BLOG: God’s Word for Today

There are always consequences of our actions and our inactions, too. Maybe you’re not the kind of person who thinks about the consequences. You just jump right in, sink or swim! Or maybe you just sit back and watch!

What are you jumping into? Is it sin? What are you sitting back to watch? Is it porn on your computer?

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out!  Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7)

At some point in your life, I hope you will contemplate your choices first – before you act unwisely or before you morph into the computer! If you don’t, the consequences will catch up with you and they’ll be pronounced. Sometimes they are severe and sometimes we seem to get a reprieve.

Inactions may be contemplated at times, but if they’re never taken and turned into actions, then the Word of God indicates that they are equally sinful.

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

The class president from my high school was married for many years. He and his wife had children together. Although it’s difficult for me to comprehend, after a long-term marriage, he pursued gross actions that had dire consequences. He had his wife murdered! Yes, the mother of their children! It is quite astonishing that a fellow classmate who also grew up in a very good neighborhood could take this kind of action, whether at his own hands or the hands of someone else. It’s sad, but true.

Of course, the “good neighborhood” of his upbringing didn’t matter. We know this can happen no matter where you were raised. Evil has no boundaries! The enemy is at work in the invisible realm behind the scenes, and if we allow the enemy to convince us, our own eternal life and that of our loved ones will be at risk.

Eventually, the classmate’s consequences were forcefully pronounced by the judge, but they seemed inadequate for his actions. Would it be more fitting if he had received the death penalty of an “eye for an eye” type of consequence?

Someday, we will learn the ultimate consequences of our actions and inactions when we pass on. We will hear the ultimate judge pronounce our consequences. Are we any more deserving of our own actions or inactions? Will they be considered good or bad? There can be dire consequences of each and every action we take and the neglectful inactions.

The Bible tells us: “… If you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. …” (Colossians 3:25) — This seems fitting, doesn’t it?

We may sin by lying or we may do something in anger. No matter what sin we commit, the consequences will always follow. Even if you don’t get caught in your sin, you will probably reap the consequences someday. They have a way of catching up with you!

There are most certainly things I have done that I regret. Haven’t we all? We all fall short, God tells us, of His wonderful glory, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to live in obedience and avoid negative consequences. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to determine His will and follow it.

There are plenty of things that I wish I would have accomplished that have never occurred.

In addition, God’s Word is clear that we should never mock Him in the process:

“Do not be deceived for God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

I recently met three people who I had not met before. After an event we all attended, we went to a restaurant and all sat together in a booth. Three of us began having a conversation, and as we spoke about prayer, it was apparent that three of us professed to be Christians. However, it become obvious that the other person did not speak at all during this conversation. It was also obvious that he was listening though.

I made a statement that I had been praying that God will lead me to the right path.

As we were all leaving to get up from the booth, that same man leaned in close, and quietly whispered to me with a sarcastic tone: “God will never answer you!”

In astonishment, I asked the man, “Don’t you believe in God?”

“No!” he emphatically replied!

I attempted to speak with him, but he became more belligerent and stated that he’s a “good person” so he doesn’t have to believe. He had closed ears. If that man chooses to continue on the same path, there will be dire consequences for him. “Being a good person” is not a “ticket to Heaven.”  

We all have a choice of our eternal consequence: the ultimateconsequence. We must not continue to live in known sin or continue to sit on the sidelines never answering the call of God on our life either.

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

This may be your lot in life and death and the consequences if you don’t accept salvation: “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:40-46)

Every one of us will have several chances to make right or wrong choices. Everyone will also have the opportunity to accept the truth to determine their ultimate consequence.

In my very first blog entry, I asked a question in my title: “Are You a Christian?” Consider going back to read that very short entry.

What you must understand is this: Christianity requires going beyond accepting and believing in God. I have met all too many men and women who have claimed to be Christians, but their actions and inactions seem to reveal otherwise. You can not have it both ways: You cannot profess Christianity and continue to live in blatant sin. Stop and think about the consequences of your actions and your inactions! There are consequences for each.

“If you do what is wrong, you will receive the consequences of the wrong you have done, and that is without partiality.” (Colossians 3:25)

We must master sin and we must have a standard. The Holy Bible is our standard and it is God’s Word for today, tomorrow, and forever.

Please don’t pay the eternal consequence described in the scripture below for God’s Word for Today. You won’t be able to change that and you will regret it! I don’t ever want it to be an “I told you so.” I want us all to go to Heaven!

