STAND FIRM!

STAND FIRM!

Jesus says: "But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.”(Luke 21:12)

Jesus warned us of the many signs that would occur in the end times—including the persecution of Christians. (Matthew Ch. 24, Mark Ch.13, Luke Ch. 21)

Some may have thought that it would have NEVER happen here in the land of the free…But it has and it will continue to. Look what is happening to Kim Davis. Kim Davis is in prison right now because she wouldn’t waver in her godly convictions. She could have saved herself from getting any prison time and all the animosity that she has been getting from the world … If she just had married the same-sex couples that came to her for their marriage license. But her respect for Gods holy word kept her from breaking Gods commands and so she refused to marry them. Friends, I pray that we ALL have that same boldness and faith as Kim Davis displayed, on her non-negotiation stance for the word of the living God. If we are ever put in a position that our godly morals and convictions are compromised any way, I hope that we will stand firmly on our godly convictions as Kim Davis did. http://www.inquisitr.com/2390495/breaking-kim-davis-arrested-for-refusing-to-issue-marriage-licenses-in-kentucky/

 

Note: Jesus said: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.” (John 7:7) As the world gets further and further from God… The more the world will hate Jesus, His word, and His followers. (John 15:18-19)

Jesus warned us that in the last days MANY believers will turn away from Him. Why would anyone turn away from Jesus you may ask?  Answer: They will turn away from Him because of the persecutions that they will have to endure for believing and following Him. This is what Jesus said: “Everyone will hate you because of me.” (Luke 21:17) And If you are one of those people who are worldly and people pleasers…You won’t be able to withstand (To handle) the whole world hating you for your belief in Jesus Christ. And so you will walk away from your faith in Him, and that my friends, is called being a coward… And as we all know that cowards will NOT enter the kingdom of God … “BUT THE COWARDLY, THE UNBELIEVING, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Jesus said: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

Note: If the choices are: To take people not liking me (Because I am a Christian) or to walk away from Jesus and have Him throw me into the lake of fire for being a coward. I’ll go with people not liking me… I can live with that. Choosing Jesus…Will He be your choice too? I hope so! Soon we will see… Who is really for Christ, because Jesus already said that “MANY” will turn away from following Him and what He prophesied a long time ago will come to pass…“At that time MANY will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,” (Matthew 24:10)

QUESTION: When we face the same persecutions that the early church in the book of Acts faced here in our nation…Will we STAND FIRM in our FAITH for Christ as they did? Or will we be one of the MANY that will TURN AWAY (Walk Away) from our FAITH in Christ? Friends, we need to stay in constant prayer because we cannot turn our back on Jesus? We cannot be afraid of opposition or be scared in any way of the consequences that will come our way for standing up for our faith in Christ. Isn’t Christ worth standing up for? Of course He is! We need to pray for boldness and for courage so that we will be able STAND FIRM in our faith. If your spirit-man is lacking faith…Ask the Lord for an “increase of faith” as his disciples asked Him in Luke 17:5. The apostle James tells us that if we do not have what we need… It’s because we haven’t asked God for it. (James 4:2)  

Note: It is IMPORTANT that we NEVER deny or be ashamed of our Savior, and that we remain faithful and true to Him no matter what we might face for following Him. Read it for yourself the Lords warning… If we do not pick up our cross and follow Him…

Jesus says: “Whoever wants to be my disciple MUST deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:34-38)

We MUST be bold and pick up our cross daily, if we want to enter the kingdom of God someday. Jesus said if we remain faithful and true to Him, and we do His will till the end… HEAVEN will be our home and our names will NEVER be blotted out from the book of life. (Matthew 7:21-23, John 8:51, John 14:15, 21, 23-24, John 15:14, Luke 11:28, Revelation 2:10-11, 26, 3:5, 22:14)

STILL LACKING FAITH? PRAY FOR AN INCREASE OF FAITH…

Remember that the word of God says: “… Without FAITH it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) Prepared your minds and hearts, study the book of Acts (The New Testament) and see how the early church handled a world that was very hostile towards Christians. The closer you walk with Jesus the bolder you will be and the better you will be to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Jesus already gave us the recipe to be an overcomer in this world…And that’s to obey and apply His teachings into our daily lives. Obeying our Savior not only does it make us “a wise builder” but it’s the ONLY way to handle whatever storms come our way! (Matthew 7:24-25)  Stay very close to Jesus… Completely connected to “The Vine” Because apart from Him we cannot do ANYTHING! (John 15:4-10)

Note: Going back to the persecutions that we might face in this nation for following Christ… Friends, this battle is not going to be fought with physical weapons but this battle will be fought on our knees! We need to pray like we never have prayed before and be dressed daily in the full armor of our God, so that we are able to resist and stand firmly against the attacks of the devil. The apostle Paul tells us to … “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:9-17, James 4:7)

Note: Friends, if we are not daily dressed in the full armor of God… We will not be ready to face the evil times that are now upon us … And we definitely will not be able to stand up for Christ either. Our fight is NOT with people…But with the enemy of our souls, the devil. The Bible says: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

The apostle Peter warns us also about our mortal enemy: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”  (1 Peter 5:8-9) We are NOT alone in this spiritual battle…MANY of our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus throughout the world have been fighting this battle now for many generations. Let us also keep our persecuted brothers and sisters in our daily prayers.

