Does God know you?

Does God know you? Do you really know God?

How many times a day do you pray?

Do you try to follow his commandments?

In Matthew Chapter 7:21 Jesus points out that not every one who claims to know him really does. Jesus told this parable to explain to us that we need a personal relationship with him.
The best way I can think of to explain to you about how to keep a relationship with Jesus is to think as Him as your best friend. Talk to him by praying as much as you can. You can tell Him all of your problems and stuff that you have to deal with. He is your heavenly Father. He can help you. He wants to help you obey his commandments. He wants you to live a good life. He has plans to bless you and to prosper you. You just need to reach out to him. You need to talk to him. He is your best friend and he is always there for you. One of the worst things that could possibly happen to you is described by Jesus in Matthew Chapter 7. None of us wants to hear these words from the Lord after we have passed away: “I never knew you. Away from me,”

Matthew chapter 7:21-29

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Sk8 4 God has three core values: courage wisdom and honor. This week’s core value is Honor:

We need to Honor the Lord above all else. We need to honor him for being our heavenly Father who provides for us. We need to honor him for being our best friend who is there for us at all times. Reach out to Him today! Get to know Him! The rewards of having a relationship with our Lord Jesus are everlasting...

-Caleb

Perseverance.....

Why is perseverance such a cool word? Well I really like it because it builds character in who you are. We all go through tough times in our life. We all go through persecution when we stand up for what we believe in (Jesus for example). The world that we live in today does not follow the truth. It encourages secularism and the ways of the world. It encourages gnarly things.
As believers in Jesus Christ we need to persevere through the temptations of the world. We need to stand up for what we believe and not be ashamed. The world, TV, and your peers may try to influence you to not believe in the Lord. But by keeping your faith, spending time in prayer and going to church, you can persevere through the gnarly attacks against your faith.
In the bibleit says:

"Count it all a joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3

OK, so the bible is telling you to be stoked when you are going through tough times because you are being built into something awesome. God is molding you into the person he wants you to be. He lets us go through these times so we can persevere. He wants you to learn. He is our father. He allows us to go through these times so that we can grow spiritually. Read James chapter 1 verses 1 through 8 sometime.

Perseverance as defined in the dictionary:

1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Peace!

-Caleb