Category: Jesus

We Will Be Divided: Believer and Non-Believer !

“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you, for the spirit of glory and of God rests on you” -1 Peter 14

Sadly, division is happening right now and will happen even more in the future. For if we truly Follow Jesus, if we truly put Jesus first in all things, those choices will naturally divide us from those who refuse to.

And make no mistake, it is a choice we make. We either choose to Follow Jesus, or not. We either choose to go to Heaven or we choose Hell for all eternity. The choice is completely our own, given us by God Himself!

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” – Luke 12: 51-53

Sadly, sometimes this choice will even involve family. We can always love and spend time with them, but we have to be careful it does not weaken our own faith. Those who do not believe, often do not want anyone around them to believe. And unless God tells us differently, we can also Keep Praying for them! It’s a long life, this may just be a bad season for them.

Keep Praying 🙂 And keep Loving 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Participating In The Sufferings Of Christ.

“But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 13

In suffering, we can become even closer to Jesus. Our suffering can become a gift that we can give Jesus if we suffer without complaint and in love, and offer it to Jesus in such a way.

When we suffer for our faith in Jesus; our suffering becomes an even greater gift. This type of suffering is a special gift from God 🙂

When the Apostles and Disciples suffered for Christ, they worshipped God. They were grateful that they were given the gift of suffering for they knew it brought them ever closer to Jesus. And they were grateful.

They also knew that they would be well rewarded when Jesus came at the Second Coming. They knew that whatever price they paid that day would be more than worth it when Jesus came again!

But there is also another aspect to be considered when we suffer here on earth. Whatever we lose in this world, God gives us back, although it may indeed be in another way. Think about this, when a person loses their sight, they often hear better! And whether God brings us closer to Him or whether God gives us a Gift that we can share with each other, God is always Fair!

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Fiery Trials!

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;” – 1 Peter:12

This is a really important verse. So often, as Christians, we think that because we are believers, God will Save us from our trials. But this is NOT so!

Remember what Jesus said:

“A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” – John 15:20

And remember this verse:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” – John 15: 18-19

We are in Good company. Great company! 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Peter: “And above all things have Fervent Charity”

In Peter 4:8, Peter the Apostle, writes a letter to other Christians to tell them how to live in times when Christians are persecuted. Sadly, a time is coming when Christians will be greatly persecuted.

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8

Have you ever lived among those you love in a tight-knit circle in a small house? No matter how much we love one another; we can get on each other’s last nerve, lol. And because we love one another so, we often share our inner most thoughts, including our sins. Or sometimes, we just-get caught.

And that is why Peter’s verse is so very important. The definition of charity is: “kindness and tolerance in judging others.”. Or historically, “loving” others.

The first has often been confused. Refraining from judging others does NOT mean refraining sharing with them God’s Truth. It does NOT mean failing to share with them if their behavior if sinful. It DOES mean loving them anyway! It DOES mean forgiving them as Jesus forgives us :).

No matter how great the challenges we face,

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” -1 Peter 4:8

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Always Welcome One Another :)

“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”- 1 Peter 4:9

In times of great persecution, some Christians may lose much! Some may even lose their home! Many of these items will be practical items such as food, clothing, shoes, blankets, bandages…Some Christians may even lose people they love such as parents, sisters and brothers, friends…

Peter tells us that we should not hesitate to welcome them to our home! And our “welcome” should truly be warm and without hesitation. For those are our brothers and sisters in Christ. There may be less food, clothing…but there will be more love. And God will be well pleased 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

People Will Know That We Follow Jesus If We Love One Another!

” By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:35

Jesus said this to His apostles: “if ye have love one to another”, others will know that you Follow Me 🙂

And do they? There are so many acts of kindness we can do. Listening, smiling, carry grocery bags, sharing our food and water, allowing others in the parking lot to pull out in front of us, sharing our blankets and clothes… The list is endless!

We can hug each other, help each other, walk with each other, share God’s Truth with one another… Just as Jesus does with us 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready 🙂

“Peter’s Letter to Christians In 1 Peter 4 Is About How To Live In The World While Suffering For Faith In Christ. “

Notice, this does not say we should be reluctant to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in case we suffer for it. As more and more people suffer for their faith in Jesus, as more Christians are persecuted, it will become even more important to share the Good News.

Why? In part, because there will not be any Good News to be had. But most importantly, because every person that we reach with the Good News of Jesus Christ will have the ability to go to Heaven if they choose to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Can you imagine is such a time of darkness, how it will help another to be able to look forward to Heaven :). How it will help another to be loved and give love 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

Suffering Matters

A good friend sent this 🙂

“God’s Word shares with you “That having been justified by faith, you have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also you have access by faith into His Grace in which you stand, and rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God. Not only that, but you also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, Hope. Now Hope does not disappoint, because the Love of God has been poured out into your heart by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”(Romans 5:1-5). So what does that all mean? IS it possible that suffering matters? Does suffering have a purpose? YES! Whether it’s suffering in relationships, in health, in your profession, or in your spiritual walk, it ALL has a purpose! It’s shaping who you are and who you become!

Your Heavenly Father continually offers His Courage and Strength to you, not just some of the time, ALL the time! Also, He shares with you to give Him your pain and doubt, that He knows what it is like to have these burdens. Do you remember that His Only Son, Jesus Christ suffered, died and was Resurrected, just for you personally? If you thought some of these moments on earth involve suffering, imagine the eternal suffering He saved you from by your choice to accept Him. BELIEVE that this suffering forever has NO comparison! What an Awesome God you have, that paid for your sins in Full, offering to you His Salvation from this eternal pain! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!

No doubt these “shaping” moments hurt, but you may also know His Joy, Peace, Rest and Healing Touch offered by your Heavenly Father’s Love for you!! May you hold your head high and look around when you’re feeling weighed down, because what comes next IS SO worth it! God has carefully chosen you personally for His Will and Purpose. Accept His Task for you, do not hesitate! Truly, His Extended Hands through you, shall impact many for His Good, Forever and Ever! In Jesus’ Name. Thy Will be done. Amen. Peace.”

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!

We Need Not Be Separated From God!

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:”-Isaiah 59:1

How comforting this verse is! No matter how difficult the times we live in become, God will Save us 🙂

Isaiah 59:2 goes on to say:

“ But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

While our sins may indeed separate us from God, Jesus has made a way for us to be forgiven and repent.

We need not be separated from God. It’s our choice, given to us by God Himself 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready 🙂

God Is Always Fair!

“Yet the children of your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their way which is not fair! 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. 19 But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it. 20 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of Israel, I will judge every one of you according to his own ways.”- Ezekiel 33:17-20

God is always Fair. There are many who will cry out against God’s Justice, but we each had a chance to make our own choices, and we made them. Some made Godly choices and some did not. But we have each been free to make our own choices. And the consequences for those choices will be Fair, for God is always Fair!

The Bible clearly tells us what our “Roadmap” should be for this life. And the Bible clearly defines which behaviors are righteous and which are not. And as if that were not enough, the Holy Spirit is with us and tells us as well!

And not only does the Holy Spirit tell us; the Holy Spirit Helps us! 🙂

So please, ask Jesus to be your Savior today! Let the Holy Spirit Help you. And start your walk on the Bridge Jesus Built Home 🙂

Prepare, Pray & Be Ready!