The journey that reveals heaven to us

Heaven is for real. Do you know the way there?

I want to start by sharing something personal of my life with you. For so many years I was lost. I was angry and filled with hate. Thinking back on it, I’m not sure if I could pinpoint what made me so angry and filled with hate, however, I felt utterly lost. I was like a man without a compass going around in circles. I treated others terribly. Lied constantly. Envied many. Was filled with jealousy. My time went to frivolous things. My mind thought of very little good. My money went to perishable things; things that wouldn’t last. My body was something for misuse. I cheated, I stole, I did many things I grew to not be proud of and I kept them a secret for as long as I could.

Four months after my 29th birthday (I’m now 34), I found myself absolutely consumed by all those terrible things. I was now separated from my then wife and divorce was imminent. I hit the boiling point. I couldn’t take all the stuff I mentioned above anymore. It was too much. It was too heavy to carry. It became too burdensome. However, I didn’t know what to do but cry and cry and cry and feel sorry for myself, be angry with myself; be disgusted with myself! Just when I felt like I was going to explode, I lifted my body up from my bed and in the darkest darkness of my room I stood sitting on the edge of my bed, slumped over in defeat and hopelessness and cried out to God, and said these exact words, “God, please help me. I can’t do this anymore.” What happened next forever changed my life— Jesus came and saved me from all that pain. I want you to know that Jesus is absolutely willing to take your baggage, your mess, your pain and give you His love, His peace, His joy, His promise. That is what He did on the Cross; that is what He did when He rose from the grave and was not found in that tomb (Matthew 28:1-10). As my sister puts it so wonderfully, “Jesus who rose from the tomb has the power to raise you from any tomb of trial. ” —Heather “FUNK” Palacios

The fact of the manner was, I was a sinner in need of saving and you too, are a sinner in need of saving. And only Jesus can and will save all those who call on His name (Hebrews 10:13).

What would unfold along the way has been listed below, yet I further share my heart with you. With that being said, I now invite you into my HEART...

My Book Report (Chapter 7): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Seven

Today is April 5, 2012. I'm including the date on this particular post as what I will share with you in this paragraph took place today, and not the day you will read this. Just me being thoughtful, that's all. This chapter was one that I didn't read through completely in one sitting. It actually took me several days to read through it. Not because I'm a slow reader, but because of many factors, but I tell you this! I'm glad It took the time it did, as it was a confirmation to me from another post I wrote earlier in the morning (in which you can see by clicking HERE), and a conversation I had earlier in the morning with my girl friend over the stresses of this world and how they can overwhelm us but the good news of how the circumstances of this world do not affect God, who is Jehovah Jireh; The Lord Our Provider. Amen.

I don't know about you, but I'm amazed at how God pieces everything together. Only someone who believes in God and the Salvation received only through His Son Jesus, can understand what I'm saying. So know that I'll be praying if you don't already know Jesus, by the end of this read, you will! Here's another place where you can experience that in your own personal time (PLEASE ENTER THIS PLACE OF BLESSING HERE.)

Getting back to Every Day A Friday in this chapter Joel gives many practical ways to "Know What To Ignore." Knowing what to ignore isn't as easily done as said. It all boils down to choosing our battles wisely. Something I'm steadily learning. Please pray for me on that. That word battle, makes knowing what to ignore something that will hurt you, right? Battles do cause and create pain. But I believe more importantly we can see from this word, that battles also are fought for something. If we are choosing our battles wisely, then it's safe to say we are choosing wisely what rewards will come from those battles. That's exactly what Joel suggests. He says we should ask ourselves when we are going to enter into battle, "Are the battles I'm engaged in worth fighting? Do they have any rewards? Are they furthering me toward my God-given destiny?"


Many things in life have the potential to be seen as a battle. The question both you and I have to ask ourselves is this: Will I enter into this battle to settle to injure and be injured, or am I wisely choosing this battle because the rewards far exceed everything else?


My Takeaway:


In knowing what to ignore and what to engage, shows great integrity on your behalf. It shows that you choose your battles wisely, and lead out by example. Choosing your battles wisely isn't easy. It takes practice. It takes a heart that desires to be of peace. It takes a problem solver by being a solution giver...It takes a peacemaker.

Father, thank You for a Spirit of peace, that leads to so many other blessings. Give us the strength to endure all challenges with peace and a good attitude. In Jesus name, Amen.

