Become the Spark Who Ignites a Roaring Fire!

By Kenneth R. Brown

It is inspirational by design, using: short stories, analogies; personal experiences; and quotes to encourage others toward Christ-likeness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jan 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781664285392

Kenneth R. Brown

Undergraduate degree, Majoring in Psychology at Purdue University. Studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Majoring in Religion. Extensive background in Biblical Studies. Public Service backgound, with teaching; and leadership experience.

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Copyright © 2022 Kenneth R. Brown.

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Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible® (The Holy

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-8538-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-8539-2 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/29/2022

CONTENTS

Foreword

Chapter 1     Salvation

Chapter 2     Self and Serving Others

Chapter 3     Sin

Chapter 4     Obedience and Patience

Chapter 5     God Himself and Revelation

Chapter 6     Fear and Death

Chapter 7     The Bible and The Church

Chapter 8     Worry

Chapter 9     Love and Relationships

Chapter 10   Sex

Chapter 11   Abortion

Chapter 12   Alcohol and Drugs

Chapter 13   Pain

Chapter 14   Satan

Chapter 15   Truth

Chapter 16   Faith and Encouragement

Chapter 17   Forgiveness and Grace

Chapter 18   Prayer and Purification

About the Author

The title of this book is indirectly inspired by 2 quotes.

James 3:5 NIV

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Kurt Frederic Kaiser

On a Sunday night after church, Kurt was sitting in his den by the fireplace where there were remnants of a fire, and it occurred to him it only takes a spark to get a fire going… and the rest came very quickly. It only took about 20 minutes to write the lyrics.

This song reflects the power of a simple idea set to a singable tune… and this song became the banner song of the Jesus Movement.

Pass It On was initially sung only by young people and teens, but it gained traction in broader congregational circles when it appeared in Hymns for the Living Church (1974).

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,

and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.

That’s how it is with God’s love; once you’ve experienced it

you spread His love to everyone. You want to pass it on

https://thescottspot.wordpress.com/2016/10/08/pass-it-on-

written-in-1969/

FOREWORD

We are all in this life together.

We are facing choices every day about: who we are; and who we will become!

There is power; and victory right in front of each of us, who are willing to follow the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ Our Lord!

We have our Bibles, which we rarely read; and we are surrounded by others like us, who serve the exact same God.

But, we struggle with everything from: sin, to love; to comfort; to peace; to salvation; and even with eternity!

We are told to: just do more; pray more; and work more!

It’s not that simple; or maybe it’s easier than we think!

We misunderstand Our Farther in Heaven, through our own efforts to find the truth!

We overlook the easily found things, by listening to all the wrong things!

We want to keep some of our sins; yet ask God to cleanse us at the same time!

Jesus says that He will give us freedom; but we live in bondage too often!

Satan is the ruler over this earth; and we bow to his leading too much!

We listen to half-truths; and pass over the remaining ones!

This book is an attempt to correct some wrong thinking; and inspire courage; and to strengthen our resolve!

We are not supposed to simply survive this life; but to overcome it, victoriously!

We can become the spark, that only Jesus can give!

We can ignite a roaring fire around our lives, that only Jesus can fan!

Read this book in parts; or back to front! It has been divided into categories; and within each chapter are short stories; and quotes to help us all become the men and women we were created to be!

May God bless you; and enjoy!

Ken

All Bible verses are from the English Standard Version (ESV), unless otherwise stated.

All glory to Our Heavenly Father for giving us another day to serve Him; and to grow closer to Him!

This book is dedicated to: my son; and his mother.

CHAPTER 1

Salvation

All of US, Together

Some of us are beautiful; and some of us are not so beautiful!

Some of us are wealthy; and some of us are poor!

Some of us are healthy; and some of us are weak!

Some of us are tall ; and some of us are small!

Some of us are athletic; and some of us are clumsy!

Some of us are artistic; and some of us are uninventive!

Some of us are more educated; and some of us are less educated!

Some of us are wise; and some of us are foolhardy!

Some of us are leaders; and some of us are servants!

