Bucket List

Three years ago, I shared on Facebook the “bucket list” of a lady who had been given less than 6 months to live... I’m assuming that she is now in heaven, not sure if she ever finished her bucket list or not. It got me to thinking, if I had a bucket list, what would be on it? Since I try to appreciate EVERY day as if it is my last, I decided I wouldn’t have a list, I’d just want to leave everyone I know with this question: Are YOU living the life YOU were created for? I’ve attached a photo that represents us all, no matter what our age, race, status, etc., etc. When you look at it, what do you see? I see the faces of different people – those within the church and those without… all of which were born into this world the same way – a sinner – and each one worthy of the following message I would share if today was my LAST day: Why not take a few minutes… read this blog and ask yourself – are YOU living the life YOU were created for? How do I KNOW Jesus is alive & can rescue ANYONE from ANYTHING?! Because I am LIVING proof!! My PAST history includes sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, rape, miscarriages, divorces, partying and wild living, betrayal, depression, over-indulgence, religious self-righteousness, and hurt and loss deeper than anything I thought could be overcome. But for the blood of JESUS, I would be DEAD by now, burning for eternity in HELL! Instead (and only because of His extravagant GRACE) I have a NEW destiny, am a NEW creation and have victory over sin & death! The ONLY hope ANY person has is through a personal relationship with JESUS. I ask you today, do you KNOW Him – I mean REALLY KNOW HIM? Have you been set FREE from the bondage of every sin & eternal death? Do you want to be made new, whole and completely FORGIVEN for ALL your sin? Do you even WANT to live the life you were created for? Well, that can ONLY happen by surrendering your heart & life to the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't just mean you just say "I believe"... it means you repent, turn and FOLLOW Jesus. You die to your own selfish desires and live for Him. You no longer have plans of your own, you only want to please Him and fulfill His purpose for your life. And lastly, you are facing only one direction, not looking back to the former things, but looking ahead to the promises to come. If you cannot say with certainty that you have been drawn by the Holy Spirit to make that decision, I urge you today to pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to you - He is faithful & He will NOT forsake you! There is NOTHING else in this life more important than that decision - ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Now, if you claim to already be a born-again Christian and you are reading this... (READ THE COMMENT BELOW!) To the born-again Christian, I ask you - are you just a fan of Jesus or are you a follower? Are you "making disciples"?! Are you completely crucified to your own lusts and desires and seeking after Him with every ounce of who you are? Does pleasing Him matter more to you than ANYTHING else? Then start right this moment to pursue Him with all that you are, repenting and praying that He would reveal ANY idol in your heart and life, no matter how small. Lay your life down on the altar of His love, mercy and grace and pursue knowing & loving Him above all else. ASK, SEEK, KNOCK - God is faithful & He will deliver you into all that HE has planned and promised! Folks, there is a LOST & DYING world all around us - we need to quit "doing" church & start BEING the church!