Where the Rubber Meets the Road

If you don’t already know, the time has come to make a choice. Because when the Rubber meets the road, God is the only one who can turn this situation around.  Science and medical communities can only do what God gives them the ability to do. God is and has always been in control.

Throughout history, our world has seen many disasters, some man-made, some natural.  I’m not one who believes that God has caused these disasters, but I do believe that He has allowed them. Man, on the other hand, has been responsible. Since the fall of man in the garden, our world has been on a path of one disaster after another. Sin has taken over this world and nothing is out of reach of the evil that was produced when it entered the Earth.  God gave man a choice to either believe Him and obey or to listen to the lies of Satan and spend his days away from the Creator who loved and protected them. The choice is apparent to anyone who will open their eye. Genesis 2: 16-17 clearly states this, “And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (NSV, Bible).

Although God is in control, He has let us make our own mind up about what we believe. Consequences come from the choices we make. When we decide to break the rules of how our world is set up, we will suffer from those decisions. Galatians 6:7 states, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (NLT, Bible). If we allow the Creator of All things, God, take the reins, things will start to level out and correct themselves. History has many examples of this happening.

For God to begin to set things right with us we must believe Him and accept that He has reached out with His own Son Jesus. God allowed Jesus to come into this world and live a full life, with choices, in order to set things right once and for all. There needed to be one man who could live life without sin to fulfill the role of sacrifice. God’s son would have to make the choice to give Himself to death as a sacrifice for mankind’s sin. Jesus did what the rest of us could not, He lived a sinless life and gave Himself to die for us so we could come back to our Creator Father and find life again with Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (NLT, Bible). There is not enough thanks and praise in the world to make up for such a gift.

In this life, we will always be subjected to the sins of man, but if we make that commitment to believe God and accept that Jesus paid the price to make it right with the Father we can walk through this world and anything it throws at us, knowing that God is in control of our lives and that He will never leave us. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV, Bible). I know I have been eternally blessed and been given new hope through my savior Jesus Christ and I pray that you have also. Please if you haven't accepted this free gift of salvation do it today and watch your life change.

People throughout history have had to live through earthly disasters and plagues, and many have suffered, but the ones who took the hand of Jesus have given thanks instead of living in dread. They have been the ones who come out singing instead of crying. James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (NIV, Bible). We will bend but will not break! Take this time to gain strength and wisdom in Christ. Pray, Praise, and read His Word. I promise it will give you peace that this world cannot. Please choose to praise Him for His mercy and goodness today and just watch what He does tomorrow.

Your Sister in Christ,

Jacque

Valentine from God

As we give gifts of appreciation and love to the special people in our lives let us also realize that God is also wishing us a Happy Valentines Day. Not in the sense of giving us superficial gifts like roses and candy but just the fact that we celebrate a day where we outwardly appreciate the people in our lives that we love is a gift from God.  God is love and has from the beginning of time shown us how much He loves us and how He wants us to love one another.

1 John 4:8 states, "God is love." Not only does God love; love is part of His essential nature (Bible). Love is who God is, therefore He cannot but love. What a beautiful picture of who God is. His whole nature is love! Some examples of His love for us is His Son, Jesus.  1 John 4:9 explains, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (Bible). John 3:16 goes on to say, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Bible). By giving us the gift of salvation through His son, His grace is also revealed and counted as Love.

Grace is something that God has extended to us as the result of Jesus, His only son, dying for our sins. It cannot be bought or loaned, it cannot be bartered with. It is free. God’s Grace is the most loving gift anyone could ever receive. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains it this way, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Bible). If you are a child of God you have been given grace, not because you deserve it but because God loves you unconditionally. Another expression of God's love is His preparation of a home for us. 

Heaven is a place we Christians long for, It is our hope and our future. In John 14:2-3 Jesus promises, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (Bible). What love God is showing to us just by giving us the promise of our new home with Him. God gives us many hints into what this home will be like and it will be wonderful but being face-to-face with Jesus will be the best gift yet.

The Bible is full of other examples of God’s love for us, but the very nature of God is reason enough to know we are loved dearly by our Lord and Creator. We are God’s creation and He created us to bring Glory to Him. Loving us and us taking His hand and trusting Him to keep His promises is doing just that, bringing Honor and Glory to our Father, the God of Creation.

