A Recipe for keeps!

As I ponder what to make for dinner tonight, I chuckle to myself on the results of last night's dinner. See, I found a recipe but didn't "feel" up to all the ingredients. Lol, so, I modified it. Let's just say it was a flop! 

The Lord spoke greatly to my heart in this real life lesson. He showed me that in religion this is exactly what people do. They don't "like" or "feel up to" His requirements so the pick and choose; they add to and they take away! Just like my dinner that went south, so making these changes to His plan results in the same way! 

In essence it's fun to play around with recipes, especially when it comes out great! When dealing with God's ways, it's best to leave what He says as whole and complete. 

As my husband's words ring in my ears, "Don't change the recipe next time." I share this deeper advice for you too... 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

May we not play with eternity based on our likes, dislikes and/or emotions! What God dishes out is perfect, truly a recipe for keeps!

Known by Christ or a Grapevine Experience

I remember in my younger days a lot of people knew who I was, but not because then knew me personally; they knew me by association-- they knew others who did know me... that were close to me. 

Even still with business I encounter similar situations. Many know who I am but aren't close enough to know me personally. I'm not into popularity. No, I share this because as I pondered these things the Lord spoke to my heart. 

He brought this passage to mind: 

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:21-23

Many know of Jesus yet very few know Him personally. Key question is: Does He know you?

He said, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:14

Knowing Him is personal, a genuine relationship. Religion leads one to believe it's collective or a grapevine experience. It is not by customs, traditions nor through any other coattail experience that we are forgiven, redeemed, and set free... Come to know Christ, turn to Him. Only He has the power to save. 

Will you be a stranger saying unto Him, "Lord, Lord..." only to hear those dreaded words, "I never knew you" and be eternally cast away? I pray you are not rejected by Him.