BLOG: God’s Word for Today

Most of us played hide and seek as young children. Several kids would hide, while another child would wait about 10 seconds before seeking to find the others. After the verbal countdown, the seeker would yell out: “Ready or not, here I come!”

As we prepared for the new year, we all counted down the last 10 seconds. We thought of how we’d approach this new year differently. Did we think of how we would prepare for the things to come that are yet unseen?

There are many things hidden in this world. An image of an evil skull appeared on the satellite view while Hurricane Matthew slammed into Haiti.

When this hurricane headed for the United States next, where I live, there were many states predicted to be in its path. Nearly the entire East Coast of Florida, along with Georgia and South Carolina were initially the states in the hurricane’s predicted path. Unexpectedly, it also hit North Carolina and did more damage there than anyone imagined.

Many people were caught unprepared. The storm came very late for hurricane season. No one expected it to come so late. Usually, the height of hurricane season comes at the end of August, but we were already in October.

New residents of Florida were unaware of how devastating hurricanes can become — even far inland. For some new to the area, what should you do? Should preparations be made several days in advance of the storm warnings? Should batteries be purchased? Actually, the popular batteries were already selling out everywhere! Should you buy bottled water? Actually, bottled water could only be found if you happened to catch a new shipment at the store. Those water bottles would never even have a chance to reach the shelves before customers would snatch them up from the stocker’s supply cart.

Do you realize that Jesus Christ will return for His people without any warning? His timing will be unexpected! He will catch us all by surprise. Many will be left unprepared.

Jesus told us that He will come like a thief in the night. Do you expect a thief to come in at night or do you feel secure in your home or business? Do you ever consider that day could catch us unaware?

If you are in the path of a hurricane or a typhoon, you are given time to prepare. What do you have ready? Do you think that you have time to prepare when an earthquake hits? We all know that earthquakes normally come without any warning, and you will have no time to prepare.

Jesus Christ will come whether we are ready or not. So we should always be prepared! We have been given the warning signs of His return in advance. I believe they’re almost all here now.

God has given us time to prepare for His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ’s return. He gives us time to prepare our hearts for Him and His Son. He gives us time to repent and stop sinning. He gives us time to get our house (our inner self/our temple/our body, soul, mind, and spirit) in order for His return. We need forgiveness. We need to forgive others. We need to live clean, obedient, and holy lives. We need to live righteously. We need to believe, have faith, and trust. We need to have the fruit of the Spirit. We need to be Christ-like. We need Him to help us change and become sanctified! We can’t do it on our own.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

If we wait too long, then we will not be prepared when Jesus Christ returns for those who have been saved (those who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ). It will be too late. It will be like the unexpected earthquake that you never knew was coming that day, but knew that it would come eventually. There will be no more time to do anything. It will be like the avalanche you couldn’t see coming. It will happen in an instant.

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Luke 12:40)

Many will be weeping after He comes. Others will be cursing. People will be in disbelief, but many will also know they missed the boat. Many will try to die, but it will be of no avail because it will no longer be possible!

“In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them!” (Revelation 9:6)

The Bible tells it all. Read it! Believe it! Repent from your sins! Turn toward God. Accept Jesus Christ into your heart. Seek forgiveness. Believe in God from your heart. Receive the Holy Spirit and be saved.

“Oh Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” (Psalm 86:5)

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)

Every New Year comes with New Year’s resolutions that we say we’re going to stick to this year. Many will start a new diet, go to the gym every day, be more committed to spending time with their spouse or their children, or find something else to start doing differently. This year, why don’t you commit yourself to Jesus Christ and be ready for His return? Why don’t you commit yourself to reading the Bible (the Word of God) and praying? Why don’t you commit yourself to being a true Christian? Why don’t you commit yourself to being ready all the time?

“You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:44)

He has given us the signs to show us that we need to prepare. We need to get down to business and quit playing childish games. It’s time to be mature. Grow up because I believe He is saying: “Ready or not, here I come!” Will you be ready?

“The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat!” (Luke 12:37)

“He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.”  (Luke 12:38)

I look forward to His return because I know that Heaven is my home. The Bible tells us this:

“… We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.” (Philippians 3:20)

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” (Matthew 24:43)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.

