HOW IS FORGIVENESS LINKED TO OUR SALVATION?
It can be hard for us to forgive people who have hurt us more than words can express. Especially when those wounds have to do with a loved one that has been murdered. Or when we suffer sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, someone has stolen from us, or when people we trust have talked about us behind our backs, to name a few. All of these situations are difficult to forgive, forget and move on from. My friends, even though it is difficult … With God's help, we can all overcome the feelings of "Unforgiveness" and we can trust the Lord Jesus to take care of the rest.
In the book of Matthew the Lord addresses the topic of Forgiveness… In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “ I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents (that is, a million dollars) was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “The servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me’, he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go."
“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii (That is, a few dollars). He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘ Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “ His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him. ‘ Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ “ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt."
"When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. “ Then the master called the servant in. ‘ You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘ I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you? In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. (Watch why Jesus told this parable…don’t miss it) “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from the heart.” (Matthew 18:21-35)- NIV
Note: I imagine that this servant while in prison thought, ”Why didn’t I let that go… “ I just got my million-dollar debt canceled and the first thing I do is choke, hassle, and put my fellow brother in jail ... for just a few dollars.” This man who had his (fellow) brother thrown in jail was now in prison, being tortured by the jailers… Because he did not show the same mercy on his fellow man as the king had given to him. All of that for just a few bucks, that he just couldn’t let go of. It does not make any sense, does it? And it definitely wasn’t worth it, once you look at it in that way.
Just like this king who had canceled that servant’s million-dollar debt, God has also forgiven us for "ALL" our multitude of sins. When we ask the Lord to come into our lives and to forgive our sins… They are forgiven, NO question asked … You get a clean slate with God, A brand new beginning. Wow, that’s awesome news! In fact the Bible says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, (Watch this...Do not miss it!) NOT COUNTING MEN’S SINS AGAINST THEM." (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)
How good it is to know, that our debts are canceled and our sins forgiven. God tells these parables, so we can reflect on them when we are dealing with forgiving another fellow human being. When someone hurts us, it is then that we must remember the lesson that the Lord has taught us in this parable and not be like the unmerciful, wicked servant. Let us offer love instead of hate, mercy instead revenge… “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13)
Note: In the Old Testament we read of one of the greatest acts of forgiveness and it is found in the Joseph Story.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. (Genesis 37:27-28) Can you imagine how Joseph must have felt? … Betrayed by his own flesh and blood. He didn’t do anything wrong to deserve this from his brothers. It was out of jealousy that they sold Joseph to the Medianite merchants. Jealous of their father’s love towards Joseph and Joseph’s dreams is what drove his brothers to sell him into slavery.
The Medianites in turn sold Joseph in Egypt to a man named Potiphar. Joseph faced many trials in Egypt but through all the difficulties the Lord was with him and the Lord gave him success in whatever he did. God allowed these things to take place in Joseph’s life to propel him to his divine destiny. Joseph’s dreams came to pass and his brothers got to witness those dreams fulfilled. Joseph’s brothers didn’t realize it at first, neither did they recognized their brother Joseph when they came to Egypt to buy food. (They came to Egypt to buy food because of a famine in their land) Their little brother Joseph had become the second man in command in the whole land of Egypt. In the end Joseph forgave his brothers for their wrongdoings. What they meant for evil God turned it around for good. (Genesis Ch. 39-50)
The greatest act of forgiveness is found in the New Testament:
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) Our Lord prayed this prayer for people who wanted him to be crucified, people who were mocking Him while He hung from the cross, and for people who were waiting around for Him to die. Jesus prayed this prayer while bruised and bleeding from all the beatings He endured, with his flesh hanging from his body; nails through his hands and feet, with a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus said, “ You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:43-45) Jesus was praying for his enemies, He prayed for those who were persecuting Him. Our Lord didn’t just talk the talk but He walked the walk. Our Lord has not asked us to do anything that He himself didn’t do while He was living on this earth. We have the choice to obey or not… But remember, we’re the ones that have to live with that choice and the consequences of that choice. Jesus Christ is the atoning sacrifice for all of the sins of mankind (Leviticus 17:11- 1 John 2:2), with His precious blood all our sins are wiped clean! We are forgiven! (Hebrews 9:22) The debt is paid in full!
Note: Let me stop here for a minute to say… If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior and would like to start a relationship with Him… All you have to do is ask Him to come into your life and He’ll gladly accept your invitation. I wrote for you a sample prayer to invite Jesus into your life… As long as it comes from the heart that’s all that counts! God bless you and Welcome to God’s family!
Salvation Prayer:
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
Note: Jesus was the sinless, blameless Son of God… An innocent man paying for a debt He did not owe, He paid for sins, He did not commit. Question: Why did Jesus go through all of those horrific things? What’s the purpose? Answer: Love for you and me took our Lord to the cross. The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 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)
Joseph’s life would foreshadow what the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would suffer while on earth. They both were faced with betrayal from those who were closest to them, wrongly accused, misunderstood, and sold for money. But we can see in both of their stories their exemplary act of forgiveness to those who wronged them. The Bible says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Joseph’s divine purpose was to save the world from starvation. (Genesis 50:20) While Jesus’ divine purpose is to save the souls of mankind. (John 3:14-15) This is the testimony of John the Baptist concerning Jesus Christ: Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) Everything in Heaven and on Earth has a divine purpose…We just need to trust in the God that is Omnipresent (God is everywhere at the same time), Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Omniscient (all knowing). This is an Awesome God we serve!! My friends. If this is the kind of God we serve then we should know that God is never caught off guard… He has a plan for all of us. We can rest assured that God is in total control. We just need to believe it and trust in Him.
The Bible says:
“DO NOT" repay anyone evil for evil.” ...“DO NOT" take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “ If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. "DO NOT" be overcome by evil, BUT overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17, 19-21)
Note: I’ve been through some rough times in my life. I didn’t think I was ever going to get over it, let alone move on from it. In those painful times, I’ve learned to run to the Lord in prayer and I spend time in His word. I know that the Lord has a solution in His Holy word for whatever situation, I’m facing in that particular moment. Jesus teaches me, how to deal with those difficult moments and especially to trust in Him. Without the Lord’s guidance, His comfort, and the hope I have in Him… My life would be an empty shell, a total mess. Every time I call on His name, He is always there to reassure me, that He is bigger than my problems and that With Him by my side… I cannot lose. “ If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) – NIV
Jesus hasn’t asked us to do something that is impossible for us to do. It’s a matter of choice and that… We can all do! It is not something out of our reach. The question is: Are we willing to obey and follow the Lord in ALL things? The choice is always ours to make. I pray that our choice will be to always follow, trust and obey the Lord in all things.
Jesus says: "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH TO GODLY LEADERSHIP
EMPOWERING OUR YOUTH TO GODLY LEADERSHIP
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6)–NIV
The only way to empower our youth for Godly leadership is to teach them to obey and follow the Lord. God has given us parents the mandate and the responsibility to teach our children the commandments of the Lord our God. If we truly love our children and want the best for them then we will have to teach them to love the Lord, to be faithful, devoted and obedient to Him.
Why is it so important for our youth to know the Lord? Let me answer this question with the words that Moses spoke to Israel before they entered the promise land … “ And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today… (Watch this… Don’t miss it)… for your own good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) Obedience to Our God will always bring blessings to our lives and home. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) Disobeying our God will always bring curses, calamities and destruction to our lives and home. (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
Note: Only in obeying the Lord do we have joy, peace, unconditional love, purpose, fulfillment in life, and success for our future… “ You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.” (Deuteronomy 28:6) Life is a lot less complicated when we Obey and Follow the Lord. If this is the kind of life you want here on this earth then we must be faithful and obedient to our GOD.
The Bible says: 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; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE." (Galatians 6:7-8) “NOTHING GOOD COMES FROM US DOING EVIL … NOTHING!”
Note: To the Israelites obedience to God meant protection from their enemies, food on their tables, Health for their bodies, etc. (Leviticus 26:1-13,Deuteronomy 28:1-14) Moses warned all the Israelites before they entered the promise land what would happened if they did not faithfully follow and obey the Lord commands. (Leviticus 26:14-46,Deuteronomy 28:15-68) In the different books of the Old Testament, you will read of how Israel rebelled against God and how God brought calamities, destruction, devastation, and eventually because of their refusal to repent, Exile. (This is exactly what Moses told the Israelites would happen if they forsook the Lord their God and served other gods.)
