Month: October 2016

MATTHEW 7:13-14

What determines Our Eternal Destination

What determines our eternal destination? Free-Will choices!

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Bible KJV www.biblegateway.com
The narrow path is seldom taken because it requires accepting Jesus into your life.

God has given everyone free-will to use however we wish. However, it’s important that we ask ourselves an important question. What determines our eternal destination?

Free-will allows us the right to choose how we live, what we do with those choices. However, the choices we make in life, also determines our destination after death. In this scripture, notice that both selections have gates. First, there is the broad road with the wide gate and then there is the straight, thin road that leads to the narrow gate.

Which path determines our eternal destination?

The popular choice is the wide gate and broad path. Along this route people may live, think and do anything they would like to do. Many take this path because they believe it’s the easier route; no commandments to obey, much partying and having fun along the way. Yes; the choice of this road does not require any restrictions. However, this path, in the end, leads to the gate of destruction and eternal death. How we live our lives using free-will also determines our eternal destination.

Then there is the narrow path. Not many take this path because it requires sacrifice. The person wishing to walk the narrow path must accept God’s son, Jesus into their hearts. Following that, they will live their lives according to God’s way, not because they must, but because they want to. Once chosen, this path contains security of everlasting life. By taking this path people still enjoy fun, love, joy and happiness in a way the wide path cannot offer. This path, in the end, leads to the gates of heaven and eternal life. It is totally each person’s own choice to pick the road to follow. Consider thoughtfully and choose wisely!

The popular choice is the wide gate and broad path.

My prayer for Matthew 7:13-14

Heavenly Father,

Bless your holy name. Thank you Father that you have given people the free will to make our own decisions regarding the way we live our lives here on earth.

When you called me, I opened my heart to you, just the tiniest bit and was immediately aware of your presence. Thank you that you took me in to become a part of your loving family. As a family member you guide me, lead me, you help me to grow and to stay true to you.

Do I live a perfect life now?

Absolutely not! This is a sinful world and as much as it hurts me, I do lapse. With the realization that temptation has once again overtaken me , there is no longer the attempt to try to hide those sins. I immediately confess to you. And when I come to you asking for my transgressions to be wiped away, they are, in the name of Jesus. Although I can’t live a sinless life, I do know what determines my eternal destination. I am happy to say that I have chosen the path to walk with Jesus which I know will bless me with eternal life with you. Thankyou Lord.

Praise your mighty name. I praise you for who you are – the one and only true God. Thank you for sending Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

My prayers are for others to find their way to the narrow path and will be as happy with their decision as I am.

In the name of my Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Interested in learning more What is Salvation

Romans 15:1-4

Learning Hope Through The Scriptures- Romans 15:1-4

Romans 15:1-4

  • We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
  • 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
  • 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
  • 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
  • Read the complete chapter here: http://www.biblegateway.com
Hand drawn picture of Jesus Text: Learning through the scriptures Romans 15:4
Romans 15:1-4

If we are strong in the faith of God, then it is up to us to show and lead others. Especially those who are weak in their faith or have no faith at all. As Christians, we have a moral obligation to give others hope. That is, to teach them how to see and know God’s amazing grace, his mercy and everything good that he is.

We are not just to please ourselves by living in the grace, peace and joy we received when becoming a child of God. Since we are full of the Lord’s strength and love, we are to help our neighbour’s and others for their own good. This means, to help them grow in their faith in Jesus.

Christ didn’t live to please himself, he became a servant to others. In other words, Jesus taught love! When we see someone without faith, we are to guide them towards Jesus. Some may say “hey this guy became a Christian because of me!” That is not doing God’s work, but doing something for your own glory. We should be helping others for their good, to help them grow in faith and love.

Being a Christian

Helping others is a important job for Christian’s. If someone has a need and we fill it with no expectation of anything in return, then we have shown them a piece of Christ’s love for all people.

When Jesus was living on earth, he took many insults and beatings, even willingly died for our salvation. He didn’t attempt to vindicate himself, but left it up to God. There is a good possibility that a child belonging to God, will be insulted, hurt physically or mentally. A Christian can stand up for themselves, but should be handled in a godly way. We stand up to them in the best way we can, while staying spiritually whole and having the hope of a future in a world of goodness, with Jesus as King.

Everything written in the past was written to teach us that we can have that kind of hope. When people hurt a believer, it also hurts God. Ask him for the hope that comes from patience and encouragement. That is, the hope that we read and learned about from the scriptures.

The Bible Is Alive and Well

God has kept the Bible alive and well read for centuries. Why? Because he intended for all people to learn from his Word, finding comfort through reading of the events and experiences of others.

The Bible also demonstrates how God’s people stood rooted and learned to praise him in all situations. With biblical understanding, we can also grow in his ways. As a result, we can learn to keep a smile on our faces and hope in our hearts, as we walk through all phases of life, with peace.

The author Paul, says that the scriptures were written for people of all eras.

Looking through a dark covered bridge. Light at the other end. Text: Romans 15:4 Hope
Romans 15:4 – Hope

My Prayer for Romans 15:1-4

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank you, Lord, for leaving the Bible for us. In fact, it is full of information that teaches us lessons. Furthermore we learn through the accounts of people’s lives and their stories. As a result we understand how we are or are not to handle all the different situations of our lives.