My Book Report (Chapter 6): Every Day A Friday

Chapter Six
“An Attitude of Gratitude is not a catchy slogan. It's an untapped resource.” – F. Lugo

I am amazed! I repeat I am amazed! How amazing it is to receive such wonderful blessings from words in a book. Words on a screen. Words delivered through a social networking site. Words from someone who cares. When these words are filled with goodness. When these words are uplifting, and never aimed to bring you down, I write to you all, be amazed! And thank God!


Chapter six from those words above you can probably put together in your amazing mind that it's a chapter that will have you thankful and amazed. By the way did you know one of my favorite words in the English dictionary is Awesome! Why do I let you know that? Because the word amazing is AWESOME!


"The Right Perspective" would be an awesome way to describe chapter six. In fact, that's the title of chapter 6: "The Right Perspective." Throughout this chapter there is one underlining truth that is amazingly awesome. We are so blessed, the mere fact that all of us at some point or another think we aren't blessed is staggering. Therefore, let me take the initiative and let you in on a little secret. I have often thought I wasn't as blessed as I should have. Are you in shock? I hope you are, because chances are high, you too, have thought, felt and expressed in your life more than once that you were not blessed. Maybe you didn't use those exact words, but maybe these sound more familiar,"Nothing good ever happens to me," or better yet, "Why me?"


Here's a little snippet of something Joel mentioned, shedding light on The Right Perspective to have in his book Every Day A Friday. "I read recently that more than a million people die every single week. Think about it. You made it another week! You're better off than a million people. You can thank God you're alive."  (Here) is where you can find some sobering statistics.  


Joel goes on to share this as well, "The article also said that if you have a roof over your head, you are better off than 75 percent of the world's population. And if you have fifteen dollars to your name, you are in the top 8 percent of the world's wealthiest people- fifteen dollars!"


How's that for the right perspective? There is so much to be thankful for, and as Joel shared a great exercise to gain the right perspective, I share it all with you. Make a list of everything God has blessed you with, and by the end of it, you'll have gained The Right Perspective.


Here's a bit of direction for you when writing your list. Joel mentions a man who complained he had 'no good shoes,' then he met a man without feet. In that very moment and from then on, that man had The Right Perspective.



My Takeaway:

The Right Perspective comes from the heart that praises and thanks God. The more I praise God the less I see room to complain. If I develop a spirit of continual thanks and praise to God while meditating on His goodness, I wont have time to focus on what's wrong or to complain about what I don't have or what I can't do, because I'll be to grateful to God for what I DO have and what I CAN do. Just as King David wrote, and knew the secret to The Right Perspective, I share this secret with you. "I WILL bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1 AMP) and apparently the apostle Paul knew this secret as well, as he wrote, 'give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.' (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)




Beloved, I leave you with these words. They are my words to God as soon as I finished reading chapter six and reflecting on His goodness in my life.

Father, I want to apologize for not appreciating everything I have been blessed with as if it were the first time I received it. Thank you for your friendly reminders. Thank you for personalities like Joel Osteen. Thank you that the smiling saints belonging to your kingdom have been here on earth gracing us with their demeanor and amazing perspective. Help me to always have The Right Perspective. Amazed by You, my God!

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 7): Are You A Peacemaker?

Are you a peacemaker?

Today as I woke up, I contemplated going back to sleep for another hour. As I thought of the upside of resting another hour, I also thought about the downside of losing an hour and going back to a bad habit. This thought came to mind that helped win over the decision to stay up- Writing a book. I have been thinking of writing a book for quite some time but I always had that voice of restlessness saying to me, 'what you have to say, no one wants to hear...c'mon! you barely lived life. You're too young. God and life is a topic you are inexperienced at.' Sadly I have listened to that voice many times. A voice not of peace, but a voice robbing my peace to write what God has been putting in my heart to write. Despite that voice constantly taunting me, I will rise above it. I will say to it, "I am a child of God." Amen.

That leads me to what's in my heart to speak with you about today. The Beatitudes. If you have been going along on this journey with me, you know that today we will see what God had to share with me on this portion of the greatest sermon ever preached- The Sermon on the Mount.

Now the Beatitudes are what? They are staples for good living and the blessings that go along with it.

