We live in such a materialistic world. Who has the best car, who has the best outfit and newest iPhone. I can't lie, I fall into the trap sometimes...everyone does. Is it really worth it to me though, no. One thing that I have realized with doing this pageantry thing, is it's a great opportunity and I get to do so many amazing things and meet great people and try to make a difference, but it's very very financially difficult . This world revolves around the mula $$$. I would much rather spend my time on a mission trip, than go shopping.
I recently read the story about
The Rich Man and Lazarus, its Luke 16:19
I think a big question that Christians ask now a days is, How can a loving God send people to hell?
Well I will tell you right now that our God does not send people to hell, they choose it. God desires for everyone to pick heaven though.
"To a Christian this world is the only hell we will ever see, and to a non Christian this world is the only heaven they will see."
19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22"The time came when the beggar died and the angles carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In hell, where was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'
Jesus replied to the Rich Man
25"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
Then the Rich Man begs and begs Abraham to go warn his family so they would not come to this place of agony as well. He said to them
31"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead"
What he means is that even though Jesus rose from the dead and everyone saw this, they still want that proof. Wait, I thought that was proof????....Then once they do die, and they are standing before an amazing judge people say "oh wow, it is all true... Jesus give me another change, I believe you now". Don't we wish it was that easy...God is a good judge, say if you were in a jury and a someone was being convicted of a murder and he says to the judge "listen judge, I know I did this wrong, but I've done this good. I shouldn't be convicted" and the judge replies and lets him go. Would you say he is a good judge, uh NO! That's how God is, in the bible is says that God is a good judge...
Remember.... we have
A very loving God, but also Justice
He has grace, but also wrath
He has mercy, but also good judgment
So my whole point with this story, is being the rich man and getting everything you want and being an ungodly person worth your eternity in Hell. I've chosen my life to be different, and I want to live for God and choose what's best for me, and be the best person that I am capable of. So with that I have three things for you to do, if you want...
1.) be sure you are saved
2.) be burdened of other people
-tell people about God, you don't worry about not seeing your family or friends in heaven with you
3.) are you fully engaged?
-are your priorities straight?
-do you best and play your position
-you're in the game, but are you engaged?
Mom and Mr. Moon and all my best girl friends came to support me and cheer me on! I definitely can say I am so blessed to have such a great support system,
Asaph goes on to say that he almost lost all his faith, because he sees good things happening to people who aren't good. To people who steal, cheat, lie, who do not follow our Lord. Why are they getting everything handed to them? What have they done? In verse 4 he says "They have no struggles, their bodies are healthy and strong, they are free from burdens common to man; therefore pride is in their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence". That doesn't seem fair, does it?
Then he goes on and says pretty much "its been worthless to serve you, its not paying off God. Whats the point in this if these kinds of people are rewarded. Whats going on?"
When something bad happens to people their become embittered, meaning they cannot reconcile and they become very bitter and angry people. Angry at God, angry at their children, wife's, and family. Asking...
Biltmore Baptist Church......... check out the website about the actual sermon that my blog was based on and try channeling in on Sundays
