Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6 Dear Lord, We thank You and praise You for another day! Each and every day is a blessing. With the many blessings You shower on us, the greatest blessing of them all is the gift of eternal life with You. That is the grace of all graces, and we will spend an eternity praising You for it. I pray that more people are able to see the light of the gospel so that they too can become part of Your kingdom and receive that glorious blessing. There are people in our lives whom we love who do not yet know Jesus. They are in desperate need of Christ, and it's difficult because they simply don’t know that they don’t know. Many are blinded by Satan, and their hearts are hardened against the Truth. I pray that You help us to fearlessly share the gospel with those people we love, as well as with strangers, when given the golden opportunity to do so by You. Lord, we ask You to please soften their hearts and open their spiritual eyes and ears to hear the word of Christ, in order to fully receive it. We know that true faith comes by hearing, and hearing comes by Your Word. But we also know that it’s only by Your grace that people are able to come to the knowledge of the Truth, where they love the Truth and desire to obey it. Please help those who are spiritually blind - to see, Lord. In order for people to understand why the gospel is such tremendously good news to them, we must first be made aware of our own sinful nature and how we all are in great need of a Savior in Christ. We must also understand the incomprehensible gulf that’s between fallen mankind and the absolute holiness and purity of God. There are no "good" people based upon God's standards. The truth is there has only been one good person to walk this earth, and that is the person of Jesus Christ. He was sinless, absolute perfection. But us, we are fallen, far from perfect. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I pray that we all may be utterly humbled - in comparison to the greatness of God, but even more so to His loveliness. I pray that the certainty of the gospel and the love that we have for people helps drive us to warn people and to share it with those in need. Now is the time to seek the Lord when we still can. His arms are still outstretched to us in this world, which will be over in the blink of an eye compared to the magnitude of eternity. I pray that the eyes of those hearts be opened to the Truth before the door shuts forever. Lord, we know that we can’t save anybody. Preaching is the sacrament of salvation, but only You do the saving. In the end, salvation is the sovereign work of God. But part of Your sovereign plan includes the preaching of the gospel and prayer duty that we as Your children are all called to do for the building of Your kingdom. It is our assigned duty in this life and the will of God to pray for others and to share the gospel with them. We ask that You help us with this magnificent calling on our lives so that we may be a blessing to others, all for Your glory. I pray that You grace us with love, courage, and strength to share the gospel boldly, in loving Truth, even though we know the Truth is likely to offend. We also know the Truth is the only thing that saves. Let’s have faith over fear, and let’s be driven by the certainty of the Gospel Truth and the love in our hearts to share the light of Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to Your, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus' Name, I pray Amen. Love, Jenna The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel, which is the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-16

You did not choose me, but I chose you. John 15:16 Dear Lord, I thank You for creating me, and I praise You for choosing me before the foundation of the world! What a precious gift it is to be a child of God. There is no greater identity than to be in Christ. There is no higher calling than to be a worker in Your Kingdom. There is nothing more magnificent than to be given eternal life - by the gift of your amazing grace - through faith in Christ. I deserve nothing. Actually, I deserve death and hell, and yet, You have given me everything I could ever want and need through Your Son, Jesus Christ. You have given me life, eternal life. You are so full of grace and mercy, and I thank You for everything that I have, including my sufferings; for I know You have great purpose in them. I know they are to strengthen my faith and bring me closer to You. I know my aches and pains that are of this present time are light and fleeting, even at their worst, compared to the weight of glory that outweighs them all. What I may endure on earth for my very short time here is not worth comparing with the glory that awaits me for an eternity. Knowing the inheritance that lies ahead, makes me enjoy living in the moment 100 times more. Being in Christ fills me with such immense purpose, and no matter how dim this world can get, life is always bright in Him. I love being alive! I know You created me so that I may be a blessing throughout Your creation. You created me in Your image so that I may make Your presence known everywhere I go, all for Your glory. You created me so that I may be a blessing to others by serving and loving others. We love