WHAT KIND OF ANSWER WILL YOU GIVE?
Most of us don’t like going to court and the thought of going and standing in front of a “Judge” is nerve racking for us! It makes us feel at times nervous and anxious… It’s even worse for those that have to do time in prison and the thought that their freedom will be taking away from them for some time is really devastating for them. The feeling of the unknown it’s very troubling and scary for many of us. In court, your own words can either convict you or acquit you! This blog deals with what the Bible says, about the “Judge” of all mankind and how we must all stand before Him one day… And, how you answer GOD will either acquit you or condemned you!
The Bible gives all mankind the moral compass for us to live by and to follow… Let me start with “The Ten Commandments”
1- “You shall have no other gods before me.”
2- “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.”
3- “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
4- “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.”
5- “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
6- “You shall not murder”
7- “You shall not commit adultery”
8- “You shall not steal.”
9- “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
10-“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife… Or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:3-17)
Note: The first four commandments deal with loving God and the last six deals with loving people… If we truly love GOD we will show it by our actions… The same goes for if we truly love people! We wouldn’t purposely hurt anyone that we truly love… Right? Most of us will go all out for the ones we love and cherish. So, shouldn’t we also love and be good to "GOD" and “Everyone” else also?! Jesus says: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) for this sums up the Law (The Commandments) and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12) Friends, “Actions speak louder than words”!
These Commandments were given to us by the “Judge” of all the earth to follow and abide by. When God judges us according to the Commandments and examines how we live and conduct ourselves here on Earth… Not one of us would have a chance in the world, in GOD’s courtroom. We have all broken His Commandments and Laws…God already knew this would be the case for all of us, which is why he sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins and to redeem all mankind from death and hell… Jesus Christ is the “ONLY” one that can do this … And “No One Else” can do it!
The Bible says: “For GOD so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (Jesus Christ), 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.” (John 3:16-17) Jesus is the SAVIOR” of the world!
Jesus says: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) He has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) What is Jesus word/message to us you may ask? This is what Jesus says of “Himself”, “I am the way and the truth and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father expect through me.” (John 14:6)
Paul and Silas were asked by a jailer in the book of Acts… “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” (Acts 16:29-31) Only Jesus can save us according to the Holy Scriptures!
Paul is addressing the 1st and 2nd Commandments to the Athenians in the New Testament… This is what he says:
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone – an image made by man’s design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. (Watch this…Don’t miss it!) For he (GOD) has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man (Jesus Christ) he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:29-31)
Note: Paul tells the Athenians, that God will judge the world for their sins… We already established through the Holy Scriptures that Jesus is the “ONLY” way to Heaven and the “Only” one that can save us from our sins! And after this truth has been told to us and we willing and knowingly reject God’s plan of salvation which is in Christ ALONE! What then? Rejecting Christ will be our biggest downfall in the courtroom of the “All Mighty God”!
What will we do or say when God asks you, why didn’t you believe in my Son Jesus Christ? Why didn’t you accept my plan of salvation? What kind of answer will you give? At that time it will be too late to turn back the clock… Time is up! Now what? What’s done is done and without Jesus you will be condemned for "ALL" your sins. According to Jesus own words… “Whoever believes in him is "NOT" condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son (Jesus Christ).”(John 3:18) Only Jesus blood can wipe "ALL" our sins whiter than snow and only through Him, we are made into a brand new person. (1 John 2:2, Isaiah 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17-19) God will show the people who refused to repent and who were not willing to believe the good news of the Gospel...What they said NO to. What a devastating day it will be for the "MANY" that rejected the love of the living Christ!
Some people here on earth get cocky with God and they say “I only answer to myself and if I’m happy living without God so be it!” And they find many others that would agree with them and cheer them on; but GOD will not be amused on judgment day … He will not be persuaded by what others think or say! He will not be playing games. God won’t care how many of your friends say things like this … “Live it up”… “Live how you want”… “Do what makes you happy even if it is against God’s law”! God will judge us according to His written word and in that ALONE… Not anybody else’s opinions or sayings will matter to Him on judgment day!
We Christians are saved by Grace but this doesn’t mean that we continue to sin! (Ephesians 2:8-9) Let me show you what The Book of Hebrews says:
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of truth, no sacrifice for sins is left (Watch this… Don’t miss this!), but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”… “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands “of the living GOD.” (Hebrews 10:26-27, 30-31)
“No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:9-10)
Through out the New Testament we read of "The Ten Commandments" mentioned time and time again and these two verses in 1 John summarized them also… God hasn’t changed his mind about the Commandments and how we should all live and conduct ourselves while living here on earth! The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
The Book of Revelation is describing the Courtroom of GOD and what we should expect to see in it…
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small (The Rich and the Poor), 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. 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 he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. (Watch This… Don’t miss it!) If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)
If you didn’t accept Jesus as Lord and Savior while you lived here on earth… You can be certain that your name won’t be in the book of “Life” and that all your sins still remained on you. And you will have to pay for all the sins that you committed while living in this world. There’s no other way around this! What GOD says in His “Word”… HE really means!
Note: The doors of salvation are still open… Come to the Lord Jesus while there’s still time to do so! The Bible says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, (Watch this…Don’t miss it!) But everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Only Jesus can wipe all our sins away… Once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and we live our life, on earth like Jesus commands (1 John 2:5-6 and 2 John 1:9), then our names will be written in the book of “Life”!
Jesus says, “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent.”… “He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) I WILL NEVER BLOT OUT HIS NAME FROM “THE BOOK OF LIFE”, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.” (Revelation 3:3,5) God will always be faithful to all his promises! (Numbers 23:19) Whatever the Bible says is going to happen, will happen just as God says it will! The time is now to turn from our sins and repent! Don’t wait another minute… Tomorrow might be too late! The book of Hebrews says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7)
For those who choose not to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior …. According to the Holy Scriptures will not enter Heaven. GOD will have to judge them for all the sins they have committed here on Earth and the sentence will be an eternal separation from God and their place according to Scripture will be in the “Lake of Fire” (Revelation 21:27 and Chapter 20:15)
The Lord our God is very merciful and He is always ready to give us second chances… Please, don’t ignore His calling! God loves us very much and this is why He’s extending His arms wide to you… Is your choice to accept Him or reject Him! GOD won’t force anyone to love Him or accept His plan of salvation! But rejecting Jesus Christ will be the biggest mistake that we will ever make… It has an eternal consequence of which there’s no escape! (Exodus 34:6-7, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 16:19-26, Revelation 20:10)
Jesus says, “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, BUT TO SAVE IT. There is a “Judge” for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” (John 12:47-48)
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heaven. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
SORRY, JESUS GOT TO ME FIRST!
SORRY, JESUS GOT TO ME FIRST!
The Holy Scriptures say: “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.”(Mark 1:6)- NIV
Note: John the Baptist lived in the dessert, his church was in the wilderness and he baptized all his followers in the Jordan River. John the Baptist was misunderstood by many in his time and if he was misunderstood in his day… What would he face in today’s churches? By today’s church standards John wouldn’t be let in through some church doors.
