Faith, Author at FollowingJesusUS.com

In Seasons Of Severe Trial!

A great friend of mine wrote this, just had to share 🙂

“In seasons of severe trial the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust, and so he is compelled to cast himself on God alone. When his vessel is capsizing, and no human deliverance is at hand, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God.

Happy storm that wrecks a man on such a rock as this! O blessed hurricane that drives the soul to God and God alone!

Sometimes the multitude of our friends keeps us from God; but when a man is so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn, he runs into his Father’s arms, and is blessed to be there!

When he is burdened with troubles so pressing and so specific that he cannot tell them to anyone but God, he may be thankful for them; for he will learn more of his Lord then than at any other time.

Oh, tempest-tossed believer, it is a happy trouble that drives you to your Father! Now that you have only God to trust, make sure that you put your complete confidence in Him. Do not dishonor your Lord and Master by unworthy doubts and fears; but be strong in faith, giving glory to God.

Show the world that your God is worth ten thousand worlds to you. Show rich men how rich you are in your poverty when the Lord God is your helper. Show the strong man how strong you are in your weakness when underneath you are the everlasting arms.

Now is the time for feats of faith and valiant exploits. Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord your God will certainly, as surely as He built the heavens and the earth, glorify Himself in your weakness and magnify His might in the face of your distress.

The grandeur of heaven’s arches would be spoiled if the sky were supported by a single visible column, and your faith would lose its glory if it rested on anything discernible by the physical eye. May the Holy Spirit enable you to rest in Jesus on this closing day of the month.

In Jesus’ most Magnificent Name
Amen”

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Shepherds Must Feed Their Flocks God’s Truth!

“And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” – Ezekiel 34:1-2

So what do these two verses really mean?

Jesus is our Shepherd. He took care of us, taught us (fed us), led us Home to Heaven… This warning was to the shepherds that took care of themselves, rather than their flocks.

There are priests and ministers like that today. They wish to fill their Houses of Worship and raise money. They are too cowardly to speak God’s Truth. They want the government to accept them and to be “popular” in society. And so they speak what “itchy” ears want to hear!

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; – 2 Timothy 4:3

But many forget, it is much more important to earn God’s approval, than it is to earn the approval of men!

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

God Is Always Fair!

“Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.” – Ezekiel 33:17

“When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.” – Ezekiel 33:18-19

“Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.” – Ezekiel 33:20

The New Testament does not replace the Old Testament. It is ALL true and it is ALL God’s Word 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Warning: The Occult In Today’s World

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?”-Isaiah 8:19

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:31

“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer ¹¹or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, ¹²for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.”-Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“As used in the Bible, “sorcery” is a broad term that would include hallucinogenic and poisonous drugs—even abortifacients—witchcraft, voodoo, palm reading, tarot cards, Oija boards, astrology, fortune telling, horoscopes, séances, and the like. God has forever frowned on sorcery. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 specifically forbade anyone from practicing divination, telling fortunes, interpreting omens, and from being a sorcerer, charmer, medium, wizard or necromancer”-Tennessee Bible College

Although “good witchcraft” has become popular among some, there is no such thing. ALL witchcraft is evil in the eyes of God! And although it’s hard to imagine, in today’s world, the occult has become increasingly popular.

But what about the even more popular psychics? Let me be clear, ALL power belongs to GOD ONLY! And all of these practices are forbidden by God! They are also a slippery slope! We worship God, not humans!

All of those who are involved in the occult and do not repent and accept Jesus and Follow Jesus before their death – go to Hell. Period.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”-Revelation 21:8

“Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”- Revelation 22:15

Don’t wait, run to Jesus NOW!

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Why Does God Heal Or Not?

A good friend of mine sent this. It was so awesome; I just had to share 🙂

“In the midst of a crisis, you often ask, “Where is God?” You wonder, “Why is He allowing me to suffer?” or even “Why is He allowing my loved ones to suffer?”

Such questions may run through your mind in stressful and despairing moments when you or those you love face troubles, sickness, pain and even the possibility of death.

But maybe you are asking the wrong question. You should ask: Why does God heal or not? To understand healing, one must understand human life on earth. The Truth IS, life here IS very short! Compare that with God’s Life, and the difference IS HUGE! God has been alive from eternity past, and He will live on forever into the future. This IS difficult for human minds to grasp! His Promise IS that He IS preparing you to share in that never-ending life with Him, through the Resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. He Truly wants this for ALL His Children! You have an AMAZING choice and future available that you can only begin to understand!

