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TIME IS SHORT; THE VALUE OF TIME
Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you failed to use during the day.
What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course! Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.
There is no going back. There is no drawing against "tomorrow".
You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to
get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is
running, so MAKE THE MOST OF TODAY.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has kids to feed.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because
you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with them.
And remember that TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE.
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift. That's why it's called THE PRESENT.
And finally, what happens WHEN WE RUN OUT OF TIME? We will be standing before the sovereign, living God of the universe, and asked why we did not choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior, even though we had many opportunities to do so? We will be staring at two paths into eternity and our course will already be set – to join the heavenly host or head for the Lake of Fire.
So let us seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, for time is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
P.S. Speaking of RUNNING OUT OF TIME, be sure to check out this blog post: “If You Took the Vax, Your Health is in Danger (PART I)”. You see it here: https://bit.ly/IfYouTooktheVaxPARTI.
To God be the glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
If You Took the Vax, Your Health is in Danger – Part I
THEY LIED TO US. Dr. Anthony Fauci, American immunologist, former head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the national spokesman for Covid-19 and the Covid-19 va…
Life in the SpiritIF YOU TOOK THE VAX, YOUR HEALTH IS IN DANGER (PART I)
THEY LIED TO US. Dr. Anthony Fauci, American immunologist, former head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the national spokesman for Covid-19 and the Covid-19 vaccines, asserted that the vaccines are “safe and effective”. But IS THIS TRUE?
Since the “vax” (not legally a vaccine) was rolled out five years ago, the evidence is overwhelming that the Covid-19 vaccine is neither safe nor effective. But don’t take my word for it. This post provides multiple reports from many credible sources that address this issue, including strategies to detox from the jab. You won’t want to miss it.
You can see it here: If You Took the Vax, Your Health is in Danger (PART I) or
https://tinyurl.com/IFYOUTOOKTHEVAX.
As always, question everything, do your own research, and take this to the Lord for confirmation.
Be bold. Be strong. Be courageous and walk with the Lord.
Mark
Mark Peterson, Ph.D.
If You Took the Vax, Your Health is in Danger (PART I)
THEY LIED TO US. Dr. Anthony Fauci, American immunologist, former head of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and the national spokesman for Covid-19 and the Covid-19 va…
Life in the SpiritI REALLY MISS HER
I see her only once a week, and then for only about one to two hours.
Sometimes during that time she might say something to me, but usually it is something she says every week, something memorized.
For the most part, she doesn’t even know I’m there. The rest of the week she doesn’t speak to me at all. She leads a very busy life and there always seems to be other things more important to her than visiting with me. I miss her terribly. What hurts most is she is my bride to be.
We seem to be drifting further and further apart. When we first met, our hearts were filled with love and we would talk for hours on end.
But something happened along the way - her interest in me began to fade. She says she still loves me but her visits have become farther apart. Sometimes, she doesn’t come visit me except for a few days a year, usually Christmas and Easter. I miss her so!
If you see her, will you tell her how much I miss her and my love for her will never end. Thank you.
What? Oh, how will you recognize her? It’s easy, she looks just like…………..YOU!
Eternally,
Jesus
THIS IS A LOVE LETTER FROM JESUS TO THE BODY OF CHRIST, HIS BRIDE. HE INVITES US TO WALK WITH HIM EVERY DAY, TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM, AND TO ENJOY HIS PRESENCE – FROM NOW INTO ETERNITY!
Source: Jerry Sundberg, Portrait of a Relationship
To God be the glory LifeintheSpirit.net
The compelling messages from Jesus Christ to the seven churches in the book of Revelation continue to speak to us today. To take the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation Quiz, go to lifeinthespirit.net
HAVE YOU EVER MET A REAL AMBASSADOR?
I will never forget the day I met the ambassador to the United States from the Fiji Islands. He exuded confidence, warmth, and a sense of purpose, giving us a glimpse into the soul of his nation and an invitation to have a relationship with him, His king, and his people.
Have you ever met a real ambassador of Christ from the Kingdom of God? Although all Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ, most of us fail to fulfill our calling fully. The best examples are the apostles. Filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they became bold preachers that would not be stopped, regardless of persecution.
