Success and Failure Blog

Today I was singing to myself a song that I had learned in church, Not to us o Lord, which has the words “All we have, we bring to give, the honor and the love that you alone are worthy of.” While I was singing this I focused on the concept of worth and how God is the only one worthy of our honor and love.

In the Bible it talks about how we must honor and love God with all our minds, souls, body and that if we love another more than God we are not worthy of him (Matt 10:37). This struck me as a very powerful concept because often we put worth on people and objects and focus our energies on these things. But, when we fully understand the worth of these things we see that we have misplaced our dedications.

Webster’s dictionary defines worth as “having sufficient worth or importance.” All the things of this world are worthless for they shall pass away. People are not worthy of honor and praise because they are fallible. Only God is truly worthy of our honor and love because he is unfailing in his love for us. Who else can claim that they have unfailing love for another? The Bible tells the story about a Hosea who marries a prostitute that commits herself to him but falls back into prostitution. This paints for us a vivid picture of what God must endure with each individual. But through God’s unfailing love he holds onto us no matter the cost.

This continual act of love is only one aspect of God’s worth of our honor, praise, and love. The very fact that we continue to fall into our old ways and that God accepts us back unto him each time is almost beyond comprehension. But, it shows us that no other is WORTHY of our adoration.

One Christmas Eve back in the mid-90′s I headed out to Kensington Avenue with my good friend, Shirley. She had called me a few days earlier to invite me on a very special mission. So, I said yes, as I was always ready for a bit of intrigue.

Packed in her trunk were about twenty gift bags filled with toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. Shirley had prepared each bag with loving care and a silent, yet thoughtful, prayer went up as every one was completely filled.

Kensington Avenue is located in one of the ugliest areas of North Philadelphia known as the “Badlands”. I used to live and work just five minutes from the strip. After dark, and after most of the shops along this street (covered by the Elevated Train track overhead) were closed, out of the shadows crept the prostitutes who were ready to begin their workday. Dressed in dingy, skimpy clothing, with tired and vacant eyes and slouching shoulders, each girl began her silent sales pitch.

As we began our journey down this dimly lit avenue, bundled up and tucked safely in Shirley’s car, I could recall the words she spoke to me over the phone. It went something like this: “These girls just need to be touched with God’s love. Who else is going to do it? We’re His hands, Summer. I just want to make sure they know that God knows who and where they are, and that He loves them.” How could I resist?

One by one, as we inched along the street, we gave the bags away with a few words of hope. I wish I could say that they all responded with immense gratitude and that many decided to walk away from their lifestyle. But, no miracle happened that night. None that I could see anyway.

But, the memory of that evening is branded in my mind. And I thank Shirley for the invitation.

In 2002, I helped start a ministry to prostitutes along the railroad tracks in Zone One of Guatemala City. I’m no longer with that ministry, but my husband and I have maintained a relationship with one of the ex-hookers I’d met there. Her name is Sheny, and she’s HIV positive. She’s got three kids and we help them throughout the year with food, clothes, school supplies, etc. Sheny’s got a job, but only earns the equivalent of $200 a month, which barely provides for the rent, food and medication she needs to keep from dying too soon.

She’s got quite the story, Sheny does. Her life history makes mine seem like a fairy tail – and I didn’t have it easy.

I’m not tooting my own horn or patting myself on the back by sharing this with you. The truth is, it’s a sacrifice for me to give of my money, time and energy. Oftentimes, I’d rather stay inside my cozy home and enjoy being with my husband and son. But, I’m always haunted by the fact that there are millions of people hurting in this world.
So I give.

I wish I could give more. I wish I could do more.

We have gifts nicely wrapped under the tree for Sheny and her kids this year. Nothing fancy, really. Just blankets and some toiletries. But, we’re happy to give, because we know that through giving God’s love is communicated.

Shirely’s still living in Philly, giving of herself constantly.

How will you spend your Christmas? Will you give to someone in need? Who do you know that’s hurting?

It’s a challenge.

Don’t do it to make yourself feel good or to ease your conscience. Give because you know someone needs it. Open up your heart and life and pour out kindness and gentleness and mercy.

Don’t think you have anything to give? Everyone has something.

Our budget was extremely tight this year, what with the newborn baby and all. But, It’s worth it to love someone else, no matter what the cost. So we’ll be in debt for a couple of months. So what.

Give.
Help.
Love.

Merry Christmas!
Summer

(Originally written December, 2007)

Psalm 139 is a wonderful song of praise to God. Verse 14 says, “I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The Psalmist notes that he is imperfect, but that God’s thoughts toward him are wonderful (v. 17), because he will guide anyone through anything, from the usual difficulties – such as when Paul learned God’s strength was made perfect in His weakness – to those not so usual.

Each of us is a miracle, created by God for a specific purpose. He doesn’t want there to be imperfections; He created this world perfect, but then sin entered intot he world through mankind’s free will. So, now, there are people who experience all sorts of difficulties in their lives because of the curse of sin which caused this world to become broken down. It’s not any one person’s sin that causes it – it’s the imperfection which came when this perfect world had imperfection brought into it.

So, because of that imperfection, there are people like me born with low vision (in my case, from Dandy-Walker Syndrome) or hearing (in my case, bad enough to need a hearing aid.) There are those with other things physical or mental. And, there are even those whose creation is really unique – those born with a mix of anatomical traits considered both male and female, or which are atypical for each. Such people are known as intersex.

Intersex has nothing to do with sexual orientation, by the way; that has no relevance to this. In fact, it has nothing to do with homosexuality or the transgender movement. These are among numerous major fallacies. about it. The Bible says nothing specific about the issue, except that obvioulsy we must show the same love Jesus showed everyone. Numerous websites devoted to the issue merely seek to raise awareness of the issue and of difficulties encountered in society which are related to it.

