A Choice or a Chance

For generation upon generation we have heard the cry, "Jesus is coming soon".   If you listen to some false prophets, they will tell you the exact day, and time.  Many have heard it so often they now choose to ignore it.  Many of us are truly watching and praying for His return, while at the same time we pray for God to delay His return just a while longer to give another loved one a chance to change their life and accept Him.  Many go through their days thinking, "It won't happen in my lifetime, I have time to live my life and get right when I am older".
Here is the message: "Jesus IS coming soon", a lot sooner than we think.  We are watching the books of Daniel and Revelations unfold right before our eyes.  It could be tomorrow, it could be another 200 years, (which I doubt).  But, what I think doesn't matter.  
The truth is YOU could come face to face with God at any moment! Any of us could.  Whether you are 6, 16 or 60, we all have the same amount of time.  ONE HEARTBEAT, one heartbeat separates us from eternity. We are not promised a certain amount of time, we have no guarantee of tomorrow. 
James 4: 13-14  13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
If you die tonight, do you know where you will spend eternity?  Just saying you believe in Jesus is not enough, being a good person is not enough.  We are to be Christ like. We are not perfect, none of us are, but if we are to spend eternity with God, we better start living like He is coming back RIGHT NOW.  For some He is.  Somewhere right now a person who thought they had plenty of time before Jesus returned has taken their last breath.  Somewhere tonight someone has made their choice for eternity simply because they waited. 
The Bible says we can't serve two masters. Time after time God warns us not to follow the world.  Time after time God warns us to be ready.   If it was going to be easy, God would not have given us so many warnings.  If we could know the exact day and time of Jesus return what we do with that information?  Wait until the day before and try to change?  For many right now the time has come, there are no more tomorrows.  I pray God gives you another tomorrow, another chance to accept Jesus and really change your life.  Time is up, Jesus is coming soon, will you rise up to meet Him in the air or cry and scream and beg for more time.  
The devil is a liar and one of his biggest lies is, "you've got plenty of time".  
God gave me this message for you because He loves you.  
I love you, get off the fence.  
Is this your last chance?  Is your time up?  What will you do?

How Can So Many Be So Right and STILL Be Wrong?

How can so many be so right and still be so wrong?  That question comes to my mind all the time.  I read some great posts by christians about observing the Sabbath or the coming of the Lord.  Posts filled with truth and backed up with Scripture.  Then I see horoscopes or pictures of half naked people or worse yet, the Word of God taken completely out of context in the next post.  That is why I ask, how can so many be so right and still be so wrong?  I already know the answer to that but it saddens me because the church, God's church, God's people are so easily blinded, so easily led astray.  I'm no exception, my only saving grace is God, again, MY ONLY SAVING GRACE IS GOD.   There is an old saying, "there but for the grace of God go I".  If it were not for the convicting Holy Spirit, for putting on God's armor every day, I don't know what I would be doing, (and I might add I don't want to know!).  Thank you God for never leaving me.  There was a time when I "thought" I was right but I was so wrong.  And please don't get me wrong, I am NOT saying now that I'm always right.  The difference is now I know how fallible I am, now I know that I can be right, but I can be so wrong too.

There was a time I followed man's doctrines and believed man's word over the Word of God.
Why would I do that you might ask:
1)  Because I did not read the Word of God myself.
2)  Because I did not have a deep personal relationship with God.
3)  Because I was unwilling to let go of my beliefs and man-made traditions and let God teach me.
4)  Because I was scared I would have to give up some of the things I enjoyed.
5)  Because it was "easier" to listen to a preacher and believe him, than to study and read the Bible for myself
Wow, that #4 because sounded just like my excuses many many years ago for not giving my life totally back to the Lord.  Because I was afraid I would have to give up some things I enjoyed.  That's a subject for another post but let's just say, I didn't give up anything because I HAD to, it all went willingly.

Back to how can you be right and still be wrong.  The Bible says to "be diligent to show thyself approved".  (2 Timothy 2:15) NASB.  Meriam Webster defines diligent as characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort : painstaking diligent
 worker>.  Steady, earnest, energetic, painstaking?This means God wants us to stay in His Word, to study it, to grow with HIM, not with the world.  We won't get it completely right until the day HE changes our bodies from mortal to immortal, but we can work diligently to spread the TRUTH of HIS Word.  

Here are some things to get you started to search out for yourself.  But before you do, IF you do, I ask you to pray sincerely for God to show you the truth, EVEN if it goes against everything you have been told and taught.  Ask God to open your eyes and ears of understanding.  Be receptive to letting the Holy Spirit teach you.
Ready:  Here goes, God's laws, the 10 Commandments, the 4th Commandment, rapture, holidays, (in particular, Christmas and Easter, trinity, King James Bible, Sunday observance, God's true church.  That's just a few of the things I can think of that I had to relearn.  Now in teaching me the truth about these things, God took me other places ALONG with His Word (the Bible).  The first thing I can remember God showing me was about the rapture.  The word rapture isn't in the Bible!  When you look up how the rapture "theory" came to be, you find out it was an idea started by man!!  You will find a great many "arguments" pro and con but praying and opening yourself up to God will show you the truth.  Arguing fact is one thing, proving and backing up with fact, that's how you get to the truth.  Always back those facts up with Scripture.  The Bible, contrary to what some "say" does NOT contradict itself.  It proves itself, time and time again.
How can so many be right and still be wrong?  By following the world instead of the Word.
God bless you as you study for the truth.

