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
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR HIM LATELY?
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR HIM LATELY?
“I tell you the truth,” he (Jesus) said, “this poor widow has put in more than ALL the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; BUT she out of her poverty PUT in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4)-NIV
God has taught his children to always share with those who don’t have… “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? (James 2:15-16) When we give/share with those who are in need we will be fulfilling the commandment that the Lord gave to us… “Love one another” (John 13:34) Giving to the poor is like we are giving to God himself.
Note: Before the Israelites leftEgypt
“If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are.” (Exodus 12:4)
In the book of Deuteronomy 15:7-11 it says:
“If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.”
“Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. GIVE generously to him and DO so WITHOUT a grudging heart; (Obedience to our God will ALWAYS bring BLESSINGS!! Watch this next verse…) “THEN because of this the Lord your God WILL bless you in ALL your work and in EVERYTHING you put your hand to. (You Obey… And GOD will bless)
“I tell you the truth,” he (Jesus) said, “this poor widow has put in more than ALL the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; BUT she out of her poverty PUT in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:3-4)-NIV
God has taught his children to always share with those who don’t have… “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? (James 2:15-16) When we give/share with those who are in need we will be fulfilling the commandment that the Lord gave to us… “Love one another” (John 13:34) Giving to the poor is like we are giving to God himself.
Note: Before the Israelites left
“If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are.” (Exodus 12:4)
In the book of Deuteronomy 15:7-11 it says:
“If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.”
“Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. GIVE generously to him and DO so WITHOUT a grudging heart; (Obedience to our God will ALWAYS bring BLESSINGS!! Watch this next verse…) “THEN because of this the Lord your God WILL bless you in ALL your work and in EVERYTHING you put your hand to. (You Obey… And GOD will bless)
“There will always be poor people in
the land. Therefore
I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy
in your land.”
Note: Every human being on this planet has been created in the image of God… “Let us make man in our image…” (Genesis 1:26) We may have a different tents/ a different look on the outside but we are all made in the likeness of our Creator in the inside.
Note: Every human being on this planet has been created in the image of God… “Let us make man in our image…” (Genesis 1:26) We may have a different tents/ a different look on the outside but we are all made in the likeness of our Creator in the inside.
The commandment is “To love your neighbor as yourself”. If we really understood the word of God and what really pleases Him… Then we would understand, that when you give and help people who are in need, it is like you are giving to the Lord Jesus Himself. You would see the God that created you and me in them. Let’s show those in need what real love feels like… Let’s show them that the faith we have is not a blind faith, but a genuine one that’s ready to be put INTO action. The Bible says “God is love”… “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:16, 21)
In the book of Mark 12:28-31 the Lord was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The MOST important one” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O
In the book of 1 King 17:10-16 Elijah was send to a widow in Zarephath … In this story you will see the faithfulness of God to those who take Him at His word…
“So he (Elijah the prophet) went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink? As she was going to get it, he called, and bring me, please, a piece of bread. As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son that we may eat it – and die.”
“Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. (Watch this…something has to be done FIRST, in the part of this widow…) But first make a small cake of bread for me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land. She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. (The word of the Lord fulfilled in this next verse… Don’t miss it!!) “FOR” the JAR of flour was NOT used up and the JUG of oil DID NOT run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”
Note: This widow obeyed the word of the Lord spoken through the prophet Elijah and that obedience brought her and her family great blessings… The jar of flour was NOT used up and the jug of oil DID NOT run dry… Hallelujah!! The Lord is FAITHFUL but we MUST learn to trust, believe and obey Him FIRST, just like this widow did.
Let me give you another biblical example… In the book of Job, we read that God is very proud of his servant Job and He asked Satan if he had notice how faithful Job was to GOD...