Some of us see Heaven; and some of us see Earth!

Some of us worship God; and some of us worship others!

Some of us SERVE JESUS; and some of us SERVE OURSELVES!

Some of us are holy (by grace alone); and some of us worship our flesh!

Most of us would like to see ourselves in the LEFT categories above;

but not EVEN ONE of us can do all of them, for any length of time.

There are a few among us who enjoy evil; and they desire to live for Satan and his causes! They do exist, I assure you! Most of the rest of us want to live GOOD lives; but we don’t always know how to live it!

All of us, together, make up the human race - left and right above categories combined (and an almost infinite amount of other qualities not listed there)! We have all read stories about evil people who turned away from their sick and twisted lifestyles! We have also known many others who lived for evil until their deaths! We have witnessed, everyday, those who have no desire to live for anyone else but themselves! We have friends who do great things; and we have friends who are depressed and beaten down by the world around them!

We have pastors; and we have ditch diggers (Sorry, you are still very important! I’ve done that job; and it helped pay my bills!) - but we are ALL still made of the same FLESH and BONE! Some of us live free lives; and others seem to struggle to see any good anywhere around them! Some people know their Bibles; and others want to learn MORE!

Still, most of us want little to do with God or His Words!

There are people who think they have everything; and there are others who are just Hanging on! NOT ONE OF US HAS IT ALL! NOT ONE OF US HAS LIFE UNDER CONTROL!

(If you think you do, then ask those in Florida this morning how powerful and in control they feel today? Ask your friend who is dying of cancer, how powerful he feels today? Ask your neighbor who lost his family, how powerful he feels today? Ask your brother who lost his job or fortune, how powerful he feels today?)

NO ONE IS IMMUNE FROM LOSS AND SUFFERING! NOT ONE OF US IS PURE!

NOT ONE OF US IS GOOD!

Some of us think we are pure and good and holy; but we are deceived! Thank GOD no one can see into anyone else’s MIND and HEART!

THANK GOD THAT HE CAN!

Every one of us is capable of CHANGE! If you are ALIVE and reading this, you CAN CHANGE; TODAY!

Unfortunately, none of us are in control over how long we get to be ALIVE! Some of us DIED while I wrote this! Some of us missed another day to change!

Some of us are now, IN THIS VERY MOMENT, finding out what is beyond this world!

Did you ever notice that NO ONE COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD, TO TELL US WHAT’S OUT THERE? Yes, we hear bits and pieces of the after life; but we don’t know for sure what’s out there - IF ANYTHING! Do you believe that?

I KNOW FOR SURE WHAT’S BEYOND DEATH!

Oh that’s right; not all of us believe in GOD as our Creator! In our hearts,

WE ALL KNOW THE TRUTH!

Some of us want to follow THE TRUTH, which is in JESUS ALONE! Most of us, DON’T! Whether you believe in: Heaven; or Hell; or nothing; or anything else,

EVERY ONE OF US WILL FIND OUT ONE DAY - some will know today!

Here’s the beautiful part of all of this!

WE ALL GET A CHOICE, AS LONG AS WE ARE ALIVE! NO ONE IS EVER FORCED TO FOLLOW JESUS! NO ONE IS EVER FORCED TO BE RESCUED!

EVERY ONE WILL ENTER ETERNITY ON THEIR OWN TERMS!

HOWEVER, NO ONE CAN STOP JESUS FROM SAVING YOU!

Thank GOD no one can see into anyone else’s MIND and HEART!

THANK GOD THAT HE CAN!

Romans 3:10

As it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one;

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Mark 10:18

And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Ecclesiastes 7:20

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

I’ve done horrible things! Haven’t we all?

Yet, Jesus wants to save us anyway!

If ARROGANCE and SELF-LOVE lead us toward destruction,

then BROKENNESS might actually save us from it!

Don’t be Deceived!

Whether you live a long and perfect life; or have nothing but trouble from your past nor in your future:

this brief life is only the beginning of the rest of YOUR LIFE!

There is infinitely more time ahead for you, after this life ends!

