Count the Cost

If you have had a house project, or even a school project there are things you must do.

- make a plan

- evaluate the cost

- gather tools/resources

- execute your plan

 Many people though, skip step two. Which is why so many people do not complete projects because they have no idea to what they have really committed to.

But what does it mean to count the cost? When it comes to our faith, to following Jesus, He told us Himself:

Luke 14:25-34 (NIV) - The Cost of Being a Disciple

25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

34 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

The parable of the seed reminds me of the 4 types of "Christians." I was raised, I was taught, that the parable of the seed is about all the earth, all the people of the earth. But after more study, instead of just accepting what I was taught, I realized that the parable is about the church, not the Church as in the Body of Christ. But when you look at a gathering of believers, usually in a "church" building - just because someone is there does not mean that they are truly following Jesus. Only 1 of the 4 (but do not think it is an even 25%) truly counted the cost and decided following JESUS was worth EVERYTHING.

What is the cost of following Jesus?

• You will be hated, mocked, and ignored.
• You could lose your home, your job, your family.
• You will be hunted.
• You will hate the things of the world.
• Your heart will hurt for the lost.
• The things that break God's heart will break yours.
• You will commit to knowing God's word, and obeying It.
• You will live with anticipation that His return is eminent. 
• You will hate your past but anticipate the future with Christ as your LORD.
• You will go/do where and what He says for you to do to spread the Gospel.

****At the end of this post find scriptures to back this up.****

How does this look in our lives? How does counting the cost and living for Christ look with your family, your work, your social media presence?

The past 18 months have been a whirlwind on a global level. Politics are divisive, more so than ever. The United States is divided and without God there will be no unification. Was this last election won fair and square, was there collusion, was the election stolen from the people. Only God knows, I am not sure we will know this side of heaven one way or the other.

Than there is the "V" - please note, I will not say the name of the "illness", nor will I say other "v" word associated with it (I will go with jab). I refuse to use either of those words so in order to not be censored at this time. And that is where I am going with my post.

I am of the belief that the "V" was man made, and purposely released by the Red Dragon country to destroy the USA, disrupt the good work that Donald Trump was doing ( I believe God was using him to move the world closer to the Rapture), and to push the globe into a population control scenario.

I believe the jab is not what we have been told. And many, many, many others are of the same mindset of me. Some are more vocal about it than others. But the fact is, the jab does not prevent you from getting the "V" nor does it prevent you from spreading it. So what is the point?

I know many who with in days, within weeks of getting the 2nd part they developed severe medical issues. Then there are the women who with healthy pregnancies miscarry for no reason. Or the women who are past menopause all of a sudden having cycles again. I do not judge anyone who received the jab, and I do not hold it against anyone who is holding out. We all have to do what we believe is right for us and for our families. 

My spirit is not well with what is going on in the world. This place is not my home, and what is going on is causing my heart to yearn for heaven even more. 

I saw the image to the side a few days ago and it stuck with me. Censorship is unchecked now. You speak out against the "V", the jab, the LGBTQ movement and "Pride" month, or against the current administration and you censored, put in FB jail, or your social media presence is erased. The party that calls the other side Nazi's for our beliefs is using all the tactics that Hitler put into place to rise to power. Ironical, to say the least. 

I don't want to be lukewarm. 

Revelation 3:14-22 New American Standard Bible

Message to Laodicea

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God, says this:

15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne. 22 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

With those of like mindedness, I have spoken my thoughts on the "V", the jab, and all the crazy political upheaval. But not too much online. A "safe" post here or there, but nothing more. And I am convicted. I am afraid of what I would lose. And for that I am ashamed. Now is not the time to worry about what I will lose. Jesus is coming

Read that again.

JESUS IS COMING!!!

The last 18 months have conditioned people for the Great Tribulation and the Mark of the Beast system that will come after the Rapture. So many took the jab to "return" to normal, and that is what they will do during the 7 year time known as the Time of Jacob's Trouble. The stage is set. We must get people to Jesus. Because if you reject Him, you will pay a great cost.

Should you die prior to the Rapture...you will go to hell.

But, if you are here after the Rapture, you could become saved, and many will, but how sure of that are you? Why would you want to go through the pouring out of the Wrath of God on humanity? Plague, death, war, disease, famine - just to start.