Happy Valentines Day!

Your Sister in Christ

Jacque Barnes

A Life Lived

I have thought for several years that I was settled and knew what life was about and “bam” I’m hit from the front with the realization that I’ve really missed the mark.

I recently had a tragedy happen in my life, no really several tragedies, matter a fact. I have suffered the loss of my father, my father in law, and two very close friends within the past six months. This week topped the list, one of my deceased friend’s daughter was murdered one month after her passing. Although I have been devastated and heartbroken over each one of these deaths, this young woman’s death has affected me like no other. My life has changed directions forever.

This young lady was like so many others growing up. She was from a divorced home but grew up knowing her parents loved her more than anything. She was an only child, so she was a bit spoiled. I met her when she was in her early twenties, she was the daughter of a very close friend of mine. She became involved in drugs and things started to go downhill from there. She ended up losing custody of her two children and her husband divorced her. Although I knew she loved her children the addiction was controlling her life. After a while, she landed in jail.

During her stay in jail, she began to want to change the direction of her life. She went through a rehab program and put in the time and effort it took to stay clean and sober. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and gave her life to Him. This young woman went to school and eventually received a master’s degree in drug abuse counseling. Within time she was reunited with her children and remarried her children’s father. She started living the life that she only prayed she would see one day. God had given her back everything she ever lost due to her drug use.

Well, eleven years passed, and she had become the assistant director of a counseling center where she helped people wanting to regain their lives the same way she had. She put in numerous hours encouraging people and pushing them to stay the path. It was not unusual for her to stay late counseling someone who was desperately trying to hold on to hope. This young woman had become a dearly love and productive member of society. Her family also reaped the benefits of her life change. Her two sons were also going down a path of helping others. She was the “real deal” and her life reflected this. Her Fruits were very evident for all to see. God blessed her and she, in turn, paid it forward and blessed others with her encouragement and sincere love. But life made a left turn and it changed everything.

Last week after a scheduled group meeting, she decided to step back into her office before heading home for the evening. A young man apparently forced his way into her office and within 15 minutes had raped and stabbed her until she was dead. That quick she was gone. It was not until the next morning that her lifeless and nude body was found. The young woman who had fought the nightmare of addiction and had won was gone. Her life was taken by the hands of a man who she did not know but would have helped if he would have asked her. Would he have done this if he had known her story or understood just how much this young woman meant to her family, friends, and the community? Why, why would he do this to such a woman with so much to give and so much to look forward to in life?

Her death has left me exhausted and afraid. I’m exhausted trying to wrap my head around why this happened and afraid of a future where such a prize can be taken away in such a devastating way. The truth is deaths like hers happen daily in this world. Families, friends, and communities lose these precious people every day. Another truth is most people are desensitized to this type of violence until it hits close to home. I’m ashamed to say I have been one of those people, but how do you change this? In the world, today do we really want to be sensitized to this type of thing when it happens every day?

I’m left with a question that may never be answered honestly until Jesus makes all things known one day. Until that day I will keep on praying for others and encouraging people to keep on living a life full of love and respect for others. This is the legacy this young woman has left us. She fought through life and learned how to succeed. She placed her trust in God and ask Jesus to be her Lord and Savior. She then went out and helped others fight and win. She encouraged them every step of the way. I won’t use her name out of respect for her family, but I will always remember her and how her compassion and faith in God changed this world for the better. Sweet Lady, you will be missed. Until we meet again.

Your Sister in Christ,

Jacque

Stopping the Spirit of Antichrist in Our Families, Communities and Nation

I’ve got to say that I’m exhausted. Not from any physical work but from the constant flood of negative messages that are all but impossible to run from. Where do you go to remove yourself from this “thing” that is draining the life out of anyone who will listen to it?

This “thing” that I’m talking about is nothing more, in my opinion than the spirit of antichrist. The spirit of antichrist is the complete opposite of what the “Real” Christ stands for.  Jesus Christ, the Messiah, stood for Loving your neighbor even more than yourself.  In Mathew 22: 37-39 Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” (NIV). He never condoned running over people like a stampede because their opinions were different or making others feel like a sub-human because they do not agree with the political agenda of the day. Jesus was a kind and caring man who, although God of the Universe, always thought of others before himself. His death on the Cross proved that.