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

God’s Word for Today: There are eternal consequences, God warns: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

Do you trust in the banks that “hold” your money and are supposed to keep it safe for you? Just look at Cyprus a couple years ago when the government took money directly from private bank accounts. Look at Greece where bank account withdrawals are very limited and the ranks of the homeless have climbed to an estimated 20,000 people on the streets there today.

Do you trust in your pension? Will your retirement account be available when you retire or will it possibly disappear into thin air before you reach your “golden years” in the future? Maybe you don’t even have a retirement fund.

Do you trust the doctor? Has your physician given you a diagnosis of cancer? Is it your heart that’s failing to work properly? Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and you have to take insulin every day. Did the medical specialist give you a bleak outlook on your quality of life for the rest of your life? These kinds of things are occurring within my family and with me, too. Yet, I still trust in God!

Do you trust in the lawmakers who create laws that most Christians find appalling and immoral? These laws are in direct opposition to the Word of God and God’s laws.

Do you trust the politicians? Do you trust those who are running for the presidential election here in the United States who claim to be Christians? Do you really believe they will have the power to make changes for our good as a nation?

Do you trust the teachers? Many teachers are very liberal, particularly at colleges. Do you trust these teachers to convince your children (who are now impressionable young adults) not to take the wrong path or could they be guiding them onto the wrong path?

Do you trust in your job security? Many full-time jobs have been cut to part-time jobs because of the new government healthcare law. All too easily our jobs can be gone or our hours cut in a split second with no warning. We can be replaced by the loads of people out of work. The hard work, education, and perseverance once held in high esteem is not necessarily the way to climb the ladder for work or the way to retain your job anymore. I am among those who are seeking more work or a full-time job and it’s been slow for quite some time now. Yet, I still trust in God!

Do you trust in your parents? Usually they are a good source to trust and confide in, but not always. Are they steering you in the ways of God or not?

How about a preacher, an evangelist, or a priest? Should these men and women be trusted? Are they leading the flock like the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ?

are you seeking mediums or physics for direction and answers to your life? They are plentiful and popular. Is this who you should place your trust in and believe?

“I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community.” (Leviticus 20:6)

There are so many questions. There’s really only one answer to the question: Who should you trust?

Here’s the answer: You should only trust in God!

Trust in God in all His ways through the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit. Can you hear Him? It doesn’t have to be audible. If you really know God, you will hear God speak to your heart.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

Several months ago, I knew in my spirit, without a doubt that God was asking me a question! I felt Him asking me, “Do you trust me?” Although, in slight hesitation, wondering why I’m being asked this question, my answer was: “Yes, of course, Lord, I trust you!” I have to admit that I felt uneasy about this. Yet, I also must say that as a devoted Christian who has surrendered her life to the Creator, I must believe that God knows best. I must only trust in God!

To trust in God, you must follow God in every way each and every day. You must be obedient. You must open your heart, your eyes, and your ears to Him. You must be willing to follow Him as a sheep follows the only Good Shepherd.

How much do you trust in God? If not, then why not?

Speak to God from your heart. Ask Him questions and some day he may be asking you a question, too. Make it simple and believe. Just imagine that He is right there beside you because He really is now and always will be…, and have a conversation with Him and listen for His voice. In time, I promise you will hear from Him and you will know it is Him. You will also hear from the enemy and you will need discernment to tune that out because the enemy comes only to fool you in his deceitful ways of lying, stealing, killing, and destroying. Yes, the enemy is sneaky.

You need to trust only in God! It’s the only way.

Tell Him that you will trust in His riches (the one who owns the “the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:20),” not the banks!

That partial scripture verse and the following verse help us to understand that God owns everything!

“Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, alsothe earth with all that is in it.” (Deuteronomy 10:14 — added bold is my emphasis)

So the next time you think that you own your own car or house or animal, in reality, all of everything is owned by God.

Tell Him you will trust in His healing as the Great Physician, and not only modern medicine. Tell Him you will trust in His wisdom and His everlasting Word, and use discernment with preachers and teachers. Tell Him you will trust in His ownership, not  the bank. Tell Him you will trust in His retirement for you, not the 401Ks or the government pensions. Tell Him you will trust in His laws and the 10 Commandments, not man’s laws. Tell Him you will work at whatever job He has for you at His leading. Tell Him you will honor your father and your mother.

