ARE YOU WATCHING AND PRAYING?

  ARE YOU WATCHING AND PRAYING?


Jesus said:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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



　

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE?

WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE?

We sometimes get caught up trying to please people around us that are not godly. We try to still fit in with them even though we know we shouldn’t be! As Christians we should be winning the unsaved to Christ and not the other way around! We can’t be dragged back from the place God got us out of.  One of the main reasons, we give in and become people pleasers is because we don’t want to feel left out, talked about or become an outcast to everyone around us. So we give in and do what people expect us to act like and live like. We completely ignore what God says about how we should live/act like while living in this world!  We are more fearful and care more about how people are going to view us or say about us, then we are in obeying and fearing God! Jesus says, this is who we should all "FEAR" (Reverence and Respect), “But I will show you whom you should “FEAR”: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to THROW you INTO hell. YES, I tell you, “FEAR” him.” (Luke 12:5)

The Bible says: “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6)  Friend, If this is the road that you’re traveling on right now (The People Pleasing Road) this road will lead to a separation from God, many disappointments and lots of devastation; it will always be a dead end road. You will soon discover that you’re NEVER going to make everyone happy. Nothing good will come out of this way of living, Nothing! In my own personal experiences I found out that if I obey the Lord FIRST, everything else in my life, people, and circumstances all line up to the will of my heavenly Father (ALL things workout for my own good in the end… BUT I have to put God FIRST! Romans 8:28/Matthew 6:33).

Note: My friends remember what James says, “You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4). Not only are we committing adultery against God by trying to fit in with the world but we have also made ourselves an enemy of Gods also! We have to make up our minds and decide whether we are going to follow Jesus and act like Him, as the “Holy Scriptures” commands for us to do or do we live and act like the world! We can’t have it both ways… “…For a man is a "SLAVE" to whatever has mastered him.” (2 Peter 2:19)

 GOD says…

“DO NOT be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? OR what fellowship can light have with darkness? WHAT harmony is there between Christ and Belial? WHAT does a believer have IN common with an unbeliever?..."Therefore COME out from them and BE separate, says the Lord. Touch NO unclean thing, and I will receive you." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

Note: We Christians have to live a life that is separated from all wickedness and live a righteous and holy life before our God and our fellow man! “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” And the Apostle Peter tells us, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12)) Taking this road (The Pleasing People Road) will only alienate us from our God and Savior! We are redeemed, washed by blood of the Lamb of God, transformed and made new in Christ… We’re supposed to live like it and act like it! (John 1:29, 2 Corinthians 5:17/ Ephesians 4:22-24, Ch. 5:8)

If we are not careful and continue to disobey the Lord we will find ourselves in the same situation as the “unwise virgins” in that they were NOT ready/ prepared when the Master arrived…"Later the others (The unwise virgins) also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' "BUT he (Jesus Christ because He is the Master) replied, 'I tell you the truth, I DON’T KNOW YOU.' (Matthew 25:11-12)

Note: GOD needs vessels that are going to do His will, people He can completely depend on. NOT people (Worldly) pleasers! We must follow the examples of Peter and John because they were definitely God pleasers… “But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you RATHER than GOD.” (Acts 4:19) Remember always that an obedient lifestyle to God is a happy, successful, prosperous and blessed life…Leading right to Heaven! Jesus says, “He who DOES NOT love me will NOT obey MY teaching.” (John 14:24)

The Apostle Paul says this to the Galatians church…

“Am I NOW trying to win the approval OF men, OR of GOD? OR am I trying to please men?(Watch This… Don’t Miss It!!) If I were still trying to please men, I would NOT be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

Note: Here Paul telling the Galatians church that if he was trying to be a people pleaser, he would "NOT" be a servant of Christ!  Paul was more concerned on how God saw him than what people thought of him.  And this should be the same attitude/mind set that all the followers of Christ should have in their daily lives. We all have examples from Jesus and his disciples on how to live godly and righteous lives in this world… So we have no excuses for not obeying the Lord! The ONLY reason the Lord said we wouldn’t obey His teachings is because we “DO NOT” love Him! (John 14:24) James gives us this exhortation… “DO NOT merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. “DO” what it says.” (James 1:22)

Jesus says…

I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." (John 12:50)

