Matthew

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

by // // Comments off

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~

by // // Comments off

 

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: Is My Heart Showing Outwardly & Inwardly?

by // // Comments off

 

Praying in Secret – christianityworks

I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 

Psalm 101:2 

 

Psalm 101:2 brings to mind the Sadducees and the Pharisees who wore the long robes, openly prayed and attended Synagogue. They did what was right in “clear sight” of all who would see. Standing on street corners, praying loudly for all to see. And yet these same individuals who called themselves “holy men” of God were considered “hypocrites” by Jesus’ own words.

They didn’t have clean thoughts in their hearts towards Jesus, they were harboring evil thoughts, and plotting to be rid of Jesus.  But to look at the so called “holy men” with their tallits and kipahs in full view, you’d never suspect they plotted and schemed in the privacy of their own homes. They waited while observing Jesus. They were trying to trick Him at every turn. But our beloved Savior knew their games and knew their hearts.

So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him -Mark 3:2

He saw everything they did “in secret” as did His Father…our amazing Sovereign God.  God sees all. He’s a cardio knower. He reads our hearts, knows our minds. Accepts and loves us with all of His heart. He hates “sin” but, He doesn’t hate the person. So, nothing can be in secret. He sees it.

Jesus is grieved by an unrepentant heart.  He can get angry (as in His Father’s house when they were selling mite infested doves, and bargaining. He called them out in a powerful way. Overturning their tables, and with a knotted whip) and he can become grieved. So too His/our Father.

And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts -Mark 3:5

So, when we’re in our homes safely tucked away from the world, do we still behave in a “godly manner?” It’s one thing to behave in a godly way in public, when so many eyes are watching. It’s quite another thing entirely to reflect His goodness and righteous behavior when we are alone with our thoughts, and equally important to have a contrite heart. God definitely calls us to both.

Our Father loves us and calls us to certain standards and practices in His name. He wants every part of us–body and soul, and spirit–to grow close to Him. He wants those that will gladly and freely give everything to Him. Surrendering to Him at His will and joined and grafted in His love.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! -Psalm 103:1

He wants us to love Him. He wants our love. He knows our weaknesses, and of our ignorance in certain areas. He doesn’t require anything more than which we can handle.   When you seek His face and His strength, things will come back to you. He will bless you accordingly, in abundance. We cannot outgive God. God’s word is pregnant…it grows and grows. The more we seek, the more we see and know.

Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore!  -Psalm 105:4

When we do our good deeds, we don’t need to announce them to the world, or blow a trumpet saying, “look at me” – God sees and will reward us openly. He keeps a careful tally of our actions, both public and private. Our actions should be with a contrite and loving heart, and with a complete obedience to the Father. And this is something that should be done both in and out of our homes.

And your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly- Matthew 6:4

Trust in God and know that His will and His intent toward us are always in our best interest. He set up this world so that a real element of faith is always required in order to connect with Him. Never doubt His love or His ability to sustain us in all things.

When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted -Matthew 28:17

When we live a life of purpose according to His will, we will be better for it.  When we consult Him in prayer for decisions, or for an upcoming event, the outcome will be blessed. When we observe His laws, and His doctrine both inside and outside our homes, we will thrive.

Our job is to work inside and outside our homes in accordance with His gospel. To be a faithful messenger to others, in His glorious name.    Is the LORD pleased with your acts in and out of your home?

 

“LORD, may I do all according to Your will and purpose, and may I do all things that align with Your Word, and may all I do openly be in perfect harmony with all I do while at home alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear God: May I sit on This Bench With You?

by // // 7 Comments

 

We are so grateful for this day Lord, for Your love and for another day to serve You in all we do and say, thank You Lord, Amen.

It is incomprehensible to grasp the intensity of Your unconditional love, but it is so easy to be loved by You. Your infinite wisdom envelops our souls.  You harness our very being with freedom and truth, as we parade throughout the day in honor of You.

As creator of heaven and earth, Jesus was far greater than the Sabbath, a day that was instituted to remember His work of creation.  Jesus is Lord of all, and the Sabbath was intended to honor Him.  And rest in the Lord, to feel peace in His presence.

Give thanks to the Almighty God… for everything you do or say, give supplication in prayer to the Lord our God.

Imagine sitting on a bench speaking with Jesus today.  Would you know what to do?  Would you know what to say?  How would you react?  Would you be comfortable in His presence face to face?

Sitting on a bench with Jesus.  First thing I would say is “I love You my Lord and Savior, thank You.”  And kiss his very feet.  I think the next thing I would do is ask, “have I pleased You thus far?  And, if not- what might I do to change that?

Each day as we walk on earth our spiritual selves contained within our flesh bodies… we all should try to ask, “What would Jesus do?”  Think spiritually…always spiritually. What would He say to a person in need?  What would He do, concerning a situation we are facing?  What would He think?  How would He act? How would He feel?

In living like Christ as we follow His doctrine and gospel, are we in fact really doing what He would do or say?  Are we in fact walking in the righteous way of which He would be proud?  If He sat near you this very day on a bench in the park; are you ready to speak to Him and not hang your head in shame?  Would you be easy in His magnificent presence knowing you have done all you can to uphold His ways and choices in life?  Think about that for a moment. What would you do if Jesus were sitting near you right this very moment?

Overwhelming, isn’t it?  My heart swells with love that is beyond expression of any kind.  It is difficult to put into words the depths of love for Jesus Christ, our Savior, Lord of lords, and King of kings. He will be coming again. Soon, we are getting very near.  We are living in the fig tree generation, and it will be anytime now.  All signs point to it, all of what Jesus told us, warned us repeatedly every chance He had. It’s coming to fruition.

And realize that there will be many who will come in His name claiming to be Christ. Be aware and wise my brothers and sisters. Realize that the false prophets will be very tricky.  Always keep your eyes open, be watchmen.  Listen to the Father’s word for therein lies the truth, and all we need to know concerning our very salvation. Jesus is coming back again…we need to recognize HIS voice, and follow our Shepherd.  Be aware of false ones, and do not be deceived! Christ warns us repeatedly about being deceived.  Walk in His ways and heed His words, obey His commandments and be ready for Him always. 

“Be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves” Matthew 10:16 (NKJV)

 

Our Father loves us.  And all He wants for His unmerited favor, endless compassion and altruistic love is for us to love Him back. He gave us His book, and the “Holy Spirit” to guide us and be with us, our Comforter.  How amazing is that?  How amazing is He?

He is our Savior, our safety net, our Rock, our Protector, our Guide, our Father, our love, our Redeemer, our Very Own…and He loves us.  Our Everything, yet all He wants in return for all of this, and more, is for your obedience to Him, your faith…and your love.  That’s all…that’s it.

Does it get any better than that?

Jesus, I’m ready to sit with you on that park bench right now.

My brothers and sisters, are you ready to sit with Jesus today?

 

 

 

 

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

 

Matthew 10:32 (NKJV) “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.”

 

Matthew 24:5 9 (NKJV) “For many will come in My name, saying ‘I am the Christ, and will deceive many.”

 

Matthew 24:11 (NKJV) “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.”

 

Matthew 24:23-24 (NKJV) “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ:’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

 

Matthew 28:20 (NKJV) “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”