Valid Entry

Read this story from today's RBC. Very interesting and something deep to think about.


Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” —John 14:6

"On a teaching trip outside the US, my wife and I were denied entry into our country of destination because of visa problems. Although we were under the assumption our visas had been correctly issued by the country we planned to visit, they were deemed invalid. Despite the efforts of several government officials, nothing could be done. We weren’t allowed in. We were placed on the next flight back to the States. No amount of intervention could change the fact that we did not have the proper validation for entrance.

That experience with my visa was inconvenient, but it can’t begin to compare with the ultimate entry rejection. I’m speaking of those who will stand before God without valid entry into heaven. What if they were to present the record of their religious efforts and good deeds? That would not be enough. What if they were to call character references? That wouldn’t work. Only one thing can give anyone entry into heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

Christ alone, through His death and resurrection, paid the price for our sins. And only He can give us valid entry into the presence of the Father. Have you put your faith in Jesus? Make sure you have a valid entry into heaven." —Bill Crowder

There aren’t many ways into heaven;
The Bible says there’s only one;
Good works won’t gain anyone entrance;
It’s only through faith in God’s Son. —Sper

Only through Christ can we enter the Father’s presence.

Temptations

Earthly life is a pilgrimage, and as such it is full of temptations. But our spiritual growth is worked out in temptation. By experiencing temptations, we know ourselves. By fighting them we have a chance to become winners. By overcoming them, we are crowned victors. Lord, you are our physician, healing the ills of all.

-- St. Augustine

Lord lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil today and everyday in Jesus name--Amen.

To get a clear view of God, focus on Jesus Christ.

Day by day I am trying to gain a better relationship with God through Jesus. That is all that matters. x

When am I getting there?

Are We There Yet?

The Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart. —Deuteronomy 8:2

If there is any such thing as a universal question, it may be this: Are we there yet? Generations of children have asked it. They have then grown into adults who have to answer the same question when their children ask.

Whenever I read the books of Moses, I wonder how many times he heard that question from the Israelites. Before rescuing them from slavery and leading them out of Egypt, Moses told them that the Lord would lead them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). He did, but first they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This was no ordinary wandering, however. They were not lost; they were wandering for a purpose. After 400 years of slavery, the children of Israel needed to have their hearts, souls, and minds reoriented toward God. This was accomplished in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2,15-18), but not before an entire generation died because of their disobedience (Num. 32:13).

In life, it sometimes seems as if we are wandering in circles. We feel lost. We want to ask God, “Are we there yet? How much longer?” At such times, it helps to remember that the journey, not just the destination, is important to God. He uses it to humble us, test us, and show us what is in our hearts. —Julie Ackerman Link

All God’s testings have a purpose—
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. —Zoller

It’s the journey, not just the destination, that’s important.

Ash Wednesday and ridding oneself of old ways

Today we observe Ash Wednesday. This day marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and penance in preparation for the celebration of the Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. During this season we are called to meditate upon the sufferings and Passion of Jesus Christ, as well as our own sufferings and how we might become better beneficiaries of God's will. In addition, we are called to perform works of mercy so as to build up the Body of Christ.
Ash Wednesday could by others be considered just any other day but on this day we are reminded of who we really are and what we are and the sacrifices that have been made for us. In this observation of Lent I want to sacrifice some things and rid myself of my old ways.

Tis the night before Lent

It's the night before Lent and as someone
who is turning back to Christ recently I have
yet to decide what I will be giving up for the
Lenten season. Regardless I plan to spend more
time with my number one--Christ.
Deciding what one will give up for Lent is almost
like a New Year's Resolution but with greater determination
because you are not only doing it for yourself but for the
love of Christ.
I think I will try to focus less on outside relationships and
give it all over to Christ. Try to become healthier spiritually
and physically and to find everlasting peace within me and Christ.
Christs' love peace and mercy be upon us all during this Lenten season.

Quiet time for Jesus

I am wanting to quiet my mind and heart more to
hear God and it is impossible and especially as
someone with ADHD and having a mind that seems
to roam all over the place.
Please dear Jesus quiet my mind and heart so
that I can hear your voice. x