Author: Admin (Page 1 of 2)

Stop, drop, and roll when burning with anger or any other thought you wouldn’t want to act upon.

You probably heard it said this way, “You can’t do anything about the birds flying over head, BUT you don’t have to let them build a nest in your hair”. The thing is, thoughts are like seeds. They can develop into possible actions, which could become dangerous.

Who hasn’t had great zinger’s in the argument within our mind’s eye, while doing mundane chores? Harmless mental pass time, right? Wrong. They can become deeply imbedded, well rooted so-to-speak. Then in the heat of emotions those past thoughts could result in actions or words most regrettable. Ever have something come out of your mouth that you felt bad about the moment the words left your tongue? As children we may have said, “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never harm me?*” I read once that our self worth requires many more kind words spoken to us in order to replace a hurtful word.

We need to stop any unwanted thought(s) “nip it in the bud”, as the old saying goes. Take them to the Cross, leave them with the Lord, asking for His help to move us past whatever emotion, be it anger, resentment, jealousy, unforgiveness … a cry of help not to “nurse” the issue any longer. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36 KJV), (Luke 4:17-19 KJV)

Thoughts can be the rope tying us in bondage.
“… you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 KJV) and the “truth” is “… Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV) What does that mean? Jesus came and paid the price for us. Payment for our (sin) debt was paid for with His Pure Blood Sacrifice on the Cross at Calvary. “… through the Blood of the everlasting covenant,” (Hebrews 13:20 KJV) “Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” (2 John 1:3 KJV) He was our substitute, taking upon Himself the punishment for our sin(s). (Isaiah 53:5 KJV), (Matthew 8:17 KJV)

We humans simply can’t grasp ALL He has accomplished for ALL who will believe, but then He doesn’t expect us to. (Romans 3:23 KJV) What father expects a toddler to get out and mow the lawn? Ridiculous? That’s about the sum of it when taken from Father God’s perspective. (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)

Ever get tired of being the adult in the room? Burdened by all those cares of this world? The price of admittance has been paid for us, including YOU! Leave the cares, upset feelings’, anything and everything that has thrown thoughts dominating our mind(s). (1 Peter 5:7 KJV), (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)

It isn’t the original thought that is sin, it is allowing the thought to “nest”, and acting on it. Perhaps that is what Jesus was addressing when He said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matthew 15:19 KJV) If you were to act on a thought, it would be obvious those thoughts had laid a path to somewhere (fill in the blank) that you do not want to go.

We have a choice. Choices are made every minute of every moment of the day. So, if we find ourselves asking, “how did I ever get here?” We should think of all those thought moments that led to our actions.

Instead … Stop, Drop (to your knees a position for prayer) and roll your cares onto Jesus. (1 Peter 5:7 KJV) He will forgive us if we ask for the Blood of Jesus to cleanse us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

Then forgiving ourselves, replace the thoughts with, “… whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

*The Christian Recorder of March 1862

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV)

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV)

“And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:17-19 KJV)

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 KJV)

“… Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV)

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of the everlasting covenant,” (Hebrews 13:20 KJV)

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” (Matthew 8:17 KJV)

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23 KJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)

“… the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:” (Matthew 15:19 KJV)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

In February we think of matters of the heart. Our hearts yearn to be loved. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 KJV) That is exactly what Jesus Christ has done for you and I.

Why was this necessary? Because of the fall of man, causing the sin nature. This is a subject requiring more study and information than is presented in this post, however: Man who is in the middle of a great war, required a Savior. Jesus Christ came and saved us from the eternal damnation intended for Satan and the fallen angels who sided with him (Revelation 12:9 KJV). Man listen to Satan’s deception rather than obeying Father God’s instructions, causing man to fall, the reason for his need of a Savior. The Cross of Christ must never be set aside for Easter only. At the very core, the Blood of Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God was necessary. He took the punishment in place of us, if we believe and except Him and all that He accomplished at Calvary. The Cross of Christ is the answer for EVERY need we face.

