Heart Break and Worry

I was just reading Deuteronomy 10: 16-19 and I think it made a whole lot of sense to me about how we should obey God and do what he wants us to do with our lives. In verse 16 it says to circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. In other words this means that God had required all male Israelites to be circumcised, but he wants them to go far beyond performing the surgery to actually understand its entire meaning. They needed to submit to God inside, in their hearts, as well as outside, in their bodies. Then they could really begin to imitate God's love and justice in all of their relationships with other people. If our hearts, are right with God, then our relationships with other people can be made right, too. When your heart has been cleansed and you have been reconciled to God, you will begin to see a difference in the way you treat others. I fully agree with what I just wrote. It's impossible to have a good relationship with others if both your hearts are not reconciled to God. If your not right with God, then nothing else will be right with God. It will be a long and difficult path without being reconciled to God. That long and difficult path will lead you to absolutely nowhere other than hell. So, my point is that without God, nothing will be right with yourself or anyone else around you. You need to learn how to treat others the way that God wants you to treat them. With God,I find my true happiness, because without him,I'd be totally and completely lost. He is my strength to get through each day without crying, without pain, without any heartbreak, and with resisting all of my temptations. Verse 17 says this: " For the Lord your God is God of Gods, and Lord of Lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward. In other words this means that in saying that the Lord is God of gods and Lord of lords, Moses was distinguishing the true God from all the local gods worshiped throughout the land. Then Moses went a step further, calling God "terrible." God is "terrible" in that he has such awesome power and justice that people cannot stand before him without his mercy. Fortunately, his mercy toward his people is unlimited. When we begin to grasp the extent of God's mercy toward us, we see what true love really is and how deeply God loves us. Although our sins deserve severe judgement, God has chosen to show love and mercy to all who seek him. I agree with that verse as well, because when I finally seeked God, everything in my life has been going pretty well for me, except for one thing, I haven't found my true love yet. I'm still waiting. So, God if he's out there, send him my way, because I am ready and waiting. Thank you Lord, I love you, Amen. In verse 19 it says this: " Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." In other words, it means that just as the Israelites' ancestors were at one time strangers in a strange land, so they were to be friends to foreigners who were seeking a new life with them. Likewise, we are commanded to love foreigners. By showing genuine love, we may bring those who are not yet Christians to Christ. We must remember that all of us were brought to Christ through someone else's loving concern. Now that statement is very true especially in my life. I was brought to Christ by another person's reconciled life to Christ. Without him, none of this would have been possible for me to do. So,thank God for him. This certain person still holds a very special place in my heart, and I hope that he knows that and if not then, please God, tell him that. Thank you Lord, I love you, amen. I was also reading Philippians 4: 7-9 and that verse also makes a whole lot of sense to me. In verse 7 it says, "and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." In other words it means this : "God's peace is different from the world's peace. It is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. Real peace comes from knowing that because God is in control, our citizenship in Christ's Kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and our victory over sin is certain. Do you want to worry less? I sure do. So, all you have to do is pray a lot more! and worry a lot less! Whenever you begin to worry, just stop and pray. God will take care of the rest, trust me, he will. "Time heals all wounds." Verse 8 says, " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. In different words, verse 8 means this: " What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report,virtuous, and praiseworthy. Do you have problems with impure thoughts and daydreams? Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, the internet, books, movies, and magazines. Replace the harmful input with wholesome material. Above all, read God's word and pray. Ask him to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done. I strongly agree with that as well. Lately, my mind has been on other not so good things and I feel like I just destroyed everything I've ever worked for in these past 2 years. It's just that I was doing so well,and I fell. Now, it's time to pick myself back up and put all of my focus back on the Lord. Verse 9 says this, " Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." So, in conclusion to this, I just want to say that putting your focus back on God will not be easy, but with a lot of hard work, it will more than pay off in the end. I know this because I've fallen may times before, but God always somehow picks me back up and sets me on the right path to the future with him. Keep on smiling because you never know whose going to be falling in love with your smile. Thank you and May God Bless you all abundantly.

