F A I T H

The past 8 or so months have been a very difficult time for me. I have found myself in constant struggle with so many things in my life on many different levels. From: *financial hardship *health issues *a friend that treats me horribly and I don't know why *wondering if I am doing the best that I possibly can for my children, especially my son *am I homeschooling him properly and will they really make me send him back to school if he doesn't progress like THEY think he should? *past issues *The list goes on....and on....and on! I have had trouble sleeping (some nights I don't). And this coming from a person who all her life has been able to fall asleep at the drop of a hat.

Well, last night after I did my devotions, I was reading through some of the christian magazines that I have on my nightstand and Everyday Blessings ~ Spiritual Refresement for Women, I came across the same article on several occasions. I realized at that moment, that God was trying to tell me something. I was going through the usual saying grace before meals, trying to do devotions, praying before I went to bed, etc, but was I doing these things for the Glory of God or just for myself? Was I doing this with deep sincerity or just going through the motions? Was I really putting my trust in our Heavenly Father to help me and my family through this time? SMACK........NO, I WASN"T! What a reality check for me. No wonder things only seem like they are going from bad to worse. I have to give God my all; my heart, mind, soul, and body and use them to glorify HIM!

God is ALWAYS faithful if we put our TRUST ,
completely, in Him!

I feel that God has laid it upon my heart to share that article with you. For some of us, this may be new information. For the rest, it is a great REMINDER......................

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN

A Step of FAITH

In your personal opinion....What do you understand it takes for a person to go to heaven? Consider how the Bible answers this questions. It is a matter of FAITH.

F is for FORGIVENESS

We cannot have eternal life and heaven without God's forgiveness.

"In Him (meaning )Jesus we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses" (Ephesians 1:7).

A is for AVAILABLE

Forgiveness is available. It is -

• 
  
  Available for All. "For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who belives in Him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
  
  


• 
  
  But Not Automatic. "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord!" will enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
  
  

I is for IMPOSSIBLE

It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.

• Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgement is against sin. "For judement is without mercy" (James 2:13)


• Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
  
  But how can a sinful person enter heaven, when God allows no sin?

T is for TURN

Turn means repent.

• Turn from something - sin and self. "But unless you repent, you will all perish" (Luke 13:3)


• Turn to Someone; trust Christ only. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that Dod raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9)

H is for HEAVEN

Heaven is eternal lie.

• Here..."I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance" (John 10:10).


• Hereafter..."If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3)


• How...How can a person have God's forvibeness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Sevior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and askin Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him. Then tell someone about the important decision you have made. Grow in your faith and enjoy new friends in Christ.
  
  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

"Anyone who trusts in God, will never be put to shame."

Romans 10:11

As you look back on the journey you've traveled - recall the times you place hope and confidence in God. The outcome might not have been exactly as you imagined, but God is always faithful to bring you through. Count each blessing He's given you along the way and consider them stepping-stones to a higher level of trust. Whatever you're facing today, you can rest assured that His blessings will NEVER stop. He will walk it out with you - every step of the way.

EVERYDAY BLESSINGS

Blessings~

Laura