Sometimes God mercifully lets a man or woman come Home, even to a righteous person, to be spared coming times of trouble or evil. This IS very important to know. Even SO, your Heavenly Father IS Merciful and Compassionate, who knows your physical weakness and how easily broken you can become. He knows ALL about you! He REALLY Loves you!!

Easy to say, “I have tried prayer but it does not work!” From whose view? IS prayer just about getting what you want or IS it about seeking God’s Will rather than your own? In God’s Word, Apostle Paul begged God three times to heal him of a “thorn in the flesh.” God appears to have answered “No!” Did Paul respond by losing his faith? Not at all! He accepted in faith, that God’s Will was Supreme: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.(2 Corinthians 12:10) So, why does God heal or not? To reveal Himself, to highlight His Work, and to test His Children. He heals because His sons and daughters ask Him in faith and obedience, and He heals out of His Mercy, Grace, and Unlimited Love! If you need divine healing, be sure NOT to blame God for problems. Instead, look to Him with gratitude for His Whole Plan. Knowing that He can see and does bring about His Will in your life, as you seek His Face! Trust Him, that even in your suffering on earth, you may know His Presence just by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. He WILL send His Helper to you, to Fill you, to Comfort you, to give you His Peace that no other can!

Sometimes God uses you and how you handle suffering as His Example to others! When others see His Joy, Peace and Faith in you, even during the worst the world can bombard you with, they want the same Joy and Peace. Their hearts open just a “crack” for His Holy Spirit to enter and STIR! Know that in your suffering, your Good Example in Christ, IS bringing others to Him that were lost!! You may not even be aware that they were watching you or paying attention! Your suffering IS allowing His Healing for others!! IS that not AWESOME or what!!! You are His Instrument, His Extended Arms to those He Loves, just as much as you! IS that not worth EVERYTHING, that your moments along with others are being used by God to enlarge His Kingdom!!

My thoughts and prayers are that you ask God to take away your doubts and fears, to Truly Trust Him with your life. That even in troubles, you accept His Will and Purpose and give Him thanks!! You are His Example to others!

Live in Joy, according to His Love for you!! In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace.“

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

God Is Merciful & Just!

“Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “In this too your fathers have blasphemed Me, by being unfaithful to Me.”- Ezekiel20:27

Let’s face it; Israel has a history of sin. One has only to read Ezekiel 20 to see that.

Now fast forward to America. Is our country not committing even worse sins? And yet, somehow some seem to think that there will be no consequences for those sins. But this is not true, our nation will face the consequences for our sins. And soon! God is Merciful, but He is also Just!

Heaven is our Home and we can’t wait to go there. And good thing! For earth may soon see it’s share of difficulties. But if we repent and hold onto Jesus’ Hand and Follow Him, we will enter Heaven and stay there for all eternity!

What matters on earth is so short and so temporary; we need not fear! For we will soon come Home to Heaven, forever 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

This Is Not Our Home, Heaven IS!

As we look around and see the changes in our world, it’s hard not to become disheartened. But this is not our home. Heaven IS! And we are not citizens of the United States, we are citizens of Heaven. We may live on earth now, but Heaven IS our Home 🙂

Sometimes we need to take a break from all of the world’s strife. And it’s okay to do so. When Jesus said He would “give us rest”, He meant it . So take a break, and take a moment to imagine your future-in Heaven for all Eternity with Jesus, our Father and the Holy Spirit. You will make it!

Imagine Heaven, And Then Imagine Yourself There 🙂

Heaven is such an amazing place, but difficult to describe.

But there is one thing I can promise you, Heaven is as Real as the earth on which we stand. It’s not some cloud, or some misty place. It’s the Garden of Eden. There is life. There is laughter, lots of it. And there is pure joy, pure peace and pure love. There are people that we love. There are deep friendships that last forever. There are rivers and hills. There are flowers and fruit. There are dogs! There are things to do, adventures that will never tire you but only brings you happiness. You will never feel sick, anxious, or tired or lonely. It is the Grand Adventure with all the fun that implies, but none of the fear, worry or hardship. And there are awesome hugs!

The closest I can come to describing it in this world’s terms is that it is like the joy of all of your firsts combined, with all of the joy but none of the fear. The first time you rolled down a grassy hill, the first time you spun around in the falling snow, the first time you jumped in the pool. The first time you rode a bike downhill with the wind in your face. The first time someone you love smiled. The first time you were hugged. All of the joy, none of the fear.

