You too can Live, A Righteous Life!

Knowing what I know now, I have a deeper love for Jesus Christ. Today in my devotional time I was reading about the righteousness of Abram (before he was called Abraham in Genesis 15:6), and thought to myself wow! How can one live a righteous life? Then I continue to read a commentary that said "it's your belief not your actions that makes a person right with God." This was a great way of explaining it to me, but I needed to understand righteousness more. In the quest to find out what the bible had to say about righteousness I penned a few questions in my journal call *My beliefs* 1.) Do I believe God is who He says He is? If so...then I must serve Him as Lord. 2.) Do I believe He did what He said He did? If so...then I must praise Him for His marvelous works, sacrifices, and purpose... 3.) Do I believe He will do what He said He would do? If so...then I must follow Him, read his word, obey His commands and live according to his perfect will. I began to quietly pray, 'Yes, I believe who you say you are Lord, and what you said you did, and what you will do, but I feel that I have let you down by my selfish actions and that I will never be righteous. Instead, I feel like Cain instead of Abel.' In Genesis 4:2-7 reads (in the NIV) "Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brough some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brough fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast (or dejected meaning sad, or depressed). Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at you door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." I put myself in Cain shoes and asked, 'how in the world do I master this, so that I can do what's right in your sight O Lord and be accepted by you.' 2 Peter 2:19 (is now one of my favorite scriptures) says, They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him." What is depravity? Depravity is moral corruption-it is considered the innate corruptness of human nature, due to Adam's fall. Okay yes, I know that we were born in sin and shapened in iniquity, now how can I die to sin so I can become righteous. It can only come through Jesus Christ, but I have accepted him, so what now? Romans 5:12-17 says, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-for before the law was given, sin was in the world." *The law did not come until Moses brought the 10 commandments penned by the finger of God on Mount Sinai.* "But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come." This is where I leaped for joy vs 15. "But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgement followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brough justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who recieve God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ." I've heard this quoted many times "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound, God forbid," but did not understand the depth of that passage. In the NIV it says, (in Romans 6:1-4), "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life," *and that life is righteous because of Jesus Christ.* I continued to read future and found out that "Obedience leads to Righteousness" in vs 16. I also learned that I need to offer my body in slavery to righteousness, which leads to holiness, and the result is Eternal Life. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" vs. 23. Amazing!

New Year...New Creation!

Happy New Year! Even though it is now the 7th of January, I figured I give myself a few days to enjoy the new year alone with God, and my family before I jumped back into blogging/inspirational musing. I don't do new year's resolutions because it's just not for me. Whatever I want out of life I will seek God, and pursue it, and if I "remain in him, and in his words, I may ask for anything I want, and it will be granted" (don't believe me check St. John 15:7 NLT). I will say this much my future looks bright because I have high hopes. I was talking to someone recently and said, 'my future looks bright!' and they said, "Why?, are you coming into some money, buying a bigger home, or going on a vacation this year." That statement bugged me a little because it seems as if people can't see a blessing unless it's wrapped in materialistic, or monetary wrapping paper. I see a brighter future because I see God as the center of it all, holding me and leading me, and I'm so relaxed in his arms. I've been the one who has always wanted to take the lead. There is something about the word new that makes me smile, and we are given so many new experiences each day. New simply means, "not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time." Everyday we wake to a new day, and his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). I feel like the life I am living in 2012 is NEW, never have I been so happy and optimistic about life. This is the life God was talking about, the abundant life where I don't have to be fearful, forgetful, angry, lost, and frustrated. I love how the New Living Translation quotes 2 Corinthians 5:15-17: "He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! The words from this passage of scripture is so refreshing...This is how I feel and how I wish most people would feel everyday about their future and about living for God. The old is gone, and I am so glad. 2011 was a tough year, but I got through it. I did not see death, so that's all that matters. I am still in the land of the living, giving God the praise for who he is and what he has done. I'm not worried about what was done, said, thought, unaccomplished, wasted, or sabotaged, I'm looking forward to new experiences, new dreams, new creations in Christ Jesus! I am totally Blessed, and feel New!

