WHO DO YOU REPRESENT?

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WHO DO YOU REPRESENT?

Whether you realize it, you were created to represent God. Every person past or present was created by God to be His representative here on earth. The Scriptures makes it clear as to your responsibility to our Heavenly Father. As I have stated before, you cannot serve two masters. Matthew 6:24 (NIV) “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. Is the prevalence of sin in our society becoming an influence regarding who we represent? False teachers have been around for generations and spreading lies about how we can live. There is a modern day theory that preaching a “feel good sermon” is the way to go. Don’t be misled by false teachings. Are you living a life that everything you say and everything you do is within the will of God?

Let us look at a few Bible verse that relate to our lead in question.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NIV) 20 we are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

John 1:12-13 (NIV) 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

John 15:16 (NIV) 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

God’s love for you is beyond our understanding. He gave up His Son as a sacrifice so that you have an opportunity to be with Him in Heaven and He would call you one of His children. Although we are created by God, He gave us a free will so that we have a choice who we will represent. In order for you to be one of God’s children, you must receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and believe in Him. No one can come to God except through Jesus. In the Gospel of John, 3:3 and 14:6 are verses that teach God’s will for everyone regardless of who you may be. If you are not a representative of God, free yourself from trying to serve two masters and let Jesus lead you. Don’t let Satan steal from you all that God wants you to have through his lies and deceitful ways. Love to all.

WHERE IS YOUR BIBLE?

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WHERE IS YOUR BIBLE?

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If you have a Bible and I’m assuming you do as a poll shows that almost everyone has at least one Bible and some have at least four, where is it? Is it hidden away or on a shelf gathering dust? A poll shows that people realize that the Bible has value that would help them in their daily lives and spiritually, but they just don’t read it. The majority (57%) only read the Bible four times a year or less and then only in a crises. Only (26%) read it more often. What category do you fall in? You may ask, how many Bibles do I have, dozens, and many different translations along with many study aids such as commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc.

It is evident that America is in a moral decline. It appears that the Bible has little influence on our society today. According to a poll, a third of our population believe that the moral decline is due to lack of reading the Bible. I have to agree as in my almost 80 years, I have witnessed events that have altered the course of this country. I remember when I was in school, we learned the Lord’s Prayer, pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, learned patriotic songs of our country. We crossed our hearts when the Star Spangled Banner was played or removed our hats when the great USA Flag went by. In just my short span in life, there has been disregard for such things and is growing worse each day.

Our younger generation (18 – 28) seem to be moving away from having any connection with the Bible. It may be due to fact that parents ‘are too busy’ with their own desires that have neglected the importance of the Bible. Regardless of the reason, we are becoming a nation of biblical illiterates. The general pattern is evident in the way people are compromising God’s standards in areas of homosexuality, marriage, drugs and alcohol use, sexuality, language, and the list goes on and on.

I want to share a few Bible verses that may show how important the Bible is:

Matthew 4:4 (NIV) 4 Jesus answered, it is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

John 15:7 (NIV) if you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) for the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV) like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.

I want to add that the Bible has an answer for any subject that you may have a question. It is important that you realize that in order for you to understand the true meaning of God’s Word you must have given yourself to Jesus Christ by a born again experience. The truth of this can be found in the Gospel of John chapter 3 especially in verses 3 thru 7 and it comes from Jesus himself. In order for a person to know the truth of the Bible, they must have the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit only comes to those that have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Notice that I included Lord as that is what Christ expects to be in your life. Don’t be misled by thinking that you can worship God and worldly things at the same time. It has to be one or the other as God is a jealous God.

Today, pick up that Bible and read what God is saying to everyone. If you have a hard to understand or hard to read Bible, get yourself an easy to understand version of the Bible so you are not discouraged and neglect one of the most important areas of your life. Love to all.

Loving God

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LOVING GOD

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Do you find it hard to love God or tell Him you love Him? Has the devil caused you to think of Him as some type of tyrant and He is not lovable? The devil is out to deceive all that he can in order to cause disbelief in any way he can. The problem is he succeeds when we let Satan into our lives and the only way he enters is through sin. Satan will distort God any way he can.

