negate or dissolve our responsibility to work and be financially responsible, but it does help us to put our lives in perspective.  Life isn’t all about getting earthly goods, but it’s about learning to trust God with our lives and needs and learning to do His will.

God loves and cares for us deeply. If we learn to change our thinking to desire to do His will above anything else, God will take care of us. God has a plan for every person born in this world, but God has given everyone a free will. He will not force anyone to do His will. But for those who choose to seek and do the will of God for their lives, God will provide. That doesn’t mean we won’t struggle sometimes. But even in the struggle, God is working all things for our good. Remember, God is constantly working on our character.  Our personal and spiritual growth is more important to God than our temporary comfort. God sees what we can’t see, and He knows the end from the beginning. We must learn to trust Him above all we see because God is placing everything in order in our life as long as we live for Him.

Scripture References:

Matthew 6:25-34 NKJV
[25] “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? [28] “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; [29] and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Philippians 4:19 NKJV
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 GW
[11] I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. [12] Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will hear you. [13] When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me,

Romans 8:28 NKJV
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Psalm 37:23 AMP
The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

Proverbs 20:24 NIV
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Isaiah 46:10 TPT
I declare from the beginning how it will end and foretell from the start what has not yet happened. I decree that my purpose will stand, and I will fulfill my every plan.

Deborah K. Givens, Admin

For it is by grace we are saved. There is nothing we can do to deserve God’s grace. It is a free gift from God because of His love for all people. But grace does not give us permission to sin willfully. On the contrary, grace gives us the power not to sin, and if anyone does sin, grace allows us to repent of our sins to God through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

You must be born again and live a godly and holy life to enter the Kingdom of God and inherit eternal life in Heaven.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14 NIV, to “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

I encourage you to be one of the few that enters through the narrow gate. As Heaven is for an eternity, so is Hell and the lake of fire, and there is no opportunity for mercy, escape, penance, or repentance.  Only torment and pain, day and night with no rest.

Jesus warns us in Luke 13:25-30 NKJV, of how people who are not truly saved will be rejected.

[25] When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ [26] then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ [27] But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ [28] There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. [29] They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God. [30] And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”

Repent today before it’s too late. Do not believe the lie that you can live how you want because God’s grace has you covered. That is a lie straight for Hell.  God does not teach us that in His Word, the Bible.  Do not be deceived.  God is coming back soon. But, no matter when He  comes back, you still have to one day answer to God. The only thing that can and will save you is your relationship with God on Earth before you die, through Jesus Christ. Only by pleading the blood of Jesus will you be saved and justified with God.

Scripture References:

Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV
[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Titus 2:11-14 NKJV
[11] For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, [12] teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, [13] looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

1 John 2:1-2 AMP
[1] My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action]. [2] And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.

Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV
[14] Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. [16] Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

1 Peter 1:13-25 NIV
[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” [17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. [22] Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. [23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

John 3:3 NIV
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Romans 3:22-24 NIV
[22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:8-9 KJV
[8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Hebrews 9:27-28 NIV
[27] Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, [28] so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV
[9] Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men [10] nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV
[21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ [23] Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Revelation 20:12-15 NIV
[12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 14:11 NIV
And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”

Deborah K. Givens, Admin

You can’t serve two masters. Jesus warns us of this in Matthew 6:24 KJVS,

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

In this passage, Jesus is teaching his disciples to trust God for their needs instead of trusting in earthly riches. But, I would like to expand on the first part of this verse. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” because it is relevant in every area of life, not just money. 

Some people are so caught up in their culture, membership in an organization, their race, etc. Anything you place above God and his commandments, you have created an idol god in your life. You can’t serve God and an idol, too. God is a jealous God. He will not compromise His Word or share His glory or place in your heart with any idol to accommodate your beliefs and devotion to anything that you place above Him and His Word. That means you, as a true Christian and disciple of Christ, can’t support any organization or political party that supports and encourages sin. Plain and simple. Your dedication to your culture and/or race is not an excuse in the eyes of God. He requires your total devotion. It’s all or nothing with God. Either you serve Him completely, or you do not serve Him at all. Choose this day who you will serve.

1 John 2:15-17 NKJV
[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Scripture References:

Exodus 34:14 KJV
For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Exodus 34:14 NIV
Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Revelation 3:15-16 KJV
[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
[15] I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Joshua 24:15 NIV
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

1 John 2:3-6 NIV
[3] We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. [4] Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [5] But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: [6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 John 5:3-5 NKJV
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. [4] For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. [5] Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Deborah K. Givens, Admin.

John 6:44 NIV
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.

