“Yours to Lose”          

We tend to have things in our lives that we feel we will have forever.

This is not entirely true.

Cases in Point:

#1 - You may always be an American, UNLESS you change your citizenship to that of another country’s.  Being born an American citizen, the Declaration of Independence states:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life,_Liberty_and_the_pursuit_of_Happiness

The Constitution contains “The Bill of Rights” which allows freedoms such as Freedom of Speech and Right to Bear Arms. http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/the-constitution

You always have access to the rights of being an American citizen…as long as you obey the laws of the land and the exercise of your freedoms do not infringe on someone else's.

If anyone overreaches these rights, such as the racist, violent chant recorded by fraternity members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon on the campus of University of Oklahoma or Michael Dunn’s fatally shooting of Jordan Davis because of loud music can result in your rights being revoked.

The fraternity was banned from the campus and several members expelled. Michael Dunn was convicted of 1-count of first degree murder, 3-counts of second degree attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. In both cases, freedom was theirs…to lose.

#2 - After watching the 2015 Super Bowl 49 game with the New York Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks, I am as perplexed as everyone else. Why would Seattle’s coach Peter Carroll or the offensive coordinator not have the quarterback Russell Wilson put the ball in the hands of the most consistent, "guaranteed" Running Back Marshawn Lynch? This would have clinched the win for them. Instead, they chose to pass it, which resulted in an interception by Patriots Marshall Butler and a 28-24 win for the Patriots. I agree with the perspective of one of my Facebook friends:

 "Although many will disagree, I think Seattle LOST this Super Bowl versus the Patriots WINNING it."

By the 4^th quarter, the game appeared to be a WIN for Seattle. The game appeared to be theirs to lose…unfortunately, they did.

#3 – We have all heard the awful stories of people who have WON the Powerball Lottery of amounts such as $300 million dollars. Yet, we find out that two years later, after lack of financial responsibility, recklessness and lavish spending, the winners are now, bankrupt and broke. Wealth and financial freedom was theirs to lose…unfortunately, they did.

Salvation is the same way. Jesus Christ died so that we all would have it…as long as we obey God. He didn’t just die a horrific death on the cross with no conditions. If He had, then it would have been pointless…wouldn’t it?

The Bible says:

Matthew 24:13 (NKJV):  “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Luke 6:46 (NKJV):  “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV): 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ “

Hebrews 10:26-27 (NKJV):  26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV):  11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Memorable Quotes:

“Salvation is free; Discipleship costs everything we have.” – Billy Graham

“Salvation is Yours to Lose.” – David Jones, Jr., Ed.D.

"You are free to chose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choices."

 Heaven is yours to lose.  Plan for it wisely…