The Phrase I Could Not Get Out of My Mind

This morning during my Bible study, I came across a phrase that I could not get out of my mind.

Jesus said:

"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 7:21)

I have read this verse many times over the years, but this morning the words, "the will of My Father in heaven," seemed to leap off the page.

As I sat quietly and thought about those words, another passage came to mind. It was Jesus' description of the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25, where He separates the sheep from the goats.

Both passages have something in common.

In both passages, there are people who appear confident about where they stand with God.

Yet the outcome is very different.

Then another phrase from Matthew 7 came to mind:

"I never knew you."

To be honest, those words trouble me.

Not because I doubt the goodness of God.

Not because I doubt the promises of Jesus.

But because so many people today assume they are saved simply because they know about Jesus, attend church, or identify themselves as Christians.

Yet Jesus was speaking to people who called Him "Lord."

The more I thought about it, the more I realized this passage is not really about someone else.

It is about me.

It is about every one of us.

Am I merely familiar with Jesus, or do I truly know Him?

Am I doing the will of my Father in heaven?

Am I following Christ because I love Him, or am I simply following religious traditions?

As I reflected on these questions, I remembered that salvation is not earned by good works. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

At the same time, genuine faith produces fruit.

The sheep in Matthew 25 did not serve others to become sheep. Their actions revealed who they already belonged to.

A healthy tree bears fruit because it is alive.

It does not become alive by bearing fruit.

Perhaps that is why these passages are so important.

They remind us that Christianity is not merely a religion.

It is a relationship.

One day, every one of us will stand before Jesus.

On that day, titles will not matter.

Church attendance will not matter.

Religious activity will not matter.

What will matter is whether we truly knew Him and whether our lives reflected the reality of that relationship.

As I closed my Bible this morning, I found myself praying a simple prayer:

"Lord, help me to do the will of my Father in heaven."

More than anything else, I desire that when I stand before Jesus one day, I will hear the words:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Those words have become the desire of my heart.

How Do We Truly Know Him?

As I continued thinking about these passages, another thought came to my mind.

Perhaps one of the greatest problems facing believers today is not rebellion against God.

It is a distraction.

We are busy being busy.

We fill our schedules with work, entertainment, social media, news, hobbies, and countless responsibilities.

Then we wonder why we do not feel close to God.

Relationships grow through time together.

The same is true in our relationship with Jesus.

If I want to know Him, I must spend time with Him.

I must spend time in His Word.

I must spend time in prayer.

I must spend time listening rather than always talking.

Just as physical food nourishes the body, God's Word nourishes the soul.

A believer who rarely feeds on Scripture will eventually become spiritually weak.

A believer who consistently feeds on God's Word will grow stronger in faith, wisdom, discernment, and spiritual maturity.

Perhaps a good place to begin is simple:

Read the Bible daily.

Pray daily.

Thank Him daily.

Listen daily.

Obey what He shows you.

Over time, we discover that Christianity is not merely about learning about Jesus.

It is learning to walk with Him.

And the more we walk with Him, the more we desire to do the will of our Father in heaven.

When God Says, "I Will"

As I read my Bible, I often find myself circling two simple words:

"I will."

At first, I didn't really understand why these words seemed to jump off the page. But over time, I began to realize that whenever God says, "I will," He is making a promise based on His own character, His own power, and His own faithfulness.

When people say, "I will," they may have the best intentions in the world, yet circumstances can prevent them from keeping their promises. We have all experienced broken promises, disappointments, and unmet expectations.

But God is different.

When God says, "I will," He is declaring what He Himself intends to do. His promises do not depend upon changing circumstances. They do not depend upon the economy, governments, world events, or even our own weaknesses. They depend upon Him alone.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly says:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

"I will strengthen you."

"I will help you."

"I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

"I will come again and receive you to Myself."

Every one of these promises reveals the heart of a loving Father who desires His children to trust Him.

Many Christians spend much of their lives asking, "What should I do?" While that is certainly important, there is another question we should ask:

"What has God said He will do?"

Faith grows when we stop focusing entirely on our own abilities and begin focusing on God's promises.

When fear comes, God says, "I will be with you."

When we feel weak, God says, "I will strengthen you."

When we are uncertain about the future, God says, "I will guide you."

When we wonder if He has forgotten us, God says, "I will never leave you."