The antichrist spirit, on the other hand, is a lying, manipulating, and is a downright destructive force that is only interested in one thing, itself. This evil is spreading like a wildfire across our nation and is not letting up. It's stealing, killing and destroying everything in its path. You can see its aftermath in the families, communities, and courtrooms all over this nation. Our once Christian Nation with the values that made us the greatest country in the world is all but a memory. But its not over yet.

We still have a chance if only we will turn back to God and ask for His forgiveness and once again turn our faces toward the One who can save us. Jesus Christ is the only hope we have. Our families, communities, and nation depends on it. 2 Chronicles 30:9 states, “If you return to the LORD, then your fellow Israelites (people) and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him” (NIV).

If we will just stop and look around at what is happening and ask for God’s help, He will help us. He will protect us and walk through this with us. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 states, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (NIV). Another verse that promises God will be with us is Deuteronomy 31:6 which states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (NIV).

I, for one, am going to turn away from the antichrist spirit and ask God to forgive me for my involvement in this destruction. I’ll ask Him to forgive me for not loving others like I love myself and ask Him to help me understand what that looks like in this world. If God is for us who can be against us? Not even the spirit of antichrist can defeat us if we are holding on to what Jesus did for us and having faith in what He has promised us.

Let’s start today putting our faith in a loving and caring Savior and although it may not be politically correct, turn our hearts and minds away from the lies and deception of the antichrist that has already gotten a firm hold on our country.

Your Sister in the Real Christ, Jesus,

Jacque Barnes

Prophetic Proof of God's Faithfulness

There is a day, in the Jewish calendar, that has recently caught my attention. It is Tisha B’Av, which is the 9th day of the month of Av. This year, 2019, Tisha B’ Av fell on August 11th on the Gregorian or Western calendar. As you might know, the Jewish calendar and the Western calendar are a bit different. The Jewish calendar is based on the moon or lunar cycles while the western calendar is based on the sun or solar cycles. Regardless of the calendar, Tisha B’ Av is a very extraordinary day.

Tisha B’Av is considered the saddest day of all the days on the Jewish calendar (Five Calamities, 2019). The Jewish people will fast and pray for three weeks to commemorate the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem that happened on the 9th day of Av.  In fact, much sadness has happened on or near this date throughout history showing us that God is working through the Jewish people to relate a message of His greatness.

To start the list, I will begin with Moses. After a time in the desert with the children of Israel, he sent 12 men to spy out the land of Canaan, which would later become Israel. The spies returned with only two having good news, the other 10 reported a land impossible to conquer. This report caused the people to panic and question God’s instructions. God punished the people telling them that their generation would not go into the land. If you will remember only Joshua and Caleb, the two spies that had a positive report, where allowed to enter from the whole generation of people over 20 years of age. The Lord told them that their crying would be pointless and that He would fix a day, that same day, where they would remember this time (Five Calamities, 2019). I believe this date was set by God to become a day of sadness throughout time for the people of Israel.

The Tisha B' Av prophecy showed its head again during the destruction of the first Jewish temple. In 587 BCE. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took the Jewish people into captivity and destroyed the first Jewish Temple built by King Solomon (Five Calamities, 2019). After the Babylonian captivity was over the people came home and began to rebuild.

Ezra and Nehemiah was among the ones involved in building the second Temple. Although constructed to specification the temple was not the jewel King Solomon built. A few hundred years later Herod the Great expanded the temple and all who saw it was amazed in its beauty and greatness. Jesus proclaimed in Mathew 24: 2 stating, “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” (Bible, NIV). This very temple was destroyed by Roman in 70 CE during the 9th of Av. The Romans killed over 500,000 Jewish men and women and scattered the ones who survived to the four corners of the earth commencing the exile that continued for almost 2000 years (Five Calamities, 2019). This is just another reminder of the day God pronounced judgment on the Israeli people. A coincidence, I don’t think so. Other historical events have happened on or around the 9th of Av having a direct impact on the Jewish people.

On August 15, 1096 (24th of Av) the first of the Crusades began. 10,000 Jewish people were killed in just the first month.