So, I ask the question, “Do you love God?” Does that question cause you to think about your love for Him? My second part of that question is “How much do you love Him?” In John 21:15 – 19 Jesus asked Simon Peter three times if he loved Him. How many times has Jesus asked you if you love Him and what has been your answer? Most people do not realize how lovable God is.

If you are having trouble understanding God’s love, it may be a lack of knowing what the Bible has to say about the subject or maybe you don’t care enough to learn. There are four types of love. God’s love for you and what He wants from you is the AGAPE love which is a sacrificial love. This love only flows from born again believers of Jesus Christ. The problem is that most people including “Christians” live under the other three types of love and think that it is Ok with God. I’m sorry to say that this is not meeting the requirement of God.

EROS includes passion or infatuation as well as sexual or romantic love.

STORGE refers to the natural affection between a parent and child.

PHILEO refers to the intimacy that good friends share.

AGAPE is sacrificial love–a commitment that motivates us to deny ourselves on behalf of another. This is the type of love the Lord had in mind when He commanded His followers to love one another.

Let us look at some verses in the Bible that give us further understanding of love.

JOHN 14:23 NKJ Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

1 JOHN 4:19 NKJ We love Him because He first loved us.

1 JOHN 4:16 NKJ and we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

When you come to understand and believe God is lovable and He loves you more than you love yourself, then you will begin to walk in victory and receive His blessings instead of walking in failure. You need to discover the real truth about God and His love for you and what He has given to you in Jesus Christ. Don’t let the devil rob you with deceitfulness of the truth. The truth of God’s love will set you free, John 8:32. This will not be learned in the classroom.

When we know and believe the love God has for us, it is natural for us to respond to His love by loving Him back. The Bible is waiting for you to open it and read about God and His love. It is the greatest love story ever told. Love to all.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

ARE YOU READY?

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ARE YOU READY?
First, I want to say I am not an alarmist or do I believe in frightening people concerning death. What concerns me greatly is where loved ones, friends or acquaintances will spend eternity. By the mercy of God, I have lived 791/2 years. I have witnessed many events in my lifetime that have taken the lives of many people, from wars, natural disasters, actions of individuals, and all kinds of accidents. I have never in all my years witnessed such disregard for life as I see today. It seems like life does not matter regardless of who it may concern. As I watch the daily news, it is made up mostly of death for a lot of innocent people. Do you know that at least 250 trained – ISIS/ISIL known radicals, (some sympathizing American citizens) are here in America as well as a covert ‘Army of Allah’ waiting for their command to kill our citizens and destroy our country. It is not ‘if’ it is when?
Whether you realize it or not, you are a blink of the eye or a heartbeat away from your eternal destiny. It does not matter what age you are. I believe that most people believe that it will not happen to them. I’m sure that many victims thought the same thing. The 129 (that is last count I saw) of people slaughtered in Paris, France did not believe that such a thing would happen to them. The terrorists that carried out that act is saying America must die. Could you be in the wrong place at the right time? You also face death due to the many illnesses that exist today. Regardless how one should die, the fact remains that they will now face the judgment of God. My question is, are you ready to meet God’s final judgement? You may ask if this subject necessary. I believe that it is because of the apathy that has set into our lives today. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27 (NIV) “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgement.”
You see, the problem is not God. Many people will blame Him instead of accepting responsibility for the wicked ways that is taking over our country. God’s Word tells us the problem and the solution in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) ‘if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’
Yes, there is hope. It lies in the person of Jesus Christ. All God’s promises are in the hands of Jesus. Jesus purchased a place for you in His Kingdom when He suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary. Just because this belongs to you does not mean He will force you to accept it. It is now your responsibility to accept it and possess it. What is expected is that you turn from the sin(s) that have control of you and turn your life over to Jesus Christ. He will set you free. The following verses are a few that provide instructions that God has provided for everyone to follow: John 3:3 (KJV)3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
New birth, being born again, is an act of God whereby eternal life is imparted to the person who believes ( 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9;), Joh 1: 12 – 13 indicates that being “born again” also carries the idea of “becoming children of God” through trust in the name of Jesus Christ.
The phrase “born again” literally means “born from above.”
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Acts 16:31 – And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I would rather be criticized for speaking the truth and know a person received God’s Salvation thru Jesus Christ than for someone to spend eternity in Hell. For those that have received Jesus in to their lives, praise God, for those that have not, don’t put it off. There is no promise of tomorrow. I would love to have you join me in Heaven where we will enjoy the peace and joy of Christ our King. God loves you so very, very much that His Son suffered and died for you. Revelation 21:4 (NKJ) “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
These are just a few of many promises God has given us and He does not lie.
Are You Ready? Love to all.