Tell God that you will place all of your trust in Him. Tell Him that you understand that He has your best interests in mind and at heart because He loves you so very much. He really does know best, but do we trust Him? Do we let Him lead us? He is much more than the best parent here on this earth and that’s all we really need to put our trust in Him.

Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength, and the trust will follow, with faith, surrender, obedience, and commitment. When you can love Him, then you will have this promise:

“You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting Him will be the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 8-9)

That reward will be worth it all!

When you stop trusting, here’s an example of how the Lord changed the future fate of Moses and Aaron because of it. The Lord had told them to trust Him, as He led the Israelites out of Egypt and the Egyptian captivity.

“But even after all He did, you refused to trust the Lord your God …” (Deuteronomy 1:32)

“But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!’ ” (Numbers 20:12)

This meant that Moses and Aaron would never be able to enter into the land that He had planned for them. If only they had truly and totally trusted God, He had his best ready for them.

So, seek God and place all your trust in Him and in Him alone!

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know your name will put their trust in you; for you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:9-10)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7)

There are many stories of trusting in the Lord and His rewards. There are several stories of those who did not trust the Lord and how the Lord’s anger rose against them. You wouldn’t want this to happen to you. It is much better to go God’s way than man’s way. In the end, this question will matter: Did you trust in God? Did you trust in Jesus?

“… Each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors — stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.” (Psalm 78:7-8) “… They did not believe God or trust him to care for them.” (Psalm 78:22)

No matter what occurs or what does not occur that you may be hoping for right now, we need to place ourselves and our lives with childlike trust in God!

I’m going to trust in Jesus Christ who took my sins upon Himself and died for me so that I could live. Who are you going to trust?

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

I sang a song each day with the scriptures that follow (below) as “God’s Word for Today” verses. After I felt God questioning me about my trust in Him, it seems like the floodgates opened up with plenty in which to trust in Him alone. There’s been a great deal of events going on, and with each one, I had to tell God over and over again that I trust Him. The events going on in my life and the lives of my family were quite traumatic and tragic yet again this year, and I don’t know where I would be right now if I didn’t trust in God. I have to keep placing my trust in God every day with each and every thing, and I will have to continue doing so until I see Him face to face when I will be able to say to Him: Yes, Lord, I trusted in you and you alone! Please join me! I want to see you in Heaven rejoicing with me because we trusted in God!

God’s Word for Today: “Hewho dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

There are sins that God detests: All of them! God detests all sins!

When the government decides that we are going to make these sins acceptable as the law of the land, as the United States of America has now done, then we are truly headed for great trouble. This is supposed to be the land of the free, but with true freedom, there is responsibility. This is not freedom when it goes against God’s commandments, it’s bondage. I’m here to tell you what God says in His word because after all, this blog is called “God’s Word for Today,” and I’ve been called to warn you.

I could see this coming. It was clearly evident, as state after state began to change their laws. Christians saw it coming, too. The wise Christian move was to clearly define marriage as what was created by The Creator, God as: “one man and one woman,” God’s only equivalent of marriage. Even that was not enough to this country anymore, a land of many men and women who have strayed so far away from the truth.

The United States Supreme Court overruled what was once called “marriage.” The majority vote became the law of the land in the United States, enacting a new law that changes the definition of marriage. Now same-sex marriage is allowed and legal in every state in this country. If you are a Christian, and you have no problem with this, and maybe you even support it, then you are NOT following God. Not only are you not following God, you really better think about what you’re saying when you call yourself a Christian! I tell you the truth!

It is all here in God’s Word:

“Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.” (Leviticus 18:22)

Sin is sin. It’s not just only about same sex marriage, but this is today’s subject and apparently today’s highly held sin, too.

“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people — none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

This includes sex outside of marriage, folks! Yep! Sin is sin. But let’s stay on the main subject for today.

I thank God that He can help everyone to change, to stop the detestable sins, to repent, and to receive forgiveness.

For “Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

We have no excuse for not knowing God or the truth. God’s Word explains this all in Romans 1:19-21 (going forward). He tells us how the people who won’t worship Him or give Him thanks will begin to think up foolish ideas and their minds will become depraved, dark, and confused.

“Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.” (Romans 1:22-24)

“They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” (Romans 1:25)

“That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.” (Romans 1:26)

“And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.” (Romans 1:27)

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” (Romans 1:28)

“Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.” (Romans 1:29)

“They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents.” (Romans 1:30)

“They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.” (Romans 1:31)

“They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” (Romans 1:32)

A warning: “And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.” (Jude 1:7)

Do not twist this scripture. God is clear what true love is and it’s not sexual (such as homosexuality or any other sexual promiscuity or fornication): “Owe nothing to anyone — except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.” (Romans 13:8)

God explains a true marriage is one man and one woman. “To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:2)

“From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Mark 10:6-9)

We have allowed the re-creation of the terms “wife” and “husband” to apply to men with men and women with women, but God NEVER intended acceptance of this sinful re-creation.

You cannot be a friend of God and a friend to the world. Choose this day who you will serve and your ultimate destination can be decided with peace. I pray you choose wisely.

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

God’s Word for Today: “Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

When it comes to words and their definitions, there are multiple meanings. Let’s take a look at the word “grace.” In a Biblical sense, even the word grace has several meanings. Grace can be defined as “unmerited divine assistance.” Grace can also be defined as finding “favor” with God. This word (grace) may also be defined as being sanctified through divine help.

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11); “Because of His [God’s] grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” (Titus 3:7) — It’s freely given, but we must believe and accept His grace to receive our inheritance of eternal peaceful life hereafter our life here on this earth.

Mercy is described as “kind and forgiving treatment,” when in reality, maybe the treatment should or could be received as “harsh.” Mercy can also be described as “kindness” or “giving help” to others when they may need help or what we sometimes refer to as a “hand up.” When people are in a desperate situation and we are able to help them out, we give and show mercy upon them.

Each time we have a tragedy occur, such as the earthquakes in Nepal or the hurricanes and flooding in Louisiana, we may be found to be merciful by donating clothing or money to others. Maybe we are merciful in our actions to go help those in need with love and prayer.

Now, God’s mercy is more like the first definition of being “kind and forgiving,” and grace is truly “unmerited divine assistance.” Why does God give us grace and mercy?

“He [God] shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.” (Luke 1:50)

Do you fear God? He is our Heavenly Father. We should fear him. Do you fear His judgment? You should. He is the only One to fear. He is the ultimate judge. I assure you that you do not want to fall into the path of His great wrath someday.

If your earthly Dad was a good father, then you’d say you feared him when you did something wrong. Why? Because He wanted the best for you. He wanted you to be obedient and do the right things. Why? Because He loved you very much, and God loves you very much, too. He loves all of His creation. We are His creation.

Do we deserve God’s love? God’s grace? God’s mercy? No, not really! Does anyone deserve grace or mercy in forgiveness or favor from God? Not one of us really deserves the grace or mercy of God. However, God gives it to us freely. He freely gives us the reward of something that we don’t deserve. There is one reality. God does not give us the free gift of salvation if we reject Him. He won’t force us to accept Him. He wants us to accept Him willingly.

Why do many people find it difficult to accept Him willingly? Could it be because they consider Him to be a crutch? Yes! Could it be that they don’t want to be considered weak? Yes! Yet, these are both so far from the truth in accepting God willingly. In fact, they are quite the opposite in many ways.

Could it be that these people who don’t want to believe they need God do not realize that they should fear Him? He is the ultimate judge and every single one of us will have to answer to God someday.

Yet: “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17) — If you don’t accept this as truth, then God tells us that you will not enjoy Heaven after you leave this earth, but you will suffer eternally in Hell instead. It’s still your choice.

Why do most people seem to have trouble receiving God’s divine help? They want to do everything on their own. They want all the credit. I also find that many people cannot forgive themselves for the offenses they have committed. They figure that if they can’t forgive themselves, then why should God forgive them? They believe the offenses are not forgivable. Or these people can’t seem to find a way to feel worthy of mercy. Why should God give them mercy when they don’t feel they deserve it?

Here’s why: “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression [sin and rebellion], but He does not excuse the guilty…” (Numbers 14:18).

We must accept God and His Son, Jesus Christ, first into our heart, not just our mind. We must seek His forgiveness, mercy, and grace. We must seek Him. We must forgive ourselves and others, and then He will forgive us, too, if we simply ask Him to do so.

