Search

He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:31 Jesus' Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31 *Moses and the Prophets means the Scriptures. Dear Heavenly Father, By Your grace, You saved me from my sins and Your eternal wrath to come. The relief is just overwhelming at times; to know that I don’t have to suffer for eternity because Jesus paid it all for me on the cross. Not only did You save me from hell, but You gifted me with the tremendous gift of eternal life, by grace through faith in Jesus. You had mercy on me and saved me from what I deserved. And by Your grace, You gifted me what I never deserved. For all eternity I will praise You, Jesus! The reality of hell and eternal damnation are terrifying, and rightly so. This is certainly not a bad thing to be afraid of the reality of hell. Knowing the terror of the Lord is important for sinners to come to Christ and be saved and for the saints to carry the message of the gospel faithfully to those who need Jesus. For when we are secure in Jesus, we have nothing to fear, past, present, or future! Lord, I thank You for revealing to me in Your Word the way to escape judgment and eternal damnation and find eternal life in You. Scripture is more precious than all the riches in the world. Scripture is the wisdom that leads to salvation. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, Scripture all points to salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. All Scripture is God’s revelation to mankind. That means, it reveals. And what God reveals, He wants us to know and hold fast to. The Bible is God speaking to us. Scripture is God communicating to us who He is and how to find eternal life in Him. From Genesis to Revelation, the entire Bible is one unfolding story of God’s love, mercy, and saving grace towards sinners through Jesus Christ. Like Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man did not go to hell because he was rich and didn’t share his wealth. Nor did Lazarus go to heaven because he was poor. We don’t go to hell because we are rich. Nor do we earn heaven by suffering and being deprived in this life. We don’t earn heaven by our race or ethnicity, nor do we earn heaven because we have sinned less than others or because we are less selfish than others. We don’t earn heaven because we are religious, get baptized, take communion, or go to church on Sundays. Eternal life is not a matter of being religious or even having a very refined theology. Eternal life is a gift by God’s divine grace, not by human achievement, earthly status, or by our own works. There is no earning our way to salvation. Heaven will only be our eternal experience because we have believed the Scriptures, which is the wisdom that points us all to Jesus. We are saved by grace alone and granted eternal life when we repent with a contrite heart and put our faith in a gracious, merciful, and loving God who has provided the perfect sacrifice for our sins for those who turn to Him. By opening the Scriptures, we come to a genuine understanding of the biblical definitions of faith in Jesus, God's grace, and true love, defined by God Himself. These are terms we certainly do not want to get wrong in this short life, and that's why we must never trust in our own minds, feelings, or personal definitions of these critical terms. Theology matters!!! We must never trust in our own ideas and personal standards about what faith in Jesus means to us or who we personally believe God to be. But we must open the Scriptures and trust in God's written Word and who He says He is and how we are to escape judgment and find eternal life in Him through His own Words. God gave us His Word not so we would set it on a shelf somewhere and go about our life but that we would open it, read it, believe Him, and praise Him for showing us the way! Lord, I pray that we turn away from our sins and turn to Jesus and receive the glorious gift of eternal life that You so mercifully offer. Lord, I pray that we all take You at Your Word. May we believe You in who You say You are through Your Word, not who we feel or think You are based on our own finite minds and emotions, human logic or reasoning, or personal preferences. Help us trust in You with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). We all get one chance at eternal life. Now is our chance in this short and fleeting life. We are living on borrowed time. This is the favorable “year” of the Lord, meaning the day of salvation is today. That’s because tomorrow is never promised. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). The most universal gift of God’s common grace is time: time to repent, time to believe, time to be saved. God is loving, merciful, patient and long-suffering, and we are living in the time right now of His patience, mercy, and grace. This life is short and eternity is forever, so it is only logical to live this short life in the light of eternity. Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). The gospel is urgent because life is short, the world is deceptive, sin is damning, death is certain, hell is a reality, eternity is forever, salvation is available, and there is only one way, and that way is through Jesus Christ; Lord to all regardless of personal preferences and Savior to all who put their trust in Him. Lord, help me share the gospel boldly in love, understanding the world will mock me and hate me for it. Help me to not care what people think of me. Help me to only care what You think of me. May I glorify You by loving people enough to tell them the truth and point them to the Scriptures. May You help me to always put other people's souls above my own worldly reputation and personal comfort for the sake of the truth. Although the truth is highly offensive because it talks about sin, judgment, and hell, the truth is the most loving thing there is. Help me to always share the truth in love, gentleness, and patience, pointing everyone to Jesus by pointing everyone to the Scriptures - the wisdom that leads to salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, I pray amen. Check out my recent blog that goes with this prayer - "Believe the Scriptures" PS, I am well aware of how long my blogs are! I am working on trying not to write so much, but let me tell you...I struggle with that. There's just so much I am compelled to say, especially when it comes to the definition of true saving faith in Jesus, which is often a big detour in most of my blogs. But I'm working on it because I know my blogs are just too long for one sitting, and it's important that the truth I'm sharing is received with peace and joy..and not where you get bored or overwhelmed with how much more there is to go that you just drop off. Nobody got time for 14-minute blogs! Also, I get we are in the era of Tik Tok, an era of instant gratification. In 2022, our attention spans have officially dropped to an average of 8 seconds - becoming less than a goldfish, who beats us at 9 seconds. So yeah, I am working on shortening my blogs. :) I love you guys! Love, Jenna I tell you No! Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 Salvation is found in no one else, and there is no name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

“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. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Matthew 7:21-23 “To preach Christ is our delight. To uplift his cross is the joy of our hearts. Our Master is our witness. We love to blow the silver trumpets…But knowing the terror of the Lord, these solemn things lie upon our conscience, and while it is hard to preach of them, it would be harder still to bear the doom which must rest upon the silent minister. The unfaithful watchman who did not warn the sinner and who must therefore eternally bear the sinner’s blood upon his head because he warned him not.” - Charles Spurgeon "The subject of hell is not a popular subject by any means; and yet, it is a necessary one. It is a compassionate preacher who preaches on hell. It is a loving preacher, a sympathetic preacher who warns people of the horrors of eternal punishment. All of that is true because it was a sympathetic God who revealed hell to us, and a sympathetic Christ who was the primary preacher of hell." - John Macarthur Testimony of One Surprised to Be In Hell I'd like to share this series with you. It is preached by John Macarthur, and it's about Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus. According to Scripture, he explains what hell is like, why the rich man went to hell, and what sends people to hell. And as always, MacArthur preaches the way to salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone. I highly recommend this to every believer and non-believer, for we are all sinners and are deserving of God's eternal wrath. Only by grace through faith in Jesus do we escape God's judgment and eternal damnation and are granted eternal life. Testimony of One Surprised to Be in Hell Part 1 Testimony of One Surprised to Be in Hell Part 2 Testimony of One Surprised to Be in Hell Part 3 - If you don't want to listen to the full series, I recommend just listening to Part 3. Testimony of One Surprised to Be in Hell Part 4 Testimony of One Surprised to Be in Hell Part 5 Jesus Was a Hell-Fire Preacher As the most tender-hearted and compassionate person who ever lived, Jesus was a hell-fire preacher. In Scripture, Jesus preaches far more on the dangers of hell than He does on the glories of heaven. Our Lord Jesus speaks more about hell than everyone else in Scripture combined. And He doesn't only reference hell, but He explains it in great detail and with emphasis - all because He loves us. Jesus wants us to be fully aware of hell, and He provides us the way to escape God's eternal judgment. Not only that, He warns us over and over about it. When Jesus speaks, I do well to listen to Him, especially when He repeats Himself. Jesus says, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28). Fear is not the enemy