saltandlight

A conversation with my son this morning reminded me of a verse in the Bible.  I knew part of the verse but I couldn’t quote it word for word so I looked it up.

Matthew was discussing people “in the world” that are also Christians.  But the songs they sing or the way the act tells a different story.  So, I said “You know the Bible says that not everyone that says Lord, Lord will enter the gates of Heaven”.  I sort of confused him with this, so then I had to explain and look up the verse…

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

These are some powerful words spoken by Jesus himself.  The reason this verse came to mind this morning was because a friend of mine had just mentioned the same verse a few days ago in conversation.

There are many that call themselves Christians, but aren’t really.  We can know those people by their actions. One verse up, Matthew 7:20 says Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  We aren’t to judge them, but we aren’t to get down on their level either.

Another verse I’d like to share is James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  We are only hurting ourselves if we hear the Word, but we don’t put it into action. 

We must all check our own hearts.  When we pray, ask God to show us our own faults and what we can do to improve.  The more we pray and study, the more God will convict our hearts (in order to guide us).

But, this can only happen if we are truly saved.  We cannot expect God to guide us if we have never truly accepted him as our Lord and Savior.

In order to be sure of our salvation there are a few things we can ask ourselves to “check our hearts”:

Can you recall a time in your life that you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, (this would have been a life-changing event)?

Do you find yourself wanting to follow God’s word?

Do you have a genuine love for others?

Do you feel conviction of wrong doing?

If you say No to any of the above questions, you need to thoroughly check your heart and pray about whether or not you are truly saved.  Talk to a Pastor or other Christian leader.  There are many that have come to Christ late in life after thinking that they were saved.

Christians are not perfect.  But, when we make mistakes we should at least feel convicted about it.  We can know that we have a Father that is perfect and wants the best for us.  All we have to do is put our faith and trust in Him.  Walk with Him daily.  I promise you that it is definitely worth the effort!

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12

Noise.  How much noise do we hear every day?  If you are a Mom of small children, or even teenagers, chances are you hear a lot of noise every day.  If you work outside of the home, you hear noise at work.  And let’s just be honest, if we do get some quiet time, we turn on the tv, or we jump on our smart phones and turn to texting or social media.  Satan, our enemy, makes sure that we are kept so busy, so full of noise, that we will never hear that still, small voice.

I am a little ADD.  I get distracted very easily.  In order for me to have quiet time with God, I pretty much have to seclude myself from the rest of the world.  And that is hard to do.  As a Mom, wife and social worker, it is very tempting to keep so busy that I push God to the side.  And unfortunately I have done this.

Two years ago, I knew that I was going to have to go back to work.  I prayed that God would give me a job where I would be serving in some way.  I didn’t just want any old job.  I wanted to serve God and others.  Well, that is exactly what He did.  (Be careful what you ask for!)  I was offered a job with the Department of Family and Children Services.  I worked the front desk for a year and half before I was given an office to do casework.

My first year I slowly became more and more angry and bitter. I had to miss some important events in my children’s lives due to training with the new job.  I also had to learn how to deal with rude and angry people every day.  I struggled with all of this for about a year.  I knew that this was not good and that I was getting a rotten spirit within.  I tried to find the time to study the Bible and I ‘prayed to’ God alot. I prayed to God but I didn’t sit quietly and listen to Him.  If I felt that still small voice trying to nudge me, I would push it away.

About a year after I started this new job, I began to pray differently.  A dispute came up with a coworker and I didn’t handle the situation very well.  I realized then that something had to change within me.  I began praying more and listening more.  And I also began studying my Bible more.  I had been a christian long enough to know what I needed to do.

It is amazing what prayer can do.  It makes all the difference in the world.  I don’t know how anyone can live without that close relationship with God.  Prayer is not just talking to God.  A very important part of prayer that I think a lot of people miss is the listening part.  Listen for that still small voice.  When the Holy Spirit is your guide, you will make better decisions.

And I will leave you with one more verse.  One of my favorites.  Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

All we have to do is Be Still!