Consider what you choose, today!

You won’t get another choice, then!

WILL I LIVE FOREVER?

WHAT HAPPENS TO ME AFTER THIS LIFE; ANYTHING; SOMETHING; NOTHING?

HOW DO I FIND OUT; AND WHERE DO I LOOK?

AM I A SINNER?

WE ARE ALL SINNERS; AND WE CANNOT SAVE OURSELVES!

THE BIBLE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS, TO OUR EVERY QUESTION!

IT WON’T READ ITSELF! WE HAVE TO OPEN IT; AND NEVER PUT IT DOWN, AGAIN!

HEAVEN IS A CHOICE! YOUR CHOICE!

Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality.

(Abraham Lincoln)

Everyone Wants to Live Forever!

Here’s the funny part of that age old saying, EVERYONE WILL LIVE FOREVER!

The question is not, IF; but WHERE?

There is tremendous GREAT news for anyone who still wonders if there is life after death! Since Adam and Eve, we have all been curious; and hopeful for an existence that extends beyond this life! The answer is: YES, to that all important question, which has been passed on to each of us for thousands of years! So why as a people do we rarely prepare for this future event? Why do so many of us, avoid the truth of it? Why are we unwilling to listen? To this very day, most of us are still trying to find an eternal home; and we worry if it even exists! It’s been told to us our entire lives; but we don’t like the answer, do we? We all want to live forever; but we want it on own terms!

We have thought about what is beyond this life; and books have been written about everything our imaginations can handle! We even go to our graves, still wondering if anything is out there in front of us! Some people spend their entire lives planning for the aliens who long ago seeded this planet, to once again, one day come back to take us home! To where will they take us: Mars; Jupiter; or even beyond our Galaxy?

We hear all the time that Christianity is full of those who live in a fantasy world; but those who are waiting for their alien fathers to return seem FAR OUT in fantasy land, for even us Christians!

Many of us, who do not believe in GOD: are always worried; and wondering if there is anything ELSE out there, BESIDES HIM! Again, those people are constantly hoping for an eternity, well past our reality! Some of us are working on freezing our bodies for extended lives onto the more advanced future in front of us! Really? What if it’s worse there? What if there is no power there, to restore anyone who has been frozen? That’s right, the frozen ones will never even get a second chance if the power goes off now; or later on, before they even get to thaw out! So, we spend even billions more to come up with another source of power, to keep us frozen indefinitely: to what end?

What about reincarnation? Do we really want to live on past this life, as a cow; or a snowflake? How much hope can we have, never knowing what we will become in our next life; or the one after that; and the one after that? Why do we always think we will come back as animals; or objects anyway? If that is true, we really DO DIE after this life anyway, don’t we? Do cows secretly remember who they were in some former life, as a human? If that’s true, they certainly don’t act like it; nor how horrific for any of us to be trapped inside one of them, for another lifetime! No, my friends, reincarnation is another lie that some have been told for way too many years now! There are no aliens coming to rescue us; but even so, wouldn’t we still have to shed these bodies soon afterward, anyway?

What about NOTHING, as an option for eternity then? Let’s do that! Let’s live our lives now; enjoy everything in front of us today; do whatever feels good to us in the moment;

and finally lay down and die later on - in peace! Have any of us ever watched another person die? Is that really how they think during the last days; and hours of their lives here?

Again, why do we always overlook the obvious, to seek out the fantastic? Simple, it’s our lifelong love of flesh and dirt! Apart from God, we live and play in the dirt everyday! Apart from God, we only see skin and bones all around us! Apart from God, we see all we have made - ON OUR OWN! Over time, we once again, wonder if there is anything more than just THIS! Interesting! We want to ignore GOD; but yet we cannot seem to get away from HIM! We want to control our OWN destinies; but we keep trying to find something ELSE - beyond us! If we are ALL that there is, why so much fuss over a god who doesn’t even exist? Look around us, do any of us concern ourselves with the upcoming revolt against us, from THE GRASS residing in our front yards? We all know that grass is real; and we all know that it is sitting right next to us; but do we burn it to destroy the possibility of it turning against us some day? NO, that would be ridiculous!