but the sinner's friend when it comes to hell and God's eternal wrath. Here's a simple illustration. It's kind of like being on an edge of a cliff without a net or a parachute, and we are forced to jump for whatever reason. Fear is our friend in that case, and fear drives us to put on the parachute. If we aren't scared, we won't feel the need to be driven to safety. Being oblivious about hell is stupidity. Fearing hell is not. Fear helps drive us to the foot of the cross and cry out for Jesus. It is a healthy thing to fear hell and the terror of the Lord, in order that we may come to Him by His grace. And once we are secure in Christ Jesus by grace through faith, we have nothing to fear - past, present, or future. We only have more to rejoice in and praise God for, understanding what He has saved us from. It's only when we fear God more than we fear man that He becomes our sanctuary. The doctrine of hell has played a major part in my walk with Jesus and has been integral in my understanding and growth as a Christian. Without understanding the doctrine of hell, we miss a massive part of Christianity, a huge puzzle piece to the Christian faith. Without understanding the reality of hell and why people go there, we rob ourselves of a complete understanding of who God is; His character and His attributes. It also robs us of an eternal perspective that we are called to live by. As Christians, if we don't gain a proper perspective of hell, or even worse, if we choose to ignore it completely, our growth becomes severely stunted. From that, we miss out on a greater joy and peace in the Christian life. When hell becomes more real to us, that's when we become more faithful and bold in sharing the gospel, which is the reason why God keeps His children in this world. As believers, we are meant to shine the light and point everyone to Christ. In other words, the doctrine of hell is foundational for every single Christian, both who have a simple faith or a complex faith. Willful Ignorance Ignorance is lacking knowledge or understanding of something. When we are ignorant, we are unaware or uninformed. At times, we can be ignorant simply because we didn't know there was something we needed to know. Other times, we may be ignorant because we’ve made the choice not to learn or understand something we need to know. This is called willful ignorance. What does God say about ignorance? He says, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you" (Hosea 4:6). To willfully reject the knowledge God has compassionately supplied us through His Word is a sinful ignorance. That's because it’s ignorance rooted in choice. Ignorance without choice about earthly matters is understandable. However, willful ignorance about spiritual matters and our eternal destiny found only in the Word of God, can lead us to our eternal demise (Romans 1:18-23). “We are required and obligated not only to know it (Scripture), but to live by it, by every Word that comes to us by God” – RC Sproul. Hell is a Painful Topic, Yet Vital Hell is a painful and sobering topic, but it is one that we mustn't be willfully ignorant of, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Hell is an eternal reality, and it is the very reality from which Jesus saved me. Understanding what Scripture says about hell has brought me to a deeper level of gratitude and peace that I could have never attained otherwise. It has made me stronger in my walk with Christ and has given me the ability to praise God in a greater way, understanding more what I deserve and what He has saved me from. By His Spirit through His Word, understanding more about hell and God's mercy has had its sanctifying effects on me. Sanctify them by the truth. Your Word is truth (John 17:17). In other words, it has made me grow in my walk with Jesus. Not only that, understanding the doctrine of hell has helped me be more confident and bold in sharing the gospel and pointing others to Jesus. The perspective I've gained from learning about hell is one I cannot explain. It's been difficult to come to grips with at times, but it has been foundational in my Christian walk. A Little Bit About John MacArthur & Saving Faith I look up to John MacArthur because not only is he faithful to God's Word, but He is loving to tell us the truth, especially when the truth is hard to hear. Throughout his entire ministry, He has put other people's eternal souls before his own comfort and worldly reputation. He warns people of the danger they are in without Christ and faithfully preaches the way to salvation. By doing this, MacArthur is often perceived by the world as judgmental, hateful, and even evil. Not only that, he is falsely accused of preaching a works-based gospel by many so-called evangelicals who tragically confuse obedience to God's word with self-merit and human works. They think teaching repentance is a violation to the gospel. In reality, repentance and faith are interchangeable in which repentance is inherent in believing and believing is inherent in repentance. They are two sides of the same coin, and no one can demonstrate true faith without demonstrating repentance of sin. MacArthur preaches the pure gospel of Jesus Christ that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. He preaches that we are not saved by good works, but we are saved by faith alone for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10). A big part of MacArthur's ministry, along with those who are reformed and believe in Sola Scripture (Scripture alone), explains how authentic faith in Christ will naturally produce good works by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Good works and holy living as a general lifestyle are objective evidence of our inward faith in Jesus. As much as one cannot separate heat from fire, one cannot separate obedience from faith. Faith and obedience / Believe and obey / disbelieve and disobey are synonymous throughout all of Scripture, and they come from the same exact word in the original Greek, Pisteuo. It means to believe, entrust, to be persuaded of, to place confidence in of the thing believed, to dedicate one’s life to, to submit one’s life to, to obey. Obedience organically results from an inward persuasion of the truth in Jesus and consequent faith. God's grace is not given to believers so that we may live however we want as if we don't believe in Him. God's grace is given to believers so that we may have the power to repent, carry out good works in His name, and glorify Him. Many so-called evangelicals twist faithfulness and obedience to God's Word into a works-based gospel simply to try to get out of obeying God. Instead, they try to turn God's grace into a license to sin. It's just another type of self-deception to confuse works with genuine trust and obedience to God's Word. This is because there is a lack of trust in God's authority and goodness and a love for sin still. MacArthur is a godly mentor who has taught me a lot in my Christian walk; all the way from understanding more what it means to have true saving faith in Jesus to the place called hell. It's not easy to warn people about hell, but it is absolutely necessary, and I admire his love for the Truth and others. MacArthur has been an encouragement to me with sharing the Truth in love with my own tiny ministry. Eternities hang in the balance, and that's why sharing the whole gospel can be such an energy drainer. It's just so important; The gospel is dire, and this life is but a vapor. It is nothing other than God's divine grace that is with preachers who preach the true gospel. I admire all faithful gospel preachers who speak the truth in love. For without love in one's ministry, there is no true ministry. Believe the Scriptures One of the most loving and selfless things we could ever do for someone is give them the whole gospel, warn them of the burning building they are standing in, and point them to the Scriptures: to Jesus. Scripture is the wisdom that leads to eternal life and all point to salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. By opening the Scriptures, we come to a genuine understanding of the biblical definitions of faith in Jesus, God's grace, and true love, defined by God Himself. These are terms we certainly do not want to get wrong, and that's why we must never trust in our own minds, feelings, or personal definitions of these critical terms. We must never trust in our own ideas and personal standards about what faith in Jesus means to us or who we personally believe God to be. But we must open the Scriptures and trust in God's written Word and who He says He is and how we are to escape judgment and find eternal life in Him through His own Words. Scripture is abundantly clear too, and God has made it very simple for us because He wants us to get it right. What God reveals in His Word, He wants us to know and hold fast to, otherwise, He wouldn't have written it. He is not going to make the way to salvation confusing for us, for He is not the author of confusion. He clearly spells out the way to eternal life for us, over and over in the Scriptures. We either trust His clear, authoritative written Word for eternal life, or we trust in our own minds and personal definitions of the terms like faith, grace, and love. Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26). (wisdom here means the Scriptures). Everything we hear from our teachers or pastors, we must also search the Scriptures ourselves and see if what they say lines up with God's written Word. Let the Holy Spirit be your Guide, who guides you into all truths and helps you discern right from almost right. Even here, everything I'm saying - don't blindly trust me. See if what I say lines up with Scripture, and trust in God's written Word with all your heart. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Love your friendly watchman on the wall, Jenna “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” - Charles Spurgeon “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’” (Luke 16:31).

Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 Dear Lord Jesus, I praise You for who You are. You are merciful, gracious, and loving. You saved me from my sins, and You gifted me with my faith to believe in the gospel. My repentance and faith were not of my own doing, but a gift from above. (Ephesians 2:8-9). For I am sure of this: I couldn't have ever repented on my own strength or believed on my own merit, but only by Your grace. "The greatest act of mercy God performs is giving the gift of faith." When I was weary and burdened, You had mercy on me and drew me to Your Word. It was the work of the Holy Spirit that carried salvation to me through Your Word. And by Your grace, I responded with childlike faith in Jesus. So faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God (Romans 10:17). I praise You for who You are. You are not strict or harsh with me. You are not some taskmaster in the sky who gives me heavy burdens or demands difficult things from me. Rather, You are the Creator of heaven and earth who is patient and kind. You are gentle and humble in heart. Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. And it’s only in You that I find rest for my soul. Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 This verse is a beautiful gospel invitation to all those who are weary and burdened by their sins and desire to be saved from them. The gospel is for all those who yearn to be freed from the heavy yoke of iniquity and the endless, vain striving in self-sufficiency. Jesus extends His invitation to all those who labor and are heavy-laden; those who are crushed under the Law and working for salvation; those who are wounded emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Like a bruised reed or a smoldering wick, Jesus invites all those who are weak and broken to come to Him. To the world, bruised reeds and smoldering wicks have no power, purpose, or importance. They are often overlooked, marginalized, or despised. But these are exactly the ones whom Jesus calls, and He offers a shalom for our restlessness. a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, (Matthew 12:20). Jesus has compassion for the bruised reed, for He was bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). On the cross, Jesus was bruised on the behalf of those bruised by their own sins. He was sent into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32). He was sent to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim liberty to the captives, (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Matthew 9:12). The gospel can only be received with a humble heart that recognizes its own sinfulness and need of a Savior. Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). Humility is key in receiving Jesus, and it’s only by God’s grace that we are humbled to receive Him through child-like faith. Child-like faith does not mean childish or immature, but trustful, teachable, and obedient. The gospel is an open invitation to all who are bruised, smoldering, weary, and burdened. Jesus tells us to come just as we are, but He doesn't intend to leave us that way. Jesus didn't come to affirm us in our sinful state and accept us just the way we are. Rather, He came to save us from our sins, call us to repentance, and transform our hearts and minds to live our lives for Him, the One who died for us. It's the invitation of all invitations, and I am so moved that by His grace, I accepted. Lord Jesus, You died on the cross for my sins and rose again that I may find eternal life in You. I was once weary and burdened by my sins, but You had mercy on me. By Your grace, You granted me repentance, drew me to Your Word, and gifted me with my faith to believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I praise You for saving me from my sins and inviting me into Your eternal rest. It’s only from a place of stability and rest that power can flow. Jesus, it’s only in You that I find my joy and strength. I praise You for who You are. You are gentle and humble in heart. I pray that You help me be gentle and humble in heart, too. All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray amen. The gospel is open to all; the most respectable sinner has no more claim on it than the worst. Martyn Lloyd-Jones The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of who I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:15-16). Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:35-37 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 Dear Lord Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior, and You are my best friend. There is no one else who can share the depth of grief I may feel or the heights of joy I experience. You know every feeling I feel to its fullest extent, every single hair that is on my head, and Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely (Psalm 139:4). I love the intimacy that I share with You, Jesus! For You love each and every one of Your children as if there were only one of us! "God is the most glorified in us when we are the most satisfied in Him." - John Piper. The latest news, TV shows, fantasy land, Tik Tok and Instagram reels, and entertainment are all Satan's substitutes for joy. The more joy I have in Jesus, the less entertainment I need to fill me up. All I need is Jesus if I want to have real satisfaction and peace in my heart. With peace and satisfaction comes joy. All I need is Jesus if I want to feel joy in my heart. I find joy in Jesus when I come to Him and spend time with Him. I find joy in Jesus when I do my work for Him. I find joy in Jesus when I open His Word and listen to Him. I find joy in Jesus when I love and obey His Word. I find joy in Jesus when I reflect on who He is and what He did for me. Jesus is all I need if I want joy. He is the epitome of joy. He is the source of joy. And with my joy in the Lord, comes strength! Of course, my brothers and sisters in Christ bring me great joy too! I need them to help strengthen me in my faith and daily walk with Jesus. We all have our own personal walks with Jesus, but we are here for each other to help and encourage one another on our way to heaven. My walk with Jesus should never be kept hidden or concealed from others as if it were a secret. Like any other joy we share, our joy in Jesus will be the fullest when we share Him with others. "The greatest joy is to know Jesus. The second greatest joy is to make Him known." Steve Lawson. Lord, I pray that You help me share Your truth in boldness and confidence in You. I ask that You help me to never be ashamed of Christ and to never shy away when the opportunity arises to say Your name with conviction or to share the gospel with those who desperately need You. Help me put others' eternal souls above my own comfort and worldly reputation. Help me to be loving and gentle when sharing the Truth. And also help me to never compromise on the hard or uncomfortable parts of it. Help me tell the whole Truth in love. Lord, give me the grace to always be a blessing to others and to glorify You in everything that I do, say, and think. When I live for the glory of God, I live out my God-given purpose, and that is wonderful! It brings me joy to bring You glory! The glory of God is none other than the glory of Jesus Christ, for they are one and the same. I want to live for You because You died for me, Jesus. Although I will stumble, I desire to obey Your Word and walk in Your ways because I trust You! Your Word is good and perfect in every way. And I know that by Your grace You will keep me from ever falling away indefinitely. The Holy Spirit gives me the grace to walk in Thy statutes and is the guarantee of my inheritance in heaven (Ephesians 1:14). How comforting is Your grace! I am secure in Your arms for all eternity! Praise You! Lord, thank you for choosing me, cleansing me of my sins, saving me, setting me apart, and loving me with an eternal love. What. A. Gift. You are my everlasting joy, Jesus! All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. Love, Jenna 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 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 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:7-11). Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19 Dear Lord Jesus, May my meditations be pleasing to You, for I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:34 Lord, I pray that You Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:2-24 Lord, help me Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 I pray that You protect me from the evil one and comfort me with Your presence. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 I pray that You help me trust in You alone and not in my own mind or human reasoning. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 Lord, please help me seek to understand Your Word accurately and interpret it responsibly. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Lord, I praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is my teacher and my helper, guiding me into all truth. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. 1 John 2:27 Lord, help me be prepared to answer everyone for the hope that I have in You. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:15 Lord, help me put off the old self, which belongs to my former manner of life, and help me put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter: 14-15 Lord, help me suffer for the sake of Christ, and so do the will of God in this way. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29 Lord, remind me always of this magnificent truth, and comfort me in knowing that You work everything into good for those who love You. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Lord, thank You for taking away my anxieties when I bring them to You. You are my refuge and the God of all comfort. I always feel relaxed and calm after spending time with you. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Lord, I pray for all of my brothers and sisters to come to know You more and more and grow in the grace and knowledge of You…and I pray that for me too. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 Lord, I praise You for Your grace that gives me the power to choose that which is good, right, and true by Your gift of the Holy Spirit who lives inside me. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:1-2 Lord, I give my life to You because You died for me. I believe in who You are and what You did for me. May You help me live for You every single day, keeping you at the center of my life 24-7-365. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 Lord, I thank You for saving me, washing me, and setting me free in Jesus, by grace through faith. I am no longer in bondage to sin and condemned by the Law. I am a new creation in Christ and now walk in the Spirit by Your grace. Therefore there is now no condemnation for those found in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 I praise You for being the God of peace. Thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. What a precious gift that comes with having faith in You! Your peace helps me sleep soundly at night, knowing I am forever secure in Jesus, no matter what. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 Lord, I know that nothing is impossible for You. With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26 Lord Jesus, help me come to know You more, grow with You more, and love You more. Help me love others more too. Help me be more patient, gentle, and meek. I pray for a more humble heart, which generates true love for others. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, I pray amen. Love, Jenna 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 “If our Gospel were received in peace, it wouldn't be the true Gospel.” - Martin Luther Dear Heavenly Father, You are the God of peace. Your peace is a gift, and it comes by grace through faith in Your beloved Son, Jesus, who took the full penalty on the cross for my sins, saved me from the eternal wrath I deserve, and granted me eternal life in Him. When I think about this truth, it just continues to stagger the imagination. Every day I find myself shaking my head in awe at what Jesus did for me. My God died for me. I have no words to express my gratitude except to say, Praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! All glory belongs to You forever and ever! All is well with my soul because I trust in Jesus as my Savior, and because I trust Him, I submit to Him as my Lord. For by grace I have been saved. His saving grace fills me with the peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). He is my peace and joy, and everything in this world pales in comparison to Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The Prince of Peace One of the many names Jesus was known by was The Prince of Peace. Verses like John 14:27, John 16:33, Ephesians 2:14, and Colossians 3:15 talk about how peace comes from Jesus. By God’s grace, those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus are gifted eternal life, which produces a supernatural peace. This type of peace is the peace between man and God; the peace that surpasses all understanding. Those who are justified by faith and are in right standing with God, have peace with God. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). On the contrary, those who reject the gospel and the gift of eternal life through Christ will continually find themselves at war with God. People who reject Jesus may have a false sense of peace through their own deception, but they do not have any true peace. However, deep down in their souls, they cry out to God because He has put eternity into their hearts. (Ecclesiastes 3:11). God created us with the innate desire to live forever. No one wants to die. Not Peace, But a Sword What did Jesus mean when He said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). A sword is something that cuts and divides. Jesus meant that there will be division in the world because of Him. In Luke, He says, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division (Luke 12:51). This means there will be conflict and division between truth and lies, good and evil, light and dark, children of God who believe in Jesus, and children of Satan who reject Jesus. Although there will be a division in this world that comes from believing in Christ, (especially when we boldly proclaim His truth and share the gospel), we as believers should seek to be at peace with all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18). Seeking to be at peace with all men doesn’t mean we stop sharing the gospel because of the hostility it brings. As believers, we are never to compromise the Truth for the sake of "keeping the peace" or for unity. However, we are called to be discerning and know when to shake the dust off our feet when sharing the gospel. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town (Matthew 10:13-14). We are never to continue sharing the free gift of eternal life with someone who refuses to receive something so glorious. Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs (Matthew 7:6). If we do, God's judgment on that person only increases, as the more truth we are given, the more responsibility we have towards it. To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). The World Loves Darkness We also must remember that Jesus warns us that we will be hated for His sake. “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you (John 15:18-19). It shouldn't come as any surprise that at times when we share the gospel, we will be reviled or hated for it. Many people in the world coexist peacefully and get along just fine with self-professing Christians. That's because most self-professing Christians don't tell people about the truth in Jesus or the truth about hell to those who don't believe in Him. They don't tell people about their sins and their need to repent and believe in the gospel. They don't warn people of the dangers of hell at all, which is one of the most loving and selfless things we could do, however uncomfortable it may be. Instead, many so-called Christians just blend right in with the rest of the unbelieving world so there is no clear division between light and dark. Most self-professing Christians still want to be friends with the world, which is enmity with God (James 4:4). Many self-professing Christians want to be liked, admired, and thought highly of. Therefore, to obtain that status, they don't share what will divide them from everyone else - the Truth. Jesus said, Woe to you when all the people speak well of you; for their fathers used to treat the false prophets the same way (Luke 6:26). It's when Christians start boldly proclaiming the Truth out loud that we begin to experience the division Jesus talks about. Persecution shows the true converts from the false ones. And suffering for Jesus' sake is one way that gives believers assurance of their salvation. We Are the Aroma of Christ The light we carry as believers either attracts or repels people. