Jesus is for the here and now not just the hereafter!

The world around us tells us that we can, even deserve to have it all. To be carefree and irresponsible is great for sales. It makes people a lot of money, but at what cost? The stress of being buried in debt or the health impact that comes as a result of our overindulgence's all takes a heavy toll on our true quality of life. Our values become less and less than those of our creator.

Jesus, the very Son of God, came to bring the Father's word to life so that we may know that He is real and that His love for us is endless. Through the words and actions of Jesus we see the qualities that God desires for and from us. Ones that will bring us true meaning and purpose to our lives. Not to deny ourselves of every pleasure, but rather to strike a balance for our lives where we humbly thank and serve God for all the blessings He provides. To put others before ourselves for in doing so we give glory and honor to Jesus, the one who took away our sins on the cross and overcame death itself so we may have life and life eternal.

God’s word as it applies to our lives today:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Colossians 1:10 So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

God’s word on what is to come:

Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

As you can see there are many very important reasons why we should be closely following Jesus right now. No matter who you are your next breath comes with no guarantee, but whether you pass on tomorrow or in 100 years from now God’s word will bless you every step of the way. And while 100 years seems like a long time eternity is forevermore. You will spend it somewhere, I choose Heaven, how about you?

One way that I have found that brings me a whole lot closer to Jesus and grows His Kingdom at the same time is through doing P.A.C.K. (Planned Acts of Christian Kindness). This is a totally free program from Acts 1:8 Ministry. You can receive the link to the download simply by signing up at:  https://www.acts18.org/christian-kindness-program. It will be immediately sent to your e-mail address (please check your spam folder just in case). P.A.C.K. makes it very simple and easy to share the love of Jesus with everyone in your community because you show it through kindness. The program provides all that you need to get started. Ideas as to what you and your group can do as a helpful service or what you can give as a practical gift to everyone that the Holy Spirit sends your way while out in busy public places. You hand the recipients a “Connect Card” which lets them know that the gift is from the Lord. That He loves them so very much and just like the free act of kindness that was shown to you so is my grace for you through my Son Jesus. Neither can be earned or bought at any price. On the back of the card you provide them with a warm invite to come to your place of worship where they can learn more of the special love that Jesus has for them. Care-Share- Connect as we call it! You will witness God at work as He will bring to you those who outwardly appear that nothing is wrong, but through the power of the Holy Spirit their hearts will be opened and reveal to you a crisis they are dealing with at that very moment in their life. It becomes so clear that the Lord’s hands are all over this event. Bring Christ to life in your heart and in your community through P.A.C.K.. God bless!