DOES GOD KNOWS YOU?
Yes, God knows you a whole lot more than you know yourself. Following are scripture that supports this.
Psalm 139:1-5 (NIV) 1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 11 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.
John 10:27 (NIV) 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Philippians 2:13 (NIV) 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Matthew 10:30 (NIV) 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
There are many more scriptures that show that God knows you. Now, I have to ask a more important question; DO YOU KNOW GOD? Around 95% of Americans say they believe in God. Believing in God is not the same as knowing Him. In order to make the answer clear, a person needs to answer these questions. Have you ever heard God call your name? Have you felt the touch of His Spirit? Has He reveal Himself to you through His Word (the Bible). God is constantly calling out to everyone through His Spirit wanting us to know Him.
You will never really know God unless He is revealed to you through a personal experience. How you come to know about God is quite different from knowing God. It is like this, I know a lot of people but I do not know them personally. The difference between knowing about God and knowing God is having a personal relationship with Him. You may say that God is not a person. How can I have a relationship with Him? Let me say that God is a person and that person is Jesus Christ. God came down to earth so He could reveal Himself to us. God exists in the relationship of three persons – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. John 10:30 (NIV) I and the Father are one.
I understand that it may seem difficult to really understand how incredible God is. The main problem comes from what we have been taught and listening to what others say about God instead of coming into a personal relationship with Him through His Word. The Bible tells us everything we need to know about Him. If we listen to false teachers, unbelievers, and those who spread fear about God we will never understand Him. Most of us were taught to respect and obey our earthly father. God the Father is asking for the same thing. God created you with the freedom to choose between Him and the world. The choice is yours. The promises of the Bible share that God in and through Jesus Christ is waiting for each person to come to a personal relationship with Him and share His eternal life.
We have to be faithful and want what God has to offer. There is an old saying: if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. I am one who claims the following verse: Jeremiah 9:24 (NIV) 24 but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,”
declares the LORD.
God specializes in love, mercy and grace. His love for each person is beyond our understanding. All we need to do is come into a personal relationship with Him and get to know all that God has to offer. You will be surprised if you already don’t know. He is standing at the door knocking and will come in and dine with you if you open the door. The door is your life. If you know God, you would love Him and want to be like Him. Love to all.
PS – I want to explain my absence on my blog sites. I changed providers and was unaware of the waiting period I had with the new provider. I cancelled my former provider without knowing that there was not an immediate switch over. I apologize and pray that I will be able to be more obedient to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Love
TIS THE SEASON
TIS THE SEASON
What is your definition of “Tis the Season”? Let me explain that “Tis” is a short version of saying it is. You can find the example of “Tis” in song “Deck the Halls”, that refers to a season to be jolly.
This definitely is not the case with everyone. Many people will find this time of the year to find countless opportunities to use it for gain. Many will find it a time to spend more than they can afford on items that are cheaply made just for the holiday and take the meaning to another level. We definitely are losing the real meaning with age. I often reflect back on Christmas time when I was younger. Although you could say I came from a poor family where the emphasis was not on presents as much as it was on families getting together. Church services were an important part of the time when we got together to worship God who sent His Son to be our Savior. Then it could be said that it was a “Season of Love”.
Today it is “Tis the Season to be Offended”, “Tis the Season of the #Force”, “Tis the Season of Fear”, “Tis the Season of Hate”, “Tis the Season to take Christ out of Christmas”, “Tis the Season to take Merry Christmas away and replace it With Happy Holidays”, and finally “Tis time to take Christianity out of Christmas” and I am sure you could add your opinion to the list.
The majority of the offenses take place in schools, the media, the military, and government bureaucracies. Retail businesses are going along with the movement by promoting the “The Happy Holiday” nonsense. There is an extreme attempt to eradicate Christianity from Christian celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. What is sad is that the public is letting it happen mainly because a growing percentage of people have no connection to a Christian foundation believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Our establishments now pose the question about it being “politically correct”. If you ask questions you will get lies and denials concerning any part of what the truth is. I ask, “Why is politics even involved with Christmas”?
What does “Tis the Season” really mean? Let me say that it does not mean: it’s all about the gifts, the Christmas tree, lights in the window, cards in the mail, snow, and even saying Merry Christmas.
