" What god are You Serving ? "

 

Joshua 24:14-16  "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve HIM in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

And the people answered and said, GOD forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;"

     As a people and as a society, we serve many things. We serve our families, our bosses, our towns; but whom do we put first ? Doing this blog was not an easy one for me. I too have issues when it comes to whom I put first above all else. We say that we put GOD, the LORD JESUS CHRIST first, but do we really ?

     In Deuteronomy 6:13a it says, " Thou shalt fear the LORD thy GOD and serve HIM," In Matthew 6:24 it says, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve GOD and ________."  I deliberately left the last word out of the Scripture verse, because it could actually be anything. The word that GOD used was mammon, which means money; but what else could it mean besides money. Anything that we put first before the LORD.

     What is it that keeps you away from GOD's WORD ? What is it that keeps you away from a time of quiet prayer with the LORD ? What is it that keeps you from faithful service at a local church or fellowship of believers ? What is it that keeps you from faithfully witnessing for the LORD ? What god are you serving ?

     We sometimes have a hard time doing right and serving others in the spirit of humility. The LORD told us in Colossians 3:22-24, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing GOD: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the LORD CHRIST."

     When CHRIST came to earth, HE came to die for the sins of all mankind. That precious blood was shed as payment for our sins and to create a people that would be able to serve HIM. Hebrews 9:14 says, "How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, WHO through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD."

     Serving GOD is a full-time job, no a full-time privilege, honor, and should be done out of a heart of love for HIM. I sing in the choir at our church and there are times that it feels as if I am not in the church building but that my voice takes me to the presence of the throne of GOD. The words that I am singing become a praise, a worship of and to HIM. At that moment there is nothing between me and HIS loving gaze and that is the way it should be always.

     Here are just some of the "gods" that have taken first place in your life, where GOD should be.

1. Our home & family

2. Our work, job

3. Fun (boats, motorcycles, RV's)

4. TV, Gaming, On-line social media

5. Friends & Smartphones

     When we put GOD back in the first place in our hearts, the rest will also be taken care of. Our family will have a better family member. Our employers will have a better employee. Fun will have its place, but not above the LORD. Friends will see JESUS in you and want to know HIM too. As I said above, I also struggle with keeping the Main thing, the Main thing !

     In 1st.Thessalonians 1:6-9 "And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the WORD in much affliction, with joy of the HOLY SPIRIT: so that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the WORD of the LORD not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to GOD-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD;" 

     None of the above list of things are bad in and of themselves; it is when they are used as an excuse to not put GOD or keep GOD first in your life. This blog was written to make born again believers think about their lives to see if there is some sliding going on and to stop it in its tracks. Have a talk with the LORD and ask HIM in what areas are you sliding into idolatry and HE will put HIS finger on those places that are a problem. 

     1st.John 1:5-2:2  "This then is the message which we have heard of HIM, and declare unto you, that GOD is light, and in HIM is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as HE is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make HIM a liar, and HIS WORD is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST the RIGHTEOUS: and HE is the propitiation (sacrificial payment) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." GOD wrote these WORDs through John to believers. We have full forgiveness of whatever we have done all we have to do is come to the LORD in repentance and faith for full restoration of our fellowship with the LORD. There is nothing worth more than that to a child of GOD.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" GOD Loves You w/ John 3:16 "

 

     Please do not resent me for sending you this post. I love your soul, and I want to tell you that if you have never been born again, you are on your journey to a place where you will burn forever and ever.

     You see, the human race began when GOD created the first man, Adam. Adam was created sinless, yet he was also created with the ability to choose whether he would accept or reject GOD's one and only rule. GOD commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in that day that he ate from the tree, he would die. "And the LORD GOD commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the Garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17)

     Adam disobeyed GOD's commandment and ate of the tree of knowledge, and on that day, he died spiritually. "Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that ALL have sinned:" (Romans 5:12) The Bible states here that because Adam sinned, all people are born with the nature to sin. If you continue in this condition until death takes you from this world, you will be eternally condemned to the Lake of Fire, "And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:15)

     JESUS loves you. HE loved you even before you were born into this world. "But GOD commendeth (demonstrated) HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8) GOD's love for you is greater than all human understanding. By sending HIS SON, JESUS, to Earth to die for sinful man, HE prepared the way of salvation, through the Gospel, to keep you and me from this Lake of Fire. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

     JESUS died upon a cross and shed HIS blood so that you could be saved. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved,. . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4) "But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of GOD;" (Hebrews 10:12) JESUS paid it all ! Salvation is waiting for every one who will receive JESUS as their own personal SAVIOR. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12)

     Please listen to GOD's WORD. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13) Will you bow your head and call on JESUS to save your soul right now ? The decision is yours. "Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuade me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28) Almost is not good enough. Almost will send you to a Devil's Hell. Call upon JESUS today to save you.

     If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner; and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal LORD and SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" The GOD You Can Know ! "

 

     Everyone has questions about GOD. What is HE like ? Does HE really care about me ? How do I get to know HIM ?