Empowering our youth for godly leadership. How do we empowered our youth for such a task? Let me give you a couple of stories from the Bible that can aid us in accomplishing this goal. In the book of 1 Samuel the Bible says: “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli.” (1 Samuel 3:1) The prophet Samuel is a great inspiration to me in my walk with the Lord.
The Bible says: Hannah asked the Lord for a son. (1 Samuel 1:11) Hannah vowed to God that if He granted her request and gave her a son that she would give him to the Lord. God heard her prayer and granted her request. (1 Samuel 1:20) When the time came for the boy to be given to the Lord, Hannah gave her son to Eli the priest. (1 Samuel 1:24-25)… BUT the boy ministered before the Lord UNDER Eli the priest. (1 Samuel 2:11)
As a young boy Samuel was brought to the temple of God and from then on Eli the priest taught Samuel the ordinances and commands of the Most High God. Samuel became a prophet and the judge of all Israel under the ministry and the training of Eli the priest. (1Samuel 3:20 - Ch.7:15) Thank God for the people who He sends into our lives to teach us and to help propel us into our divine destinies.
The second story is found in the book of 1 Kings 19:19-21 when Elisha became the servant of the prophet Elijah. When the time came for Elijah to be taken up to heaven Elijah asked his servant Elisha … “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “ Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “ yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours – otherwise not.” (2 Kings 2:9-10) The Bible says, that Elisha saw his master being taken to Heaven… (2 Kings 2: 11-12) So Elisha request was granted, he received the double portion of his master’s spirit. Wow! Talk about being at the right place at the right time! My friends don’t ever despise your low position in any ministry because you don’t know when God’s promotion will be coming your way. Be faithful and respect those …“Who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Note: If we would like to see our youth, our children in godly leadership then we need to take the time to teach them, to guide them in the ways of the Lord. We have all had someone who nurtured us in the word of God, someone who planted the seed of the word of God into our lives. None of us would be teaching, preaching, or ministering if we didn’t have a godly leader in our lives to minister under, someone who took us under their wing.
I would like to tell you all about the godly woman who nurtured me and planted the word of GOD daily into my life. That person is my Grandmother (Antonia) who has gone to be with the Lord. She taught me and told me about our Creator when I was a young child and although I didn’t give my life to Christ until I was an adult … I thank God everyday that He used my grandmother to plant HIS word in me.
My first Bible was a gift from my grandmother. She wrote in it a passage from Scripture that I would never forget and it reads like this … “ How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." (Psalm 119: 9) It’s been 20 + years since my grandmother transferred her residential address here on Earth to her new permanent address in Heaven, but I can still remember all the things she would say about Jesus. I can still remember seeing her on her knees for hours in the middle of the night praying for all her children and grandchildren. I can still remember her telling me, Vicky, “Though your father and mother forsake you, the Lord will receive you." (Psalm 27:10). I saw God in her and He worked through her.
I would like to share with you all one of the great miracles GOD did through my Grandmother. When I was very young, I remember being injured and I was bleeding from this injury, my grandmother didn’t panic, she just told me to lie down on the floor and she got her anointing oil and prayed over my injury. As soon as she was done with her prayer I was completely healed. It was like I never got injured in the first place. I know now, that God wanted me to know that He was the One and Only True God. This is the reason, I write the way I write and admonish people to follow and obey the Lord. I know He is real with all that’s in me; I know that I know… HE LIVES!! And HE is coming back soon.
The word of the Lord dwelled richly in my grandmother’s heart, she spoke of His word daily to me. So the word of the Lord was fulfilled in my life, in that we should...“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)–(NIV) I am a Christian today because my grandmother took the time to train me, to teach me the ways of the Lord and to show me His miracles. I’m grateful and thankful to have had such a godly woman in my life and I can’t wait to the day when I’ll get to see her again.
Note: Parents and grandparents keep teaching the ways of the Lord to your children and grandchildren because we know we serve a God who is faithful and true (Revelation 19:11) and this word in Proverbs 22:6 will be fulfilled in your children and grandchildren lives, if we take the time to train and teach them God’s commandments. So let us be diligent in guiding and teaching our children to live a devoted and committed lifestyle to their Creator.
The Bible says: “LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your strength. THESE commandments that I give you today are TO be UPON your hearts. IMPRESS them on your children. TALK about them when you sit at home and WHEN you walk along the road, WHEN you lie down and WHEN you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
Our Lord Jesus Christ did not do anything on His own but only spoke what the Father taught Him to say. (John 8:28) Every word that Jesus spoke in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John will lead us to eternal life and we must be faithful in obeying the Lord if we want to inherit eternal life.
STUDY these books and LIVE by them. The Father says this about the Son (Jesus Christ) … “ This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. LISTEN TO HIM!” (Matthew 17:5) I want to share this last Scripture with all of you, in Luke 11:27-28 – “As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “ Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of GOD and OBEY IT.” It is important for all us to live a lifestyle of obedience to our God and to teach our youth, our children and grandchildren to obey the words of the living God, their lives and souls depend on it.
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6)–NIV
The only way to empower our youth for Godly leadership is to teach them to obey and follow the Lord. God has given us parents the mandate and the responsibility to teach our children the commandments of the Lord our God. If we truly love our children and want the best for them then we will have to teach them to love the Lord, to be faithful, devoted and obedient to Him.
Why is it so important for our youth to know the Lord? Let me answer this question with the words that Moses spoke to Israel before they entered the promise land … “ And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today… (Watch this… Don’t miss it)… for your own good? (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) Obedience to Our God will always bring blessings to our lives and home. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) Disobeying our God will always bring curses, calamities and destruction to our lives and home. (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
Note: Only in obeying the Lord do we have joy, peace, unconditional love, purpose, fulfillment in life, and success for our future… “ You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.” (Deuteronomy 28:6) Life is a lot less complicated when we Obey and Follow the Lord. If this is the kind of life you want here on this earth then we must be faithful and obedient to our GOD.
The Bible says: 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; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE." (Galatians 6:7-8) “NOTHING GOOD COMES FROM US DOING EVIL … NOTHING!”
Note: To the Israelites obedience to God meant protection from their enemies, food on their tables, Health for their bodies, etc. (Leviticus 26:1-13,Deuteronomy 28:1-14) Moses warned all the Israelites before they entered the promise land what would happened if they did not faithfully follow and obey the Lord commands. (Leviticus 26:14-46,Deuteronomy 28:15-68) In the different books of the Old Testament, you will read of how Israel rebelled against God and how God brought calamities, destruction, devastation, and eventually because of their refusal to repent, Exile. (This is exactly what Moses told the Israelites would happen if they forsook the Lord their God and served other gods.)
Empowering our youth for godly leadership. How do we empowered our youth for such a task? Let me give you a couple of stories from the Bible that can aid us in accomplishing this goal. In the book of 1 Samuel the Bible says: “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli.” (1 Samuel 3:1) The prophet Samuel is a great inspiration to me in my walk with the Lord.
The Bible says: Hannah asked the Lord for a son. (1 Samuel 1:11) Hannah vowed to God that if He granted her request and gave her a son that she would give him to the Lord. God heard her prayer and granted her request. (1 Samuel 1:20) When the time came for the boy to be given to the Lord, Hannah gave her son to Eli the priest. (1 Samuel 1:24-25)… BUT the boy ministered before the Lord UNDER Eli the priest. (1 Samuel 2:11)
As a young boy Samuel was brought to the temple of God and from then on Eli the priest taught Samuel the ordinances and commands of the Most High God. Samuel became a prophet and the judge of all Israel under the ministry and the training of Eli the priest. (1Samuel 3:20 - Ch.7:15) Thank God for the people who He sends into our lives to teach us and to help propel us into our divine destinies.
The second story is found in the book of 1 Kings 19:19-21 when Elisha became the servant of the prophet Elijah. When the time came for Elijah to be taken up to heaven Elijah asked his servant Elisha … “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “ Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “ yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours – otherwise not.” (2 Kings 2:9-10) The Bible says, that Elisha saw his master being taken to Heaven… (2 Kings 2: 11-12) So Elisha request was granted, he received the double portion of his master’s spirit. Wow! Talk about being at the right place at the right time! My friends don’t ever despise your low position in any ministry because you don’t know when God’s promotion will be coming your way. Be faithful and respect those …“Who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Note: If we would like to see our youth, our children in godly leadership then we need to take the time to teach them, to guide them in the ways of the Lord. We have all had someone who nurtured us in the word of God, someone who planted the seed of the word of God into our lives. None of us would be teaching, preaching, or ministering if we didn’t have a godly leader in our lives to minister under, someone who took us under their wing.
