As you may already know, my last name is St.Pierre, an abbreviated version of the original name Saint-Pierre, French for Saint-Peter. Named after Jesus' apostle, I was often teased about my surname growing up and as a result I was never really too keen on the name. I suppose my father's detestable behavior had something to do with the way I felt about the name he passed on to me. You see my father not only an addict, a liar and a thief, he was a bad man driven by greed. He was no saint. To this day, he still brings shame to the divine apostle of Jesus Christ which greatly troubles me. A non practicing Catholic, my father doesn't believe in the bible, claims there is no hell and boldly states that everyone is headed to heaven where awaits a supreme being who rules over all the earth and all religions. This is not only a contradiction of the word of God, it is pure blasphemy and will surely lead my father straight to the very place he refuses to acknowledge: the eternal lake of fire. The truth is this: "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8) I wonder how and why people name themselves after characters of the bible knowing they can never live up to the name. Another disturbing misuse of the word "Saint" involves a nearby school, Saint Leo University which I believe is ruled by greed rather than faith. Located in Saint Leo FL, about one hour north of Tampa, this Catholic institution reeks of the things of this world. During a recent visit to Saint Leo prompted by an invitation from a
student affairs representative, I did not feel that God lived within
the walls of this religious institution or within the hearts of the Saint Leo University
staff. Instead I felt Saint Leo representatives were motivated by revenue
rather than faith driven purpose. I also noticed no one from Saint Leo ever mentioned prayer, blessings or praises toward God. Over 20 emails and a dozen phone calls and not one single praise or blessing. How can the spirit live within these people? My opinion is that it doesn't. The bible clearly tells us about individuals who do not speak with love: "But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a man." (Matthew 15:18) If you have a relationship with God and in deed look forward to the eternal rewards that are promised I invite you to let the spirit be seen through your actions and allow God's love to flow from your lips in joyful praise. "The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live for ever!" (Psalms 22:26) What's my point this week? No matter the name of a person or of a church, school or business, we all will be judged by our actions and the words that we speak. "And I will strike her children dead. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve." (Revelation 2:23) Make sure to live according to God's commands remembering He watches our every move. Are you in need of help with your faith? Do you have prayer requests? I invite you to contact us so that we may praise Him together and fill your heart with God's peace... Let's pray! Father God; Lord we pray that you will continue to look after
us God we ask that you put us to work for you Thank you Lord father for all that surrounds us! Praise God, This message was written by Rev. Daniel St.Pierre
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