Is There Proof Today?

John 15:12-14 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

There has never been a greater demonstration of love in all of this world or its history than what Jesus did when He gave His life for you and me. That one act of love has reconciled us to the Father through our relationship with Jesus. It has given us access to the very Throne Room of God when we pray. It has given us hope for the future because no matter what happens, we know that in Christ, our Living Hope, Heaven is our home. In accepting the free gift of salvation that Jesus purchased with His Blood we received the Holy Spirit who indwells us and seals us; thereby sealing the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Now, we prove our love and friendship toward Him by daily taking up our cross, denying our flesh and desires, and living a sacrificial life for Jesus, and for others. We do this not because we are trying to earn our salvation or favor with Him, but simply out of gratitude for what He did in proving His love and friendship to us. We cannot claim to love Jesus and call Him our friend if we are living a life of disobedience. He clearly tells us in His Word that it is obedience to His commands that proves our love and friendship to Him; and that proof requires death to self daily. Is there proof in our life today?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

The Great Suggestion?

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 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.

What was the reason and purpose for Jesus coming? It was to seek and save those of us who were lost. His mission was to come and lay down His life in order to pay a price that none of us could pay on our own. There was nothing we could do or give to pay for our sins and be at peace with God. However, once Jesus came and fulfilled all that His Father sent Him here to accomplish, He passed the baton to us and His disciples. In Mark He tells us to preach the Gospel to every creature. In today's verses, known to us as the Great Commission, He clearly commands us to go out and make disciples, which involves first sharing the Good News that Jesus came, died to pay for our sins, and made salvation available to all who repent and call on His Name; and let us not forget that one day soon (at any moment) He is coming back to get us. My question to each of us who knows Him as Savior and Lord is this, "Are we living as if the Great Commission is the great suggestion?" I pray that's not the case; but if it is, then it's far past the time that we live out Jesus' command, and start telling others before it's too late.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

It Cannot Be Taken From Us

Romans 28:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." Do we know this? Better yet, do we believe this? Many of us say we believe that God loves us, but the moment life goes sideways one of the first things we do is question God's love. The enemy whispers, "Does God really love you? If He did, He wouldn't have let this happen, then abandoned you. You're a fool if you think He still loves you after what you did." Well, let me remind us that the devil is a liar, and Jesus told us in John 8 that the devil is the father of lies. The truth is that God is love. He proved His love in that while we were yet sinners (His enemies), Christ died for us (Romans 5). He suffered great torture and pain, laying down His life for us, in order to prove His love. He gave us eternal life when we believed, repented, and called upon His Name; even though He already knew we would have those moments of stumbling. God not only gave us His Son, but when we called on Jesus, He also gave us His Spirit who indwells us and sealed us. That means that He will never leave us, nor forsake us, and it also means that nothing and no one can separate us from Him, not even ourselves. The bottom line is that no one has the power to take us out of His hand once we belong to Him; Jesus Himself said so (John 10:27-30). The next time you begin to doubt His love, stop and take time to read what He endured and gave in order to prove how much He loves you and me. Jesus didn't just say He loves us; He proved it, then made sure nothing or no one could change it.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

First Things Have Passed Away

Revelation 21:1-4 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

All I can say is, "I can't wait!" "Amen! Even so, come Lord Jesus, come!" What a day that will be! Will we be ready? Are we ready now? Why? Well, because Jesus could return any day now. There is nothing left to be fulfilled for the Lord to return to take up His bride, the church. However, note something in these verses. Even though there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, there will be a reason why the Lord is wiping away our tears. The Bible doesn't tell us the exact reason why. We can only guess and speculate. However, what if the tears are from the realization that we forfeited so many rewards because we loved the things of the world more than the things of God? What if our tears are for those who were left behind because we failed to share Christ each time the Lord presented us with the opportunity? We are told in God's Word that our works will be tested in order for God to determine our heavenly rewards, and even though some or many of our works will go up in smoke, we ourselves will still be saved (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Nonetheless, we can rejoice today knowing that all the pain and suffering that we experience in this lifetime will pass away in the next; for God promised, "the first things have passed away." The only way anyone will experience this wonderful promise is if he/she has believed, repented, and called upon the Name of Jesus for eternal life. Only then are the promises of God certain in our lives, and only then do we have the wonderful hope of a life to come that is devoid of death, mourning, crying, or pain.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Don't Let Your Heart Be Troubled