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). All those who reject and hate the light and truth that is in Jesus, also reject and hate His messengers who carry it. That’s because the Truth is light, and those who live in darkness are disturbed by those who carry the light. The Truth sheds light on their evil deeds that are done in darkness, and people hate to be exposed. Conflict and division will inevitably occur when we shine the light of the gospel in dark places. For God So Loved The World 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:16-21). It's the world's love of the darkness that brings judgment on them in the end. Jesus warns us that this division arises within families too. As a result, some children will be set against their own parents or brothers and sisters. A person’s enemies may be from their own household. This is at times part of the cost of true discipleship. We should never choose family over Christ. If we are faced with the painful choice of loyalty to family over loyalty to Jesus, we must always choose Jesus. Even if our family disowns us for being Christian, we must choose to follow Christ instead of forsaking Christ to be accepted by our family. To read more about true discipleship, check out my blog, Counting the Costs. An Audience of One Lord, although proclaiming Your Truth in this dark and deceived world will cause people to think I'm weird and "super religious," or avoid me, gossip about me, unfriend me on social media, or even hate me, help me boldly proclaim it anyways. Help me be loving enough to warn people of the dangers of hell and point them to the only One who can save them – Jesus. By Your grace, help me stand fearlessly on biblical truth and speak the Truth in gentleness, patience, and love, not caring what the world thinks of me. Lord, help me live for an audience of One and only care about what You think of me. May I live to please You and glorify You in all that I think, say, and do. Although I know I will stumble, the Holy Spirit will keep me from falling away and He will gently convict me when I sin and guide me back to You. Help me to live for You 24-7-365. Help me grow in my relationship with You through reading and hearing Your Word. Sanctify them by the truth. Your Word is truth (John 17:17). "If you please God, it doesn't matter whom you displease. And if you displease God, it doesn't matter whom you please." ~Steven Lawson. All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! In Jesus’ Name, I pray amen. Love, Jenna Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility Ephesians 2:14 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 Dear Lord Jesus, I praise You for choosing me, saving me from my sins and the eternal wrath to come, and for granting me eternal life by grace through faith. I praise You for the treasure I forever have in You, Jesus. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3:8). All the treasures in the world put together couldn't even hold a candle to the treasure I have in You, Jesus. You are the Treasure of all treasures. The Lord Looks at the Heart During Jesus’ earthly ministry, most people in His audience believed that what was most important to God was their performance - their outward actions and external keeping of the Law. The Pharisees were considered highly spiritual by others because they were strict and rigid in their religiosity and traditions. First off, no one could ever earn eternal life by the way of good works, for we are saved by grace through faith alone, but true saving faith naturally produces good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). Secondly, Jesus teaches that God cares about what's in a person's heart. Righteous behavior is only truly righteous, and saving faith in Jesus is only proven authentic 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). Professions of faith in Christ and external obedience are empty and futile without a loving, trusting heart in Jesus. You Can't Serve Two Masters 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 anxious, greedy, or tied to perishable money or earthly treasures in any way). We can't truly serve our Lord Jesus if we are also serving money. We either trust in Jesus, or we trust in money. “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24). As believers, we trust that no matter what, God always provides. If He provides for the sparrows, we can trust that He will never fail to provide for His own children. Money and possessions are all temporary things and are easily lost or stolen. Everything on earth belongs to God anyways, and these things are not for us to keep in this temporary, fleeting life. We will 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 our real home in heaven, in the presence of our Lord Jesus, and in the fullness of His glory forever. Lay Up Treasure in Heaven Instead of laying up treasures here on earth, Jesus says to lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. We are to store up rewards in eternity by expressing sacrificial love, devotion, and obedience to God and others during our short time on earth. Every loving thought, word, deed, and prayer produced from a trusting heart in Jesus will be rewarded to the believer as treasure in heaven; a treasure that can never perish or be stolen for all eternity. The point Jesus is making isn’t that Christians shouldn’t 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 eternity. He is to be our supreme treasure every single day. He is to be at the center of everything we do, say, and think, not just something added to our lives. Our attitudes towards wealth matter because our hearts are owned by whatever we consider our treasure to be. For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also (Luke 12:34). The treasure of our hearts, whether perishable or imperishable, proves to be the real foundation of our affections. 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 cars, houses, jewelry, art, gold, handbags, shoes, etc, it shows that wealth and possessions are what our hearts are focused on. Rather, if we focus on treasuring Jesus in our hearts and living for the glory of God, our hearts will glow with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. And we will walk in the Spirit and obedience to His Word as we lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. These treasures will be forever, where moths and rust can't destroy, and where thieves can't break in and steal them. (Matthew 6:19-20). These are treasures that please the Lord and are safe with Him for eternity. Invest Wisely The wisest investment one could ever possibly make is investing in the glory of God by doing the will of God. And the will of God is found in the Word of God. We are to invest in our eternity wisely by investing in Jesus. Lord, help me to live every day with keeping an eternal perspective on my life and living all for the glory of You. Help me to live this short life in the light of eternity, and give me the grace to live every day as if Jesus is coming back tonight. This life is but a vapor. You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Keeping an eternal perspective also helps me to better endure my present sufferings and glorify God through them. For my brothers and sisters who want to develop this perspective more, pray to our Father in heaven and simply ask Him for it! He loves when you ask Him for things according to His will! You do not have, because you do not ask (James 4:2). And let's renew our minds in the truth in Jesus by opening our Bibles and keeping them open. When we grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is, that eternal perspective will become more of a reality in our hearts - because it truly is our future reality when we trust in Jesus. And how awesome is that?! Lord, help me treasure You above all things every single day. And when I fail to treasure You as I ought, help quickly guide me back onto Your path of righteousness for Your name's sake. By Your grace, help me live for the very purpose for which you created me - for the glory of You. All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. “I am so thankful that I have a joy that the world can not rob me of; I have a treasure that the world can not take from me; I have something that is not in the power of man or devil to deprive me of, and that is the joy of the LORD.” D.L. Moody Love, Jenna 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 We Cannot Earn Salvation. It's a Gift. "Legalism is an attempt to make ourselves more acceptable to God by the deeds we do...The Spirit enables us to do the duty to which the Bible calls us. It is not an attempt to make ourselves acceptable to God, but it is to live in the empowerment of God in a way that pleases Him...Hearing the Word without doing it, professing it without practicing it, singing 'Jesus is King' and pleasing myself is an indication of the fact that I have never truly trusted in Christ. And therefore, we must examine ourselves and run afresh to Christ." - Alistair Begg from False Teachers Among You Series (Part 3 of 3) Nothing we do can earn God’s favor. We cannot earn salvation by our own self-perceived “goodness,” our good works, or a lifestyle change, for we are saved by grace through faith alone. Even our repentance and faith do not originate from ourselves. They do not come by personal merit, human achievement, or our own strength so that we may not boast, except in the Lord. so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Rather, genuine repentance and true saving faith are gifts by God’s grace, and all the glory belongs to Jesus for our salvation."You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary." - Jonathan Edwards Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. When we repent (turn from our sins) and turn to Jesus, good fruit and holy living become a natural by-product of saving faith in Christ. This is evidence that we are children of God and born again into His living hope. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved to good works. We are saved by faith alone but it is not a faith that is alone. “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” – Martin Luther. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?...So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:14,17). Enabled by His Grace True faith in Jesus naturally stirs up good works in believers by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17). Good works do not come from our own striving or human willpower. Rather, believers are empowered to walk in a manner that’s pleasing to God because of His grace. It's His grace that saves us, and it's His grace that also helps us walk in His ways. It's His grace that gives us the ability to carry out good works in His name, for the purpose of His will and all for His glory. Just as 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 (Ephesians 1:5-6), He also predestined the good works in which He would have His children walk in. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). That being said, the faith that saves is a faith that manifests itself through our actions, the fruit we produce, and the way we live. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18). The Three Elements of True Saving Faith ​ 1. An intellectual element (notitia), which is a positive recognition of the Truth ​ 2. An emotional element (assensus), which includes a deep conviction and affirmation of the Truth ​ 3. And finally, a volitional element (fiducia), which involves a personal trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This includes a genuine surrender to His Lordship. (We surrender to Christ when we trust His authority and His goodness for our life). We won't just glaze over Scripture and read it as if it doesn't apply to us. We will read His word and seek to obey it because we trust Him. It's a simple concept. Obedience to God's word is simply the by-product and outward expression of our faith in Him. Obeying God's Word is proof that our faith is real. Faith and obedience are inseparable. We can't have one without the other. They are two sides of the same coin. For the whole world knows that actions speak louder than words. Well, that basic, universal principle also applies to expressing faith in God. Pisteuo = To Believe, To Obey ​ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36). Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death (John 8:51). Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22). (See also James 2:14-26) The words faith and obedience /believe and obey /disbelieve and disobey are synonymous throughout all of Scripture and come from the same word in the original Greek. Obey was a common meaning of pisteuo in ancient Greek. Pisteuo means to believe, entrust, to be persuaded of, to place confidence in of the thing believed, to dedicate one’s life to, to obey. Verbal professions of faith in God are empty and futile if someone's actions continue to deny God. They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny him (Titus 1:16). Practicing sin and walking in disobedience to God's word is the natural by-product of unbelief. Practicing righteousness and walking in obedience to God's word is the natural by-product and outward expression of our inward faith in Jesus. When we trust in Jesus we naturally desire to obey Him. This is not because we can earn His favor by our good works but because we believe in Him as our Savior and desire to submit to Him as Lord of the universe. It's because we know and trust that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). It's because God's grace has inclined our hearts toward Him, put His Spirit in us, and given us a new nature through our second birth. This new nature includes a growing love towards righteousness and all the things that God loves and a growing hatred toward sin and all the things that God hates. Easy Belivism Heresy True saving faith is not some mere intellectual agreement of the historical facts of the gospel. Even demons believe that and shudder (James 2:19). That's only a cheap grace Christianity called Easy-believism, which is another one of Satan's layers of deception that runs rampant among many evangelical circles today. Easy-belivism and modern popular theology tends to recognize notitia and often assensus, but far too often eliminates fiducia. It teaches that submission to the Lordship of Christ is not needed to be a Christian. Rather, Easy-belivism twists loving obedience to God's word and turns it into a gospel of works. It falsely accuses those who desire to obey God to be legalists. The heresy of Easy-believism is a radical distortion of God's Word and another type of self-deception. Jesus Paid it All True saving faith is when we trust in God's character and integrity; who Jesus is and what He accomplished for us on the cross when He said, It is finished (John 19:30). We trust that Jesus was fully man and fully God and the perfect substitution for our sins. Jesus paid the fine in full so that we may be saved from God's eternal wrath and be granted eternal life, by grace through faith. Out of His love, Jesus did what we could never do for ourselves. He lived a perfectly obedient life to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). For our sake, the One who knew no sin became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus took the fullness of God's wrath on Himself on the cross, died and rose again, so that we may be saved from our sins, transformed into new creatures, and granted eternal life, by grace through faith in Him. This magnificent truth will naturally cultivate a deep gratitude and joy in our hearts and bring forth a real desire to walk in His ways. Certainly, our obedience is far from perfect for as depraved as we are, but He reminds us that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Secured by His Grace Although believers will still struggle with sin in this life as we battle against the flesh, the world, and the devil on a daily basis, God’s grace keeps us from ever falling away indefinitely. His grace keeps us from living in unbroken patterns of ongoing sin, as we lived before our conversion. God's grace won't allow us to freely swim in sin, as we once did before we came to faith in Jesus. Once we are saved, we are always saved and forever secured by God’s grace. He will never allow us to go back to the broad and easy road again. We are completely secured by Him. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:28). And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Whenever God's children stumble off His path, He will discipline us in love, and the Holy Spirit will gently convict us and guide us back onto His path, for His Name's sake. God’s grace is given to believers so that we may glorify Him and carry out good works in His name, which He prepared before the foundation of the world for us to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). I am Not Religious. I am Saved by Grace. I am not religious. Doing good works and practicing rituals can't save me. Rather, I am saved by grace. My repentance and faith in Jesus is a gift. Jesus set me free from my sins, transformed my life, and gave me the tremendous gift of eternal life by His grace. He saved me from what I deserve, eternal hell, and He gifted me with what I never deserved, eternal life. How could I not want to submit to the God of the universe who did that for me? May I live for the One who died for me (by His grace) and praise Him for all that He is, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). I am eternally grateful for my Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to Him forever and ever. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2) ❤️ With love, Jenna But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves (James 1:22). By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead (James 2:18-26).

