![\"Image](\"https:\/\/scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net\/v\/t1.0-9\/52577841_2229859367252404_7301211607382622208_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=582dbe931b2c38dce52b0de995c7b5fa&oe=5D027903\")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Hi, this is Nurie. I thought I’d take a moment to share my heart with you…. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Title: “Are We a Counterfeit Christian, or are we the REAL Thing?” I often challenge myself with the question, “Am I a real Christian?” In other words, do I appear to others as a godly person, but God sees me as someone who is dirty and unrighteous inside. I thank Jesus that His blood covers my sin. Yet, I never want to willingly LIVE in sin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Sometimes it can be easy to fall into a rut of just acting out the \nChristian life. So many times people will act like a godly person in \nfront of other Christians, but then behind closed doors, or in a worldly\n atmosphere, they act a totally different way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is this? \nHow can people change so quickly? I believe when this happens, it is \nbecause it is not in the depths of their heart to want to please God \nwith their life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n In the human life, we tend to focus more on the outward man more than \nthe inward man. I have often found myself thinking too much about what \nothers think of me. When I put my self confidence in man, I begin to \nstruggle with thoughts of worry and my insides feels like they are tied \nup in a big knot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Satan LOVES to find ways to distract the \nChristian and when Satan can get us to be more focused on what others \nthink of us, rather than what GOD thinks, he has gotten a big foothold \nin our hearts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have found that when I am struggling in this \narea, it is harder for me to read my Bible, pray and listen to preaching\n because my mind is filled with distracting thoughts. I have come to \nthe conclusion that one of the reasons Christians are falling so quickly\n to the standard of this world, is because they devote themselves to the\n image they set before men rather than God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it is truly in \nthe DEPTHS of our hearts to want to please God, then we will not care \nwhat others think. If we are looked upon as the odd-ball, or hated for \ntaking a righteous stand; may we remind ourselves that it is an honor to\n be hated for the LORD’s sake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Luke 6:22 “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they \nshall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast \nout your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I want to say \nthat I am not an expert at this. I have only been around for 20 years. \n I still have a lot to learn, for it is only by God’s grace that I do \nnot stumble and fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, I have some amazing examples to look up to. It would be an honor to point out who a few of those people are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n First, I would like to say, that my parents have been such an \nencouragement to me in this area. They never drop their standards and \nbeliefs so that they can “fit in” with what everyone else is doing \naround them. Also, my parents are not hypocrites. They live out what \nthey teach us and they are true Christians to the core of their souls. \nWhen I look at all the sacrifices they have made to give us children a \ngodly upbringing, my heart is filled with gratitude to them. I realize \nhow blessed I am. I know there are many others who wish they had \nparents like this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It saddens me to see how rare it is to find \nparents that are passionate about raising up their children for the \nhonor and glory of Jesus Christ. It also saddens me to see so many \npeople that were raised in a godly, Christian home take for granted what\n they were given. They just throw away the great gift they have, and \ndecide to live a life that is not pleasing to our precious Lord and \nSaviour Jesus Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you”, Daddy and Mama, for all you have given me!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n Secondly, I would like to point out my wonderful Grandpa and Grandma \nNoyes. They have set the perfect example of faithfulness. It is such a\n blessing to have grandparents I can look up to and see that all they \nhave tried to do with their whole lives is to please God. I am thankful\n to have a godly heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirdly, I would like to say what an\n inspiration my Aunt Amy has been to me in my life. She is truly \nsomeone who cares only what God thinks of her. In the midst of her \nsuffering, and not having the use of her hands or legs, she continues to\n press onward for the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of allowing herself to\n wallow in discouragement, self-pity, or depression, she rises up and \ndetermines to choose joy. So many people in our world today, use their \nphysical or spiritual attacks as an excuse to give up living a godly, \npassionate life. I want to thank Aunt Amy, Uncle Kevin, and all the \nFoster children for continuing to live righteously even in the midst of \ntragedy and hardship. You are such a good example to me and many \nothers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly (but certainly NOT least) I want to thank my \nHeavenly Father who sets the perfect example in every area of life. \nWhen humans fail and disappoint me, I am thankful for a God who will \nnever fail or forsake me. I often wonder why so many people blame God \nfor so many bad things that happen when God is the One Who has given us \nhope and joy in this sinful world. If it was not for the salvation of\n our Lord Jesus Christ, we would be hopeless, homeless, lost and dying a\n spiritual death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If there is anyone reading this that is not saved, I BEG of you to accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n II Corinthians 6:2 “For he sayeth, I have heard thee in a time \naccepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now\n is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I \nthank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me from my sins when I was only 4 \nyears old on November 7, 2003.” What a GLORIOUS day that was!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nMay we all be encouraged to strive to be REAL Christians. I do not want\n the Lord looking down at me and seeing a warm, and mediocre Christian. \n God is not pleased with that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Revelation 3: 15 & 16 “I \nknow thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert \ncold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor \nhot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
May I and all of us, come\n before God with humble hearts and ask Him to help us be the kind of \nChristian that He would be pleased with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, precious Lord and\n Saviour, I ask that you would help me and all the other Christians in \nthis world to stand up and have courage to do what is right. May we not\n give in to the fleshly things of this world or the temptations that \nSatan will bring our way. Help those who are being persecuted for Your \nname’s sake to and give them strength to keep pressing onward.
Oh, Lord, please put your loving hand around people who are struggling with physical and spiritual sickness.
\n May we never use hard times as an excuse to stop serving you as we \nshould. I beg of you, Lord, to help me never let pride get in the way \nof my worship to you.”
Give us a spiritual awakening and revival \nthroughout the world. Open our eyes and help us realize how worthless \nwe would be without the blood of Jesus Christ. Give us boldness that we\n may spread the Gospel to every creature. Raise up more generations of \nChristians who are truly passionate about serving you and are passionate\n about living a godly life.
Thank you, Lord, for loving me when I am not lovable.
Thank you for giving me the best family a person could ever ask for.
Thank you for allowing me to live in a country where I can freely worship you.
Thank you for all the godly examples you have given me in the Bible and on earth who are heroes of the faith.
Thank you for your Word.
Thank you for providing me with all my needs.
Thank you for giving me legs, arms and hands that work.
Thank you that I can talk, see, hear, touch, feel, taste and smell. Thank you for giving me good health.
I could go on and on with all that you have blessed me with, but there is just not enough time.
\n Lastly, thank you for my salvation…the greatest blessing of all. \nLord, may I always remember that I only have one short life; so help me \nto live it for you! In Jesus Name, Amen.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Love, Nurie Rodrigues <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hi, this is Nurie. I thought I’d take a moment to share my heart with you…. Title: “Are We a Counterfeit Christian, or are we the REAL Thing?” I often challenge myself with the question, “Am I a real Christian?” … Continue reading <\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"