We can’t always figure out why God chose what He did for us. I have a few ideas, based on what I’ve accomplished, of why He gave me low vision, low hearing, a bit of cerebral palsy (enough my feet point out a touch & I couldn’t do little things like open cans or jars as early as some kids), and possible even a touch of mild Asperger’s Syndrome. But the important thing is that He is the God of all comfort who provides a peace which passes understanding when we trust Him to. I’ve been able to do things I never would have, and help people I wouldn’t have, without these – some of which nobody else would have. Even though my body isn’t perfect, like anyone else, I’m a miracle.

God’s most amazing miracles surely include those connected with His birth, death, and resurrection. He came to die for each of us, to take the punishment for our sins, mine as well as others. Then, He rose from the dead, having the victory over everything.

For Him to do this, of course, He had to do as John 1:14 says He did – He “became flesh and dwelt among us.” He was fully God and fully man. While here, He showed great care for the hurting people of this world. While the Pharisees, the religious crowd, cared only for the usual and tried to impress others, Jesus cared for those who were unusual in some way. He performed many healings, not only of physical things but also of broken hearts.

Some of those hearts were broken by the treatment which the Pharisees gave, I’m sure. But, these people recognized that Jesus was special. He was different. He and god the Father are one. (John 10:30) God had ordained the Law in the commandments to teach the people that they couldn’t follow even those laws all the time, because of the nature of their hearts. So, they had to trust Him by faith in order to be saved. Salvation has always had a faith component. However, the Pharisees, as people often do, turned it into a totally works-based system and condemned those who went against it.

They even thought they had answers for why God created people such as the blind man in John chapter 9. They asked a strange question of Jesus – whether the man or his parents had sinned that he was born blind. Jesus told them that neither one had; the man was born blind that the works of God might be made manifest in him. Then, Jesus healed the blind man. The Pharisees were so upset that they threw him out of the synagogue; this man then wound up becoming a follower of Jesus.

We don’t know much about this man as a follower, but his testimony must have been amazing. He had the same testimony as anyone can who has experienced something other than the usual from their physical body. That testimony is that Jesus can and will overcome anything if they trust Him, and help them through anything.

This doesn’t mean that Jesus will heal everyone of physical problems while living. For some, healing won’t come until He calls them home to His perfect Heaven, at which time I will have perfect sight and hearing, those confined to whellchairs will be able to run, and so on. I know of one young man, in fact, who must wear braves on his legs. When he reaches Heaven, the first thing he plans to do is leap 100 feet in the air.

It does, however, mean that Jesus will give anyone the ability to get through anything with His help. It also means that – while not everything is good in this world – all those things we face will work together for good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28) God has a way of taking anything and using it for good. Even the bad things which people do because they have not learned of His love. God lives in each believer through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 113-14, 4;30; John 14-16, etc.) So, it is up to each believer to let Him guide them in the truth, being control by His Spirit. Thankfully, He will always love and cleanse us from sin when we turn to Him by faith. (1 John 1:9-2:1)

What He can’t take are peoples’ sins. No sin can enter Heaven. Heaven is a perfect place which God established so there would be no suffering, no tears, no pain, no parting, no sorrow. No bad stuff can enter there. So, He had to find a way for people like me and you and everyone to get there. Because, while our imperfections aren’t because of our own sin, we do all sin and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) that means each of us comes short of God’s perfect Heaven.

God gave us each a wonderful gift, though. The wages of sin – what we earn because of our sin – is death, separation from God forever in a place called Hell. But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

That is the awesome gift which we must remember to celebrate, whether or not we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25 or not. That gift of life forever in that perfect Heaven is free; all a person has to do is to receive it.

People have been mistreated throughout history because of differences. That mistreatment comes through actions of various sorts; words play a part, too, but focusing only on surface things like names can make one as bad as the Pharisees, who refused to do as God commands and look at the heart. The important thing is that God loves each of us because of who we are on the inside, not because of what name we go by.

The way to have that personal relationship with God – so you can get His help here and also go to His perfect Heaven someday – is to simply “believe on the Lord Jesus Christm, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) That whosoever means anyone – any person can put their name in there because God is talking about them.

We may each have different physical characteristics. But, we each have one thing in common – a need for God’s love and forgiveness. Our differences are not because of sin – they are because God created each of us in a unique way so that we can glorify Him in who we are and what we do. However, we all do hve sin – myself included. We fall short of God’s perfect glory.

God doesn’t demand works like the Pharisees, though. That would be unfair anyway because some people could work more than others; some can’t do any. God made sure it was all by grace through faith in Him. It is not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians. 2:8-9)

Because it is by faith alone in Christ alone, each of us is only a single, sincere prayer of repentence to Jesus away from eternal life. The words don’t matter – but it can go something like this. “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. I can’t reach your perfect Heaven myself. But, I know you died for my sins and rose from the dead. You took my punishment so I could get to heaven and also have life with you now, so you can guide me and help me on earth. Lrod Jesus, today I choose to turn from my sins and trust you to save me. I call on your name, asking you to save me from my sins and come into my heart to live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

That’s all there is to it. We don’t know what God has planned – I heard about a condition from an online friend and I considered a number of ways to do it. Suddenly, this blog came out of my thoughts and prayers. I know that whatever happens, though, the Christian life is a great adventure in trusting the Lord to see you through everything. He has always been faithful to me, and He wants everyone to not only call on Him but also to let Him guide them in showing His love to others and telling of His great gift to them.

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Psalm 36:5

Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. Psalm 85:9-11

Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Psalm 31:23

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Thank God for His love and faithfulness!

About This Image: Plumes of glowing hydrogen blast from the central nucleus of M82. The pale, star-like objects are clusters of tens to hundreds of thousands of stars.

Credit:NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)Acknowledgment: J. Gallagher (University of Wisconsin), M. Mountain (STScI), and P. Puxley (National Science Foundation)

Please join me at the Nuggets of Wisdom Book Signing Event on December 10th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm!

Location: It’s a Grind Coffee House 153 Cochran St #310, Simi Valley, CA 93065

I would love to see you there.

Mark

Though few like to admit it, a catastrophic illness or other major setback can leave anyone on the brink of homelessness. And, features like this shows that many homeless are families with nowhere to turn.

What is the key to helping such people?