Each of us is called to be an Ambassador for Christ - filled with the Holy Spirit, equipped to do His work, and sent forth to reach the lost. We then do not just work for God, but God works through us.
Those who see evangelism as a job or career ask what they have to do and what is in it for them. Those who are called by the Lord have only one request: “Send me, oh Lord. Send me!”
The big question facing you and me is: are we willing to accept the call and seek the lost in the mission field? (And we are ALREADY IN the mission field). We need to decide quickly, for time is short and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
To God be the glory,
Mark Peterson
LifeintheSpirit.net
Source of Image: Pixabay
TIME IS SHORT. DRAW CLOSE. REACH THE LOST.
Time is short before judgment and war comes to America (https://tinyurl.com/judgmentwar), and it will be a time of great distress such as never been. So it important to do three things:
1) Draw close to the Lord and spend time with Him in prayer and in His Word. In the chaos coming, it will be critical for us to know His still, small voice as He guides and protects us through the chaos. If we do not spend time with Him, we will have nothing special – nothing supernatural – to share with others in their time of need.
2) Commune with other believers in worship and prayer, so that we may minister to them and they can minister to us. A primary way for this to happen is through a local church. But it must be a Bible-believing church that holds up Jesus Christ as Savior above all else. This is described here: https://lifeinthespirit.net/2024/12/03/25-signs-of-a-healthy-church/
3) Reach out to the lost. Many people know about God, but don’t know Him and His still, small voice that gives guidance and peace. They will be lost as cataclysmic events unfold and their lives are shaken to the core. So reach out to them with the truth and love of Christ, for life is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
To God be the glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
Image from Pixabay
20 SIGNS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH
Here are 20 signs of a healthy church:
___1. A divine sense of mission and purpose is evident.
___2. The presence of God is evident in worship services.
___3. The Word of God is presented with authority and anointing.
___4. There are functional prayer gatherings.
___5. There is a real expectation for answered prayers.
___6. People are getting saved and baptized.
___7. The leadership of the church serves the Lord with humility and
integrity.
___8. Many people volunteer to serve.
___9. Many people support the church with tithes and offerings.
___10. The community gets impacted in real ways.
___11. Your leaders have great passion.
___12. The mission of the church trumps organizational maintenance.
___13. The church is more in love with the future than the past.
___14. Homeless and street people are seen as a mission field.
___15. There is an increase of members and finances over time.
___16. Sermons engage both the mind and the heart. ___17. You are seeing many first-time visitors.
___18. Your church is welcoming, warm, and diverse.
___19. Communication is clear and conflicts are resolved when they
arise.
___20. There is a sense of urgency and passion to reach lost souls.
How many of these describe your church: _____ out of 20?
To God be the glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
Image from Pixabay
20 SIGNS OF A DYING CHURCH
The following are signs of a dying church; check the ones that fit your church:
___1. There are no functional prayer gatherings.
___2. There is no expectation for answered prayers.
___3. The presence of God is missing in the assembly of the
saints.
___4. Few if any people are saved, or get baptized.
___5. There is no pattern of disciple making.
___6. There is no divine sense of mission and purpose.
___7. Few people support the church with offerings.
___8. The community doesn’t get impacted.
___9. Your leaders are losing their passion.
___10. You are more in love with the past than you are with the
future.
___11. Homeless and street people are seen more as a nuisance
than a mission field.
___12. There is greater emphasis on how we are different
from other Christians than what unites us in Christ.
___13. There is a slow loss of members and finances over time.
___14. Strong resistance to change
___15. Sermons engage the mind but not the heart.
___16. You are seeing very few first-time visitors.
___17. Everyone in your church looks and thinks just like you.
___18. You’re focused more on keeping church members than reaching new people.
___19. Unresolved conflict
___20. There is no sense of urgency to reach lost souls.
How many of these describe your church: _____ out of 20?
To God be the glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
Source of image: JosephMattera.org
THE MOST IMPORTANT CALL OF YOUR LIFE
You are about to receive a call that will change your life. The President of the United States is calling you to serve as an ambassador to a faraway country.
The president states: “I want you to develop relationships and show them our nation, way of life, and core values. This is a dangerous mission, but I will support you all the way.”