We NEVER go after anything that can really cause us any harm; but we ALWAYS; and most certainly try to destroy, ANYTHING THAT CAN!

IS GOD REAL?

We certainly treat Him as a real threat to most of us! Even those who ignore GOD, attack and rebuke His existence just like any other hated REAL person we mock; or put down!

We will go way out of our way, just to ignore God! It’s almost like we are trying to prove He doesn’t exist, by trying to overlook the obvious truth about His existence in the first place! Aren’t we smarter than this, yet? Belief in God is not found in: some hidden, shattered relic; resting in a dark cave; on the backside of our planet! JESUS IS GOD; AND HE WALKED AMONG US ONCE! Jesus did miracles, right in front of us; and most of us still doubt who HE IS! Thomas followed Jesus every day for three years; but after Jesus’ resurrection, he STILL needed to see and touch Jesus - just to be absolutely sure! Do we know why we read about. DOUBTING THOMAS to this very day, over 2.000 years later?

Our Bibles contain many types of stories, to reach out to many types of US! Thomas represents those who struggle with belief in things they cannot see first hand! Even among those people, Jesus revealed Himself to them directly; AND OPENLY, without ANY hesitation! Still, there’s so much more… Jesus stood toe to toe with the corrupt religious leaders; and HE even stood quietly and calmly before a representative of an entire earthly government! He was murdered, right in front of us all! Jesus foretold his own death, in absolute perfect detail; which is FACT! Jesus also foretold a future for all of us, which IS ETERNAL! He did not walk this Earth to promote HIMSELF: He could have; but He didn’t!

HE CLEARLY TOLD US ALL, WHO HE IS! HE CAME HERE FOR EACH OF US! HE CAME HERE TO GIVE EACH OF US HOPE! HE DIED HERE TO PAY OUR DEBT! HE LEFT HERE TO SHOW US THE WAY! HE LIVES IN HEAVEN STILL;

TO SHOW US HOW TO GET HOME! EVERYONE OF US WILL LIVE FOREVER;

but there is only ONE WAY to get to HEAVEN! IT’S ALWAYS, THROUGH JESUS!!!

Matthew 25:46

And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Romans 6:23

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

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

1 John 1:8-10

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Mark 7:20-23

And he said, What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

Romans 5:8

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Jesus,alone, saves us!

But; we can decline the gift!

Don’t ignore these folks!

Pray harder/longer for them!

That is our job!

I was one of them, too!

So were you!

God never gave up on me nor you!

I gave up on myself!

You, too!

It could take years and years!

They may not have that time!

We are all saved by grace, alone!

So, none of us can boast!

I did not come here to condemn you, I am here to save you!

Give all of your sins to me, I paid your debt already! Don’t pick them back up, any more!

You are now free of them!

Jesus

John 12:47

If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

Psalms 51:9-10

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Hebrews 8:12

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."

John 8:36

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

I AM YOUR MASTER!

I love myself first, so flesh is my master!

I love money, so greed is my master!

I am proud, so entitlement is my master!

I am arrogant, so self-importance is my master!

I am abusive, so aggression is my master!

I am disobedient, so lawlessness is my master!

I am ungrateful, so vanity is my master!

I am unholy, so sin is my master!

I am heartless, so emptiness is my master.

I am unappeasable, so envy is my master

I am slanderous, so lies are my master!

I have no self control, so emotions are my master!

I am brutal, so blood thirst is my master!

I do not love the good, so hate is my master!

I am treacherous, so deceit is my master!

I am reckless, so impulsivity is my master!

I am full of conceit, so immodesty is my master!

I have a love for pleasure, so sex drugs and every desire are my masters!

I am not in love with God, so DEATH is my master!

I appear to be godly, so SATAN - the god of lies is my master!

I have no real power, so impotence is my master!

AVOID ME, then!

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Why would I live an empty life like this?