The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD holds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 Dear Lord, Please help me through this day by leading me in Your truth. Before I begin anything today, help me begin today with opening Your Word and listening to You. Be with me every step of the way today, and guide me in all my thoughts, actions, and deeds. And whatever I may do today, may I do it all with love so that I may bring You glory and be a blessing to others. Help me grow in my faith, Lord. Help me grow in wisdom and discernment by opening the Scriptures. May my faith shine brightly through my obedience to Your Word. Lord, I know that obedience naturally flows from truly trusting Your Word, just as disobedience naturally results from not trusting Your Word. Jesus, I trust in Your ways and Your goodness for my life, even when I don’t understand. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Help me to always trust in the Word of God over my own mind. Help me to not just know the Truth but live the Truth, by Your grace. I pray that when I open my Bible today, You speak directly to me about whatever it is that You want me to know. Help me keep my eyes on You, Jesus, by keeping my eyes on Your Word. Lord, humble me and do away with any pride that tries to find its way into my mind and heart as it so easily does. Just as pride is the root of all sin that leads to more sins, sorrows, and death, humility is the essence and foundation of being a child of God in which life, joy, and peace flow. Lord, keep me humble by reminding me of the gospel today. Help me live out this day by keeping the gospel at the center of my thoughts, speech, actions, and deeds. The highest aim in life for a man or a woman is not fatherhood or motherhood but to be conformed to the image of Christ and to grow more like Jesus every single day. That's what happens when we are born again. We continue to grow in the fruits of the Spirit and become more like Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. Help me be one tiny bit more like Jesus today than I was yesterday. Help me be reminded that I can experience victory over sin because You have gifted me with the power of the Holy Spirit, which grows me in the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I am not alone. I am a child of God. I have the grace of God with me! Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He is who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Lord, I am eager to obey Your Word, not because my obedience or good works could ever earn Your favor, but because I sincerely trust You and Your goodness for my life. May You help me take up the full armor of God and be prepared for Satan’s schemes and the spiritual battle today by putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The Christian life is not easy, but as a Christian, it makes sense that I would be one of the most joyful people in the entire world, no matter what. That’s because I have You, Jesus. Jesus is the greatest joy there is! I pray for Your wisdom, discernment, and direction, for Your power, love, and protection. I pray that You bless me in the presence of my enemies. I pray that I find my joy in You today and every day, and may the joy of the Lord be my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10). Lord, help me be courageous as I walk in the Truth today in this dark and deceived world, and help me to boldly let the light of the gospel shine so that others may come to know You too. All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen. Love, Jenna PS I encourage you to read Psalm 119 this week :) O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; Psalm 15:1-2 Sanctify them by the truth; your Word is truth. John 17:17 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior,20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions,21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:19-23

The pride of your heart has deceived you, Obadiah 1:3 Dear Lord Jesus, I praise You for Your goodness! You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). You lead me in Your wisdom. You reveal the way I should go through Your Word, which I am so blessed to have in my possession. Lord Jesus, You are the Word, and the Scriptures are my precious guide in this life and the wisdom that leads to salvation in You, by grace through faith. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105). Jesus, when I keep my eyes on You, that means I'm keeping my eyes on Your Word. Lord, help me to fill my mind with Your Truth every single day so there is no room for Satan’s lies to creep in and rule over me. Finally, humble me, Lord. Humble me by reminding me who You are, what You did for me, and how immeasurably blessed I am to be in Christ. Lord, allow that humility and gratitude to spill over into every aspect of my life and permeate every relationship and encounter I have. Faith Proven by Obedience I know that my faith isn’t proven through mere words and verbal professions, but it's naturally proven through my actions and obedience to Your Word. It’s because I trust who You are, Jesus. I trust the finished work of Your life, death, and resurrection. I trust Your goodness and promises for my life, and I trust that Your commands will only lead me to joy, peace, and rest in my soul. True joy comes only from recognizing what Christ has done for me, and unlike my ever-changing circumstances and feelings, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Therefore, my joy in Jesus is a constant joy. If as a child of God I lose the joy in my heart, I don’t need to look at my fluctuating circumstances, but I need to closely examine my relationship with Jesus and my obedience to His Word. Am I submitting to Him in trust, or am I submitting to my own pride? Am I doing His will, or am I doing my own will? Self-Love or Deny Yourself? Lord, I confess that at times I stumble off Your path, and I take my own path because of my own pride. At times, I choose my own ways and fall for Satan's lies, and my faith fails in the moment of temptation because of my own pride. Like all sins, pride is a lie from hell that most of the world is self-deceived by, and it can still creep in and tempt believers to fall prey to it too. We live in a time where culture constantly bombards us with campaigns of self-love, self-care, self-sufficiency, and self-exaltation. We even see churches that promote the lie of self-love, which couldn’t be further from biblical truth. The world elevates, glorifies, and places supreme focus on self, but Jesus says, "Deny yourself." And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23). And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:27). That includes denying myself whenever I feel deserving or entitled, knowing that I'm really not entitled to anything in this world, let alone eternal life. I must deny myself and put away my selfishness and pride because I believe in Jesus. As His child, I am to rejoice humbly over what He did for an unworthy sinner like me and to remind myself every day of the gospel. Jesus has allowed me to live forever by His grace. There is no greater gift! If anything is going to humble and soften me in times when I'm not getting my way or people are treating me unfairly, it is reminding myself of the free gift of eternal life that is mine in Christ; a tremendous gift that I do not deserve! Don't Believe the Lie of Pride It is pride that railroads us off His path of righteousness, slithering into our lives to steal, kill and destroy and manifesting into all sorts of sins. One sin always leads to another. Sin does not operate alone but in groups. If we surrender to one sin, expect more to come. If we give in to our pride, expect any of the seven deadly sins to occur. The lie about pride is that we believe it’s going to help us win something, protect us from losing something, getting hurt, or being seen as weak, cowardly, or stupid. In actuality, all pride does is put up a stone wall, as it pushes people away, brings division and destruction to our lives and relationships, and erodes away at our joy and peace. Pride also fools us into believing the lie that we are worthy or entitled to whatever it is that we selfishly think we deserve, whether that be recognition, praise, respect, rewards, or even eternal life. In reality, our own pride destroys everything and everyone in its ugly path. Pride is the destroyer of all marriages, families, and relationships, and it’s the supreme killer of love, joy, and peace in the heart of any Christian. Pride is the foundation of all emptiness, worries, unrest, and sorrows. It is pride that causes all other types of sins to emerge in their ugly ways and rips us apart from the truth in Jesus and the ones we love the most. Not only that, pride is incredibly blinding. We often don’t know when we are being proud, especially when we are on the verge of an argument and in the moment of pride welling up in our hearts. Pride is ultimately what keeps billions of people from seeing the light of the gospel. That’s how much of a lie the sin of pride is because pride is deception at its finest. And at its deepest, most powerful, most deceiving level, pride blinds people from Jesus and the free gift of eternal life itself. Don't be self-deceived by pride and so trust in yourself. Trust in Jesus. The Light Shines in the Darkness A child of God will never be content or at peace while also feeling proud and entitled. As Christians, we sometimes allow pride to overtake us in weak moments, but we never allow pride to take over our lives or wreak havoc in our relationships. In reality, there really is no such thing as a "proud Christian." Pride and an unworthy sinner saved by grace do not even belong in the same sentence. A child of God will never truly be able to fully rest in the assurance of salvation if they continue to give in to pride and allow it to seep into their life. The sin of pride is serious and something we must cry out to God for, confess, and truly repent of. This may not be the Christian's favorite prayer, but it's wise for us to pray for God to reveal our own pride and where we are most prone to it. We need God to shine the light on our sins for them to be exposed so that we can properly deal with them and understand their root cause - which is always pride. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overpowered it (John 1:5), But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light (Ephesians 5:13-14). We are then able to forsake those sins that are exposed by the light because we see them clearly for what they are. They are no longer hiding in darkness but exposed by the truth in Jesus. It's the truth that sets us free from sin. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). The only thing that can fight lies and win, is the Truth. It's not enough that we know the Truth. We must love and live the Truth too, which is an everyday decision that we make by God's grace. Security Vs. Assurance of Salvation The security of a believer's salvation is different than the believer's assurance of salvation. The security of salvation for a believer is fixed for eternity and never falters, and a believer can never lose his or her salvation. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27-28). The security of a believer's salvation is totally and utterly dependent on Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross and resurrection. However, the assurance of a believer's salvation is a feeling that depends on our speech, actions, behavior, responses, and how we live the Christian life. If we allow pride to well up time and time again and manifest into anger, bitterness, jealousy, fits of rage, dissensions, or factions, we will never feel a solid assurance of salvation. Jesus wants us to enjoy our lives and live in abundance. That means an abundance of peace and joy knowing and feeling we are eternally secure in Him! That's the greatest joy and the ultimate peace! That's a sad Christian life to live every day wondering if we're truly saved or not. Unfortunately, some believers go through the whole Christian life like that, and it's because they are simply lacking knowledge and with further understanding and clarity of Scripture comes power and peace. Or they are lacking a good Bible-believing church, a good pastor, and good Christian fellowship, which are all extremely vital to our spiritual growth in Jesus. Open your Bible, dear Christian, and allow the Scriptures to renew Your mind and grow You spiritually. When we read God's Word, it literally renews our minds and literally transforms us. That is not just a symbolic way I am speaking. It is a literal transformation and a literal heart transplant when we are born again and when we pour ourselves into God's Truth on a daily basis. God's Word is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12). In other words, God's Word is incredibly powerful with the ability to literally transform you from the inside out. The only way anyone can be transformed is by believing in the gospel and by filling our minds with the Truth of God's Word on a daily basis. The Word of God is the answer to all our life's problems and difficulties, namely sin. Wondering if we're saved or not, is not how Jesus wants us to live the Christian life. He wants us to feel confidence in Him by living the Christian life to the fullest with total assurance! That means taking up the whole armor of God every day to protect us from the lies and pride, which includes the belt of truthfulness, the breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the Helmut of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. We must wear that armor every day, prepared to fight the good fight of faith every single day. The Christian life is a daily battle and one we can win because we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. The Power of the Holy Spirit The thing is, as children of God, do we not know that we have the power within us?! We are not fighting sin on our own strength. We are no longer in bondage to sin! We have the gift of the Holy Spirit! We are set free from sin in trusting in Jesus as our Savior, and we are no longer under Law but under grace. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace (Romans 6:14). God’s grace is not given to us just so we can live however we please. God’s grace is given to those who trust in Jesus so that we have the power to choose that which is good, right, and true. God’s grace is given to us so that we may turn from our own pride and turn to Him. The Holy Spirit will not condemn us but convict us and make us turn from our sin. We must never forget that we have the power of the Holy Spirit as children of God! Of course, we are far from perfect, and yes we will mess up. However, He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4). Don't forget that vital truth, Christian! Let that truth comfort you and empower you! Righteousness Produces Peace Contrary to pride, it is humility, meekness, and righteousness that produces peace in our souls and assurance of our salvation where we can bask in that glory of knowing our souls are eternally secure in Christ. And the work of righteousness will be peace, And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17) Humility comes from knowing that we are undeserving of eternal life and that we all deserve hell. But by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, He has granted us eternal life! Simply amazing! True humility and meekness come by truly understanding the profoundness of that truth that is ours in Christ. While pride is the root of all sin, humility is the foundation of all virtues. Humility is at the heart of trusting in Jesus from which all other virtues flow, abound, and grow us in grace. Lord, I pray that You may give me the grace to walk on Your path humbly, with gratitude for all that I have and all that I don’t have; for all that I lack in myself but all that I possess in You. How could I ever be selfishly angry in any situation with anyone when I have been gifted the tremendous free gift of eternal life by God’s grace? Please help magnify that astounding truth deeper into my heart as I grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus through reading His Word daily. Help sharpen my eternal perspective on life so that I may see that this present suffering cannot compare to the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). I did not choose Him. But He chose me (John 15:16). That is the truth that should crush out my own pride, humble me beyond belief, and bring me to a height of joy that I cannot put into words. Help me always to take Your path, Lord because that's the only right path to take. And I know where to find Your path for me. It's found in Your Word. Knowing the will of God for my life begins by opening my Bible. Help me to open my Bible more every day and renew my mind and continue to transform me as I fill my mind with the truth in Jesus. Lord, as I delight myself in You, give me the desires of my heart! Your desires for me are the desires I desire to have! Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 All glory belongs to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, I pray Amen. Love, Jenna “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 16:5 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 Both gentleness and meekness are born of power, not weakness. Jerry Bridges Gentleness is an active trait, describing the manner in which we should treat others. Meekness is a passive trait, describing the proper Christian response when others mistreat us. Jerry Bridges The man who is meek is not even sensitive about himself. He is not always watching himself and his own interests. He is not always on the defensive… To be truly meek means we no longer protect ourselves, because we see there is nothing worth defending… The man who is truly meek never pities himself, he is never sorry for himself. He never talks to himself and says, “You are having a hard time, how unkind these people are not to understand you.” - Martin Lloyd-Jones Remember that if you are a child of God, you will never be happy in sin. Charles Spurgeon “For we are not saved by believing in our own salvation, nor by believing anything whatsoever about ourselves. We are saved by what we believe about the Son of God and His righteousness. The gospel believed saves; not the believing in our own faith.” - Horatius Bonar, “We are no more secure in Christ with a strong faith than with a small faith, so long as that small faith is true faith.” - Jared C Wilson “It is true that we need to make a one-time decision to follow Jesus. But a true one-time decision is followed by the everyday decision to follow Jesus.” - Mike McKinley,