I am going to share Jesus with people. I am going to share the articles about the healthy people dying immediately after receiving the jab. I am going to share the studies on the number of children who have such adverse reactions, on a jab that is not FDA approved but being pushed under Emergency use. I am going to share the information that the jab is to cause sterilization.

I will not be quiet, I will not be lukewarm.

But, I will not be pushy, I will not be yelling. I will do all this in love. People are confused right now. People are hurt. And Jesus loves everyone - He wants all to be saved. So many have lost so much - they don't need to be yelled out. They need compassion. 

John 13:35 - New American Standard Bible

35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

I have read God's word. I know how this all ends. And I see the signs He told would happen, in greater occurrence right prior to His return to call his Bride (that's us Church!) to Heaven to be with Him.

They can block me, they can put me in FB jail. That is fine. When you squelch truth, try to stomp it out - you give it a bigger platform. You cause more people to pay attention to it. And my God, His word does not return void.

Isaiah 55:11 New American Standard Bible

11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.

*** Scriptures on the cost of following Jesus****

Luke 9:23 ESV And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Colossians 3:1-25 ESV If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ...

Matthew 24:44 ESV Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Luke 14:33 ESV So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Matthew 8:18-22 ESV Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

Luke 10:3 ESV Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Titus 3:5 ESV 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,

Acts 20:35 ESV In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Matthew 10:38 ESV And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Luke 14:25-33 ESV Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, ...

James 4:4 ESV You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Matthew 8:20 ESV And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

John 8:24 ESV I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”

Ruth 1:16 ESV But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ...

John 8:31-32 ESV So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:12 ESV 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.”

Luke 16:13 ESV No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Luke 9:57-62 ESV As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” ...

Matthew 19:21 ESV Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Matthew 10:34-37 ESV “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

1 Peter 2:21 ESV For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

Titus 2:11-14 ESV For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1 Timothy 4:13 ESV Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Colossians 3:17 ESV And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

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

Matthew 24:36 ESV “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

Matthew 11:28-30 ESV Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 10:37 ESV Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Matthew 8:18 ESV  Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.

Matthew 6:24 ESV “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

2 Samuel 7:1-29 ESV Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? ...

Joshua 24:15 ESV  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Romans 12:1-2 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 4:18-22 ESV While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Deuteronomy 6:1-25 ESV  “Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ...

Exodus 20:1-26 ESV And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, ...

Philippians 3:20 ESV But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 5:25 ESV Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Ephesians 5:2 ESV And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Acts 2:22 ESV “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know

John 3:17 ESV For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 14:26 ESV  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 9:60 ESV And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 4:19 ESV And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Proverbs 4:20-21 ESV My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.

Make Time for Jesus

 "More time with Jesus." 

The collective answer that my former ladies Sunday school would answer in response to all the woes - how to make a decision, how to parent better, how to "wife" better, etc.

A sweet lady I have studied under for years quipped that statement a few years ago, and it stuck with many of us. And honestly, while simple, its deep. What does time with Jesus look like? It's prayer, it's scripture reading, scripture studying (there is a difference in reading and studying), its worshipping, its singing His praises, attending/listening to sermons that are biblically sound, fellowshipping with other believers.

Time with Jesus - based on the above, well its a lifestyle. It is not something you can flippantly partake in. If you are wanting time with our Lord and Savior, its a commitment, it takes dedication, it takes a mindset that is focused on the heavenly things.

But when you add the word "more" to the front of the phrase, it implies someone who is already dedicated and committed to their relationship and walk with the LORD. And that is beautiful. That someone who is not satisfied with a surface level encounter with Jesus.

This reminds me of the analogy given by my mentor L.M. regarding the study of the Bible in the Precept Style. This is how she described different Christians, the different levels of involvement that Christians have in their walk with Jesus. Precept in her opinion was scuba diving.

• On the beach, feet in the sand
• Christians who attend church on Easter, Christmas, for weddings, and for funerals
• Splashing toes in the water/waves
• attend Sunday School and one church Service a week
• Water up past the knees
• Serve at church, attend several times a month, involved in activities hosted by the church
• Snorkeling, face under the water
• All of the above, and attend events that are study-like, but said study's require very little from the individual at home in the way of study.
• Scuba Diving out in the water with land no where in sight
• This is where someone who does Precept Bible study is according to my former mentor. With Precept Bible Study, you are essentially taking a college course in Bible. In depth reading, a good 4 to 5 hours a week of study, using God's Bible to study God's Bible. So many beautiful cross-references. And a person who has studied God's word in this manner....they live a life transformed by Jesus. When you have seen the beautiful interweaving of God's narrative you serve, you worship, you participate at a different level.