Why Does Life and Love Have to be so Complicated?

How many of you have ever asked yourself, will this ever end? That's a question that I've been thinking about for a while now and so far, no answer. I feel like God will never give us a break. It's like things have gone from bad to worse. In Job 3:23-26, it says this " Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came." To me, this bible verse makes a whole of sense to me, and I can sort of relate to how Job was feeling. As you all know, in these past few months, my family and I have been going through a lot of trial and tribulation. Some bigger than others. For example, my dad's back has just gone from bad to worse. He feels like it'll never get better. My mom and I feel as if we're all fighting a war, and that the war will never be over. We all have spent many nights up really late due to all that has been our minds lately. In times such as this, we often find it very difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It feels like it's taking forever to get here, and we're all running very low on faith. It's as if we're lost and stuck in the dark. I just want us all to be able to move forward from this, but it feels like we're stuck here and not going anywhere fast. It's as if everything is crumbling all around us. Our life is not given merely for happiness and personal fulfillment, but for us to serve and honor God with all of our hearts. The worth and meaning of life is not based on what we feel, but on the one reality no one can take away- which is God's love for us. Don't assume that because God truly loves you, he will always prevent you from suffering. God's love cannot be measured or limited by how great or how little we may suffer. Romans 8: 38 and 39 teaches us that nothing can separate us from His love. Romans 8: 38 and 39 say this " For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor death, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." I truly believe in this bible verse, but like I said above, sometimes it's really difficult to not let things separate us from God, because of all that I've been through. Some good, some not so good. But the truth is, I always end up coming back to God no matter what I had just been through. In all honesty, I feel like I have gone through hell and back. Sometimes,I still feel like I'm in hell due to all that has happened recently. I think that we've all suffered enough, and I think that the suffering should be over for us permanently. I think that it's time for a whole slew of good things to start happening, like now. Seriously, enough is enough! I've had it! It's just so frustrating ya know? None of us deserve to be going through what we're going through right now, it is seriously a living hell. It's not fun. It's ridiculus and stupid and causing us more pain than we deserve. We've been through enough. Stop the world, I want to get off. May God please help us all, because we desperately need it. I don't know about any of you, but I am so sick and tired of walking around in this world full of pain,angst,stress,heart break, worry, etc. I am so sick of walking around and trying to be happy and act happy, I've just had enough. Something's Gotta Give and soon! It feels like I'm being pulled in two completely different directions. I feel like I need to get away from here for a while. Do any of you have those days where you just want to be alone and not ever bothered? I've been feeling a lot like that lately, it's just crazy and really stupid. Certain people in this world, really suck. I've dealt with some of them everywhere I go. I also hate feeling helpless and useless, like a waste of space. I also hate not being able to drive to go to places that I want to go. It's like i'm stuck and can't go anywhere. It's so aggravating. It's like I want to get up and do something and go somewhere without relying on anybody else to take me. I know this is only temporary, but this really sucks, it needs to end now. I know that I have God, but things are just getting more and more difficult to deal with. I absolutely hate being stuck in the middle of everything. I'm praying to God every night, but does he hear me? Will he answer me? That, I do not know. I'm not sure if I'll ever know about anything anymore. I'm listening for what he's trying to say to me, but I'm not hearing anything. Is he really speaking to me or am I just imagining that he's speaking to me? I don't know, I just don't know anymore. Is He happy with me? Am I doing anything right? Am I pleasing him? I'm getting absolutely no answers at all whatsoever. It's getting to a point where I just want to give up on everything. It's just absolutely ridiculus. I think i'm on the verge of a nervous break down. God, help me please. God, give me the strength to get through all of this and carry on with my life in a happy, healthy way, Lord, help to hear and understand what your saying to me and help me to do what it is that you want me to do, because I don't know what to do anymore, Lord, Help me, please help me. Please help me to be strong and remain positive, and help us all to see the light at the end of the tunnel, help us all to move forward with our lives, help us all to put all of our differences aside and work together as a family, help us to forgive and forget, Help us all to work these things out. Thank you, Lord, I love you, amen! So, in conclusion to this, I'm sorry for venting to you all, but I've just been holding it all in so long, that I just needed to get it all out with hopes that things will slowly start to get better not just for me, but for my family also. Thank you, and God Bless.

