We're ALL Immigrants
Those accepted by God KNOW they were and are unworthy of the least of God’s mercies (Genesis 32:10) yet He gave to us SomeOne most valuable. His one and only beloved Son. And Jesus willingly gave Himself too. As Jesus was getting ready to go to the cross for us, He proclaimed, “Father, let Your will be done!” Most people seem to misunderstand what God and His Son did here. They think of themselves as valuable instead of duly accrediting God with compassion, mercy and love that passes understanding and which NONE OF US DESERVED. And through God’s gift of love we receive the promise of eternal life with HIM in the New Jerusalem as described in the book of Revelation (chapter 21). How then and who then would then try to claim for themselves a little patch of ground which God owns all the while oppressing the needy people who Christ died for?
Our only goal should be to win a sinner to Christ. And if you think someone’s ungodly behavior or ideology disqualifies them, then you need to study more carefully the example of the apostle Paul. He says, “I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”
If Jesus can save the worst of sinners, how much more these immigrants, liberals and Muslims. But can Jesus save YOU? That should be everyone’s first and foremost concern. THEN, after taking care of that through seeking God in fervent prayer, we may be able to share the good news of Christ’s salvation with others.
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“I am a foreigner in the earth; hide not Your commandments from me!” ~Psalm 119:19
“You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless. ” — Exodus 22:21-24
HOUSE OF CARDS
"House of cards" is an expression that dates back to 1645 meaning a structure or argument built on a shaky foundation or one that will collapse if a necessary (but possibly overlooked or unappreciated) element is removed. A “house of cards” is also defined as, “A plan, organization, or other entity that is destined to fail due to a weak structure or foundation (likened to a literal house of cards, which is built by balancing playing cards against one another, and is very easily toppled).”
God likens all plans, arguments and teachings contrary to His as a house of cards. Jesus taught this most clearly in Matthew 7:24-27.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
“And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
So why would any of us be caught dead while living our lives in open rebellion against God’s word? Why would we base our thoughts and words on a house of cards? Or as Jesus put it, why would we build a house on sand? Only the foolish would do such a thing! So how do we avoid this fate Jesus warns us about? It’s simple, thank God! All we have to do is seek God with our heart and seek a one on one conversation with Him. This is the whole purpose of man. And what would stop you from having this conversation with God? That would be the very thing we should despise the most in this life. The true enemy. Not the made up one the devil is trying to get you to look at!
We must not continue building our houses on SAND. We must not continue listening to false prophets and teachers which teach things contrary to God’s word. We must go to Jesus in our heart and mind and seek to connect with Him and learn of Him. This is the very thing Jesus told us would bring us TRUE PEACE. And putting His words into practice is what God calls, “WISE.”
If we would do this, we would begin to understand that this world is passing and fading away. And “we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it.” ( 1 Timothy 6:7; Psalm 49:17; Ecclesiastes 5:15) But God’s words and promises will never pass away.
“The Scriptures say,
“Humans wither like grass,
and their glory fades
like wild flowers.
Grass dries up,
and flowers fall
to the ground.
But the word of the Lord will stand forever.”
And this is the word that was preached as the gospel to you.” (1 Peter 1:24-25; Isaiah 40:6)
So why would we continue putting any energy into fights and arguments over a temporary piece of ground? What will it matter when we pass from this life and are standing before God in judgment?
Jesus says, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well;” (Matthew 5:38-40)
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?
Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:42-48)
Do you not read and understand these words of GOD? And will you continue to put some unknown teaching in front of the very words of GOD?
Do you not understand that God is trying to tell us that we will not be allowed into His CITY after judgment if we do not put His words into practice? Why will you remain foolish? The time to change our minds is NOW. This is God’s will. He is trying to persuade us all to walk with Him.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
And if we knew God, we would know love. And we would then be able to reflect love back to God and to all those He created in His image and likeness.
You can be saved!
God loves the people in the world so much that He came down to die for us. If God is opening your heart to His message and you feel convicted for your sins which have separated you from a holy God and you feel the need to be forgiven, then say this prayer. This is how I was powerfully converted to the Christ in 1997!
Say, "My Lord and my God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe Jesus the Christ died on the cross and shed His precious blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I believe Jesus raised from the dead and ascended into heaven and is now on the right-hand side of God listening to this prayer. I open up the door of my heart and I invite You in, Lord Jesus. Thank you, God, for saving my soul and I vow to serve you with all my heart which is the first and greatest commandment. Amen."