A Beautiful Attitude is something that is rare in my opinion and even more rare is displaying that beautiful attitude consistently in and through your life. But! I believe there is one thing that will allow you to display a beautiful attitude on a consistent basis, and that is peace. Today's portion of the Beatitudes speaks to that. Let's take a look. Shall we?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9 NKJV) 

That statement above is so powerful. Wouldn't you agree? Think about that for a moment...peacemakers will be called sons of God. Wow! That's tremendous. Oftentimes, If I'm not sure what to write on yet have the topic; subject already in mind, in specific the verse in scripture that was speaking to me on a particular day or throughout the week, I'd see if there was a referencing verse that went along with it in my study Bible. To my amazement and relief, there was no referenced verse that spoke to the verse in scripture above. Therefore, this thought came to mind. "Flavio, there's no referencing verse because the verse in Matthew 5:9 says it all!"

Being a peacemaker, is just that! Being someone who looks to not create problems, but resolve problems. Someone who doesn't look to gossip or spread gossip, is a peacemaker. Someone who doesn't waste all their time looking to the problem, but being a solution visionary. I myself look to not dwell on problems, but always see the solution. Do I succeed every time? Of course! Actually, I don't but that would be nice. I've been telling my girlfriend as of lately, "I'm the Solution man." You'd be surprised to see that being a peacemaker; in being a solution man/woman, life is much easier. You could say, that being a person of solution and not problem is being someone who is blessed. 

Therefore, look to be of peace. As I have failed at this many times, and experienced the heartache and pain of being all about problems, I wouldn't want you to go down the same road. So in all things, ask God for the wisdom to be a person who sees past the problem towards the solution. Seek to be blessed by being a peacemaker and in turn live life as a child of God in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Emergency Post: What Does An Apple Have To Do With Your Day?

“Seeing the apple reminds me to never give into compromise” – F. Lugo 

So serious I had to repost. “The devil is a hustler. Trading apples in exchange for paradise. Don't be fooled.” – @lecrae

As I reflect on that, I thought to myself. What would be your apple Flavio?

Not praying?  Not giving thanks to God for all I have?  Not reading His Word daily?  Not attending His house of prayer, worship and praise on a committed basis?  Not serving His house with a committed servants heart?  Not sharing what God is doing in my life with others? Not being an example of Christ to my family and all others? Not living a life that shows that God has done something and is still doing something in and through me?  Having sex before marriage? Looking at things on the Internet, in a magazine, or in a store I don't need to be looking at?  Not honoring my mother?  Not honoring my leaders?  Not obeying the laws of the land and the authority of those laws? Driving recklessly to get somewhere on time?  Thinking, speaking and acting in a selfish manner that brings down others as well as myself?  Not utilizing the gift of money well?  Not taking care of my body or honoring God with it? Will I trust in my own ability or God's?  Will I give into the pressures of unbelievers or trust in God? Not following God to my fullest potential?

These are all temptations– These are apples. These can easily hustle me out of my God destiny to be in paradise forever. What are some of your apples? Click here FOR THE FIRST APPLE STORY

Just like lecrae said...Don’t be fooled! Stay prayed up and in God’s Word. Remember the devil is a roaring lion on the prowl for his next victim. But our God is is greater! Amen.

Beloved, as always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Easter 2012: A Love Unforgettable

"Easter 2012 @potentialchurch Come be a part of Life Change!" - F. Lugo

Good morning! Today I am honored to share with you exactly what was in my heart when I got up at 8am.

Woke up to this song of praise in my heart, "I am yours and You are mine." 

This praise song had me thanking God He is on the throne- both in heaven and here on earth in my very heart! What do I mean by this? God rules in my heart. My heart is permanently pinned to Him as He is permanently pinned to me. Hence that song of praise..."I am Yours and You are mine."

As Easter is fast approaching (11 days away) I am further reminded of my King's great and everlasting love. You see, Jesus was pinned to a tree taking away my curse 2000+ years ago once and for all as the Word of God describes, 'Anyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.' (Deuteronomy 21:23). 

I am Free! because He was lead into captivity. That captivity was death because of sin and as the Word of God proclaims, "the penalty for sin is death." (Romans 6:23). Jesus had to die. And because He died I am no longer a slave to sin, as the Word of God promises, "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) and again, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which 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).

When those nails penetrated my King's flesh a shout of praise began to circulate in the heavens. And in all creation many captives were going to be lead free from their slavery by a merciful Hand, as the Word of God describes this great act of love and courageousness, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Deuteronomy 20:2). In fact! This merciful hand was a pierced Hand. A Hand forever engraved by a scar that would triumphantly say YOU ARE LOVED! I AM YOURS AND YOU ARE MINE. Amen! Lord Jesus!