Do you know Him? Will you be saved from the eternal separation of the Almighty God, our Creator? God awaits your belief in Him and wants you to repent (seek forgiveness of your sins), believe in His only begotten son Jesus Christ, and offer you salvation by receiving His free gift of eternal life through Christ.

The Jewish people did not recognize their Messiah. A zealous Jewish man, Saul, who was killing all the Christians, had an encounter with Jesus Christ. After Saul’s conversion to Christianity, his “preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.” (Acts 9:22)

Saul, whose name was changed to Paul was correct: Jesus, the Christ, was also indeed the Messiah.

In the dictionary (Merriam-Webster’s), Messiah means “the expected king and deliverer of the Jews.” However, the Messiah is not only the expected King and deliverer of the Jews. The Gentiles (all who are not Jews) are also grafted into the family of God after the Jew (see Romans 1:16).

God’s way of doing things is not always easily understood. The Bible tells us that “His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are Higher than our thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

The following scripture displays Jesus as the Christ, the Lord, and the Savior: “The angel said unto them [Mary and Joseph], Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Jesus Christ was born a Jew. He came to offer salvation by sacrificing Himself through the forgiveness and redemption of our sins to re-establish the broken relationship that separated us from God.

When Jesus was only 12 years old, He began teaching the leading Jewish teachers of the day; they were astonished and began asking Him questions (see: Luke 2 and also read Luke 20).

During Jesus’ ministry, He questioned His disciples about who He was: “Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, ‘Who do men say that I am?’ So they answered, ‘John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.’ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Christ.’ Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.” (Mark 8:27-30)

Peter was correct: Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the whole world’s inhabitants!

The scriptures explain that the Jewish leaders (the Sadducees and the Pharisees – the two Jewish sects) were strict about the laws, but on the inside (their hearts) were not right with God.

Jesus Christ would suffer and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes. They never realized that He was the Messiah, the One whose arrival they were waiting on. He knew that His own people – the Jews – would have Him killed. He also knew that He would rise again 3 days later.

Please read chapter 53 in the book of Isaiah after you read this blog entry. This part of the Bible is in the Old Testament and describes Jesus Christ who was yet to be born. This is also described in the New Testament, which is the New Covenant that God made for His people (the Jews), and actually for everyone else, too. Many Jews (unless they have come to accept Jesus as their Messiah) do not believe in the New Testament. Now, more and more Jews are learning the truth, realizing that Christ is their Messiah.

“So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have – the ones God has chosen – but the hearts of the rest were hardened.” (Romans 11:8)

“Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted His own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this. For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy – just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too. But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree – some of the people of Israel – have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. ‘Well,’ you may say, ‘those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be granted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, He will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong. I want you to understand this mystery, dear brother and sister, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, ‘The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and He will turn Israel away from ungodliness. And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins.’ Many of the people of Israel are now enemies of the Good News, and this benefits you Gentiles. Yet they are still the people He loves because He chose their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Romans 11:11-28)

The Jews are God’s chosen people. Sometimes in the Bible, Israel describes the land and sometimes Israel refers to His people.

Jesus is and always will be King of the Jews and King of Kings. He was described in scripture as the One who was to come into the House of David, that is, the lineage of King David.

For everyone who is not a Jew, praise God: “Once, you Gentiles were rebels against God, but when the people of Israel rebelled against Him, God was merciful to you instead.” (Romans 11:30)

Originally, in the Bible, in the book of Acts, the first Christians were referred to as followers of “The Way.” I would say they may also be referred to as “followers of Christ.” They didn’t actually refer to them as Christians at that time, according to scripture. I believe that “the way” is simply quite important. Why? Because Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

I have an old Bible called “The Way.” I used to wonder why it had this title until I finally read the Bible and began to get to know the Savior, Jesus Christ, and the Father, God. I pray you will read the Bible and accept the free gift of salvation. As people are giving gifts to one another this Christmas season, God offers the best gift of all!