Many try to blame or credit the policies of one party of another, but Jesus said “The poor you will always have with you.” This doesn’t mean that they will be poor on purpose. This just means that in this fallen, sinful world, circumstances will not be rosy for everyone. Jesus was exhorting us to care for the poor and love them as His disciples loved Him.

When we look at Matthew 26:7-12, in fact, we see in the context that a woman had come with a box of ointment, and poured it onto the Lord. (Note that this was *not* the same woman who wiped His feet with her tears. This woman was in a totally different situation and poured the box on His head to boot.)

She was criticized and it was mentioned that the box, full of a very special and expensive ointment, could have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus then remarked that the poor would always be with us. Further, He said that she had done this in preparation for His burial, as He was soon to be crucified for our sins, taking our punishment, dying, and then rising from the dead. She had done this to show her love for the Savior.

When Jesus says that we will have the poor with us always, but we will not have Him always, He is not saying to sell everything and give to the poor, though that is one option if a person feels led to do so. He is also not saying that things of value are what the poor are seeking. That is looking only at the outside, at the box this woman had.

God wants us to look upon the heart, though – that is where He always looks. And, it is on the heart of this woman that Jesus wants us to look. Because, in seeing how she loved Him, we can see how we ought to love and help those who are homeless – or just really poor.

It is most important to give them hope. Yes, soup kitchens are wonderful, and most churches that follow Christ and seek to make a difference in their community will provide some kind of help for the poor. It may not be a soup kitchen, it may be something else. The key is, it will be something that will not only minister to the peoples’ physical needs, but to their spiritual.

A number of Proverbs and other Biblical sayings mirror the concept of this famous saying – “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.” Jesus certainly gave people fish and other great things – He healed the sick, cleansed lepers, raised the dead, and many other great miracles. Peoples’ physical needs were met. That was wonderful. It was satisfying for a while. But,t he 5,000 who were fed the loaves and fish wound up hungry again. Lazarus, who was called out of the tomb, died again. And so on.

Jesus called people to receive His spiritual blessings, though. He wanted people to recognize that they had needs which went beyond the physical. He wanted people to do as the woman at the well in John 4, when He told her He had water springing up into everlasting life, a well which would never run dry. This woman responded, “Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come here to draw.” (John 4:15) While she was still focused a little on her physical needs, she was starting to realize that there was also a deep longing in her.

So, you may ask, what does this have to do with the poor or the homeless?

These are not just people who have no money or homes. The poor and the homeless are people with a deep longing for something better. If we ignore or scold them, we are making them feel worse. If we only give them nourishment or a gift, they will be satisfied for a while, but they will feel empty again, just like the woman at the well had to come to draw water each day. By providing hope for them, however, we can truly shower that love upon them that Jesus wants us to shower upon them. The riches which will matter the most go beyond the mere cost of an alabaster box of ointment.

Some will complain that there are people who use the system and are poor on purpose. There are a few of them, but that doesn’t mean all are like that. But, let’s look at them for a moment. They are that way for the same reason he woman at the well in John 4 kept going after different men; she’d had five husbands and the man she was with now was not her husband. Jesus didn’t condemn her, though – he went to her to provide her with something better.

Those who misuse the system are like the Samaritan woman with her men when she hadn’t experienced the unconditional love and goodness that comes from a personal relationship with jesus Christ. There is a God-sized hole in each of our hearts that only Jesus can fill. He showed her the way to let Him – who is the way, the truth, and the life – work in her heart so she could follow Him and be an example of Jesus to others in what she did and how she behaved. In the same way, those who misuse the system need to be shown, in a loving way, how serving the Lord is so much more fulfilling, because they can earn for themselves treasures in heaven. They need to be shown it’s worth it, and encouraged to become more productive.

However, the main thing we must be concerned with is those who are not poor by choice. Because, as noted in the beginning, there are many like that. They have likely tried, some given up hope. We don’t know which someone is, so we should presume that the poor person is trying. By showing them the love that Jesus has for them, we are giving them hope, which as noted, is the main thing.

For each group, of course, the adage applies that we should not only give them a fish, but where applicable teach them to fish. However, merely teaching them to fish, so to speak, isn’t enough to truly restore hope to them.

All of us have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. We are all poor in our lack of a relationship with Christ until the moment when we call out to Him, “Lord, save me.” Just as the many poor, diseased, and so on called on Jesus in His earthly ministry, each of us must realize we need His perfect gift of salvation.

Rich and poor alike, then, must recognize that God has a plan for their lives, a plan which first of all includes them letting him make them new on the inside, cleansing their sins through His finished work on the cross. Then, they will not be building treasures on earth, where moth and rust can corrupt, and thieves can steal; they will be building treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust cannot corrupt and thieves can’t steal. Where our treasure is, there is where our heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

That plan is not just to get them to Heaven, though – He wants to help each of us believers right here on earth to get throughh everything and to feel His love and closeness all the time when we remain close to Him.

Part of that personal relationship is being able to take all our cares and concerns to Him. He wants to help us through this world becasue that is how we can show others what He has done for us so they can have that peace and comfort. The old say is that we’re just beggars teling other beggars where to find bread.

By showing them how to follow Jesus, then, we are helping the poor, the homeless, and so on to realize they don’t have to despair about their situation. They don’t have to keep waiting for a handout and thinking this is all there is. They don’t have to fret thinking that if they don’t find something they’re a failure. Because, you know what? If they are only going for something in this life, they are going for something that will get old, wear out, and so on; something that will not last forever the way Heavenly treasures will.

That makes them just the same as the rich. If they are only focusing on a small shack, they are in the same position as the rich person only focusing on a million dollar home. They are focusing on an investment which will not last. Whether we have $1 or $1 billion when we die, we will all answer to God. And, what He will ask is this – Were your sins washed away by the blood of Calvary’s cross? Did you call on Jesus to save you with something like this – “Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner and don’t deserve Your perfect heaven. But, I know You died for my sins and rose from the dead. Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Savior, I turn from my sins and call on You to come into my heart and save me. I believe you took all the punishment for my sins and and I trust in You alone to get me to heaven when I die. I Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The words aren’t what saves you, of course, it’s Jesus who saves when you call on him.