The world is getting sicker, are you awaiting Jesus' Return?...

Hello all, My heart is heavy because of the sin of the world...and whose left to mourn, those who have a heart like God's...and if God is not pleased, neither should we. "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.[a] 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells." Again I ask, How ought we to LIVE? There are things going on in the world that should not shock you. People are getting married today and divorced tomorrow. They are having sex before they wed, and having babies by their boyfriends, not husbands. The media is glorifying ugliness. God never designed his world to be like this. Homosexuals can get married and no one says a word, why? because it upsets them. I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't care about upsetting people. He was and is still is The Living Word, and the word offends people. For that reason, we are entering into a dangerous time because people are forgetting God and are turing to false idols. They are serving man, themselves, their money, and their false gods, which they either handcrafted, are called from the dead. Jesus and his disciples preached it time and time again, telling us to beware of false prophets. They are not professing to know Christ, no, they are calling themselves prophets, and gods, of this world, and who is their leader Satan himself, and he's not wearing horns, and a red tail. He's possessing people all over the world starting at infancy. We cannot sit back and laugh when we see children wanted to dress like the opposite sex. The devil's agenda is to let any and everything happen, and to get them to follow him at a very young age. Celebrities have no morals, they don't care about you or I. Their main goal is to have control, and we are giving them the control when we support this filth. There is only one true God and his name is Jesus. Ask me how I know, just look around, they didn't crucify anyone else, and they are still fighting his very name, acts and existence today. Listen, Muhammad Ali is not God, neither is Buddah, nor any other worthless piece of object people set up in their homes and hearts. Why are Christians so afraid? Because they have taken their eyes off of God. We are supposed to have holy boldness. We are suppose to be Christ followers, but we are following everything but Christ. My Lord is grieved, and the stench of this world has gone up to heaven. No one cares about anything good anymore, and if you are not careful you too will be Satan's victim. They are trying to eliminate men from the face of the earth. It's not okay for men to sleep with men, or for women to sleep with a women, and if you are, or someone you know is practicing this lifestyle they can be delivered. God does not condone sin, nor did he come to condemn, but to seek and to save those that were lost, but there will come a day Hallelujah! when he will have to judge the world. That includes you and I, both the good and the bad, they right and the wrong, stuff done in open and behind closed doors and in closets. I say repent today while salvation is within reach, and he shall forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." (Matthew 5:13 NIV) What we are doing is denying God, oh yes you are, if you deny his ways, his acts, and his word, you are denying the very God who saved us. And the word say, "but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 10:33) Now, it can't get no plainer than that and that is the English Stand Version. We are not hear to get rich or die trying. We are hear to worship the Lord, live for him, die to self, so we can one day reign with him. Jesus is soon to return, yeah that's what you've heard for centuries, but those who wait on him shall see him, and his reward is with him, "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28) Are you waiting for him, or are you having too much fun? Those who don't care will miss it. He will not come until everyone has had an opportunity to hear of him. Now that does not mean all will accept him, but they will have heard the gospel message and will have either rejected his plan of salvation or accepted it. Life is hard enough why would you want to live it without the peace, love, and joy of God? I admonish you to read the word of God, listen to an audio verison of it when you're driving get it into you spirit daily because the hour is at hand. I can't stress this enough, but it will not get any better if we choose to forsake Jesus Christ. For Christ followers and friends, you will forever be comforted if you continue to follow him. I leave with you all the words of Christ from John 14:25-31 "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence." Sources: Biblegateway.com

I shall boast in my weaknesses

I must say that it is a glorious morning, and I have a praise in my spirit for my Lord and Savior. Some may look at this day and say "it's another Thursday, Dec 1," but it's special to me, because I have never seen it before. I've never experiences the air on this crisp morning, accompanied by the warm sunshine. It's a new day, and his mercies are new every morning. My God has carried me, and has been my power source. The cares of this life is contended on zapping me, but I know that his grace is sufficient, and that his power is made perfect in weakness. "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). I feel good knowing that he is always there. I will praise him today and forevermore, for the things he has done, for the path he has precisely prepared, and for the love I so deeply embrace. Jesus you're awesome. The closer I get to you the better I feel. Thank you for laying up for me treasures in heaven, and for allowing me to experience your joy and peace here on earth. My life has purpose because of the sacrifices you've made, so this day I shall proclaim your praise.