~Emily j. Pica

Where To Go From Here.

How many times have you asked yourself what your true purpose for this world is? I find myself asking that question to myself over and over again. I don't know where to start. As I was reading Leviticus 26; 40-45, I began thinking about the above question again. I'm constantly asking God "What is my true purpose for this world?" "Where Do I go Next?" "Who am I supposed to spend the rest of my life with?" "Where will I find him?" Where will he find me?" Those are answers I really don't know, but wish I knew them. I look around at past relationships and already some of the people in those relationships have already moved on with their lives in a happy, healthy way. "What's wrong with me?" "How come I'm not there yet?" "Why is this taking so long?" For example, there's this one person whose been dating his girlfriend for a year now and they're happy. The next step is most likely engagement. I wish I was there already, but sadly, I am not. I have been waiting 8 long years for the right person to come along, but he's not here yet. I'm still waiting. Anyway, lets get back to the bible verse. In verse 40 it's basically saying to confess their iniquity, and their father's iniquity, with their trespasses for which they have trespassed against God and others, and make sure that we are walking alongside Jesus. But the truth is walking the path of Jesus is a very difficult one. It has been especially difficult for me as well as others that I know. A true christian life is never easy, but nobody said it was going to be easy anyway. No matter where we go or what we do, it will always be difficult, that is until the day Jesus comes back, and our eternal life with him. But first we have to go through judgement and then our eternal life will be decided. In verse 41, it's saying that we must accept our punishment of iniquity and be humbled before God and Jesus. We have a very merciful God and he will give us our expected end. Hopefully the expected end will be a good one. In verse 42, it says that we must remember our covenant just like Jesus did with Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. In other words, Jesus is saying that he will always remember his covenant with the 3 people I mentioned above. In verse 43, it's saying even though certain people despise God's judgements, and their souls are abhorred to God's statutes, they must accept their punishment for whatever it may be, gracefully, because it's their own fault in the first place for them to receive such punishment. After they do that, then they'll either be sent down to Hell or sent up to Heaven with God and Jesus. In verse 44, it's saying that when these certain people be in the land of their enemies, God will not cast them away, and neither will he abhorr them, destroy them utterly, or to break his covenant with them: For he is the Lord their God. In verse 45, it says " But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord." In verse 46, it's saying this: " These are the statutes and judgements and laws, which the Lord made between him and the children of Israel in Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses." In total, all of these verses are showing us what God meant when he said that he is longsuffering. Even if the Israelites chose to disobey God and were scattered among the heathen, God will still give them the opportunity to repent and return to him. His purpose is not to destroy them, but to help them grow. Our day-to-day experiences and hardships are sometimes overwhelming; unless we can see that God's purpose is to bring about continual growth in us, we may despair. The hope that we need is well expressed in Jeremiah 29: 11,12. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you." To retain hope while we suffer shows that we understand God's merciful ways of relating to all of his people. Anyway, I'd like to conclude this blog with a prayer " Dear Lord, please help us to not have anxieties about all of our futures, because we know that our future is lying in your hands, and it will be the best outcome for all of us. Help us all to be still and know that you are Lord and no matter what happens or where we go, help us to know that you are still here and are listening, Help us to do the works that you have for us to do and not be afraid because we know that you are responsible for anything that happens whether it be good or bad. Thank you, Lord. We Love you, Amen!"

100 Things...

1.) God because he rebaptised me through his holy spirit and for his unconditional love.

2.) Jesus because he's my rock and salvation.

3.) My sister because she's been with me throughout everything (including all of my very bad decisions).