This Easter as you make your way with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to your church, or are invited to a church (http://potentialchurch.com/easter-2012/) maybe for the very first time. Know this! Jesus is no longer on that tree known as Calvary's Cross. He is alive, on the Throne of righteousness and grace. And He wants you to know that the message is still clear today as it was 2000+ years ago. He died for you because He Loves You. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)


I have come to embrace and believe fully that Love isn't on a billboard. In a club. On a street corner. In a bar. With a gang. In a needle or a bottle. Love isn't on a website late at night when no one is around and certainly not in a magazine or a tinted window location. But Love can penetrate all those avenues of darkness and destruction, because Love conquered eternal darkness itself! Jesus raised from the dead three days later conquering death and all its ways of conquering us once and for all. These words of victory haunts evil and makes way for good, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you...‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words. (Luke 24:5-8 emphasis added).

Knowing that My Savior and Lord has Risen! I can now say with confidence, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

⁵⁵ 

    

The picture of Easter can be expressed by many picture painting expressive words as you can see but truly, only 7 things are needed to grasp fully what Easter and God's Love is all about. 


A tree (Luke 23:21). A crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29). Nails (Mark 15:25). Blood flowing (Matthew 27:26). A prayer of forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Paradise promised (Luke 23:43). A shout representing Victory! "It is Finished." (John 19:30)


Beloved, Jesus loves you and that's no cliché. It's a proclamation of truth that cost Him His life. This Easter as you enter God's House, don't leave without giving your whole heart; your whole life to Him as He gave His one and only Son up for you, for me, for all who would believe. Amen.


Beloved, I leave you with these words sang from hearts that know Who True Love is (Sing Along)

"My whole life is Yours, I give it all

Surrendered to Your name

And forever I will pray

Have Your way, have Your way"

Beloved, as always...YOU ARE LOVED.

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A Quick Post: Attitude Of Gratitude

Today I was reading in Matthew 8 and I was reminded and so humbled by these very words I read "So He (Jesus) touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them." (Matthew 8:15 emphasis added).


This woman's attitude of gratitude is an example for all of us to follow. I myself know I do not spring into action with an attitude of gratitude as often as I would like but I'm committed to getting better at it and having a sustained attitude of gratitude. As Easter is fast approaching us (17 days away), let us all look to have an attitude of gratitude for what the Lord has done for us many times over and honor Him. 


Asked yourselves this question. Has God ever helped you through a dangerous or difficult situation? If so, you should ask, "How can I express my gratitude to Him?" 


Be it at His house (Local Bible based church) in giving of your time, treasure and talents, do so to honor God for what He has done for you by being quick to serve Him and His followers as that woman 'Arose and served them.' Amen.


Here's a passionate plug. If you are in the South Florida, North Florida, Bahamas, or abroad in Peru and desire to be a part of and serve a Church that will partner with you to reach your God potential, then look no further as we at Potential Church are looking for more than a few good men and women to serve with passion and excellence in our upcoming Easter 2012 services. Want more info? Simply click here (TO VOLUNTEER). Follow the prompts and you can't go wrong. While you're there feel free to look over our entire website. Lots of great things for you to become a part of. God bless you.


As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

A Beautiful Attitude (Part 4): A Satisfied Life Is A Righteous Life

"A satisfied life is a righteous life."

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Good morning beloved. God's grace and peace be with you, your family, and your ministry both today and forever. Amen. 

Today I will continue on with Part 4 of A Beautiful Attitude, sharing what God has placed into my heart when it comes to the Beatitudes- Staples for good living and the blessings that go along with them.

As I read the Beatitude above, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled, I asked God what is righteousness? So from that question we will enter into this journey together. Are you ready? LET'S GO!

First of all I wanted to define what righteousness is for both you and I. Keep in mind this is a journey we are all going on- Our walk with Christ Jesus the Lord. Amen. 

Okay, so what is righteousness? Here's a definition I found that speaks exactly to what righteousness is. The Greek word that we translate as righteous is dike (pronounced, dee-kay). And while the ancient Greek meaning was tendency, the use of this word in the Bible implies justice and conformance to established standards. Justice means doing the right thing; and conformance to established standards (in the Bible) refers to following the ways of God. So, the word righteous can also be translated as just, since righteousness is so closely tied to justice.