On July 18,]1290 (9th of Av) England expelled the Jewish people and 16 years later, on the 10th of Av, France followed suit.

Most people know that in 1492 Columbus set off from Spain to discover the new land. What many don’t know is that in that same year, 7th of Av, Spain also expelled the Jewish people from its lands. Makes me wonder if many were on board the ships with Columbus going to a new land.

August 1st -2nd 1914 (9th-10th of Av) are two days that bring about great sadness to the Jewish people. It was on these days that Germany entered World War I (Five Calamities, 2019). Jewish people all over Europe began to suffer anti-Semitism.

A couple of decades later, on August 2, 1941 (9th Av) Heinrich Himmler, an SS commander got the OK from the Nazi Party to begin the “Final Solution”. On July 23, 1942 (9th Av) the mass of Jewish people from the Warsaw Ghetto began their trip to Treblinka to be exterminated. 

The Holocaust had begun and as a result, more than one-third of the Jewish people in the world, more than 6,000,000 were killed (Five Calamities, 2019). The worse mass murder in history.

Other incidences have occurred on the 9th of Av that has left a lasting impression on the Jewish people. On July 18th1994 (10th of Av) 85 Jewish people were killed and 300 injured after a bomb exploded in a Jewish community in Buenos Aires. While on August 15, 2005 (10th of Av) 8000 Jewish people were pushed out of the Gaza Strip leaving many homeless and destitute.

Although the Holocaust lasted for many years. Most refer to Tisha B’ Av as the day to mourn in addition to or instead of the official Holocaust Memorial Day.

There is so much more information about Tisha B’ Av but I think you can see that God stands by His word. He marked a day for remembrance, and He intended for it to not be forgotten.

As Christians we should be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His word and know, as He said in John 3:16, “Whoever believes in His Son Jesus will never perish and have everlasting life” He intends to keep His word (Bible).

                                                                Reference

Five Calamities, August 12, 2019,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tisha_B%27AvS

Where do I go From Here?

It’s been a while since I have sat down at this computer to write or read anything. Matter of fact I have not opened this computer in a few months. After my daddy passed I kind of entered a limbo. I never meant for this to happen, but it did. It has been hard. Daddy was a strong force in my life and I have had to get my sea legs being without him. But God, Wonderful and Magnificent as He is, has begun to heal the wounds and reshaping my life.

Limbo after the death of a parent is something that I have never been through before. Since that time, I have learned that this experience is something that is to be learned by experience and never taught. You enter into a numbness that you feel will never leave. As time passes life begins to look familiar again and the sadness of the loss begins to change and become more like a longing to share the good memories instead of the memories of the end.

Getting your sea legs is more like learning to walk again. You are never going to be the same person you were when you lost your parent.  Regardless of your age, you are forced to become the adult you only thought you were before. You no longer have that parent to call and ask advice and hear the encouraging words, "It's going to be ok, I'm here for you and you know I'll always love you". It's a process and it doesn't happen overnight but eventually, there you are. All grown up with no idea of where to begin your new life without the one who leads you so many years. But God!!!

One of the most precious lessons I have learned from the loss of my daddy has been God's presence in my life even when I could not say a prayer to ask for His help. I know for a fact, from my experience, if you are a child of God and have Jesus as a friend your healing will begin without your effort. The Holy Spirit held me close and comforted me in ways no family member or friend could ever do. Don't get me wrong, I did have times of great grief and mourning but the sting was lessened by His constant attention to my needs. Although the loss of my daddy has been great and the wounds are deep God is healing and reshaping. I'm a different person because of my loss, but I have a feeling after God has finished this process I will be a more loving and caring person, one who is always ready to encourage and give good advice to the ones who need it.

Thank you God for Your patience with me and Thank you daddy for your life lessons I never realized I was learning.

His Purpose for Me: When Answers Don't Come in the Ways We Expect

His Purpose for Me: When Answers Don't Come in the Ways We Expect: I have often had questions that I just could not answer. Questions about God and why He is the way he is stumps me. When this happens I ...

Ready to Turn that Corner?

