WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?

                                      WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?


How you see yourself and the thoughts that you daily think/ mediate on... Will always affect your outward attitude towards God and people. Paul tells us to take captive all our thoughts and this how Paul tells us "...And we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."~(2 Corinthians 10:5)

The Bible says, these are the things we're supposed to think/ mediate on....."Finally, brothers, "WHATEVER" is "True", "WHATEVER" is "Noble", "WHATEVER" is "Right", "WHATEVER" is "Pure", "WHATEVER" is "Lovely", "WHATEVER" is "Admirable"--if ANYTHING is "Excellent" or Praiseworthy--"THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS."~ (Philippians 4:8)

Note: It is very "IMPORTANT" for us to "ALWAYS" stay daily mediatating on the word of God. It is then, when "OUR MINDS" and "OUR WILLS" will change to the will of God "The Father".... ""DO NOT" conform any longer to the pattern of this world, BUT be "TRANSFORMED" by the "RENEWING" of your "MIND". THEN you will be able to test AND approve what God's "WILL IS"--HIS good, pleasing and perfect "WILL."~(Romans 12:2)

People say, "That "PRACTICE" Makes Perfect"... Then the more we train our minds, our wills and our bodies to do the will of God the Father; the better we will get at living "The Christ Like Life".  In this way of daily living, we would be carrying out "Our Lord" Jesus wishes... "Jesus replied, "If "ANYONE" "LOVES ME", he "WILL" obey my teaching. My Father "WILL" love him, and "WE WILL" come to him AND make "OUR HOME" with him. (WATCH THIS... DON'T MISS IT!) He who "DOES NOT" love me "WILL NOT" obey "MY TEACHING". These words you hear are not my own; THEY belong to the Father who sent me."~(John 14:23-24)

If we are thinking negative thoughts all day long... Our attitudes will be negative towards everyone else also! We won't be displaying the love of God thinking this way. By our conduct, our way of living, is how we show people that Christ lives in us. Is "NOT" what we say that makes the most difference... It is our conduct that does! Remember, "ACTIONS" will always speak louder than our words. "But wisdom is "PROVED" right by her "ACTIONS."~(Matthew 11:19)

The Bible says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so [IS] he."~(Proverbs 23:7)~NKJV  According to the Bible, the things that we think about is "WHO WE ARE."... What we "WILL" act out on. So we have to make it a daily practice to be "DOERS" of God's word and in this way of living, everyone will see the "LIVING" Christ in us. "What Are You Thinking About?"

"WHATEVER" happens, "CONDUCT" yourselves in a manner "WORTHY" of the gospel of Christ."~(Philippians 1:27)~NIV


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

SAYING BYE TO THE OLD MAN

SAYING BYE TO THE OLD MAN!


The Bible says: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"The old has gone", Paul tells the reader. The old way of thinking, the old way of behaving is no longer acceptable for any Christian to live by any longer. Everything about you should let the world know that you've been born again, that you are a new creation, a new person!

Note: Why would people want to have a relationship with Jesus, if we (Who claim to be Christians) behave and act like those who have no hope? They may say to themselves “If it didn't work for you ... It won't work for me either”. Friends, we represent the King Of Kings in this world and as the representatives of the living God we must walk, talk and act like Him... In "righteous and holy living". (Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 2:3-6)

The world is looking for peace, for love and permanent lasting solutions for the different problems that humanity is facing right now. The answer to all these problems is and it will always be in a committed and devoted relationship with Christ Jesus. Living a life of obedience to God will always bring blessings, but living your life in opposition to God’s commandments will always bring devastation, judgments and destruction. Only God can turn things around for our good but we have to be willing to follow and trust His plan for our lives. (Romans 8:28)

If the life you live consists in the total opposition to God’s way of living and you rebel against His commands, then, when things go wrong in your life, you can’t say, "why has God allow this to happen to me, where is God?"  We can’t do what we want and then expect things to be great and wonderful in our lives. If you want to have success and happiness in this life then, my friends, only those that follow and obey the Lord will have a happy and a successful life. If you’re tired of going your own way and if you are frustrated that everything you have tried hasn’t worked… Then, try doing things God’s way. What do you have to lose? You’ve given everything else a try... God says; He will give success and happiness to all those that follow and obey His commandments, He will take care of you. (See Deuteronomy 28:8, 12, Psalm 34:10, Psalm 91:14, Matthew 6:25-33, Philippians 4:19)

The Bible says:

"In the same way, COUNT yourselves "DEAD TO SIN" but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore DO NOT let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. DO NOT offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are NOT under law, BUT under GRACE." (Romans 6:11-14)

"DO NOT" be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:7-8)

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But "DO NOT" use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; RATHER, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “ Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-14)

What is in the old nature? This is what Paul tells the Galatians...

"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissentions, 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."   (Remember these letters are written to the church … Saved people)- Galatians 5:19-21

Note: As Christians...We are made into “ A New Creation” we have no business wallowing up in sin any longer. That old life should not have a place in any Christian’s life, "NOTHING" about that old nature should be appealing to us. That old life was meaningless, empty and destructive. What’s so attractive about that?  (Romans 6:16)

The life of a Spirit- filled Christian will be lived in this way- "The Fruits of the Spirit"

"BUT the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envy each other." (Galatians 5:22-26)

Note: We have to be disciplined servants of the gospel of our Lord. We, who say to others … I am a Christian, we "MUST" walk, talk and live like Christ's commands... We must be faithful servants of the living God. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, John 15:14, John 13:34-35, 1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:2-3)

I can relate and understand to what Paul tells the Corinthian Church in how he deals with the old nature. I have committed myself to exercise everyday and to eat healthy. I want you to know that this is not always easy, but I am determined to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Whether my body feels like it or not we exercise everyday and we eat healthy no matter how many fast food places we pass along the way. I made up my mind… I want to be healthy and with God’s help I will continue on this committed lifestyle and this same approach I have in my walk with Jesus. I stay close to my King in fasting, prayer and daily biblical studies. In the same way we should all have a committed lifestyle in righteousness, in holy living and in walking in obedience to our God. Make up your mind not to let sin be your master but count yourselves dead to sin once and for all. (Romans 6:11)

Look what Paul tells the Corinthians in how he deals with the old nature....

"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27)

Let us follow Paul’s spiritual exercise routines, for righteous and holy living daily.

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