We all know that we can enjoy sin; but for a season only! Why lose your soul forever, for 1 minute of fame and power and lust? PLEASE DON’T DO THIS TO YOURSELF?

Jesus is not like any other Master, you’ve EVER heard of! He actually genuinely loves you; and wants to protect you - FOREVER, if you would just let Him in!

WE ARE ALL SLAVES! WHO IS YOUR MASTER"?

Jesus will set me free; but I must be willing to look at myself, for who I really am!

I was Blind; but now I See

When I had everything, I really had nothing.

I was living in chains; but I could not see nor feel them.

I wanted what I wanted, even though it was killing me, quietly, slowly!

I fought God Himself, to keep my chains intact.

By His grace and mercy God took away, everything this world had offered me!

But that was all I had ever known!

I thought HE hated me; and HE was killing me!

I was wrong,

He was SAVING ME!

He took my chains; and set me free!

God gave me everything!

I can prove it, if you need! I went my own way, very successfully by the way, instead of following Jesus! I can prove that, too - if you need! God then took away everything from me! Actually, God gave me 100,000 opportunities for years to change! I refused, choosing pride and selfishness, instead! I’m only still here through His: love; Grace; and mercy - alone!

The Bible is a living book! Use it, daily to guide you! God is very real; and very much active in our lives! Listen and learn to hear and follow the Holy Spirit inside you!

Jesus died for my sins - all of them; and they are many!

Please, let go of your sins, too! It’s never too late! I feel, free - finally!

Jesus died for your sins, too! I can’t understand why, nor how; but

Jesus loves us and saves us, in spite of us!

If your foundation is solid, nothing will ever destroy you!

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 7:24

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

My Independence Day came in the form of a CROSS!

It doesn’t matter who raised you, for good or for evil;

nor what this life has given you.

JESUS is the only hope of salvation FOR ANY OF US!

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

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.

It’s easier to find salvation through Jesus than to hope for another path from destruction!

It’s Easier

It’s easier to tell the truth than to keep a lie!

It’s easier to live free than to be trapped in sin!

It’s easier to smile than to force a frown!

It’s easier to love than to extend hatred!

It’s easier to seek Heaven than to wait for Hell!

It’s easier to remain pure than to clean up a mess!

It’s easier to live sober than to simply exist numb and empty!

It’s easier to live with others than to withdraw and isolate!

It’s easier to forgive than to live with anger!

It’s easier to care for someone than to live alone and have no one!

It’s easier to share Jesus than to hide His grace!

It’s easier to ask for help than to remain stubborn and lost!

It’s easier to serve God than to be a slave to the FLESH!

It’s MUCH easier to resist a sin now than to PAY IT’S FEE later!

It’s easier to walk with Jesus than to constantly run from the devil!

It’s easier to find salvation through Jesus

than to hope for another path from destruction!

Jesus is The Living Water

We can all talk (or scream) about peace and love and truth; but only Jesus has the power to deliver those things! Don’t be discouraged by those who secretly envy your love for Jesus; and especially don’t avoid those who hate you for your faith! Remember. Jesus is The Living Water; and He came and died and arose from the grave to save them too!

We who are already saved, are to bear witness of who Jesus is to all who are currently lost! Some of them will fight against the very truth that can save their souls! We were all just like them before Jesus rescued us! Remember that always; and share your life with those who need Jesus today!

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Some of them will fight against the very truth that can save their souls!

We were all just like them before Jesus rescued us!

James 5:20

let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Jesus wants you to repent, so you can live!

Satan wants you to rebel, so you can die!

2 Corinthians 7:9

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

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.

Look in the Mirror

You have wasted too many years looking at yourself through your own eyes; and living for the wrong vision! Even at your worst, Jesus saw you as HE HAD CREATED YOU TO BE; not who you had become! Jesus rescues even the worst of sinners; and molds them into saints, not because of them - but because of HIM!

Some of you already see the truth! Some of you are about to learn that JESUS IS THE SAME GOD WE ALL SERVE!

Some of you will see yourself one day, as CHRIST SEES YOU TODAY!