It scary going into the unknown. We come up with different scenarios and play them over in our heads. We tell ourselves that we have it figured out, then we turn that corner and find that we were not as prepared as we thought. You ever felt that way? Boy, I have! Would it not be wonderful to have someone with you that knew exactly what was around that corner, someone who knew what to expect and how to prepare for it? Well, I’m here to tell you the Holy Spirit, along with the Bible are here to help us get prepared for any unknown corner we may face.

As a child of God, we are fortunate to have as our helper the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to us when he rose to sit on the right hand of God the Father. The Holy Spirit is a part of the Trinity, is here to help the ones who have taken the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Jesus promised in John 15:26, "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me” (Bible, NASB). The Bible is full of examples where the Holy Spirit is at work inspiring and teaching.

The Holy Bible is the very breath of God. This book has been written by people who understood the Spirit of God and abided by his instruction. Every word of the Bible is truth and God inspired. 2 Timothy 3:16 explains, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (Bible, NIV). The Holy Spirit will be here pointing to the truth of the Bible until the Lord Jesus makes His return.

The Holy Spirit is here and will never leave us if we make Jesus Lord of our lives and the Holy Bible is here to help us understand better the purpose of the Holy Spirit and how He can enhance our lives if we will allow. John 16:13 states, “Yet when the Spirit of Truth comes, he'll guide you into all truth. He won't speak on his own accord, but he'll speak whatever he hears and will declare to you the things that are to come” (Bible, ISV). What the Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit) hears is the voice of God the Father.

The Holy Spirit will never lead you in the wrong direction but will take you around that unknown corner with God the Father as His guide if you trust in Him. Using the Holy Bible as your life’s instruction book will teach you to trust and lean on the Holy Spirit. So, go ahead and turn that corner with the confidence of knowing where your strength comes from.

Come and See What God Has Done!

The Christ Child is born! The one promised so many years ago. The one that is to set things right. Angels and the stars have announced His arrival! While His mother holds Him close, visitors began to appear to see the “oh so small” one who is to become their salvation…

The announcement came many years before His arrival. God, through Isaiah the old testament prophet, declared it. Isaiah 7: 14 states, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (God with us)” (NIV). Many years later God made good on His promise and the world has never been the same.

The conception and birth of the Christ came about after a visit from an angel of the Lord. He appeared to a young girl named Mary, who was to be married to a man named Joseph. He announced to her that she would become pregnant with the Child of God. The angel explained that the Holy Spirit of God would overshadow her, and she would conceive. Luke 1:31-32 explains it this way, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (ESV). Of course, Mary was amazed and a little in shock, but made it clear that she was pleased to do the will of God. Joseph, on the other hand, was not so happy.

Joseph learning that Mary was pregnant decided to quietly renounce the engagement. Mathew 1:20-23 states, “But after he (Joseph) had considered this, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins” (NIV). As with Mary, Joseph was also pleased and determined to do the will of God. So, Mary became Joseph’s wife and the prophecy of old was starting to be revealed.

The book of Luke in the second chapter tells of how the ruler in Israel at the time called for a head count of all the Jewish people so taxes could be paid. All men had to return to their birthplace for the census. Luke 2:4-7 explains what happened when Joseph and His very pregnant wife Mary made the journey, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them” (NIV). The Savior of the world, God’s Son born in a barn and laid in a manger or feeding trough in the small town of Bethlehem. More prophecy fulfilled! Micah 5:2 lays it out, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (NIV). The hope of the world, Jesus the Christ, born in such a humble way. But in the fields outside of town, a celebration was taking place.

Luke 2 tells of some shepherds that were caring for sheep just outside of town the night Jesus was born. Verse 9 states, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people” (NIV). The Good News was that the long-awaited Messiah had been born in nearby Bethlehem! In Luke 2:10 the Angel stated, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (NIV). With this proclamation, the great celebration began. Luke 2:13-14 explains, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV). I can just imagine what the shepherds were feeling, Joy, amazement, and terror at the same time! After the angels had left, and they had caught their breath, they decided to go find the Christ child and see Him with their own eyes (Luke 2:15, NIV).

The shepherds did find the child along with His mother Mary and earthly father Joseph. As the angel had explained, the Messiah was lying in a manger. Luke 2: 17-18 states, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (NIV). I can just hear the shepherds saying, “Come and see what God has done! The Messiah, the King of the world has been born!! Luke 2: 20 states that the shepherds returned to their sheep, “Glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (NIV). What a night! The mighty God of Heaven and Earth had allowed His Son to be born, as promised, to be our Savior. No better gift has ever been given.