I would like to tell you all about the godly woman who nurtured me and planted the word of GOD daily into my life. That person is my Grandmother (Antonia) who has gone to be with the Lord. She taught me and told me about our Creator when I was a young child and although I didn’t give my life to Christ until I was an adult … I thank God everyday that He used my grandmother to plant HIS word in me.
My first Bible was a gift from my grandmother. She wrote in it a passage from Scripture that I would never forget and it reads like this … “ How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." (Psalm 119: 9) It’s been 20 + years since my grandmother transferred her residential address here on Earth to her new permanent address in Heaven, but I can still remember all the things she would say about Jesus. I can still remember seeing her on her knees for hours in the middle of the night praying for all her children and grandchildren. I can still remember her telling me, Vicky, “Though your father and mother forsake you, the Lord will receive you." (Psalm 27:10). I saw God in her and He worked through her.
I would like to share with you all one of the great miracles GOD did through my Grandmother. When I was very young, I remember being injured and I was bleeding from this injury, my grandmother didn’t panic, she just told me to lie down on the floor and she got her anointing oil and prayed over my injury. As soon as she was done with her prayer I was completely healed. It was like I never got injured in the first place. I know now, that God wanted me to know that He was the One and Only True God. This is the reason, I write the way I write and admonish people to follow and obey the Lord. I know He is real with all that’s in me; I know that I know… HE LIVES!! And HE is coming back soon.
The word of the Lord dwelled richly in my grandmother’s heart, she spoke of His word daily to me. So the word of the Lord was fulfilled in my life, in that we should...“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)–(NIV) I am a Christian today because my grandmother took the time to train me, to teach me the ways of the Lord and to show me His miracles. I’m grateful and thankful to have had such a godly woman in my life and I can’t wait to the day when I’ll get to see her again.
Note: Parents and grandparents keep teaching the ways of the Lord to your children and grandchildren because we know we serve a God who is faithful and true (Revelation 19:11) and this word in Proverbs 22:6 will be fulfilled in your children and grandchildren lives, if we take the time to train and teach them God’s commandments. So let us be diligent in guiding and teaching our children to live a devoted and committed lifestyle to their Creator.
The Bible says: “LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your strength. THESE commandments that I give you today are TO be UPON your hearts. IMPRESS them on your children. TALK about them when you sit at home and WHEN you walk along the road, WHEN you lie down and WHEN you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
Our Lord Jesus Christ did not do anything on His own but only spoke what the Father taught Him to say. (John 8:28) Every word that Jesus spoke in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John will lead us to eternal life and we must be faithful in obeying the Lord if we want to inherit eternal life.
STUDY these books and LIVE by them. The Father says this about the Son (Jesus Christ) … “ This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. LISTEN TO HIM!” (Matthew 17:5) I want to share this last Scripture with all of you, in Luke 11:27-28 – “As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, “ Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of GOD and OBEY IT.” It is important for all us to live a lifestyle of obedience to our God and to teach our youth, our children and grandchildren to obey the words of the living God, their lives and souls depend on it.
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
YOU CAN COUNT ON GOD
YOU CAN COUNT ON GOD
… And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3)-NIV
God said to Abram “ I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:2-3)
Abraham believed God and the Bible says: “That it was credited to him as an act of righteousness ” (Genesis 15:6 / Romans 4:3) God just wants us to trust and believe in Him, to take Him at His word. Abraham faithfulness in his walk with God didn’t just bless him and his descendents but all nations. We who are God’s children are reaping the benefits and the fruits of the covenant God made with Abraham. Abraham is a great role model for all believers to follow after. In that we should walk by faith and not by sight and that we should also obey the Lord in all things. Abraham didn’t get to see his descendents to be as numerous as the stars in heaven but Abraham knew God will make it come to past in time … God’s time. It was part of the covenant relationship that God and Abraham had. Abraham knew that, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19) If God said it …It will happen just as He said it would.
Note: As a baby Christian, I remember having a difficult time in trusting and believing the things that God would say in His word. Without knowing it, I was comparing Him to people. Sometimes people let you down and at times they don’t really mean what they say. I didn’t realize that I was bringing this mind set into my relationship with Jesus Christ, until I read Numbers 23:19. This verse changed my life forever and God has given me the full assurance that I can fully trust and count on Him. That, "ALL things do work out for my good." (Romans 8:28) No matter what may come I know Jesus is by my side "and that trials and tribulations just refine my faith more and more which is a far greater worth than gold." (1 Peter 1:6-7) I don’t look at the situation, I look to the One who has said “ I will "NEVER" leave you or forsake you”(Joshua 1:5/ Hebrews 13:5)) to the One who has said “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Who or what is greater than Our God, Nothing and No One. I use this verse in Numbers 23:19 whenever doubt or disbelieve tries to creep back into my mind. Since those earlier years my relationship with the Lord has grown and is still growing to heights that I didn’t think was ever possible for me to reach … My faith has grown and my trust in Him unshaken. I know that the God I served is 100% reliable.
Just like the covenant Abraham has with God, so it is with us who have accepted and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. What’s this covenant? It is laid out for us in “The Lord’s Supper” “
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “ Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “ Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-30/ Mark 14:22-25/ Luke 22:15-20)
Every covenant comes with a promise and what an awesome promise this is my friends. In the book of John, Jesus speaks of this promise…
“DO NOT" let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME BACK AND TAKE YOU TO BE WITH ME THAT YOU ALSO MAY BE WHERE I AM." (John 14:1-3) JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR US! We have Jesus word on this promise. I know that, what Jesus has spoken will happen just as He said it would. (Matthew 24:35) If we obey and follow the Lord like He commands then this promise will be ours for sure. (John 14:15, Ch.15: 10)
This is the covenant relationship I have with the Lord Jesus Christ. This covenant relationship is not just for me only but it is offered to all of those who will believe, accept and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says: “… But there is a friend who sticks close than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24) and this is the kind of friendship and bond that God gives to all those who seek Him and serve Him faithfully. “No Greater Love”, “No Better Friend.”
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
… And all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3)-NIV
God said to Abram “ I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.” (Genesis 12:2-3)
Abraham believed God and the Bible says: “That it was credited to him as an act of righteousness ” (Genesis 15:6 / Romans 4:3) God just wants us to trust and believe in Him, to take Him at His word. Abraham faithfulness in his walk with God didn’t just bless him and his descendents but all nations. We who are God’s children are reaping the benefits and the fruits of the covenant God made with Abraham. Abraham is a great role model for all believers to follow after. In that we should walk by faith and not by sight and that we should also obey the Lord in all things. Abraham didn’t get to see his descendents to be as numerous as the stars in heaven but Abraham knew God will make it come to past in time … God’s time. It was part of the covenant relationship that God and Abraham had. Abraham knew that, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19) If God said it …It will happen just as He said it would.
Note: As a baby Christian, I remember having a difficult time in trusting and believing the things that God would say in His word. Without knowing it, I was comparing Him to people. Sometimes people let you down and at times they don’t really mean what they say. I didn’t realize that I was bringing this mind set into my relationship with Jesus Christ, until I read Numbers 23:19. This verse changed my life forever and God has given me the full assurance that I can fully trust and count on Him. That, "ALL things do work out for my good." (Romans 8:28) No matter what may come I know Jesus is by my side "and that trials and tribulations just refine my faith more and more which is a far greater worth than gold." (1 Peter 1:6-7) I don’t look at the situation, I look to the One who has said “ I will "NEVER" leave you or forsake you”(Joshua 1:5/ Hebrews 13:5)) to the One who has said “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Who or what is greater than Our God, Nothing and No One. I use this verse in Numbers 23:19 whenever doubt or disbelieve tries to creep back into my mind. Since those earlier years my relationship with the Lord has grown and is still growing to heights that I didn’t think was ever possible for me to reach … My faith has grown and my trust in Him unshaken. I know that the God I served is 100% reliable.