In order to be saved: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing you’re your mouth that you are saved.”(Romans 10:9-10, my emphasis in bold)

God also expects our obedience. The scriptures tell us that we show that we love God by obeying Him. Are you? I have met many people who call themselves Christians, but they don’t know God’s Word or know how to obey Him. I know many Christians who know the Bible and apply it, too. Praise God!

Do you know Him? Do you know Jesus, the Christ, the Jew, the Messiah, the Savior, the King of Kings? Have you read God’s Word? If you have read it, will you read it again?

Someday, and I believe this day will come very soon, there will be someone who comes into Jerusalem claiming to be God, but he will not be God! He will be the anti-christ who will fool the nations. You need to know the Christ so that you are not fooled. Then, when Jesus Christ comes back again, you will be ready.

Merry Christmas to you and your families and friends! Enjoy the holiday and remember who it is your celebrating.

We are celebrating the birth of our Savior and if we are saved, we are celebrating our future eternal life. We have been given the best free gift of all time forever. Have you received His gift yet? It’s the gift of eternal life with Him!

Thank you, my Lord, and my God! We would be eternally separated and lost without you!

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: One day, there will be 10 kings who “wage war” with the beast “against the Lamb [Jesus Christ], but the Lamb will conquer them because He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.” (Revelation 17:14)

“God promised this Good News long ago through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The Good News is about His Son. In His earthly life, He was born into King David’s family line, and He was shown to be the Son of God when He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 1:2-4) 

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics

This month, we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States, and I am always reminded that I have plenty to be thankful for every day. Sometimes, we complain about what’s going on in our lives. Sometimes we have some real needs that are being unmet, whether temporarily or permanently. We need patience, faith, and trust. We should not only be counting any and all blessings we have now, but we should also be counting on our blessings to come in the future thanks to our Heavenly Father.

(Jeremiah 17:7-8)

As I encountered an itchy, burning rash that spread onto both of my legs and behind my knees over the summer, I struggled to overcome it. To this day, the itching occasionally begins to creep up yet again. I felt overwhelmed by how bad it had gotten because it was quite difficult to even walk a short distance when I was going through the worst of it. The doctor had obviously misdiagnosed it, and I had suffered greatly. The rash was close in appearance to shingles, but it was not shingles. I believe it may have been just as painful as shingles, but I don’t know for sure. What I do know for sure is that we can still count on our blessings even while we’re suffering.

I have also found that no matter what I am personally facing, particularly when it comes to medical issues or illness, there is always someone who is suffering or has suffered more than me. They may be facing permanent disability or loss.

I am reminded that we all face things that we never imagined we’d have to go through, and if we have God in our lives, we can face them much better with Him than without Him. We need God to heal all of our diseases. According to the Bible, he does heal them all:

“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.” (Psalm 103:3)

Then how come everyone is not healed? Many people have different views on this. Some say you are holding onto unforgiveness in your heart. Others say you just don’t have enough faith. The Bible indicates that if we are to be Christ’s followers, we will suffer for Jesus Christ.

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.” (Philippians 1:29)

We all have to die from this life, so whatever is not healed here on earth, I believe, will be healed in the afterlife if we are saved.

I am counting on my blessings to enter into my eternal life with rewards because I know for a fact that I will be with God. I have the confidence of my salvation. Do you?

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

If you have sought the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ, and you are saved, then you have no worry of this judgment.

“Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.” (Colossians 3:2)

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:2-11)

No matter what life brings, through it all, start counting your blessings now and be assured that you can be counting on your blessings to come.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “The godly are showered with blessings…” (Proverbs 10:6)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.

As children, we loved to go to the playground directly behind our homes. The gate that led to the separate playground area for the tots was usually locked with a thick, heavy chain. My friend always managed to squeeze her body through the slight opening of the locked gate to get inside. Eventually, as we got older, she couldn’t fit through the locked gate anymore. Then she would just hop the fence to get in!

Getting in to the Kingdom of Heaven won’t be so easy. We won’t be able to squeeze our way through the gate or climb over it either. There won’t be a shortcut into Heaven’s narrow gate! We must seek the narrow path to get through the narrow gate, or we won’t get in at all.

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Matthew 7:13) (my addition in bold and red lettering).