Note: Jesus is our example as the Apostle John said, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus knew that the Father’s command leads us to “Eternal Life” (Heaven). And so Jesus carried out the plan of salvation for the souls of mankind exactly like He was told by God the Father. Jesus did not deviate from any of the Father’s commands.  In The book of Hebrews it says… “Then he (Jesus) said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will (God the Father will)." (Hebrews 10:9)

And so we must also do the same… Live and act like Jesus has commanded us to do and that is to “Love” God and to "Love" People…"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: (Watch This…Don’t Miss It!!) "'LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the SECOND is like it: 'LOVE your neighbor AS yourself.' (Matthew 22:36-39) In the book Of 1 John it says, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.” (1 John 3:23)

Note: I just want to point out something that is very important… Some pastors and some Christian people believe that they “CAN NOT” loose their salvation… But according to “The Holy Scriptures” that teaching is false! If you are not living like the Lord commands and continue to live a sinful lifestyle, Heaven is NOT going to be your home! “and, once made perfect, he (Jesus Christ) became the source of eternal salvation (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!) For “ALL” who OBEY him…” (Hebrews 5:9)

See my blog teaching on (“Can You Lose Your Salvation?) If it’s between pastors and people teaching that you can’t lose your salvation or what the word of “The Living GOD” says… I personally am going with what GOD says! I’m NOT a people pleaser, but a God pleaser! Loving God, Loving People! And submitting myself daily to God so that I might live a life here on earth that is pleasing to my Father in Heaven! “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44)

The Apostle John warns all of us of this… “ANYONE who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that “NO” murderer has “Eternal Life” in Him.” (1 John 3:15)

Paul warns the Galatians Church… Remember friends, these are “SAVED” people! “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!!) I WARN you, as I did before, that those who live like this “WILL NOT” inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)

To the “Corinthian Church” Paul gives them the same warnings…

“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.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Note: You can clearly see in “The Holy Scriptures” that if we as “Christ’s Church” do ANY of these things that the apostle Paul warned the Galatians and the Corinthians “NOT” to do and we ignore these warnings and do them anyway… Heaven won’t be our home. (See also Ephesians 5:5-6) Friends, we must stay in daily prayers and Bible studies… Seek God constantly and in this way of daily living is how we stay purified, sanctified, a spotless bride ready/prepared to meet our King in the clouds!  "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Hebrews 11:6, Mark 13:26, Daniel 7:13, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 26:64, and Revelation 1:7-8) Amen and Maranatha!!

In conclusion, I just wanted to stop here for a moment and say this… As I meditated on this teaching the epidemic of “bullying” in this country came to mind. If we as Christ followers remember to always obey GOD, in that we should always; "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 19:19, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:14, Ephesians 5:1-2, James 2:8) we would not give in to approving/cheering the bullies in their bad behavior.  As a people, parents, grandparents, etc, we should teach our children not to follow the crowds in the approval of the bullying and the taunting of others (Because this, my friends falls right into people pleasing!) The bullies always get fueled by the crowd’s reactions.  So if the crowd’s reaction is one that “DOES NOT” approve of his/her bad behavior … The Bully has no other choice but to stop. Eventually he will have to stop the bullying behavior all together because he will no longer be pleasing the crowd.  It will no longer be “COOL” to be a bully. We should all be “Anti-Bully” and love everyone like the Lord commands.

“To “OBEY” is better than sacrifice, and to “HEED” is better than the fat of rams”…. “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS

YOUR FRIEND,

VICKY RIVERA

IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME?

 IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME?

We have all had people who gave us good advice in our life, right? Whether it was about a relationship we should have not gotten into or ran away from, jobs we should have taken or not taken, financial advice, etc. And for some reason we don’t always follow the good advice that we are given. We’ll say to ourselves that sounds good, BUT I’m going to do it my way, and when our way doesn’t work, that’s when we think back to that person who gave us the good advice and say; "I should have listened to what they told me to do!"

I’m sure there has been many times when we have said… “Wow, I really blew it! Just because we may have missed some opportunities in life and not done the right thing, the first time around it does not mean that other ones won’t come our way again… BUT hopefully we have learned from our past mistakes, and make better choices when the next opportunity presents itself again.