But what you might be asking is, how will this help the poor and homeless now? Well, remember that Jesus didn’t just tell people to follow Him, He gave them things, too. But, that giving needs to be with an attitude of, “Just as I am giving you this physical thing, be it food, clothing, or whatever, Jesus has something spiritual that is special for you.” People will be much more likely to listen if we give a thing with our message.

Or, at the very least, if we give a kind ear, so that person can tell about the spouse who took all they had, or the cancer, or the house fire, or the lost job. Then, they will see that someone cares about them and who they are inside.

Then, we can show them Matthew 6:33 and the verses before it. How that if they seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto them; the things Jesus is talking about in the previous verses are necessities, like food, clothing, and shelter. They may mean a job for someone. They might mean a friend. Whatever that need is, Jesus can meet it, but he wants them to realize His love and Lordshp It is Jesus who provides us all with every need, it is ultimately His love that lets us have whatever we have.

And, that is true of rich and poor alike. Some people are in a position to do moer for Him. But, the peson who is in the center of His will – whether that will is for them to be rich or poor – is in the safest place they can be. Because, he wants us all to tell others of His great love and the great hope which is in Christ Jesus; a hope that is there for everyone, which we celebrate this time of year.

The Entire day of May 21st commenced and ended- Rapture-less! This date will most assuredly go down in history as a day of misguided beliefs! The world makes mockery of the bible and the biblical prophecies of the Rapture. Nay Sayers claim to hold victory in their adamant stand against the reality of the Rapture and future apocalyptic events. While the forces of evil rage unsuccessfully against all who claim the promises of God to be real and indisputable, there is a larger group of people who are successfully deceived. These people maintain that world will never face judgment or tribulation from God. Sadly the rapture-less day of May 21st lends false support to the ongoing claims of non-believers, atheist, and other worldly views. Happily, true Christians are unscathed by mockeries, false claims, false predictions, false prophecies, false beliefs and worldly views! God has given to us a Truth and that Truth is everlasting!
True Rapture Believers are not displaced or dismayed by the lack of Rapturous events on May 21st. Fully Expecting Christian people look forward joyously, ever still and with increasing faith to the Glorious Rapture! As the May 21st failed predictions reinforces for scoffers and unbelievers the self-affirmed skepticism, it strengthens the cords of faith, hope, and love for believers world-wide! The desires to live freely without fear of future judgment, is falsely assumed by non-believers due to these uneventful predictions. While Bible Believers hold firmly to their unswerving beliefs in the Rapture!
For Christian Believers, the failure of May 21st does not rest upon the bible or God. These failed predictions are not failed prophecy from God they are attributed to man’s failure and lack of understanding. These failures and shortcomings are man’s alone and do not attest to contradiction of the bible and Christian beliefs. Uplifted is the Truth which is Christ Jesus and admonished is the holy bible and Living WORD of God which is also Christ Jesus.
I must share with you what all biblically sound Christians know to be true. No portion of the bible tells us when Jesus will come and the Rapture will take place. There is no set time written within the bible that these events are set to take place. There is no alluding to it or helpful derivatives of conclusion to be gleaned from the bible. There is no help for anyone on earth to learn of this vital information on their own. There is no way to make accurate calculations or reasonable deductions of when the Rapture will happen. In Matthew 24:36 we learn:
36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[a] but only the Father.
We also are told this:
1 Corinthians 15:52 (New International Version)
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
The Day of the Lord
1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
It is not necessary to know when the Rapture will take place in order to be ready for this event.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 (New International Version)
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
The day of the Rapture will come upon believers as a thief. True believers will not be caught off guard or surprised they will be waiting and fully expecting and joyously prepared to meet Jesus.
Lastly we are encouraged and fully educated in how the Rapture will take place:
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Please do not let anyone or anything deceive you! The Rapture is still set to take place. I believe, as many others do also that it will not be long before it happens. Yet we must proclaim only what the bible tells us. That being said, we know that no one can accurately predict the exact day and exact hour. Only our Heavenly Father knows that.
To believers, keep watchful and remain vigilant knowing that it is in Jesus that we are made ready. And to non-believers, I give the same word of advice. If you want to be ready for this great day you must first believe! Turn to Christ Jesus in prayer and ask for forgiveness of all your sins. Please ask Jesus to come into your heart and make you a new creature without spot or blemish. Jesus WILL Accept you. He loves you, no matter how bad you may think you are or how terrible you image yourself to be. Your prayer of true repentance is beautiful to Jesus and precious! Accept Jesus as your Savior and know that in Him you are safe! I pray that the Holy Spirit will open the hearts and minds and eyes of all, and I hope that I have brought the bright light of Jesus to shine TRUTH upon the subject of the Rapture.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing in Christ Jesus,
Pam Shekailo