“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8)
Note: In chapter 31:1-40 you will read: Why God is so proud of Job. Job is telling his friends of the kind of life that he lived … Walking in the fear of the Lord and taking care of the poor and their needs. Job understood that the same God that created him also created the rest of mankind and he knew that not taking care of the poor would be a sin against God. (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Let me give you some of these verses in this chapter… (Chapter 31, verses 16-23)
Job says this…“IF I have denied the desires of the poor or let the eyes of the widow grow weary, IF I have KEPT my bread to myself NOT sharing it with the fatherless – but from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my birth I guided the widow- “ IF I have seen ANYONE perishing for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a garment, and his heart did not bless me for warming him with the fleece from my sheep, IF I raised my hand against the fatherless, knowing that I had influence in the court, then let my arm fall from the shoulder, let it be broken off at the joint. (Watch what this servant of GOD says, Don’t Miss It!!!) FOR I dreaded DESTRUCTION from GOD, and FOR fear of HIS splendor I could NOT do such things. ”
Note: The Bible says that Job was a very wealthy man and that God blessed everything he had. Why is this? Because Job loved God, he shuns evil and Job did not keep his blessings from God to himself … He shared it with those who had needs. God could count on Job to take care of the poor people in the land.
In the near future the Lord will separate groups of people to two sides: The Right side will be for the sheep (the righteous) and the Left side will be for the goats (the wicked). And these are the things that the Lord will say to each group…
“Then the King will say to those on his right (The righteous, those who did the Fathers will…), ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
(Watch This… Don’t Miss It!!!)… “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left (The wicked, Those who did not do the Fathers will), Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
“They also will answer, Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
(Watch This… Don’t Miss It!!!) “ He will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever YOU did not do for one of the least of these, you DID NOT do FOR me.’ THEN they will GO away to eternal punishment, BUT the righteous to ETERNAL life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Note: I believe we will see the widow of Zarephath, Elijah, Job, the disciples and many others standing on the right side along with all those that through out the Holy Scriptures have grasped the meaning of the command of the Lord… “Love your neighbor as yourself ”
Question: Which group of people do you want to be placed into? If you choose to be on the right with the sheep, you have to obey the Lord in taking care of the poor and following the Lord’s commands wholeheartedly. Only then will you be standing with the righteous… Standing right next to the widow of Zarephath, Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the many others through out our history that have obeyed and followed the Lord and did not deviate from God’s commands.
The title of this teaching is: “What have you done for Him (Jesus) lately?” My prayer and hope is that we all choose to be faithful to the Lord in taking care of the poor and their needs. By carrying out our Lord’s commands… We will be blessed in this life and the next one to come! The Lord has given us this promise if we obey Him … “THEN because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. (Deuteronomy 15:10) Remember this… “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) God will always keep His word but we have to trust, believe and obey Him in ALL things, FIRST.
James 2:17 says: “…FAITH by itself, if it NOT accompanied by ACTION, is DEAD.”
Note: Some may feel they don’t have anything to give. We have to follow and learn from the examples of the widow of Luke 21:3-4 and the widow that fed the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17:7-16. God will show us what we can give… We just need to keep our eyes and ears open for the many opportunities that we can bless our fellow man with.
This is not biblical, but I want to mention it as an example that we all have something to give. You may all remember the Christmas song “The Drummer Boy”, he didn’t have expensive gifs to give to the new born King but he gave what he did have, his drums. All he could offer was his gift of music, and so he played his music for the new born King.
The economy in these troubling times has left many of us with a heavy financial burden, but money is not the only thing we have to offer. You may have canned goods that you can donate to the shelters, or clothes that you haven’t worn in a long time that you could give to someone else who desperately needs them. Some can give their time in helping adults and children in illiteracy programs, volunteer at a shelter, or be a big brother or sister and mentor the young, etc. We all have something that we can give/share with those that are in need and in this way we will be fulfilling the command of the Lord… “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Thursday, December 4, 2008
IDOLATRY FORBIDDEN
IDOLATRY FORBIDDEN
In the book of Exodus the Lord gives the law to the Israelites. The Ten Commandments and this is what it says…
Exodus 20:1-6
“ I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“ You shall have no other gods, before me.