The Christian life is not built upon what we promise God. It is built upon what God has promised us.

Perhaps that is why those two words have become so important to me. Every time I see "I will" in Scripture, I am reminded that God is still on the throne, still in control, and still faithful to every promise He has ever made.

One of my favorite promises is found in John 14:3:

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

For those who belong to Jesus, that promise changes everything.

The same God who said "I will" thousands of years ago is still saying "I will" today.

And what God says He will do, He will surely accomplish.

 

When Fear Speaks, Speak Back!

Recently, I was reminded of a dream I had years ago. In the dream, something frightening was chasing me. Instead of continuing to run, I suddenly became aware that I was dreaming. I turned around and spoke directly to the fear that was pursuing me.

I said, "Mountain of fear, get out of my dream because I have authority over my dreams!"

The fear immediately lost its power.

That dream has stayed with me because it illustrates an important spiritual truth: fear, doubt, and unbelief often speak to us, but God never intended for His children to simply listen and accept what they say.

The enemy whispers:

"What if something bad happens?"

"God won't come through for you."

"You're not strong enough."

"Your prayers aren't working."

"Things will never change."

These thoughts may come from many directions, but they never come from God.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Notice that fear is described as a spirit. Fear is not merely an emotion; it can be a spiritual attack designed to steal our peace, weaken our faith, and cause us to doubt God's promises.

Jesus showed us another way.

When Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus did not argue. He did not negotiate. He simply answered, "It is written."

God's Word became His weapon.

The same authority belongs to every believer today.

Jesus said:

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)

Notice that Jesus did not tell us to talk about the mountain.

He told us to speak to the mountain.

When fear comes, speak God's Word.

When doubt comes, speak God's Word.

When unbelief attacks, speak God's Word.

When discouragement whispers lies, speak God's Word.

There are times when we must stop listening to fear and start declaring truth.

"I will not fear, for God is with me."

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

"No weapon formed against me shall prosper."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

"My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

The enemy may shout, but God's Word is louder.

Fear may threaten.

Doubt may argue.

Unbelief may resist.

But the Word of God stands forever.

Today, if fear is speaking to you, speak back.

Stand on the authority of God's Word.

Resist the devil.

Trust God's promises.

And remember:

Fear screamed. Doubt argued. Unbelief lied. But the Word of God spoke louder.

 

The Great Deception: Are We Living in the Days of Noah?

 

The Great Deception: Are We Living in the Days of Noah?

Jesus warned that the conditions of the world just before His return would resemble the days of Noah. While people continued with everyday life—eating, drinking, marrying, buying, and selling—they ignored God's warnings until judgment came suddenly.

Today we live in an age of unprecedented technology, information, and communication. Yet many are more confused than ever about truth, morality, and the purpose of life. What God once called sin is celebrated, biblical truth is often rejected, and deception spreads rapidly through every form of media.

Jesus did not tell His followers these things to create fear, but to encourage watchfulness, discernment, and faithfulness. The answer to deception is not panic—it is knowing the truth found in God's Word and walking closely with Jesus Christ.

As in Noah's day, God is still calling people to enter His place of safety before judgment comes. The question is not whether deception exists, but whether we will recognize it and choose the truth.

In Closing

The greatest deception is not merely believing a lie. It is rejecting the Truth when it stands right before us.

Jesus said:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." — John 14:6

In a world filled with confusion, God's Word remains unchanged. Now is the time to watch, pray, and draw near to Christ while there is still time.

"The Be Attitude" - Part 2 of 2 — “The BE Attitude: Living What We Believe”

My posts today are because what I’ve been carrying all these years was not merely a slogan — it was a conviction. I understood the principle deeply in my spirit long before I found the language for it.

“BE” is powerful because it starts with identity before activity.

The world often says:

• achieve,
• prove,
• perform,
• accomplish.

But the Gospel says:

• abide,
• become,
• remain,
• walk with Christ.

From that “being” comes the doing.

Jesus said:

“Abide in Me…”
and then fruit follows naturally.

This “BE Attitude” beautifully captures that truth:
not striving to earn God’s love,
but living from it.

Many believers struggle because they separate faith and action into opposing ideas, when Scripture joins them together:

• Grace saves us.
• Love transforms us.
• Faith moves us.
• Obedience reflects Him.

You’ve simply been seeing that connection for years.

