Today’s Readings:
Rev 20:1-4,11-21:2
Psalm 83:3-6,8
Luke 21:29-33
There are no minimum standards for heaven. There is only one standard and it is living your life to the very best. Only the best is fit for God. The Book of Revelation gives us a hint on how we ought to live our lives, how to prepare for heaven and the criteria by which those who are going to enter into eternal life will be judged. It says:
I saw the souls of all who had been beheaded for having witnessed for Jesus and for having preached God’s word, and those who refused to worship the beast or his statue and would not have the brand-mark on their foreheads or hands; they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. (Revelation 20, 21)
Who are those that are fit for heaven?
Those who witnessed Jesus Christ while on earth. Those who by their lives gave testimony to the reality and power of Jesus Christ.
Those who refused to worship the beast (the Devil). This means that they did not compromise with sin.
They did not worship the statue of the Beast, meaning they did not associate themselves with evil (evil friendships and relationships).
They did not have the beast's mark on their forehead or arm. Your forehead is the symbol of the seat of your knowledge. Your hands are symbolic of your skills and abilities. Those who are fit for heaven do not allow any thoughts, words or information that is contrary to God's will to plant itself on their minds.
They don't submit their God-given talents and skills to the works of iniquity because their minds and hands are offered as a sacrifice to God. Their minds and skills will only produce the things that are best fitting for God.
If the predominant voice in your mind is not God's word, then you have given over your thoughts to be saturated by evil and lending your mind to the works of darkness.
Your life should correspond to your destination. And your way of life should be a testimony to your Christian identity. Those whose thoughts and actions are aligned with God shall reign forever.
Those whose will, thought and actions are aligned with the works of darkness shall be judged and banished to eternal damnation. They shall be cast into the lake of fire along with the devil and His cohorts.
If you believe in Jesus Christ and in the power of His resurrection, and the fact that He died for your sins, then you are already destined for eternal life. But the way to align yourself to eternal life is to live heroically daily. Living heroically means to live a life of virtue and dependence on grace. This means that you strive daily not to compromise with evil, not to displease God, and not to scandalise others (making them think that right is wrong and wrong is right). Heroic virtue means to live a life of love, to treat others with respect and compassion, to live in peace and mutual understanding, to do my work to perfection, to live my single life, married life or consecrated life faithfully and fearfully. Live heroically, do your best each day, offer up your good deeds as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God and you shall be exalted above the stars and favoured forever in Jesus' name. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to live heroically, relying always on the grace of God.
Bless and strengthen us, guide and prosper us, in Jesus’ name.
May we never compromise with evil, in Jesus’ name.
May we find favour with the right people, so that we will always do what pleases you and be blessed forevermore through Christ our Lord. Amen.
コメント