We must repent (change and stop sinning)! We can’t ask for forgiveness for an offense (a sin) and then keep sinning the same sin over and over again. We must find the strength of God through the Holy Spirit to stop the sin. Then we can be forgiven and found to be in God’s good graces and mercy, and even receive God’s favor. He gives us the ability to conquer the sins that used to bind us.

“Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!” (Romans 6:14-15)

“So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 5:21)

“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is — free and undeserved.” (Romans 11:6)

“But He [God] gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.’ ” (James 4:6)

When we can accept God’s grace and mercy, we will be forgiven, forgive ourselves, and forgive others. We will find salvation in God through Jesus Christ. We can receive God’s favor. We can conquer sin and crucify this flesh we live in (our body), but we also now house His spirit of truth and love within (our body) once we accept God, and we can live in and desire to worship God “in spirit and in truth.”

Let these be your words of spirit and your truth: “I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands… Praise the Lord! For He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives His people strength. He is a safe fortress…” (Psalm 28:1-2, 6, 7-8)

Now this scripture holds true for me and it should for you, too: “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus — the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24); “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for Himself.” (Acts 20:32); “By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.” (Ephesians 3:7)

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

“We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 15:11)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

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

We all have choices. Usually our choices are influenced by our upbringing. Often our choices are influenced by our circumstances. We make choices when we face new challenges. We make choices when something fantastic occurs. We may choices all the time: every day, moment by moment.

The biggest choice we make can be the most challenging or it can be so very easy. We need to stop and think about why we are making these choices.

The Lord seeks us to make the choice to come to Him. Are we fulfilled? Are we broken? Do we need Him or do we want Him? He’s waiting for us to welcome Him into our lives. He is here for us and He’s not a crutch!

He is here for everyone — both those who are bad and those who are good, and both those who love Him and those who reject Him. Ultimately, He loves each and every one of us because He created us.

He welcomes us all, and He took on all of mankind’s sins. Can you picture His arms outstretched on that tree (that cross)?

You’re at a crossroads. The choice of which way to go is yours. Which choice will you make? Do you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior or not? This is the ultimate, most important choice that you’ll ever make in your whole entire life. I guarantee it!

It’s really all about Him. I say: choose Jesus Christ! Choose God the Father! Choose everlasting life! If you don’t, then I assure you that you will have made your choice from your own free will. You may regret your choice if you deny Him. Why? Because it will result in death, separation, and suffering that will go on and on. Why would anyone choose this over the welcoming loving arms of a Father who desires our love back, too?

Just because “you’re a good person” doesn’t mean you have a “ticket” to Heaven. You must accept God and Jesus Christ into your heart, not just your head (or your mind). If you haven’t read the prior blogs, please do so. I urge you to do so, especially if you haven’t made this choice yet to become a follower of Jesus.

I hope you will make this positive choice. God won’t force you, and I won’t either, but I’ll sure do my best to make sure you know that you have this choice and what it ultimately means when you make your choice.

As the song says, “Jesus Take the Wheel.” The girl being described has lost control of her car. She thought she was going to die. When she finally let God take over, she truly surrendered her life. She decided to change her life by becoming a true follower of Jesus Christ. She needed to give full control to the only One who truly deserves this. God who knows what is best for us. God wants what is best for us. Why? Because He truly loves us more than anyone else ever could or ever will (even our parents or our spouse).

When we accept Jesus Christ into our heart and believe in what He did for us, we will be able to forgive others and accept His forgiveness for us, too. We will believe and grow in our faith. We will be able to commit our lives to Him because I tell you the truth: it’s all about Him!

The girl in the car no longer wanted to do it her way anymore because she realized it wasn’t working out her way. But it wasn’t until she thought her life may be over that she finally made the choice to change.

Why wait? It could be too late. You need to make the choice before you die, and the sooner, the better, or you may not have the choice to accept Jesus into your heart anymore! You never know when your time is going to end here in this life (on this earth).

How about getting passionate for God? How about giving the Lord the kind of praise and recognition that you probably give someone else right now?

We can love God back and choose Heaven. If you truly knew what Hell was like, you would never want to go there!

Thank God there is redemption for our soul through the blood of Jesus Christ who became our sacrifice.

“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when He held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past for He was looking ahead and including them in what He would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness for He himself is fair and just, and He declares sinners to be right in His sight when they believe in Jesus.” (Romans 3:25-26)

We need to see the eternal view of life and death, and of the new life here that can be obtained first. It is found through the rebirth that God offers for each and every one of us to become a new person in Christ. (See verses in the Bible about rebirth and being born again in John 3:3-7, I Peter 1:3, and 1 Peter 1:23. See verses about becoming a new person or a new creation in Galatians 6:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.)