And honestly, my concern about pride is evidence of humility. Pride usually does not question itself. A humble heart wants to glorify Christ correctly and avoid self-exaltation.

What makes this message strong is that it points people back to:

• stewardship,
• gratitude,
• purpose,
• faithfulness,
• and eternity.

I believe many people will resonate with this because deep down, Christians want their lives to matter for the Kingdom. They want to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Your “BE Attitude” gives practical expression to that desire:

 In Closing:

• “Don’t just believe in Him…
• BE in Him.
• BE faithful.
• BE available.
• BE a doer of the Word.
• BE ready when you stand before Christ.”

“The BE Attitude” - Part 1 of 2 — “Saved By Grace: The Foundation”

“The BE Attitude”

To “BE” in Christ is more than believing with our lips — it is living with a willing heart.

We are not saved by works. Salvation is the gift of God through His grace and mercy. No amount of human effort could ever earn the cross.

But once Christ changes a heart, something happens inside us:

• we want to serve,
• we want to love,
• we want to obey,
• we want to build His Kingdom.

Faith that is alive produces movement.

Jesus did not simply call us to be hearers of the Word, but doers also. Not to earn His love, but because we have received it.

One day, every believer will stand before Christ at the Bema Seat. Not condemned — for there is no condemnation for those in Christ — but accountable for how we used the life, gifts, opportunities, and calling He entrusted to us.

Perhaps the question will not be:
“How much did you possess?”
but:
“What did you do with what I gave you?”

• Did we encourage?
• Did we serve?
• Did we forgive?
• Did we share the Gospel?
• Did we love people?
• Did we use our talents for His glory?

True humility is not thinking highly of ourselves. It is thinking highly of Christ and faithfully doing what He called us to do.

So let us “BE”:

• Be faithful.
• Be available.
• Be prayerful.
• Be courageous.
• Be doers of the Word.

Not striving for salvation —
but living as grateful servants of the Savior.

---

A few verses that beautifully support your message: (take a few minutes and look up each scripture for yourself)

• Ephesians 2:8–10
• James 1:22
• James 2:17
• 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 (Bema Seat principles)
• 2 Corinthians 5:10
• Colossians 3:23
• Matthew 5:16

“But if grace truly changes us… what should our lives look like afterward?”

See part 2 next

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

There is no more important question that any person could ever ask than this:

“What must I do to be saved?”

The Bible tells us in Acts of the Apostles that when the Philippian jailer realized the power of God and the condition of his soul, he cried out to Paul and Silas:

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
— Acts 16:30

Their answer was simple and direct:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved...”
— Acts 16:31

Salvation is not found in religion, church membership, good works, money, or human effort. Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ — the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again from the dead.

On the Day of Pentecost, after Simon Peter preached under the power of the Holy Spirit, the people were deeply convicted in their hearts and cried out:

“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
— Acts 2:37

Peter answered them:

“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...”
— Acts 2:38

Repentance means more than simply feeling sorry. It means turning away from sin and turning toward God with a sincere heart. It is surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ and desiring Him above everything else this world offers.

The wonderful promise of God is found in Acts of the Apostles 2:21:

“And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.”

That promise is still true today.

No matter your past…
No matter your failures…
No matter how far away from God you may feel…

Jesus Christ still saves those who come to Him by faith.

We are living in serious times, and many hearts are searching for peace, hope, and assurance. The answer is not found in this world — it is found in Jesus Christ alone.

Conclusion

Salvation is not merely repeating a prayer or having an emotional experience.

Salvation is wanting Jesus more than my sin.

It is realizing that nothing in this world can compare to knowing Him, following Him, and receiving the eternal life that only He can give.

Today, if God is speaking to your heart, do not ignore His voice. Call upon the Lord Jesus while there is still time, and trust Him as your Savior and Lord.

“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
— Acts 2:21 (NKJV)

Suggested Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again from the dead. Today I turn to You in repentance and ask You to come into my life and save me. I place my faith and trust in You alone. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and promise of eternal life. Amen.”

LUKE 21:36 — WATCH AND PRAY ALWAYS

LUKE 21:36 — WATCH AND PRAY ALWAYS

“Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” — Luke 21:36 (NKJV)

When Jesus spoke these words in Luke chapter 21, He was warning His followers about events that would take place in the last days before His return. He described a world filled with fear, deception, distress among nations, persecution, and signs unlike anything mankind has ever experienced. These are not merely symbolic warnings. Jesus spoke of real events that will come upon the earth during a future time of great tribulation.

