DISPLAY THE LOVE OF CHRIST DAILY!

                                DISPLAY THE LOVE OF CHRIST DAILY!

 

 

Jesus says: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” The Lord tells us if we truly love Him like we say we do, we will NOT be judging others! (Matthew 7:1), we would treat people the way that we would like to be treated! (Matthew 7:12), we would love and pray for our enemies and we would pray for those who persecute us! (Matthew 5:43-44), we would spend time in talking with Jesus (Quality Time) in prayer! (Matthew 6:6) And we definitely wouldn't be purposefully and willfully be sinning either (John 8:11, Galatians 6:7-8, 1 John 3:9-10). We would be loving and caring for our fellow man as Christ Jesus has commanded us to do. (Matthew 5:42, John 13:34) There are many more Scriptures in the Bible that teaches us, that if we truly love the Lord, we would show it by our actions! The Bible Says: "Whoever says, "I know Him (Jesus Christ)," BUT DOES NOT DO what HE commands is a liar, and the truth is NOT in that person..."Whoever claims to live in him MUST LIVE AS JESUS DID."~(1 John 2:4,6)

Display the LOVE of Christ In ALL That You Do And..."By this EVERYONE will know that you are MY DISCIPLES (Jesus Disciples), if you love one another."~(John 13:35)


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

 

 

 

 

 

YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE

      YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE


As followers of Jesus Christ, we should strive to have a lifestyle of  "righteousness and holy living" DAILY, as the Bible commands us to have... But there are times in our lives, that we fall short and get off the "track of the righteous and holy living" and we sin against God and people. The good news is that, as long as we are here on earth... "We Still Have A Chance" to get up from where we have fallen short and make it right with those we have hurt/offended and start anew with God and them.

The Bible Says:

"My little children, these things I write to you, "SO THAT YOU MAY NOT SIN".  AND IF ANYONE SINS", we have an "ADVOCATE" with the Father, "JESUS CHRIST" the righteous. And He Himself is the "PROPITIATION (Atoning Sacrifice)"  for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world." (1 John 2:1)-NKJV

Note: There are always consequences for the bad choices we make in life and for the sins that we commit against GOD, this is why Jesus gives us this warning.... "STOP SINNING" or something "WORSE" may happen to you."~(John 5:14)

The Apostle Paul says: "For the wages of sin [is] death..."(Romans 6:23)~"NOTHING" good comes from sinning! It is in our best interest to avoid sin at "ALL" cost...  "FLEE" And "RUN" if you must from it, as Joseph did in Genesis 39:10-12. Joseph chose to flee and run from sin rather than to sin against God or his master (Potiphar). GOD told Cain..."SIN" is "CROUCHING" at your door; it "DESIRES" to have YOU, "BUT YOU MUST MASTER IT."~(Genesis 4:7)-NIV

Jesus says: "If your right eye "CAUSES YOU TO SIN", gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body "THAN" for your whole body to be "THROWN INTO HELL". AND if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go "INTO HELL."~(Matthew 5:29-30)

Note: How do we master sin? You may ask... By "WALKING" With The Lord DAILY, by studying and applying God 's word into our lives... This is how we will master sin!  Friends, "SEEK" God daily and "PRAY" in the "Spirit" always, the "Holy Spirit" is "OUR HELPER".

The Bible Says:

"In the same way, "THE SPIRIT HELPS US" in our weakness. We "DO NOT" know what we ought to pray for, BUT the Spirit himself "INTERCEDES" for us with "GROANS" that "WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS". And He (GOD) who "SEARCHES" our hearts "KNOWS" the "MIND" of the "SPIRIT", because the Spirit "INTERCEDES" for the saints "IN ACCORDANCE" with God's "WILL." (Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20, John 14:26)

The LORD Says: "RETURN", you backsliding children, [And] "I WILL HEAL" your "BACKSLIDINGS." "Indeed we do come to You, For "YOU" are the LORD our GOD."~(Jeremiah 3:22)-NKJV

Note: IF You've Being Backsliding A Little Or A Lot... Come To The GOD Who Says, "I Will "HEAL" Your "Backslidings." The Bible Says: "IF" we "CONFESS OUR SINS", HE (GOD) is "FAITHFUL" and "JUST" and "WILL FORGIVE US OUR SINS AND PURIFY US FROM "ALL" UNRIGHTEOUSNESS."~(1 John 1:9)..."As the "HOLY SPIRIT" says: "Today, "IF" you hear HIS voice, "DO NOT" harden your hearts..."~(Hebrews 3:7)


"YOU STILL HAVE A CHANCE"... TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD TO RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY LIVING, THE CHOICE IS YOURS....