By reading the scriptures I can see examples of how some people grew through good choices and some didn’t. However, I can see your hand at work in every situation of every generation written about.

You set attributes that we are to follow. Furthermore, when Jesus walked the earth, he lived the way he wanted us to live. And he taught by example.

Help me Father to continue studying the Bible and learning through the scriptures I read. May the Holy Spirit always guide me. I want to live as an extension of Jesus, that is showing love to all. Allow me to remain close to you in prayer.

Thank you for loving me as you do.

In the holy name of Jesus Christ. I pray. Amen

Jesus is our Saviour Psalm 103:10-14

We are Not to Live by Our Own Merit? – Romans 8: 12-13

Romans 8: 12-13

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Paul tells us that we (Christians) are in debt to God. He goes on to say that God is the one who gives us life and it is he that looks after us.

Paul emphasizes that we are not to live to the flesh or by our own ways. If we start to think and live in that way, then everything we do, we do on our own merit.

When that happens then we are saying that we don’t need God. We will become so conceited and proud that God won’t have a place in our lives anymore.

If we don’t stay in tune with the Holy Spirit, we begin to put ourselves in charge of our own lives. Through these types of thoughts and actions, we will fall away from the Lord quickly and die to self for eternity.

If we allow The Holy Spirit to be with us always; helping, guiding and leading us in the ways we are meant to go and if we listen and obey the Holy Spirit we will live for God for eternity.

Heavenly Father

I thank you for my life. Not only the life I am living here on earth but for my life, through salvation, my eternal life.

It pleases me to follow and give you the glory you deserve. If not for you Father, I would be lost forever.

Thank you that the Holy Spirit lives inside of me. Thank you for his leading and his teaching. I am so very blessed that I have him to guide me.

At his urging, I know where to go and how to act and he reminds me that all good gifts come from you Father. Thank you that the Holy Spirit leads me on the path of righteousness.

Thank you that you sent your Son to save me. I was a sinner, headed for death, but because of your Son’s sacrifice my soul is saved.

It is my honour and pleasure to thank you Lord for all you do and who you are. I am so very blessed to know you and of your love.

Because of you Father and your Son, Jesus and of the Holy Spirit I have the privilege of praising your mighty name now and for ever and ever.

In the precious name of Jesus of Nazareth, I pray.

Amen

hallelujah

Psalm 34: 7-10

The Lord is Good

Psalm 34: 7-10

7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Bible KJV http://www.biblegateway.com

The Lord is good! The angel of the Lord encamps around those people who fear the Lord. As a result he also delivers the people who trust in Him. This scripture does not say one angel but a sentinel of angels to watch over God’s children.

This scripture was written at a time when David was failing in his life. God sent angels to surround David, to help him as he began wandering from the path of righteousness. David was in prison and needed God’s help to get out.

So, David faked an epileptic seizure in Palestine. Because of this, many people believe that David sinned. However, because David pretended to be mad, he was released from prison and kicked out of the town. David praised God for his release. Whether God told David to fake his way out, or not, it was correct for David to give God the glory for his release.

Angels All Around David

David says that an angel of the Lord was all around him. We, as believers, know that the Lord watches over his beloved. So no matter where we are or what we are doing, thinking, saying and feeling at all times, the Lord is with us..

Since God knows everything, does this mean that, as his children, he will pull us out (deliver us) of every bad situation? No!

However, as his beloved, we can rest assured that He is aware of every situation. And because sin is in the world and we have free will, God will sometimes allow what has to happen, to occur. We also must keep in mind that God will always give his children, what is best for us.

What about non-Christians?

God has placed inside the heart of every person in the world, (no matter of the era or country) the ability to know the truth about Him. In the same way, every person has the right to examine and know that God is real. God will not force us to come to him. Meaning, that we must open our hearts and ask him in, when he calls.

The good news is that God meets us exactly where we are. Because of this, we don’t (and can’t) have to become perfect. If we waited until we had everything under control, we would never turn to God.

We are to be in fear (awe) of God. And, as his children, we will always receive exactly what we need (not necessarily what we desire).

Verse 10 says that even the young lion will periodically go hungry. Even the strongest animal in the jungle, sometimes lacks and suffers hunger. His strength and ability does not always bring him the food he desires.

What about non-believers?

If non-Christians work hard and believe in their own abilities, they may feel that they are just fine by themselves. However, there will always be a hunger inside them, for something that seems just beyond their reach…God’s love. This hunger will last their lifetime here on earth and will continue into eternal death.

Whereas, the Christian has no hunger for love as it is already filled, with the love of the Lord. With the love of God, we have everything we need now and into eternity. Meaning, not necessarily in the material sense but in the feeling satisfied and loved.

Prayer for Psalm 34:7-10

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you Father for all you do for me each and every day. You have an angel assigned to watch over me and you deliver me from evil on a daily basis.

When you called out to me, I heard your voice, saw your goodness and came running to you. As your child I am in fear (awe) of you. When I put my trust in you Father, my heart is full, and never hungry.

I worship you Father God for who you are. You deserve my worship. I’ll praise your name forever more.

In the Holy name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen

Without Faith – Hebrews 11: 6-7