I miss taking precept. Thanks to the global pandemic, the classes have been on hold. Last fall we did
move forward in our studies via online meetings, but something was missing and it was harder. Precept truly is a class meant for in-person instruction and conversation. I am hopeful that this upcoming fall the class will resume and I will be able to attend and study.

Obviously someone who has done Precept, or similar inductive Bible studies, they grasp, they live "More Time with Jesus." When I look at all that is going on in the world, I see a world though that isn't ready for "More" - I see a world that needs to "Make" Time for Jesus. 

More Time with Jesus vs Make Time for Jesus

My mind and heart are heavy as I move into this next section. I am saddened. I grew up and live in America. The land of the free to quote the Star Spangled Banner (1814). A country founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs, founded with the mindset of religious liberty and freedom. While many states in this United country have worked hard to keep people of faith from partaking in their God ordained right of worship, the past 13 months has shown the churches that will do anything to reach the lost. These churches, they remind me of Smyrna and Philadelphia -  the two churches who received no rebuke from our Lord Jesus Christ. So many churches initially closed due to wanting to honor Romans 13:1 - 

"Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." (New American Standard Bible)

But then that initial two weeks to "flatten the curve" never stopped. It kept be extended, the proverbial tin-can kept being kicked down the road. And in fact, our current residing President says states that have opened back up, that have given the right to its citizens to decide how to live, that they should shut back down (link). That these states are being "reckless." That type of rhetoric is fear mongering, and I serve a Lord who says, "Do not fear": link, link, link, link, link

I am thankful and grateful for all the churches who stood up, and said enough and opened back up. Not a one was rude, but they left it up to their congregations to attend in person if they felt comfortable. For the individuals or families who did not feel that in-person fellowship and study was for them, the online options were numerous. But when the Apostle Paul, divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, said,

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 - King James Version

He was not talking about an online community. Think of it as a watch, and its components. If they pieces are just gathered together but not in the right functioning place, the watch doesn't work. Only when "assembled" does the watch work. That is the Church. We can gather online together, but we are not in a position to function and work as the Lord has called us to do. It is only when we are assembled together, in-person, that we are truly effective and able to be used by our God.

The Church needs to Make Time for Jesus. Many have fallen away - and the past 13 months have revealed an apostasy. I have heard different word studies on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 -

"The Great Apostasy"

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, (New King James Version)

"The falling away" - a mass exodus from the faith, from the Church

Now the general consensus, which makes sense, is that people will leave the faith. But I have heard differently a few times in the past year a slightly different take. Its beyond just a great leaving -  that is evident, but it also ties into the Rapture, which these verse are linked and symbolic of. There will be a great leaving of/from the churches, but also the leaving of the true Church (which is the Rapture). Something to think on, in these days in which we live. I will say though, we are seeing the leaving of the faith now.

Poll: American Church Membership Drops Below 50% For First Time

One in Three Practicing Christians Has Stopped Attending Church During COVID-19

How Many Churches Will Close?

Fewer Than Half Of U.S. Adults Belong To A Religious Congregation, New Poll Show

American church attendance hits historic low, says Gallup survey

More Time with Jesus would solve many of the worlds woes, but unfortunately More isn't even something to consider currently. We are in a state of where people need to Make Time FOR JESUS.

When a society, country, culture goes away from Jesus, we see the horror of depravity that is truly man. His righteousness is what makes us right with God. Without Him, without Jesus, we are sinful, depraved, and disgusting.

So as we start our day this Friday, I am asking you to Make Time for Jesus. It's Good Friday, today we remember the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. Some churches observed the Lord's Supper last night as apart of Maundy Thursday. Our church we attend will be having a service tonight to reflect on the sacrifice Christ made as He was nailed to the cross. And on Sunday - all of Christendom will celebrate the empty tomb, the fact that our LORD is RISEN!

Start now by making time for Jesus by settling to attend church this weekend. That is a  very good start.

Personal Update and Moving Forward

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

 James 4:13-15 - English Standard Version

This verse - GAME CHANGER!