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

 

 

 

THERE IS NO ONE I CAN TALK TO!

THERE’S NO ONE I CAN TALK TO!

Thank God for the godly, trustworthy, faithful friends that many people have. What about if you don’t have anybody like that in your life? Do you ever feel like, I wish I had someone I can trust… Someone that can relate to what I’m going through? Let me give you some encouragement from “God’s Holy Word”!

The Bible Says:

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.”~ (1 Samuel 30:6)

Note: David needed someone to strength him through this very difficult situation (David and his soldiers homes were burned down to the ground and their wives and children were taken captive)...But everyone around him wanted to stone him.  “NOTICE” to whom David went to, for the help that he needed… But David found “STRENGTH” in the LORD his GOD.”~(1 Samuel 30:1-6)~When “NO ONE” is there to help us or understand what we’re going through…God will “ALWAYS” be there for us and He “DOES” understand the things that we are going through. "But God, who "COMFORTS" the DOWNCAST..."~(2 Corinthians 7:6)

The Book Of Hebrews Says:

“For we “DO NOT” have a high priest who is “UNABLE” to sympathize with OUR weaknesses, (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!)  BUT we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. “LET US” then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may “RECEIVE” mercy and “FIND” grace to “HELP US” in our time “OF NEED”.”~(Hebrews 4:15-16)
Maybe “NO ONE” understands what you’re feeling but we have a wonderful “High Priest” (Jesus Christ) that is able to sympathize with everything that happens to us and Jesus “WILL” help us in our time of need! Remember “ALWAYS” what Jesus says… He “WILL” always DO!!! “Heaven and earth will pass away, “BUT MY WORDS” will “NEVER” pass away.”~(Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33)

Note: If you’re going through a difficult, painful situation… Come to the “One” that can sympathize with “ALL” your problems and help you out of them too!  “The “SALVATION” of the righteous “COMES” from the LORD; HE is their “STRONGHOLD” in time of trouble. The LORD “HELPS THEM” and “DELIVERS THEM”; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, “BECAUSE” they take “REFUGE” in HIM.”~(Psalm 37:39-40)

“TRUST” in Jesus, my friends… He will “NEVER” let us down! Is “NOT” in HIM to say one thing and do another… Remember, Jesus is “NOT” a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19, 1 Samuel 15:29)

"GOD is our “REFUGE” and STRENGTH”, an ever-present help in trouble.”… BE still, and know that I am GOD.”~(Psalm 46:1,10)                

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

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?

                                      WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT?


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME?

 IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME?

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

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

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

“The Healing at the Pool”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SORRY, JESUS GOT TO ME FIRST!

SORRY, JESUS GOT TO ME FIRST!
The Holy Scriptures say: “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.”(Mark 1:6)- NIV

Note: John the Baptist lived in the dessert, his church was in the wilderness and he baptized all his followers in the Jordan River. John the Baptist was misunderstood by many in his time and if he was misunderstood in his day… What would he face in today’s churches? By today’s church standards John wouldn’t be let in through some church doors.

John the Baptist was ordained by God to be the Lord’s forerunner; he was set apart to GOD, a “Nazirite” (Luke 1:15-17, Isaiah 40:3/ Judges 13:7)

Note: The Bible says, John the Baptist was a “Nazirite” and as such he could not cut his beard or his long dread lock hair. Certain foods and wine he could not eat/drink. John wore clothing made of camel hair, he ate locusts and honey. The churches of today will probably say of John… I don’t know about this John the Baptist, He is not a member of any church, He's not properly dressed either, and he eats bugs… I think he is a total nut job. He can't possibly be a man of God!