because You first loved us. As I continue to understand little by little the magnitude of Your love for me, I pray that the Holy Spirit stirs my heart so that I may love You and others more and more as I continue to grow more in Christ. I know it’s love that is the foundation of being a true Christian, and so I pray that I grow more in love every day for You, for my brothers and sisters in Christ, for all my neighbors, and for my enemies too. I truly hope my enemies find You Christ. I want them to be my brothers and sisters too. Please help them find You. Please help everyone find You. My ultimate prayer is that I want everyone to know Your name, to love Your name, to know Your love that You have for Your children, and to join me in Your kingdom. I wish for everyone to know Jesus. It hurts that not everyone does, but I trust You, God, in Your absolute righteousness, holiness, and sovereignty. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. Love, Jenna But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 1 Corinthians 6:17 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:4-6

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Dear Lord, For I am weak, but You are strong. I thank You for blessing me through my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. That’s why for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties, for when I am weak then I am strong. I pray that You fill me with Your strength by putting the full armor of God on me so that I may stand strong against the schemes of the devil. For I know my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil one in the heavenly realms. When it is hard to pray, I know that is when I must pray to You the most. Help me pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, including prayers for all of Your people. Help me pray when it is hard; when the evil one is lurking and scheming to lead me astray from You. Lord, please help me to always distinguish Your voice from the evil one. For I know Your voice stills me, leads me, reassures me, encourages me, enlightens me, comforts me, calms me, and convicts me. The devil’s voice rushes me, pushes me, frightens me, confuses me, discourages me, worries me, obsesses me, and condemns me. Without You I cannot beat the devil and his trickery, nor resist my own entices and desires that lead me into sin. But with You, I am safe as You lead me into paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Your rod and Your staff; they comfort me, and I thank You for protecting me. I know that prayer is an open door that no one can shut. Even if the devil surrounds me on all sides, the way upward to You is always open. Help me submit myself to you and resist the devil so that he will flee from me. I know if I draw near to You, You will always draw near to me. You are closer than the air I breathe. Lastly, I pray that You help me to confidently spread the light of the gospel, which is the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. I pray that when I go to speak, the Truth of God and the glory of the gospel comes out boldly for others to hear. And I know the rest is up to You; whoever is meant to receive the light of the gospel, You will softened their hearts and give them ears to hear. Let the light of Jesus Christ and the glorious hope that You have given to us through His death and resurrection - make the devil shrink away. Thank You for Your mighty protection and careful watch over me, Lord. You bless me with Your strength through Your grace. All glory belongs to You, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Love, Jenna

They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:5-6 Right and Almost Right Charles Spurgeon once said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” Today, we live in a world where an overflow of information is literally at our fingertips, and fake news floods our screens all day long. At times, it can be overwhelming to sort through what’s real and what’s not, especially in this society of relative truth. For Christians, this can also be true when it comes to what is being preached as truth from the pulpit. If we are anything as Christians, we are essentially people of the Truth, and there is no room for reckless faith, ignorance, or gullibility in God's true church. As Christians we know the worst form of wickedness consists of perversions, distortions, additions, and subtractions of God's Truth. Thankfully, as true believers, we have the discerning power to sort out what is inherently good and true from what sounds good but is really crooked and evil. But even as true believers, we must still be careful and hold fast to the Word of God in this world's sea of deception. Itching Ears Satan’s goal in false teaching is to distort God’s Word, as well as our view of God and ourselves. He works day and night to suppress the Truth by replacing it with countless deviations of the truth. Often times, Satan keeps people from God’s divine wisdom by mesmerizing them with high-sounding theological nonsense or empty secular philosophies; things their itching ears want to hear. People with itching ears are those who are always searching for something that's fascinating, intriguing, or speculative. These people will find teachers to suit their own passions and will fall away from God's absolute Truth, getting lost in nonsense without even knowing it. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us" (1 John 2:19). Do Not Be Foolish, but Understand the Will of God Satan will do anything to get us to put our trust, time, and dedication in anywhere else other than the Word of God – the place we learn what God's prescribed will (commanded will) is for our lives and what it means to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, walking in the light. “This world is passing away along with all its desires, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). Satan's main goal is to steal people's souls. Therefore, he keeps people away from sound doctrine by captivating the gullible through smooth talk and pseudo-intellectual theories that only appear to be profound. Satan wants people to sink themselves into false doctrine, investing in their own wills and the ways of this world while being ignorant of God's will for their lives.“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Satan's Different Doors of Deception Satan tries to suck people into any religious teachings that twist, add to, or take away from Scripture, the purity of the gospel, and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Satan also tries to securely trap unbelievers through secular teachings that are diametrically opposed to Christianity altogether; teachings that utterly degrade, directly go against, and reject God's absolute Truth and the teachings of Jesus. One example would be Scientology, which teaches its paying members that they can become their own gods, erase their memories, and restore their own physical and mental health and analytical functioning to a state of perfection. (I'm not even sure how to explain Scientology it's so off the wall. Although it can be beneficial to understanding how satanic belief systems work, my time is much better spent studying the Truth). Another example would be any cult-based program that teaches its paying followers that there is no absolute truth, no good, no evil, no right or wrong, no sin, or no meaning to life except what you give it yourself. These types of teachings are prevalent in the new age and in humanistic self-help programs, and they are completely incompatible with Christianity. These types of teachings have belief systems that are based on satanic principles, therefore are antiChristian. The truth is that you cannot be both a Christian and a Scientologist, nor follow a cult and a be a true believer of the church. Christ says His sheep hear His voice, and they will not follow the voice of another (John 10:4-5). True believers will not be led into damning teaching, and if they are, the Holy Spirit will convict them, and God will bring them back to His flock. Living in the Grays Versus Living by the Word of God False teaching is a sticky web for those who are undiscerning and open-minded to whatever feels right, based on their own personal standards and what "works" for them. The problem is we live in a culture that is unwilling to think antithetically. That is, many people don't want to think black or white, right or wrong, true or false. These types of people prefer to think and live on some sort of spectrum of relativity based on their own finite wisdom and personal preferences, which stem from ignorance or pride. To these people who live their lives in the shades of gray, there is no definitive right, there is no definitive wrong, there is no definitive truth, there is no definitive false. Everything is subjective for them, and they take whatever sounds good from whatever sources or teachers that intrigue them, move them, or tickle their ears. See, biblical truth is the farthest thing from living in the grays. God's Truth is absolute. It is objective. It is sharp. It is black and white. It is antithetical to all that is lies, deception, and error. God's Word and His true believers are the light of the world, shining light and truth into the darkness and exposing error, falsity, and evil. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot comprehend it" (John 1:5). "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them" (Ephesians 5:11). The same God who first shined light into the world is the only One who can shine the light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ into our hearts. It's only by the power of God that people will have the ability to see the light of the gospel in Jesus Christ and come to true saving faith. With true faith in Jesus, we are able to discern right from almost right and not be led astray by lies. As believers we are filled and satisfied with the Truth. "Whoever is not satisfied with Christ alone, strives after something beyond absolute perfection" - John Calvin (I am not a calvinist but I like Calvin). For God, who said, "Let line shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6) To continue reading, check out: "Discernment is a Gift From Above - Part 2" Added Scripture: His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:15-18 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord; who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 30:9-11 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. John 10:4-5 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (Ephesians 5:10-11).

