february 23rd, 2012

Money, Money, Money

$$$$$$$$

Money is an essential to survive in the world, for you have to purchase food, keep clothes on our bodies, keep a roof over our heads, and etc. However, it takes over our lives, and I am not meaning in a good way. As humans, we all like to have or desire nice things, but in reality we can't all afford the most ravishing items of our time. We tend to worry more about how much money we have in our pocket rather than how strong and faithful our relationship is with the Lord.

"Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, crushed down, full and running over, they will give to you. For the same measure as you give, it will be given to you again." - Luke 6:38

If one is poor, he or she has little to give. Be generous, thoughtful, and give to the less fortunate. Give, and don't expect in return. Help others.

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." - Mark 12:31

One day, I was in the drive-thru line at the good ole greasy McDonalds, and there was a lady in front of me. I pull up to pay for my meal, and the cashier says "Ma'am, she has already paid for you." Reminding everyone.. I have no clue who this woman is. She purposely and generously paid for my lunch. Who does things like that for a stranger these days? Not too many. How was I any different than anyone else? I'm not, and I'm not more special than anyone else. It just so happened that I was in a certain spot, with a certain generous lady in front of me while getting some food. Not that, that was important or anything, but the nice gestures from complete strangers remind you that there are generous and caring people among us.

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." - Luke 6:31

We shouldn't let money, or any possessions make a priority or highly importance in our lives. Yes, they are important, but never forget who comes before all things... and that is our God. Not money, or anything.

My advice for us all is to stop so much of the worrying about how much money we have, and worry about our lives we should be living for our Lord.

Never forget, who is there to watch and keep you safe... no matter how bad the storm can get.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

february 14th, 2012

Valentine's Day

It's valentines day as everyone knows. I hope that everyone has had a great Valentines day too!

It is crazy how there is onlyuuu one day out of the year to show the love of your life that you love him or her. It should be every day, even if it is a simple saying "I love you." It means more than you know. It reminds me that valentines day is somewhat similar to Christmas. We show our love for the Lord on Christmas or only on Sundays. Is this right to do so? I don't think so.

Let's remind each and every person that we love that they are special. It shouldn't take a holiday for us to be loving to one another.

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother an hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." - Ephesians 5:31

Two shall become one flesh, it doesn't say two fleshes. Stick together and love one another, support, care, and be patient with each other.

This is good advice:

"Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man doe not produce the righteousness that God requires." - James 1:19-20

This can be great advice in numerous situations including times in arguments with your spouse and/or boyfriend or girlfriend.

Remember to love each other all throughout the year, not just one day.

And... To the ones without lovers, you will find your special someone. God will send your special someone when he believes the time is right. Stand strong, and never settle for your temporary wants. Your time is coming, no worries.

As I has told myself numerous times:

"Being single doesn't mean you're not wanted... It means that you're strong enough to wait for what's ahead."

Happy Valentines Day! :)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.

february 6th, 2012

The Temptation of Jesus Christ

A lot of people believe that they should earn everything that they get, but that doesn't mean that you have to technically earn your way to heaven. Keep in mind that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, so that we would be forgiven of our sins.

"Greater love has no more than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends." 

John 15:13

It is by grace alone. Our Father repeatedly forgives us, even though, we constantly fail him. The devil will tempt you, not the Lord. None of us are perfect, not you, nor me, or anyone. We were born sinners. Jesus did everything that God wanted him to, and he didn't do anything that God didn't want him to do. He was perfect, and he was a true Son of God. 

We don't earn our way into heaven, and I constantly hear people talk about doing all these different and wonderful things just to be able to say "I know where I'm going." Truth is, people... none.. I mean none of us know where we are going. It is not up to you, me, or anyone... other than the Lord above to decide whether you will enter the gates of heaven or not. Yes, the Lord wants us to live our lives in his name and for Him, follow his commandments, and live a life making good decisions. I'm not saying at all that we shouldn't try to be wonderful children of God just because we don't "earn" our way into heaven. 

"You shall not put the Lord your God to the test." 

Luke 4:12

The Lord doesn't "test" you per say. The devil does time and time again, and so does our sinful hearts. We are tempted to do bad things, but it is on our own that we should make the right decision. God wants us to learn different things every day, He doesn't put us to the test... it's the devil. Don't believe that He is testing our faith. We shouldn't worship the devil, but our God above shall we worship and glorify his name. Forever and ever more. 

"You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve."

Luke 4:8

"And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." 

Luke 4:1-2,13

Remember, beat the temptation coming from the devil. The Lord above has faith in each and every one of us.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Amen.