As my keychain says: “Got Jesus? It’s hell without Him!” Quite a strong statement, huh? Yes, it is! This is a life and death choice! It’s a decision that we have been given full authority to make. Each one of us has this choice.

We will all live on from here. You will live on in Heaven or die in Hell. The thing most people don’t realize is that you are constantly dying in Hell, suffering continually, and forevermore separated from your Creator, God. In Heaven, you are in peace and love, surrounded and embraced by your Creator, God’s love.

Will you choose life or death today? What will your answer be?

It all starts here: “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)

God must be first and foremost! For He is our life and our salvation (that is, our life beyond the death of this body we now inhabit).

What’s your goal? For those who have made the choice to follow Jesus: “… Our goal is to please Him [God].” (2 Corinthians 5:9)

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

God’s Word for Today: “I call Heaven and earth to record this day against you, thatI have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, so that both you and your seed may live. That you may love the Lord your God, and that you may obey His voice, and that you may cleave to Him: for He is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land that the Lord gave to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 − my emphasis in bold)

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

What do you think when you think about time? Does it feel like time is passing you by? Maybe you’ve discovered that time is what you make of it. You may not think you have enough time to accomplish what you need to do, much less what you want to do, but setting priorities really helps. However, even when priorities are set, time can be disrupted by unexpected events.

Have you ever wished you could escape time? No more days, weeks, months, or years. No more hours, minutes, or seconds to count down. No more clocks.

Although maybe counting down the seconds to the New Year is exciting because it represents the chance for a new beginning. But we should realize that we can do this any day or time of the year.

Maybe you wish you could just create more time in each day. If you just had a few more hours each day, you could achieve so much more.

It is possible that you don’t treat time with any care whatsoever? Maybe each day blurs into the next. Hour by hour you find yourself lazy and inattentive to anything in particular. Maybe no ambition utilizes your time. I have found myself in days like this. You can admit it, too. We’ve probably all had at least a few days in our lives like these. Most certainly when we’ve been awfully sick.

At this age in my life, I wish I had already accomplished a whole lot more than I have so far, and yet, I have accomplished quite a bit. Maybe not what I would have hoped to have completed so far, but there’s always now!

We have to realize it’s important to focus on today – not on yesterday or the future either. It’s important to focus on the present.

God tells us that we cannot be certain of our plans tomorrow: “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog − it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that [tomorrow].’ ” (James 4:14-15)

God gives us a present and it’s free. It’s called salvation, and once we accept it, we will receive the Holy Spirit. Then we can move forward in His presence with His present to live and accomplish much for such a time as this!

There are a lot of things occurring in the world today that could cause you to live in fear – things, I believe, you never expected to see in your lifetime. This is truly a time to have faith for such a time as this in which we need to act.

If you knew that the time we are all living in would be such a very special time in the world today, would it change anything for you? Would it change the way you spend your time? Your days? Your hours? Your moments?

If you knew that you could have effectual changes in the course of someone else’s life for eternity, would it change the way you spend your time today? Now? It should!

Why? Because we were created for such a time as this! What does this mean? This is a special time. History is gone. The future is ahead. Now is the time to have victory for God.

Victory to defeat your enemies. Victory to overcome death through Jesus Christ by accepting and receiving salvation for eternity. Victory to live a fulfilling life to bring the Good News to all. Victory to be successful in matters of importance. This kind of victory only comes from God because He gives us the strength and the success to prevail and live victoriously for Him. It is through His strength and power of the Holy Spirit for every person who has obtained the salvation of God. There is power in our temple, which houses our body, spirit, and soul together with His Holy Spirit.

We were born for a time, and the time is now. It is for such a time as this to accomplish the greatest thing of all time. To tell others about God’s love and God’s wrath. To tell others that God saves through Jesus Christ. To tell others that they can be forgiven. To tell others that it’s not too late, but the time is short. We were born for time such as this. The clock is ticking, ticking, ticking. Don’t waste any more time.

