The Sheep and The Goats

This morning my pastor in a passionate, compassionate message on hell, unveiled the most ignored aspect of the true perspective on eternity. We will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Without the His forgiveness, we are condemned, but with it we are found, accepted, adopted, forgiven, made new, restored, and heaven bound.

Keith Green, who passed away in an airplane accident along with 2 of his 4 sons in the 1970's sings the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25.

James 4:14,
Camelot

Rest

"God’s promise that we may enter his place of rest still stands. We are afraid that some of you think you won’t enter his place of rest." Hebrews 4:1

 I was having a conversation with a family member about the things of God. At the conclusion of our talk, we were talking about an ongoing, alive relationship with God. It became very simple. Any relationship that you have includes conversation, getting to know each other, thinking about each other, and giving to each other in some capacity.

It dawned on me that some people may go for days or weeks or more without thinking about God, reading His word, praying or giving anything of themselves to Him.  When asked who they put their faith in, I wonder who they mean when they say, "God."

There are also people who pray, read, and think about God, but they are so down on themselves that they are paralyzed to give of themselves because their past or circumstances or others tell them of a God that is not real...

God is good, He gives good to His children, if you will put your trust in Him, then you are His child.

The place of rest that exists is inside the life of faith in the Son of God, who came to save the world from sin.

What love the Father has lavished on us, that we, those who walk by faith, should be called the children of God, at rest in His presence. Live there cause that is what we are! (1 John, 2 Corinthians and Hebrews mixed)

James 4:14,
Camelot

Used to

One of the most devastating things to me in the Old and New Testaments are the stories of people who were followers of God, who served Him with all that they have and then for whatever the reason it became something they used to do. God is a very present God, who is jealous of His position and relationship in our lives. As dearly loved children, it is right to give God all thanks and all praise, to submit our lives to Him and offer ourselves for His service.

"I will remove those who have turned away from following the Lord
    and those who no longer seek the Lord or ask him for help.” Zephaniah 1:6 (GW)

"And I will destroy those who used to worship me
    but now no longer do.
They no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance
    or seek my blessings.” Zephaniah 1:6 (NLT)

One of many things that distinguishes relationship from religion is the "right now" aspect of it. Religion is a one time decision or ancestral heritage thing that can be forgotten about after you label yourself. Relationship is real time. Relationship is dynamic and alive. Relationship either exists or it does not. It is either waxing or waning, growing closer or growing apart.

He is still pursuing us by His mercy and grace. He is still welcoming us into a relationship through the blood of Jesus. For now, but a day will come when either our love and obedience or our rebellion and complacency will be our final decision.

"For God says,

'At just the right time, I heard you.
    On the day of salvation, I helped you.^'

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)

 "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies." Zechariah 1:3 (NLT)

James 4:14,
Camelot

Have a Great Day!

Last week I received this card in the mail...

The verse on it is Philippians 4:6

"Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks."

The results of obedience to this command follows in the next verse...

"Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus." (v. 7)

Now the abundance that follows...Freedom from the bondage of negativity and doubt. We are free to fill our minds with the "good stuff" 

"Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable." (Philippians 4:8 GW)

Thanks Paul the Apostle and Pastor Paul at Living Well Church of the Nazarene for the reminder today.

Truly a great day!

James 4:14,

Camelot

Go and Rest(Serve)

T.W. Manson was a Professor Biblical Criticism and Exegesis in the mid 1900s. He is quoted about serving.

"In the Kingdom of God, service is not a stepping tone to nobility. It is nobility."

Two of Jesus' disciples asked Him if they could sit on either side of Him when He comes into His Kingdom. In response in Matthew 20:26, Jesus told His disciples  "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" 

The balance of work and rest is I believe found in service.
Hebrews 4:9-11 talks about the Sabbath rest of God...

⁹ There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; ¹⁰ for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

The rest of God is through surrender not the absence of work.

May my life be an offering unto to You, O God! Use me as You will.

James 4:14,
Camelot

What a Day!

What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see.
To look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me to the Promised Land
What a day! Glorious Day that will be!

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

James 4:14,
Camelot

It's All About Perspective

Yesterday I went into the local Christian bookstore to pick up a book. As I browsed a little I found this small advent candle holder.

I have been looking for one like this on sale for a few years now, a family style size set. 

Notice the broken candle. (Hence the Half price) Sometimes,for some reason, I go into the Thanksgiving and Chrstmas season leaning out, a little off. This year is definitely different. I am leaning in. 

I have so much to be thankful for. My daughter, of whom I am so proud of, is celebrating Christmas with us as a full time resident for the last time (probably). There are many other things to be thankful for. At different times throughout the season, we will spend time with all of the grandparents. We will have a chance to travel with this candle set to celebrate in Lynchburg, Florida and then home for the holidays. 

First, My daughter will light a purple candle, then my 4 year old nephew, the the pink one will be lit by Sam's mom, and finally the last purple one by my mom, lighting the candle for the last time at our house with my husband, my daughter and my mom. 

Truly my heart is swelling withe the verse inscribed on the little pewter holder... Prepare ye the way of The Lord. Mark 1:3

I know I know 55 days left til Christmas, 

Some say this is too soon, there are 55 days to go

Some say there are only 55 days left.

I guess it's all about perspective ... And Jesus of course!

James 4:14,

Camelot