What are you thankful for???

What are you thankful for? I am thankful for my freedom. For without freedom, I will not be able to enjoy the wonderful life that God has blessed my family and I with. I am free from sin, shame, depression, sickness, guilt, and people. Not to mention I live in a country where I can read my bible and pray to my God freely. There are times when we complain about the small things, instead of being thankful for what you already have. Let us all give thanks unto the Lord for he is good and his mercy endures forever. Enjoy time with family, and friends, and know that you are forgiven and free from the trick of the enemy.

Lord, I Thank You!

Amen is all I have to say because the Lord has been mighty good. As I examine all that he has done, my soul rejoices. I've been washed in the blood of the Lamb, all sins have been blotted out never to be remembered. I've been change, my mind, body and soul are no longer the same. I have a new desire and appetite for all things lovely, holy, faithful, and true. My God looks at me differently, he sees me in his light. My paths are no longer dreary and weary, dark and desolate they are progressive, prosperous, fun-filled, and straight. Once you realized all that Jesus has done there's no way in the word you can come up with any sort of debate. This is a Thank You and a Hallelujah to my Lord because he has lifted me. He has kept me, he has loved me, bought me with a price that no one else could pay. He has made me into something more valuable than rubies. He has kissed me, healed me, and held me in his arms. This is a Thank You and a bless your wonderful name to the God who sits on the throne. The one that is touched with the feelings of my infirmities, the one who desires the praises of his people. This is a Thank You and an ol magnify the Lord with me to the God of our forefathers, the one who created the world out of nothing, parted the red sea and close it up on the enemy. This is a Thank You to a Father who reveals his promises, visions, desires, and mysteries to his little children. O This is a Thank You to the King of kings, and the Lord of lords who rules the world, and still has time to love me. I have a Thank you Jesus in my heart for a God that is merciful, and kind, patient, and just, forgiving, and omnipotent, righteous, and amazing. I shall never forget that He is Love, and that nothing in this world can take his place. I am blown away and don't have nothing else to say, but Thank You Jesus! Victoria Ruth :D

I just want to serve Him more

Some changes had to be made for God to see his reflection in me... First off I deleted my Facebook page. Seriously, (this is strictly for me) it's not needed. Countless hours were wasted, and I found that I was hindering myself. Trying to help others, I found myself drifting away from God, ugh! I so wish I would of never got a page in the first place. That being said, I'm glad I'm done with it so I can move FORWARD. What I found refreshing is how God is giving me wonderful ideas for the upcoming days, months, and year. I just want to serve him more...(in my sweet voice) and I feel that this blog will be a great avenue. For he is my great reward!, not by the amount of virtual friends I have, or whether someone will "like" what I say. Pish-Posh, I'm doing this because I love God, and there is nothing more rewarding then feeling his presence as I write, and minister. "...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31). That's what I believe, and that's what I have been doing, hoping in the LORD, and waiting. Lamentations 3: 24-26 says, "I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." I've been waiting on the Lord to tell me when, and where, how, and why? I've been in deep prayer about what he has told me to do, and I'm ready to obey and serve him in this new endeavor. ******Thank You Jesus****** Upcoming things are as followed: Poetry...lots of it, an online magazine (need writers), and last but not least a book. I'm praying, and I ask that you pray with me. I will be posting more about what he (the Lord) is asking me to do. What I've learned is that no two people are alike, everyone is different, and by obeying God and doing what feels right, will only bring joy to your life and a smile to God's face. Serve God faithfully, and let him get the glory. Victoria Ruth ;D