4.) My parents because of all that they do for me.

5.) Jacqui because she's the greatest best friend anybody could possibly ask for, even though we barely see each other. But I miss her dearly and hope to see her again really soon. She's been with me through all the good times and bad and would do anything for me no matter the day or time.

6.) For Ted because he can fix anything and everything.

7.)Matt because he's helping me through all this and for being such a good friend to me in such a small amount of time.

8.) For Mike because he brought me closer to Jesus.

9.) Oden

10.) My church because of all they're love and support for both my family and I in this very difficult time of our lives.

11.) My Pastor for everything.

12.) My sweet, perfect, little nephew, Eliot Theodore Baker for bring such love and happiness into my otherwise boring life.

13.) For Melissa for all her prayers and for her strength.

14.) Nature Photography.

15.) My Camera.

16.) Texting.

17.) e-mails.

18.) my computer.

19.) My job.

20.) My car (even though I don't drive it that much).

21.) Good christian music.

22.) Facebook for staying in touch with all of my friends both old and new.

23.) My cell phone.

24.) For my aunt Janine.

25.) For nana and papa.

26.) For grandma and grandpa.

27.) For Aunt Fran.

28.) Paper and pens.

29.) vacations.

30.) Massages.

31.) For prayer.

32.) My Bible.

33.) For washers and dryers that work.

34.) My glasses.

35.) Holidays (Christmas especially).

36.) Birthdays.

37.) Any and all board games.

38.) Clothing.

39.) Shoes.

40.) A bed to sleep in.

41.) A roof over my head.

42.) Health insurance.

43.) All doctors, nurses, etc. (Dentists, therapists).

44.) Scrapbooking.

45.) Many many good memories.

46.) My class of 2006 blanket because it's proof that I attended high school.

47.) Skype.

48.) Internet.

49.) Online classes.

50.) A good hair cut from a good stylist.

51.) New beginnings.

52.) Romance movies.

53.) Nicely fitting undergarments.

54.) Hot chocolate (so good).

55.) Iced Coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

56.) All of our troops fighting for our freedom.

57.) Advil, Albuterol. (Any and all meds.).

58.) Poems.

59.) Ramen noodles (aka. oodles of noodles).

60.) Sandwiches.

61.) Diet pepsi and cream soda.

62.) Chocolate (love it!)

63.) Christmas movies.

64.) Lots of laughs.

65.) True love.

66.) Happiness.

67.) Peace.

68.) Joy.

69.) Marriage proposals.

70) lgmh.com

71.) Weddings.

72.) For the colors, pink and purple.

73.) Singing.

74.) Dancing.

75.) Miracles.

76.) Blessings.

77.) Warm weather.

78.) Sunsets.

79.) Sunrises.

80.) All animals.

81.) Warm slippers.

82.) The English language.

83.) Jewelry that has sentimental values included.

84.) Beautiful flowers.

85.) For the bus.

86.) Acts of random kindness.

87.) Independence.

88.) For summer strolls.

89.) For beaches.

90.) For the strength to carry on.

91.) Forgiveness.

92.) For life's winding roads ( which is always a challenge, but well worth it in the end).

93.) For good manicurists.

94.) For honesty.

95.) For loyalty.

96.) For faithfulness.

97.) For religion.

98.) For good manners and respect.

99.) For being able to swim without fear.

100.) For fellow christians.

101.) For alarm clocks because I always need them.

102.) For praise reports.

103.) For magazines.

104.) Having the ability to read and understand certain things.

105.) For my sister once again for challenging me to think about all these things that I am forever thankful and greatful for. God Bless all! AMEN! Now it's your turn to think about this.