Funnily enough, two people I love, admire, and respect - they speak of all future events with this verse. And it never clicked until our Pastor taught on this verse a few weeks ago. And if 2021 (lets be honest, 2020 too), has taught me anything it is this:

• use pencil on my planner
• be flexible with schedules
• rely on God and His timing

I have been absent from blogging this year, due to the fact that in mid January I did come down with c19. 

Now I managed to get 2 posts in January and February - but have not been as dedicated to writing as I had aspired to be. Recovery has been harder than the actual virus itself to be honest. But I am getting there. My fatigue is lifting (FINALLY!) but my smell/taste are still not back 100%

But with all that is going on in the world, when you look at the events through scripture...WOW! So much is happening. I have been going over several things lately, and I will be making time to share here soon. 

I want to encourage all of you to be praying and reading God's word daily. And, turn off the news. God's word, the Bible, is the Truth. I no longer am at peace with any "news" outlet, station, or channel. I feel that the past 15 months truly shows that their are ulterior motives behind everything.

Be in prayer, and I will speak to you soon.

What you do Monday determines if you will attend Church on Sunday

Did you know that your decision to attend church Sunday morning takes prep work starting on Monday?

What you do Monday determines if you will attend Church on Sunday.

How do I come to this? Many years of making the firm decision to attend church every opportunity I have. 

Attending church, on a heavily regular basis is foundational for a secure walk with the LORD. Christians need to be in fellowship with other believers. We need to be under the teaching of doctrinally sound pastors on a minimum of a weekly basis. We need to read scripture daily. We need to pray daily (minimum).

In the era of Covid-19, I know that attending church can be uncertain. For a long while many church were shut down. First by mandates, then by choice as they navigated how to open and operate with all the requirements for social distancing. Many switched to an online platform, and have continued only with that. That is their choice. Other churches are open, and even those are split. Some have few precautions, many have so many that they are not welcoming. I honestly believe every individual Christian needs to decided for themselves HOW they will attend church. 

BUT, ATTEND WE MUST!!!

So how does Monday play into your decision to attend church on Sunday? It is with each individual decision you make, starting with Monday. If you have resolved that you will be attending church on Sunday, that will guide and direct every decision you make through the week.

In Daniel Chapter 1, we find the introduction to Daniel, the prophet. Starting in verse 8, one see's a young man who made a decision to honor God, even when he was in a pagan nation, and it could mean death. Please read...

Daniel’s Resolve

8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. 10 The commander of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has allotted your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking gaunt in comparison to the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.” 11 But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please put your servants to the test for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.”

14 So he listened to them in this matter, and put them to the test for ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their appearance seemed better, and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. 16 So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.

17 And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every kind of literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.

18 Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service. 20 As for every matter of expertise and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the soothsayer priests and conjurers who were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king. (NASB)

Daniel was not alone, which shows the wisdom of having like minded friends of the faith. There is strength in that! There is accountability.

"But Daniel made up his mind" - v eight. Daniel did face persecution throughout his life, but by purposing his heart, by making up his mind to serve and honor God, he found favor, and his life was even saved. 

Let's be like Daniel. If your intent on Sunday morning is to attend church, stay the course. When you are invited to a Sunday Brunch, ask it start later or you have to pass. If your child is asked to take advantage of a extra sports practice, if it is during church time, pass. None of these things in and of themselves are evil. In fact, they are neutral. But if they take our focus off of Jesus, time with Him...then they are no longer neutral events. Friend, God will reward you for being in the assembly of believers faithfully.

Additionally, take control of your household. Create a schedule, that way nothing gets in the way of attending church. For our family it looks like this:

• 
  no sports or music practices on Sunday
• bills and meal planning are done on Thursday, Friday at the latest
• grocery shopping and all errands for the week ahead are complete on Saturday
• Laundry. It never ends. Ideally, for our family of 5, I do a load of laundry every other day. Or push come to shove, I wash it all on Saturday, and Sunday evening I hold a Folding Party while listening to the Prophecy update from Pastor J.D. Farag.

How serious am I about having my family in church? 