While thinking deeply, and on multiple levels from planes of intellectualism to spiritualism, I found profound thoughts buried there within my heart. This truth is evidenced best and most wholly by my life’s resume, which is a resume that represents more than one aspect of a person’s life. It is a resume that actually represents every aspect of one’s life.
I realized that the qualifications that seem the most impressive to peers, employers, and people in high places, mean very little to the Most High God. For instance, I am sure that God truly does care about every aspect of our lives, including our education and work history; however I believe He cares more about how we act on and articulate every innate, expressive and unique ability, talent and skill that He has given to us. So often the gifts that God so graciously bestows upon us are misused, abused and taken for granted. Because of this fact, I have a rather distressing admission to make!
Sadly, I must openly and embarrassedly admit my severe failure in this life. I am blessed with so many talents and skills, yet I allow most of these to lie dormant within me. All too often, I have ignored my abilities instead of yielding great fruits from them. I have also, many times in this life misused my talents for all the wrong reasons. I have wanted to gain attention, riches, and even power. I am guilty of this and much more. I am sometimes so displaced by this world that I have failed to my job as a human being. I have let God down many, many times, by not promoting Him and His greatness above my own desires. Miserably, via greed and selfishness I have fallen far short of God’s Glory. I have not always sought first to edify the kingdom of God in everything that I do. I have declined to proclaim God’s goodness and faithfulness when and where it matters most-everywhere.
What I realized today and wish to share with you is that we cannot beef up our Life’s resume before God. God knows everything about us and there is no way to fudge it, pad it, tell little white lies or make up euphemisms about ourselves in order to make our lives more appealing to God. All we can hope to do is prepare ourselves rightfully for the day of our great and final interview, by allowing God to be the center of all we do. We must strive past the usual criteria and onward toward true greatness. To do this we must first realize that it will not matter how much money we have earned. It will be pointless to brag about our careers, and our great knowledge. For compared to God’s Greatness it will be nothing more than fools’ gold.
We each have the ability to do more than simply realize our own dreams and goals. True, honest to goodness success in this life is achieved by realizing God’s dreams and goals for us. Instead of searching for ways to uplift ourselves and make ourselves great among men, we must allow God to be uplifted before all men, through us! We must ask God to utilize and promote our talents according to His will. We must permit God access to every part of us including and especially our finances. We must be willing to give up anything and everything for Him, even our hearts’ desires and the dreams we have for ourselves. When we do this it will becomes obvious that we can each do far more by touching others and becoming great inspirations, motivators, and the deliverers of the truth. Every person has within them the raw and instinctive capability to physically, spiritually and emotionally reach others, and actually help transform lives, soften hard hearts, and move literal mountains!
The day of our greatest interview that shall determine our ultimate position for all of eternity approaches closer with each day. Where will you choose now to spend all of eternity? What will God place you in authority of based upon your life’s resume. It is particularly comforting to know that God searches our hearts and minds and knows all that they contain. This means if we turn everything over to Him we cannot fail.
Matthew 25:23 (Amplified Bible)
23His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, [a]admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the [b]blessedness) which your master enjoys.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pam Shekailo

Mary was the Mother of Jesus. She was a virgin and conceived Him miraculously by way of the Holy Spirit of God. She carried Him inside of her. She felt Him Move and kick as He grew and formed within her womb. She labored and went through the pain of child birth. She brought forth Jesus, her LORD and Savior. Jesus is the Messiah and the LORD and Savior of all mankind. She raised Him in the ways of God and taught Him according to the great wisdom of God. She changed His soiled clothes; she bathed Him, nurtured Him, and loved Him with all her heart.
I know that our Heavenly Father prepared Mary to be the Mother Jesus needed. God chose her from all women to be the Mother of God. Yet, I am certain Mary wondered if she would truly be a good enough Mother for Jesus. After all, she might have said to herself, “how could an earthly woman ever be good enough to raise the Son of God?” What thoughts went through her mind? What feelings did she have about this most amazing parenthood? Did she fully understand what would come of her son, the Son of God?
She sang to Him, played games with Him Kissed all His boo-boos, helped Him to study and learn, celebrated all His birthdays, and wanted the very best for Him. This is not at all unlike all loving Mothers. She knew His purpose was from our Heavenly Father. She knew Jesus did not belong to just her. He was the Father’s Son and He was to be the Savior of her people and all the people of the world, from the beginning and for all time. How must that have felt? How did Mary cope with all the knowledge she had and all the knowledge that she did not have?
Did the Father in heaven prepare her for what Jesus would do and accomplish in life? What went through her mind as her son performed great miracles and grew up to be free of sin and full of love? How wonderful it must have been to see her son Jesus mature into a wonderful and loving Man. I am sure she didn’t want Jesus to ever grow up; just like most Moms’ wish their precious babies could stay that precious forever. Yet I also think she dreamed of Him living a long and full life and she believed in Him to do great things and change the world! Just as all loving Mothers believe their children are truly gifted and special.
She was the Mother of Jesus! She was with Him when He was born and she was there for Him throughout His whole childhood. She had to let Him go when He reached the age to fulfill His destiny, and all the prophecies that had been foretold. Yet she was His Mother through it all. She was there with Him as He died upon the cross. She witnessed His love for her, and for all of us in everything Jesus ever did or said throughout His life. She then witnessed her dear Son’s death. How horrible it must have been for Mary to watch her son die on that cross for her sins and for all the sins of every person in this world. I don’t know if anything can prepare a Mother for such loss. As a Mother I know I am prepared to go before my children. I cannot even imagine how awful it would be to lose one of my children that way.
She was a great Mother and a great example for all women. It is my prayer that all Mothers will learn by Mary’s exceptional example and raise their children to love and be reverent of God. Remember they are not just your children. All children belong to God. We are all God’s Children. Know that God chose you from all women to be a Mother to your children and will prepare you to be the best Mother you can be.
As a Mother, you will have to let go of your children and allow them to become the great men and women of God they were born to be. You may even have to face tragedy along the way. Know that as a child of God, He will help you to endure all that comes your way. The love and Strength of God is what makes us strong, compassionate and loving Mothers.
It is also my prayer that all of our children come to believe in Jesus and accept them as their personal Savior. I pray our children will be saved.
I also say a special prayer to all the Mothers that have lost a child or had miscarriages. I pray that God will comfort you and fill you with all the joy and hope that Jesus’ life and death brought for all of us.
You see Jesus died but that is not where His story ended. Jesus was buried in the tomb, but His body did not remain there. Jesus was resurrected and now lives in heaven with our Heavenly Father.
If you have sorrows for the loss of a child allow God to comfort you. Know that the story of your child did not end there either. Your child is now in heaven with God and one day you can be reunited with them.
Everyone, please honor your Mothers and show them how much you love them.
Happy Mother’s Day Mary! Happy Mother’s Day to you all!

           When the sky meets the earth a miracle happens and man says its science. The eyes of the unseen have not the sight to see that no big bang could ever achieve such greatness. If they were given the eyes to see they would see with a newness of spirit the brilliance of this creation. They wouldn’t be concern with the environment, instead focus their eyes on the creator who made it and will keep renewing it.        