At Christmas we learn of the Wise Men who came to see Him. We should be reminded that “Wise Men still seek Him”. Sometime in Spring we celebrate Easter recalling that the baby Jesus came into this world to become a grown man, God’s Sacrificial Lame, His bloodshed for our sins.

Between these festive holidays we pass through February. While we wait for spring, let us warm our hearts being reminded to be wise men and seek Him. The One who loved us so much that He laid down His life, that ours may live eternally. Yes, Father God has sent you a valentine. Have you opened yours yet?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 KJV)

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceived the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Revelation 12:9 KJV)

What can be better than peace of mind?

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trusted in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

What good are any worldly riches if one does not have the peace of mind to enjoy them? How often have we heard it reported that one who seemingly, “had the world”, and yet were unsatisfied. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV), (Matthew 16:26 KJV)

Torment of mind locks many in their own private hell. I am reminded of the number of comedians who have escaped through drugs. We are often shocked to learn they have taken their own lives. It is incomprehensible for those who feel that if they only had some of their money, looks, and/or fame. Proof that such cannot add to our lives those things we, perceive to be, what will make us happy.

I think contentment is one of the greatest gifts in life, for if one is content they are not longing for what they really have no need of, in order to be blessed. (1 Timothy 6:6 KJV)

The February topic will be about our thoughts. Our thoughts will determine the degree we experience “peace of mind”. Until then, let’s look at what the *scriptures say about peace and how to have it.

“You wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trustes in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 KJV)
“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 KJV)

Content:

“… Be content, …, and let your heart be merry.” (Judges 19:6 KJV)
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:8 KJV)
“And Moses was content to ….” (Exodus 2:21 KJV)
“And when Moses heard that, he was content.” (Leviticus 10:20 KJV)

Contentment:

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6 KJV)

*Peace:

“You wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You: because he trustes in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17 KJV)
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 KJV)
“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:33 KJV)
“… the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Romans 16:20 KJV)
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV)
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 KJV)
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,” (Hebrews 13:20 KJV)

For fun I am working on a collection I call, Nature As Art™, …no I don’t hug trees or pray to mother earth, but I observed while painting outdoors a metaphor of sorts. As the clock ticks towards the end of September, I again find that I haven’t a feeling of being “anointed” with a special message. Then again, maybe if I am just real with you, a fellow friend walking through this life, sharing from the heart what comes to mind. I so want to provide a monthly post with some profound something, yet I have nothing to share unless it comes from His Word, led by His Holy Spirit.

While waiting for my laptop to awaken, I sent up another “utt-oh” prayer, “Lord, I have nothing to say? …Is this of You? If not…, then the scripture about our works being burned up (1 Corinthians 3:10-23 KJV) reminds me that it is not about me, but Him. That any such contribution if made of wood, hay, would burn up, in short a waist of time.

So two things came to mind. 1) The realization that it is “I” putting the pressure on to perform a Lady of Victory® Little Wisdoms® graphic(s) with a From The VINE™ Blog post to some predictable schedule. Perhaps my heart could be inspired for several in one month and none the next. It’s about content. But, your time is valuable and so onto point 2) I learned this week that even a bee can be mislead. How so? Well, as I began, I was painting some dried up remains of summer’s flowers, bright yellow and orange when I noticed a bee landing on the brightly painted seedless pods. Here was this bee moving from one fake blossom to another only finding that the bright yellow calling card gave out a false message. No nectar here, only the appearance of what was hopefully pollen, the stuff honey is made of.

How often have we gone to our church, small group meeting, convention, with the same false hope? I recall just before leaving the church I had grown up in, waiting through the entire message without even the mention of Jesus, Father God, or the Holy Spirit. No scripture, nothing! Although this example may lean on the extreme, how often have we left church/group/conference feeling empty. I have even repented, saying “I’m sorry Lord, I must have a harden heart, I just got nothing from the message”, only to learn later that the message had no real scriptural base in which it was built.

