DEAR GOD: You Are My Priceless Treasure~

Philippians 3:7-11 (NLT)

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.  I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

When I meditate on the Apostle Paul’s words, I sense the joy of a “free man, a joyful man. He is saying things he once treasured became his garbage. Old things of insignificance that once had his all-consuming attention, no longer interested Paul.  Spending more time with Jesus was worth all the currency in the world, Jesus was his treasure, nothing else.

Likewise, it is with those of faith. We have found a veritable treasure in Christ, and it is invaluable, nothing surpasses the love of Christ. There is joy in knowing He loves us. There is peace in knowing He is with us always. There is happiness knowing He redeemed us with His blood. There is a comfortable assurance knowing He saved us from sin, and our salvation is promised. And we know complete joy as we enter Eternity.

Jesus is our Treasure. Not only our treasure but the One Superior Omnipotent King of kings and LORD of lords that will never leave us. This reality of Christianity is beyond our comprehension, and He is worthy of our love, now and always.

“Father, thank You for Your promises and joy of loving You, You are my Treasure, and my reason for living, thank You for all the days of my life and for the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: May I Be Childlike In My Faith~

 

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 18:2-5 (NLT)

 

Jesus is instructing His disciples when He tells them they need to “transform into childlike qualities” or it’d be impossible to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Childlike qualities include humility and a sense of compassion and kindness and openness that are characteristics of a little child. In other words, entering into the Kingdom of the LORD in Heaven won’t be accomplished by defeating all opponents’ and gaining boastful achievements that express a selfish desire to get ahead in a ruthless fashion, or sense.

Instead, we must be humble and walk in compliance and in alignment with His Word and commandments. We must have the “mind” of Christ, and have a heart filled with love of God in all things we endeavor to do in our lives.

Those who enter must be humble in recognizing like little children, we are powerless over the circumstances in our lives. That like little children who are dependent on their parents, we are to understand we are “completely dependent on God” to provide for us and protect us from harm.

Only through this kind of mind-set and actions can we attain the grace from God. And by accepting His Son and following Him in spirit, and belief.

Have you “embraced the inner child” from within to accomplish and attain the goal of His Kingdom?

Are you walking in humility and trust?

Jesus’ words are infallible and His promises are real.

“Father God, thank You for instructing us in preparation for Your Kingdom, may I walk in complete humility and trust, may I hold true to the characteristics of children, and may I embrace You daily, today and always, and know that Your Spirit still guides me every day, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Is There More Traffic On the Way to Heaven or Hell?

Highway to Heaven and Hell - Speed Art #3 - YouTube

 

Matthew 25:46 – And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

 

 

Driving to an early appointment this morning while lost in thought I glanced at the cars on both sides of the road. Endless cars with individuals on their way to an event, appointment, work or something other, and I thought “is there more traffic on the way to Heaven or hell?”

Sadly, I immediately thought, “probably Hell” as evidenced by circumstances on the news, and even within our own neighborhoods, stores and such.  Then I quickly thought about those who are true to God and His commandments. And all of the “silent” heroes in the world today. The people who give of themselves unconditionally without regard to “recompense” in terms of monetary value or status. Those who fight for the underdog, and who are willing to take a firm stand in Christ’ name.

I thought about the countless frontline workers facing emergencies on a daily basis. The EMT workers, and Emergency Room medical staff.  Those volunteering in an animal shelter and working tirelessly to get placement for those who are “about to be surrendered” due to lack of room. Those who take time to visit an elderly neighbor to check in on them, just to say “hi.”  Those visiting a nursing home and bring a gift, or hold their hands, and listen just to lift them up.  These things, and so much more are comprised of a selfless heart, and love of God and others.

 There are still individuals who act “behind” the scenes. Unfortunately stories about “goodness” is very rarely shown any longer, because sensationalism and perverseness seem to top the list at this moment in time.

For those who still walk the narrow path of righteousness, and for those who try,I would have to change my original thought about “is there more traffic on the way to Heaven or Hell” and say without a doubt, there is “more traffic on the way to Heaven.”

I believe the Bible and the overall plan of God and know that Christ defeated the world and death. I know He is coming back, and I know the rewards of those who follow Him.

So, for now this is the plan. Keep doing all you can to please Him and follow Him and His commandments exclusively. Put your trust in Him alone and worship and glorify Him totally.

Then wait patiently in line because you’ll be sitting in some major heavy-duty traffic on the way to Heaven!

“Father God, may I do all You have planned for my life today tomorrow and always, and I look forward to meeting You in person, for now, I intend to follow You and You alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Thank You for Your Messages & Word~

 

How Can We be Sure Heaven is a Real Place? - Trending Christian Blog

 

Matthew 16:19- And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. –

His message and His voice are clear. He wants us to share and promote His Word and His love. He gives us countless warnings and predictions, miracles and overwhelming evidence in the Bible.  All of the incidents and undisputable truths and depictions starting in Genesis in the Old Testament, right down to the last book of Revelation in the New Testament.