     On one occasion, a class of students were drawing pictures about people from the Bible. One youngster was especially intent in her work. "What are you drawing ?" and observer asked. "Oh, I'm drawing a picture of GOD," she replied confidently. "Well, that's a nice idea," he answered, "but really no one knows what GOD looks like." "Oh, they will when I get done !" she replied, and hurried on with her drawing.

     Think about that for a moment: "They'll now what GOD looks like when I get done." An overstatement ? Yes, for a four-year-old. But not for JESUS CHRIST. HE came to show us GOD.

     One of the names given to JESUS is "EMMANUEL," which means "GOD with us." When JESUS was on Earth, GOD was on Earth. When JESUS healed, GOD healed. When JESUS forgave sinners, GOD forgave sinners. The Bible says that "GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF." (2nd.Corinthians 5:19)

     When JESUS came to earth, HE revealed GOD through simple, yet beautiful figures of speech. HE said, " I AM the SHEPHERD . . . I AM the DOOR . . . I AM the BREAD of Life."

     A good shepherd is a tender-hearted person, seeking the lost sheep. So GOD is compassionate, seeking each lost man, woman & child in our big, bustling world. HE is the door. Through HIM is the knowledge of GOD. HE is the bread of life. HE is to your soul what bread is to your body.

     On the Cross of Calvary JESUS fully revealed GOD's love. "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

     When HE died, HE was actually taking our place that we might live. There HE took the punishment that you and I deserved for our sins. Why ? Because everyone is a sinner. "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23) And everyone needs a SAVIOR.  "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures;" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4)

     By CHRIST's birth, HIS life on Earth, HIS death, and HIS resurrection from the grave, we can know GOD. HE promises: " I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6)

     Do you know GOD ? Or do you just know about HIM ? There is a big difference. You can know all the theological facts but not know HIM. Knowing GOD requires personal faith in HIS SON and what HE has accomplished for you personally. Coming to HIM is your admission that you are turning to GOD from your sins to receive JESUS as your personal SAVIOR and LORD. 

     JESUS CHRIST invites you: "BEHOLD, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear MY voice, and open the door, I will come in." (Revelation 3:20)

Adapted from an article by Harold J. Sala

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, then pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST, 

Julie

" Distressed at Where Our Country Is Heading ? "

 

2nd.Timothy 3:1-13  "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (no self control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of GOD; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the LORD delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."

     It is difficult to witness what is happening both in America and in our entire world. Every day seems to bring more discouraging news. Much of what is taking place defies common sense, much less biblical sense. We are watching a global departure from GOD and from HIS truth. Yet, believers should not be distressed for the following reasons:

(1) As today's text states, GOD has clearly revealed that these things would happen. Our LORD has told us ahead of time exactly what to expect.

(2) Our sovereign GOD is in total control of HIS world. HE rules over all the kingdoms of the heathen, including America, China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran (2nd.Chron. 20:6).

(3) No President or wicked ruler can be in power apart from GOD's permission (Daniel 2:21; John 19:11).

(4) This world is not our home; we are pilgrims, strangers, and ambassadors (1st.Peter 2:11; 2nd.Cor. 5:20).

(5) Did we foolishly think that a certain political party would rescue us and turn our nation into a paradise of justice and morality (Jer. 17:5) ?

(6) Our mission is not to save the doomed Titanic (this world system) but to throw out the lifeline so that individuals might be rescued (Acts 26:18; Jude 23).

(7) Though it seems like things are falling apart, they are actually falling together, perfectly fitting into GOD's all-wise prophetic plan and timeline. The locomotive of current events is moving down the very tracks that have been prearranged by GOD, leading to the ultimate destination of the return of HIS SON (2nd.Pet. 1:19; Rev. 1:7).

(8) No matter how difficult the coming days might be, GOD's people need to be steadfast and courageous (1st.Cor. 15:58).

May we be growing (2nd.Peter 3:18) and glowing (Matthew 5:16) in these dark times. GWZ

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.  www.featoday.org

Time is so very short, receive JESUS today !

. . . STAND THEREFORE !

" This is MY BELOVED SON . . . "

 

In the Bible, a commandment came forth from GOD. . . "Hear ye HIM !" HE spoke of HIS BELOVED SON, JESUS. If you are not sure what will happen to you after you die, why don't you read on and see what JESUS said will happen ?

If you reject JESUS, you will be judged one day by HIS WORD. Hear ye HIM ! "And if any man hear MY WORDs, and believe not, I judge him not: For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects ME and receives not MY WORDs, has one that judges him: the WORD that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:47-48)

If you do not believe in JESUS, you will die in your sins. Hear ye HIM ! "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: For if ye believe not that I AM HE, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24) "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23)

JESUS said you will not get to Heaven without HIM. There is no other way ! Hear ye HIM ! "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6) The Gospel "is the power of GOD unto Salvation for all who believe." (1st.Corinthians 1:16a) "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4) This HE did for you, personally ~ Hear ye HIM !