“ You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Note: The Lord has given us the right to choose either life or death…. Obedience to our Father and Creator brings life and prosperity. Disobedience to Him brings death and destruction. What will you choose? It does not matter what that image may be or what it may represent. The Lord is very clear that we cannot make an image in the form of anything. (In heaven above or on the earth beneath or the waters below) You may call these images “saints” and Our Creator calls them “idols”. If you are bowing down to these images/idols and worshiping them, praying to them ... Whether you know it or not, you’re committing a great sin. You’re arousing our Creator’s jealousy… Are we stronger than He?
In the book of Deuteronomy 4:15-19 it says:
"You saw "NO FORM" of any kind the day the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that "YOU DO NOT" become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of ANY shape, whether formed like a man OR a woman, OR like any animal on earth OR any bird that flies in the air, OR like any creature that moves along the ground OR any fish in the waters below. And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and stars – all the heavenly array – "DO NOT" be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven."
Note: Verses 23-24 of the same chapter (4) Moses reminds the people NOT to forget the covenant that they had made with the Lord…
“BE CAREFUL NOT" to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; "DO NOT" make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a CONSUMING FIRE, A JEALOUS GOD." (See also Hebrews 12:29)
Let me show you how serious this is to God:
In the book of Deuteronomy Ch.31: Verses 16-18 God tells Moses of Israel’s rebellion.
"And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people "WILL SOON PROSTITUTE" themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They WILL forsake me and BREAK the covenant I made with them. On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. (Don’t miss this last verse!) MANY disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, ‘ Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us? And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of ALL their wickedness in TURNING to other gods."
Note: God gave Moses "a song", so that, it might be a witness between God and the people in their rebellion against Him, which would take place sometime in the future. (Deuteronomy 31:19) In the next chapter 32 we read of that song… Here are a few verses of that song.
Chapter 32: 16-18
"They made Him JEALOUS" with their foreign gods and "ANGERED" him with their detestable idols.
On the next verse we see what God sees in these idols…
“ They sacrificed to "DEMONS", which are NOT God - (Demons can manifest through idols)
gods they had NOT known,
gods that recently appeared,
gods your fathers did not fear."
And by turning from God and serving idols, the Israelites deserted the GOD, that brought them out of the land of slavery.... "You deserted the Rock, who fathered you;
You forgot the God who gave you birth."
Note: These idols/images are man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear, or eat, or smell. They cannot help you in times of trouble and they definitely can’t save you or get you into Heaven. For the Bible says… “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Jesus is the only way to heaven. (Acts 4:12, John 3:16-18, Isaiah 45:20, Habakkuk 2:18-19, Revelation 9:20)
Note: The only thing that idol worshiping brings is destruction and a curse for a people, for a nation. (Deuteronomy 27:15 & Deuteronomy 30:17-18) This is the penalty for turning from the "ONE TRUE GOD", Creator of heaven and earth and worshiping worthless things. The Lord "ALONE" is God; besides Him there is "NO" other. (Isaiah 45:5)
You may say to yourself … That’s the Old Testament and that’s how God did things back then…I will show you in the New Testament that "idolatry" is still a detestable sin to the Creator. The God that we serve is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
In the book of Acts 14:8-18 …we read of Paul and Barnabas in the cities of Lystra and Derbe…
“ In the Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “ Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk." (Watch what happens to Paul and Barnabas after this man received his healing)..."When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “ The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. (There goes out the window, the big bang theory)
Note: The servants of God are not to be worship. God gave all his disciples/ apostles … Power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2/ Matthew 10:1) Paul was called later by God to be an Apostle and to carry the Lord’s name to the Gentiles…You can read about his conversion in the book of Acts 9:1-22. Paul had the same authority as the other Apostles. These chosen men are the instruments that the Lord used to demonstrate His power…They’re coming in His name (Jesus Christ) and pointing men to Him. So they are not to be made into an idol/image and be worshiped. It is forbidden.