I'm learning to look to the Hebrew and Greek meanings of words as these were the original languages spoken and written. Sometimes we simply must go to the past to see our present and future more clearly; hence renewing our minds by the Word of God (see Romans 12:2). Amen. So! what spoke to me was the word tendency. Sometimes the word tendency gets a bad rep, but we are looking to the positive of all things. Right!? Therefore, I would like to have a tendency to seek to do the right thing and follow the ways of God all the days of my life then I will stand before the Lord on that day in time and be counted righteous by Him, because I lived a righteous life before all others. Amen.

I shared with you what I've been learning so far about what it means to be righteous, how I desire to be righteous and now I'll hook you up with a link that pretty much lists many versus in scripture as well as the definition above that we both read a few moments ago and many more blessings (click HERE FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS).

I must say, this blog post is different than my others. It's more lighter. It's still from God's heart to my heart to all your precious hearts, but God is good and the direction He leads me in, you in, all of us in, shows us many wonderful things; of Himself as well as ourselves. Truly a beautiful exchange. Praise the Lord!

Now I find interesting how the Beatitude says those who hunger and thirst as to me it makes me think of a meal. Yes! I'm hungry...(Ha!), but that's beside the point. A meal to me consists of a beverage, an appetizer, a small salad, a main dish and dessert- that's a full course meal to me. To me being thirsty and hungering for righteousness is actually something that is beneficial to our bodies and in actuality we need to be righteous in order to survive, as the Word of God speaks those who don't take in the nourishment of righteousness (they are malnourished in the ways of God) as unrighteous; those who perish (click HERE TO SEE WHAT MALNOURISHED TO GOD LOOKS LIKE).

Now having a meal is nourishing but the right type of foods eaten and beverages we drink will guarantee us a satisfied feeling; a true contentment. To me, I can eat pizza almost everyday, but eventually I desire to have a complete meal as pizza is not a meal. To me, I enjoy drinking Arizona Tea, but it always leaves me thirsty. But on the other hand, if I have a full course meal that is sensible and a nice cold glass of water, I am not only filled (satisfied), but I have no thirst either as only water can quench our thirsts. Did you know that Jesus is called the bread of life and the living water? It's no coincidence that the way to righteous living as well to heaven is through Jesus (see John 14:6). Consuming Jesus (see John 6:56-58) is that sensible meal for our souls and the right living that God calls us to. How so? Through accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord (see Romans 10:9-10/John 3:16), Through Baptism (see Romans 6:3-11/ Matthew 3:13-15), Through Communion (see Luke 22:14-19/1 Corinthians 11:26) , In Loving Him (see Luke 10:27) and Living life for God and not for ourselves (see 2 Corinthians 5:15/ Galatians 2:19-20) Through faithfully following Jesus to where He is calling us. As Jesus says, let us follow His words to all of us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:1-8).

I have both known the malnourished weakness of an unrighteous life and the strength that comes through a righteous life. Does this make living a righteous life easy? Certainly not! But we take heart, that is being filled with joy, as one; we know in life we will experience troubles and two; Jesus has already overcome the world (see John 16:33), therefore we can be confident if we trust in Him with all our heart, rely on Him and not our limited understanding, He will make that way for us known (see Proverbs 3:5-6). Amen.

What I remain in awe over God in these days is that as Easter draws near just as it was last year and the year before that, my heart, my thoughts and my speech are directed towards Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. With that I will invite you to rise to the call and receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord. He will save you and make your path straight leading right to Him here and now and for eternity. Amen.

Let us pray: A prayer of Salvation (Make it personal/Make it count)


Jesus, please forgive me for doing things my way. Help me to do things Your way. My soul is in need of saving, and I don't want to live life now or in eternity without you. I confess that You are Lord and believe in my heart God raised You from the dead. I hunger and thirst for righteousness. Please fill me. Save me, help me, cleanse me, make me new and show me the way everlasting. I choose You as my Savior and Lord.  




Beloved, if you prayed this prayer I believe according to the Word of God that you are now saved. Congratulations!! I'd be honored if you would leave a comment if you accepted Jesus by confessing from your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart God raised Him from the dead three days later. I pray God direct you to the church where you will feel right at home. Stay in the Word of God, and keep God first. He'll take you places you never dreamed of. 


As always...YOU ARE LOVED.

Emergency Post: Becoming A Son of Perdition

Perdition

Perdition: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. (Matthew 7:13)


Salvation: But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:14)


Good morning beloved. I trust that God is on the throne and the good work He has started in you He will finish. Amen.