1. My children, all three, were in church the very first Sunday after they were born. No I did not put them in the nursery at church, for the first 3 to 6 months I would sit in the commons to listen to the worship and message as I held them. All three of my babies heard their momma sing praises to Jesus while she held them, comforted the, nursed them.
2.  Our family had a season of life when my husband was unable to attend church regularly due to his career. But none the less we, our older two children (this was prior to our youngest being born) and I would get up, have breakfast and attend morning services. 
3. I have been blessed throughout my life that I have been member to churches with Wednesday night services. Many families find the stress of attending Wednesday night to be hard, to be too much. Again, pray about it. If it is God's will for you and your family, He will provide the time, the peace, and the ability. I have managed to get children picked from daycare and school (in separate towns), get home, get changed, pick up dinner, eat and attend church on time. FOR YEARS! And now, our new church - Wednesday night doesn't start until 7 p.m. We can easily eat at home and arrive on time with homework done, and a few minutes of piano practice complete.

Now, life does happen! People get sick, bad weather is not safe to drive in. My family missed 2 weeks worth of Bible study and Sunday worship due to me recently being diagnosed with Covid-19. We obeyed the 14 days of quarantine, and Praise to God, only I was sick. I also deal with hereditary migraines. And occasionally they happen when I plan to attend a church function, and its not safe for me to do so.

This message mainly though, is for those who are able to attend and are not firm in that decision, or see the importance in attending.

I want to give a warning to those who think that attending church is not needed for a relationship with Christ. God's own word, the Bible, warns about not being with other believers regularly:

Hebrews 10:25 (NASB) - "not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Well, if you know me, I bring everything back to Jesus, and His soon calling of the Church home to heaven. And in light of current world events, I feel the strong urge again to warn EVERYONE that Jesus will soon call ALL BELIEVERS to Heaven.

The “day drawing near” is the “day of the Lord.” This refers to that terrible day when Jesus will come to bring judgment on all unbelievers. Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church about this day in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.  Hebrews 10:27, describes that day as “a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”

Paul was writing to believers. Why then was he concerning them about the day of the Lord?

Here are two reasons:

1. Some of his readers may not have been true believers and he was warning them. Paul indicates this in verse 26, as he wrote of those who “go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth.” This group no doubt includes those who mingle with believers but have not yet believed. They are those who are curious about the faith, and may be under conviction, but have not yet taken steps of commitment to Christ; hence they need this message. (I suggested studying the parable of the seeds – this is not a message of those in the world, but those in the church! Only a very small portion of those in the church are truly believers!)

Then there were those who were more willful in their unbelief, who were imposters—fake believers and even secret, false prophets. Paul wanted to warn these too, for there is always hope for even these. Remember, God wants none to perish – there is hope for everyone. Do not look at people and think – nope they aren’t worthy. God loves them as much as you. And remember, he who is forgiven much, loves much. Parable of Two Debtors

2. The approaching day of the Lord has an effect on believers. Just because believers will not experience the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment, all the days and years leading up to that day may cause us some sorrow and grief. Just think on all that is going in the world currently. Pandemic, political unrest, civil unrest, joblessness, famines, locust plagues, fires.

Nonetheless, there are things we can do to be encouraged.

As the final days of the earth draw near, Satan will do all he can to discourage and deceive us who are believers. He will try to pull us into all the trouble and chaos and will try to mislead us into thinking that there is no hope—that Jesus will not come for us (as I said before, many Christians are confessing that a Pre-Tribulation is not possible, and it is dividing believers).  That is why we need to study and memorize verses of hope, verses on the rapture that tell us that He is coming and that He has prepared a place for us (John. 14:2).  Likewise, we need to be comforted and reminded that even in the midst of trouble, one day, before the wrath of God comes on the earth, He will snatch us up together with Him in the clouds and take us to heaven to be always with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17).

So, as trouble and chaos on the earth increases, we need more and more encouragement. And so this is why Paul exhorted them to not forsake the assembling together.  Fellowship is so important to our comfort and encouragement in these final days.

So friend, what will you and your family do?

Joshua 24:15 NASB

15 But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD."

THIRTY SIX PRE-TRIB RAPTURE POINTS...

This was shared to me and I feel compelled to share it. So many I know, who have hearts for Jesus, have confessed that they believe the Church goes through the Tribulation. That the Rapture happens at the end of the 7 years of Jacob's Trouble. This breaks my heart. Having studied God's word, I do firmly believe the Rapture happens first, then the Tribulation, followed by the Millennial Kingdom, and finally the New Heaven and the New Earth.

THIRTY SIX PRE-TRIB RAPTURE POINTS...

1. There are no passages in either the Old Testament or the New Testament that say the Church will go through the Tribulation Period.