The famous rock and roll song lyrics may have used those same words, “highway to hell,” but there truly is a road that leads to hell. This road leads to eternal separation from God. It’s very dark and scary in hell. There is always a fire burning with constant suffering for those who end up there. It’s a horrible place! Why would anyone logically choose that road knowing where it leads?

Actually, I don’t think anyone really chooses that road believing it’s so bad. Those who say they know they’re going to hell just assume it’s no big deal there. They don’t believe in God or a loving God who would send anyone to such a terrifying place. Instead, they think it will be one great big party with all their friends. However, misery and horror will be their true fate with enormous regret.

I tell you the truth! There is a Heaven and a hell, and where you end up is your choice. Hell was created for the fallen angels who followed Satan, but anyone who rejects God will go there, too.

The path to Heaven can be a struggle and the road leading to it is just as narrow as the gate, but it’s definitely worth the ultimate destination. I can’t imagine why anyone would reject a place where there’s no pain, no tears and only eternal peace, love, and joy. Yet many will not get into Heaven.

“… The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:14)

Jesus said: “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ ” (Matthew 7:21-23)

The choice to go to Heaven not only requires our belief in God and Jesus Christ, and accepting the sacrifice of Christ for our sins and through His resurrection, but it also requires a struggle that’s well worth it.

“Strive to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. (Luke 13:24)

We must believe in God and Jesus Christ by receiving the free gift of salvation. We must live a life honoring God, and we must do our best not to sin. We must love God and one another!

“… Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

If you have questions or would like to know more, feel free to write to me through this blog and provide your email address. It would be my pleasure to reply to you.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
and I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory.” (Psalm 118:19-21)

Copyright © 2016 Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.

Most Christians want to see the return of Jesus Christ. It is desired that the end will come soon because this world is getting more evil by the day. Most Christians simply want an easy escape to Heaven.

We certainly do live in a world gone crazy, with bizarre and dangerous acts being committed on others causing serious injuries and death. Christians are being beheaded, burned, and martyred in ways unfathomable. Innocent people are being driven over by a truck. Others wounded and killed with a machete. Yet others shot with ammunition. Others have had their faces chewed off by madmen who are high on drugs and most likely demon possessed!

Unfortunately, the world we find ourselves living in today is not totally surprising if you have read the Bible. Some of the gruesome details are not written in the Word of God, but we were warned of the impending doom and persecution of what was to come.

Whether you are a believer in God or not, you cannot deny that there is great fear mounting in our environment. Can you be safe going to a large special event where there are lots of people? What happened in France is certainly a great tragedy during a time of celebration. How about being trapped on a train in Germany with what occurred there? Countless other examples can instill fear in the hearts of men and women around the world.

To my growing readership around the world, particularly in locations where fear is growing more intense with “wars and rumors of war,” I encourage you to be strong in the Lord. If you haven’t been saved by God, you need to get saved. Salvation is free and it’s wonderful. You’ll never receive another gift so great that is lasting for eternity.

If you haven’t been born again, you must do so to see the Kingdom of Heaven and to see God Himself face to face someday. Please, I want to encourage you! Take a look at some of the first blog posts that were posted back in 2011 and 2012 to learn more if you don’t understand. Also, read the Bible and find a church that teaches the Gospel and the whole Word of God.

If you’re in China, as a few readers of this blog have been located, then maybe your mission is to learn and worship underground. Maybe your freedom to embrace God is not much freedom at all, but I assure you that with patient endurance you will someday be totally free. In the meantime, your soul and your mind can be set free with Jesus Christ now.

We we need now is to have patient endurance for the day of our salvation. We need to patiently endure the things on this earth while we run our race.

“ … Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

What are you doing to run your race? Are you even aware of the race at all? You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to be in this race. This is a spiritual race. Are you even saved?

My mission is to evangelize by planting seeds for others to be able to understand how to enter into the Kingdom of God through the salvation God offers in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. He offers forgiveness, love, and sanctification.

I do my best to spread the Gospel and plant these seeds. I am trying my best to encourage others, which encourages me, too! Sometimes it’s difficult when I, myself, am going through trials and tribulations in my body or my life. No one said it was going to be easy. With Jesus Christ, we can have our best friend and ally.