The true meaning of Christmas is love. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love. It is the Nativity of Christ.
Keep in mind that for many people, Christmas is a time of sadness. They don’t have money for presents or even a turkey for dinner. Loved ones cannot come home. A lot of what you may enjoy will be only a wish for many. Yes, Christmas can be a season of great joy if you are willing to share your love with those less fortunate. After all, God shared His love for everyone by the birth of the Christ child. Put Christ back in Christmas. Love to all.
THANK YOU!
DEAN STUYVESANT.COM
Wants to wish everyone
I especially want to thank all the military personnel for their service in protecting our freedom at home and abroad. Also, I want to thank all the law enforcement officers for their service in protecting us on the local scene. I want to thank all the family members of both the military and law enforcement for their support of their loved ones who put their lives on the line every day for the citizens of this great country. A special thanks to those that have been wounded or gave the ultimate price for our freedom. I pray that the Lord will comfort all the families of both services during these difficult times and that He will protect you as you serve your country and local communities.
THANK YOU!
LOVE, JOY, AND PEACE TOO EVERYONE
WHO DO YOU REPRESENT?
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.
Loving God
LOVING GOD
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?
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.
WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE?
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
Sacrific of Praise
SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
What does this mean?
Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks …
When we hear the word ‘sacrifice’ we usually think of something that is going to cost us. On the other hand, when we hear the word ‘praise’ we think of something good. These two words seem to be opposite. It appears that we are to offer the sacrifice of praise continually and it is to be by Him. In God’s spiritual realm these two words are woven together. When we offer praise to God or someone else, it does not cost us anything. Most often, I believe that most people are generous with praise to God or to someone when something good takes place.
Now, I ask the question, how about when things don’t go as we want? Are we inclined to praise God or do we begin to moan and groan. When God has blessed us, answered prayers, or put His protection around us, we find it easy to praise Him. This type of praise is not a sacrifice because we can see it and we receive the benefits. I want say that it is good and worthwhile, but it is not a sacrifice. Our praise must not be based on only when good things happen.
Isaiah 29:13 (NKJV) 13 Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths, and honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.
As you will note in the above verse our praise is not based on what we think. It is based on what is on our hearts. We are not to treat praise to God as some type of reward we give Him for blessing us. What I believe we need to understand is that God through the Holy Spirit can only make changes in us when we are born again. We are transformed into His likeness when we surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ. Otherwise we cannot understand the truth and the truth sets us free.
Real praise comes from a surrendered heart to Jesus and continues regardless of whether the circumstances are good or bad. Sacrificial praise comes when God doesn’t seem to be present, when things seem to crashing in on us. Everyone knows of such circumstances as we all ask God, why?
Despite the pain life is dishing out, we need to understand what God requires from us in order to receive from Him what our hearts desire. We need to honor God in spite of what we think. The following verse sums it up best:
Psalm 51:16-17 (NIV) 16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
Jesus loves you and whether you believe it or not, He only wants the very best for you and there are thousands of promises for those who put their trust in Him.
Love to all
ARE YOU A WITNESS FOR JESUS OR FOR YOURSELF?
ARE YOU A WITNESS FOR JESUS OR FOR YOURSELF?
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) “5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone,”
If you are truthful, how do you act around unbelievers and sinners? I’m sure there are many reasons that people give one way or the other. Some will say that Christians should not cast their pearls before swine. As for me, I look at what the Scriptures say regarding how Jesus acted toward sinners including me. Everyone has their own beliefs and that will be their witness regardless of what the Bible says. The truth will come out on judgment day. I can only repeat what the Bible says: “study to show thyself approved.” I don’t believe that any excuse will stand the fire of God.
Ephesians 5:15-16 Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, that is dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering. And towards others, or those who are within as well as those who are without.
Grace is the salt that seasons our discourse, makes it savory, and keeps it from corrupting. We need a great deal of wisdom and grace in order to give proper answers to anyone regarding their situation(s). Are you prepared to give answers to questions regarding your faith, objections to your beliefs, why does God let bad things happen to good people, etc.? Maybe people don’t see a Godly image in your life, then that is your witness!