HAPPINESS vs. JOY

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HAPPINESS vs. JOY

Is there a difference between Happiness and Joy?

The dictionary definition of happiness is, a state of well-being, enjoyment, a pleasurable or satisfying experience. The definition of the word rejoice, from which our word joy comes from means to feel great delight or to be glad. The Bible uses the word “happy” and “happiness” about 30 times. The word “joy or “rejoice” appears over 300 times. In the Bible. Let’s look at some of the verses so we can understand the difference between happiness and joy.

Psalm 144:15 (KJV) Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord. Most often people search for happiness in all the wrong places and it is usually temporary, it last for a short time. This verse says that true happiness is only found in God.

Let us look at the word joy. The word “joy” comes from the Greek root word chara and means “to be exceedingly glad. I know that I am exceedingly glad that I have found the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ and the joy He provides.

James 1:2 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds. Your first reaction to this verse is going to be, how is going through trials and difficulties a reason to feel joy? The answer follows in James1:3-4, knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. You only become mature when you feed on God’s Word. It needs to be a daily habit. Happiness depends on temporal factors and other people as joy does not.

Joy is true contentment that comes from internal factors like faith in Jesus Christ. We need to realize that true joy does not come from circumstances. The Apostle Paul teaches us that we are to have true contentment in Jesus Christ despite our circumstances. Read the first chapter of Philippians. Either we are going to trust Jesus to find true joy or we are going to depend on ourselves to find a fleeting happiness. If you believe that you can have both, you are sadly mistaken. True joy is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ. If you want that pure joy and have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior, confess you are a sinner and ask Him to come into your life. It is a free gift. It is everlasting. Love to all.

ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT COURSE?

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ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT COURSE?

I am sure most of us like to travel and see beautiful sights, explore and find exciting things. The great USA has a lot to offer as an example. I have seen a lot of this great country, not as much as I would like but I am still alive and who knows. When we travel we must take a certain course to reach a certain destiny. In order to become a born again believer, a person must take a certain course to reach that destiny. My question today is, are you on the right course? Let us look at some Scripture in order to help you determine if you are on the right course.

JAMES 3:2-5 NIV 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Are the words you speak directing your life? I can assure you that the Bible says they are. What you say determines what you get in life. It did for the people of Israel. And the Bible says the things which happened to them are lessons for us (1 Corinthians 10:11).

I’m sure that many times the words you speak may in a joking manner or they may be said without thinking. Jesus said you will have what you say. He is telling us that the words we say set the course of our life. I want to point out a real important lesson regarding what you speak. For example if you curse someone, for whatever reason, the devil can take those words and use them against the person and against you. Another example is you speak negatively about something or someone, it will most often become a negative situation because the devil is out to cause trouble in any way he can. Satan uses our words to attack us. If you pray for someone or something and implement any negative words with your prayer, it most likely will not have a positive effect. Satan is looking for any way to destroy your faith or belief in God and he does so through the words you speak.

In what form you express or believe your words, the power behind them will drive you to your destination very quickly. The Book of Proverbs on several occasions calls a person a fool that cannot control their tongue. Words spoken by your tongue express your beliefs and release authority in your life. This works for everyone, whether they realize it or not. Now that you know this truth, act on it. Ask the Lord to help you always speak the right words to steer your life to victory. Love to all.

IS GOD GETTING A BAD RAP?

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IS GOD GETTING A BAD RAP?