Ezekiel 34:11-12

"For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.

Lose Yourself to Jesus!

In MY strength, I achieved great things in this world! On my own, I took whatever I wanted! Being smart, I figured my way out of problems! Having money, I bought whatever I desired! With physical strength, I pushed my way to the top!

With cunning, I outsmarted my opponents! I thought I had won at life!

But I was wrong!

Every good gift I had, was actually given to me by God! What I thought was ME, was just on loan from HIM! Everything I earned, was lost in an instant! All of my hopes, were gone with the wind! My dreams, became nightmares! My life, had been a lie!

What I loved, was the love for myself! My salvation, was in my own hands!

Death itself, was looming over me; but rock bottom, became my foundation!

My Father loved me, in spite of me!

He picked me up; and held me close! He told me, failure is not the end!

He said, I am The Way! He said, I am The Truth! He said, I am The Life!

He said, No one comes to the FATHER except through ME! He said, I am The Light of the world! He said, Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness; but will have the Light of Life! He said, Deny yourself; and take up your cross! He said, In trying to save your life you have lost it!"

He said, "NOW lose your life for ME; and you will find it!

He said, Get up!

I had nothing else to lose, so I got up; and followed Him!

Now, my strength is not in myself; but in The One who saved me! My hopes are no longer in my hands; but in the Hands of the Creator of everything! The desires of this world, begin to fade away! My nightmares, are turning into visions of paradise!

My thoughts, are more about them; and less about me! My life was in chaos; but now it has purpose!

Jesus has turned my night, into day! Jesus removed my darkness, and gave me His Light!

My future, is now secure! FOREVER!

I am nothing, apart from Him!

I no longer live for myself; and I freely give it ALL to JESUS! I have surrendered my life to JESUS;

and someday, I will trade in my cross for a CROWN!

At the end of YOU, is the beginning of HIM!

Rock bottom will become your foundation!

Titus 3:5

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

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.

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Matthew 16:24-26

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Luke 20:36

For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.

Only JESUS

Run as fast as you can,

Go as far as you want,

Live as hard as you dare,

Feel as much as you please,

Spend as much as you have,

but you will never find,

anything that lasts.

anything that heals,

anything that satisfies,

anything that’s pure,

anything that’s holy,

Apart from Jesus Christ, Himself!

Stop hiding; or running from Your Father in Heaven!

The only peace you will ever find is through Jesus Christ alone!

Where is Peace?

There is no lasting peace in alcohol or drugs!

There is no lasting peace in wealth or comfort!

There is no lasting peace in sex or relationships!

There is no lasting peace in health or strength!

There is no lasting peace in power or control!

There is no lasting peace in love of self or love for others!

Everything in this life is temporary;

but only the peace that passes all understanding comes from our relationship through Jesus Christ!

Then you can find peace:

In every struggle;

In every heartbreak;

In every loss:

And,

In everything this world has to offer or take away!

Jesus is peace; and peace is found in Jesus!

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 34:14

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Salvation for the Saved

My dear saved friends when the Bible says,

"NOTHING IN ALL CREATION WILL EVER BE ABLE TO SEPARATE - YOU –

FROM THE LOVE OF GOD"; that means ALL CREATION!

You are part of all creation, so stop worrying about your salvation, EVER AGAIN!

You have been bought with THE GREATEST PRICE that has ever been paid! When you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior it was a ONE TIME, FINISHED act of Love on His part! The rest of your life belongs to Him! He never changes His mind; and He never goes back on His word! When you fail Jesus, as you have and will, He still pursues you to the end of this Earth if He has to. Jesus will always bring you back home to Him.

You salvation is secure; but our flesh is weak!

Jesus knows everything you have ever done; and are still capable of doing. He knew you before you were in your mother’s womb! He knew you before you reached out to Him, because He reached out to you first! He knew you when you were lost in sin; and He will rescue you from all of your problems now!

Rest secure in the faith with whom your life belongs! You are now; and will forever more be safe and secure in the arms of your Savior and Father in Heaven!