How any one or any place can give perfect joy, perfect love and perfect peace at the same time is beyond me, but that is what Heaven is like. That’s what Jesus offers, forever!

I wish I had better words to describe Heaven for you. City of Lights has been used. And although it seems trite, it is true. Filled with Rainbows, the “streets of gold” are created by God’s Light. A golden sun light so beautiful we simply can’t imagine how beautiful it really is. Rainbows, God’s Promises, fill the land. Each more beautiful than the last. Rivers with sun shining on them, so crystal clear that you can drink straight from the river. Trees and meadows, mountains, flowers and fruit everywhere, just waiting for you. Picnics and walks. Running like the wind and never growing weary. It’s simply amazing, just like God’s Grace.

Imagine a world where every wish is taken care of before you even wish for it. A world where there is no pain, no hurt, no worry and no fatigue. No medicine. No rushing. No struggle to just get up. A body that works perfectly.

Only joy. And peace. Only beauty and love. A beauty so amazing that you could just spin around and around, and spin around some more, drinking it in forever. And if you did only that, it would be enough! But there is so much more! Grand adventures, spending time with the people you love. Meeting new friends. Being fearless, not courageous in the face of fear as we are here on earth, but truly not having any fear. Can you imagine? This is Heaven.

And there is work in Heaven. If you can call it that . For it is work that never tires you, never rushes you, and always contributes to something you really care about and enjoy. Work that you want to do. Work that you love.

And there are friendships in Heaven. Real Ones. The kind that fills you up until you are overflowing. Friendships that never cause you pain or heartache. Friendships that never end and give you only joy and strength.

Many people think that Heaven is just some mystical place, but is as real as the earth you are standing on right now. And it is just on the other side 🙂

You will walk, you will run and you will see that people you love and those who love you!

You will never be cold or tired again. You will fly like the wind, with the sun warming you all the way through.

And the best part, you will spend your days with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, in the Presence of Father forever!

So get ready for absolute Joy and Peace! Because that is what Heaven is

Welcome Home!

Death Has No Power Over Us :)

“And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.”-Isaiah 61:5

In Heaven, we will never be hungry or worry about feeding our families again. Can you imagine?

With the price of groceries these days, we all spend quite a bit of time budgeting and trying to figure out how to make our groceries last. And, truth be told, many of us don’t buy the same foods we used too. We buy cheaper foods and less of it!

Then there are millions that truly go without. They suffer far more than we do and know what true hunger is. They truly do not know where their next meal may come from and for many it may actually be out of a garbage can.

But if we Follow Jesus, we will ALL go to Heaven and know what it is like to never be hungry or worried about food and water again 🙂

In close, because of Jesus, death has no power over me, or you who Follow Jesus Christ. We need never worry about death again, for it’s sting is gone. It’s only a doorway we go through in order to get to Heaven! Thank You Jesus 🙂

Prepare, Pray and Be Ready!

Call On Jesus While You Can!

“When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” ¹⁸And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals.”1 Kings 18:18

“you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord”. Sadly, that pretty much describes much of our world today. Indeed, much of our country. In the Old Testament, they abandoned the commandments of the Lord in favor of Baals.

And today, many abandon the commandments of the Lord to follow their own desires, no matter how perverse they are. And sadly, the more they do so, the farther they fall…until they stop even hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit.

It can be difficult for many to have faith. After all, we do not live in the days of Jesus. We don’t get to see Him first hand or the many miracles He performed.

Indeed, Jesus once said to St. Thomas, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”-John 20:28-29

But just because Faith can be a challenge today, does not mean it is not worthwhile. It’s not just that Jesus brings us to Heaven, it’s that He is with us right now. The path ahead will be dark and difficult. But Jesus will light that path and help us walk it. And we will need His help if we are to survive.

Heaven waits just ahead. As does the Help of our Lord.

Jesus loves us; grab His hand while you can 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

“Violence Shall No More Be Heard In Your Land”

“Violence shall no more be heard in your land”-Isaiah 60-18

“No more violence”, hard to imagine, especially since our world seems filled with violence. But there will be “no more violence” in Heaven. For all eternity, there will be Peace.

Jesus is the Bridge between earth and Heaven, don’t miss the chance to Cross that Bridge :).

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!