So now I am proclaiming, “Come and See what God has done!” He gave his son to become a sacrifice for us because the price of our sins is just too much for us to ever pay. Please think about making Jesus, the promised Messiah, your Lord, and Savior. You will never receive a better gift than God’s Love made Human. 

                                   Please Listen to this Amazing Video by Lauren Daigle

Your Sister in Christ,

Jacque Barnes

My Forever Father

It was a few years after I made my decision to follow Christ before I realized I was His forever. I had read this in the Bible, but because of what I had gone through in life I just could not get my head wrapped around this fact. Being human means, we have all been rejected and replaced at different times in our lives. Many of us have learned not to trust others to keep their word. We have gone through things like the death of a loved one, or a divorce that was never supposed to happen. This world has conditioned us to not believe in the “True Love” only God can give. But the fact is, any person who will put their trust in the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is “Forever” a child of God, AMEN! I will “Never” be rejected or replace by my Father God if I am a His child. When I made the decision to follow Christ I give all authority over my life to Him, I am no longer on my own. God keeps me, not the other way around. I will never lose my salvation because He cannot fail!

John 3: 15-16 makes it clear, “Whoever, believes in Jesus Christ will have eternal life”. Eternal means forever, our salvation cannot be taken from us. According to Ephesians 4:30, “Christ followers are sealed for the day of redemption”. A seal is placed on something so it cannot be opened until a specific time. The day of redemption is the day Christ breaks the seals and welcomes us home. So, you see, whatever anyone tells you, God will never leave you, if He did He would be a liar and that He is not!

One of my favorite passages in the Bible regarding this topic is Romans 8: 38-39, which states, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, not anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV).  The key here is “Not anything in all creation” can separate a Christ-follower from the Love of God. Our salvation is not based on our love for God, but on God’s great Love for Us! You see Christ Jesus paid for our salvation, which God had promised. God’s Holy Spirit then placed a seal of redemption on us which was not to be broken. If we are true believers and have taken Jesus’ gift of salvation we are His for eternity, but the key is true believers.

Being a true believer or Christ-follower is more than just belonging to a church or walking down an aisle, these things are part of it, but just the beginning. A true Christ follower will continue to grow in faith. It’s like a caterpillar that eventually changes into a beautiful butterfly. We start out like a small child and grow into adulthood. This growth continues until death! Christ-followers will become new creatures according to 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in us and begins the transformation. We become “True Believers in Christ” and are forever changed!! 

The fact is, not everyone who calls him or herself a Christ-follower is a “True” believer. 1 John 3:6 explains that a true Christian cannot live in unrepented sin. 1 John 2:19 goes on to say that anyone who leaves the faith is showing that he or she was never really a “True” believer. This person may have been religious and acted the part but had never given him or herself completely to Christ. You can usually recognize them by their lack of fruits or what they do for others and God (Matthew 7:16). Romans 7:4 says, “The redeemed in God belong to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God” (NIV). This does not mean that we don’t backslide or sin, we are still humans living in a sinful world

but bought with the blood of Christ through our Faith in Him.

The most miserable time in my life has been when I have backslidden. The Holy Spirit that lives in me makes sure that I understood I am going against the will of God. Whatever the reason Christ followers backslides is not important, the importance is the fact that we must go to God and be honest about what we have done and ask forgiveness or repent. God loves His children and is grieved when they turn away. God has promised to forgive us if we only come to him and ask. Hosea 14:4 states, “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them” (NIV). Although we understand that we will be forgiven, we need to put up a fight against backsliding. 1 John 1:9 explains, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (NIV). God through Jesus Christ will make us clean again!

So, as I see it, I am more secure than ever because I can trust in my faith in Jesus Christ. If you are questioning your faith in Jesus and have been playing a part, please consider trusting fully in the gift He gave you at the Cross. The death and resurrection of Jesus was payment for your freedom from this world of doom and sin. God is waiting patiently to forgive you so His Holy Spirit can place that seal of redemption on you for an eternity with Him. God Bless…

Your Sister in Christ,

Jacque Barnes