How many blessings and opportunities we have missed in life for judging people in the wrong way… When GOD already says, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. MAN LOOKS AT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART.” (1Samuel 16:7)

It’s not what people think or say about you that counts. It’s what the Lord says, that DOES! The Holy Scriptures says of John: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins…” (Luke 1:76-77)

People said of John… “He has a demon” (Matthew 11:18) Jesus says of John, “I tell you, among those born of women there is NO ONE greater than John… (Luke 7:28)

Note: God is not looking at how you dress, if you wear earrings or not, if you’re wearing make-up or not, if you shave your legs or not, if your hair color is blue, green, orange, etc. Or if cut your hair or leave it long or if you’re wearing a suit to church or a pair of jeans. God does not care how big your house or bank account is, or what job or car you have… That’s not what is important to God! STOP this madness…Remember, God ONLY looks at the HEART! All these things are legalistic teachings and Jesus has nailed to the cross legalism and religion! (Colossians 2:14-15, 20-23)

If ANY church tries to tell you that you have to look a certain way or have certain things in order to get into Heaven… GET away from them as quick as possible! The Bible says: “FOR it is by GRACE you have been SAVED, through FAITH- AND this NOT from YOURSELVES (Watch This Don’t Miss It! --> ), It is the GIFT of GOD-NOT by works, so that NO ONE can boast.”(Ephesians 2:8-9) Study the word of God … So that you can recognize false teachings.

Note: Salvation is a FREE gift from GOD…. There is nothing you can do to get it….It’s FREE! And Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven! “SALVATION is found in NO ONE else, FOR there is NO other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven GIVEN to men by which WE must be SAVED." (Acts 4:12)

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees in Jesus day wore beautiful holy garments… You couldn’t look more holy than these men but watch what Jesus says of these men…. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.” (Matthew 23:15) Jesus also said of them… “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”(John 8:44)

Note: It’s not how we look on the outside that COUNTS or WHAT makes us holy… It’s what’s in our HEARTS that DOES! Jesus knew that there was nothing good inside the teachers of the law and the Pharisees hearts! Jesus knew these men were not men of God… That’s why Jesus said this to them: “He (Jesus) replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; THEIR teachings are but RULES taught by men.”(Mark 7: 6-7)

Jesus says: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man ‘unclean’... (Matthew 15:19-20) These acts are the things that will keep us from the Kingdom of GOD; and NOT how we look on the outside!

Jesus in the other hand wasn’t restricted from drinking wine or eating certain foods like John had been, because John was a “Nazirite”. Just like John, Jesus was also misunderstood, for the Bible says: “The Son of Man (Jesus Christ) came eating and drinking, and they say, (People said of HIM) 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." (Matthew 11:19)

But the Holy Scriptures says of Jesus: “… And HE (Jesus Christ) will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Note: Jesus drank wine and of course He ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners that’s WHO HE CAME TO SAVE! “For the Son of Man came TO SEEK and TO SAVE what was LOST." (Luke 19:10) Jesus was God in the flesh...“The Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) But people said of Him that He was a drunkard, a glutton, hanging around sinners, demon possessed and still others thought He was out of His mind! But thank God that Jesus wasn’t influence by what people, his family and the devil thought of Him! Jesus wasn’t going to lose His focus… Jesus knew where He came from; He knew who He was and what He needed to do to save humanity! (John 8:14, John 7:20, Mark 3:21, Matthew 4:3-11, Luke 4:43, John 3:16-18)-Amen!

We need to stay in the WORD of God and be lead by the Holy Spirit, so that we can tell the REAL from the FAKE… Truth from lies! Jesus came to set us free and if we focus on the outer appearance of each other… We will be putting ourselves in the same bondage that the Lord Jesus freed us from!