This morning as I got up from my rest, these words were being spoken into my heart, 'Write about Son of Perdition.' I started to reflect on the most absolute truth in God's Word concerning Son of Perdition. If you do not know about Judas Iscariot (click HERE.) Judas Iscariot was one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Jesus to follow Him. Judas was also the very man who betrayed Jesus. The reason I'm lead to write this is due to a hurting Heart for those who stray away from God, and willfully choose to abandon their faith based on selfish ambitions and desires. Sadly, I too have known what it is to walk away from the Lord in my thoughts, actions and words. But thanks be to God! that the good work He has started in me He will finish. Amen!

As you read in the Gospels more and more you will see that following Jesus in the beginning is a tough thing for you, for me, for all of us. We will adore Jesus- His Word, His presence, His direction, His insight, but there will come a time that we will abandon Him when things get tough. It's common. Sad but common. You may not run too far away, but your thoughts, actions and words will not be cemented in Him but rather in your selfish desires. I believe that's why the Word of God in (Romans 12:2 see HERE) is so important to exercise in our daily lives to remain not being selfish but selfless in all our endeavors; that being in our thoughts, actions and words. Amen.

The Son of Perdition translated is quite scary being "Character of destruction," Thus Judas is called a son of perdition because he had the character of a destroyer. He was a traitor and a murderer. And this shows that He who knew the heart regarded his character as that of a wicked man one whose appropriate name was that of a son of perdition. Judas' character was one of moral and ethical decay to which he was easily influenced by Satan to do what would be deemed the world's greatest act of hate- to cause the event that would arrest the Savior of the world and have Him delivered to death by crucifixion. Why is this the greatest act of hate; the greatest incident of selfishness? Because by Judas' actions he was showing that not only He wanted to kill the Man who he loved, but the Man in whom came to save the world from our Sin. Just imagine yourself in a dire life saving situation and the one person that could save you from utter destruction heading your way, someone decided to slow him down, to stop him from getting to you. How would you feel? This is the exact thing Judas Iscariot attempted to do, but glory to God! Judas failed miserably, as the Lord Jesus resurrected on the third day and He lives! Amen!

(See HERE.) I leave you with these words. As I have reminded you of how easily we can stray away from the Lord Jesus, let your hearts be filled with great joy to know that you are empowered not to remain away but to seek to return to the Lord and His Word that the work He has started in you He will finish. And as I remind you, remember what Jesus spoke into you when you first came to Him. What promises are spoken to you concerning your faith in Him and His name. Jesus is the Son of God, that is the eternal character of Salvation (see HERE.) Amen. 

As Easter is fast approaching, let us have a renewed spirit, a joy filled heart, and remain looking onto our Salvation that is the very name of Jesus. Amen!

For all of you who have not received Jesus as Savior and Lord, know He is available now. You have that wonderful opportunity now. Don't wait. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you from becoming a Son of Perdition. The Word of God describes quite amazingly in Christ Jesus who we become, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Let us pray: A prayer of Salvation (Make it personal. Make it count)

Jesus, please forgive me for doing things my way. Help me to do things Your way. My soul is in need of saving, and I don't want to be a Son of Perdition. Save me, cleanse me, and make me new. I choose You as my Savior and Lord. 

Beloved, as always...YOU ARE LOVED.

A Life Saving Prayer

If you are feeling a nudge in your heart that has you knowing there is more. Has you wanting to be forgiven. That something is missing from your life, and a voice in your heart is speaking lightly to you saying 'I'm what you are missing. You no longer need to be filled with guilt for the wrong you have done. It's time,' then I invite you to pray this prayer for forgiveness, for Salvation, to experience God's loving embrace. Wherever you are, you can say it quietly and sincerely:

Jesus. I feel terrible. I'm so sorry for what I have done. Please forgive me. Come into my heart. Come into my life. Save me. Change me. Transform me. Wash me clean. I make you my Savior and Lord. 

The Bible teaches that once you have embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior over your entire life, all of heaven applauds you.

I don't know if you ever received or witnessed a standing ovation, but it's overwhelming. Just imagine, heaven applauding for you and your decision right now. I applaud you too!

I'm so proud of you for your decision. God bless you.

If you prayed this prayer, I'd be honored if you would please contact me at mightymanof_god@yahoo.com I just want to encourage you and celebrate with you. Thanks!