2. The Tribulation Period is called the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble” [The time of unbelieving Israel’s Trouble], but it is never called the time of the Church’s Trouble (Jer. 30:7).

3. Gabriel told Daniel, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people [Daniel’s people are the Jews] and upon thy holy city” [The Holy City is Jerusalem] (Dan. 9:24). There is no mention of the Church.

4. The Church had no part in the first sixty-nine weeks and it will have no part in the seventieth week [the Tribulation Period] (Dan. 9:24).

5. In the Book of Revelation, John role models the Church when he is caught up in through the door in to heaven, in the Spirit. This shift from earth into heaven is a picture of the Rapture in Rev. 4:1 which is before the Tribulation Period described in Rev. 6:1-19:21 begins. In the sequence of events, the Rapture is before the seal, trumpet and bowl judgments.

6. The Church is mentioned 19 times in the first three chapters of Revelation, 5 times as the 7 Golden Candles sticks (19 + 5 = 24), but the Church is never mentioned in the description of the Tribulation Period between Rev. 4:1 and Rev. 19:1.

7. The Tribulation Period is called a Day of Wrath in the Bible (Zeph 1:15), but the Bible says, “God hath not appointed us [the Church] to Wrath” (I Thess. 5:9).

8. The Tribulation Period is called a Day of Wrath in the Bible (Zeph. 1:15), but the Bible says, Jesus has “delivered us from the Wrath to come” [delivered the Church from the Tribulation Period] (I Thess. 1:10).

9. The Tribulation Period is called the Day of the Lord in the Bible (Zeph. 1:14). The Bible says, “the day of the Lord [the Tribulation Period] so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they [the unbelievers] shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them [upon the unbelievers], as travail upon a woman with child; and they [the unbelievers] shall not escape” (I Thess. 5:2-3). It clearly teaches that the Tribulation Period will come upon unbelievers, but it does not include believers.

10. Concerning the Rapture, the Bible says, “Comfort one another with these words” (I Thess. 4:18). There’s no comfort in the teaching that the Church will go through part or all of the Tribulation Period. This not to be confused Christian persecution which occurs at all times before or after the Rapture.

11. Jesus told the Church at Philadelphia, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation [the Tribulation Period], which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Rev. 3:10). God promised to keep the obedient Church members saved by grace out of the Tribulation Period which is a time of Wrath...

12. According to the Bible, the marriage of the Lamb will take place in heaven before Jesus comes back to fight the Battle of Armageddon at the end of the Tribulation Period (Rev. 19:7-21). This means the Church will go to heaven [be Raptured] for the marriage of the Lamb before the Second Coming.

13. The end of the age will be like the days of Noah (Matt. 24:37). Noah and his family were safely carried through Tribulation [got on the ark] before the flood. But interestingly, Enoch was signlessly caught up Pretribulationally, completely out of the World  ["Raptured" before the Tribulation flood Period began] (Gen. 7:23).

14. The end of the age will be like the days of Lot (Luke 17:28). Lot and his family were removed from Sodom before the judgment of God [before the fire and brimstone fell] (Gen. 19:16). Some believe this means that the Church will be removed from the earth before the judgment of God [Raptured before the Tribulation Period]. The righteous did not perish with the wicked.

15. Jesus was talking about the Tribulation Period when He said, “Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass” (Luke 21:36). It seems unreasonable to believe Jesus would tell the Church to pray for something He is unwilling to grant.

16. The Bible says, “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2 Thess. 2:7-8). The most common interpretation of this is that the Antichrist can’t be revealed until the Restrainer [who most commentators say is both the Holy Spirit removing the Church] like Abraham's servant brought Rebekah to Isaac. If the Restrainer is the Bride, this means the Church will be removed before the Antichrist is revealed [that’s the Pre-Trib. Rapture]. But suppose the Restrainer is the Holy Spirit only so that the Holy Spirit is removed without the Church, this means believers will cease to be indwelt with the Holy Spirit. It also means the Church will be left behind to go through the worst time the earth has ever seen [the Tribulation Period] without the help of the Holy Spirit. This would contradict the teaching of Jesus when He said, “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16). And, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5).

17. Isaiah wrote that God said, “Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain” (Isa. 26:19-21). Notice, that the dead rise first [that’s the Rapture], next God’s people are summoned to enter into His chambers for a short while until the indignation [a name of the Tribulation Period] is past. God will raise the dead and summon His people because He intends to punish the inhabitants of the earth [send the Tribulation Period].