In the book of Acts Paul tells the men of Athens this concerning idolatry…
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, (With this statement Paul knocks off the Darwin Theory also) we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone – an image made by man’s design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead(Jesus Christ)."~Acts 17:29-31
In the book of Romans we read of the punishment for the sin of idolatry…
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.THEREFORE GOD GAVE THEM OVER in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. THEY EXCHANGED" the truth of God FOR a lie, "AND WORSHIPED AND SERVED" created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen. (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) BECAUSE OF THIS, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."~Romans 1:21-27 (No one is born a homosexual as some may think…According to the "WORD OF GOD" it is the result for worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator.)
Note: The book of Romans says: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie… Let me show you what this means…
The Bible says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) And the lie, that man has taught is, that the world was formed by this “Big Bang Theory”.
The Bible says: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) And man has taught, that the human race has descended from monkey’s…“Darwin’s Theory”
And then we wonder, why have "ALL" these calamites and disasters have fallen on our nation…It is time to repent from all these sins and turn to the one true God and serve Him only. . He is our Father…our Creator…our loving and merciful God.
Note: The Bible says… that God is a jealous God. He says of Himself… “For your maker is your husband…(Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 3:14) and as your husband … He considers the "sin of idolatry" as your committing adultery against Him. “Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.” (Jeremiah 3:9)
You are being unfaithful (cheating) on your Creator by worshipping and serving created things instead of worshiping and serving Him…Who is the one true God! GOD created the world and everything in it for the benefit of man and then man turns around and worships and serves those created things…What a let down this is to our Creator.
Now that you heard from the Lord…What are you going to do? “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7)
The LORD Says: “Turn to me and be saved, ALL you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is "NO OTHER.” (Isaiah 45:22)~Amen
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
In the book of Exodus the Lord gives the law to the Israelites. The Ten Commandments and this is what it says…
Exodus 20:1-6
“ I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“ You shall have no other gods, before me.
“ You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Note: The Lord has given us the right to choose either life or death…. Obedience to our Father and Creator brings life and prosperity. Disobedience to Him brings death and destruction. What will you choose? It does not matter what that image may be or what it may represent. The Lord is very clear that we cannot make an image in the form of anything. (In heaven above or on the earth beneath or the waters below) You may call these images “saints” and Our Creator calls them “idols”. If you are bowing down to these images/idols and worshiping them, praying to them ... Whether you know it or not, you’re committing a great sin. You’re arousing our Creator’s jealousy… Are we stronger than He?
In the book of Deuteronomy 4:15-19 it says:
"You saw "NO FORM" of any kind the day the Lord spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully, so that "YOU DO NOT" become corrupt and make for yourselves an idol, an image of ANY shape, whether formed like a man OR a woman, OR like any animal on earth OR any bird that flies in the air, OR like any creature that moves along the ground OR any fish in the waters below. And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and stars – all the heavenly array – "DO NOT" be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven."
Note: Verses 23-24 of the same chapter (4) Moses reminds the people NOT to forget the covenant that they had made with the Lord…
“BE CAREFUL NOT" to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; "DO NOT" make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. For the Lord your God is a CONSUMING FIRE, A JEALOUS GOD." (See also Hebrews 12:29)
Let me show you how serious this is to God:
In the book of Deuteronomy Ch.31: Verses 16-18 God tells Moses of Israel’s rebellion.
"And the Lord said to Moses: “You are going to rest with your fathers, and these people "WILL SOON PROSTITUTE" themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They WILL forsake me and BREAK the covenant I made with them. On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. (Don’t miss this last verse!) MANY disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, ‘ Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us? And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of ALL their wickedness in TURNING to other gods."