Our Debt To Pay

I was just reading Romans 13: 8 and it really helped me with this inspiration to write this blog entry. Verse 8 says Why is love for others called debt? We are permanently in debt to Christ for the lavish love he has poured out upon us. The only way we can even begin to repay this debt is by fulfilling our obligation to love others in return. Since Christ's love will always be infinitely greater than ours, we will always have the obligation to love our neighbors as ourselves. So, during this past week in California, I received a nail from Sheila Schuller. This nail is a sign for a definite new beginning and definite new life. This nail is proof that Jesus is still alive today and loving all of us unconditionally. He paid for all of our debt and that remains true to us christians today. We need to continue to remain true to God and true to ourselves. We must all keep our promises and fulfill them as we should anyway. We need to change our ways drastically. There are certain people out there, who still haven't changed their ways at all whatsoever and they desperately need to. As soon as they do, they are promised eternal life with God and his son, Jesus. When in California, I realized how beautiful God's creations are. I spent a lot of time taking in all of the scenes. There was also a lot of time spent thinking through everything. With realization, there's a certain someone that I really miss spending time with. But sadly, things won't work out between us. So, yeah it's time to move on to bigger and better things. There's many good memories involved with this certain person. Well,May God Bless him greatly because he really deserves it! Anyway, sorry to get off track here, lets get back to the main subject of this blog, which is Debt. This question is constantly running through my mind. Why is love for others called a debt? Well the answer to that is this, sadly there are certain people in this world who lack love for others which is quite sad actually. Even though God loves us all unconditionally, I can imagine how sad it is for God to see so many people in this world, not acting and loving the way they should. Honestly,I wish that tons of people would come to God because God can really change their lives instantly, they just need to let God in first, and after that's done, God takes care of the rest. We all must fully rely on God, Depend on God, and Lean on God for everything happening whether good or bad in our lives because God is the one responsible for every little thing happening in our lives. Actually, it's mainly God and ourselves being held responsible for these things happening in our lives. Life is not always fun and it's not always easy, but no matter how good or bad things get, God will always provide and will always help. It may not always be on time, but trust in the Lord and things will work out. It's sad seeing so many people walking around all stressed out and anxious for no reason at all. There truly is no reason for us to be walking around all stressed out and anxious. If we have God, then everything's going to be okay. So, we shouldn't have to be worried and whatnot especially about the littlest things going on in life. If things don't work out the way we wanted them too, then we shouldn't be mad, we should be glad because God has something bigger and better planned for all of us, God's way always makes things better than any of us could have ever imagined! So, we should be thankful and praising the Lord for all that he's doing for us! This is the day that the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it! Keep smiling because you never know who is the one falling in love with your smile. To close this blog entry, I'd like you all to say a prayer of thanksgiving with me "Dear Lord, we'd like to thank you for all that you've done for us and will continue to do for us, none of us deserve it, but because you love us, we are worthy to receive your blessings and many gifts that you have for us. We are worthy to be in heaven with you, we are all of great value to you. Thank you, Lord we love you Amen and Amen!" May God bless you all forever and ever, Amen.