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:7-9 The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture I love this passage of Scripture. It's a really good one to have memorized. Along with prayer, Scripture is the best medicine for an anxious heart or a discouraged spirit. When Scripture is written in your heart, it's an awesome weapon against Satan. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Holding fast to God's Truth protects you from Satan's lies. Memorizing Scripture can also help us resist temptation (Psalm 119:11), instruct, correct, and train one another in wisdom (2 Timothy 3:16), encourage and comfort one another, cultivate a grateful heart (Colossians 3:16), and realign our minds to an eternal perspective so we can be reminded of what's truly important. Memorizing Scripture is not a work we do to earn God's favor, but it's a wonderful way to glorify Him because we love God and cherish His Word. What is more important: prayer or reading the Bible?' I ask, 'What is more important: breathing in or breathing out?' Charles H Spurgeon For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to little children; yes Father, for such was your gracious will." Why Many People Fail to Believe in Jesus This Scripture comes right after Jesus finishes condemning three towns in Galilee where He performs miracles in front of the crowds and preaches to them. Even though people clearly see God's power on display with their own eyes, they still fail to repent of their sins and believe that Jesus is the Messiah (Matthew 11:20–24). Why do these people fail to believe that Jesus is God, despite seeing miracles performed right in front of them? A clue is given to us in Scripture: When in the middle of speaking to the crowd, Jesus turns to God the Father and thanks Him for having hidden these things from the wise and intelligent. Jesus thanks the Father for keeping the truth from those who are considered to be wise, according to the world's standards, or at least according to their own eyes. God keeps the truth from those who are blinded by their own pride. Instead, God reveals His hidden divine truth only to "little children." Little children are people of all ages with humble hearts, eager to receive the light of the gospel in Christ Jesus. What does it mean when the verse says, "these things"? "These things" are things that should be quite obvious. If Jesus displays a power that can only be from God — a power to raise the dead, to cure impossible illnesses, and to drive out demons with a simple word—then He must be the Messiah. How could someone possibly see these things with their own eyes and still not believe that He is truly God?? Blinded by Pride Jesus identifies two reasons why people can't see the light of the gospel in Christ. First, those who are considered to be wise and intelligent in the eyes of the world, tend to overestimate their intelligence and think highly of themselves. A high IQ carries along with it the temptation to deny or excuse away anything that the individual doesn't like or prefer. Since Jesus is not what many of the self-professing wise men expect from the Messiah, they simply decide Jesus cannot be the Messiah, according to their own standards. Second, this verse implies that God hides what should be obvious from those who are arrogant and proud. This is not very different than the way a very wealthy person might fool himself into believing he needs nothing and no one else—not even God. He may believe he is secure enough in all of his earthly treasures, wealth, and in his own self-sufficiency. This all stems from the root of all sin: pride. In a certain sense, God helps the proud to not understand what they choose not to understand, according to their own preferences. This is similar to how Pharaoh, during the Exodus, was allowed to resist God's will (Exodus 7:22; 8:15, 32). God made an example of Pharaoh by further hardening his heart, eventually giving him over. (Exodus 9:12; 10:20; 14:8). Humble Hearts Receive Christ On the other side of the coin, God reveals what is obviously true to "little children." This is not only true of actual children, but Jesus talks about adults becoming like little children in order to be able to enter into the kingdom of heaven. (See Matthew 18:1–5). They are the ones who realize their need for a savior and humble themselves before God. Jesus also talks about coming to God with childlike faith. Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it (Mark 10:14-15). * I dedicate this post to my sister in Christ, Nori. This is her favorite Scripture that she shared with me. I also drew this butterfly from a butterfly she found in her garden. (See below for the photo of her special butterfly). If there is anyone who loves butterflies the most, it is certainly Nori! I call her Madame Butterfly, and we talk about butterflies and Jesus Christ :) Things that bring true joy! At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, Matthew 18:1-5 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 #butteflygardeninheaven ;)