The Bible says: “This righteousness from God comes through FAITH in Jesus Christ to ALL WHO BELIEVE. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE, FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT of the glory of God, and are JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE through the "REDEMPTION" that came BY Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)

Sorry, Jesus Got To Me First…You’re not going to put me in the bondage that Jesus died and freed me from! There is nothing humanly possible that I could do to make myself righteous before GOD! The Holy Scriptures says: “As it is written: "THERE IS NO ONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (Romans 3:10) My righteousness, my hope and my faith comes from Christ and in Christ ALONE it is! (Romans 5:17) I am dead to sin but ALIVE in Christ Jesus! I DO NOT live under law but under GRACE! (Romans 6:11, 14/ Romans 11:5-6). And I definitely DO NOT take advantage of God's amazing grace either...My life I live for Jesus! (Hebrews 10:29-31, Jude 1:4, Colossians 3:3, Galatians 2:20) Legalism and Religion DOES NOT interest me and it’s definitely not of GOD either! “FOR THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL LIVE BY FAITH” (Romans 1:17/ Galatians 3:11)

“So if the Son (Jesus Christ) sets you FREE, you WILL be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36)

GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA

DO TWO WRONG MAKE A RIGHT?

DO TWO WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT?


When people hurt us, lie to us, talk bad about us, we always feel justified in paying them back for their wrong doings. We may think, if they did it to me, I’m doing it back to them…. “ I’m going to give them a taste of their own medicine.” Let’s see how they like it when it’s being done to them. My question is: Is this the way that Christians should think and act when someone hurts us? Or, Do we trust God in every area of our life, no matter how painful the trials might be?

You may ask; what should I do when someone hurts me? Let me tell you what the word of the Living God says:

“DO NOT" repay evil with evil OR insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “ Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” ( 1 Peter 3: 9-12) - NIV


Note: It’s not up to us to pay people back or to teach them lessons. That’s for God to do, because He is “ The Righteous Judge Of All The Earth.” (Genesis 18:25) We can’t continue to say “ I love you, Lord ” but when someone hurts us, we throw His teaching out the window, and we do this by our actions! Jesus said, “ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34) We are commanded by the Living God to "Love One Another"… And this command does not depend on whether people are deserving of this love or not. Not one of us deserves God’s love, grace and mercy in our lives. And yet the Lord showers us with His amazing love, mercy and grace each and everyday! By renewing our minds daily in the word of God we will know how to act in any given situation in our lives (Romans 12:2). My friends, we must be doers of the Word of God and not just hearers. (James 1:22)

The Bible says:

“ …But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “ He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” (Watch This… Don’t Miss It!) When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him (GOD) who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:20-23)

The Lord Jesus experienced betrayal, envy, and disciples deserting Him. He was filled with The Holy Sprit and yet some said He had a demon. Jesus Christ was misunderstood, He was lied about, and in the end, He endured the pain and shame of the cross… Just think of all the things the Lord had to endure to save the souls of mankind…By His actions, Jesus is showing us that two wrongs do not ever make a right!! We must learn to trust God in every area of our lives, even in OUR painful times. (John 13:21, Mark 15:9, John 6:66, John 8:48, John 8:14, Matthew 26:59-60 and Matthew 27: 27-44)


The Apostle Peter asked the Lord Jesus this question:

“ … “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “ I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18: 21-22) - NKJV

Note: Is this our question also, how many times shall I forgive those who offend me and hurt me? The Answer is: According to our Lord and Savior, seventy times seven we must forgive all those who sins against us (which means, in layman’s terms, many times).  “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. FORGIVE as the Lord forgave you.”(Colossians 3:13)

I’m not saying that it’s easy to forgive people who have hurt us and wounded us, but it is a lot easier to forgive those who hurt us when we have Jesus by our side… He understands what we’re feeling and what we are going through because He has suffered much of the same things also! Jesus is the only one that can heal us from the inside out! In the book of Hebrews it says: (Jesus Christ is)… Our merciful and faithful high priest… “ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:17-18) The Bible says: "CAST ALL" your anxiety on him because HE CARES FOR YOU." (1 Peter 5:7)

Jesus says:

“ If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32-36)