This might be the most important call of your life. Would you accept this assignment?
NOT A CALL, BUT A CALLING
Ring ring. You are now receiving another call, but it is not on your phone. It is a call from the sovereign, living God of the universe, calling you to serve as an Ambassador of Christ from the Kingdom of God to the U.S. and to the world.
You will be representing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not merely the U.S. President. And you will not merely seek good will; you will be sharing the love and truth of Christ with lost souls.
The Lord explains that although there is danger in this position, He has your back and will be with you all the way.
Would you accept this assignment? If you do, it will be the most important thing you will ever do in your life, and you will never be the same.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. ” II Corinthians 5:20
To God be the glory,
Mark Peterson
LifeintheSpirit.net
Source of Image: Pixaby
PRICES WILL DOUBLE AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT
Source of image: Stanford News
There is a high likelihood that prices of food, fuel, and other goods are going to double in the U.S., driven by one or more powerful forces.
In Matthew 16, Jesus admonished the Pharisees and Sadducees for not understanding the times. This blog post seeks to shed light on the times we now live in by exploring how prices (food, fuel, other items) are highly likely to double in the near future, due to three main causes:
1) BRICS+ nations,
2) politics, and
3) the elephant in the room – WAR.
This blog post will also address what we can about it, including what God tells us to do about it. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would remind us of His Word, lead us into all Truth, and show us things to come. (John 14:26, 16:13-15). The Holy Spirit is warning us about these coming events and how we can and should prepare – spiritually and physically. For we are not here by chance, but for such a time as this (Esther 4:13-14).
Finally, question everything, do your own research, and take this to the Lord for confirmation and interpretation.
This blog is for all who seek the truth. You won’t want to miss it, and you can see it HERE. (https://tinyurl.com/PricesWillDouble)
To God be the glory,
LifeintheSpirit.net
Source of image: Stanford News
WE ARE NOT HERE BY CHANCE, AND HE IS SENDING US OUT
We are not here by chance, but for such a time as this (Esther 4:13-14). We are called, equipped, and sent forth into battle – spiritual battle, to reach the lost with His Truth, Love, and Compassion. We need to start the day on our knees before God, praying and feasting on His Word. Then we are to put on our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6), and go forth to reach those He brings across our path. When we surrender to Christ and seek His guidance, we will see the Holy Spirit work through us, bearing much spiritual fruit and even miracles.
We will only experience His Joy – the joy of the Lord, when we discern His will for our lives and carry it out with gladness in our hearts. So we need to stand strong, be bold, and be courageous. We are to be the man or woman He has called us to be, and speak His Word and His Truth with love and compassion.
Time is short, and He is leading us on a great spiritual adventure. It is truly exciting, it is the most important thing we have ever done in our lives, and we will never be the same.
It is time for us to buckle up, go forth, and enjoy the ride. And then He will bring us home. God loves us more than we can imagine, and He can’t wait to welcome us home through the gates of heaven.
So let us go out with GODFIDENCE, walking and speaking as if God sent us, because He has!
To God be the glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
WORLD WAR IS COMING – PART II
All indications are that world war is coming, perhaps soon. Just as there were steps leading up to World War I and World War II, there are steps leading up to World War III, and we are seeing them unfold before our very eyes. The military conflicts in Ukraine/Russia, Israel/Middle East, and China/Taiwan are escalating, with little interest in serious peace talks. These military developments were addressed in World War III is Coming, PART I, but many recent developments give A SENSE OF URGENCY to these warnings. We are seeing events unfold that could trigger it at any time, so we need to be prepared.
The acceleration of forces pushing us toward a nuclear war with Russia, what the watchmen and women are telling us (from the Lord), and how we can prepare for these crucial developments that threaten our very existence are covered in this blog post - see World War is Coming, PART II (https://tinyurl.com/WWIII-is-Coming-PART-II).
In I Chronicles 12:32, the sons of Issachar were commended for understanding the times and knowing what they should do. So let us be like them, seeking understanding of the times and what we should do to live at this time and serve our Lord. As in all things, question everything and take it to the Lord for confirmation.
This blog is for the remnant Bride of Christ and all who seek the Truth. You won’t want to miss it.
Blessings on your day,
Mark
Mark Peterson, Ph.D.
LifeintheSpirit.net
#WorldWarIII
WORLD WAR III IS COMING – PART I
War is coming to America unless we as the people of America repent and cry out to our Lord for mercy. Just as there were steps leading up to World War I and World War II, there are steps leading up to World War III, and we are seeing them unfold before our very eyes.
This blog post will focus on one of the most pressing issues in the world now - the Russian – Ukrainian war, its spread to the West, and how to prepare. To gain insight into what is coming soon and how to prepare, take a look at World War III is Coming – PART I (https://tinyurl.com/WWIIIisComingPARTI).
In I Chronicles 12:32, the sons of Issachar were commended for understanding the times and knowing what they should do. So let us be like them, seeking understanding of the times and what we should do to live at this time and serve our Lord. As in all things, question everything and take it to the Lord for confirmation.
Finally, there was much speculation about the eclipse that took place earlier this year. For a report on what really happened on that day, click here (https://tinyurl.com/EclipseWhatReallyHappened).
This blog is for the remnant Bride of Christ and all who seek the Truth. You won’t want to miss it.
Blessings on your day,
Mark
Mark Peterson, Ph.D.
LifeintheSpirit.net
#WorldWarIII
GREAT QUESTIONS ARE WINDOWS INTO THE SOUL
One of the greatest challenges for Christians is how to take “nice” conversations to a deeper level that touches the other person’s soul. We can do this by asking great questions.
I. How Are You?
How are you?
What is happening in your life?
What brings joy into your life?
What is the cry in your soul at this time?
II. Who Are You?
Who are you and how did you end up here?
What is your story? You can then tell them your story, and HIS
(Jesus’s) story.
III. What Were the Defining Moments in Your Life?
Have there been DEFINING MOMENTS – turning points in your life
when you gained some new insight or experienced a radical change that changed the direction of your life? What were they?
IV. What Do You Think About God?
When you die and pass into eternity, what do you think you will
experience? How does that make you feel?
What do you think about God? Is He your friend?
How do you see Jesus?
V. How is the Lord Working in Your Life?
Have you ever seen the hand of the Lord in your life or sensed His
presence? What was it like?
How is the Lord working in your life?
Do you believe we can discern the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit?
VI. What is Your Life Purpose and Calling?
Do you know the Lord’s calling on your life – the unique and special
purpose for which you were created?
Are you fulfilling that calling? If not, what is holding you back?
How can I pray for you?
To God be the glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
ONE OF THE GREATEST TRAGEDIES OF ALL TIMES
One of the greatest tragedies of all time is the many people who believe they are going to heaven when they die, but end up in the Lake of Fire. Here are four warning signs, and relevant Bible passages:
Warning Sign #1: UNIVERSALISM
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
Warning Sign #2: UNFORGIVENESS
“If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15
Warning Sign #3: UNREPENTANCE
“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
Warning Sign #4: LUKEWARMNESS
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:14-16
So let us reach out to those who come across our path with the love and truth of Christ, for life is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
To God be the Glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
EACH OF US IS GOING TO COURT
I had a dream that I died and was standing trial before God in heaven. Satan recited the many sins I committed throughout my life, and my heart broke as I realized how many people I had harmed.
I pleaded guilty, knowing my fate was sealed if justice was to prevail. Just before sentencing, Jesus advanced and told the judge that He paid the price for my sins with his death on the cross. My heart leaped at the reprieve for my many sins.
God then announced all charges were dropped, and welcomed me into the Kingdom of Heaven. I experienced a joy beyond my ability to describe.
THIS is going to happen to you and to me. Each of us has a future date when we will stand before the God in Heaven, where ultimate justice is dispensed.
Satan will describe all the sins we have committed in our life, and we will be asked to respond. Finally, God the Father will ask if there is anyone who will speak on our behalf. Only Christ is qualified, and then only for those of us who received Him as Savior BEFORE WE DIED.
So let us reach out to those who come across our path with the love and truth of Christ, for life is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Source of image: shutterstock.com
To God be the Glory
LifeintheSpirit.net
A RECOVERING CHRISTIAN AND A HOMELESS GUY MEET
I recently met a fellow who described himself as “a recovering Christian” (like a recovering alcoholic). Raised in the church, he described two experiences that drove him away.
While enrolled at a Christian university and playing baseball, the coach caught him smoking pot. Although he pleaded for mercy from the college administrators, they refused and expelled him.
Secondly, he mentioned homeless people sleeping in church alcoves with locked doors. He quoted Jesus who said inasmuch as you did not give food, water, or shelter to the least of these, you did not give to Me. So he left Christianity because of the traumatic ending of his college and baseball career, and the gap between what Jesus said and what he has seen in churches.
At this juncture, a homeless man chimed in. He told the homeowner that the true church is not an organization with buildings, but an organism with members from all countries who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. He advocated focusing on Christ who alone can set us free from sin and the fear of death.
Everyone is experiencing some struggle unknown to us, even if they say everything is "fine". So let us reach out to them with the love and truth of Christ, for time is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
To God be the glory
Mark Peterson
LifeintheSpirit.net
MEMORIAL DAY SALUTE TO OUR FALLEN VETERANS
As you know, this is the day for us to pause from our daily lives to reflect on and remember those who died for our country. And thank you to all of you who served our country in the military, and your spouses, for the service you have rendered to our country. We enjoy freedoms today because of your willingness and that of your colleagues to put your life on the life to protect our nation.
“Mansions of the Lord” is a majestic and compelling hymn that honors those who lost their lives in service to our country. You can see it performed by the West Point Band and West Point Glee Club here (https://tinyurl.com/MansionsoftheLord) You can follow along with the lyrics:
Mansions of the Lord
To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord
No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, Eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord
Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
All through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord
Our nation faces many grave challenges, so let us pray that our leaders will make wise decisions, to keep us safe and from harm.
Blessings on your day,
Mark Peterson
LifeintheSpirit.net
Education is Not THE ANSWER –
Two Incredible Stories
Source of image: unknown
Is education important? Of course. But it is not THE ULTIMATE ANSWER to the many challenges facing our nation. See these incredible stories:
The Einsatzgruppen in Nazi Germany
In 1939, Nazi Police Chief Heinrich Himmler created the Einsatzgruppen to eliminate suspected enemies, and they killed over 50,000 Poles. Himmler recruited highly educated Germans to lead the Einsatzgruppen, with OVER HALF OF THE EINSATZGRUPPEN LEADERS HAVING PH.D.S.
From Prison to Street Ministry
The THIRD time he was in prison, Craig Marlatt met a preacher who preached the Word of God, and he came to the Lord. After prison, he started a coffee house in the Orlando, ministering to drug addicts, prostitutes, and street people. He wrote books, and recorded Christian songs that inspire people to live lives of honesty, virtue, and service.
These stories demonstrate that education, while important, can be used for good or evil, and that our Lord will use ANYONE who is yielded to His Holy Spirit.
When Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly,” he meant a life expressing the highest and best, a life of service to God and to mankind.
So let us seek the Lord with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength, that we may discover God’s calling upon our lives and experience the abundant life – the life of joy that He promises to all who follow Him.
LifeintheSpirit.net
What Do YOU Bring To The Table?
Non-profit organizations, when considering prospective board members, ask: “What do they bring to the table?”
Here is how different age groups answer that question:
• BABIES, created in the image of God, inspire awe, wonder, and love.
• CHILDREN contribute curiosity and excitement as they encounter the world,
• YOUNG PEOPLE contribute energy and promise for the future.
• MIDDLE AGE PEOPLE contribute knowledge and skills in work, dedication, and commitment to family.
• SENIOR ADULTS contribute experience and wisdom to shed light on life events.
Healthy, Godly societies and communities recognize the critical contributions each group can make, and support and protect them.
And Jesus:
• invited His disciples to breakfast,
• invites us to dine with Him, and
• gave Himself on the cross to save us for eternity.
Jesus said we are to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, our souls, and our minds, and love our neighbors as ourself.
So let us go forth with boldness and courage to reach others, for time is short, eternity is a very long time, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
To God be the glory, LifeintheSpirit.net