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 God Looks at Your Heart This passage goes to the heart of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (See Matthew 5:3:12 below - the Beatitudes). Most people in Jesus' audience grew up believing that what was most important to God was their performance - their actions, behaviors, and words spoken. The pharisees were considered highly spiritual by others because they were strict and rigid in their religiosity and traditions. However, Christ teaches that God cares about what's in a person's heart. Righteous behavior and actions are only truly righteous when supported by a devoted, loving heart to Christ and others. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Do Not Lay Up Treasures on Earth Jesus applies this perspective to money. He teaches us not to stockpile riches or hoard money and earthly possessions. (Yes, we are to be thoughtful and save for a rainy day, provide for our families, and be good stewards of what God has given us. However, we are not to be greedy or tied to perishable money or earthly treasures in any way). They are all temporary things and easily lost. Everything on earth belongs to God anyways, and these things are not for us to keep in this temporary world. We will all leave our money and possessions behind us when we die, and we won't even care one iota about them! We will finally be in the presence of Christ, looking forward into the eternal glory that has awaited us, with the best always yet to come. We will finally be home with our Lord, in perfect peace, joy, and love. Lay Up Treasures in Heaven Instead of laying up treasures here on earth, Jesus says to lay up treasure for yourself in heaven. Store up rewards in eternity for yourself by expressing your true love and devotion to God and others while you're still here on earth. Every kind, selfless, loving act done from the heart here on earth will be rewarded to us as treasure in heaven; likely it'll be rewarded tenfold in a way that our minds can't even comprehend. The point Jesus is making is not that Christians should not have wealth or possessions, but we are to have only one ultimate priority and treasure; and that is Jesus Christ, who will be our treasure for an eternity. Our attitudes towards wealth matter because our hearts are owned by whatever we consider our treasure to be. The treasure of our hearts, whether perishable or imperishable, proves to be the real foundation of our thoughts, affections, desires, and hopes. If we focus all or most of our time, energy, and effort on building our wealth, managing our money, storing up piles of money, chasing after jewelry, art, gold, handbags, shoes, cars, houses, etc, it shows that wealth and possessions are what our hearts are focused on. Rather, if we focus on treasuring Christ in our hearts, our hearts will glow with the fruits of the Holy Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - and we will lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven through displaying those fruits as Christians. These treasures will be forever, where moths and rust can't destroy and thieves can't break in and steal them. These treasures please the Lord and are safe with Him for an eternity. Have an Eternal Perspective on Your Life I encourage you to develop an eternal perspective on your life, and live your life in the light of eternity. Even though this eternal perspective is future directed, it creates peace and joy in the present and helps you cherish the present all the much more. This perspective also helps you to endure your present sufferings and glorify God through them. If you don't know how to find or develop this perspective, pray to God and simply ask Him for it. He loves when you ask Him for things according to His will! I am also glad to pray for you too. Feel free to send me a prayer request. You do not have, because you do not ask. (James 4:2) The Beatitudes: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil things against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:3-12 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Acts 2:38 Dear Lord Jesus, May we all be blessings to one another, sharing the Truth in boldness and in love, and encouraging each other to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, I ask that You may give us the grace to repent of our sins; turn from our own ways, and turn to You, Jesus. May we obey You because we love You: The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). True Saving Faith Must Have Repentance Christians will still sin every day in this broken world, but true saving faith means we repent and fully surrender ourselves to Christ, sincerely trusting in Him. Repentance is not a work we do to earn heaven. Repentance starts with a change of mind that brings us in line with the Truth; where we realize how wretched, poor, blind, and naked we are, and utterly dependent on God for everything. Those who truly believe, repent, and those who repent are saved. In Scripture, repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. True repentance happens when we’re confronted by the gospel and what Christ did for us on the cross, where we rethink everything. We rethink who we are and if we’re really as good, rich, deserving of eternal life, and ready for death as we once thought. True repentance humbles us and goes hand in hand with brokenness. There is no such thing as boasting in true repentance. Repentance starts with a change of mind and heart, where a change of actions and a change of life follows. You will follow what you are convicted of. I pray that we all are so convicted of the Truth and unashamed of the gospel that we all repent of our sins and follow boldly after You, Lord – our only hope and our only way to eternal life. Having repentance is turning away from our sins, often found in our own pride and self-sufficiency; it’s turning away from worldly comforts and idols that we often cling to and put before Christ; and it’s turning to God in humility and trusting obedience to do His will, not ours. Many times in the New Testament, Jesus commands us to