Just like the covenant Abraham has with God, so it is with us who have accepted and receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. What’s this covenant? It is laid out for us in “The Lord’s Supper” “
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “ Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “ Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-30/ Mark 14:22-25/ Luke 22:15-20)
Every covenant comes with a promise and what an awesome promise this is my friends. In the book of John, Jesus speaks of this promise…
“DO NOT" let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME BACK AND TAKE YOU TO BE WITH ME THAT YOU ALSO MAY BE WHERE I AM." (John 14:1-3) JESUS IS COMING BACK FOR US! We have Jesus word on this promise. I know that, what Jesus has spoken will happen just as He said it would. (Matthew 24:35) If we obey and follow the Lord like He commands then this promise will be ours for sure. (John 14:15, Ch.15: 10)
This is the covenant relationship I have with the Lord Jesus Christ. This covenant relationship is not just for me only but it is offered to all of those who will believe, accept and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says: “… But there is a friend who sticks close than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24) and this is the kind of friendship and bond that God gives to all those who seek Him and serve Him faithfully. “No Greater Love”, “No Better Friend.”
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
A CALL TO HOLY LIVING
A call to holy living, what does this mean? How can we live a holy life before our God?
To live a holy life is to walk on this earth as the Lord commanded. Are these commandments too hard to carry out? No. The Question Is: Are we willing to do them? Everyday we make choices … whether to do right or wrong, and the choices we make will either lead us to eternal life with Jesus Christ in Heaven, or Separated from God in hell; and then for all eternity to the lake of fire. (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 13:40-42, John 8:51, Revelation 20:14-15)
The Lord commands that we do not: commit adultery, (cheating on your spouse) fornicate, (sleeping with someone your not married to) idol worship, lying, not to steal, murder, no witchcraft practices, (do not consult psychic’s / mediums) etc. Those that do not obey the commands of the Lord are not His children and only His children are heirs of the kingdom of God.
The Bible says, that the disobedient are children of the devil. “ He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8)
1 John says this concerning the true children of God:
"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)
Note: Do you know that if we hate another fellow human being…the Lord considers us, “A Murderer”? Let me show you where it says this in the Bible…
“Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him” (1 John 3:15)
Note: The children of God will love God not by words only BUT in ACTION…When we put into practice what the Lord has taught through the Holy Scriptures then we are considered HIS children.
Jesus says: “Whoever has my commands and obey them, he is the one who loves me. (John 14:21) and this is how the children of God will live a holy life here on earth by walking in obedience to their Creator and Father. Not just by talking the talk but by walking the walk. “Doing what the word says”. (James 1:22) Jesus is the door to Heaven …If you don’t know the man at the door your not getting in. (John 10:9- NKJV /John 14:6- NIV)
Note: According to Jesus own words, to receive eternal life is to believe in HIM…That’s our first step (John 3:16). Does everyone that hears the words of the Lord believe and repent? NO. Why?
The Lord answers this question in his conversation with Nicodemus….
This is the verdict: Light (Jesus) has come into the world, but men loved darkness (their sin) instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)
Jesus says: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)
Note: Jesus has his arms open wide waiting for people to come to Him…To believe in Him, to follow and obey Him but sadly not everyone will believe in Him or accept Him…Their sin is a lot more attractive to them than following and obeying the Lord.
Eternal life is a free gift to all, but we must reach out and get it… It’s there for you if you want it. God is not going to push Himself on anyone. I personally wouldn’t want anyone to be with me who didn’t want to be …I would rather that they be with me because they want to be ... Wouldn’t you? So the choice is up to us to reject Him or accept Him.
There are only two roads in life that man can take: one that leads to heaven (Jesus) and the other one (going your own way/making up your own rules) that will lead to hell. You could follow and obey the Lord and receive a rich welcome into heaven, Or you can go your own way and do what seems right to you but know this… The consequence of living this way will lead to a separation from God in hell and then for all eternity in the lake of fire.
The Bible shows us how to live holy lives; this is why it’s very important that we study the Scriptures. In 2 Peter it says:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
Note: This is how the children of God will behave while living here on this earth…
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness; knowledge; and to knowledge; self-control; and 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. (Watch this last verse…Don’t miss it!) 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 1:3-11)
Note: Peter says add to your faith goodness, etc… What is Peter saying here? Faith in what? Faith in Jesus Christ is what Peter is telling the reader. The first step of whoever wants to be saved is to believe in the Savior of man’s soul…Jesus Christ. (John 3:16/ Acts 16: 30-31) and after we do this, the next step is to walk on this earth as the Lord commands. (Holy Living)- (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, James 1:22, 1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:3)
Can we behave like this on our own…Like the Bible is telling us to do in the book of 2 Peter and many more other passages in the Bible? No. Jesus tells his disciples in the book of John this…
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (But watch what happens to those that do not remain in Jesus) If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." (John 15:5-6)
Note: To remain in Jesus means to apply to your life His commands… To live your life here on Earth, following His examples; by these actions… You will remain in Him and He in you. You have Jesus word that if you believe, trust and obey Him…YOU WILL GO TO HEAVEN. That’s all you have to do…I think that’s a pretty good deal, if I ever heard it. But once again the choice is yours… To reject Him or accept Him.
John the Baptist says in the book of Luke:
“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:9)
Note: The trees here represent people; good fruit means to repent of our sins, following, and obeying the Lords commands and the fire here means hell.
What John the Baptist is telling people through the book of Luke could be translated as this:
“People that do not repent of their sins and do not follow the Lord, like the Bible commands…These people will be send to hell and then for all eternity in the lake of fire.” (God does not play games; what He says, He really means!)
The Lord is calling His people to Holiness and to get ready for His return. I believe with all my heart that His return is very near. It is not hard to see all the things that the Lord spoke about when his disciples asked Him the question: What would be the “Signs of the end of the age”? (Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-36). We see it every time we turn on our televisions. It’s on the news, politics, technology, and even in the weather. We as the body of Christ need to walk in holiness and reverence before our God daily.
In the book of Hebrews it says:
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness "NO ONE" will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
We do not want to be left behind like the foolish virgins; who weren’t prepared to meet their bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1-13) The Lord said these parables to us so that we may watch and pray, and that in watching and praying we would be found a holy nation prepared for HIS kingdom.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
A call to holy living, what does this mean? How can we live a holy life before our God?
To live a holy life is to walk on this earth as the Lord commanded. Are these commandments too hard to carry out? No. The Question Is: Are we willing to do them? Everyday we make choices … whether to do right or wrong, and the choices we make will either lead us to eternal life with Jesus Christ in Heaven, or Separated from God in hell; and then for all eternity to the lake of fire. (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 13:40-42, John 8:51, Revelation 20:14-15)
The Lord commands that we do not: commit adultery, (cheating on your spouse) fornicate, (sleeping with someone your not married to) idol worship, lying, not to steal, murder, no witchcraft practices, (do not consult psychic’s / mediums) etc. Those that do not obey the commands of the Lord are not His children and only His children are heirs of the kingdom of God.
The Bible says, that the disobedient are children of the devil. “ He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8)
1 John says this concerning the true children of God:
"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)
Note: Do you know that if we hate another fellow human being…the Lord considers us, “A Murderer”? Let me show you where it says this in the Bible…
“Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him” (1 John 3:15)
Note: The children of God will love God not by words only BUT in ACTION…When we put into practice what the Lord has taught through the Holy Scriptures then we are considered HIS children.
Jesus says: “Whoever has my commands and obey them, he is the one who loves me. (John 14:21) and this is how the children of God will live a holy life here on earth by walking in obedience to their Creator and Father. Not just by talking the talk but by walking the walk. “Doing what the word says”. (James 1:22) Jesus is the door to Heaven …If you don’t know the man at the door your not getting in. (John 10:9- NKJV /John 14:6- NIV)
Note: According to Jesus own words, to receive eternal life is to believe in HIM…That’s our first step (John 3:16). Does everyone that hears the words of the Lord believe and repent? NO. Why?
The Lord answers this question in his conversation with Nicodemus….
This is the verdict: Light (Jesus) has come into the world, but men loved darkness (their sin) instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)
Jesus says: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)
Note: Jesus has his arms open wide waiting for people to come to Him…To believe in Him, to follow and obey Him but sadly not everyone will believe in Him or accept Him…Their sin is a lot more attractive to them than following and obeying the Lord.
Eternal life is a free gift to all, but we must reach out and get it… It’s there for you if you want it. God is not going to push Himself on anyone. I personally wouldn’t want anyone to be with me who didn’t want to be …I would rather that they be with me because they want to be ... Wouldn’t you? So the choice is up to us to reject Him or accept Him.