Jesus is saying in this verse that no one can come to Him unless he is drawn by the Father. We know that this is the ministry of the Holy Spirit on Earth. Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the Helper and the Spirit of Truth in the following verses:

John 15:26 NKJV
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

John 16:7 NKJV
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

John 16:13 NKJV
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

These verses teach us that after Jesus was raised from the dead, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the truth of Jesus.  The Holy Spirit convicts the heart of sinners so they may be saved if they choose to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Without the conviction of the Holy Spirit, no one would be able to realize that they are a sinner in need of a savior. The Holy Spirit is patient, but if you keep refusing to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, He will withdraw from you and leave you to your fate of eternal damnation in Hell and the lake of fire.  The Apostle Paul explains this in the first chapter of Romans. I encourage you to read the entire chapter, but I will bring your attention to the following verses Romans 1:20 and 28 below:

Romans 1:20,28 NIV
[20] For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

[28] Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

Verse 20 clearly states that no one has an excuse for not knowing God because His invisible qualities can be clearly seen in everything He created. The following verses describes how people traded the knowledge of the Almighty God to serve dumb idol gods.  They committed sins that were an abomination to God with no shame. Because of their stubbornness to accept the truth of the true Almighty God, God gave them over to their evil desires which is explained in verse 28. The King James Version calls it a reprobate mind. Those people were abandoned by God.

Don’t be that person God abandons to an eternity to suffering and damnation. If you feel the tug in your heart to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it’s not too late for you. Accept Jesus now. God is patient but even His patience runs out. God loves you, but He is a holy judge who cannot tolerate sin. The only way to the Father is through the Blood of Jesus. His blood is the only thing that can cleanse us of our sins so we can one day live in the presence of the Father for eternity in Heaven. Don’t keep waiting. Tomorrow, the next hour, or the next minute may be too late. Death doesn’t come announced with advanced warning. We must be ready all the time. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior while you are still able.

1 John 1:5-10 NKJV
[5] This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Deborah K. Givens, Admin

The comforts and pleasures of this life are not worth spending eternity in Hell. While Jesus was on Earth, he told a parable about a rich man and a very poor man, a begger named Lazarus. The rich man only cared about the comfort and pleasures his money could afford him. He didn’t even care to help Lazarus, nor did he care to honor God. When the rich man died, they buried him. When the poor man died, the angels took him to Abraham’s bosom. When the rich man looked up his eyes from Hell, he requested Lazarus to dip his figure with water to cool his tongue because he was in so much torment but Abraham told him it was not possible and reminded him that he received good things in life but Lazarus did not. Now, Lazarus will be comforted, and you will be tormented. So the rich man asked if Lazarus could go and warn his brothers. Abraham told him that they have Moses and the Prophets. If they won’t listen to them, they won’t listen to someone from the dead.

Don’t live your life as the rich man. He let his desire for worldly things keep him from following God. How many people are like that today? People are so concerned about getting ahead in life, enjoying partying, drinking, sex, etc.  The list can go on and on. Some people are just comfortable with just knowing about Jesus but not having a true relationship with him because they don’t want to change their lifestyle. They feel that their life is fine the way it is. If only people truly knew the goodness of God and felt the freedom of being free from the things they think they enjoy and can’t live without. There’s such freedom in living a life pleasing to God. If only people would realize the peace and joy of the Lord and the feeling of comfort during the hard times. How much would you be willing to give up for that and to go to Heaven for eternity instead of being tormented in agony for eternity with no rest. This short life doesn’t compare to eternity. Get right with God now by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. There is no forgiveness from God after death.

Scripture Reference:

Luke 16:19-31 NIV
[19] “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. [20] At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores [21] and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. [24] So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ [25] “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ [27] “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, [28] for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ [29] “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ [30] “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ [31] “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”

Deborah K. Givens

Click to read What You Must Do to Be Saved

God gave mankind the Law, which is referred to as the Law of Moses.  God used Moses as the mediator between Him and the people of Isreal. God gave Moses the Law to share with the people. The Law was given to show mankind their sins. God knew mankind was incapable of perfectly keeping the Law because everyone is born with a sinful nature passed down from Adam. The Law provided for sins to be covered by the blood sacrifice of spotless animals such as bulls, lambs, and goats, but this system only covered their sins. It had no power to remove the sins of the people. Therefore, God sent His Son Jesus to die to pay the full penalty of sin.  The full penalty of breaking the Law.  Only the sinless blood of Jesus, the Son of God, has the power to cleanse mankind of their sins and bring us into right standing with God the Father.

Therefore, we are not saved by the works of the Law but by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are no longer obligated to do the works of the Law but to live by the Spirit of God, which is given to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  The Holy Spirit writes God’s commands in our hearts. He convicts us, guides us, and gives us the strength and understanding to live a life pleasing to God. We don’t live by the Law. We live by the Spirit of God. Those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God.