John 14:1-3 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

"Don't let your heart be troubled." As this world and our country continues to get worse and worse, many of us need to be reminded of this promise today. We need the same encouragement that Jesus gave His disciples that day. This promise the Lord made is a promise that applies to us, the church, today. Jesus, our Living Hope, promised that one day He will return for us. 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Corinthians 15 tell us that Jesus will return for us and we will be taken up and transformed in the blink of an eye. My question to each of us is this, "Are we truly looking forward to Jesus' return?" I'm sure many of us would exclaim that we are. However, what I see is that many of us who say we are looking forward to the rapture of the church are more excited about an approaching vacation, or other earthly event, than we are about Jesus' return. We have become so entrenched in the things of this world, and our lives here on earth, that we live life not giving the rapture a second thought. As a result, rather than being people of hope who have a wonderful message of salvation and Jesus' return, we have turned into a people of hopelessness who whine and complain like the rest of the world that doesn't know Jesus. My brothers and sisters, it is time we wake up and get our minds refocused on why we are here. I'm not saying we can't enjoy life. What I am saying is that we need not be so enamored with this life that the thought of an upcoming earthly event brings us more joy and anticipation than the return of our Lord and Savior to take us home. In a time when there is so much tragedy and hopelessness, we have a message and a command to share that message with a lost and dying world. It is a message that will lead many to life eternal in Christ, but also a message that reminds us that we need not let our hearts be troubled; because in the moment we least expect, Jesus will be here to bring us up to Himself and take us to the place He has prepared for us. That beats any vacation or event this world can offer.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

What's Stopping You?

Psalm 100:3-4 Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His Name.

Psalm 139 tells us that it is God who formed us in the womb. It is God who created us, made us who we are, and tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are also told that God has mapped out our lives. Today's verses remind us that the Lord is God. He is the God of all creation and we belong to Him. However, let us get something straight at this point; the psalmist here speaks of Israel as the people and sheep of God's pasture. He has made promises to Israel that He will fulfill when He returns. Until that time comes, you and I have been given the opportunity to become the sheep of His pasture also. God made a way for you and I by giving His only begotten Son. When we called upon Jesus as Savior and Lord, He became our Shepherd and we His sheep. Psalm 100 is a Psalm of thanksgiving. As His people and His sheep we are to shout joyfully, sing praises to Him, serve Him with gladness, for He has saved us, blessed us, and His mercy and goodness toward us is everlasting. My friends, if you haven't put your faith and trust in Him and called upon Him, you are His creation, but not His child. Your good works won't save you and your religion won't make you His child. It is only by faith, by His grace, that we receive eternal life. Turn from your sins today, repent, ask His forgiveness, and call on His Name. If you already know Him, then what is stopping you from praising Him and giving Him thanks?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

What Are We Waiting For?

Psalm 90:11-12 Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

Ephesians 5:16-17 remind us of the importance of using our time wisely in these evil days. There is no doubt that times and society are growing worse and worse. This, however, should not take us by surprise, as God already told us in His Word that this would happen; and we are seeing it unfold right before our very eyes. What does that mean for us? Well, as the psalmist pointed out, I don't believe we truly understand God's wrath and what is coming shortly. If we did understand the judgment that is coming, we would put more value on a personal relationship with Jesus and serving Him than we do in the value we put on the things and concerns of this world. I am sure that we all have family, friends, co-workers, and others who need to hear the Gospel and need to be told that they are currently on a path to Hell and the Lake of Fire. Yes, I know that is not a popular message these days, but it's the truth, and the lost need to know what Jesus did and what He is willing to save them from. My friends, we must do all we can to live and speak the Gospel. It truly is a matter of life and death; eternal life and death. Let us walk as the wise, staying close to the Lord and allowing Him to lead us on the path He has chosen for us so that we can share Jesus with others, living each day with godly wisdom, and not waste our days on the things of this world that are herding the majority of people on a path to the pits of Hell. Redeem the time wisely, knowing that someone out there is ready to hear the Good News that Jesus loves them, died for them and is ready to give them eternal life, if they will believe, repent, and ask. What are we waiting for?