Note: Some of you may say… So should I let those who hurt me get away with what they have done to me? And act as if nothing has happened? Forgiveness is the only way to release that hurt and pain from our hearts and souls. Forgiveness is not for the other person. It is for YOU! The Healing from the pain and hurt won’t begin… Until we learn to let go and forgive. We already know that the word of the Lord says: “ 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.” (Romans 12:19) So no one gets away with anything… What goes around comes back around, believe me! The Word of the Lord says: “ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. (Watch this… Don’t miss it!) A MAN REAPS WHAT HE SOWS.” (Galatians 6:7)

So again, my friends, it is not up to us to take matters into our own hands… That’s for our God to do. And that’s according to Romans 12:19. If we truly love the Lord like we say we do… Then let’s remember what Jesus said: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) We can all be better and loving towards one another, if we live each day by the ‘Golden Rule’… “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)


The Bible says, …“GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives "IN LOVE" lives in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)

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

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE


The Bible says:

“According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” Hallelujah! (1Thessalonians 4: 15-17) NIV


Note: Some of us have family members and friends that have fallen asleep (who have died) in the Lord. This is a wonderful and exciting promise that the Lord has given for all of us who believe in Him. We will be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven someday... We won’t be separated from them ever again! What a glorious day that will be. To see Our Lord and Savior, face to face, our families and friends... I can't wait! I’m also looking forward to meeting some of you on that day face to face.

This is why we have to be obedient to Our Lord’s commands. We have our families and friends waiting for us. This is one of the many reasons, we cannot let anything or anyone derail us from the path that the Lord teaches us to stay on... "Fight the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6: 12)

The Bible says:

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-11)

The Lord is near, my friends. We must obey the Lord, study His word and "DO" what it says. (James 1:22)

This is what the Word of the Lord says:

"What good is it, my brothers; if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “ Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead."(James 2:14-17)

"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16)

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:2)

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)


Note: We have all heard the phrase “ No Pain, No Gain”  The Lord never said it was going to be easy. The Christian life is one of self-discipline and self-denial. As a matter of fact Jesus said as they treated me they would treat you. (John 15:18-21) "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) We live in this world but we are not of this world. Jesus said that he went to prepare a place for us and He also said that He would come back for us. (John 14:2-3) This world is not our home, in no shape or form should we submit to it. We should not set our minds in the things of this world but in heavenly things, our citizenship is in heaven. (Colossians 3:2, Philippians 3:20)

God has given us a gleam into the future… What will it be like on that glorious day. In the book of Revelation 21:1-7 it says:

“ Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “ Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (I don’t know about you but that sounds like a pretty good deal to me… Sounds like an amazing place!!)  He who was seated on the throne said, “ I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”

Note: These are the rewards for all of those that lived a life here on earth following the Lord and obeying His commands BUT for those WHO DID NOT believed in Jesus Christ, WHO DID NOT follow or obeyed Him… Read what the word of the Lord says:

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” (Revelation 21:8)

“IF ANYYONE'S" name was NOT found written in the book of life, he was THROWN into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15)

“NOTHING" impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (Revelation 2:7)

Note: Be faithful to the Lord, trust Him, follow Him, and obey Him. He’s coming soon!…  "However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Keep your eyes on the prize, my friends. Don’t look to see who’s in front of you or who’s behind you… Keep your eyes on the finish line, which is Jesus Christ our Lord.. With Jesus by your side, you cannot lose!

Jesus says:

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11)  Jesus says, Our crowns can be taken away… So lets make sure that "NO ONE" takes it from us…Be an overcomer in Jesus name!
If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and would like to have a relationship with Him… All you have to do is believe in Him, invite Jesus into your heart, ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and He’ll take care of the rest. The Bible says: “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

Here is a sample prayer that you can say to invite Jesus into your life. As long as it comes from your heart and you mean it… That’s really all that matters:

“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner in need of a Savior. Thank you for sacrificing Your life to save me, then rising to life again that I might live forever in Heaven with You. I turn from my sins and invite You into my life. Help me to live in a way that pleases You, for whatever time You give me here on earth”. Amen

If you just invited Jesus into your heart, God bless you and welcome to God’s family. The Holy Scriptures says... FOR, “EVERYONE" who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)



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

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