The New Testament church was never taught to live by the Law. In fact, it became a huge controversy causing the Apostle Paul to meet with the church elders in Jerusalem. After some discussion, the elders sent a letter to the Gentile believers stating the following from Acts 15:28-29 NIV:

[28] It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: [29] You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ. We are justified by our belief in Jesus Christ and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. Our obligation to God is to love Him with all our heart and soul and to love others as ourselves. Jesus fulfilled the Law through his death so we can be saved by grace. Jesus is our mediator and advocate before the Father. The Blood of Jesus is the New Covenant God has made with mankind.

Scripture References

Romans 8:1-2 NIV
[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Hebrews 7:18-19 NIV
[18] The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless [19] (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 9:11-15 NIV
[11] But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. [12] He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. [13] The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. [14] How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! [15] For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Galatians 2:16 NIV
know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Galatians 3:10-14 NIV
[10] For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” [11] Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” [12] The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” [13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” [14] He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Galatians 3:23-25 NIV
[23] Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. [24] So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. [25] Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

Romans 2:29 NIV
No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

Romans 8:14 NIV
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
[37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Romans 13:10 NIV
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 5:14 NIV
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Note: Read the Book of Hebrews in the Bible. It explains the new covenant and how Jesus fulfilled the Law by becoming the last and perfect sin offering and our great High Priest.

Deborah K. Givens, Admin

Christianity is not just a religion. It’s a personal relationship with Jesus. That is what sets it apart from all the religions of the world. God sent Jesus to die for our sins so that whoever decides to believe can be reconciled to God to become His sons and daughters. God wants to be in a relationship with each of us. That is why He created us. We don’t have just a set of beliefs to guide our lives. We have the living God who is our heavenly Father.

God has done the hard part by sending His son Jesus to pay the price for our sins. All we have to do is believe and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. God wants you to come as you are, but He won’t leave you that way. He wants you to spend time with Him so He can change and mold you, but you have to cooperate with Him because He will not force His will on you. You have to want to spend time with Him and allow Him to change you. 

You can’t do anything or be good enough to deserve or earn salvation. It’s a free gift from God because He loves each of us. Everyone has the opportunity to be saved.  It doesn’t matter how bad your sins are. God will forgive those with a repentant heart. Don’t be afraid to repent. He already knows your sins, but you have to confess to God that you are a sinner and that you need Him to forgive and save you. Those who accept and put their trust in Jesus will be saved.

This is the true Gospel.  It is the true meaning and reason why we celebrate Christmas.  God sent His Son to Earth as a baby born to a virgin to grow up and live among mankind to reveal the Kingdom of God and pay the full penalty of our sins.  He did that so we could be cleansed of our sins and become justified and righteous before God.

It is also the reason we celebrate Easter, better known by Christians as Resurrection Sunday, because Jesus did not stay dead. He rose in total victory and triumph over death, hell, and the grave. One day, God will raise the true believers in Jesus Christ from the dead to be with Him forever. Our victory is in Christ. We serve a living God. He is risen and sits at the right hand of the Father. He is our advocate who intercedes for us in Heaven before the Father. He is our peace, comforter, and healer. He is the Prince of Peace. He is the Holy one of Israel, the root of David and the Son of Man. He will return one day to judge, rule, and reign. Are you ready to meet Him? Do you look forward to His coming? Are you eager to meet the one who loves you so much that He died for you and forgave you of all of your sins? Will you meet Him with anticipation or shame, dread, and great fear?

Get your house in order.  Turn your heart to God to accept Jesus today. Time is short. Nothing in this world is worth holding on to. It will all be destroyed by God. The only thing eternal is your relationship with God. Those who have a relationship with God will enjoy eternal life with Him. Those who don’t will suffer greatly for eternity with no hope of repentance or redemption in Hell, then after God’s judgment, the lake of fire. Salvation is for the living. Choose this day who you will serve.  Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Get ready and be ready to meet Jesus!

Romans 10:9 NIV
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.


Scripture References:

Isaiah 9:6 NIV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 1:1-3,14 NIV
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 10:37-39 NIV
[37] “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. [39] Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 7:21 NIV
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Luke 9:23-26 NIV
[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? [26] Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

1 Peter 2:24 NIV
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

2 Peter 3:9 NIV
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV
[24] but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. [25] Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

1 John 2:1-2 NIV
[1] My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. [2] He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Romans 8:33-34 NIV
[33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV
[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Peter 3:7 NIV
By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

Revelation 1:18 NIV
I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Revelation 22:16 NIV
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Revelation 20:15 NIV
Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Deborah K. Givens, Admin