I believe that there is a great temptation to witness to unbelievers by what a person has been taught to believe in their church or denomination instead of what the truth really is. Like I said in one of my posts: ‘Do not let the word (Bible) prevent you from knowing the Word (Jesus).’
Not everyone is on the same level of understanding the truth, so do we convince an unbeliever of the real truth by arguing and trying to convince them that our way is the only way? I observe many posts by individuals that believe their salvation plan is the only way. Usually that comes from their church or denomination. Don’t people know that there are no denominations in Heaven and there is only going to be one way and that one way is the ‘Way of Jesus Christ?’ John 17:11 [Jesus prayed] Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they be one as We are. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
The Bible makes it very clear that false teachers will cause many people into believing false doctrines. In order for you to know that you are right with God is to come to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ and to trust Him rather than men. Matthew 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.
1 John 4 (KJV) 1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.
Are you going to rely on what men teach about your salvation or are you going to seek and find the truth.
Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:7 (NASB) ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find, knock, and it shall be opened to you.
John 8:31-32 (NASB) Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
When you hear or read verses like these, do you really understand what God is saying to you? There is only one teacher that we can know for sure that speaks the
Truth when He speaks and that is the Holy Spirit. This privilege is not given to everyone. It is given only to those that are born again. Those who surrender their life to Jesus and He becomes Lord of your life. The phrase “born again” literally means “born from above.” John 3:3-7 Jesus speaks of this.
In conclusion, I have to ask, are you serious about your salvation in Jesus Christ or is it something that takes second place? I believe that God takes the salvation plan very seriously because of the suffering and sacrifice that His Son went through so that you could be part of His Kingdom. Jesus died and shed His blood for you because He loves you. Do you love Him? Love to all.
WHERE IS YOUR CITIZENSHIP LISTED?
WHERE IS YOUR CITIZENSHIP LISTED?
According to the Bible there are two forms of citizenship. First, all human beings are born physically of this world within a country of which they become a citizen. In America you are not only a citizen of the United States but within the boundaries of the state where you were born. What we need to realize that no human form of citizenship will last and will eventually come to an end.
The worldly citizenship is under the influence of Satan. Here in America, we have Satan’s influence in politics, among the different races, and even in our religious groups. There is racial unrest and instability, killings, robbing, destruction, without regards for the laws of the land and no consideration for human life. Satan is becoming the god of this country and the world. The present age is becoming more and more evil. Slowly, each generation is adopting the culture, practices, and desires that Satan wants through people’s unfaithfulness, untrustworthiness, greed, disloyalty, and misguided views.
For those that have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, you should not feel comfortable in this world, you should feel out of place, it is because this world is not your home. Do you feel like strangers in a foreign country as stated of Abraham in Hebrews 11:9? When you are born again by faith in Jesus, John 3:3, you are born into the Kingdom of Heaven. When you have that spiritual rebirth, God grants us citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven and we become new creatures, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
With this spiritual rebirth, God sends His Holy Spirit to indwell with our spirit and our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit begins to transform our sinful nature and desires into the will of God. How long this takes depends on your surrendering of self to the will of God. Some will give themselves over to the Lord completely, some will take a little longer, and some will turn away from God. God’s goal is to make us as much like Jesus as possible in this life before making us citizens of His Kingdom. Our time in this physical body is short and the older you get, the faster time seems to go by.
Because God loves you beyond your understanding, He has given you the privilege to accept His invitation to become a citizen in His eternal Kingdom. God is not going to beg you, threaten you, or entice you to accept His invitation. It is a free gift by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ who suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary and shed His blood to cover our sins. You have the freedom to choose (and I mean freedom) to make your choice. You do have to make a choice. You can follow Jesus or you can follow Satan. You cannot ride the fence so to speak. In Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV) Jesus says: 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. In Matthew 6:24 (NIV) 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. In other words choose your place of citizenship.
For those whose name is written in the Book of Life, their citizenship is in Heaven and those that are not, their citizenship is in Hades. 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, and in Philippians 3:19-21 (NIV) 19 their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Please make a choice today as you have no promise of tomorrow. As for me, my citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. I pray that yours is there. Love to all.
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