God has set up this present creation for us to make our own choices. From Eve until now each of us choose who we will become; not only now but for eternity.  Even though many blame circumstances for their failures, the reality is that a great number stand as proof of those who have overcome conditions much worse than those who have tried and failed; and even managed to help others along their way.

  These are people who have met adversity with perseverance and ultimately succeeded.  These people are looked up to and admired.  An example is a war hero who saved lives at great risk of their own, and maybe even suffered permanently from their efforts.  Many find pleasure in honoring them in various ways, even to the extent of providing free homes.

  In Psalm 100 verse 2 it reads, “Serve the LORD with gladness”.  Unfortunately the vast majority of believers serve because of the need, duty, or a sense of guilt.  None of these produce gladness; oh we may feel a sense of greater worth if we meet a need but that is a self serving motive.

  How can we serve with gladness?  In the same way those who honor heroes serve?  It is a matter of honor for us to have an opportunity to do something for someone one who has done great things.

  Jesus Christ is a true hero in every way.  Hebrews 12:1-4 says; “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,... but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9;

  This repentance is available to all.  Everyone who seeks God to repent of their sinful condition with a contrite heart will gain God’s favor and the salvation that Jesus purchased with his sinless life and obedient death on the cross.  “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8

  Jesus had a choice and so do each one of us as individuals.  In our short lives this is the most important choice everyone makes because the results are eternal.

Salient Points: A church marquis, The flesh vs the soul,  Natural vs supernatural, Inspired singing, Song writers motives, Jealous of His glory, Selfish church business, What does God want from us, Making God sick, Selling your testimony, Our deceitful hearts, How important is gladness to God, Wrong motives, Messages on giving, When God says that’s it, God’s favorite children, Natural instincts, Where to give, Deceived, It’s about how not how much, Giving God what He wants, Giving to get, Seeing reality, Why do you give, Mean preachers, Doing it God’s way, Fore warned, Take God seriously, What matters to God, Where is the joy, A lesson from a five year old, Who do we do it for, Appreciating God, Pray to understand.   

Scripture: Lk. 10:27, Ps. 100:2, Du. 28:47-48, 2 Cor. 9:6-7, Eph. 6:5-6

Special Thanks,
Images courtesy of;  Hubble Telescope, Nassau, Space Science Telescope Institute and the James Webb Space Telescope that include selected scriptures from the public domain version of The King James Bible. The availability of STScI materials on this website does not imply the endorsement of STScI or by any STScI employee of any private use of such materials, including, in particular, any commercial use and any use intended to mislead. For more information please visit our Copyright Information page by clicking here.