John the Baptist was ordained by God to be the Lord’s forerunner; he was set apart to GOD, a “Nazirite” (Luke 1:15-17, Isaiah 40:3/ Judges 13:7)
Note: The Bible says, John the Baptist was a “Nazirite” and as such he could not cut his beard or his long dread lock hair. Certain foods and wine he could not eat/drink. John wore clothing made of camel hair, he ate locusts and honey. The churches of today will probably say of John… I don’t know about this John the Baptist, He is not a member of any church, He's not properly dressed either, and he eats bugs… I think he is a total nut job. He can't possibly be a man of God!
How many blessings and opportunities we have missed in life for judging people in the wrong way… When GOD already says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. MAN LOOKS AT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART.” (1Samuel 16:7)
It’s not what people think or say about you that counts. It’s what the Lord says, that DOES! The Holy Scriptures says of John: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins…” (Luke 1:76-77)
People said of John… “He has a demon” (Matthew 11:18) Jesus says of John, “I tell you, among those born of women there is NO ONE greater than John… (Luke 7:28)
Note: God is not looking at how you dress, if you wear earrings or not, if you’re wearing make-up or not, if you shave your legs or not, if your hair color is blue, green, orange, etc. Or if cut your hair or leave it long or if you’re wearing a suit to church or a pair of jeans. God does not care how big your house or bank account is, or what job or car you have… That’s not what is important to God! STOP this madness…Remember, God ONLY looks at the HEART! All these things are legalistic teachings and Jesus has nailed to the cross legalism and religion! (Colossians 2:14-15, 20-23)
If ANY church tries to tell you that you have to look a certain way or have certain things in order to get into Heaven… GET away from them as quick as possible! The Bible says: “FOR it is by GRACE you have been SAVED, through FAITH- AND this NOT from YOURSELVES (Watch This Don’t Miss It! --> ), It is the GIFT of GOD-NOT by works, so that NO ONE can boast.”(Ephesians 2:8-9) Study the word of God … So that you can recognize false teachings.
Note: Salvation is a FREE gift from GOD…. There is nothing you can do to get it….It’s FREE! And Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven! “SALVATION is found in NO ONE else, FOR there is NO other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven GIVEN to men by which WE must be SAVED." (Acts 4:12)
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees in Jesus day wore beautiful holy garments… You couldn’t look more holy than these men but watch what Jesus says of these men…. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” (Matthew 23:15) Jesus also said of them… “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”(John 8:44)
Note: It’s not how we look on the outside that COUNTS or WHAT makes us holy… It’s what’s in our HEARTS that DOES! Jesus knew that there was nothing good inside the teachers of the law and the Pharisees hearts! Jesus knew these men were not men of God… That’s why Jesus said this to them: “He (Jesus) replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; THEIR teachings are but RULES taught by men.”(Mark 7: 6-7)
Jesus says: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’... (Matthew 15:19-20) These acts are the things that will keep us from the Kingdom of GOD; and NOT how we look on the outside!
Jesus in the other hand wasn’t restricted from drinking wine or eating certain foods like John had been, because John was a “Nazirite”. Just like John, Jesus was also misunderstood, for the Bible says: “The Son of Man (Jesus Christ) came eating and drinking, and they say, (People said of HIM) 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." (Matthew 11:19)
But the Holy Scriptures says of Jesus: “… And HE (Jesus Christ) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Note: Jesus drank wine and of course He ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners that’s WHO HE CAME TO SAVE! “For the Son of Man came TO SEEK and TO SAVE what was LOST." (Luke 19:10) Jesus was God in the flesh...“The Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) But people said of Him that He was a drunkard, a glutton, hanging around sinners, demon possessed and still others thought He was out of His mind! But thank God that Jesus wasn’t influence by what people, his family and the devil thought of Him! Jesus wasn’t going to lose His focus… Jesus knew where He came from; He knew who He was and what He needed to do to save humanity! (John 8:14, John 7:20, Mark 3:21, Matthew 4:3-11, Luke 4:43, John 3:16-18)-Amen!
We need to stay in the WORD of God and be lead by the Holy Spirit, so that we can tell the REAL from the FAKE… Truth from lies! Jesus came to set us free and if we focus on the outer appearance of each other… We will be putting ourselves in the same bondage that the Lord Jesus freed us from!
The Bible says: “This righteousness from God comes through FAITH in Jesus Christ to ALL WHO BELIEVE. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE, FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT of the glory of God, and are JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE through the "REDEMPTION" that came BY Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
Sorry, Jesus Got To Me First…You’re not going to put me in the bondage that Jesus died and freed me from! There is nothing humanly possible that I could do to make myself righteous before GOD! The Holy Scriptures says: “As it is written: "THERE IS NO ONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (Romans 3:10) My righteousness, my hope and my faith comes from Christ and in Christ ALONE it is! (Romans 5:17) I am dead to sin but ALIVE in Christ Jesus! I DO NOT live under law but under GRACE! (Romans 6:11, 14/ Romans 11:5-6). And I definitely DO NOT take advantage of God's amazing grace either...My life I live for Jesus! (Hebrews 10:29-31, Jude 1:4, Colossians 3:3, Galatians 2:20) Legalism and Religion DOES NOT interest me and it’s definitely not of GOD either! “FOR THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” (Romans 1:17/ Galatians 3:11)
“So if the Son (Jesus Christ) sets you FREE, you WILL be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36)
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
The Holy Scriptures say: “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.”(Mark 1:6)- NIV
Note: John the Baptist lived in the dessert, his church was in the wilderness and he baptized all his followers in the Jordan River. John the Baptist was misunderstood by many in his time and if he was misunderstood in his day… What would he face in today’s churches? By today’s church standards John wouldn’t be let in through some church doors.
John the Baptist was ordained by God to be the Lord’s forerunner; he was set apart to GOD, a “Nazirite” (Luke 1:15-17, Isaiah 40:3/ Judges 13:7)
Note: The Bible says, John the Baptist was a “Nazirite” and as such he could not cut his beard or his long dread lock hair. Certain foods and wine he could not eat/drink. John wore clothing made of camel hair, he ate locusts and honey. The churches of today will probably say of John… I don’t know about this John the Baptist, He is not a member of any church, He's not properly dressed either, and he eats bugs… I think he is a total nut job. He can't possibly be a man of God!
How many blessings and opportunities we have missed in life for judging people in the wrong way… When GOD already says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. MAN LOOKS AT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART.” (1Samuel 16:7)
It’s not what people think or say about you that counts. It’s what the Lord says, that DOES! The Holy Scriptures says of John: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins…” (Luke 1:76-77)
People said of John… “He has a demon” (Matthew 11:18) Jesus says of John, “I tell you, among those born of women there is NO ONE greater than John… (Luke 7:28)
Note: God is not looking at how you dress, if you wear earrings or not, if you’re wearing make-up or not, if you shave your legs or not, if your hair color is blue, green, orange, etc. Or if cut your hair or leave it long or if you’re wearing a suit to church or a pair of jeans. God does not care how big your house or bank account is, or what job or car you have… That’s not what is important to God! STOP this madness…Remember, God ONLY looks at the HEART! All these things are legalistic teachings and Jesus has nailed to the cross legalism and religion! (Colossians 2:14-15, 20-23)
If ANY church tries to tell you that you have to look a certain way or have certain things in order to get into Heaven… GET away from them as quick as possible! The Bible says: “FOR it is by GRACE you have been SAVED, through FAITH- AND this NOT from YOURSELVES (Watch This Don’t Miss It! --> ), It is the GIFT of GOD-NOT by works, so that NO ONE can boast.”(Ephesians 2:8-9) Study the word of God … So that you can recognize false teachings.