There are only two roads in life that man can take: one that leads to heaven (Jesus) and the other one (going your own way/making up your own rules) that will lead to hell. You could follow and obey the Lord and receive a rich welcome into heaven, Or you can go your own way and do what seems right to you but know this… The consequence of living this way will lead to a separation from God in hell and then for all eternity in the lake of fire.
The Bible shows us how to live holy lives; this is why it’s very important that we study the Scriptures. In 2 Peter it says:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
Note: This is how the children of God will behave while living here on this earth…
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness; knowledge; and to knowledge; self-control; and 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. (Watch this last verse…Don’t miss it!) 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 1:3-11)
Note: Peter says add to your faith goodness, etc… What is Peter saying here? Faith in what? Faith in Jesus Christ is what Peter is telling the reader. The first step of whoever wants to be saved is to believe in the Savior of man’s soul…Jesus Christ. (John 3:16/ Acts 16: 30-31) and after we do this, the next step is to walk on this earth as the Lord commands. (Holy Living)- (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, James 1:22, 1 John 2:3-6, 1 John 5:3)
Can we behave like this on our own…Like the Bible is telling us to do in the book of 2 Peter and many more other passages in the Bible? No. Jesus tells his disciples in the book of John this…
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (But watch what happens to those that do not remain in Jesus) If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." (John 15:5-6)
Note: To remain in Jesus means to apply to your life His commands… To live your life here on Earth, following His examples; by these actions… You will remain in Him and He in you. You have Jesus word that if you believe, trust and obey Him…YOU WILL GO TO HEAVEN. That’s all you have to do…I think that’s a pretty good deal, if I ever heard it. But once again the choice is yours… To reject Him or accept Him.
John the Baptist says in the book of Luke:
“The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Luke 3:9)
Note: The trees here represent people; good fruit means to repent of our sins, following, and obeying the Lords commands and the fire here means hell.
What John the Baptist is telling people through the book of Luke could be translated as this:
“People that do not repent of their sins and do not follow the Lord, like the Bible commands…These people will be send to hell and then for all eternity in the lake of fire.” (God does not play games; what He says, He really means!)
The Lord is calling His people to Holiness and to get ready for His return. I believe with all my heart that His return is very near. It is not hard to see all the things that the Lord spoke about when his disciples asked Him the question: What would be the “Signs of the end of the age”? (Matthew 24:1-51, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-36). We see it every time we turn on our televisions. It’s on the news, politics, technology, and even in the weather. We as the body of Christ need to walk in holiness and reverence before our God daily.
In the book of Hebrews it says:
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness "NO ONE" will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
We do not want to be left behind like the foolish virgins; who weren’t prepared to meet their bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1-13) The Lord said these parables to us so that we may watch and pray, and that in watching and praying we would be found a holy nation prepared for HIS kingdom.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
HAD ENOUGH YET?
HAD ENOUGH YET?
Have you ever made a choice in life that you thought was a great decision when you made it, just to have it blow up in your face? Those are the times when we realize, we should have taken the time to analyze that decision before we went full steam ahead, without considering the consequences of our choices. Well, this story that Jesus talks about in the book of Luke is also about a young son that made a choice in life that later he would have to admit to himself and to his father that he had made the wrong choice.
In the book of Luke, Jesus tells us about “ The Parable Of The Lost Son”.
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in the whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father." (Luke 15:11-20)
Note: How many times we must have thought to ourselves, “The grass must be greener on the other side”. Somehow we thought we’re not getting what we wanted or what we thought we deserved and we make foolish decision under this false pretence. This young man had it made at his father’s house and he didn’t even know it. We sometimes don’t see or recognize how good we have it, until it is gone. We all make mistakes, not one of us are perfect but when we do something wrong we should not be too proud to say “ I was wrong, I made a mistake, I’m sorry, Forgive me.
When we disobey the Lord and we ignore His guidance for our life, we are also making a bad decision, a huge mistake! Only in obeying the Lord do we have joy, peace, unconditional love, purpose, and fulfillment in life. Success for our future… “You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out” (Deuteronomy 28:6). We cannot continue to live this rebellious lifestyle against God and not have His hand against us (1 Samuel 12:15). This is when we have to heed what the Apostle Paul tells the Galatians: "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; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE." (Galatians 6:7-8)
In this Parable, the young son goes back to his father and this is what happened:
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:20-24). Just like this young man’s father had compassion for his son so will GOD have compassion on all who will come to Him with a repentant heart.
Note: Going our own way, doing our own thing, never works. We don’t know what’s best for us. No matter how smart we think we are, without God’s guidance in our lives we will all fall flat on our faces. Life is hard enough as it is and we are making it even harder for ourselves by going against the only One that can help us and save us from our problems, GOD. This was a lesson that the prodigal son had to learn. The very person he had to return to for help was the very same person he turned from and hurt the most, his father.
This is what God is saying to us from the book of Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (Watch this …don’t miss it) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:11-14). It’s never too late to tell God I was wrong, I made a mistake, I’m sorry, forgive me. Some people like to see others fall flat on their faces so they could laugh at them or say, “ That’s what you get for not listening” but this is not how God is. God is waiting with open arms for you to return to Him… He can’t wait for that wonderful reunion between you and Him. Words cannot express how much He loves you, how much you mean to HIM.
Note: GOD is not a God of rules, as some may think. This is not a legalistic teaching; it is about a Holy GOD who expects his followers to mimic the life of His Son (Jesus Christ) here on earth. Jesus says: "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." (John 14:21). Actions speak louder than words!
When a person is filled with the love of God, Filled with the Holy Spirit… they will love their neighbor as themselves (Romans 13: 8-10). They will not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but instead they will bless (1 Peter 3:9). They will love and pray for their enemies (Matthew 5:44). They will forgive others who have offended them just like their heavenly Father forgives them (Matthew 6:14-15). They will treat people the way they themselves would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). They will know that they’ve been saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), and they will definitely know that this doesn’t mean… “ Hooray! I been saved by grace, so, now I can live like hell and still go to heaven” No! The Bible says: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:16)
Let me give you another scripture concerning the way all Christians should conduct themselves while living here on earth. This scripture is found in the book of 1 John and it reads like this: “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “ I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. (Watch this…don’t miss it) This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:3-6)
Everything about us should let the world know that we are “A New Creation”, our lives should be a walking mirror of the living Christ living inside of us. The things that God tells us to do are not burdensome or too hard to carry out; it’s only a matter of choice. Whose choice? Our choice! “The world and its desires pass away; BUT the MAN who DOES the WILL of GOD lives FOREVER.” (1 John 2:17)
Note: God just wants His followers to do right, live right. Love God, Love people… What’s so wrong or hard about that? It’s only hard because we are not willing to live this kind of life. So we use every excuse possible not to follow and obey the Lord. We blame God, family, friends, circumstances, is always somebody else’s fault… We never look in the mirror and say, “ It’s me”. I’m the problem, I admit it, I just don’t want to live this kind of life; I do not want to serve and obey God, sin is a lot more fun and attractive to me right now… “BUT men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19). It’s never too late to take a new direction in life; it’s never too late to do the right thing. If you have reached the point in life when you say, "I HAD ENOUGH?" and you're ready for a change in your life then Jesus is the ONE to call upon. Nothing in this world last forever, but what you do for the Lord Jesus Christ will! You have to make a decision; do I follow God or the world? The choice is yours.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Have you ever made a choice in life that you thought was a great decision when you made it, just to have it blow up in your face? Those are the times when we realize, we should have taken the time to analyze that decision before we went full steam ahead, without considering the consequences of our choices. Well, this story that Jesus talks about in the book of Luke is also about a young son that made a choice in life that later he would have to admit to himself and to his father that he had made the wrong choice.
In the book of Luke, Jesus tells us about “ The Parable Of The Lost Son”.
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in the whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father." (Luke 15:11-20)
Note: How many times we must have thought to ourselves, “The grass must be greener on the other side”. Somehow we thought we’re not getting what we wanted or what we thought we deserved and we make foolish decision under this false pretence. This young man had it made at his father’s house and he didn’t even know it. We sometimes don’t see or recognize how good we have it, until it is gone. We all make mistakes, not one of us are perfect but when we do something wrong we should not be too proud to say “ I was wrong, I made a mistake, I’m sorry, Forgive me.