We will all be in Heaven together some day; but for now, we need to clean ourselves up;

and GET UP; and start living the lives we were meant to live all along!

You were paid with a price; and saved from certain eternal death, so we should want to live for Jesus while we can in the short time we have left on this fragile and desperately lonely world in which we live!

Worry no longer about your own life; but worry only for those who do not yet know the saving grace, which is alone in Jesus The CHRIST!

THE BOTTOM LINE!

Consider the following! The love of self, will never change the world, nor save your soul!

Words to (NOT) live by: I’ll do it, My Way! If it feels GOOD, DO IT! I’d rather rule in hell, than to serve in Heaven!

On divorce: Honey, l really do Love you; But I love myself more!

It’s the ME generation!

We can no longer harm a TREE; but we allow millions of people to die every day?

Don’t help them, they might sue us! It’s us verses them!

Understand - They feel the same as you - therefore, nothing will ever change!

Truth: As I FEEL things to be true, then they must be true!

Don’t confront me, I’m: PTSD; ADHD; and ABCD!

NARCISSISM: selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration, as characterizing a personality type.

Every person throughout history with: very; very; very rare exception, when given the ultimate choice - has chosen to protect their own life, over someone else’s life!

In every culture, throughout history, each kingdom has used all of it’s own people - unto death, in an attempt, to save itself!

YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, has done the exact opposite! God gave up His own Son, as a sacrifice, to save us all!

YET MOST OF US WILL DENY HIM, UNTO DEATH!

Are you really that sure about living your own life for what time you have left?

The choice you make to serve yourself NOW, is to choose to be apart from THE LIVING GOD - FOREVER!

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The Chaos of a Lost World!

Are we really willing to overlook eternity just to have some cheap pleasures now? If there is a life after this, wouldn’t it have to last well beyond our limited time here on earth? Do we even consider what that really means for each of us today? That’s too much for most of us to try and grasp, so let’s work this out with what we do know.

We all have our Bibles to tell us what is coming next; but for most of us that seems to not be enough; or is it too much?

Let’s assume there is no god; and no eternity; and all we have is now - nothing more;

EVER!

If we are eternal beings we should always live toward eternity; but if we are only temporal beings we should live only for today! Isn’t that right? Why would we consider anything longer, if there was no eternity for us? Think about what the world would look like, if we all live one single life. If all of us are only here for a short time; and then gone forever how would we live out our short lives? Wouldn’t it be complete chaos? Wouldn’t destruction; and disorder rule throughout the earth? Could we even have any form of justice or order? Why would we organize any of that, if all of this is temporary? Why would any of us plan ahead; or care about our futures, if there is no future to hold onto? Would this world as we know it, still even exist by this point in time? Wouldn’t our ancestors have destroyed all life by now anyway?

We read arguments that we would focus on how to maintain order in a world that has no future; but how is that even possible? Even an intelligent and rational person could see no hope in front of them, so why bother? If there is only today, how could any of us even have a tomorrow? It would have already been spent thousands of years ago. We can lie to ourselves all day long; but we know that even the possibility of an eternity beyond this live is the only thing that has kept this world intact up until this very day!

The point of view coming from one book; and one book alone has kept this world in one piece for centuries, in many people’s opinions! Interesting to consider that having a hope in God alone has very likely, all by itself, held everything together already!

Without even trying to prove that God exists, one book about Him has pretty much already proven His existence just by the thought of the possibility of Him!

We are all not unintelligent; and we are all not naïve; but we all have to admit that this world would be a far different place if there was no thought of any after life; or God. It is not far off to think that we would have already completely destroyed ourselves long ago without any thought of a god who oversees it all! It seems very likely that most of us believe that there is some higher power; but why do we want to ignore the ONE who has already claimed to be HIM? Even though we might consider a god as creator and designer and governor; we seem to stumble at the words SAVIOR and LORD! We can admit order in this world; and we hope for an eternity beyond it; yet we won’t submit ourselves to the authority of the One who created this all, including each of us!