When we take the time to review and digest it and understand His whole plan for us and for the world, we get to assist Him in ways we are called to do bringing it all to fruition. We are able to be His servants and bring light into the darkness, through Christ. It isn’t our “own power” but His that brings things to pass. It is under His wings and His guidance and direction, and infinite and mighty power that we are able to accomplish such things.

When He says ” whatever we do here on earth will be loosed in heaven” simply stated means; our acts and deeds that we perform here in the flesh, will follow us in spirit when we pass away.

When we get to heaven we are judged, and it will be based on numerous factors. Our deeds, our compassion for others, our kindness to strangers, our obedience to Him, and our fundamental behavior as Christians overall. And our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.

When we do good here on earth and are in alignment with His doctrine and Word and avoid the evil aspects of the world…we will bring that with us to the afterlife.  When we sin continuously have no regard for His Word or commandments, and live haphazardly in a den of iniquity, we will have to face the LORD and the terrible day of reckoning.

We will either be rewarded for such deeds. Or we won’t. there really isn’t any other way. You’re for Him. Or you’re not.

Which category do you fall into? Are you ready for the day of reckoning? Do you know Christ intimately? Or is He merely a “name” to you? Which side of the gulf will you be on when you pass away?

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence”.Luke 16:26

 

“Father, thank You for Your Word, and Your guidance and Presence, may I be a vessel and servant for You all the days of my life, lead me LORD and know I live for You now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Little Seeds Of Faith: Proverbs 3:1 Sunday School Lesson Idea

DEAR GOD: I See and Hear You Everywhere~

 

Lord, I feel You in all I do and see,

I know that You are always with me.

 

Where can I see You all day long?

You surround me and make me strong.

 

Some of the ways I encounter You,

I’ll try to describe all the ones I view.

 

As sun rays dance coyishly across my face,

I notice a huge spider web pattern of lace.

 

Gentle cooing sounds of the morning dove,

while she sits resplendent in its nest high above.

 

The sight of bright burnt orange leaves on a tree,

I hear them as they rustle on the ground falling free.

 

Rain drops splashing across the murky pond,

I witness a rainbow emerge of which I’m fond.

 

Snowcapped mountains emblazoned across the sky,

Created by You my LORD where You reside so high.

 

You are in the air I breathe and surround me,

Thanks for Your Crimson blood that set me free.

 

I love You LORD for all You are and do,

With You I am strong and never blue.

 

Amen and Amen Now and Forever More,

I love you more than ever, even more than before…

******

 

 

 

I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only.

 No one can hide where I cannot see them.

Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth?

Jeremiah 23-24

DEAR GOD: Fear & Hell vs Love & Heaven?

Heaven Vs Hell Wallpapers (60+ background pictures)

LUKE 23:24 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 

Which road are you on?  Are you on Heaven’s roadway? Or are you sliding down a slippery highway straight to Hell?

A random survey about religion revealed many different points of view, and beliefs. The answers varied across the board. Many believed in a higher power, some believed but then something happened, and they turned from God. However, the majority didn’t believe at all.  When asked further details about why they weren’t interested in hearing about religion, or God, it was astonishing that most of them said, “because all these preachers do is talk about sinners and going to Hell.”

Unfortunately, that is correct. There are a lot of churches that do hold their congregation’s hostage with the paralyzing fear of going to hell. A lot of them preach strictly about Hell, fire and brimstone. Of course, there is a Hell. We are told and forewarned of that in the Bible. And we do realize we have to repent and turn from sin; at which time we will be forgiven.

But bear in mind that we have an amazingly patient and merciful Father. So those who minister strictly on fear to their congregations, they are falling short, and sadly not being forthright, well at least not all the way. There is a Hell.  But thank the LORD above, there is a HEAVEN too! God is loving and kind and wants us with Him.

Exodus 34:5 states,the LORD, the LORD GOD, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin…”

It states it right there! He is merciful and gracious, patient and good!  He forgives.  That should be preached along when trying to save sinners. Keep in mind that we are ALL sinners. Christ died for US.  We have been forgiven.

Sinners that don’t repent, or have the heart to change their way, WILL be held accountable. Of course, if they should continue in their wicked ways, there will be serious consequences.

Again, keep it in your heart, God is merciful. He forgives. He gives oodles of chances. He holds out His arms and rejoices when we love and surrender to Him.  He forgives.

The LORD performed awesome miracles. When His children in the Bible repented and had a change of heart…God was quick to show compassion and impart mercy. He forgave them of their sins.

The LORD is not looking to “zap” His children into Hell. He doesn’t take great pleasure in punishing us. He wants us to LIVE with Him forever!  He sent Christ in order that those who believe on Him, shall find life everlasting and living waters shall flow endlessly. We never will thirst again!

II Peter 3:9 “The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, that that all should come to repentance.”

When we act according to the LORD’s will, and purpose, and believe in Him solely, and recognize His power and Omnipotence, and follow His commandments, we can be assured that we will reap the rewards in which we sow and be part of His Kingdom.

There is a place called Hell. And it’s not a very comfortable or good place to wind up. In fact, it’s torture.

However, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for there is also a spectacular and beautiful peaceful loving place called Heaven.

Yes!

LORD, may I be mindful and aware of Your promises and the rewards of eternal life, my honor and joy is to serve You and do all according to Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.