Instead of having fear and being ready to jump ship from this life, we need to pursue our Godly talents and work at them with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and that begins with loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We need to get down to business.

If you’re just sitting around waiting for things to wrap themselves up here on the earth by just looking and wanting Jesus to come back, then I assure you His coming will be delayed. Why? Because you are waiting without patient endurance! You are waiting without doing anything during the wait.

God’s timing is not really being delayed and yet, in a sense, it seems like it is delayed. He tells us what it will be like:

“Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.” (Revelation 15:16)

Are you watching for Him? I certainly am watching with anticipation while I work out my salvation with my ministerial gifts. Are you clothes clean? This means you are being sanctified (made holy) by not sinning and by living a clean life worthy of God’s glorification.

Patient endurance has other applicable meanings, which can also include persecution. Christians are being persecuted more and more each day. Yet, we are to endure this with patience, too! See the following scriptures:

“This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12)

“Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful.” (Revelation 13:10)

What is your destination? What is mine? Only God knows. So make the most of every moment you are alive here on this earth and seek God for His will and the correct direction for your path.

“Think of all the hostility He (Jesus Christ) endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.” (Hebrews 12:3)

Only Jesus Christ gave His own life in place of our sins — all of our sins! Yet, that doesn’t mean we should go ahead and sin and then just repent. Oh no!

There is also patient endurance in discipline; it’s “divine discipline.” God’s discipline is similar to a good and loving parent, but even better because He knows best.

“And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.’ As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as He does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?” (Hebrews 12:5-9)

Here are several more scriptures about patient endurance in our wait:

“May the Lord lead our hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God, and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3-8)

“I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9)

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.” (Revelation 2:2)

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.” (Revelation 2:19)

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.

I’ve heard so many people refer to another person as their rock. They’re usually referring to their spouse, their girlfriend or boyfriend, their parent, or someone else they look up to or feel they can lean on. The rock is strong and always there for the other person.

I’m sure you’ve heard others you know referring to someone else as their rock, too. Maybe you’ve even said it about your mom or dad or your spouse. There’s only one problem with this.

There is truly only one to lean on who is strong enough to hold us. He keeps us from sinking. He is a strong foundation, a strong tower, and truly The Rock! You may be surprised to know The Rock is the Savior, Jesus Christ. The Rock is also God.

It is with our God that we can have the greatest strength possible. In Genesis 49:24-25, He is also referred to as the Mighty One of Jacob, the Shepherd, and the Rock of Israel. Our Rock should be the Almighty God.

Yes, in Deuteronomy 32:4, we specifically find: “He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!”

We need to be careful who we give this honor to now that we know because it should not belong to others. In fact, the Israelites “abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15)

Let this not be known of you or me: “You neglected the Rock who had fathered you; you forgot the God who had given you birth.” (Deuteronomy 32:18)

Let me be clear where why we should be careful who we refer to as our rock because we give honor to others instead of to whom it belongs:

“No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2)

“The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!” (2 Samuel 22:47)

“The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, and my Savior …” (2 Samuel 22:2)

“For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid Rock?” (Psalm 18:31)

In fact, God is eternal, so God is the eternal Rock, too! “Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” (Isaiah 26:4)

There is some who believe through their religion that Peter is the rock, but I beg to differ with that opinion because it not correct. Just read the whole Bible and you can’t argue with the truth that reveals God is the Rock! Jesus is the Rock, too because Jesus is one with the Father, God.

The Bible also tells us: “I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago.” (1 Corinthians 10:1) “… For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4)

Please remember next time you want to call someone your rock that this honor and title should be reserved for the Holy One, God, the Almighty and Jesus Christ! Maybe your answer to the question, “Who is your Rock?” will be reconsidered in light of who really deserves this title.

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6)

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself and may you answer His call!

God’s Word for Today: “The Lord is my Rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my Rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

If you haven’t guessed by now, I really enjoy writing. That’s why I went to school for an education in communication. Yet, reading, studying, and learning the Word of God is the best education you can get.

Most words have more than one meaning. When we consider the meaning of the Bible, we think of “the Word of God.” What is the word of God? There are multiple definitions.