Note: Salvation is a FREE gift from GOD…. There is nothing you can do to get it….It’s FREE! And Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven! “SALVATION is found in NO ONE else, FOR there is NO other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven GIVEN to men by which WE must be SAVED." (Acts 4:12)
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees in Jesus day wore beautiful holy garments… You couldn’t look more holy than these men but watch what Jesus says of these men…. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” (Matthew 23:15) Jesus also said of them… “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”(John 8:44)
Note: It’s not how we look on the outside that COUNTS or WHAT makes us holy… It’s what’s in our HEARTS that DOES! Jesus knew that there was nothing good inside the teachers of the law and the Pharisees hearts! Jesus knew these men were not men of God… That’s why Jesus said this to them: “He (Jesus) replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; THEIR teachings are but RULES taught by men.”(Mark 7: 6-7)
Jesus says: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’... (Matthew 15:19-20) These acts are the things that will keep us from the Kingdom of GOD; and NOT how we look on the outside!
Jesus in the other hand wasn’t restricted from drinking wine or eating certain foods like John had been, because John was a “Nazirite”. Just like John, Jesus was also misunderstood, for the Bible says: “The Son of Man (Jesus Christ) came eating and drinking, and they say, (People said of HIM) 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." (Matthew 11:19)
But the Holy Scriptures says of Jesus: “… And HE (Jesus Christ) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Note: Jesus drank wine and of course He ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners that’s WHO HE CAME TO SAVE! “For the Son of Man came TO SEEK and TO SAVE what was LOST." (Luke 19:10) Jesus was God in the flesh...“The Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) But people said of Him that He was a drunkard, a glutton, hanging around sinners, demon possessed and still others thought He was out of His mind! But thank God that Jesus wasn’t influence by what people, his family and the devil thought of Him! Jesus wasn’t going to lose His focus… Jesus knew where He came from; He knew who He was and what He needed to do to save humanity! (John 8:14, John 7:20, Mark 3:21, Matthew 4:3-11, Luke 4:43, John 3:16-18)-Amen!
We need to stay in the WORD of God and be lead by the Holy Spirit, so that we can tell the REAL from the FAKE… Truth from lies! Jesus came to set us free and if we focus on the outer appearance of each other… We will be putting ourselves in the same bondage that the Lord Jesus freed us from!
The Bible says: “This righteousness from God comes through FAITH in Jesus Christ to ALL WHO BELIEVE. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE, FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT of the glory of God, and are JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE through the "REDEMPTION" that came BY Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
Sorry, Jesus Got To Me First…You’re not going to put me in the bondage that Jesus died and freed me from! There is nothing humanly possible that I could do to make myself righteous before GOD! The Holy Scriptures says: “As it is written: "THERE IS NO ONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (Romans 3:10) My righteousness, my hope and my faith comes from Christ and in Christ ALONE it is! (Romans 5:17) I am dead to sin but ALIVE in Christ Jesus! I DO NOT live under law but under GRACE! (Romans 6:11, 14/ Romans 11:5-6). And I definitely DO NOT take advantage of God's amazing grace either...My life I live for Jesus! (Hebrews 10:29-31, Jude 1:4, Colossians 3:3, Galatians 2:20) Legalism and Religion DOES NOT interest me and it’s definitely not of GOD either! “FOR THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” (Romans 1:17/ Galatians 3:11)
“So if the Son (Jesus Christ) sets you FREE, you WILL be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36)
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Friday, March 5, 2010
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE
The Bible says:
“According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” Hallelujah! (1Thessalonians 4: 15-17) NIV
Note: Some of us have family members and friends that have fallen asleep (who have died) in the Lord. This is a wonderful and exciting promise that the Lord has given for all of us who believe in Him. We will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven someday... We won’t be separated from them ever again! What a glorious day that will be. To see Our Lord and Savior, face to face, our families and friends... I can't wait! I’m also looking forward to meeting some of you on that day face to face.
This is why we have to be obedient to Our Lord’s commands. We have our families and friends waiting for us. This is one of the many reasons, we cannot let anything or anyone derail us from the path that the Lord teaches us to stay on... "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6: 12)
The Bible says:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11)
The Lord is near, my friends. We must obey the Lord, study His word and "DO" what it says. (James 1:22)
This is what the Word of the Lord says:
"What good is it, my brothers; if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “ Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead."(James 2:14-17)
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16)
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:2)
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Note: We have all heard the phrase “ No Pain, No Gain” The Lord never said it was going to be easy. The Christian life is one of self-discipline and self-denial. As a matter of fact Jesus said as they treated me they would treat you. (John 15:18-21) "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) We live in this world but we are not of this world. Jesus said that he went to prepare a place for us and He also said that He would come back for us. (John 14:2-3) This world is not our home, in no shape or form should we submit to it. We should not set our minds in the things of this world but in heavenly things, our citizenship is in heaven. (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 3:20)
God has given us a gleam into the future… What will it be like on that glorious day. In the book of Revelation 21:1-7 it says:
“ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “ Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (I don’t know about you but that sounds like a pretty good deal to me… Sounds like an amazing place!!) He who was seated on the throne said, “ I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
Note: These are the rewards for all of those that lived a life here on earth following the Lord and obeying His commands BUT for those WHO DID NOT believed in Jesus Christ, WHO DID NOT follow or obeyed Him… Read what the word of the Lord says:
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” (Revelation 21:8)
“IF ANYYONE'S" name was NOT found written in the book of life, he was THROWN into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)
“NOTHING" impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
Note: Be faithful to the Lord, trust Him, follow Him, and obey Him. He’s coming soon!… "However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Keep your eyes on the prize, my friends. Don’t look to see who’s in front of you or who’s behind you… Keep your eyes on the finish line, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.. With Jesus by your side, you cannot lose!
Jesus says:
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11) Jesus says, Our crowns can be taken away… So lets make sure that "NO ONE" takes it from us…Be an overcomer in Jesus name!
If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to have a relationship with Him… All you have to do is believe in Him, invite Jesus into your heart, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and He’ll take care of the rest. The Bible says: “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Here is a sample prayer that you can say to invite Jesus into your life. As long as it comes from your heart and you mean it… That’s really all that matters:
“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thank you for sacrificing Your life to save me, then rising to life again that I might live forever in Heaven with You. I turn from my sins and invite You into my life. Help me to live in a way that pleases You, for whatever time You give me here on earth”. Amen
If you just invited Jesus into your heart, God bless you and welcome to God’s family. The Holy Scriptures says... FOR, “EVERYONE" who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
The Bible says:
“According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” Hallelujah! (1Thessalonians 4: 15-17) NIV
Note: Some of us have family members and friends that have fallen asleep (who have died) in the Lord. This is a wonderful and exciting promise that the Lord has given for all of us who believe in Him. We will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven someday... We won’t be separated from them ever again! What a glorious day that will be. To see Our Lord and Savior, face to face, our families and friends... I can't wait! I’m also looking forward to meeting some of you on that day face to face.