When we take our car to a filling station, we expect to get filled up at the pump. When we take our earth suit to a spiritual filling station, we expect the same. Not all pumps give out the standard we expect or need. The sure sign of this is on how well can your earth suit run on what we are spiritually filling up on? As with a poor grade of gasoline our car does not run as well.

After moving from one false bloom to another, the bee finally wised up and flue onto find real substance. Have we been as wise? Are we checking up on the teaching(s) our favorite Bible rock star puts out? The message will no doubt pass out a scripture or two but have you taken the time to form your own inner witness? Has the scripture been taken out of context? Manipulated to fit a particular cause? What about the Bible translation? Are you feeding on the Word of God or a paraphrase of three other paraphrased translation. One does not need to study Greek or Hebrew, but it is our responsibility to examine.

Is it time for a spiritual oil change? If we are expected to run properly on this journey called life, we need to do check-ups. If we expect to make it to a heavenly destination, we must check the map (Bible) or we may find those directions were not correct and therefore we have missed the mark. When it comes to eternal life, one must not rely on another. Check the directions given you with life’s road-map, the Bible. Not just any Bible, importantly, Bible translation as close to God’s original message as a translation from one language to another can be. Don’t “bee” fooled by the “appearance” of a promising fruit. As it say’s in (Matthew 12:33 KJV), by their fruit they are known. Or put another way, if it quacks like a duck, it may just be a quack.

1 Corinthians 3:10-23 (KJV)
¹⁰ According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another build thereon. But let every man take heed how he build thereupon.
¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
¹² Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
¹³ Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
¹⁴ If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
¹⁵ If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
¹⁶ Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
¹⁷ If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
¹⁸ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness.
²⁰ And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
²¹ Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s;
²² Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s;
²³ And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

Matthew 12:33 (KJV)
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Luke 6:44 (KJV)
For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

I have enjoyed the summer so much that I have neglected preparation for the August post. Another month in which my message from the heart remains unseen within stacks of notebooks. I apologize.

For many, more than the season is changing as August runs out of calendar days. You may be heading back to school, sending your last child off to college, packing summer wardrobe(s) in preparation for cooling temperatures. Whatever changes you are experiencing with this late August, our Lord never changes. We take comfort knowing HE is the One and only dependable, stable foundation that will not change. Find peace and rest in the Lord.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

For I am the Lord, I change not; … (Malachi 3:6 KJV)

Scars

Part 2:

Others have scars too. Still healing? Don’t despair.

Scars. We all have them, both physical and emotional. We collect them from the first playground we visit. The spot on our knee from when we fell. The spot on our emotions from the first time we were not included in the game.

According to the Cambridge American English Dictionary (http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/american-english/scar)
the definition of a scar is: “A mark left on the skin by a cut or burn that has healed.”

The focus of this month’s topic is not so much about the physical scars we all try to camouflage but rather the point that Jesus too has scars and what does that mean for us?

Pause and think about that. … Jesus has scars! Jesus has wounds that have healed. They are an eternal reminder of the price He paid for us to be saved and healed. Jesus has scars. He has experienced pain. He knows what it feels like to be wounded. The physical wounds of Jesus are obvious but do we stop to think of what it felt like to have His beard plucked out, to be spit upon, to be mocked and jeered at. He suffered. Jesus knows firsthand how it feels to be rejected. How it feels to be embarrassed.

Jesus experienced all the same things we experience in a lifetime, even more. He went to the Cross and took the punishment for our sins. Because of His scars, our wounds can be healed.

Putting our scars in perspective, they are proof that what was once painful, is now as a badge of victory, a wound that no longer bleeds. They are reminders that this too shall pass. Our wounds will heal.

Have you ever watched a wound heal? It is remarkable. Our Creator has so designed our bodies that once injured it is amazing how our body begins to go to work to repair the wound. The Holy Spirit is ever our Comforter, our emotions can heal too.