Of those who believe in God, how many do you think study the Word of God? I’d say, definitely not enough!

When referring to the Bible and speaking of simply “the Word” with a capital letter, we must realize that this phrase is also referring to God in another sense, as follows.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

Who is the Word? Not just what is the word.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

The Word of God is also Jesus Christ! For the Word was made flesh. God came to earth as a human being, born of a virgin. God became flesh for us. He is just and He is love. He came to save us. He came to bring us back to Himself. He came in hopes that with your free will that you will choose Him. For He is pure truth, pure love, and salvation is found in Him alone.

Although different versions of the Bible are slightly different with the words that are used, they are still very similar and still can be understood and believed. The various translations are meant to describe the original text. The original languages of the Bible were written in Hebrew (Old Testament chapters) and Greek (New Testament chapters).

It takes faith to believe. It takes a heart of God to understand. It takes our willingness to accept the free gift of salvation to become a believer with faith and understanding. If you don’t understand this, please go back to the first blog entries and read on.

When asking someone, why don’t you read the Bible, many answer, I don’t have time! Really? Time is a matter of what you make it. You can make time for whatever really matters to you. If you don’t think reading the Bible is important, then I implore you to think again. This world is getting darker by the moment and dangerous. Don’t you want to know what God is saying?

The Word of God’s multiple meanings can be indicated by our need for Him:

“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection.” Another version states that “Every word of God is pure. He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5)

The Word of God must be preached, heard, taught, read, and ultimately, received to understand it. Your heart must be open to God and His truths.

Furthermore, “Jesus replied, ‘But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’ ” (Luke 11:28)

In another meaning: “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

If you have been saved, you have been born again. If this does not make sense to you, again, please search back in the blog posts for these subjects I wrote about previously.

Have you been born again?

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23)

The Word of God is alive and eternal. There is no end to God or His Word. Yet, there is coming an end to this earth, the world we now know.

In the Bible, in Revelation 6:9, we are informed that there will be people who have been martyred for the Word of God, and they are in Heaven awaiting the full number of the other martyrs who are being beheaded and killed for their faithful testimony. We see this in our world today across the globe.

In Revelation 19:13, we are informed that “He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God.”

In Revelation 19:16, it is indicated that “On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” This is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father God.

In Luke 4:4, Jesus said “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

Do you? Do you read the Bible? Do you hear it preached? Do you hear it taught? Do you know it? Do you live by it? Are you nourished by the Word of God. This is the Gospel!

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ,[is] the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14).

It’s coming: the end. This is a warning.

I am warning you that one day, everyone who is alive on that day here on this earth will have heard the Gospel, the Word of God, and then after that everyone will have been given a chance to accept, believe, and confess to be saved. Then the end will come. You choose today, not tomorrow. I implore you to read the Bible and learn about the free gift God has set before you. With this gift, you can’t live like the world, you must honor and respect the gift. You must honor and respect God!

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself, and may you answer His call!

For God called me to Himself, and I am forever grateful. I pray you will answer His call before your time runs out. Don’t wait!

God’s Word for Today: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”  (Hebrews 4:12)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

I am posting a second blog post this month that is a repeat of an old blog post. Why? Because the information that follows is just as necessary today as it was yesterday.

This post is not for tomorrow, but it is for today! It’s very, very important!

“Behold, today is the day of salvation.” You have no promise of tomorrow here in the land of the living on this earth. For you do know not when you will breathe your last breath and die. God breathed His life into us in the first place! He also gave the life of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ for us.

There is only 1 Savior! Jesus Christ is the 1 and only Savior who gave His life for you to receive forgiveness and for you to be saved. Saved from what? From Hell! From everlasting separation from our Creator.

Jesus Christ took on all the sins of everyone, and ultimately, He rose again to live. Who other savior is there? Do you know of any other who has risen from the dead? What religion or spirituality offers a confidence of salvation? There is none. There is no religion that can save you. There is only a relationship with the true Savior, Jesus Christ, and the Father God.
 
Why wait? Do you not understand that It may be too late if you do not choose now! For today, and right now, at this moment, is the day of salvation! Behold, as the scripture begins with this word that is defined to mean: “to be able to perceive through apprehension.”