This is why we have to be obedient to Our Lord’s commands. We have our families and friends waiting for us. This is one of the many reasons, we cannot let anything or anyone derail us from the path that the Lord teaches us to stay on... "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6: 12)
The Bible says:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11)
The Lord is near, my friends. We must obey the Lord, study His word and "DO" what it says. (James 1:22)
This is what the Word of the Lord says:
"What good is it, my brothers; if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “ Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead."(James 2:14-17)
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16)
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:2)
"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
Note: We have all heard the phrase “ No Pain, No Gain” The Lord never said it was going to be easy. The Christian life is one of self-discipline and self-denial. As a matter of fact Jesus said as they treated me they would treat you. (John 15:18-21) "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) We live in this world but we are not of this world. Jesus said that he went to prepare a place for us and He also said that He would come back for us. (John 14:2-3) This world is not our home, in no shape or form should we submit to it. We should not set our minds in the things of this world but in heavenly things, our citizenship is in heaven. (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 3:20)
God has given us a gleam into the future… What will it be like on that glorious day. In the book of Revelation 21:1-7 it says:
“ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “ Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (I don’t know about you but that sounds like a pretty good deal to me… Sounds like an amazing place!!) He who was seated on the throne said, “ I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
Note: These are the rewards for all of those that lived a life here on earth following the Lord and obeying His commands BUT for those WHO DID NOT believed in Jesus Christ, WHO DID NOT follow or obeyed Him… Read what the word of the Lord says:
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” (Revelation 21:8)
“IF ANYYONE'S" name was NOT found written in the book of life, he was THROWN into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)
“NOTHING" impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)
Note: Be faithful to the Lord, trust Him, follow Him, and obey Him. He’s coming soon!… "However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
Keep your eyes on the prize, my friends. Don’t look to see who’s in front of you or who’s behind you… Keep your eyes on the finish line, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.. With Jesus by your side, you cannot lose!
Jesus says:
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11) Jesus says, Our crowns can be taken away… So lets make sure that "NO ONE" takes it from us…Be an overcomer in Jesus name!
If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to have a relationship with Him… All you have to do is believe in Him, invite Jesus into your heart, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and He’ll take care of the rest. The Bible says: “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Here is a sample prayer that you can say to invite Jesus into your life. As long as it comes from your heart and you mean it… That’s really all that matters:
“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thank you for sacrificing Your life to save me, then rising to life again that I might live forever in Heaven with You. I turn from my sins and invite You into my life. Help me to live in a way that pleases You, for whatever time You give me here on earth”. Amen
If you just invited Jesus into your heart, God bless you and welcome to God’s family. The Holy Scriptures says... FOR, “EVERYONE" who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
DON'T GIVE UP!
DON’T GIVE UP!
Many of us are going through all kinds of hardship in our lives right now. Times of uncertainty and a cloudy future but have no fear my brothers and sisters in Christ… We have the Victory in Christ our Lord.
The Lord did warn us before hand that things like this would happen to us…
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Note: Have we built our Foundation on the Rock or Sand? The ones that apply the Lord’s teaching for their lives will be the ones, who have built their foundation on “The Rock” (Matthew 7:24-25) These builders when times of testing come whether it is sickness, loss of a loved one, finances, etc.-These will be able to stand because they have applied to their lives the teachings of the living God.
A person who has built their foundation on the “Rock” when the storms of life come no matter how strong that storm may be, they will fully trust and believe in Jesus to save/help them out of that situation. A person who has built their foundation on the rock will apply the teachings of the Lord in EVERY situation their life-especially the hard ones. When the times of testing come they know what to do, because they have been taught by the Master (Jesus). When the storms of life come they will not give in to fear, anxiety, despair, hopelessness because they know how big and awesome their GOD is (Jesus is more than capable of handling whatever situation we are in). A person who builds his home on the rock will hear the voice of their Shepherd and follow Him at ALL times… "For they will walk by faith and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)~NKJV
Knowing without a shadow of a doubt that the same God that was with David when he faced Goliath is with you… This is the same God that David spoke of when he wrote “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all…” (Psalm 34:19) Not some of your problems but "ALL" says the Lord. My friends: "TRUST" in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Have faith in the Lord … He won’t let you down. Jesus tells us this: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Mark 13:31) Whatever our Master has said, that HE, would do for those that follow Him will come to pass in their lives. You can fully count on Jesus; He has never failed anyone who has put his or her trust in Him… NEVER!
Check out how he delivered the Hebrews boys from the hot blazing furnace the King, Nebuchadnezzar threw them in. (Daniel 3:1-30) Daniel will tell you how the Lord shut the mouths of the lions in the den he was in. (Daniel 6:19-23) The same God that rescued them from ALL their troubles will rescue us also if we trust, obey, and follow Him. Through out the Holy Scriptures you see God protecting and delivering His children.
“ I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!!! SO WHY GIVE IN TO DESPAIR AND FEAR IF THIS IS THE KIND OF GOD WE HAVE ON OUR SIDE..."Have I not commanded you? BE strong AND courageous. DO NOT be afraid; DO NOT be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9)
Note: This is one of the reasons I have fallen in love with the word of GOD. It is God’s blueprint to everyday living. God has given us solutions to any and every situation that we may face in this life. He’s got us covered Completely… Hallelujah! The Victory is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
People that do not apply the Lord’s teachings to their lives are considered to be as one who has built their foundation on “ The Sand”. These will fall with a great crash because they did not built their foundation on the “Rock” which is Jesus our Lord. (Matthew 7:26-27)
A person that has built their foundation of “Sand” will easily give in to despair, fear and hopelessness. They believe the lies of the devil, they follow man instead of the Lord, and they definitely don’t think or believe God can help/save them from their situation. (Whatever the situation may be)
Note: I can hear Moses telling us as he told Israel when Pharaoh and his army where closing in on them before the crossing of the sea…
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (Watch this last verse… NEVER forget it!) The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
Stand my brothers and sisters in Christ…Stand on God’s promises.
Note: Be prepared when the enemy tries to put thoughts of despair, fear and hopelessness into your minds and hearts. Speak to him in the same manner that Jesus did in the wilderness…
The Bible says:
“The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “ It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on EVERY word that comes from the mouth of GOD." (Matthew 4:3-4)
Note: STUDY the word of GOD, so that you know, how to answer the devil when he comes to derail you and get you off the track that God has placed you in. God will show you how to answer the devil and what to do in any and every situation that life may bring your way.
When Satan tells you… GOD has forgotten you,
You tell him… It is written: “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…" (Isaiah 49:15-16)
When he (Satan) tells you … you don’t have what you need to pay your bills this month…
You say… It is written: “And my God will meet all (My) your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
The Lord says: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Note: The Lord has said to us that if we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, NOT last or when we get around to it, but really giving God first place in our life; that is when He will give us what we need. Guaranteed!! If you do what God asks of you, then He will do what He says He will do for you …IF you obey and trust him FIRST.
I am giving you what I myself have tried and live by everyday and found it to be the absolute truth. If you line yourself with God’s will and purpose for your life these and many other promises written through out the Holy Scriptures will be fulfilled in your life … He will take care of you! This is from the mouth of the Lord Himself. Obedience to GOD always brings blessings into our lives and home.