Note: God gave Moses "a song", so that, it might be a witness between God and the people in their rebellion against Him, which would take place sometime in the future. (Deuteronomy 31:19) In the next chapter 32 we read of that song… Here are a few verses of that song.
Chapter 32: 16-18
"They made Him JEALOUS" with their foreign gods and "ANGERED" him with their detestable idols.
On the next verse we see what God sees in these idols…
“ They sacrificed to "DEMONS", which are NOT God - (Demons can manifest through idols)
gods they had NOT known,
gods that recently appeared,
gods your fathers did not fear."
And by turning from God and serving idols, the Israelites deserted the GOD, that brought them out of the land of slavery.... "You deserted the Rock, who fathered you;
You forgot the God who gave you birth."
Note: These idols/images are man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear, or eat, or smell. They cannot help you in times of trouble and they definitely can’t save you or get you into Heaven. For the Bible says… “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Jesus is the only way to heaven. (Acts 4:12, John 3:16-18, Isaiah 45:20, Habakkuk 2:18-19, Revelation 9:20)
Note: The only thing that idol worshiping brings is destruction and a curse for a people, for a nation. (Deuteronomy 27:15 & Deuteronomy 30:17-18) This is the penalty for turning from the "ONE TRUE GOD", Creator of heaven and earth and worshiping worthless things. The Lord "ALONE" is God; besides Him there is "NO" other. (Isaiah 45:5)
You may say to yourself … That’s the Old Testament and that’s how God did things back then…I will show you in the New Testament that "idolatry" is still a detestable sin to the Creator. The God that we serve is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
In the book of Acts 14:8-18 …we read of Paul and Barnabas in the cities of Lystra and Derbe…
“ In the Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “ Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk." (Watch what happens to Paul and Barnabas after this man received his healing)..."When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “ The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. (There goes out the window, the big bang theory)
Note: The servants of God are not to be worship. God gave all his disciples/ apostles … Power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2/ Matthew 10:1) Paul was called later by God to be an Apostle and to carry the Lord’s name to the Gentiles…You can read about his conversion in the book of Acts 9:1-22. Paul had the same authority as the other Apostles. These chosen men are the instruments that the Lord used to demonstrate His power…They’re coming in His name (Jesus Christ) and pointing men to Him. So they are not to be made into an idol/image and be worshiped. It is forbidden.
In the book of Acts Paul tells the men of Athens this concerning idolatry…
“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, (With this statement Paul knocks off the Darwin Theory also) we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone – an image made by man’s design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead(Jesus Christ)."~Acts 17:29-31
In the book of Romans we read of the punishment for the sin of idolatry…
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.THEREFORE GOD GAVE THEM OVER in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. THEY EXCHANGED" the truth of God FOR a lie, "AND WORSHIPED AND SERVED" created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen. (Watch This... Don't Miss It!) BECAUSE OF THIS, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."~Romans 1:21-27 (No one is born a homosexual as some may think…According to the "WORD OF GOD" it is the result for worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator.)
Note: The book of Romans says: “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie… Let me show you what this means…
The Bible says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) And the lie, that man has taught is, that the world was formed by this “Big Bang Theory”.
The Bible says: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) And man has taught, that the human race has descended from monkey’s…“Darwin’s Theory”
And then we wonder, why have "ALL" these calamites and disasters have fallen on our nation…It is time to repent from all these sins and turn to the one true God and serve Him only. . He is our Father…our Creator…our loving and merciful God.
Note: The Bible says… that God is a jealous God. He says of Himself… “For your maker is your husband…(Isaiah 54:5, Jeremiah 3:14) and as your husband … He considers the "sin of idolatry" as your committing adultery against Him. “Because Israel’s immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood.” (Jeremiah 3:9)
You are being unfaithful (cheating) on your Creator by worshipping and serving created things instead of worshiping and serving Him…Who is the one true God! GOD created the world and everything in it for the benefit of man and then man turns around and worships and serves those created things…What a let down this is to our Creator.