18. Malachi wrote that God said, “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not” (Malachi 3:17-18). Pre-Tribulation teachers believe God is saying He will come for His Church [the Rapture] and then He will return with His Church [the Second Coming] to judge between the righteous and wicked.

19. In the Rapture, Jesus comes for His Church (I Thess. 4:16-17; John 14:3). When He comes at the end of the Tribulation Period, He will come with His Church (I Thess. 3:13; Rev. 19:14).

20. Concerning the Second Coming, Jesus said, “But of the day and the hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matt. 24:36). But if the Church goes through the Tribulation Period, some will know the day because it will be seven years from the signing of the seven-year covenant. Some will know the day because it will be 1260 days from the day the Antichrist defiles the Temple (Rev. 12:6).

21. Concerning the Antichrist, many scholars believe the Bible teaches he won’t be revealed until after the Church is gone (II Thess. 2:6-8), but if the Church goes through the Tribulation Period, some will know who he is because he will sign the seven-year covenant (Dan. 9:24-27), he will head up the world government (Rev. 13:1-10), he will try to force multitudes to worship him, and to receive his mark, receive his name or his number (Rev. 13:15-17). Many of those who are here and being forced to worship him and take his name or die will know who he is.

22. The Antichrist is not suppose to be revealed until after the Church is gone (2 Thess. 2:6-8), but if the Church goes through the Tribulation Period, the Church will know who the Antichrist is because he will put an idol of himself in the rebuilt Temple (Ezekiel 8, Dan. 11:31; Dan. 12:11; Matt. 24:15).

23. If the Church goes through the Tribulation Period, the Church will know who the Antichrist is because he will head up the world government and receive a deadly wound to his head that will be healed (Rev. 13:3). Some think he will be raised from the dead or at least fake the resurrection.

24. If the Church goes through the Tribulation Period, the Church will know who the Antichrist is because he will head up the world government and be supported by the head of the world's religion called the False Prophet (Rev. 13:11-18).

25. If the Church goes through the Tribulation Period, the Church will know who the Antichrist is because he’s the one that will kill the Two Witnesses (Rev. 11:7).

26. Many people don’t think the Church will go through the Tribulation Period because of verses of Scripture that say things like, “The Lord preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked he will destroy” (Psa. 145:18-20). Many believe God will preserve the Church from the Tribulation Period or keep the Church out of the Tribulation Period not destroy the Church in the Tribulation Period.

27. There are verses of Scripture that say things like, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19). Some believe people have to throw away verses of Scripture to believe the Church will go through the Tribulation Period.

28. In the seven letters to the seven churches, Jesus said, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” seven times (Rev. 2:7,11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). When we get to the Tribulation Period, Jesus said, “If any man have an ear, let him hear” (Rev. 13:9). He left out, “what the Spirit saith unto the churches” because there are no churches on earth to go through the Tribulation Period. The Church will be in heaven.

29. When the Rapture happens the Church goes up to meet Jesus in the air (I Thess. 4:13-18), but at the end of the Tribulation Period the Church will come down to the earth with Jesus to witness what He does at the Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:14-21).

30. The Pre-Tribulation Rapture is more consistent with God’s grace, love, mercy, compassion, etc. The Mid and Post-Tribulation Rapture is more consistent with God’s wrath.

31. If the Rapture takes place at the end of the Tribulation Period, and all the wicked are removed from the earth at that time (Matt. 13:24-30, 47-50; 25:41), no one will be left to re-populate the earth during the Millennium. If all of the saved are Raptured and all the lost are removed from the earth at the end of the Tribulation Period, no one will be left to re-populate the earth.

32. The Antichrist will prevail against the saints during the Tribulation Period, but the gates of hell won’t prevail against the Church (Rev. 13:7; Matt. 16:18). Therefore, the Church won’t go through the Tribulation Period.

33. The twenty-four elders [representatives of the Church] will be in heaven before the seven-sealed scroll is broken (Rev. 4:4; 6:1-17).

34. Jesus was talking about the Tribulation Period when He said, “Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass” (Luke 21:36). He didn’t say, “Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to endure some or all of these things that shall come to pass.”

35. There are no signs of the Rapture, but if the Rapture takes place during the Tribulation Period, it would have to be after the seven-year covenant is signed by the Antichrist, and perhaps after several other things depending upon what a person believes about Mid-Trib, Post-Trib, etc.