This is a word that the Lord gave to me, so I in turn want to share it with all of you and to let you know that everything is going to be all right because Jesus has the wheel…“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Don’t give up! Remember, “With God all things are possible.” WE ARE ON THE WINNING TEAM! HOW CAN WE LOSE? "DON'T GIVE UP" AND "FIGHT the good fight of faith!" (1Timothy 6:12)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Many of us are going through all kinds of hardship in our lives right now. Times of uncertainty and a cloudy future but have no fear my brothers and sisters in Christ… We have the Victory in Christ our Lord.
The Lord did warn us before hand that things like this would happen to us…
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Note: Have we built our Foundation on the Rock or Sand? The ones that apply the Lord’s teaching for their lives will be the ones, who have built their foundation on “The Rock” (Matthew 7:24-25) These builders when times of testing come whether it is sickness, loss of a loved one, finances, etc.-These will be able to stand because they have applied to their lives the teachings of the living God.
A person who has built their foundation on the “Rock” when the storms of life come no matter how strong that storm may be, they will fully trust and believe in Jesus to save/help them out of that situation. A person who has built their foundation on the rock will apply the teachings of the Lord in EVERY situation their life-especially the hard ones. When the times of testing come they know what to do, because they have been taught by the Master (Jesus). When the storms of life come they will not give in to fear, anxiety, despair, hopelessness because they know how big and awesome their GOD is (Jesus is more than capable of handling whatever situation we are in). A person who builds his home on the rock will hear the voice of their Shepherd and follow Him at ALL times… "For they will walk by faith and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)~NKJV
Knowing without a shadow of a doubt that the same God that was with David when he faced Goliath is with you… This is the same God that David spoke of when he wrote “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all…” (Psalm 34:19) Not some of your problems but "ALL" says the Lord. My friends: "TRUST" in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Have faith in the Lord … He won’t let you down. Jesus tells us this: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Mark 13:31) Whatever our Master has said, that HE, would do for those that follow Him will come to pass in their lives. You can fully count on Jesus; He has never failed anyone who has put his or her trust in Him… NEVER!
Check out how he delivered the Hebrews boys from the hot blazing furnace the King, Nebuchadnezzar threw them in. (Daniel 3:1-30) Daniel will tell you how the Lord shut the mouths of the lions in the den he was in. (Daniel 6:19-23) The same God that rescued them from ALL their troubles will rescue us also if we trust, obey, and follow Him. Through out the Holy Scriptures you see God protecting and delivering His children.
“ I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!!! SO WHY GIVE IN TO DESPAIR AND FEAR IF THIS IS THE KIND OF GOD WE HAVE ON OUR SIDE..."Have I not commanded you? BE strong AND courageous. DO NOT be afraid; DO NOT be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9)
Note: This is one of the reasons I have fallen in love with the word of GOD. It is God’s blueprint to everyday living. God has given us solutions to any and every situation that we may face in this life. He’s got us covered Completely… Hallelujah! The Victory is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
People that do not apply the Lord’s teachings to their lives are considered to be as one who has built their foundation on “ The Sand”. These will fall with a great crash because they did not built their foundation on the “Rock” which is Jesus our Lord. (Matthew 7:26-27)
A person that has built their foundation of “Sand” will easily give in to despair, fear and hopelessness. They believe the lies of the devil, they follow man instead of the Lord, and they definitely don’t think or believe God can help/save them from their situation. (Whatever the situation may be)
Note: I can hear Moses telling us as he told Israel when Pharaoh and his army where closing in on them before the crossing of the sea…
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. (Watch this last verse… NEVER forget it!) The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
Stand my brothers and sisters in Christ…Stand on God’s promises.
Note: Be prepared when the enemy tries to put thoughts of despair, fear and hopelessness into your minds and hearts. Speak to him in the same manner that Jesus did in the wilderness…
The Bible says:
“The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “ It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on EVERY word that comes from the mouth of GOD." (Matthew 4:3-4)
Note: STUDY the word of GOD, so that you know, how to answer the devil when he comes to derail you and get you off the track that God has placed you in. God will show you how to answer the devil and what to do in any and every situation that life may bring your way.
When Satan tells you… GOD has forgotten you,
You tell him… It is written: “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…" (Isaiah 49:15-16)
When he (Satan) tells you … you don’t have what you need to pay your bills this month…
You say… It is written: “And my God will meet all (My) your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
The Lord says: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)
Note: The Lord has said to us that if we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, NOT last or when we get around to it, but really giving God first place in our life; that is when He will give us what we need. Guaranteed!! If you do what God asks of you, then He will do what He says He will do for you …IF you obey and trust him FIRST.
I am giving you what I myself have tried and live by everyday and found it to be the absolute truth. If you line yourself with God’s will and purpose for your life these and many other promises written through out the Holy Scriptures will be fulfilled in your life … He will take care of you! This is from the mouth of the Lord Himself. Obedience to GOD always brings blessings into our lives and home.
This is a word that the Lord gave to me, so I in turn want to share it with all of you and to let you know that everything is going to be all right because Jesus has the wheel…“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Don’t give up! Remember, “With God all things are possible.” WE ARE ON THE WINNING TEAM! HOW CAN WE LOSE? "DON'T GIVE UP" AND "FIGHT the good fight of faith!" (1Timothy 6:12)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Thursday, November 13, 2008
WHERE ARE YOU STORING YOUR TREASURE?
WHERE ARE YOU STORING YOUR TREASURE?
As believers, our goal here on earth should be to only carry out our Lord’s commands. We should NOT be focus on worldly possession because we know, that when we obey His commands, we are storing riches in Heaven.
Solomon is described as the wisest man in the entire Bible. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you will see that he had all that his heart desired and he tried all kinds of things under the sun (Its what the Bible says). What he found out was this… “Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) He’s trying to teach us something here… That we should not chase after those things that the rest of the world lust and runs after. King Salomon is telling us, "I’ve been there, done that, graduated and got a trophy." He had it all and in the end he came up with this conclusion… “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including "EVERY" hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Earthly things can "NEVER" statisfied or fill your soul like GOD can.... It will always end up being; “Utterly meaningless!
Note: What kind of things are we setting our hearts on? Bigger houses, bigger bank accounts, expensive things or is your heart for God. The Lord says: “ 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. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24) As Christians this should be our goal in life… To be completely devoted to Jesus. "NOTHING" else should have first place in our lives. (As Solomon said; "For this is the whole duty of man.") When we put God FIRST, he guarantees, that he’ll take care of us. He supplies all our needs. “BUT seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Setting our hearts on other things than carrying out the Lord’s commands, will only lead to pain and disappointments. We watched in horror as all those people’s houses burned in the California fires. We have seen hurricanes, tornados, and tsunamis do the same things. Destroying all the things that we all work so hard to get. Others have never had any of these natural disasters come upon them, but they have had someone take away from them the things they have worked so hard to get. Sometimes this comes in the form of a repossession of your belongings; other times, there could be, a loss of a job, or even a burglary. All these circumstances are very painful. What we see here on earth is only temporary. The material things wouldn’t last. What you do for the Lord will. The Lord is making all things new (Revelation 21:5) I’m looking forward to the "NEW THINGS" God has store up for those that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
This is what the Lord says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) The Lord Jesus is a great boss to work for. He has our rewards saved for us in heaven. We can trust that our 401k and our retirement funds are safe in His hands. So do not worry about getting worldly possessions. FIX your eyes on Jesus and obey His commandments...Knowing as we obey HIM faithfully, we are storing treasures in Heaven.