Now that you heard from the Lord…What are you going to do? “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7)
The LORD Says: “Turn to me and be saved, ALL you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is "NO OTHER.” (Isaiah 45:22)~Amen
GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Thursday, November 13, 2008
WHERE ARE YOU STORING YOUR TREASURE?
WHERE ARE YOU STORING YOUR TREASURE?
As believers, our goal here on earth should be to only carry out our Lord’s commands. We should NOT be focus on worldly possession because we know, that when we obey His commands, we are storing riches in Heaven.
Solomon is described as the wisest man in the entire Bible. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you will see that he had all that his heart desired and he tried all kinds of things under the sun (Its what the Bible says). What he found out was this… “Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) He’s trying to teach us something here… That we should not chase after those things that the rest of the world lust and runs after. King Salomon is telling us, "I’ve been there, done that, graduated and got a trophy." He had it all and in the end he came up with this conclusion… “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including "EVERY" hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Earthly things can "NEVER" statisfied or fill your soul like GOD can.... It will always end up being; “Utterly meaningless!
Note: What kind of things are we setting our hearts on? Bigger houses, bigger bank accounts, expensive things or is your heart for God. The Lord says: “ No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24) As Christians this should be our goal in life… To be completely devoted to Jesus. "NOTHING" else should have first place in our lives. (As Solomon said; "For this is the whole duty of man.") When we put God FIRST, he guarantees, that he’ll take care of us. He supplies all our needs. “BUT seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Setting our hearts on other things than carrying out the Lord’s commands, will only lead to pain and disappointments. We watched in horror as all those people’s houses burned in the California fires. We have seen hurricanes, tornados, and tsunamis do the same things. Destroying all the things that we all work so hard to get. Others have never had any of these natural disasters come upon them, but they have had someone take away from them the things they have worked so hard to get. Sometimes this comes in the form of a repossession of your belongings; other times, there could be, a loss of a job, or even a burglary. All these circumstances are very painful. What we see here on earth is only temporary. The material things wouldn’t last. What you do for the Lord will. The Lord is making all things new (Revelation 21:5) I’m looking forward to the "NEW THINGS" God has store up for those that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
This is what the Lord says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) The Lord Jesus is a great boss to work for. He has our rewards saved for us in heaven. We can trust that our 401k and our retirement funds are safe in His hands. So do not worry about getting worldly possessions. FIX your eyes on Jesus and obey His commandments...Knowing as we obey HIM faithfully, we are storing treasures in Heaven.
We are the Lord’s servants, we MUST carry out His commands and WE MUST also be "WATCHFULLY" awaiting for His soon return to the Earth. Let me show you what Paul tells Titus:
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “ “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (Watch This...Don't Miss It!) while we "WAIT" for the blessed hope- the "GLORIOUS APPEARING" of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. "(Titus 2:11-14)
The book of John says:
"DO NOT" love the world or "ANYTHING" in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
Note: The Apostle Paul has been a great inspiration in my walk with the Lord. He loved the Lord and he didn’t think he wasn’t blessed just because things didn't go his way or that he had to spend most of his time in jail. Paul knew that his earthly stay was a temporary one... His mind was set on heavenly things! (Colosians 3:2) Paul was committed, on carrying out the task that the Lord had given him and he was going to carry those out no matter what. Let me show you what he tells the Philippians Church:
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)
Let me give a couple of more scriptures to show you how dedicated this man of God was… Paul knew that the Lord would reward him for his service and dedication to Him:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul loved our Lord and Savior and he had a genuine love for people also. Look what he tells the Corinthians Church:
“ For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33,11:1)
Note: This should be "THE GOAL" of every Christian to "SEEK" the Lord, to "OBEY" His commands and to seek "THE GOOD OF OTHERS". This is how we store up treasures in Heaven. Is your heart set on getting earthly things that won’t last or is your heart set in being a servant of the living God? Knowing as you live the rest of your life dedicated to Jesus, you’ll be storing treasures in Heaven that will last forever! Amen
In the book of Hebrews says:
"God is NOT unjust; HE "WILL NOT" forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. WE "DO NOT" want you to become lazy, BUT to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:11-12)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
As believers, our goal here on earth should be to only carry out our Lord’s commands. We should NOT be focus on worldly possession because we know, that when we obey His commands, we are storing riches in Heaven.
