Do You Really Believe?

I always struggled with the verse in Acts 16:31 which states, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved. . . ." Is that really all there is to salvation? Believing on the Lord and the sacrifice He made for us (Romans 10:9)? I was sure that there was something that I had to do, some way to prove that I was saved. Besides, I did believe on the Lord, and I knew He had washed my sins away with His blood.

But yet I couldn't seem to gain the victory over sin! Surely the Lord wouldn't take a sinner to heaven! Then there had to be something more to salvation than just believing, I thought.

Then I read 1 John 5. I will write a few key snippets of the chapter here:

(Verse 5) "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God?"

(Verse 13-15) "These things I have written to you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us: and if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him."

(Verse 18) "We know that whoever is born of God sins not, but he that is born of God keeps himself, and that wicked one does not touch him."

(Verse 20) "And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."

Suddenly it struck me that I didn't really believe in Jesus, and what He had done for me, if I couldn't overcome sin! If we truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and has died for all our sins, then we will ask in the time of temptation for His help, and He will deliver us from sin and Satan! I was awestruck at the wonderful way of escape the Lord has made for all of us, that all might be saved!!

"There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but with the temptation will make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Quick Update

The editing process on my book "Learning Lessons from Furry Friends" has now begun!! This is part 1 of a 3 stages, which should (hopefully) take only a month or two altogether. 

Here's what the editor had to say about my book: "I have started editing your manuscript. You have done a wonderful job writing your book! The spiritual lessons are clearly presented and the story is well developed. I will be in touch as soon as I am finished and ready for your review." ~K. K.

Please pray that everything goes well in the weeks ahead! I am so happy and excited!! The Lord is doing great things in my life!! All the glory goes to Him!!!

In Memory of Tiree

Tiree Brae Brown (Shetland Sheepdog): 1992 - 2006

A wagging tail, that lets me know when you are happy;
A soft coat, to snuggle next to when I'm sad;

Alert ears, that perk up every time I call your name;
And cute tricks, that cheer me up and make me glad!

Soft eyes, that look at me and know exactly what I'm thinking;
A cold nose, nuzzled on my hand to show me that you care;
A wet tongue, brushed across my cheek that tells me that you love me;
And a big heart, with love enough for everyone to share!

A purebred dog, a mix-breed mutt, or some intended hybrid mix;
Either large or small, my dog will love me to the end!
No matter who I am or how I look or where I live;
My dog is my lasting companion and forever friend!

Update on Illustrations

Here is a sample of what TEACH Services is planning to do for illustrations in my upcoming book: "Learning Lessons from Furry Friends." They will take our family's photos of our pets and make them look like paintings. I think it's really neat!! I can hardly wait to see what the finished product will look like!