We are the Lord’s servants, we MUST carry out His commands and WE MUST also be "WATCHFULLY" awaiting for His soon return to the Earth. Let me show you what Paul tells Titus:
"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, (Watch This...Don't Miss It!) while we "WAIT" for the blessed hope- the "GLORIOUS APPEARING" of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. "(Titus 2:11-14)
The book of John says:
"DO NOT" love the world or "ANYTHING" in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
Note: The Apostle Paul has been a great inspiration in my walk with the Lord. He loved the Lord and he didn’t think he wasn’t blessed just because things didn't go his way or that he had to spend most of his time in jail. Paul knew that his earthly stay was a temporary one... His mind was set on heavenly things! (Colosians 3:2) Paul was committed, on carrying out the task that the Lord had given him and he was going to carry those out no matter what. Let me show you what he tells the Philippians Church:
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)
Let me give a couple of more scriptures to show you how dedicated this man of God was… Paul knew that the Lord would reward him for his service and dedication to Him:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul loved our Lord and Savior and he had a genuine love for people also. Look what he tells the Corinthians Church:
“ For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33,11:1)
Note: This should be "THE GOAL" of every Christian to "SEEK" the Lord, to "OBEY" His commands and to seek "THE GOOD OF OTHERS". This is how we store up treasures in Heaven. Is your heart set on getting earthly things that won’t last or is your heart set in being a servant of the living God? Knowing as you live the rest of your life dedicated to Jesus, you’ll be storing treasures in Heaven that will last forever! Amen
In the book of Hebrews says:
"God is NOT unjust; HE "WILL NOT" forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. WE "DO NOT" want you to become lazy, BUT to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:11-12)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
As believers, our goal here on earth should be to only carry out our Lord’s commands. We should NOT be focus on worldly possession because we know, that when we obey His commands, we are storing riches in Heaven.
Solomon is described as the wisest man in the entire Bible. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you will see that he had all that his heart desired and he tried all kinds of things under the sun (Its what the Bible says). What he found out was this… “Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) He’s trying to teach us something here… That we should not chase after those things that the rest of the world lust and runs after. King Salomon is telling us, "I’ve been there, done that, graduated and got a trophy." He had it all and in the end he came up with this conclusion… “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including "EVERY" hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Earthly things can "NEVER" statisfied or fill your soul like GOD can.... It will always end up being; “Utterly meaningless!
Note: What kind of things are we setting our hearts on? Bigger houses, bigger bank accounts, expensive things or is your heart for God. The Lord says: “ 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. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24) As Christians this should be our goal in life… To be completely devoted to Jesus. "NOTHING" else should have first place in our lives. (As Solomon said; "For this is the whole duty of man.") When we put God FIRST, he guarantees, that he’ll take care of us. He supplies all our needs. “BUT seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Setting our hearts on other things than carrying out the Lord’s commands, will only lead to pain and disappointments. We watched in horror as all those people’s houses burned in the California fires. We have seen hurricanes, tornados, and tsunamis do the same things. Destroying all the things that we all work so hard to get. Others have never had any of these natural disasters come upon them, but they have had someone take away from them the things they have worked so hard to get. Sometimes this comes in the form of a repossession of your belongings; other times, there could be, a loss of a job, or even a burglary. All these circumstances are very painful. What we see here on earth is only temporary. The material things wouldn’t last. What you do for the Lord will. The Lord is making all things new (Revelation 21:5) I’m looking forward to the "NEW THINGS" God has store up for those that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
This is what the Lord says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) The Lord Jesus is a great boss to work for. He has our rewards saved for us in heaven. We can trust that our 401k and our retirement funds are safe in His hands. So do not worry about getting worldly possessions. FIX your eyes on Jesus and obey His commandments...Knowing as we obey HIM faithfully, we are storing treasures in Heaven.
We are the Lord’s servants, we MUST carry out His commands and WE MUST also be "WATCHFULLY" awaiting for His soon return to the Earth. Let me show you what Paul tells Titus:
"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, (Watch This...Don't Miss It!) while we "WAIT" for the blessed hope- the "GLORIOUS APPEARING" of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. "(Titus 2:11-14)
The book of John says:
"DO NOT" love the world or "ANYTHING" in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
Note: The Apostle Paul has been a great inspiration in my walk with the Lord. He loved the Lord and he didn’t think he wasn’t blessed just because things didn't go his way or that he had to spend most of his time in jail. Paul knew that his earthly stay was a temporary one... His mind was set on heavenly things! (Colosians 3:2) Paul was committed, on carrying out the task that the Lord had given him and he was going to carry those out no matter what. Let me show you what he tells the Philippians Church:
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)
Let me give a couple of more scriptures to show you how dedicated this man of God was… Paul knew that the Lord would reward him for his service and dedication to Him:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul loved our Lord and Savior and he had a genuine love for people also. Look what he tells the Corinthians Church:
“ For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33,11:1)
Note: This should be "THE GOAL" of every Christian to "SEEK" the Lord, to "OBEY" His commands and to seek "THE GOOD OF OTHERS". This is how we store up treasures in Heaven. Is your heart set on getting earthly things that won’t last or is your heart set in being a servant of the living God? Knowing as you live the rest of your life dedicated to Jesus, you’ll be storing treasures in Heaven that will last forever! Amen
In the book of Hebrews says:
"God is NOT unjust; HE "WILL NOT" forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. WE "DO NOT" want you to become lazy, BUT to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:11-12)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Thursday, October 30, 2008
CAN YOU LOSE YOUR SALVATION?
CAN YOU LOSE YOUR SALVATION?
Some may think that once they are saved … They are always saved. Yes, this is true for those that obey and keep Christ’s teachings. Let me explain: If we think that just because we attend church, get baptized or recite the Lord’s salvation prayer, it is enough to get us into heaven… Then my friends, we are sadly mistaken. Don’t get me wrong, we must do these things as believers as an expression of our faith but this alone can’t save you. For a believer, when they partake in all those things they are publicly declaring their faith, but we must not stop there. Jesus Christ has set the example and we must follow in His footsteps if we want to inherit eternal life. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, 1 John 2:3-6)
In the Bible it says:
"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter, his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor." (Luke 6:12-16)
Judas Iscariot was one of the disciples that were hand picked by our Lord. He was baptized into the name of our Lord Jesus, he was sent with the rest of the disciples into the towns with the authority to heal the sick, cast out demons and to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. (Matthew10:1-2, Mark 6:6-13, Luke 9:1-2)
If salvation could not be lost and once you’re saved you’re always saved, then what happened to Judas’s guaranteed salvation? My friends it will be a big mistake if we believe we can’t lose our salvation. God has made it very clear through out the Holy Scriptures… Through the Prophets and the Apostles that sinners will not enter into His kingdom. Is God unjust? NO! Judas had a sin that he had not surrendered to God and that hidden sin opened a door to a bigger sin. See Luke 22:3-6 (Judas loved money more than God.)
In John 12:4-6 says: Concerning this hidden sin:
"But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages?” He did not say this because he cared about the poor (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) but because he WAS a THIEF; as keeper of the moneybag, he used to HELP himself to what WAS put into it".