And that's the Truth (Or is it?)

A perversion or twisting of the truth is more difficult to spot than an outright lie. That's why satan when he sets out to deceive will even quote you scripture. Take it straight to the Word of God and as the Bible says, try the spirits. We live in a time when many who profess to know Jesus really don't hunger and thirst for sound doctrine. In 2 Corinthians, Paul warns that satan masquerades as an angel of light. He (Paul) invokes a curse on any angel who spreads false teaching, actually on anyone!

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

How can we tell when people are twisting the truth? Before accepting any teaching, find out what they teach about Jesus. If any teaching does not match up with the Word of God then it's false. InJohn 17:17, Jesus prayed , "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

When people think of satan, they see the character drawn in story books and depicted in pictures of an evil looking character with horns and a sharp arrow like tail carrying a pitchfork. Because satan is evil this might be a good example of his character but the Bible says he was one of God's most beautiful angels. Those who know God also know satan for what he truly is. However, if we don't put on the whole armor of God daily we are just as susceptible to satan's pillaging as anyone else, maybe more so because when he is trying to turn a child of God away from God, he is much more subtle. He is an eloquent speaker, pleasing to the eye and the senses. He is evil, but he doesn't appear evil, quite the contrary, he tries to make evil look good. The Bible says he can quote scripture. You know why? Because he was an angel, he knows God's plan and he knows he is going to lose, he doesn't care about winning the battle, he cares about taking as many of God's creation with him as he can. Using someone to twist scripture, bringing doubt in your mind about your faith, using your past against you are just some of the tools he will use to bring about his plan. Satan will use scripture to bring doubt into your mind, he will use scripture to destroy your faith, he will use scripture to justify a wrong, again he will use whatever he can to make evil appear good.

He knows our weaknesses. He will bring up the past, not to rebuke you but to cause the flesh to rise up and want to do things of the past that we've already been forgiven for. Remember if you are being tried, rejoice as Paul did. The bible says (paraphrasing) trials and tests of our faith produces patience. If satan isn't tempting you or attacking you, he isn't worried about you. You are no threat to him!!

If you are no threat to satan, you are no good to God! Don't misunderstand what I'm saying,God loves you-you are His most beloved child. However, satan should tremble when your feet hit the floor (not the other way around). Resist the devil and he will flee. If you aren't resisting him you aren't helping/serving God. Choose ye this day......

That's why it is so important to know the truth, to search out the truth on your own as well as being taught. Effective fervent prayer is communication with the Lord. He will show you the truth, all you have to do is ask.

Again, try the spirits, God will show you the truth in His word and the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you in your prayer life. I pray constantly for God to give me knowledge and understanding of His word for myself and to share with you. I know the seriousness of misleading or teaching someone wrong. As this battle rages my favorite verse always comes to mind. Phil. 4:13.

God provided for us in this war. He has given us the whole armor, all we have to do is put it on. What is the first piece of armor mentioned in Eph. 6:10-19? "Having your loins gird about withtruth."

Father, God, I love You and praise You. You are the most High God and the only God in my life. You are the great I Am and I'm so thankful You have made provision for me, for all of us. You are my comforter, my protector, my guide, my ever present strength in the face of danger and trials. Forgive me today for anything I have done or said that was not in line with Your word, or was/is displeasing to You. Help me likewise, to forgive those who have wronged me. Lord I pray today for myself and all those reading, that you help us put on Your whole armor. To choose today to serve You. Help us to be strong in the power of Your might. Help us to stand against the wiles of the devil, whatever he may bring against us. Help us to resist the devil so he will flee from us using the power You have given us through Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us Lord when all else seems to fail to remember Your armor. To stand with truth, righteousness and Your gospel. Above all, to hold up our shield of faith, wear our helmet of salvation and carry our sword of the Spirit so we are covered from the top of our head to the souls of our feet with Your power and might. Though satan rages against us, we are assured victory. Thank You Lord for Your armor, thank You for Your might, thank You for Your power and protection. Most of all thank you Lord for saving us, for adopting us in to Your family. Though the storm rages we are safe in Your care. Open our ears and our hearts to Your truths Father. Be with us and give us boldness in spreading Your gospel. Help us to realize the seriousness of the battle we are facing and give us a true heart for the lost. When Your Son, Jesus cast out demons He did not ask them quietly or timidly to leave the people alone, He used one word, "Go", using that same power and authority that You have given us as Your children. Help us to be able, knowledgeable, wise and available soldiers in this battle and we give You all honor and glory and praise, Heavenly Father, You are worthy. In Your Son Jesus, precious Heavenly name. Amen

