Originally published Monday, 31 August 2015.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Do you want to make it into heaven? You’re probably saying, “Really, Courtnaye? Of course!” Well, I do too! However, if we do, then there are some things that we must shake off in order to enter in, because sin will not dwell there. In a moment, I’ll present the test. But for now, follow me.
Many years ago, after reading the Scriptures, I learned that it’s not enough just to believe in God. We have to actually obey Him and take Him at His word. If not, we would simply be acting like our great enemy Satan. James 2:24 says, “So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone (NLT). The demons in hell and Satan himself believe in Jesus (they actually tremble at His name – James 2:19), but they don’t plan on obeying Him or living a holy lifestyle. BUT you and I do…right? Right.
For a moment, look at Psalm 15:1-5. It’s a short, yet a very powerful passage of Scripture that brought about a quick check in my spirit one day. But that’s what the word of God is supposed to do. Here David is asking God a very important question in regards to heaven, and the Lord answers him, “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.” (NLT)
Whew! Loaded right?! This really helped me to think about some things in my own personal life and I pray that it will cause you to do the same. Now let’s break down the Scripture and make it even more personal. Here are the Heavenly Questions that I was talking about. Take the self-examination test by measuring this passage of Scripture to your life right now…
1.) Am I living a blameless life?
2.) Am I doing what’s right?
3.) Am I speaking the truth with a sincere heart?
4.) Am I refusing to slander others?
5.) Am I harming my neighbors in any way?
6.) Am I speaking evil of my friends?
7.) Am I despising persistent sinners as your word says?
8.) Am I honoring your faithful followers?
9.) Am I keeping my promises even when it hurts?
10.) Am I charging interest on money I lend?
11.) Am I refusing to accept bribes to testify against the innocent?
Does it measure up? Because the Bible instructs us to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith and to test ourselves. (See 2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV) It also tells us in James 4:17, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (NLT)
The whole point here is that we don’t ever want to become complacent and think we’re okay. We have to keep looking into the law of liberty (the word of God) and keep allowing it to change us from the inside out. Because at the end of the day, we want to ace the final test and hear those beautiful words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter in.” Amen!
One more thing before I close this post…If something happened to you today, what would hinder you from making it to heaven? If the rapture were to happen today, what would keep your feet from leaving the ground? Would it be unforgiveness, adultery, bitterness, lack of love for others in your life, slothfulness, fornication (habitual sex while unmarried), homosexuality, etc.? Think about it, talk to God about it, and if you need to repent, confess where you are and do it right now.
Also, if you need prayer for any particular area, feel free to email me at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you. Let’s make it to golden streets, sis…together!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*P.S.
Don’t forget to tune into my “LIVE” monthly call, “Let’s Talk” on Tuesday, September 1st @ 8:30pm (CST). It’s entitled, “Trusting God: 5 Steps on How to Keep Believing When You Can’t See.” SAVE THE DATE and don’t miss this call! Call info: (218) 936-3436, Code: 12345#. Talk to you soon!
Thanks for reading this post! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened. If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave it here or email me @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I’ll get back with you promptly. Don’t forget to visit my website @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org for additional growth in your faith and leave a donation if Inside Out with Courtnaye has been a blessing to you. Also, “LIKE” my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye, and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Thanks and God bless you my sister!
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