You may not believe today, but if you die tomorrow, it will be too late! Choose now to believe and live in the newness of this life and through death into everlasting life. It will ultimately be either an everlasting eternal and wonderful life with God in Heaven or it will be an everlasting eternal death in terror with Satan. But it’s your choice! I pray you won’t reject God!

God won’t force anyone to accept Him because He gave us all free will! Yet, He loves us all so very much, more than you’ll ever really know. God will never force anyone to love Him back! He gives us the choice. This is true, unconditional love!

As we are given in The Bible: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10) — “… Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

If you have not received Him into your heart, I pray that today — now — you will accept His love for you! Then you may realize that there is purpose in this life, and it’s all worth it in the end!

I’ll take the risk that you may reject this message. Instead, I hope you’ll embrace it if you haven’t already done so. I am praying for you and sending you my love, in Christ, Patty

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.

I was describing an important Biblical concept in a discussion with my cousin this week about loving everyone, and he referred to this as “The 11^th Commandment.” I never quite thought of it that way before.

In fact, I had thought of it more like this: I believe there are actually 12 Commandments (the original 10 Commandments and the additional 2 that Jesus taught in the following scripture where they are stated exactly that way (as commandments).

“Then Jesus was approached by some Sadducees — religious leaders who say there is no resurrection from the dead. …” (Mark 12:18) [There was a response from Jesus about that and then]: “One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’ Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandment is this: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:28-31)

Now, if you know the first 10 Commandments, you know that we must believe that the Lord our God is our only God! There are no other gods. In addition, we must realize that the “11th and 12th Commandments” are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

When Jesus replied to the Jewish religious leader, he said that the second of these 2 equally important commandments is to love your neighbor as yourself.

Before I continue with the idea of the 11th and 12th Commandments, please allow me to say that if you don’t know the 10 Commandments, please get familiar with them. It’s important to know them and do our best to follow them.

The Bible refers to these additional 2 commandments many times in many verses:

“Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 19:19)

“Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39)

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18)

“For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These — and other such commandments — are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:9)

“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Galatians 5:14)

“Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (James 2:8)

“One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: ‘Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus replied, ‘What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?’ The man answered, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘Right!’ Jesus told him. ‘Do this and you will live!’ ” (Luke 10:25-28)

Now after reading all those scriptures, how would you say you’re doing on loving your neighbor, which can also be referred to as your fellow man. Good, bad, or in between? It isn’t always so easy to love others, to love strangers, most especially those who may want to harm you or kill you. Yet, God tells us to do just that and to forgive them for their ill actions or ill will against us. Why? Because we are all God’s creation and He loves all of us, even those who do wrong.

No one said it was going to be easy, just much better. Not only is it better to live in peace here on earth, but it’s better to know you will be with God in Heaven when you pass on.

Try loving others. Try leading them to God. Try being nice no matter how you’re treated in return.

Love. Remember, God is love.

I pray that each one of us can follow all the commandments. All 10 Commandments and also the so-called “11th and 12th Commandments” because as “God’s Word for Today” indicates below, all of the commandments are summed in this one: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “For the commandments say, ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.’ These — and other such commandments — are summed up in this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”(Romans 3:9) (Jesus’ words in red.)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan

All scripture is quoted from various translations of the Holy Bible (God’s Word) and is set it italics.

The first time I thought of the subject for this month’s blog post was about 2 months ago. Actually, this post should have been completed in February, but it’s almost a whole week into March and I’m very behind my self-imposed schedule. It’s not because I gave up though!

I’m telling you this because 2 months ago, I had no clue that I’d feel the way I do now. I didn’t feel as though I needed to give up on anything then! I was actually feeling very good because I had not given up, and I believed that God had finally answered my prayer. That was then.

This is now. I am feeling defeated. I feel like giving up. I may spend some time in self-pity, but I can’t stay there. I seek to try to figure it out. Where did I go wrong? Did I go wrong? 

Maybe that was not the plan! I believe I may have taken the wrong path thinking that it was the right one. That can happen sometimes, too, especially when we jump into something just because we’ve been waiting for it for so long.