God bless

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

His servant

What Does A Man Gain

I recently read an article of a "young" man, (barely 90), who had passed away. I was impressed with what I was reading and though I didn't know him I was caught up reading about all the wonderful things he had done in his lifetime for his community and other people. He was moderately famous and had helped many people in his lifetime, had won prestigious awards for energy conservation, was an inventor and a highly intelligent man. He was concerned with not only himself and his family but America and our planet as well. He had been credited with several life saving inventions as well as energy conservation plans and inventions of all sorts, as I said he was highly intelligent and not just book smart. The article talked about what a loving person he was to his family and towards all mankind and animals as well. While he could have used his intellect to better himself and probably have been a multimillionaire, he was more concerned with helping our country and the earth. He used the knowledge "God" gave him for the good of all, not just himself.
I love to read about people like this and wish I had the intelligence and money to help people. But am content to do what the Lord gives me to do and what I can.
However, as I was reading this article it went on to say he was a devoted family man and devoted and proud American, somewhat liberal, scholar, intellectual, etc. etc. and an atheist. When I read the last word my heart literally sank. My first thought was, how can a man save the world and yet lose his own soul. Mark 8:36-38, 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
The Bible tells us we cannot be saved by works alone. Titus 3:5-9, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
My second thought was dear Lord, please let him have had a believing praying wife so that he at least had a chance at coming to know the Lord before he left this world. 1 Corinthians 7:13-14, 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
How sad if this man did so much good and yet missed Heaven because he not accept Jesus Christ. There may be a lot of things published and we might be famous for a time but once we are gone and the people that knew us well are gone there is not much recognition and then what have we gained if we spend eternity in hell. So what if he gained the world for a short time, he lost his soul for eternity. It didn't mention much about his wife but I pray she was a christian and beseeched the Lord on his behalf. If not, the sorrow of losing her life's partner would also be compounded by the knowledge that he was lost, what an awful pain to feel. My heart breaks for this man and his wife if he left this world lost.
I pray that this was the case, that his wife sought the Lord daily on his behalf and that when he stepped out of this life he stepped into the arms of our loving, forgiving, merciful Lord, who can call us out in the twinkling of an eye but who also can and will forgive us even in our ignorance and unbelief when we come to that instant in our lives that we confess Him as our Lord and Savior and ask Him into our lives. Even on our death bed.
I pray no one reading this has to worry where they or their loved ones will spend eternity but if you are, I lift up my prayers in agreement with you for your loved ones. I hope you will do the same for me. I pray for all the lost and lost loved ones and pray that God richly blesses those and gives those contentment who stand strong in their faith and their belief that through their prayers God will save their loved ones.
What does a man gain?
God bless
tawanab

Christians rejoice

As we watch the events of the world around us, not only here but all over the world, should we be worrying or cursing? Or, should we be praising?

As Christians, we should be praising, certainly not cursing, (of course), but we should also not be worrying. At least not about the events going on. What should we be worrying about then, you might ask. We should not be worrying about the state of the economy, we should be worrying about the state of our souls. The conditions of our walk with God and certainly praying for those that don't know Him. Mark 13:29-33 29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. 30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
We should be rejoicing because, as Christians, we should have already read The Book and we should already know the "end" of the story. What we are watching going on around us is one more chapter towards the end of the story. What this proclaims to us is the time when Jesus "splits the Eastern sky" is coming and truly coming soon. We already know everything happens in God's time. We know not the day or the hour but we know it will be soon. Mark 13:34-37 34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

I say until you all, watch! Read your bible and watch some more. Our God, being the loving just God that He is has given us plenty of warning and plenty of time to get our houses in order. His word says that no one will be without knowledge. Every man, woman and child will have the opportunity to hear about God's amazing salvation. His will for us is not to follow the many, but to follow Him. He has warned us in the Bible not to be swayed. Matthew 24: 4-14 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

When we worry about them taking prayer out of schools and out of public events, we should cast that worry away. They can't take the prayer from your heart. The day may come when you won't be able to speak the Lord's name aloud. If you read the scriptures above and think about the world today, you can see already the scriptures that have come to pass. Many people are hated, people already betray each other. People are "offended" by our beliefs and our love of the Lord. In many countries people (missionaries) are being killed for being believers. We think about this being in far away places but the Bible says "iniquity shall abound". We in the U.S. are indeed a spoiled people. We haven't seen what other countries have but we are seeing. We have fought a long hard battle to get the gospel out to all Nations and now that very gospel is being taken from us here in the United States.

We need to read our Bibles and memorize God's word because we may live to see the time when not only are Bibles and God's word not allowed in public but we may not be allowed to have a bible in our own homes. If you think this can't happen, look at some of the laws we already have taking away our rights as citizens today.

However, as the title says, Christians rejoice, with all the scriptures we see coming to pass that means Heaven is one step closer.