If you do not believe on JESUS, you are already condemned to a burning Hell ! Hear ye HIM ! "He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18)

If you are lost, you need to be saved from the wrath of GOD. Hear ye HIM ! "For the SON of MAN is come to save that which was lost." (Matthew 18:11) "Neither is there salvation in any other: For there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"For they being ignorant of GOD's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of GOD." (Romans 10:3) You need GOD's righteousness. Without it, you will go to a Devil's Hell. At this moment, you can receive GOD's righteousness. Hear ye HIM ! "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE the power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name." (John 1:12)

Pray to JESUS, and ask HIM to come into your heart, to save you, and to forgive you of your sins. You can pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

GOD's WORD says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 9-10,13)

The WORDs JESUS spoke stand sure - today, tomorrow and forever ! Hear ye HIM ! "Heaven and Earth shall pass away: but MY WORDs shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35) "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27) Do you realize that the first half of this verse is proved as a fact each time someone dies ? It is also a fact that one day, you too will die, and you can also be sure that you will be judged by the WORD JESUS spoke ! What is your choice ?

___ I CHOOSE TO REJECT JESUS... Hear ye HIM ! "But whosoever shall deny ME before men, him will I also deny before MY FATHER which is in Heaven." (Matthew 10:33) "And he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." (John 3:36b)

___ I CHOOSE TO ACCEPT JESUS AS MY SAVIOR... Hear ye HIM ! "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." (John 10:28) "He that hath the SON hath life, and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life." (1st.John 5:12)

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW 4 THINGS ! "

 

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

1. You are a sinner and cannot save yourself.

"For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." Romans 3:23

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us," Titus 3:5a

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

2. JESUS CHRIST has already provided the way of salvation.

"For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" 1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4

"For CHRIST also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE might bring us to GOD." 1st.Peter 3:18

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

3. You must repent (turn to GOD from your sin).

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:9-10,13

GOD Wants You To Know That . . .

Acceptance or refusal determines your destiny.

"He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD . . . He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him." John 3:18,36

What Must I Do ?

1.  I must know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself.

2.  I must realize that I need a SAVIOR.

3.  I must believe the Gospel, that JESUS died for me personally.

4.  I must turn in faith to CHRIST.

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads us to repentance" Romans 2:4. If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner; and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" L O S T ! "

 

LOST.

LOST.

LOST.

LOST.  To a three-year old, being lost is not being able to see their mother -- even though she is in the next aisle at the grocery store.

LOST.  To the ten-year old, being lost is getting into the woods and not knowing the way out.

LOST.  To the traveler, being lost is making a wrong turn somewhere so that he will never reach his destination unless he gets help.

     Scramble all these pictures and we see ourselves ! All of mankind is lost. We are in the woods and cannot find the way out. But we notice that the signs and sights on the road we are traveling are not the ones we want. The choices we made previously are not bringing us to our goal.

     Simply stated, we can't find our FATHER; we don't know the way home. And the solutions are always the same:

1. Recognize that we are lost.

2. Check the compass, road map or GPS.

3. Listen for the father's call.

4. Ask advice from someone else.

5. Call for help !

     The three-year old finds her mother by calling for her or hearing her call. The ten-year old can find his way home if he has a compass or can see the sun. The traveler checks his maps or GPS or asks for advice - but only after he realizes that he is lost.

     Sad to say, most people today do not know that they are lost. They go merrily on their way to destruction (eternity in a Devil's Hell). But the Bible says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6)

     Yes, we have gone astray, but the Good News is that the LORD is "not willing that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance." (2nd.Peter 3:9b) And so, as a loving FATHER, GOD is calling to you. Right now reading this post is HIS call.

     How can you find your way back ? The Bible is the compass and road map and GPS that shows the way of life. Asking advice from other Christians is also a wise thing to do.

     

     In brief, the Bible tells us that we rebelled against GOD and separated ourselves from HIM. All our efforts of good works and religious rites (water baptism, rosary, church membership, etc.) cannot save us. So GOD sent HIS only SON, JESUS CHRIST, to become a man (and so HE is called the SON of MAN). "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). HE died for us to pay for our sins which is what the Good News of the Gospel is all about. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4). Faith in JESUS CHRIST brings us back to GOD.

"For the SON of MAN is come to seek and

to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

     In Matthew 18 and Luke 15 we read the beautiful story of how JESUS, the GOOD SHEPHERD, looks for one lost sheep. YOU are that lost sheep. When you come to JESUS, HE rejoices and says to others, "REJOICE, with ME; for I have found my sheep which was lost."

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be 

in Heaven over one sinner that 

repents." (Luke 15:6,7)

     You are very valuable in GOD's sight. In fact, HE gave HIS life for HIS lost sheep even while they were HIS enemies. "But GOD commends HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). HE does not want any of them to be lost ! Come to HIM today !

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS , and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13).

     If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

     Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24). YOU are no longer lost !

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie