On The 1950s Game Show Truth Or Consequences, Contestants Were Asked A Question And Then Quickly Reply.

On the 1950’s game show “Truth or Consequences,” contestants were asked a question and then quickly reply. If they were wrong, there was a 'consequence' and in the comedy farce that was the hallmark of the show, if they mocked the host AND the question, there was an even bigger consequence to pay.

While life is not a game show, there are serious questions that we face on how we live and answer the questions of our lives daily by our thoughts, words, and deeds. However there are some that not only mock the questions but ridicule what is presented as 'truth' as outdated superstitious teachings that are not applicable to the times or their lives, and therefore do not believe that there are any consequences for their actions.

As that old TV program’s opening screen showed, 'Truth' was marked by a heavenly halo and 'Consequences' with a hellish trident — just as scripture tells us that we all shall “Reap What We Sow.” (see Galatians 6:8) If we sow good things in this life there is reward, but if we sow evil seeds and do what we think is right in OUR eyes, we will reap the OPPOSITE harvest.

Friend, as today’s verse implores us, Don’t mislead yourself into thinking that there really aren’t any consequences for not answering to truth, because there are. Life is a great journey but a serious one that requires how we answer the question of TRUTH, because the Bible says that Jesus Christ is THE TRUTH and He desires us out of His love for us not to have a Consequence! All you need to do is answer one question, and that is this...

Do you believe that Jesus is “The (only) WAY, The (only) TRUTH, and the (only way to eternal) LIFE?” (John 14:6) and as the verse concludes “No man cometh to the Father but by me.” (???)

There is a TRUTH and there is a CONSEQUENCE.

What is your answer?

God Bless Your Day, Jesus Loves You

NotesOnLife.org

We’ve all been guilty of crying out to God at a critical time of urgent need, but there are two things about this that most people do not understand about why prayers of desperation are never answered.

First, prayers of despair are like a 'Hail Mary' pass that hopes that the prayer will be 'caught by God' and receive immediate attention. After all, since God is in the business of “saving” doesn’t it make sense that God will help you in a time of need? However these kind of prayers are never caught in the heavenly end zone!

Second, God DOES NOT Answer — or Even HEAR — prayers that are not spoken in FAITH — and the Word of God tells us why when it says:

“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, Even their prayers are detestable.” Proverbs 28:9

You see, based on this and many other passages in the Bible, we must listen to and walk consistently with God. If not our prayers are NEVER answered unless there is:

Relationship to God

Obedience to God

Faith in God

The reason why is that our prayers will only be answered when we are in a healthy stature with God, and not only HEARING His instructions for our lives but Doing Them (James 1:23). Then and only then will God answer our prayers, otherwise the faithless are out of bounds and will run afoul of any attempts to connect with him.

But there is ONE prayer of desperation that God ALWAYS ANSWERS and that is when you realize your need for Him to forgive you of your sins and ask Him to save your soul. So if you are in a desperate situation right now and are not a person of faith, start with seeking Him for your salvation, apply FAITH in Him and then you will realize the assurance He promises for those that put their trust in Him.

The LORD is there patiently awaiting your call.

Will you reach out to Him in faith today?

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

NotesOnLife.org

We live in a “culture of offenses” where we must be careful to continually be politically correct or we might get in hot water and offend those around us. Sadly, offending people has become a sort of negative norm and has risen to the forefront in our daily interactions with each other. As hard as we try, somewhere someone is offending somebody sometime and we have no control over how people respond to what happens to them. So while we have zero control about the response of people that feel offended, we have total control of how WE respond when people offend us.

We can’t help the poor actions or offensive statements of others, nor can we stop racists from hating, sexists from denigrating, or elitists from power trips, but God has given each of us the spirit of Self-Control — the self-same spirit that Jesus practiced all throughout His ministry. When or if you are confronted with offensive verbiage or other abuse, practice the following:

See offenders as broken people in need of God’s grace, not as people who are out to get you

Extend grace and compassion towards those who hurt you.

Choose not to take up an offense and let it roll off your back!

Like anything in life, GODLY LOVE is the answer. When someone offends you, forgive and pray for them. Their offensive action is a clue they need inner healing and compassion.

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

What do you want ADDED most to your life?

Many might think that a brand new car, a better house, a fabulous wardrobe, or a luxurious vacation will satisfy and while all these would be an enjoyable 'happening' in that moment, once that moment passes...then what?

The problem with fun, exciting or expensive things or events is that as nice as they are, they only last for a limited period of time - and then there is an end to it. It might be a new love affair, partying, or doing something exciting - or even dangerous – or any number of other treks down a road seeking happiness, but once that moment of 'Happiness' concludes, where does that road take you?

Our search in life for satisfaction places all of us at a crossroad of CHOICES. Either we choose treks for HAPPINESS or a trek for TRUTH. Given that happiness is tied to the temporary immediateness of what is happening, what does the alternative of “Truth” mean or look like?

Today’s scripture points us to seek what is 'best' in this life, and that’s when we seek that which is above in God’s kingdom, that all that we (really) want (and need) will be added.

Jesus said “I am...the TRUTH” and when you Seek First the trek down the road of HIS TRUTH, it will not be a road that ends in a singular moment, but will last for all eternity.

Which TREK are you on?

God Bless Your Day Jesus Loves You

NotesOnLife.org

by Dr. Jeanne Sheffield Estrada

Today’s world presents us with so many visual images flashing and enticing us with every blink of our eyes that it is easy to both consciously and unconsciously contaminate our souls with useless trash that has no real purpose or benefit to us.

Just as a home can be contaminated with mold or disease, so have our souls been dirtied with images, stories, and ideas presented in the world that are contrary to God’s nature and pureness. This is why (like a healthy home) it is imperative to guard the windows of our eyes which lead to our soul and to stop looking at anything that keeps our eyes from falling upon things that are not good:

“ Keep your eyes looking straight before you and... don’t turn them looking right or left.” - Proverbs 4:25,27 (paraphrased)

My dear friend, do not start every new year with a worldly resolution but instead 'purpose in your heart' as Daniel did in worldly Babylon as he “...resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food” (Daniel 1:8) to not consume things that are harmful to you. This means web sites, pictures, TV or movies that distract and pollute your soul (you KNOW what they are!)

Instead, ask God to help you open your eyes to only see and partake of those things which are clean and wholesome. Cast your eyes as much as possible each day on God’s Word! Open the eyes of your soul to those things which are pure and these will enrich and strengthen the core of your very being.

God Bless Your Day, Jesus Loves You

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Imagine that you could walk into the White House and Oval Office at any time unannounced to have an audience with the President, or to the Queen at Buckingham Palace or speak at the podium to the UN!?! Wouldn’t that be ridiculous? In this world yes, but in the court of heaven - NO! ... and today’s scripture verse tells us why.

Our Heavenly Father has an 'Open Door' policy! Just like your children can come up to your lap anytime and say “Daddy!”, we also can come to the feet of the LORD at the throne and talk to Him any time we want. You don’t have to make an appointment, be at a certain 'level of spirituality or holiness', rank, level, or title before God because He is always welcome to you at any day, time, or moment. All you have to do is approach!

Too many believers think that they have to act like Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ pounding at the gates to the kingdom in order to have an audience with the Most High, but if you think about it, that is ridiculous for this reason.

The Bible says that the heavenly City of Jerusalem is fifteen hundred miles square and God’s temple is smack-dab in the middle of it, so pounding at the gates (which are already open!) doesn’t make any spiritual sense because those gates are MILES away from the throne. You might as well yell into a barrel!

If you want your prayers to be heard, then go boldly go to God’s Throne, Christian! Then let your prayers and petitions known, asking both in FAITH and according to HIS WILL and He will hear you!

His eye may be on the sparrow, but he watches – and wants to listen – to YOU up close and personal. Boldly go before the throne! He is waiting for you THERE.

God Bless Your Day, Jesus Loves You

Pastor-Teacher Wayne Estrada

NotesOnLife.org