For some time it appears that when things go bad or there are terrible disasters that God seems to get the blame. There are many problems we have to face in this life, but God is not and I emphasize, is not behind our problems whether it is financial, health, employment, or whatever it may be. I don’t know how many times I have heard when something terrible happens to hear people say, “God, why did you let this happen to me or why did you do this to me?”

Almost always when there is a natural disaster you will hear it is an “act of God.” Is this type of mentality a lack of knowledge or do we need to blame something or someone and since God is God, we will blame Him? I assure you that God is not the problem, He is the answer to the problems. There is someone that believes he is a god and that is the devil. Satan does have and uses his power to cause all kinds of problems so people will blame God. To realize this, you need to get acquainted with Jesus and invite Him into your life so that you will come to know the truth and then the truth will set you free. The Bible has all the answers on how, when, and where we should live our lives.

2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV) 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For those that do not have Jesus Christ in their lives as their Lord and Savior are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They are not able to understand the message of Christ Jesus. In John 10:10, Jesus is very clear regarding the work of God and the work of the devil. The devil is behind all the evil in this world. What is so sad is that people continue to let him do his evil deeds through them because they are conformed to this worldly life. Instead of rebuking the devil as Jesus did, do we fall prey to his ways? I ask, are we not to become like Jesus? Who is in control of your life? Are we children of God or are you under the control of the evil one? Jesus makes it very clear that you cannot belong to Him and of the world. You will forsake one or the other and in most cases it will be Jesus. Then when things go bad as they will, you will blame God.

When Jesus redeemed mankind on the Cross of Calvary, He restored dominion of this world to the born again believers and left us the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in all that we do in the name of Jesus. God through His Son Jesus Christ gave us dominion on earth over all things as stated in Luke 10:19. In James 1:17 it says that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. God and Jesus are givers, not takers. Your problems are because of you, not God. Jesus is waiting for you to receive Him as Lord and Savior and repent of your sins. Don’t delay.  Love to all.

WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?

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What is your choice? 

Are you playing games with the Lord God almighty? If you believe in any way that God is in the game playing mode, think again? All you have to do is read the Old Testament of the Bible and you will see that He does not play games.

Matthew 6:24 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.

God’s word, the Bible has several illustrations of people making the choice between God’s way and the world’s way. The outcome was not pleasant.

We must either grasp God completely or the world completely.  We will fail if we try to serve both.

Revelation 3:16 (NIV) So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

This verse comes with regards to one of the harshest of the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor. Jesus made it clear that the church at Laodicea was a dead church because of its deeds. Why? Because the church as a whole was spiritually uncommitted to God and His ways.

Many people consider themselves to be “Good Christians” and think they are going to Heaven. I ask you, do you know for sure that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life? Are we really choosing God’s way or are we juggling His way with the world’s way in hopes everything will come out right? Are you so caught up in things of the world that you are not considering what you are missing in the big picture? In today’s world, it is easy to forget what the Lord wants from you instead of focusing on what you want.

The devil is the great deceiver and he will deceive you into thinking that you are serving God while your heart is devoted to the things of the world. If you are holding on to some things like lust, evil speaking, drinking, covertness, pride, worldliness, and the list goes on, they are false gods. God said He will have no other gods before Him. God is a jealous God and He wants you to be totally dedicated to Him. Hebrews 12:1  says that we should “lay aside every weight and the sin which easily ensnares us” so we can run with endurance, unencumbered by the world.

I know that there are going to be some people that will offer excuses and some will even quote scripture as an excuse. In some cases, those that quote scripture, will pull it out of context. For example, if you believe that drinking alcoholic beverages is OK, you may say that the Bible says that you should drink wine for your stomach sake. What about the other forms of drinks. I just want to ask one question about drinking, do you realize that the industry that produce alcoholic drinks are the cause of so many problems and deaths in our society today? Do you believe that it is right to support such a worldly way? How does anyone justify defiling the temple of the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 4: 2-11 tells us of how the devil tempted Jesus on different occasions. The answers Jesus gave satan is exactly what we should do when we are tempted by him. We can learn many things regarding these accounts of Jesus being tempted. The devil’s snare is to cause you doubt of whether something is good or bad, right or wrong.  Your choice is going to be between God and other gods which cannot offer you anything except temporary pleasure for a season. It is easy to follow false gods. Are you following the Lord or are you on another path?