Read the chapter of Esther in the Bible to learn about how she was born for the time in which she lived. She is told: “Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Who knows if you were made the person you are today for just such a special time – for such a time as this? God says you were, and I’d say you were and you have a very important Godly mission to accomplish. However, if you have not been saved, you must accept God’s free gift of salvation first. Then you can achieve mighty works for the Lord. After all, you were created in His image to fulfill His plan for your life for such a time as this. There is no more time to waste.

“But the time is coming − indeed it’s here now − when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.” (John 4:3)

“That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.’ ” (Joel 2:12)

It’s all a matter of the heart. Like I have shared in this blog, I didn’t have the salvation of God until I could believe in Him with my heart. When I could come to love Him first and foremost with my heart, I became a new person in Christ and I pray this for you, too: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

It’s time to realize what God wants for our lives because we were born for a time such as this for a reason and a purpose.

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

God’s Word for Today: “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17) – I believe this can include something as simple, but most important, as accepting salvation. I believe it can be as simple as taking the time each day to pray and read the Word of God (that is, the Bible). I also believe this can be something as great as accomplishing our purpose in Christ for our life with the talents he bestows upon us. Will you fulfill your purpose in life? For we were born for such a time as this!

Copyright © 2015 by Patricia Shehan

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

With today’s world headlines, many people can’t help but speak about the darkness and evil they see growing all around them. Some may say, well the news can now reach most everyone on the globe with modern technology. Therefore, we are just hearing things we’ve never heard before because the news is now so far reaching in its scope. No, I say! No!

This is not about technology and the news we’re able to receive nowadays because of it. This is about the prophecy of God telling us about something that will definitely happen in the future, and I believe as many others do, too, that the future is now. The evil occurring today is dark and it’s growing due to sin, disbelief, evil, compromise, lack of commitment, tolerance, and so forth.

Why? Because the Word of God has warned us: “… Woe to the inhabitants on the earth … terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.” (Revelation 12:12) – (Please note that this scripture is a combination of Bible versions and is not the entire scripture verse.)

What does the devil have little time for here on earth? Why is the devil so angry?

Because he has little time to dissuade you from the truth of God’s love. He wants your soul! The devil wants you to follow him instead of God. He is angry because He never got what he wanted. He never got his own way. He wanted to take God’s place. He wanted the highest honor and control. He wants to take everyone else down with him into the depths of Hell and the Lake of Fire. You know that saying, “I sold my soul to the devil.” Well, it’s real! It’s very real, and I am here to tell you: Don’t do it!

It is important to understand that God has allowed the devil the ability to terrorize those who live here on this earth to test each and every individual. Do you believe in God? Have you given your heart to God? Will you obey God or not? If you do obey God (after having believed in Him in your heart and accepted what He has done for you, and after asking and receiving His forgiveness and love, having repented of your sins, and giving your life to Jesus Christ, then believe that you now have this promise):

“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

I believe this time has begun. I believe we are living in the very beginning of a time of tribulation that will grow in intensity until the anti-christ is revealed on the world stage. Then there will be further tribulation, and some will know God’s wrath during the latter 7-year period described in Daniel. I don’t want to get side tracked into discussing this period of time. If you do not know what I mean by it, then please study the Bible, do some research, and ask a true Biblical-based preacher.

“You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5)

“If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing.” (2 Corinthians 4:3) Those who are perishing are not saved by God. Choose life instead! Seek God to have Him remove the scales from your eyes. Then the devil cannot blind you from the truth. Don’t choose to perish in eternal suffering! No matter what I say to you, the bottom line is that it is your choice!

You must come out of darkness and evil to be able to see the light.

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Why? Because they choose to run their own life for their own evil pleasures and desires. These individuals reject a belief in the God who created them who can also save them.

I believe when the Christians recognize that our days have much evil and it’s sometimes difficult to see the light through the dark, we must remember that God will protect His own and we must continue to be strong in our faith and our calling in this life until we see Him someday face to face. But until then, we know the Bible is true and it is the living Word of God. We can see that we must be living in the last days, described as follows:

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth. These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are … .” (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

Where do you stand? Do you stand on the side of evil, defending sin, compromise, tolerance, and so-called peace? Or do you stand on the side of good and God, defending your faith?

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it [or] understand it.” (John 1:5) – (This scripture is also a combination of versions.)

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

When you think of idols, do you who live in the United States think of American Idol? How about in Europe? Do you think about British Idol and Pop Idol? There are other TV shows in other countries just like these. They are all produced for the public’s viewing and hearing pleasure and entertainment. The audience in the studio and at home can vote to choose the singer they think should be idolized. The singer whose voice is voted as best is chosen based on individual taste and appeal.