Our Lord did not condemn the woman caught in the act of adultery but He gave her a command “GO NOW and LEAVE your life OF sin” (John 8:3-11). This is coming from the mouth of our Creator Himself… It is a warning NOT just good advice. We "MUST" be doers of God’s word. We must walk on this earth as Jesus did. (James 1:22, 1 John 2:5-6)
The Lord "WARNED" his disciples time and time again to “WATCH and PRAY” why would the Lord give us such a warning if our salvation can’t be lost. (Matthew 24:42, Mark 13:36-37) As long as we are here on earth we will "ALL" have TO WATCH and PRAY. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “GET UP and PRAY so that you will not fall INTO temptation.”(Luke 22:46) The words that the Lord spoke through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John these will lead to the path of eternal life.
Note: I believe a backslidden Christian can and will lose his position in heaven… If he’s not careful. (Name blotted out of the book of life) The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome and the good Shepherd (Christ) will not let you stray too far from the flock. However there is still a matter of choice. The Bible uses the analogy of leaven or unleavened bread. (With or without sin)
Think of the fat in our bodies as sin. With discipline exercise and diet will remove the fat. If you maintain this healthy lifestyle the fat will remain dormant (Binding spirits) however giving into temptation, not exercising, and overeating will result in the fat returning. Like wise if we are out of the will of God, out of the Word, falling back into temptation and sin... Your old nature returns and the word says sinners cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (Psalm 1:5, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:1-7, Colossians 3:5-10, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 10:26-27, 1 Peter 2:1, 1 John 3:6, 7-10, Revelation 21:8, 27, 22:15)
In the book of Hebrews says:
This my friends is a warning against falling away… “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace”.
“Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case- things that accompany salvation”. (Hebrews 6:4-6, 9)
Throughout the second and third chapter of the book of Revelations Jesus instructs John to write messages to the 7 churches in Asia Minor. Over and Over again we read of the blessing and rewards for the overcomer. To the believer (Remember these letters are written to churches, saved people.) That continues in certain practices, there is a clear warning to repent and turn from such practices…
Revelation 2:4-5
Jesus says: “ Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
Revelation 1:20 Reveals the mystery of the message- The seven candle sticks are the churches- I WILL remove THY candlestick out of its PLACE. MEANING his place IN paradise.
Removal- Does "NOT" mean to "INCLUDE". A person is not taken to heaven as a reward for sin. Judgment and destruction is the penalty for sin.
To the Church of Sardis Jesus said this to them:
"REMEMBER, therefore, WHAT you have received and heard; OBEY it, REPENT. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."
My friends watch this… Don’t miss it! Jesus says:
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. (Revelation 3:3-5)
Question? If your salvation is guaranteed than how can the Lord say... " I will "NEVER" blot out his name from the book of life" ? Answer: Because the teaching that you can't lose your salvation is FALSE! GOD says if you DO NOT repent and CONTINUE in YOUR SIN…. HE will take your name "OFF" His Book (off the LIST)!
This is why I felt lead to write this blog. The teaching that you can’t lose your salvation no matter what you do… IS false! This is not what the Lord teaches and you can clearly see in the book of Revelation that he will not let anyone regardless of whom they are come into His kingdom if they do not obey His teaching or have sins they have not repented from. The kingdom of God is for the overcomer… For those who didn’t give in to the passions of this world, for those who did not give in to peer pressure, for those that follow the Lord no matter what curve ball life through at them, for those that stood on the Rock “ Christ the Hope of Glory” Be an overcomer in Jesus name.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Some may think that once they are saved … They are always saved. Yes, this is true for those that obey and keep Christ’s teachings. Let me explain: If we think that just because we attend church, get baptized or recite the Lord’s salvation prayer, it is enough to get us into heaven… Then my friends, we are sadly mistaken. Don’t get me wrong, we must do these things as believers as an expression of our faith but this alone can’t save you. For a believer, when they partake in all those things they are publicly declaring their faith, but we must not stop there. Jesus Christ has set the example and we must follow in His footsteps if we want to inherit eternal life. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, 1 John 2:3-6)
In the Bible it says:
"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter, his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became the traitor." (Luke 6:12-16)
Judas Iscariot was one of the disciples that were hand picked by our Lord. He was baptized into the name of our Lord Jesus, he was sent with the rest of the disciples into the towns with the authority to heal the sick, cast out demons and to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. (Matthew10:1-2, Mark 6:6-13, Luke 9:1-2)
If salvation could not be lost and once you’re saved you’re always saved, then what happened to Judas’s guaranteed salvation? My friends it will be a big mistake if we believe we can’t lose our salvation. God has made it very clear through out the Holy Scriptures… Through the Prophets and the Apostles that sinners will not enter into His kingdom. Is God unjust? NO! Judas had a sin that he had not surrendered to God and that hidden sin opened a door to a bigger sin. See Luke 22:3-6 (Judas loved money more than God.)
In John 12:4-6 says: Concerning this hidden sin:
"But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages?” He did not say this because he cared about the poor (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) but because he WAS a THIEF; as keeper of the moneybag, he used to HELP himself to what WAS put into it".
Our Lord did not condemn the woman caught in the act of adultery but He gave her a command “GO NOW and LEAVE your life OF sin” (John 8:3-11). This is coming from the mouth of our Creator Himself… It is a warning NOT just good advice. We "MUST" be doers of God’s word. We must walk on this earth as Jesus did. (James 1:22, 1 John 2:5-6)
The Lord "WARNED" his disciples time and time again to “WATCH and PRAY” why would the Lord give us such a warning if our salvation can’t be lost. (Matthew 24:42, Mark 13:36-37) As long as we are here on earth we will "ALL" have TO WATCH and PRAY. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “GET UP and PRAY so that you will not fall INTO temptation.”(Luke 22:46) The words that the Lord spoke through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John these will lead to the path of eternal life.
Note: I believe a backslidden Christian can and will lose his position in heaven… If he’s not careful. (Name blotted out of the book of life) The Holy Spirit gives us the power to overcome and the good Shepherd (Christ) will not let you stray too far from the flock. However there is still a matter of choice. The Bible uses the analogy of leaven or unleavened bread. (With or without sin)
Think of the fat in our bodies as sin. With discipline exercise and diet will remove the fat. If you maintain this healthy lifestyle the fat will remain dormant (Binding spirits) however giving into temptation, not exercising, and overeating will result in the fat returning. Like wise if we are out of the will of God, out of the Word, falling back into temptation and sin... Your old nature returns and the word says sinners cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (Psalm 1:5, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:1-7, Colossians 3:5-10, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 10:26-27, 1 Peter 2:1, 1 John 3:6, 7-10, Revelation 21:8, 27, 22:15)
In the book of Hebrews says:
This my friends is a warning against falling away… “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace”.
“Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case- things that accompany salvation”. (Hebrews 6:4-6, 9)
Throughout the second and third chapter of the book of Revelations Jesus instructs John to write messages to the 7 churches in Asia Minor. Over and Over again we read of the blessing and rewards for the overcomer. To the believer (Remember these letters are written to churches, saved people.) That continues in certain practices, there is a clear warning to repent and turn from such practices…
Revelation 2:4-5
Jesus says: “ Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
Revelation 1:20 Reveals the mystery of the message- The seven candle sticks are the churches- I WILL remove THY candlestick out of its PLACE. MEANING his place IN paradise.