            We are all concern for our future and not on our relationship with our Lord. We have become self-absorb with our needs that we stop focusing on our path to freedom. We forgot that all roads lead to Christ. 

            I have been rereading Matthew 15:1-20 it’s not about washing your hands that make you unclean but what comes out of your mouth from your heart that makes you unclean.  I knew that I had unclean thoughts and I was closed off not just from the Lord but from others. My angry, sickness, and depression were outward signs that not all was well. It is time to stop the deception and ask for forgiveness. 

            I am sorry Lord that I have been consumed with me and my issues that I removed myself from everything around me. I have kept my issues close to me and not giving them to you.  I have walled up my heart so I couldn’t be hurt by anyone, Lord. I was keeping my distance because I was angry with you. I give you my heart that you will take from it the dark places that makes me stumble. In the place of the dark places put peace, joy, perseverance, long suffering, and love.  Encompass about me songs of deliverance that will permeate everything around me like a cocoon of safety that I may grow in your likeness until the day you come. 

            We cannot run far enough away from our Father’s love for us. The signs of HIS love are all around us from the big bright sun to the delicate tiny fingers of a new born baby His love permeates everything around us. 

            We are the Lord’s one small miracle after another. You were created to be loved by the Father. There is nothing you have done that the Lord won’t chase after you like HE did for me. 

            One thing I have learned through my journey is HE NEVER gives up on me.             

            (Your Name) is greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved. By Jesus Christ.

The  massive 9.1 earthquake in Japan recently has many people fearing the worst-world end!  Combined with other world earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, famines, global warming , and extreme weather conditions there is evidence of other troubling issues across the globe.  There have been out breaks of new health threats like H1N1, and terrible diseases without known cure, pestilence problems like the recent epidemic of bed bugs, and a surge of violence and criminal activity greater than ever before.  Our economy seems to get worse by second and the crippling effects of hard financial times can be seen and felt all over the world.  Many fear these terrible things are clues that point out disaster.  Could this be a severe warning of catastrophe?  What can be done to prevent this horrible outcome, and is it too late?  What can we do as individuals and families  to ready ourselves and be prepared for the future?  Can anyone escape from this terrible threat?  With so many gripped  with fear and bracing for worst, these are the type of questions that fill the hearts and minds of people today.  The answers to these crucial questions have been discovered and the outcome is astounding and may come as quite a shock . 

 The bible warns of these same concerns and very issues.  It is written clearly for all to read.  These hardships and major world issues should not come as a surprise to the discerning person. All of the events that are taking place have been foretold in the bible and if you have not yet read these scriptures, you may be surprised to see how accurate and detailed these prophetic messages actually are.

Matthew 24:5-8 (Amplified Bible) ⁵For many will come in (on the strength of) My name [^[b]appropriating the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah), and they will lead many astray.   ⁶And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened or troubled, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁷For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in place after place; ⁸All this is but the beginning [the early pains] of the ^[c]birth pangs [of the ^[d]intolerable anguish].

 It is amazing how these prophecies, written so long ago, so accurately depict the picture of our world condition today.  This world is definitely spiraling towards a great tribulation.  As seen in the previous scripture of Matthew 24:8 all of these things are just the beginning of a time of  the intolerable anguish that lie ahead.  As terrible as things are today, they appear to be just a taste of the great tribulation to come.  These words and promises are not meant as a source of fear and dismay.  On the contrary, these prophecies are words of hope and offer peace in a world of a turmoil.  There is another scripture that reveals salvation from the aweful terrors that are to come.   You see if we can identify the truth in these prophecies we should also not be oblivious to the hope that is available.  There is hope and there is a way of escape from the terrible times that are most certainly and rapidly approaching.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18   ¹³ And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died^[f] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. ¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.  ¹⁵ We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.^{[g] 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died^[h] will rise from their graves. ¹⁷ Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ So encourage each other with these words. 

Clearly the ultimate source of hope for humanity is found in Christ Jesus.  He lived here on this planet amongst us and performed many great miracles.  He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, restored hearing to the deaf, cast out unclean spirits and raised the dead and still His greatest miracle was His greatest sorrow and greatest joy. 

He gave up His life for us.  He was brutally beaten and mocked and hung on the cross for death.  He died there in a place called Calvary.  Despite the fact that He had never sinned and remained clean His whole life, He took all of our sins upon Himself.    He  was buried in a tomb. Then just as it had been pre foretold, on the third  day He rose from the dead.  Jesus was resurrected from the dead!   Jesus is alive!  He later ascended to heaven and can now be found at the right hand of the Father.  He is our mediator, and friend.  He represents us earnestly with love and compassion.  That is the true message of Easter and by far the greatest news of this day and age. 

The events that are taking place right now in our world herald a great tribulation to come.  These events are the direct result of sin and evil.  No one on earth is perfect or without sin but according to bible there is a way to be saved from sin and the terrible events that are now unfolding right before our very eyes. 

Hebrews 9:28 (New Living Translation)²⁸ so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.

1 Peter 1:5 (New Living Translation)⁵ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

Receiving the salvation and assurance of eternal life is as simple in believing in Jesus Christ and accepting the fact that you are in need of saving.  All one must do to be saved is ask Jesus to come into their heart and forgive   them of all their sins. Then God will make you a brand new creation and if you truly believe it, God will transform you and lead you and guide you during these uncertain times that we face.  Although we are not promised that we will not have to endure trials and tribulations, we are promised ultimate salvation through Jesus. 

Now is the time to pray and Jesus come into your heart.  He understands what you are going through and He will not be hard on you.  Jesus wants to save you.  But there is no guarantee how long we have before Jesus returns to get His people.  According to Matthew 24:36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
  All those wait, thinking that time is on their side live in jeopardy and face the dangers of judgement and punishment for all eternity. 

Please take time right now, while there is still a chance and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.  Tell others about the ,hope and love you have found.   Want to learn more?  Read the bible and begin attending church and studying God’s word daily.  Read more articles like this on the Success and Failure website. You too will learn that no matter what terrible fate this earth may face that there is truly great hope and complete assurance in God.   