May I please tell you something very important? If you don’t know this already, the only One who should be idolized is our God, the creator of every human being, and the creator of Heaven and earth.

“… We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but One.” (1 Corinthians 8:4)

In fact, in The Holy Bible, we can read what God told Moses: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” (Deuteronomy 5:6-8)

Whoa! We have idols all around us. People, things, and places are idolized. Even those we think are deserving of our adoration and special attention are idolized. What do I mean by that?

When I was growing up in the religion of my youth, I was taught to kneel down in front of statues. These statues represented Mary and Joseph (the human parents of Jesus Christ [our God in the flesh]). I was taught not only to kneel down in front of them, but also to pray to them. I was also taught to place money in the box for the poor in honor of my prayers.

This religion taught me that Mary and Joseph were praying to God on my behalf. This teaching is incorrect! This is not Biblical! These teachings and practices have been created and taught by man, not God!

God’s Word (The Bible) teaches us the truth:

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is One.” (Galatians 3:20)

I never felt very comfortable kneeling down and praying to those statues. Somehow, something within me was telling me that it was not right, but I didn’t know why. What was wrong? My parents taught me that it was correct, good, and holy. But my conscience and my heart were struggling with what I was being taught.

I’ll tell you why I was struggling. It was because these statues are idols! That gnawing feeling I had inside of me was meant to make me question this practice. In reality, I was idolizing Mary and Joseph, and I was praying to the dead. Yes! That’s correct! They are dead, and we are not to put anyone in between God and ourselves. We are to only to give God our love and our prayers, and adore only Him.

When I was reading my Bible diligently, I came across this scripture and everything became quite clear: “… and you saw their abominations and their idols which were among them — wood and stone and silver and gold.” (Deuteronomy 29:17)

“Then God gave the people all these instructions:” (Exodus 20:1) … “You must not have any god before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

Giving someone or something other than God any idolization is placing that person or that object as a god before the real God. We cannot do this! We must not do this!

We may or may not realize we’ve been doing this. We must be very careful. All of our love, adoration, and any type of idolization must be given only to the One and only Almighty God.

Otherwise: “… You shall serve other gods… — [of] wood and stone.” (Deuteronomy 28:64)

These are “idols of gold, andsilver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.” (Revelation 9:20)

This is what has been done: “You took the very jewels and gold and silver ornaments I had given you and made statues of men and worshiped them. This is adultery against me!” (Ezekiel 16:7)

If we idolize a person or an object (even if it represents a person), then we are committing adultery against our God! We must be careful. We must seek forgiveness for our idolizations.

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.” (Exodus 20:4-6)

After having left that religion of my youth (that I had actually continued on throughout most of my adulthood and through marriage…), I realized that I had sinned against God. I had committed “adultery” through my idol worship (through my religious upbringing). How awful, I realized, as I repented of my sin. Although I was not certain why I felt uncomfortable when being taught and following the actions of my parents in praying to these statues (these idols), God was faithful in showing me the truth. He will show you, too, if you are open to Him.

That discomfort when bowing and kneeling down to statues was there for a reason. I simply needed to find out why. God will lead. We simply need to seek Him for He is calling you to Himself.

Although my parents’ instructions were wrong, I believe it’s because they never really sought God out enough to really know Him. They would pray the rote (repeated) prayers they were taught, and they would follow the church’s man-made teachings, but would they come to know the truth? According to the scriptures, “… the entire family is affected…”

God allowed me to understand the error of my ways from the error of my parents when I diligently sought Him and His Word. He allowed me to learn, to repent, and to be saved.

It is really quite simple to earnestly seek God and His truth with all our heart. Let go of the world and everything in it, and stop and seek your Creator!

God tells us: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

I pray you will seek God with all your heart. I pray you will see the truth, too. I pray you will not allow any idols to pull you in the wrong direction away from God. I pray you will repent of any idolization in your life that is not of God.

For God says in His Word, the Bible: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.”

Don’t be left out of your eternal salvation to enter into Heaven. I want to see you there someday!

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

God’s Word for Today: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols [or] from anything that might take God’s place in your heart.” (1 John 5:21)

Copyright © 2014 by Patricia Shehan

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

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

“The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2:11)

“Glory to God in the highest, and peace to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14)