Removal- Does "NOT" mean to "INCLUDE". A person is not taken to heaven as a reward for sin. Judgment and destruction is the penalty for sin.
To the Church of Sardis Jesus said this to them:
"REMEMBER, therefore, WHAT you have received and heard; OBEY it, REPENT. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you."
My friends watch this… Don’t miss it! Jesus says:
“He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. (Revelation 3:3-5)
Question? If your salvation is guaranteed than how can the Lord say... " I will "NEVER" blot out his name from the book of life" ? Answer: Because the teaching that you can't lose your salvation is FALSE! GOD says if you DO NOT repent and CONTINUE in YOUR SIN…. HE will take your name "OFF" His Book (off the LIST)!
This is why I felt lead to write this blog. The teaching that you can’t lose your salvation no matter what you do… IS false! This is not what the Lord teaches and you can clearly see in the book of Revelation that he will not let anyone regardless of whom they are come into His kingdom if they do not obey His teaching or have sins they have not repented from. The kingdom of God is for the overcomer… For those who didn’t give in to the passions of this world, for those who did not give in to peer pressure, for those that follow the Lord no matter what curve ball life through at them, for those that stood on the Rock “ Christ the Hope of Glory” Be an overcomer in Jesus name.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
IS HE COMING FOR YOU?
IS HE COMING FOR YOU?
The Bible Says:
"They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “ why do you stand here looking into the sky? This "SAME" Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, "WILL" come back "IN THE SAME WAY" you have seen him "GO INTO HEAVEN.” (Acts 1:10-11)~NIV
Angels announced His birth (Jesus Christ's birth in Luke 1:26-38 – Ch.2: 8-20) and Angels tell of His return to the disciples in the book of Acts. This event will take place in God’s time… The question should "NOT" be: "WHEN IS JESUS COMING?" The question should be: "Is HE coming for you?" Can you honestly say that if Jesus came today you would be lifted up to heaven to meet HIM? No one knows when they will die… If today was your last day here on earth, will the Lord welcome you into His kingdom?
Let me show you what the Lord says in the Bible:
"EVERY" tree that does not bear good fruit is "CUT DOWN" and "THROWN" into the "FIRE". Thus, BY their fruit you will recognize them. “NOT everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, 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? ‘THEN I will tell them plainly, ‘I NEVER" knew you. "AWAY FROM ME", you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:19-23)
Note: The tree here represents people (Jeremiah 11:18-19). People that claim to know Him (Jesus Christ) And Obedience to GOD will always produce good fruits.
Jesus has set the laws and standards for those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. Accepting Him as Lord and Savior is our first step and after, that, the rest of our life here on earth should mirror His. (1 John 2:3-6)
Read the Lord’s Laws and Standards:
In the book of Matthew Chapters 5-7
In these chapters the Lord delivers the Sermon on the Mt. also known as the Beatitudes. Read it, Study it and make all the necessary changes in your life now … While there’s still time to do so. Those that live their lives here on earth this way are the one’s … According to the Lord’s own words will inherit the kingdom of God. "If you love me, you will "OBEY" what I command." (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, John 8:31, 51, 1 John 2:3-6, 2 Peter 1:3-11)
Spend time in His word… Follow Him… Obey Him… Jesus is the "ONLY" way to Heaven. You can’t get to heaven just because you think you should. Going to Church "DOES NOT GUARANTEE" your entry either. Obeying the Lord Jesus "WILL". "NOTHING" in this world is worth you losing your place in Heaven. “What good will it be for a man "IF HE GAINS" the whole world, yet "FORFEITS HIS SOUL"? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
In the book of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says:
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? "DO NOT BE DECEIVED: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. "AND" that is what "SOME OF YOU WERE". BUT you were washed, you WERE sanctified, you WERE justified in the NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ and BY the Spirit of "OUR GOD."
Jesus says in the book of Revelation 22:12-15
“Behold, " I AM COMING SOON! My reward is with me, and I "WILL GIVE" to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.“ Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. "OUTSIDE" are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters "AND EVERYONE" who loves and practices falsehood.”
“REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR”
(Matthew 3:1) The Holy Scriptures Say..."WITHOUT HOLINESS "NO ONE" WILL SEE THE LORD." (Hebrews 12:14)
READY OR NOT… JESUS IS COMING! "IS HE COMING FOR YOU?"
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
The Bible Says:
"They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “ why do you stand here looking into the sky? This "SAME" Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, "WILL" come back "IN THE SAME WAY" you have seen him "GO INTO HEAVEN.” (Acts 1:10-11)~NIV
Angels announced His birth (Jesus Christ's birth in Luke 1:26-38 – Ch.2: 8-20) and Angels tell of His return to the disciples in the book of Acts. This event will take place in God’s time… The question should "NOT" be: "WHEN IS JESUS COMING?" The question should be: "Is HE coming for you?" Can you honestly say that if Jesus came today you would be lifted up to heaven to meet HIM? No one knows when they will die… If today was your last day here on earth, will the Lord welcome you into His kingdom?
Let me show you what the Lord says in the Bible:
"EVERY" tree that does not bear good fruit is "CUT DOWN" and "THROWN" into the "FIRE". Thus, BY their fruit you will recognize them. “NOT everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, 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? ‘THEN I will tell them plainly, ‘I NEVER" knew you. "AWAY FROM ME", you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:19-23)
Note: The tree here represents people (Jeremiah 11:18-19). People that claim to know Him (Jesus Christ) And Obedience to GOD will always produce good fruits.
Jesus has set the laws and standards for those who wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. Accepting Him as Lord and Savior is our first step and after, that, the rest of our life here on earth should mirror His. (1 John 2:3-6)
Read the Lord’s Laws and Standards:
In the book of Matthew Chapters 5-7
In these chapters the Lord delivers the Sermon on the Mt. also known as the Beatitudes. Read it, Study it and make all the necessary changes in your life now … While there’s still time to do so. Those that live their lives here on earth this way are the one’s … According to the Lord’s own words will inherit the kingdom of God. "If you love me, you will "OBEY" what I command." (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, John 8:31, 51, 1 John 2:3-6, 2 Peter 1:3-11)
Spend time in His word… Follow Him… Obey Him… Jesus is the "ONLY" way to Heaven. You can’t get to heaven just because you think you should. Going to Church "DOES NOT GUARANTEE" your entry either. Obeying the Lord Jesus "WILL". "NOTHING" in this world is worth you losing your place in Heaven. “What good will it be for a man "IF HE GAINS" the whole world, yet "FORFEITS HIS SOUL"? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
In the book of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says:
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? "DO NOT BE DECEIVED: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. "AND" that is what "SOME OF YOU WERE". BUT you were washed, you WERE sanctified, you WERE justified in the NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ and BY the Spirit of "OUR GOD."
Jesus says in the book of Revelation 22:12-15
“Behold, " I AM COMING SOON! My reward is with me, and I "WILL GIVE" to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.“ Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. "OUTSIDE" are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters "AND EVERYONE" who loves and practices falsehood.”
“REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS NEAR”
(Matthew 3:1) The Holy Scriptures Say..."WITHOUT HOLINESS "NO ONE" WILL SEE THE LORD." (Hebrews 12:14)
READY OR NOT… JESUS IS COMING! "IS HE COMING FOR YOU?"
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
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