When we disobey the Lord and we ignore His guidance for our life, we are also making a bad decision, a huge mistake! Only in obeying the Lord do we have joy, peace, unconditional love, purpose, and fulfillment in life. Success for our future… “You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out” (Deuteronomy 28:6). We cannot continue to live this rebellious lifestyle against God and not have His hand against us (1 Samuel 12:15). This is when we have to heed what the Apostle Paul tells the Galatians: "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; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE." (Galatians 6:7-8)
In this Parable, the young son goes back to his father and this is what happened:
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:20-24). Just like this young man’s father had compassion for his son so will GOD have compassion on all who will come to Him with a repentant heart.
Note: Going our own way, doing our own thing, never works. We don’t know what’s best for us. No matter how smart we think we are, without God’s guidance in our lives we will all fall flat on our faces. Life is hard enough as it is and we are making it even harder for ourselves by going against the only One that can help us and save us from our problems, GOD. This was a lesson that the prodigal son had to learn. The very person he had to return to for help was the very same person he turned from and hurt the most, his father.
This is what God is saying to us from the book of Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (Watch this …don’t miss it) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:11-14). It’s never too late to tell God I was wrong, I made a mistake, I’m sorry, forgive me. Some people like to see others fall flat on their faces so they could laugh at them or say, “ That’s what you get for not listening” but this is not how God is. God is waiting with open arms for you to return to Him… He can’t wait for that wonderful reunion between you and Him. Words cannot express how much He loves you, how much you mean to HIM.
Note: GOD is not a God of rules, as some may think. This is not a legalistic teaching; it is about a Holy GOD who expects his followers to mimic the life of His Son (Jesus Christ) here on earth. Jesus says: "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." (John 14:21). Actions speak louder than words!
When a person is filled with the love of God, Filled with the Holy Spirit… they will love their neighbor as themselves (Romans 13: 8-10). They will not repay evil with evil or insult with insult but instead they will bless (1 Peter 3:9). They will love and pray for their enemies (Matthew 5:44). They will forgive others who have offended them just like their heavenly Father forgives them (Matthew 6:14-15). They will treat people the way they themselves would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). They will know that they’ve been saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), and they will definitely know that this doesn’t mean… “ Hooray! I been saved by grace, so, now I can live like hell and still go to heaven” No! The Bible says: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God." (1 Peter 2:16)
Let me give you another scripture concerning the way all Christians should conduct themselves while living here on earth. This scripture is found in the book of 1 John and it reads like this: “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “ I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. (Watch this…don’t miss it) This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:3-6)
Everything about us should let the world know that we are “A New Creation”, our lives should be a walking mirror of the living Christ living inside of us. The things that God tells us to do are not burdensome or too hard to carry out; it’s only a matter of choice. Whose choice? Our choice! “The world and its desires pass away; BUT the MAN who DOES the WILL of GOD lives FOREVER.” (1 John 2:17)
Note: God just wants His followers to do right, live right. Love God, Love people… What’s so wrong or hard about that? It’s only hard because we are not willing to live this kind of life. So we use every excuse possible not to follow and obey the Lord. We blame God, family, friends, circumstances, is always somebody else’s fault… We never look in the mirror and say, “ It’s me”. I’m the problem, I admit it, I just don’t want to live this kind of life; I do not want to serve and obey God, sin is a lot more fun and attractive to me right now… “BUT men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19). It’s never too late to take a new direction in life; it’s never too late to do the right thing. If you have reached the point in life when you say, "I HAD ENOUGH?" and you're ready for a change in your life then Jesus is the ONE to call upon. Nothing in this world last forever, but what you do for the Lord Jesus Christ will! You have to make a decision; do I follow God or the world? The choice is yours.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Friday, March 20, 2009
WHAT KIND OF BUILDER ARE YOU?
WHAT KIND OF BUILDER ARE YOU?
Jesus said: "...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)
Just because you are a Christian person, does not mean that you won’t face difficulties here on earth. We are not exempt from trials, pain, financial problems, sickness, death, betrayal, etc. These will come and depending on how you deal with these situations will determine "What Kind Of Builder You Are." The Lord did not leave us here on earth to face these situations alone…He's ALWAYS with us and He has also given us the answers and instructions on how to deal with them when they come up. Through the different stories in the Bible …You can see how many times God delivered His people. They are our examples to follow when the times of testing come our way. Whatever kind of problem or difficulty you are facing right now the Lord has the answer.
In the Bible the Lord, talks about the wise and foolish 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had it’s foundation on the rock.”
Note: What the Lord is saying here is, if you "OBEY" Him and you live your life like he commands, then you are "The Wise Builder". When the trials of life come, because you have put into practice what He has taught you …You’ll be able to stand. (The house here means people; the rain, streams, and winds means the different trials that we will face here on earth, the ROCK is Jesus, HE is your foundation… He’ll be with you all the way) So we have nothing to worry about... Nothing to fear! Because the Lord will always be with us... BUT we must first put into practice/action what HE has taught us... Jesus says:" 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7: 24-27)-NIV
Note: When we don’t put into practice what the Lord is teaching us in His word, we would be classified as "Foolish Builders". The person who follows any other teachings, than that of Christ, is considered a person who has built their life on a foundation of sand. In order for you to see a real change in your life and to be able to handle the difficult times that will come to your life, you will have to do your part...Our part is to follow and obey our Lord's commands and His teachings. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24) Friends, Our actions will always speak louder than our words!
As it is written, “The Lord helps those who LOVE (Obey) Him. (Psalm 50:15, 91:14-16, Jeremiah 29:11-13) Call on Jesus, my friends... Seek Him daily!
Let me give you an example-- in an action I had to take in my own life: In the beginning of the year I wanted to lose some weight. I new that I would not see the results, that I wanted to see until I made all of the changes in my life that, it would take to accomplish that goal. So I had to watch what I ate, had smaller portion meals, and exercise. I didn’t see results right away, but because I stuck with it and didn’t give up ….I started to see the changes I was looking for. Wishful thinking gets us nowhere … ACTIONS WILL.
Friends, The Bible is constantly admonishing us to put our faith into "actions". "It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him." (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 13:4, Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14, John 14:15, 21-23, 24, Luke 11:28, 1 Corinthians 7:19, 2 Timothy 2:19, 1 John 2:3-6)
Remember GOD'S commands are meant to guide us and to protect us. HE is our loving Father and HE only wants the best for us. Obeying HIM is in our best interest. "...For the LORD is your (our) LIFE..." (Deuteronomy 30:20) Amen! Trust Him ALWAYS… He’ll never let you down.
"MY sheep listen to MY voice; I know them, and they follow ME." (John 10:27)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Jesus said: "...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)
Just because you are a Christian person, does not mean that you won’t face difficulties here on earth. We are not exempt from trials, pain, financial problems, sickness, death, betrayal, etc. These will come and depending on how you deal with these situations will determine "What Kind Of Builder You Are." The Lord did not leave us here on earth to face these situations alone…He's ALWAYS with us and He has also given us the answers and instructions on how to deal with them when they come up. Through the different stories in the Bible …You can see how many times God delivered His people. They are our examples to follow when the times of testing come our way. Whatever kind of problem or difficulty you are facing right now the Lord has the answer.
In the Bible the Lord, talks about the wise and foolish 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had it’s foundation on the rock.”
Note: What the Lord is saying here is, if you "OBEY" Him and you live your life like he commands, then you are "The Wise Builder". When the trials of life come, because you have put into practice what He has taught you …You’ll be able to stand. (The house here means people; the rain, streams, and winds means the different trials that we will face here on earth, the ROCK is Jesus, HE is your foundation… He’ll be with you all the way) So we have nothing to worry about... Nothing to fear! Because the Lord will always be with us... BUT we must first put into practice/action what HE has taught us... Jesus says:" 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7: 24-27)-NIV
Note: When we don’t put into practice what the Lord is teaching us in His word, we would be classified as "Foolish Builders". The person who follows any other teachings, than that of Christ, is considered a person who has built their life on a foundation of sand. In order for you to see a real change in your life and to be able to handle the difficult times that will come to your life, you will have to do your part...Our part is to follow and obey our Lord's commands and His teachings. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24) Friends, Our actions will always speak louder than our words!
As it is written, “The Lord helps those who LOVE (Obey) Him. (Psalm 50:15, 91:14-16, Jeremiah 29:11-13) Call on Jesus, my friends... Seek Him daily!
Let me give you an example-- in an action I had to take in my own life: In the beginning of the year I wanted to lose some weight. I new that I would not see the results, that I wanted to see until I made all of the changes in my life that, it would take to accomplish that goal. So I had to watch what I ate, had smaller portion meals, and exercise. I didn’t see results right away, but because I stuck with it and didn’t give up ….I started to see the changes I was looking for. Wishful thinking gets us nowhere … ACTIONS WILL.