 Yours in Christ Jesus,

Pam Shekailo

Please write to me if you more questions or concerns.  I would be happy to hear from you.

The LORD says,

“ I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those that trust in my name.

When they call on me,

I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

                                           Psalm 91:14-15

Do you know what is so powerful about this verse?

That God says, “ I will!”

Not I might,

not if I have time,

not if I am able.

“ I will!”

Not once, but five times!

For those that love Him,

trust Him,

honor Him,

and call on Him.

He will!

Will I?

A while back I gave a guy something he needed in his home. I think I was as blown away by his reaction as he was by getting it. He tried to pay me what he could and kept saying said he owed me. I assured him he owed me nothing and need not pay me back, it was a gift, no strings attached (no he didn’t need to listen to me preach before he could leave either).

So there’s the economy we carry from material world to every other part of our lives. We think that everything comes at a price. Trust me I’m just getting used to this myself. It’s kind of the “love without condition” carried further. If by doing something for you, I expect (even eventually) something in return, maybe it’s just your friendship, or admiration, then I’m not doing it for you at all, I’m just bartering for something for myself.

I think giving is easier with strangers, maybe people you will never see again, do a random act of kindness and walk away, never expecting to see them again, and they can never pay you back. It seems a lot harder among acquaintances, maybe hardest in relationships. We’ve been raised in this “point” system; I help you with your car, later when my computer dies you help me.

In relationships, try to remember the beginning, think back to when just being with that person was the goal, didn’t matter what you were doing, just being around them was enough. Let a relationship last long enough and we tend to put it to the “point system” more and more it becomes what we’ve done for the other or what we can do, or vise versa “what have you done for me lately” or “look at all I do for you and what do I get in return?” well if you’re looking for something in return you weren’t really doing it for the other person were you?. As our relationships with God are compared to a marriage I think we tend to go down the same path, we forget where our faith began, when just knowing he was there was enough.

I’m not throwing out acts of love or intentionality that come naturally through love. But if you buy your wife flowers on valentines merely BECAUSE it’s Valentines Day, it is in your heart, an empty gesture, really, just acting out of obedience or obligation. The same can apply to our faith lives.

So now I get to the point where I may be wrong. But… we are told to go out and spread the Gospel… Gospel means “good news” I’m pretty sure the good news isn’t “well Christ died on the cross now you should feel guilty and not do anything wrong and make sure you read your bible 5 times a day and here’s a check list of do’s and don’ts”.. I’m pretty sure the Good news is the price is paid, “it is finished” not “hey, now the ledger shows you in the red so you owe me”.

Remember the reason for the season

The world has so changed Christmas. They have it as just a day of celebration. Sure, some might know generally what it means. But, they don’t realize the true meaning. And, it’s not just what the song say, “The giving of love every day.” Although that is a start.

Ttrue love is unconditional. It doesn’t matter what you do, God loves you. A person who has not received Christ’s forgiveness has chosen to go his or her own way. Isaiah 53: 6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned each one to his own way. And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

This is the time of year when we should celebrate the fact that God gave that love to us. He did so by giving Jesus to us. And, Jesus being God the Son, it also means that God came for us. He gave of Himself.

See, it’s all about giving, but not the way the world thinks. The world tries to get you to spend money to buy things for others. But, we give things because it’s symbolic of what God gave us. We don’t have to give gifts at Christmas. We could give gifts anytime. If you give gifts, that’s fine. Romans 14 teaches that we shouldn’t judge someone because they choose to celebrate a certain day, as long as they are honoring God. But don’t let that draw you into the world’s view of Christmas. Remember to keep Jesus first.

Second, quite a few families – especially with children – remember the meaning by singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. That’s great; especially if you make a cake since you can eat it. Seriously, though, it’s great to remember Jesus’ birthday. But, while we’re on the subject of giving, birthdays are another time when we give gifts, right?

So, what are you giving Jesus?

We can give Him our time, our commitment, our love, our devotion. We can give Him praise and glory through how we treat others and tell others about Him. We can give Him so much. So, my second reminder to you is, as you remember the true meaning of Christmas – that Jesus came to die for our sins and rise from the dead – don’t just say “Happy birthday” and forget about Him. Give Him a gift that keeps on giving.

Finally, to tie these 2 thoughts together, remember how great that gift is that God gave.

People can give great things. I have a great uncle who remembers the Great Depression. His dad, my great grandfather, was going to lose the family’s home, which he’d built about 7 years earlier. He tells the story of how Pop went to see a great aunt who was quite rich for that time. She gave them the money to save their house, and then some left over. My great uncle says they felt like they were rich.

That was a great gift their Aunt Kate gave. Except for organ/bone marrow donations, it’s probably among the greatest gifts a person can give. Still, it is nothing when compared to the fact Jesus came to become sin for us. (2 Cor. 5: 21) He came to save us from the penalty of hell, which each of us deserves because of our sin. However, those of us who have trusted in Him to save us are not under that penalty anymore. We are passed from death unto life. (John 5:24, 1 John 3:14)

Think about that. Even someone who donates an organ, or bone marrow, can only give someone a normal healthy life span at best. (And that isn’t always a guarantee.) But, God’s gift to us makes sure that all who receive it have everlasting life in God’s perfect heaven, and relationship with Him on earth.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son. That whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16)

Think of the certainty that gives. That last part – Jesus Himself guarantees that that believer will have everlasting life. But, later we read that those who do not believe (that is, heart knowledge, not just head knowledge) will not see life.

Thus, we must make it our goal to tell others. And, to show Christ’s love to others through our actions as well as our words.

“The giving of love every day,” as the song says? Only because Christ’s followers are to be known by their love. We must show Christ, and tell others about Him, in this lost and dying world.