Promises

I was just reading Jeremiah 31, and a lot of what was said in it, I understand entirely what God is trying to tell me. In verse 22 it's saying that God's promises reflect a turnaround in the land when God rules. The weaker partner will surround and sustain the stronger one. God will provide for everyone's safety. In verses 29 and 30 it's saying that the people tried to blame God's judgement on the sins of their parents. One person's sin does indeed affect other people, but all the people are still held personally accountable for the sin in their own lives. Now these 2 bible verses, I can really relate to about sin. I used to be full of sin and rebellion and I absolutely hated myself for the way I used to act. I made too many bad decisions with everything, and honestly I regret them. I wish that things could have been a lot different with me back then. I should have obeyed and listened more, to this day, I still don't listen fully, but I know that I should. Especially where certain people are concerned. I wish I could have been a lot wiser back then, but thankfully, I'm slightly wiser now. So,I tried to blame things on other people even though it wasn't their fault to begin with, it was mine. I was so young and stupid, I truly do wish that things were different back then. But anyway, there's no use in dwelling on the past now, it's time to forget my past and move on completely with my life and on to much bigger and better things. I thank God everyday for having mercy on me through the good times and bad ones too. In verse 33 it says " God would inscribe his law upon their hearts rather than upon tablets of stone as they were in the 10 commandments. In 17: 1 their sin was inscribed on their hearts so that they wanted above all to disobey. This change seems to describe an experience very much like the new birth- and God is taking the initiative. When we turn our lives over to God he, by his holy spirit, builds into us the desire to obey him." Now this verse is so true in my life, because as soon as I gave my life to God, everything immediately changed in my life. I got a new job that I like and I've been there for a year so far, and I still like it. Also since my nephew's come into my life, I have been a pretty happy person. He always brings such joy, happiness,life, and light into my life. I find myself laughing more and smiling more, and definitely talking more. Also, there's so many good things happening in my life and I'm so glad and thankful for it all. My photography has excelled, my writing has become much better and stronger as well, etc. It's like when I'm photographing all these nature photos, that is when I'm happiest, and it's so much fun too. I love it! Some of the photos that I have taken came out amazingly beautiful and I'm very impressed with them. I feel at peace with my nature photos. It also makes me feel good to bring out all the beauty in the world that God has made, in spite of all the ugliness going on in this world at this very moment. This world needs so much help and it definitely needs God again. I can't wait until God comes back, so many people won't know what to think or do or anything really. They'll all be standing in complete awe of him. Anyway, sorry to get off topic here. Lets go back to what I was writing about. In verse 33 it is telling us that the old covenant has been broken by people, but will be replaced with a brand new covenant. The foundation of this new covenant is Christ. It is revolutionary, involving not only Israel and Judah, but even the Gentiles. It offers a unique personal relationship with God himself, with his laws inscribed on individuals' hearts instead of on stone. Jeremiah looked forward to the day when Jesus would come to establish this covenant. But for us today, the covenant is already here. We have the wonderful opportunity to make a fresh start and establish a permanent, personal relationship with God. I have already made my fresh start, have you? In verses 35-37 it's saying that God has the power to do away with the laws of nature or even to do away with his people. But he will do neither. This is not a prediction, but a promise. It is God's way of saying he will not reject Israel any more than he will do away with nature's laws. Neither will Happen! God always keeps his promises, we just need to have tons of faith in him and he will meet each and every one of our needs. In verses 38-40 it's saying that these points mark the boundaries of restored Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah. Gareb and Goath are unknown. The graveyard and ash dump probably refer to the valley of the son of Hinnom, where children were sacrificed in pagan worship. That verse doesn't please me at all, but I had to write about it to get my point across to people about how horrible some people in this world are to their children and pets and whatnot. Thinking about all of that, makes me so sad and makes me wish that I could do something to help. But all I can do is pray and be persistent and keep the faith and stay strong. The whole point of this blog is to know that God will always keep his promises even though it doesn't always seem like he's there to help you through things, but the truth is that God is always there to help you through things, he's just working behind the scenes and like I always say, God works in mysterious ways. So keep the faith and stay strong, God will never let you down. If anything, he'll pick you right back up and set you on the right path to your future with him. To conclude this blog entry, I'd like for you to say a quick prayer with me for those who need him most. " Dear Lord, please protect and bless those who need you the most in their lives. Lord, I want you to show those in need How great you really can be and are in their lives. Thank you, Lord. I love you, Amen."