If we follow God’s guidance for our lives…Things WILL begin to start working out for us and we will be much happier in life, guaranteed! BUT we will have to trust God completely and do what HE says FIRST!  In this teaching, I would like to show what the Bible says, about a paralyzed man and the woman caught in the act of adultery and how the Lord Jesus gave them a second chance in life, a chance to turn their lives around for the better…

“The Healing at the Pool”

“Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked…” (Watch This Don’t Miss It! This Is When “The Fork In The Road” Comes To This Man…)  Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, YOU are well AGAIN. STOP sinning OR something WORSE may happen to YOU." (John 5:2-9, 14)

Note: By the way Jesus spoke to this man who had been completely cured of his condition, we can safely assume that his condition was brought upon him because of some past sin…. “Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." (John 5:14)- Just to be clear…This is NOT always the case with all sick people… But it was the case for this paralyzed man that Jesus healed at the pool. I can only hope that this man listened to Jesus exhortation about leaving his life of sin… “Stop sinning OR something worse may happen to you." (John 5:14)

There are times in our life that we escape some kind of a bad accident, death, a medical report that we thought would bring us bad news, etc, and we think, we just got lucky. In these times we completely miss that God was compassionate towards us and that HE perhaps spared us from that (accident, death, bad medical report, etc.) in the hopes that we would see His hand in that situation and turn to HIM, seek HIM with all our hearts. But if we fail to see God’s love and mercy for us, and continue to sin then life is not going to get better for us, as a matter of fact… The Bible says, “something worse may happen to you." (John 5:14)

The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23) Sin only brings death and devastation into our lives and homes. The misery that sin brings into our lives and the people that we hurt along the way are NOT worth all the trouble and the pain that it brings with it! The Bible says, “Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart!” (Jeremiah 4:18) The outcome will always end up bad when we don’t turn from our sins and continue on our sinful lifestyle. Nothing good comes from doing/living wrong… Nothing! As a matter of fact… “Disaster follows disaster…” (Jeremiah 4:20)

The other person I wanted to talk about in this teaching is a woman many wanted stoned for her sin…

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group. and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.” (John 8:3-5) Many wanted her to die for her sin but Jesus wouldn’t condemned her instead Jesus forgave her and gave her this exhortation …"GO NOW and LEAVE your life of SIN." (John 8:11) We are not supposed to keep on sinning once we are told about our wrongdoings and if you think … 'I am innocent; HE (GOD) is not angry with me.' But (GOD says…) I will pass judgment on you because you say, 'I have not sinned.” (Jeremiah 2:35) Only Jesus can set us free from our sins! Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, EVERYONE who SINS is a SLAVE to SIN.”(John 8:34)

Note: I’ve said this before and I’ll continue to say it… If you’re still struggling with sin, then come to the ONLY one that can set you FREE and YOU will be free INDEED… “SO if the SON sets you free, you will be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36) We must confess our sins to GOD and turn from all our wrongdoings! And we will receive mercy from HIM… “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!) but WHOEVER confesses and renounces them FINDS mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

Some may be wondering… "Is It Too Late For Me?" Friend, as long as you are here on earth… It’s NEVER too late to turn from your sins and come to the Savior of the world! This is a GOD that is ready to forgive all of your wrongdoings, if you ask Him to and turn to HIM with all your heart… "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." (Jeremiah 31:34/ Hebrews 8:12)

Note: People may remember all your wrongdoings BUT when you give your life to Jesus Christ and ask HIM for forgiveness of all your sins… HE will Forgive them and will NEVER remember your sins again, EVER! "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their SINS NO MORE." (Jeremiah 31:34) When GOD says all your sins are forgiven… They ARE truly and completely FORGIVEN! How awesome is that!!! The Bible says, “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22) Amen!

If you’re tired of living in that roller-coaster lifestyle that you’ve been living in and are tired of hiding that emptiness that you’ve been feeling inside. And you’re so tired of filling it with things that you thought will help you get by and instead are destroying you!

My friend, if you’re ready for a change, then today is the day… You still have time to turn your life around and come to the GOD who is anxiously waiting for you to give your life completely to Him! JESUS is an expert in healing lives, restoring marriages, HE can break any addictions; HE can restore health and finances, etc. Jesus can help you with whatever help you need! The Bible says, “For NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE with GOD." (Luke 1:37) Amen!

If you give your life to Jesus Christ today I guarantee it will be a decision that you will NEVER regret making… Rejecting the Savior will be the biggest mistake anyone can ever make in this life! Please do not ignore HIS calling. If you’re still thinking… “IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME?” The answer is NO, you’re not too Late! Jesus is still waiting for you… The choice is yours my friend!

Jesus Says: "COME to ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I WILL give you REST.” (Matthew 11:28)

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