I have attached a link below for your viewing. I pray that you have the courage to watch it in its entirety. Love to all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9vINvMb4R8&feature=player_embedded

YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN.

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YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOWN.

Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV) 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

This illustration comes from the Bible regarding farmers planting their crops or sowing their crops. If bad seed is sown, then bad crops will grow. If good seeds are sown then good crops will grow. Many people will relate to this explanation than to the above Scriptures.

You are given one life here on earth. During your younger years, you are dependent on others for guidance regarding what is put into your mind and body. As you grow older you eventually reach an age of accountability. This is where you are able to understand right from wrong, or good or bad. Your end of time is not based on your happiness or how well you are, but on holiness. God’s plan for you is that you become one of his saints. I ask you, is that your goal or is it to live it up today for tomorrow I may die? I don’t believe that is why God created you.

You may say, ‘I know that I need to do what is right,’ but do you? In order for a person to know what God wants for their life, they must read and reread and then study God’s Word to know the truth. Have you ever thought about the seriousness of the sacrifice God through His love gave to us? He put His Son, Jesus Christ through severe beatings, ridicule, and suffering on the Cross of Calvary so that we could join Him in His new Kingdom. God knows the thoughts and the intents of our hearts. All of us have sinned, and we all need the mercy of God. That is why Christ came and shed His blood for our sins. He died on the cross and rose again. God loves us in spite of all our sin, and He will forgive us if we come by faith to His Son, Jesus Christ, confessing our sin. The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). There is a high price to pay for low living, and sin is no respecter of persons. The only way for sin to be taken away is at the cross.

Logic tells us that if you sow sunflower seeds it produces sunflowers, if you sow watermelon seeds, it produces watermelons and so forth. Now logic should also tell you that if sow good deeds, good will come to you. On the other hand, if you sow bad or trouble, you can expect bad to come to you. It is not your intentions that cause good or bad, it is your actions. If you keep sowing bad seed you will reap what you sow. You need to come to the understanding of cause and effect.

For example, if you smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, use drugs, cheat, lie, steal, lust, be jealous, be involved in pornography, eat unhealthy, or any of the other sinful acts, you are going to reap what you sow. We need to be mindful, that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is watch the daily news and someone is reaping what they have sown. I know that there are going to be some who say that I won’t get caught or I’m careful. I’m sure that is what the ones who are paying the price have said. What people are failing to realize is that the Bible says they will reap what they sow and the Bible is the truth that sets you free. In Proverbs 6:12, 14-15 we read, “A wicked man devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” Notice that we have to confess and forsake (turn away from) our sins. All of our actions have consequences so don t be surprised when they come back to haunt you. Many of our problems regarding our health are lifestyle related. Just think about it.

Leviticus 19:19 says, “You shall not (is a command) sow your field with mixed seed.” The devil sows tares. That is what he does. Tares are a species of rye grass that are a strong soporific poison. It has appearance of wheat until the ear appears and only then the difference is discovered. The devil, his demons are real and they are dangerous. All sin originates with the devil and it is poisonous. If you attempt to claim ignorance, you are mocking God for He has given you the resource to know what is right or wrong, the Holy Spirit and the Bible. God created you with the hope you would depend on Him for your needs. No one can live the Christian life on their own regardless of whether you believe it or not. You need to realize that God is in control of everything. Sure you are free to choose, just remember, you reap what you sow. You may think you are right but are you? You have to live with the results of your actions.

Many people think that going to church on Sunday is enough as long as it is a feel good sermon, they don’t like a sermon that hits home. They think that if they read a couple Bible verse during the week or say a little prayer during the day is all that God wants. Think again for the Bible says different. Read it and find out what the truth really is. God wants total surrender.

God’s Word is the final word so put your faith in Him in every area of your life so that you reap what God wants you to have in this life and the one to come and trust Him for the outcome. He loves you and so do I. Love to all.