Friends, The Bible is constantly admonishing us to put our faith into "actions". "It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him." (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 13:4, Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14, John 14:15, 21-23, 24, Luke 11:28, 1 Corinthians 7:19, 2 Timothy 2:19, 1 John 2:3-6)
Remember GOD'S commands are meant to guide us and to protect us. HE is our loving Father and HE only wants the best for us. Obeying HIM is in our best interest. "...For the LORD is your (our) LIFE..." (Deuteronomy 30:20) Amen! Trust Him ALWAYS… He’ll never let you down.
"MY sheep listen to MY voice; I know them, and they follow ME." (John 10:27)
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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?
In the book of Luke the Lord tells: “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
What is written in the Law?” he replied. “ How do you read it?”
He answered:“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’
“ You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “ Do this and you will live.” (Meaning you will inherit eternal life if you love God and love your neighbor)
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “ And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “ A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest (One who suppose to be a man of God) happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. (The Levites are ordained for the priesthood and to serve in the temple of God)
But a Samaritan (The Jewish people did not associate with the Samaritians ... They did not get along with one another), as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘ Look after him.’ He said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” (Mercy is when you see someone needs help, and you help him or her)
Jesus told him,” Go and do likewise.” (Luke10:25-37)
If we are prejudice or racist against a people or nation, we are sinning against Our God. We are willingly breaking the command “ Love your neighbor as yourself”. One designer created all the peoples of the earth and His name is the Lord.
The Bible says:
For by him (Jesus Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (Colossians 1:16)
In the book of Genesis says:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. (Genesis 1:27-28)
We all came from one source, Adam and Eve. We are all connected, we are all brothers and sisters, and we all have one Creator. As believers we should not let other people, the media, or your co-workers lead us into a path of destruction. Disobedience to Our God will bring a curse upon us. We are not supposed to be people pleaser but God pleasers.
“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. (Acts 4:19) If we love all people, like the Lords commands regardless of their ethnic background, then we will be placed in the side of the sheep. (Matthew 25:34-40) but if we do not love all people like the Lord commands then we will be placed in the side of the goats. (Matthew 25: 41-46) Which side would you like to be placed on? If your answer is in the side of the sheep, then "WE MUST OBEY THE LORD"! “ LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”
If you are prejudice or racist against people who are not of your race…Well let me tell you something heaven is not for you. In the Kingdom of God there are Chinese, African Americans, Hispanics, Caucasian, and many other races. (Revelation 7:9-10) If we can’t get along or love one another here on earth, what makes us think we will be any better in heaven? When we disobey the Lords commands, we are not acting like children of God but of the devil’s. Let me show you where God says this…
1 John 3:7-10
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 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 4:20
If anyone says, “ I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Recently, in the media, we have seen attention being drawn the subject of illegal aliens in our country. This recent problem has caused racism against many that are of Latino decent, whether they are illegal or not. I myself, as a Puerto Rican, have experience this first hand. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. Because of this, people born on the island of Puerto Rico are born citizens. Many times ignorant people will discriminate against Puerto Ricans or other Latin American groups that are citizens and/ or born in the U.S. because of the media or other people’s influence. These “Ilegals” as the media and people call them; these are our brothers and sisters. We are all God’s children.
As I started writing this blog, I witnessed another disturbing news on CNN. A policeman arresting a 15 yr old, who happened to be African American girl that broke a curfew law? She bit the officer, but I question does that justify the action he took, by punching her in the face and then pepper spraying her in the face also. He is a grown man and she is the child. I believe he could have handle this differently. Check this out on the web at www.MSNBC.Video.com Judge for yourself, if his action was right in dealing with this 15yr old teenager.
My friends, the Lord does not want his children divided. What parent, likes to see their children, not getting along and not loving each other? This behavior between siblings is heart breaking for parents to go through. The Lord wants his children united and loving one another. If this is something you been feeling against your brothers and sisters, ask God for forgiveness, to take away prejudice and racism from your heart and fill your heart with a sincere and genuine love for all your brothers and sisters around the world.
Who is my neighbor is the title of this blog and the answer is every human being living on this earth is our neighbor. And we must obey the Lord’s command to “ Love your neighbor as yourself”
The Lord says in John 15:12, My command is this: "LOVE each other as I have loved you."
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
In the book of Luke the Lord tells: “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
What is written in the Law?” he replied. “ How do you read it?”
He answered:“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, Love your neighbor as yourself.’
“ You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “ Do this and you will live.” (Meaning you will inherit eternal life if you love God and love your neighbor)
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “ And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “ A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest (One who suppose to be a man of God) happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. (The Levites are ordained for the priesthood and to serve in the temple of God)
But a Samaritan (The Jewish people did not associate with the Samaritians ... They did not get along with one another), as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘ Look after him.’ He said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” (Mercy is when you see someone needs help, and you help him or her)
Jesus told him,” Go and do likewise.” (Luke10:25-37)
If we are prejudice or racist against a people or nation, we are sinning against Our God. We are willingly breaking the command “ Love your neighbor as yourself”. One designer created all the peoples of the earth and His name is the Lord.
The Bible says:
For by him (Jesus Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. (Colossians 1:16)
In the book of Genesis says:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. (Genesis 1:27-28)
We all came from one source, Adam and Eve. We are all connected, we are all brothers and sisters, and we all have one Creator. As believers we should not let other people, the media, or your co-workers lead us into a path of destruction. Disobedience to Our God will bring a curse upon us. We are not supposed to be people pleaser but God pleasers.
“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. (Acts 4:19) If we love all people, like the Lords commands regardless of their ethnic background, then we will be placed in the side of the sheep. (Matthew 25:34-40) but if we do not love all people like the Lord commands then we will be placed in the side of the goats. (Matthew 25: 41-46) Which side would you like to be placed on? If your answer is in the side of the sheep, then "WE MUST OBEY THE LORD"! “ LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”
If you are prejudice or racist against people who are not of your race…Well let me tell you something heaven is not for you. In the Kingdom of God there are Chinese, African Americans, Hispanics, Caucasian, and many other races. (Revelation 7:9-10) If we can’t get along or love one another here on earth, what makes us think we will be any better in heaven? When we disobey the Lords commands, we are not acting like children of God but of the devil’s. Let me show you where God says this…
1 John 3:7-10
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 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 4:20
If anyone says, “ I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Recently, in the media, we have seen attention being drawn the subject of illegal aliens in our country. This recent problem has caused racism against many that are of Latino decent, whether they are illegal or not. I myself, as a Puerto Rican, have experience this first hand. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States. Because of this, people born on the island of Puerto Rico are born citizens. Many times ignorant people will discriminate against Puerto Ricans or other Latin American groups that are citizens and/ or born in the U.S. because of the media or other people’s influence. These “Ilegals” as the media and people call them; these are our brothers and sisters. We are all God’s children.
As I started writing this blog, I witnessed another disturbing news on CNN. A policeman arresting a 15 yr old, who happened to be African American girl that broke a curfew law? She bit the officer, but I question does that justify the action he took, by punching her in the face and then pepper spraying her in the face also. He is a grown man and she is the child. I believe he could have handle this differently. Check this out on the web at www.MSNBC.Video.com Judge for yourself, if his action was right in dealing with this 15yr old teenager.
My friends, the Lord does not want his children divided. What parent, likes to see their children, not getting along and not loving each other? This behavior between siblings is heart breaking for parents to go through. The Lord wants his children united and loving one another. If this is something you been feeling against your brothers and sisters, ask God for forgiveness, to take away prejudice and racism from your heart and fill your heart with a sincere and genuine love for all your brothers and sisters around the world.
Who is my neighbor is the title of this blog and the answer is every human being living on this earth is our neighbor. And we must obey the Lord’s command to “ Love your neighbor as yourself”
The Lord says in John 15:12, My command is this: "LOVE each other as I have loved you."
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS,
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Monday, January 19, 2009
THE COMMISSION
THE COMMISSION
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Note: GOD at times will ask us to do something for Him and there are times, we don’t do it or get it right the first time around, but don’t get discouraged. We may fall down… But that does not mean we have to stay down. Get up in Jesus name and start again!