Baptism

So, I was just reading Matthew 3, and a lot of what I read in it, makes a whole lot of sense to me. Verses 1 and 2 are simply saying to repent all of your sins to Lord Jesus Christ, when you do this, your life has to be fully dedicated to him, so that you all can live the way that he wants you to live your lives instead of being selfish and greedy and whatnot. We all must live fully for God and not for ourselves. Today, Jesus reigns in the hearts of all his believers, but the kingdom of heaven will not be fully realized until all evil in this world is judged and immediately removed. First, Christ came to earth as a suffering servant; he will come again as a King and judge to rule victoriously all over this world. Those of you who do not know Jesus yet must be fully prepared to meet him. However, we can prepare them by explaining to them their need for forgiveness, demonstrating all of Christ's teachings by our conduct, and telling them how Christ can give all of their lives meaning. We can "make his paths straight" by correcting misconceptions that could be hindering them from coming to Christ. In verses 4-6 it's basically saying that to those who are curious about your christian lifestyle and values, is an open opportunity for you to bring them to God and to show them how Christ has drastically changed your life, and he can do the same for them if they'd just come to God with an open mind and an open heart. That's what happened to me, I came to God fully with an open heart and open mind. At first, it was quite difficult for me, to accept him fully into my life, but when I finally did, it was totally worth it. I was thinking to myself "why the heck did I wait so long for this to happen?" Then I had no answer, I just thought that it was absolutely amazing about what God made happen in my life and I hope that he continues to do so. Praise the Lord! After I gave my life to God, I got rebaptized about a year ago on September 6 and since then, my life turned around in a complete 180, and I hope that my life continues to get better, as well as everybody elses. In verse 9, it's saying that we need to completely change our actions in order for things to start really changing in your life. You need to make all of your actions match your words. You can't just do one thing and then do another. You must practice what you preach in order to pull more people closer to God. God looks beyond all of our words and religious activities to see if our conduct backs up our words, and he judges our words by the actions that accompany them. Do your actions match your words? I sure hope so, because if not, then I strongly suggest that you start working on it, right here, right now. Lets all take a moment and say these few words " Dear Lord, please forgive for I have sinned against you with my own words, thoughts, deeds, and heart's desires. Lord, I want you to take total and complete control of my life, for I can't do any of this without you, apart from you, I am nothing. Thank you, lord. I love you, amen!" In verse 10, it's saying that just like a fruit tree is expected to bear fruit, all of God's people must produce a large crop of many good deeds, with hopes that others will follow. The Lord has no use for those who call themselves christians, but choose to live differently than God wants you to. We have no value, if we are christians by name only. If the others can't see our faith in the way we treat them, we may not be God's people at all. God calls us to be active in our obedience. To be productive for God, we must always obey his teachings, resist temptations, actively serve and help others, and finally, share all of our faith with others. How productive are you for God? Baptism is an outward sign of our commitment to the Lord. In order to be effective, it has to be accompanied by an inward change of attitude which leads to a changed life- the work of the Holy Spirit. One day, everybody will be baptized- either now by God's holy spirit, or later by the fire of his judgement. In verse 12, it's saying that those who refuse to be repentant will be judged and discarded because they are totally worthless in God's work; However, those who will repent and believe in the Lord will definitely be saved and used fully by God. Does anyone know why Jesus asked to be baptized? If no, then I have the answer right here for you: The answer is that 1.) he was personally confessing the sin of the nation, as Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses, and Daniel had done; 2.) he was showing support for what John was doing; 3.) he was inaugurating his public ministry; 4.) he was identifying with the penitent people of God, not with the critical pharisees who were only watching. Jesus, the perfect man, didn't need baptism for sin, but he accepted it in obedient service to the father, and God showed his approval. So, what do you say? Do you think that your ready to put all of your egos and profitable work aside in order to point others in the direction of Jesus? I sure am. Are you willing to lose some of your status so that everyone can benefit from it? I sure hope so. To conclude this blog entry, I would like for you all to say another prayer with me. Are you ready? " Dear God, I love you and I need you, please come into my life and into my heart and please protect and bless the homes we're living in, the people in them, please protect and bless all of the jobs and finances that we do have, please protect and bless all of our families and friends, please protect and bless all of the cars that we have, please protect and bless all of the churches that we're members of, but most importantly please protect and bless all of the animals in this world whether their homeless, abused, whatever, please protect and bless them all and help them all to find places to live in, food to eat, and the families that love them. God Bless America now and Forever, Thank you Lord, we love you, Amen and Amen!" Well goodnight and God bless everyone :)