My dear, friends… Remain true and faithful to the Lord with all your heart, with all your mind, with all you soul… And Jesus will give you the crown of life...
 
Jesus says: "DO NOT FEAR any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”   (Revelation 2:10)

GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS

YOUR FRIEND,

VICKY RIVERA

 

 

YOU'RE NOT ALONE!

                                                     YOU'RE NOT ALONE!


There are times we can feel all alone... Even if we're in a room full of people. We think that NO ONE understands or cares what we're going through. I'm stopping by to tell you that, "YOU'RE NOT ALONE"! We sometimes forget in our moments of our trials and testings, that, the Lord Jesus has given us some wonderful promises to reflect on, to hold on to, when these times appear in our lives .... "In this world you "WILL" have trouble. BUT take heart! (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) "I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."...."I WILL NOT leave you as orphans; I will come to you."(John 16:33, John 14:18) Jesus is just a prayer away..."For where two or three come together in "MY NAME", there am I with them."(Matthew 18:20)~ANY time WE need Him... He will be there! If Jesus said it, then that's exactly what He'll DO! "Heaven and earth will pass away, BUT my words WILL NEVER pass away."~(Matthew 24:35)~Our Savior is NOT a man that HE should lie! (Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29, Hebrews 6:18)

Note: We have to completely TRUST and BELIEVE that in "ALL" things GOD works for the good of those "WHO LOVE HIM". WHO have been called according to His PURPOSE."~(Romans 8:28)~GOD has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life! (Jeremiah 29:11)~DON'T give up, DON'T throw in the towel... You WILL be Victorious!!! "And without FAITH it is impossible to please GOD, because "ANYONE" who comes to Him "MUST" believe that HE exists and that He rewards those who earnestly "SEEK HIM." (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9, Hebrews 12:4-11)

Remember what the Holy Scriptures say: "IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?.... "WHO" can "SEPARATE US" from the love of Christ? Shall  trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?~ (Romans 8:31, 35)~Never "FORGET" how much GOD loves you.... "No, in "ALL" these things "WE ARE" more than conquerors through HIM who "LOVED US". For "I AM CONVINCED" that neither angels nor demons, neither the "PRESENT" nor "THE FUTURE, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor "ANYTHING" else in "ALL" creation, will be able to separate us from the "LOVE OF GOD", that is in Christ Jesus OUR LORD."~ (Romans 8:37-39)

Note: People can sometimes be cruel, mean and unkind to us but we should "NEVER" let them change who we are... Christ lives in US and we "MUST" be obedient to Him at "ALL" times and in "ALL" situations. Jesus teaches us this; "BUT I tell you who hear me: LOVE your enemies, DO good to those who hate you, BLESS those who curse you, PRAY for those who mistreat you."~(Luke 6:27-28)~This is called being "an overcomer" friends... How are we going to receive rewards in Heaven for being "An overcomer"... If we haven't overcome ANYTHING???  About the rewards in Heaven; Jesus says this: "If you LOVE  those who LOVE you, WHAT REWARD WILL YOU GET? ... "And if you greet "ONLY" your brothers, WHAT are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? "BE PERFECT", therefore, as your heavenly FATHER is perfect." (Matthew 5:46-48) See also Romans 12:9-21

Stay the course, my friends, SOW the good fruits of "OBEDIENCE" to Christ because the reward will be "Eternal Life".... "DO NOT" be deceived: GOD CANNOT BE MOCKED. A man "REAPS" what he sows. The one sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to "PLEASE THE SPIRIT", from the Spirit "WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE."... "Let us "NOT" become weary "IN DOING GOOD",  for at "THE PROPER TIME" we "WILL REAP A HARVEST" if we "DO NOT" GIVE UP."  Therefore, as we have the opportunity, "LET US DO GOOD TO ALL PEOPLE", ESPECIALLY to those who belong to the family of believers."~ (Galatians 6:7-10)

The Bible says:

"NEVER will I leave you; NEVER will I forsake YOU."  So we say with CONFIDENCE, "The LORD is my HELPER; I will NOT be Afraid. WHAT can man do to me." ~ (Hebrews 13:5-6) ~ 24-7 God is "ALWAYS" with us... DON'T be afraid... "YOU'RE NOT ALONE!! Stay the course; be faithful, trust, believe and obey the LORD in ALL things... And you will be blessed! "DELIGHT" yourself in the LORD and HE will give you the "DESIRES" of your heart. "COMMIT" your way to the LORD; TRUST IN HIM and HE WILL DO THIS..."(Psalm 37:4-5)~ Amen!