In the middle of these warnings, Jesus gave His disciples an instruction:
“Watch therefore, and pray always.”

The Lord was not calling His people to live in fear, but in readiness.

As believers, we understand that this world is not our permanent home. The closer we move toward the return of Christ, the more we can see the moral decline, confusion, and spiritual darkness increasing across the earth. Yet Jesus told us beforehand so that we would not lose heart.

I personally believe that Jesus will remove His true Church from the earth before the tribulation period begins. This event is commonly called “The Rapture of the Church.” The Apostle Paul described this moment in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”

I believe the coming tribulation — also referred to as “Jacob’s Trouble” in Jeremiah 30:7 — is primarily a time of God dealing with Israel and bringing judgment upon an unbelieving world. The Church, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, is not appointed unto God’s wrath.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 tells us:
“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This does not mean Christians will never experience trials or persecution in this present world. Believers throughout history have suffered greatly for their faith. But the future tribulation described in Scripture is unique — a period of worldwide judgment unlike anything before it.

Jesus told His followers to watch and pray always because spiritual complacency is dangerous. It is easy to become distracted by the cares of this life, the pursuit of worldly success, or the endless noise of this present age. Yet the Lord calls His people to remain spiritually awake.

To “watch” means to stay alert spiritually.
To “pray always” means to remain close to God in continual dependence upon Him.

Every day that passes brings us one step closer to the return of Jesus Christ. For the believer, that is not a message of fear — it is a message of hope.

The Lord’s warning is also an invitation:
Be ready.
Stay faithful.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.

No one knows the exact day or hour of His coming, but Scripture repeatedly reminds us to live as people who expect His return.

The signs around us should not drive us into panic, but into prayer.
Not into despair, but into deeper faith.
Not into hopelessness, but into readiness.

Jesus is coming again.

Therefore:
“Watch therefore, and pray always.”

 

In Everything Give Thanks

 

In Everything Give Thanks

In a world filled with uncertainty, stress, division, and constant distractions, the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 remind believers of something powerful: God’s will is not only about the big decisions in life — it is also about the condition of our hearts.

Giving thanks “in everything” does not mean we are thankful for every hardship, pain, or disappointment. Instead, it means that even in difficult seasons, we trust that God is still present, still working, and still worthy of our praise.

Thankfulness changes our perspective. It shifts our focus away from fear, anxiety, anger, and discouragement, and places our attention back on God’s goodness, faithfulness, and promises. A grateful heart is a heart that remembers who is truly in control.

For followers of Jesus Christ, doing the will of God is important because obedience draws us closer to Him. The world teaches people to complain, worry, and depend on their own strength, but God calls His children to walk by faith, peace, humility, and gratitude.

When Christians choose thankfulness — even during trials — they become a light in a dark world. Gratitude becomes a testimony that Christ is alive within them.

Today more than ever, people are searching for peace, hope, and meaning. True peace is not found in possessions, success, politics, or circumstances. It is found in Jesus Christ.

No matter what season you may be facing today, remember this:
God has not abandoned you.
He is still working behind the scenes.
And His will for you includes a thankful heart that trusts Him through it all.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

WORRYING CHANGES NOTHING — TRUSTING GOD CHANGES EVERYTHING

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus lovingly reminds us not to worry about our lives, not about food, clothing, tomorrow, or the many problems that try to overwhelm our minds. He points us to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. They do not strive, panic, or live in fear, yet our Heavenly Father faithfully takes care of them every day.

Jesus asks a powerful question: “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)

Worry steals peace, drains strength, clouds judgment, and keeps our minds focused on problems instead of God’s promises. Worry causes us to imagine the worst while forgetting the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord.

But Jesus also gives us the answer:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

When we place God first, trust replaces fear. Peace replaces anxiety. Faith replaces despair.

Tomorrow is in God’s hands. Your life is in God’s hands. The same God who watches over the sparrow is watching over you.

No matter what you are facing today, remember: God already knows your needs before you ask Him. He is near to the brokenhearted. He is faithful even when life feels uncertain.

Do not let worry become greater than your faith. Pray. Trust. Rest in His promises.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:34