repent. Repent and believe in the gospel! (Mark 1:15) See also (Mat. 4:17), (Luke 5:32). Jesus also said, Unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3). Repentance is absolutely necessary for salvation. All the Graces of Christianity Flow Together We know we cannot earn our salvation by works, and we know that we are saved by grace through faith, but faith that does not bear evidence of good fruit - is dead. Scripture connects bearing good fruit to repentance and obedience, while bearing bad fruit is connected to selfishness, sin, and immoral behavior. Jesus said, Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven (Matthew 7:20–21). True saving faith causes us to be sensitive to sin and instills in us a real desire to obey Christ. Furthermore, faith produces love, and love produces good fruits. Jesus connects these good fruits with obedience and keeping His commandments, and having love in our hearts. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples (John 15:8). If you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15). True saving faith is building a life on what God says in His word. Having faith is not just a deep feeling or an inner knowing based on our own human wisdom, it is not just a mental affirmation of Christ’s existence, it is not just an assent to the truth, but true saving faith must include repentance and a real desire to obey the Word of God and follow Christ over ourselves. Obedience to Christ is love, and love for Christ is obedience. Faith fills our hearts with love and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Where there is genuine faith in Jesus Christ there is also a genuine transformation of the heart. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Thessalonians 5:28 Love, Jenna All the graces of Christianity always go together. Where there is one, the rest follow. Where there is faith, there is love, hope, and humility, and where there is love there is also trust; and where there is a holy trust in God, there is love to God; and where there is gracious hope, there also is a holy fear of God. - Jonathan Edwards in “Charity and Its Fruits" 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.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40 If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold guiltless anyone who takes his name in vain. Exodus 20:7 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:3-4 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:31-32

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 Dear Lord, We praise You for the joy and the blessings that You give us! Joy in the life of a Christian is a testimony to the world. The joy we experience in Christ shines like a beautiful light for others to see. Describing the joy we have as Christians is a wonderful way to open the conversation to share the gospel. Lord, please help us to plant seeds of truth in others - through our joy in You. Joy is not icing on the cake but an essential ingredient in our lives. If joy is essential, then it must mean that joy is possible. Joy is not optional either. We are commanded over 30 times in the Bible to rejoice! So, living a life of worry, stress, anger, or bitterness violates that command. Although we may go through seasons of life where we feel sorrow, those seasons shouldn’t overcome us as Christians. And even through our sufferings, we know there is always a joy to be discovered in the deep reservoirs of Christ. Although there will be many times when we are tempted to worry, feel resentment or anger, we cannot let these feelings define our lives - because we are Christians. And as Christians we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, with joy being one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Lord, we ask that you help us rejoice always because we already have everything we will ever need in this life and in the one to come – We have You, Jesus. All glory belongs to You, My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In Jesus’ Name, I pray Amen. Love, Jenna

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound for us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Dear Lord, I praise You for being a God so full of compassion and comfort. I pray that You help me to always look to You in obedience, doing Your will and trusting You with everything. Every time I mess up, please help me to run right back into Your merciful arms, confessing my sins to You and repenting. How I praise You for your endless mercy, rooted in Your infinite love for me! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most comforting thing in the world to us as Christians. It’s the best news known to mankind; the greatest hope imaginable; the supreme promise of perfect peace to all who believe. The gospel is the Truth, and the Truth is the most loving thing there is! The Truth is Jesus Christ Himself. We all need the gospel. The gospel is not to make our lives more comfortable, but the gospel is to change us, to save us, and to bring to us a real sense of comfort in God Himself. Jesus Christ is not a means to easy or comfortable living, but He is our comfort. He is our joy. He is our hope. He is our peace. He is our everything. When we have Christ, we have everything we will ever need. Lord, please help me to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are still lost. I pray that You touch them with Your grace, soften their hearts, and open their eyes so that they may believe in You too and be saved. All glory belongs to You, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray amen. Love, Jenna