36. Jesus said, “When these things [the signs] begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

He didn’t say, “After all these things have happened your redemption draweth nigh.” He said, “When these things begin to come to pass it’s close.”

Written by Stephen Hyun

2021 Habits as a Wife, Mom, Woman

Good Afternoon sisters.

How is day 2 of this new year going for you?

Other than a toddler not napping, we have rocked this Saturday as a family.

Last night we painted our dining nook, and in fact will paint 2 walls of our living room over the next two evenings. We are making strides to update our home some. We have been here 8 1/2 years, and have maintained it well. Now we are moving forward with some updates.

So this morning was patching some wall spots that we will be painting tonight and tomorrow night. Laundry is about done for today. I have plans to meet a friend for coffee next week. And we have been engaged with each other.

So now friend, I want to talk to you about you and your time. I have struggled today (and the past few years) with managing being mom and being me. Me wants to read, color, paint, sew, cross stitch, and garden.  Those are things I love to do. But motherhood doesn't always allow that. Now my husband did inform our children to give me some time and space while the toddler "naps" so I can have so "me-time." So I worked on our planner for 2021, and I did read some on gardening. This year we are putting in a raised bed, and I want to make it successful! So I enjoyed reading those few chapters.

While all those things I want to do above are good, they are not the better. I will be honest, when I am not actively engaged in a weekly Bible study, I struggle to read scripture. Now I can read a verse or two, or a small passage about scripture without problem. But to be dedicated in reading a few chapters, it can be hard for me. So I am aspiring to read through my Bible this year. When we changed churches last year, in the welcome packet we were given there is a Bible reading plan for a year. I found it yesterday when organizing our files, and I am going to follow it. I know I will have days I have to play catch up and all that, but I am not going to stop, I am going to keep on reading. 

I challenge you to do the same. Read a Psalm a day, or a Proverb. Find a reading plan, find an app. But read The Word Every. Single. Day.

We as a church will be better if we root ourselves in God's Word more routinely, and less flippantly. 

2021 - A New Day, A New Year

 

Good Morning my fellow sister's in the faith. (and brother's who browse my writings)

2021

We did it! Ha! We made it through the year 2020. I am sure many of us wondered if that would be accomplished at all. But by the grace of God we have been given a new year to accomplish more Kingdom Work. Praise be to God!

In all honesty, 2020 was rough for us. 

• personally
• professionally
• emotionally
• financially

But there were blessings. A stronger marriage, closer family unit, more cherished time together.

God saw us through. He is The Faithful One. So I will not be dismissive of 2020, but I will be thankful for being done with it. 

2021

A new day, a new year. If 2020 taught any of us anything it should be this: 

James 4:15 NASB

"Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”'

I think most of us got away from this scriptural truth. And in fact, James 4:15 will be my verse for the year. We can make our plans, we can make our goals, we can dream. But we need to remember, God is in control. And if we are to live lives submitted to Him, we must keep in mind, "If the Lord wills."

So today, this first day of a new 365 day page year, I will work on our financial goals, my personal goals, outline what I think we need to accomplish this year - but ultimately I am going to trust God to direct our steps.

The joke from many has been that a 2020 planner was a huge waste of everyone's time and money. None the less, I did buy a 2021 planner. I have put a few birthdates and anniversary's down, and I am going to think on a great year ahead. I know changes are coming, things happened in 2020 that will conclude in 2021. But I am not going to not plan just because so much is uncertain.

I will say, my family and friends were reminded this past week:

James 4:14 NASB

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.

A dear family friend suddenly passed away, and it has been a hard event to process. But in all the tears and tragedy, I have seen something beautiful. I have seen the Church at work, I have seen the Church doing what Christ intended. Where one is able, one has done - and on many fronts. I am so thankful that I have around me, and my family, such an amazing community of believers. 2020 was hard, not one person can deny that. How each individual was impacted is different, but we all have had struggles from last year. And as we move on into 2021, let us heal, let us pray, let us serve, and let us draw closer to Jesus. A sweet friend gave me a beautiful prayer book, that I am already touched by. I want to make my walk with Jesus stronger. I want to make my walk with Him the forefront of my life. 

So, as I leave you for now, think on this. No matter how hard 2020 was, or how uncertain 2021 looks, we can hold onto this truth:

John 3:16 NASB

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."