Just because I was praying when it happened doesn’t necessarily mean that it was the correct answer to my prayer. Things had drastically changed. I didn’t pause to pray. I didn’t verify it with God. Was it the correct path or not? I know that it was not the correct path now.

As difficulties came, several friends had recently and specifically told me: “Don’t give up!” I thought to myself, I’m not giving up! Now that would be so much easier to just give up and stop trying. Yet, I pressed on to win the race, as the Bible tells us to do.

So, I took a little time going along that road, and it was bumpy and difficult. It also had some excitement and wonder. It was different and somewhat encouraging, but then it began to become very discouraging with a few steep hills and a few very deep valleys. I started to want to give up. Then, what I thought I had gained was quickly snatched away from me.

I know I’m being evasive and not specific about what happened to me. Many times I share intimate details of my own life to help you with yours. This time I will refrain from sharing the details.

Within a very short time, suddenly, everything quickly changed! Any thing can change in the blink of an eye! Suddenly can be good news and suddenly can be bad news. This was suddenly bad news.

Yet, should we ever give up? No matter what came suddenly, we need to move forward. We need to keep trying. We need to stay close to God.

Are you giving up on your God-given dream? He gave you the extraordinary talent to perform some kind of creative thing and the ability to make that dream into a reality.

My Bible study teacher pointed something out to me. Not only is God the Creator of the world and the creator of every human being, but we were created in His image. As such, we were each given something special to create, too.

Furthermore, God will give us what we need, but we must make the effort. We must utilize the talents and fuel the ideas he has given to us. We must implement these ideas and make them a reality. Don’t just dream it, do it!

Do you give up on eating for the fuel you need to live and move? No, of course not! Do you give up on getting out of bed each day? Maybe you do at times. But why does one stay in bed? Disappointments, failures, lack of belief in yourself, or lack of hope? Probably even more because of the lack of communion with God and seeking His direction first.

We all start questioning God. We tell Him, “If you loved me, then you’d answer my prayers.” If He doesn’t answer our prayer or doesn’t answer quite the way we expect, we seem to collapse. Why is it that God does not always answer our prayers? Or why doesn’t the answer come with an affirmation in our favor?

Maybe we need to learn something. Maybe we need to learn how to be strong in the face of failure and disappointments.

Don’t allow the enemy, the devil, who prowls around to kill and destroy to get you down. Just stop it!

I’d suggest you read the Biblical account of the widow who was seeking justice from the judge. That judge didn’t fear God or care about others. However, with righteous persistence and without giving up, the widow was able to receive her due justice.

With that account, “… Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 [added bold is my emphasis)

“Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this new way,” [to see beyond the veil] “we never give up.” (2 Corinthians 4:1 — my emphasis in red and bold).

If you don’t understand my words in brackets: “to see beyond the veil,” maybe you can let me know by joining the site as a follower of my blog and posting a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

Here are several more Biblical scriptures about not giving up:

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”(Galations 6:9)

“… Have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, ‘My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you.’ ” (Hebrews 12:5)

“But when the judge died, the people returned to their corrupt ways, behaving worse than those who had lived before them. They went after other gods, serving and worshiping them. And they refused to give up their evil practices and stubborn ways.” (Judges 2:19)

“Satan replied to the Lord, “Skin for skin! A man will give up everything he has to save his life.” (Job 2:4)

“If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river, the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver! Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to Him. You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you. If people are in trouble and you say, ‘Help them,’ God will save them. Even sinners will be rescued; they will be rescued because your hands are pure.” (Job 22:24-30)

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave upHis life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

“Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways.” (Isaiah 1:16)

“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” (Matthew 10:39)

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” (Luke 9:24)

In the last three Bible verses, three different disciples (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are all telling us God’s Word in nearly the same way.

Do you believe it? I sure hope so, and I’m praying for you and for me, too. Then we won’t give up. We will keep trying. We will move forward. We will use our God-given talents to create something wonderful and beautiful that will count for eternity.

Until we virtually meet again, may God call you to Himself.

God’s Word for Today: “Think of all the hostility He [Jesus Christ] endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (Hebrews 12:3)

Copyright © 2016 by Patricia Shehan