JESUS SAYS: "WHY "DO YOU" CALL ME, LORD, LORD, AND "DO NOT DO WHAT I SAY?~ (Luke 6:46)

GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA

ARE YOU WATCHING AND PRAYING?

  ARE YOU WATCHING AND PRAYING?


Jesus said:

"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like "Ten Virgins" who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were "Foolish" and five were "Wise". The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' "'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, "I DON'T KNOW YOU".' (WATCH THIS... DON'T MISS IT!) "Therefore "KEEP WATCH", because you "DO NOT" know the "DAY" or "THE HOUR""~(Matthew 25:1-13)~NIV

Note: Friends: If we do not grasp what the Lord is saying here, in the story of the "Ten Virgins" and we do not apply to our lives, what He has taught us in "The Gospels"... We are going to be in for "A Rude Awakening", when Jesus Christ comes back for His bride.~(John 14:15, John 14:23-24, Acts 1:11, John 14:1-3, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 22:20)

Jesus says this.... "NOT EVERYONE" who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' "WILL ENTER" the kingdom of heaven, (WATCH THIS... DON'T MISS IT!)  BUT "ONLY" he who "DOES" the "WILL" of my Father who is in heaven. "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 perform many miracles?' (Here Comes The Sad Part Of Not Following Christ Teachings ...)"Then I "WILL" tell them plainly, 'I "NEVER" knew you. AWAY from me, YOU evildoers!'~(Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus says, that "EVERYONE" who applies His teachings into their everyday life are consider the "Wise Builders"... "THEREFORE" everyone who "HEARS" these words of mine and puts them "INTO PRACTICE" is like a wise man who "BUILT" his house ON the "ROCK (Which Is Christ Our Lord)."~(Matthew 7:24) And to "EVERYONE" who "DOES NOT" apply the teachings of Christ to their daily lives... The Bible says, this about them: "BUT everyone who hears these words of mine and does not "PUT THEM" into practice is like a "FOOLISH MAN" who built his house on sand."~(Matthew 7:26)


The Apostle John is very clear on this subject matter... "WHOEVER" claims to live in him (Jesus Christ) "MUST" walk as Jesus did."~(1 John 2:6)

The Apostle Paul, tells this to Timothy, on how he lived the Christian life... "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." ~(2 Timothy 4:7)~ Paul "DOES NOT" sound like he had lived the "Lack A Daisy" Christian life... Paul walked, talked and lived "The Christ Like" life and he also encouraged and warned the churches that he was in charge of overseeing, to do the same as he did! "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."~(1 Corinthians 11:1) To the Philippians Church, Paul gives them the same exhortation..."WHATEVER" you HAVE learned or received or heard FROM ME, or SEEN in ME--"PUT IT INTO PRACTICE". And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9)

This is Paul warnings to the Ephesians Church (A Warning To Stay Alert And Live As The Lord Jesus Has Commanded For Us To Live Like (Holy).... "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, "BECAUSE THESE ARE IMPROPER FOR GOD'S HOLY PEOPLE." Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (WATCH THIS... DON'T MISS IT!) "FOR of this you can be sure: "NO" immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--"HAS ANY" inheritance in the "KINGDOM" of Christ and of God."~(Ephesians 5:1-7, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) See also Galatians 5:13-21

Note: We are "NEW CREATIONS" in Christ Jesus our Lord! (2 Corinthians 5:17) We "MUST" Live, Talk and Act like it at all times!... "For you "WERE ONCE" darkness, but "NOW" you "ARE LIGHT" in the Lord. "LIVE" as children of "LIGHT."~(Ephesians 5:8)

Paul also gave many instructions to Titus, in how, the church should conduct themselves while waiting for Jesus Christ return. This one specifically here, being one of them...."For the "GRACE" of God that brings salvation HAS appeared to "ALL" men." IT TEACHES US" to say "NO" to ungodliness and worldly passions, AND to "LIVE" self-controlled, upright and "GODLY LIVES" in this present age, "WHILE WE WAIT" for the "BLESSED HOPE"--the glorious APPEARING of our great GOD and SAVIOR, Jesus Christ."~(Titus 2:11-13) Paul gave this same exhortation to "ALL" the churches and we "MUST" heed "ALL" the warnings and "LIVE" GODLY LIVES in this present age... So that when Jesus comes back for His bride, we are "READY" to go with Him! Watch And Pray, My friends...

"Be ALWAYS" on the "WATCH", and "PRAY" that you may be able "TO ESCAPE" all that is about to happen, and that you "MAY BE ABLE" to "STAND" before the "SON OF MAN."~(Luke 21:36)


GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA