I got remarried yesterday evening, after being divorced for twenty-three years. I no longer have to check that dreaded little box, “Divorced”. I married a wonderful woman of God who is a Filipino. The only problem is, I’m an American, and she is not allowed to enter the United States without a Visa, which could take a year or longer to arrive. When she said, “I do,” she became an “IR”. Instant Relative. This status gives her priority over everyone else trying to enter America by any other means. Work Visa, Student Visa, Fiancé Visa, etc. It also gives her access to a “Green Card” and two weeks after she arrives in America she will get her Social Security card. Being an “IR” has instant privileges.
When one accepts God’s free gift of salvation, through his Son Jesus, they instantly become an “IR”. They become a son or daughter to the God of the universe. You will walk around, with a smile on your face, knowing whose you are, that you belong to God, and He is your Abba Father. (Daddy God) That status brings instant privileges as well. Like having access to the throne of God. Being able to walk with him and talk about anything. God will guide you, Jesus will be with you, and the Holy Spirit will comfort you. You have a free Attorney, Jesus, to defend you against Satan’s accusations. Also, there will be free of charge, to you, accommodations in heaven that have no check out date or time, and who could argue with the blessing of eternal life? Yes, being a child of God is good!
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? (Mat. 7:11 MSG)
There are so many reasons to accept Jesus, mainly, because He first loved us. If you are not currently, my prayer is that you will become an “IR” with God.
Copyright © 2019 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”
I have had a remarkable experience this past week. I made contact with a new friend, who lives on the other side of the world. Talking to them can be challenging at times. but in just a few short days, I feel I have been accepted, into their whole family. From what I have learned, the family has given Jesus all they had, which is actually all He wants, their heart. They take their faith very serious. How do I know? They value their relationship with the Trinity and that value moves them to spend time with God.
Today, will be the last time I will ever be in the home I grew up in. Dad passed away earlier this year, and on Monday the house will be transferred to its new owner. I will walk around remembering life within those walls. I will stare at my old bedroom. Life is about seasons, so though there are good feelings tied to that address, I don’t regret where I live now.
Where will you spend eternity? Will you be at home with the Lord, or in a totally dark pit falling forever, because hell is bottomless? Some ask, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” He doesn’t send people to hell, they send themselves. It’s your choice.
At the age of seven, I knew I was a convicted cookie thief! I went to a church, where the anointed man of God, my pastor, scared the hell out of me! He preached straight up sermons concerning what would happen if we died and had not accepted Jesus to forgive us of our sins. As a result, out of fear of going to hell, I choose God, and heaven.