“…, We have seen the Lord. But he (Thomas) said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.”  … “Then said He (Jesus) to Thomas, Reach hither your finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither your hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing.” (John 20:25 KJV … John 20:27 KJV)

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)

“I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting.”  (Isaiah 50:6 KJV)

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. ” (Mark 16:19 KJV)

“And the people, when they knew it, followed Him: and He received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.” (Luke 9:11 KJV)

We are reminded by nature that however harsh the winter may have been, spring brings a green that will push through the dried remains of fall, popping with delightful color. (Genesis 1:14 KJV) We have those April showers that bring May flowers, as the saying goes, but again, we tolerate the dreary gray sky of spring showers looking forward to the sunny days of May’s blooms.

From nature’s pattern of seasons we can take courage. Whatever “season” your life may be experiencing, hold on, better days are ahead no matter how stormy the sky. Though you may be going through a cold season with stark trees, let this natural season of spring encourage you that, “this too shall pass”. Psalm 30: 5 says it this way: “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Approach life’s circumstances with the same confidence we have when we see the trees drop their leaves or when cold winds blow snow, hold on, don’t quit, your spring may burst forth sooner than you know. Hope when it appears as if there is no hope, “…against hope believed in hope, …” (Romans 4:18 KJV) 

How can we have this confidence? (Hebrews 10:35 KJV)  Because Jesus Christ went to the Cross and paid the price for our salvation. All we have need of can be found in the finished work of Christ at the Cross. “And, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20 KJV)  “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us: …” (1 John 5:14 KJV)

He will not withhold from us: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11 KJV)

Be not troubled: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1 KJV)

Be not afraid: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 KJV)

You can have peace: “… the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

Spring’s lesson for us is HOLD ON. All may appear dried up and dead, but DON’T GIVE UP, new life is just beneath the surface.

Keep the faith: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23 KJV)

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV)

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:” (Genesis 1:14 KJV)

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 KJV)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV)

“For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5 KJV)

“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” (John 16:21 KJV)

“Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.” (Romans 4:18 KJV)

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.” Hebrews 10:35 [Full Chapter] KJV)

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us:” (1 John 5:14 KJV)

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He hath said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV)

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11 KJV)

“Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1 KJV)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27 KJV)

“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

“And, having made peace through the Blood of His Cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20 KJV)

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23 KJV)

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV)

Before I begin, I must first confess I am guilty of this post’s topic.

I recently watched a program on TV (yes I realize I have just made a second confession: still watching old technology). A woman of some beauty and worldly wealth had accumulated every woman’s dream closet stuffed with a wardrobe lacking nothing. The woman had past and the only outfit she took with her was the one her world suit (body) had been laid to rest in. At best, it is now buried and she is no longer able to enjoy it. Now her stuff is vintage and selling for a high dollar in an Los Angeles California elite shop. She cannot enjoy spending the profit(s) for the sale(s).

You know what I am getting at. We are collectors of too much stuff. When our earth suits are laid to rest or “caught up” (1 Thessalonians 4:17), our “stuff” will be picked through.

What does our possessions show about the values we lived by? Will it indicate that we lived our lives with a balance when accumulating stuff? Was the opportunity to fund the Gospel missed or invested in eternal souls? Most would agree that our timeline in history is in the final days of the Church dispensation.

Sort of gives the idea of spring cleaning and garage sale season new meaning.

 Go to now, you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:13-14 (KJV)

Jesus said unto him, If you wilt be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. Matthew 19:21 (KJV)

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatsoever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me. Mark 10:21(KJV)

Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. Luke 12:33 (KJV)

Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute unto the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me. Luke 18:22 (KJV)

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord…  1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV)

James 4:13-17 (KJV)
Go to now, you that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now you rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

My March 2015 post is not yet ready for prime time. 

Delayed as I am stepping through a testimony.