Peter denied his Lord. (Matthew 26:69-75) When, he had said, “Even if I have to die with you. I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:35) Could you imagine how he must have felt? When he did the very thing he swore he would NOT do… Could you imagine the disappointment he must have felt in himself? Peter must have thought he was not the right man for the job, since he just had denied his Lord. (Matthew 26:34, 26:75, Mark 14:30, 14:72, Luke 22:34, 22:61)
The Lord told Peter …” And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will built my church…(Matthew 16:18) What God says, you will be and what you will do, will come to pass. (The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago.)- Lamentations 2:17.
Peter must have thought, after denying Jesus... I'm not cut out for this... So he went back to his old occupation (He was a Fisherman) until Jesus came and reminded him of his calling... What Peter was truly meant to do in this world! (Matthew 16:18, John 21:2-17)
Jesus asks Peter this: "Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” (Meaning do you love this job/occupation more than me?) “Yes Lord,” he said, you know that I love you. “Jesus said, “Feed my lambs. ”Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. ”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep. ”The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17)
Note: I’m so glad that the Lord came to get Peter back on track and to remind him of what he was called to do (To start His Church). Peter got back on track and in the book of Acts we see him in action… Full of confidence and ready to save souls for the Kingdom of God. (Acts 2:14-41) Three thousand people got saved because of his obedience to the Lord. WOW!
We have all had some road blocks in our lives and those road blocks can sometimes cause us to think and question… Maybe this is not what I’m supposed to be doing. Did I hear God correctly?
My friends, a mistake, oppositions, does not mean God didn’t call you and it definitely does not mean that we just stop and give up! The Lord says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." GOD is always with us… Why are you discouraged then? (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:18-20)
The Apostles were given a task by the Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations, to baptize, and to teach people to obey everything that He taught them. (Matthew 28:20) Going through the New Testament, we can see they did just that. Nothing was going to stop these men from carrying out the Lords commands. Not prison, beatings, death, or exile. What a wonderful thing that is … When the Lord can count on us to do His will. Obedience to the Lord Jesus blesses you and others too.
Nothing was going to stop these mighty men of God from making disciples of all men and teaching the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later in the book of Acts, the high priest and his associates gave orders to the apostles not to teach in the name of Jesus. I love Peter’s and the other apostle’s response. “We must obey God rather then men! (Acts 5:29) "When they would not obey the teachers of the law, they were beaten and released. They (The Apostles) left rejoicing because they believed they suffer disgrace for the Name (Jesus Name).- Acts 5:40-41. I am sure they were holding on to God’s promise when they endured the beatings. (“Blesses are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”)- Matthew 5:10
Nothing was going to stop them. They knew the Lord Jesus was depending on them to deliver the gospel to a dying and hurting world, it was very important for them to deliver the message. God needed them to tell people...
TELL PEOPLE WHAT?
To tell them this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 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. 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. (John 3:16-18)
The Bible says:
“For the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Note: Friends the message is still urgent, the Lord Jesus is still extending His invitation to everyone who would believe in Him. Salvation is "FREE". Don’t let Him pass you by… Don't delay... Jesus is returning very soon!
Thank the Lord Almighty that the Apostles obeyed the call. Their obedience to the Lord has saved millions of souls around the world and many more are still coming to the Kingdom of God each day. This gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been translated into different languages. PRAISE THE LORD!
The Lord Jesus said: And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. (Mark 13:10) I believe we are living in the last days. He (Jesus Christ) is coming soon. Live your life like the Lord commands, obey Him and most important tell others about the Savior of man’s souls… Jesus Christ.
Once we become believers we have to continue what the Apostles started. We also have the commission to deliver the gospel of our Lord to a world that needs Him desperately. Jesus is coming soon. Don’t let anything distract you or derailed you from the commission. Jesus is depending on all of us... Tell someone today that Jesus loves them and that HE is the "ONLY" way to Heaven. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9-11, 13, 1 John 5:12)
Jesus Says: "HE WHO TESTIFIES TO THESE THINGS SAYS, “ YES, I AM COMING SOON”. AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS. THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS BE WITH GOD’S PEOPLE. AMEN. (Revelation 22:20-21) Amen!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Note: GOD at times will ask us to do something for Him and there are times, we don’t do it or get it right the first time around, but don’t get discouraged. We may fall down… But that does not mean we have to stay down. Get up in Jesus name and start again!
Peter denied his Lord. (Matthew 26:69-75) When, he had said, “Even if I have to die with you. I will never disown you.” (Matthew 26:35) Could you imagine how he must have felt? When he did the very thing he swore he would NOT do… Could you imagine the disappointment he must have felt in himself? Peter must have thought he was not the right man for the job, since he just had denied his Lord. (Matthew 26:34, 26:75, Mark 14:30, 14:72, Luke 22:34, 22:61)
The Lord told Peter …” And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will built my church…(Matthew 16:18) What God says, you will be and what you will do, will come to pass. (The Lord has done what he planned; he has fulfilled his word, which he decreed long ago.)- Lamentations 2:17.
Peter must have thought, after denying Jesus... I'm not cut out for this... So he went back to his old occupation (He was a Fisherman) until Jesus came and reminded him of his calling... What Peter was truly meant to do in this world! (Matthew 16:18, John 21:2-17)
Jesus asks Peter this: "Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” (Meaning do you love this job/occupation more than me?) “Yes Lord,” he said, you know that I love you. “Jesus said, “Feed my lambs. ”Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. ”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep. ”The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17)
Note: I’m so glad that the Lord came to get Peter back on track and to remind him of what he was called to do (To start His Church). Peter got back on track and in the book of Acts we see him in action… Full of confidence and ready to save souls for the Kingdom of God. (Acts 2:14-41) Three thousand people got saved because of his obedience to the Lord. WOW!
We have all had some road blocks in our lives and those road blocks can sometimes cause us to think and question… Maybe this is not what I’m supposed to be doing. Did I hear God correctly?
My friends, a mistake, oppositions, does not mean God didn’t call you and it definitely does not mean that we just stop and give up! The Lord says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." GOD is always with us… Why are you discouraged then? (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:18-20)
The Apostles were given a task by the Lord Jesus Christ to make disciples of all nations, to baptize, and to teach people to obey everything that He taught them. (Matthew 28:20) Going through the New Testament, we can see they did just that. Nothing was going to stop these men from carrying out the Lords commands. Not prison, beatings, death, or exile. What a wonderful thing that is … When the Lord can count on us to do His will. Obedience to the Lord Jesus blesses you and others too.
Nothing was going to stop these mighty men of God from making disciples of all men and teaching the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Later in the book of Acts, the high priest and his associates gave orders to the apostles not to teach in the name of Jesus. I love Peter’s and the other apostle’s response. “We must obey God rather then men! (Acts 5:29) "When they would not obey the teachers of the law, they were beaten and released. They (The Apostles) left rejoicing because they believed they suffer disgrace for the Name (Jesus Name).- Acts 5:40-41. I am sure they were holding on to God’s promise when they endured the beatings. (“Blesses are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”)- Matthew 5:10
Nothing was going to stop them. They knew the Lord Jesus was depending on them to deliver the gospel to a dying and hurting world, it was very important for them to deliver the message. God needed them to tell people...
TELL PEOPLE WHAT?
To tell them this: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 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. 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. (John 3:16-18)
The Bible says:
“For the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:10)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Note: Friends the message is still urgent, the Lord Jesus is still extending His invitation to everyone who would believe in Him. Salvation is "FREE". Don’t let Him pass you by… Don't delay... Jesus is returning very soon!
Thank the Lord Almighty that the Apostles obeyed the call. Their obedience to the Lord has saved millions of souls around the world and many more are still coming to the Kingdom of God each day. This gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been translated into different languages. PRAISE THE LORD!
The Lord Jesus said: And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. (Mark 13:10) I believe we are living in the last days. He (Jesus Christ) is coming soon. Live your life like the Lord commands, obey Him and most important tell others about the Savior of man’s souls… Jesus Christ.
Once we become believers we have to continue what the Apostles started. We also have the commission to deliver the gospel of our Lord to a world that needs Him desperately. Jesus is coming soon. Don’t let anything distract you or derailed you from the commission. Jesus is depending on all of us... Tell someone today that Jesus loves them and that HE is the "ONLY" way to Heaven. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Romans 10:9-11, 13, 1 John 5:12)
Jesus Says: "HE WHO TESTIFIES TO THESE THINGS SAYS, “ YES, I AM COMING SOON”. AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS. THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS BE WITH GOD’S PEOPLE. AMEN. (Revelation 22:20-21) Amen!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
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