Solomon is described as the wisest man in the entire Bible. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you will see that he had all that his heart desired and he tried all kinds of things under the sun (Its what the Bible says). What he found out was this… “Meaningless! Meaningless! Says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) He’s trying to teach us something here… That we should not chase after those things that the rest of the world lust and runs after. King Salomon is telling us, "I’ve been there, done that, graduated and got a trophy." He had it all and in the end he came up with this conclusion… “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including "EVERY" hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) Earthly things can "NEVER" statisfied or fill your soul like GOD can.... It will always end up being; “Utterly meaningless!
Note: What kind of things are we setting our hearts on? Bigger houses, bigger bank accounts, expensive things or is your heart for God. The Lord says: “ No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24) As Christians this should be our goal in life… To be completely devoted to Jesus. "NOTHING" else should have first place in our lives. (As Solomon said; "For this is the whole duty of man.") When we put God FIRST, he guarantees, that he’ll take care of us. He supplies all our needs. “BUT seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Setting our hearts on other things than carrying out the Lord’s commands, will only lead to pain and disappointments. We watched in horror as all those people’s houses burned in the California fires. We have seen hurricanes, tornados, and tsunamis do the same things. Destroying all the things that we all work so hard to get. Others have never had any of these natural disasters come upon them, but they have had someone take away from them the things they have worked so hard to get. Sometimes this comes in the form of a repossession of your belongings; other times, there could be, a loss of a job, or even a burglary. All these circumstances are very painful. What we see here on earth is only temporary. The material things wouldn’t last. What you do for the Lord will. The Lord is making all things new (Revelation 21:5) I’m looking forward to the "NEW THINGS" God has store up for those that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
This is what the Lord says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21) The Lord Jesus is a great boss to work for. He has our rewards saved for us in heaven. We can trust that our 401k and our retirement funds are safe in His hands. So do not worry about getting worldly possessions. FIX your eyes on Jesus and obey His commandments...Knowing as we obey HIM faithfully, we are storing treasures in Heaven.
We are the Lord’s servants, we MUST carry out His commands and WE MUST also be "WATCHFULLY" awaiting for His soon return to the Earth. Let me show you what Paul tells Titus:
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “ “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (Watch This...Don't Miss It!) while we "WAIT" for the blessed hope- the "GLORIOUS APPEARING" of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. "(Titus 2:11-14)
The book of John says:
"DO NOT" love the world or "ANYTHING" in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:15-17)
Note: The Apostle Paul has been a great inspiration in my walk with the Lord. He loved the Lord and he didn’t think he wasn’t blessed just because things didn't go his way or that he had to spend most of his time in jail. Paul knew that his earthly stay was a temporary one... His mind was set on heavenly things! (Colosians 3:2) Paul was committed, on carrying out the task that the Lord had given him and he was going to carry those out no matter what. Let me show you what he tells the Philippians Church:
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13)
Let me give a couple of more scriptures to show you how dedicated this man of God was… Paul knew that the Lord would reward him for his service and dedication to Him:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul loved our Lord and Savior and he had a genuine love for people also. Look what he tells the Corinthians Church:
“ For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:33,11:1)
Note: This should be "THE GOAL" of every Christian to "SEEK" the Lord, to "OBEY" His commands and to seek "THE GOOD OF OTHERS". This is how we store up treasures in Heaven. Is your heart set on getting earthly things that won’t last or is your heart set in being a servant of the living God? Knowing as you live the rest of your life dedicated to Jesus, you’ll be storing treasures in Heaven that will last forever! Amen
In the book of Hebrews says:
"God is NOT unjust; HE "WILL NOT" forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. WE "DO NOT" want you to become lazy, BUT to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:11-12)
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A NEW BEGINNING
A NEW BEGINNING
Because of what Jesus did for us at the cross…We can have a brand new start in life. The Lord will show you how to live this brand new life. Spend time in His Word (The Bible) and He’ll teach you to live a life that will bring many blessings and rewards to your life.