Satan wants the followers of Christ to disobey and have conflicts and confusions  in Gods word and commandments.There is only one truth in the Bible, but many divisions in the body of Christ. Most of the Christian denominations in the world claim that they are bible believing Church and have differences of opinions on various issues, some of them may even throw us into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ(Galatians 1:6-7). But yet most of them agree on basic Christian truths. God says that we need to be equipped with wisdom from the Word of God to identify and not be led astray by false teaching and false teachers. All believers should know what the Scriptures are and they need to match up according to Gods word when they have some disagreements.

God also warns us to avoid people who causes divisions and put obstacles in our way that are contrary to the teaching (Romans 16:17).

Scriptures gives us a valuable insight and clear guidance on how we are to approach such disagreements and conflicts.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 says For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:1-3

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. Ephesians 4:14-16

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23)

Titus 3:9 says, “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”

Also being a true believer we need to preach the truth, fighting the good fight of faith never compromisingly for any reason whatsoever and to bring back the erring brother. James 5:19-20 says My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

When we have disagreements we need to handle with love and respect and apply God’s unchanging Word of Truth and to allow holy spirit to operate in our lives to seek Gods word by diligently studying and prayfully considered because as a individual person we all may have personal opinion but we need to be careful that our disagreements should not become a stumbling block for others to leading them away from faith in Christ or turn away from the Bible. Always we need to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope that we have with gentleness and respect(1 Peter 3:15).

Finally, it is God’s purpose for all believers’s to attain to the unity of the faith with unity of the Spirit United in Christ. (Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!.

Did you ever consider that Jesus was bullied? Oh, yes, the Pharisees and Saducees – religious leaders of His day – couldn’t stand Him. This was really tough because he was, is, and always will be God. (John 1:1, 14; 10:30; etc.)

Jesus told Peter he could call down 10,000 angels to destroy the world when he was taken away to be crucified. But, He didn’t. Why not? Well, obvioulsy, He came to die for our sins, be buried, and rise again the third day. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, etc.) His death was a punishment for our sins – He took that for each one of us. (1 Cor. 5:21)But, there’s another, special reason.

that reason is that He loves us. The recent incident at Rutgers, along with the deaths of various high school students, show there is a terrible problem.

Excellent resources for dealing with bullying, both in stopping the bullies and heling victims, have been found, such as this handy list of ways to cope. There is one other thing to consider before things get that bad, for those who are victims of bullying.

Students bully others for different reasons, as is noted in the last link above. However, one thing that everyone needs is to hear and see unconditional love.

First, for victims, you are loved no matter what by God. However, unless you trust Him forgive you for your sins, as mentioned above, you can’t have a relationship with Him. That is because yall of us have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) The wages of sin – what we earn because of our sin – is death, separation from God’s perfect love forever in a horrible place of suffereing. But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) That gift is received by faith alone, in Christ alone and what He did for us on the cross. (Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9)

One you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, invite Him into your heart, and you will be made a new creature on the inside. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Jesus Christ will come to live in you and work in your heart to make you mroe like Him.

Then, He will help you through everything. He promises “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) the Gospel of John is a great place to start out reading and learning more about Him.

In the meantime, He can also help you to have peace when others are mean. He has been through everything similar to what we face today. he didn’t have video games, but he had games, for instance.

You can have peace, then, that He will see you through. He can see anyone through anyone. He will also give you courage to say “I love you in Christ” to those who dislike you.

That is important, because you will then have the Lord in you, and He can help you help them to change, bit by bit, simply by showing Christ’s love for them. And, by using the power of prayer to change things.

Bullies must realize that there is unconditional love for them out there. They dont’ have to put others down to be special to God, becuase He is grieved any time someone feels hated. The bullies must break the bad habits early by learning to gather things like the Fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, etc..

See, wanting power and control over someone is wrong. it’s what the devil does. And, when we try to control others for selfish purposes, we are letting the devil control us.

Instead, we need to realize the freedom being in Christ gives us. God’s Word, the Bible, promises “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

This, by the way, is also excellent advice from someone in a relationship (marriage, boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever) where they are being bullied. God has given you the power to end that controlling nature of the devil. When the Bible speaks of Jesus “leading captivity captive,” it isn’t just talking about letting captives free who are prisoners for crimes. Many times, we imprison ourselves or allow others to imprison us. But, Jesus holds the key to escape.

The key to escape is *not* by leaving this world, though it will be when God calls us home someday. The key to escape is a spiritual one. it involves being free from being bullied or from being a bully. instead, God let’s us learn to form relationships based on mutual love adn trust.

The first key is to draw close to others, ask the Lord to help you and your family become closer to each other express your feelings more through words. If you can’t with them, find friends who are willing to listne. But first, if you are a bully, you must trust the Lord to help you do this.

It might be hard, if people have let you down so much. But, all it takes is one little smiden of faith. And, that starts by realizing that God is not a man, that He should lie. God is the one who made this world and everything, including you. He loves you.

However, thousands of years ago, sin was brought into the world through disobedience. People followed the devil and his ways of controlling, and lusting after the flesh.

God will one day punish all sin, and it will be thrown in a lake of fire to burn forever. perhaps you would like to see others there, becuase people have been mean to you. But, remember, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We’re not perfect. If we don’t form that perfect, unconditional loving relationship with God, we will die in our sins and go to that horrible place where sin will be punished.

God loved each of us, though – He doesn’t want you to go there. he is pleading with all who red to turn to Him before it is too late.All it takes is a single, sincere prayer of repentence int he Lord Jesus. Just talk to God, and: Admit you’re a sinner, that you fall short of His perfect love. Believe that Jesus Christ, God in flesh, died for your sins and rose fromt he dead; He took your punishment becuase you can’t get to Heaven on your own. And, Choose to repent and receive Him as your Savior, inviting Him into your heart to save you from your sins and forgive you, and to make you new ont he inside.

And, please, go out and share that Godly love with others, showing them a change. Becuase, when people see changed lives, they will believe there is a difference. That will be having a positive impact,a nd taking control by letting God use you in positive way. You will be spreading true, unconditinoal love around.

And, this world needs so much mroe love. Not just shallow, physical love, but deep, intimate, personal love. he can help you have that, if you only trust Him.