So, we can go on pretending and hoping for some miraculous eternal existence some day;

Or we can pick up our Bibles; and start to learn how to follow the instructions given to us by the ONE TRUE GOD - and Creator of the Heavens and Earth!

There is an eternity in front of ALL of us my friends, so plan on how you are going to spend it! You will be there for infinity, so consider how very precious little time is left here for you to prepare for it! This life ends in the blink of an eye, so don’t get left behind!

We all love One Stop Shopping! Doesn’t Jesus offer us everything under one roof? Why do we always travel the long and hard way?

John 8:12

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

John 6:35

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

Humble yourself, Turn away from Sin, Turn to Jesus; and Follow Him!

Jesus was nailed to a cross for always doing the right thing! Look where He is now! Where are those who put Him there?

We are both: the followers of Jesus who ran away, then watched Him die; and also the ones who hung him there! We will suffer for doing the right things at times; but don’t worry when that happens. That only means we are being like Jesus! Don’t give in nor give up during those times of suffering. For those other times when we are living apart from Jesus, it’s our ongoing sins that put Him on that cross; and what we deserve as a result! Turn around then; and let the Saving Power of The Christ who survived the Cross give us a new life forever more! We, who do not accept that saving grace, will be heading in a different direction apart from Him!

We are The Church; and our lives should reflect Jesus onto all around us!

Acts 20:28

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Ephesians 2:20-22

Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

What do You Gain?

We always want something:

Bigger!

Better!

Faster!

Stronger!

MORE, MORE, MORE…

More is better, right?

More stuff..

More comfort…

We want it all!

What do you gain from all those things?

Has any one of those things made you truly happy and content?

My friends, only Jesus can fill the voids in your lives!

There are a lot of us out there who’ve tried it all; and all of us came to the same conclusion.

It’s Jesus; and Jesus only!

Where Does Our Security Lie?

We don’t ever feel secure in this world; but we keep looking for it in all the wrong places! We try to find it; but it always eludes our grasp! We try to hold onto it; but it keeps escaping us! Is there any security to be found, anywhere? Some of us have great families to make us feel secure; but everyone dies eventually, leaving us all alone! Some of us started out with no one; and we are always fearful of finding security in family because they always leave us anyway! Some of us were hurt by those who were supposed to keep us secure; so now we trust no one ever again! Most of us strive to find security in money and comfort; but those things come and go like wind! We can work really hard to find security in power and success; but we soon get too old to keep going as hard and fast as we once did! We can look for security in pleasure and fun; but the cost to our bodies and minds and souls is too high! Maybe we just need a good friend to make us feel secure; but not everyone stays for the long haul with us! In the end, we are once again left alone!

Is it possible that there is no security in things and people then? Is it possible that we can EVER have any security when everything around us is temporary? Are we looking for things and people to make us feel secure in the short term; only to realize that we need something or someone that lives on beyond this short life to hold us and care for us forever?

Is our security only found in the Heavens, then? If we do not know what lies beyond this world; and this short life, we can never have any security at all! If there is something or someone out there, how can we know if it; or they have our best interests in mind? There’s no security there!

Some of us think we came from Mars; or from some past explosion in space that mysteriously created life; but either way those things can provide no security at all - actually they cause even less security for any of us! Since the beginning of time on Earth, there have always been stories and evidence that demonstrate WE ARE ALREADY SECURE! Those stories have been handed down from one generation to the next, right on down to this very hour, today! To this very day, we all have access to: Bibles in front of us; churches around us; and Christians always telling us where our security lies!

Why don’t we believe any of that or them? Why do most of us pass on by the very thing we are always looking for?

Is it our own selfish pride; and desire to want whatever we want all the time, that keeps us from seeing the truth? Or do we see the truth; but we don’t want to submit ourselves to it? So, we want security; but we already know it’s never going to be found for any length of time in all things temporary; and we also know that if there is something or someone beyond this life, we can’t trust in those things either; EXCEPT FOR ONE!

There is ONE who has always been with us, since before the beginning of time itself!

There is ONE who created the heavens and the earth; and everything thing in them! There is ONE: who