To get the full benefits of this new life… You will have to become everything that the Lord says a Christian person should be , we can no longer continue to be like we used to be. (John 8:11, John 14:15, 21, 23-24, Titus 2:11-14) The apostle Paul admonish us in this: "... “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS.” (2 Timothy 2:19, Romans Ch.6, Galatians 5:13, Hebrews 12:14, James 1:22, 2 Peter 1:5-11, 3:11, 18)
The Bible it also says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, "he is a new creation"; THE OLD HAS GONE, the NEW has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"God made him (Jesus Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
"And he (Jesus Christ) died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians Ch.5:15) NIV
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians Ch. 5:8-10) NIV
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Colossians Ch.3:5-10)
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians Ch. 6:19-20)
Note: Once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior…Our journey doesn’t stop there, we must live a lifestyle of obedience to Him… Doing and acting like He commands. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, 1 John 2:3-6)
If you’re ready for “A New Beginning” ... Come to Jesus, He'll give you a brand new start in life. He’ll change your life from the inside out…"NO ONE" can do for you what "ONLY" Jesus can do! Spend time with Jesus daily in prayers and Bible studies...It's very important for our spiritual growth that we spend time with our Savior daily. (Matthew, 6:33, John 15:5-6)
For those of you who don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior and would like to invite Him into your life and heart… All you have to do is ask Him to and He’ll gladly take your invitation. 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
Welcome to God’s Family… Remember Jesus loves you so much. Follow Jesus... He'll NEVER let you down!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
Because of what Jesus did for us at the cross…We can have a brand new start in life. The Lord will show you how to live this brand new life. Spend time in His Word (The Bible) and He’ll teach you to live a life that will bring many blessings and rewards to your life.
To get the full benefits of this new life… You will have to become everything that the Lord says a Christian person should be , we can no longer continue to be like we used to be. (John 8:11, John 14:15, 21, 23-24, Titus 2:11-14) The apostle Paul admonish us in this: "... “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord MUST TURN AWAY FROM WICKEDNESS.” (2 Timothy 2:19, Romans Ch.6, Galatians 5:13, Hebrews 12:14, James 1:22, 2 Peter 1:5-11, 3:11, 18)
The Bible it also says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, "he is a new creation"; THE OLD HAS GONE, the NEW has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"God made him (Jesus Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5: 21)
"And he (Jesus Christ) died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians Ch.5:15) NIV
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (Ephesians Ch. 5:8-10) NIV
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Colossians Ch.3:5-10)
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians Ch. 6:19-20)
Note: Once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior…Our journey doesn’t stop there, we must live a lifestyle of obedience to Him… Doing and acting like He commands. (John 14:15, 21, 23-24, 1 John 2:3-6)
If you’re ready for “A New Beginning” ... Come to Jesus, He'll give you a brand new start in life. He’ll change your life from the inside out…"NO ONE" can do for you what "ONLY" Jesus can do! Spend time with Jesus daily in prayers and Bible studies...It's very important for our spiritual growth that we spend time with our Savior daily. (Matthew, 6:33, John 15:5-6)
For those of you who don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior and would like to invite Him into your life and heart… All you have to do is ask Him to and He’ll gladly take your invitation. 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
Welcome to God’s Family… Remember Jesus loves you so much. Follow Jesus... He'll NEVER let you down!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL NOW AND ALWAYS
YOUR FRIEND,
VICKY RIVERA
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