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Supernatural Benefits

Psalm 103:1-5; 12 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;

Which benefits is the psalmist speaking of? If we read the rest of the Psalm we'll see that there is a list of benefits, beginning with the greatest benefit we can receive in Christ. It is the benefit of forgiveness. Our Lord laid down His life so that we could be forgiven of the sins that put us on the eternal path to Hell, and ultimately the Lake of Fire. This pardon is not a temporary one, and it cannot be revoked. Verse 12 tells us that as far as the east is from the west, that is how far He removed our transgressions from us. As wonderful as this benefit is, many of us have also enjoyed some other benefits listed in this Psalm. We have been healed from a sickness or disease. We have been pulled up out of a pit of despair and destruction, and had our lives redeemed. We have experienced God's lovingkindness and compassion at times when no one else cared. We experienced satisfaction from the good things God has done, and given us. When we thought that we could not go one more day, or lacked the strength to take one more step, He renewed our strength like the eagle. My friends, the benefits we gain in having a personal relationship with Jesus are supernatural benefits. The things of this world, and all they offer, pale in comparison. If you don't know Jesus as Savior and Lord, you are missing out on blessings that cannot be found in any other. If you do know Him, praise Him and thank Him for such undeserved blessings.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Don't Grieve God

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

2 Timothy 3:3 tells us that in these last days people will be unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good (and this is only a short list). As followers of Jesus we are called to stand out and not be like this. We are to reflect the light of Christ and be ready and willing to be kind, even when others are unkind toward us. We are to demonstrate the love of Jesus, as He did, by loving our enemies and praying for those who despitefully use us, even if that happens to be another brother or sister in Christ. Why? Well, because that is what God did for us, for Christ's sake. Romans 5:8 tells us that God showed His love toward us, in that while we were still His enemies, Christ died for us. On the cross Jesus asked for forgiveness on man's behalf, even though not one person was asking for it; "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." When we refuse to forgive others we are choosing to disobey Jesus' command to love God and love our neighbor. We cannot say that we love the Lord and choose to be unforgiving. Ephesians 4 gives us a list of things we must avoid doing in order to put off the persons we used to be before we became born again followers of Jesus. If we choose to hold on to any of them, to include being unforgiving, we grieve the Holy Spirit, who indwells us and has sealed us. If there is someone in your life, and mine, that needs to be forgiven, let us not hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in us by refusing to forgive. Afterall, God continually forgives us for things we do to Him, and have done to Him, that are worse than anything anyone can do to us. If you don't believe that, go back and read what Jesus suffered because of our sins. Yet, He stilled loves us and forgives us.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Humilty Is Key

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

The devil's downfall was his pride. The Apostle Peter told us that God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (v. 5). Therefore, we are commanded to humble ourselves under the authority and protection of God. Why? Well, I'm glad you asked. It is because in verse 8 Peter warns that our enemy, the devil, is out to devour us. He wants to steal our testimony for Jesus, kill our relationship with God and others, and destroy our lives in general. The bottom line is that the enemy wants to overwhelm us with the cares of this world. God, on the other hand, tells us not to worry. His desire is that we focus on His kingdom and leave the cares of this world in His capable hands. We need to cast our cares upon Him so that He can use us to come alongside others and help them bear their burdens. How? Well, by giving of ourselves and reminding others to also cast their cares upon the One who can carry them all. Most importantly, we are to be busy reaching out to those who are without Christ, who are carrying the overwhelming burden of their sins. We must bring them to Jesus who invites everyone who is burdened and heavy laden to find rest in Him; for He already paid the price for the sins of the world. We all carry unnecessary burdens and worries. What stops us from bringing them to Jesus? Pride. Let us humble ourselves before Him, and get busy about His business of serving and loving Him and others.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).

Be Encouraged and Be Motivated

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

What encouragement is the Apostle referring to? It was, and is, the encouragement we have in knowing that in Chrst we will live forevermore. Those who called upon Him, in repentance, and received Him as Savior, before experiencing physical death, are now with Jesus and will one day be raised up from the grave, physically. The Apostle warned that Jesus' return will come like a thief in the night. The fact of the matter is that the rapture of the church can come at any moment. However, we who are saved and alive and those who have gone on ahead of us will all meet Jesus, physically, in the air. Loved ones and friends who trusted Christ will not be left in the grave. In a world filled with so much turmoil we have a Living Hope who is coming back for us; His Name is Jesus. We have a promise that we will be saved from the wrath to come. Therefore, let us encourage one another with this knowledge, and let us also be motivated to witness to the lost so that they are not left behind to experience the terrible things that are yet to come.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).