How often do you come face to face with your mortality and realize you could die today? When I stop and think how fragile our lives really are I can’t help it but get closer to God. It is unfortunate some of us do the exact opposite.
When faced with challenges or the reality of death, unbelievers often sink deeper into unrighteousness diverting from the godly path. The bible tells us in Matthew’s gospel “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:14)
God’s word clearly calls us to seek the narrow gate as we ignore the things of the world and concentrate on the eternal rewards that await us in heaven. The bible warns us that those who live according to the world will be left behind to burn in the lake of fire.
“Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
God knows all our hearts and His commands are clear as day. The almighty has prepared a place for us in heaven but it is up to us to walk through the door He has opened for us. The Lord sent His son Jesus the Christ to cleans us of our sins, still we must ask for His forgiveness and accept Him as Lord and savior if we are to receive His salvation.
“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut; I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8)
I feel great concern for those not already in a relationship with Christ. If you find yourself on the outside looking in and seek a relationship with Jesus, I invite you to inquire with us as to how you can avoid being turned away at the gates of heaven.
“Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:11-13)
Remembering that there is more to Christianity than going to church, living according to God’s word is an essential part of one’s faith. Not only are we expected to focus on the Lord, we are also asked to do works in His name.
“Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:34-46)
As we continue to serve God through those around us we must stray from evil and keep ourselves in good companionship. Failure to resist temptation comes at a great price therefore we must live each day as if it were our last on earth always expecting His return. After all, you could die tomorrow, or even today. When it comes to eternity, better be safe than sorry.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your love and your blessings
And for the opportunities you place before us daily,
And ask you to inspire us to serve you through others
Who’s needs seem so out of reach.
We ask that you use us as your vessels
To complete any task you lay before us,
Knowing that it is our mission to continue Jesus’ work on earth
So that we may rejoice with you in Heaven.
Lord we thank you for continuing to look after us,
Our families, friends and those around us,
And ask you to answer the prayers of those in need
As they cry out to you.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
