To Know Him: The Prince Of Peace 4k2z1d

TO KNOW

HIM

The Prince of Peace

LINDA JOYCE WATERS MOORE

Copyright © 2019 Linda Joyce Waters Moore.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-5241-0 (sc) ISBN: 978-1-9736-5242-7 (hc) ISBN: 978-1-9736-5240-3 (e)

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WestBow Press rev. date: 09/10/2019

Jesus Answered and said to her (the Samaritan woman at the well who Jesus Had Asked for a drink of water), “If you knew The Gift of GOD, and Who it is Who Says to you, ‘Give ME a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and HE Would Have Given you living water.” John 4: 10 NKJV ARLB

Gratefully speaking, I am a recipient of “Living Water”.

For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9: 5 NKJV JSB

LIVING

We don’t realize how much little time we have

Until … … all of a sudden … it comes down to the very last

Then we think of all the things that could have been yesterday

Yet, that’s in the past, and gone away to stay

The time spent, the moments ed, the joy that filled our hearts

Are all left as memories, when the time comes to depart

The good things are the things that count, all sorrows left behind

For in the end, when life begins,

It’s death CHRIST we first must find.

Linda Joyce Waters Moore

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 1 Philippians 1:21 NKJV JSB

You may believe in GOD … but The question is …

WHO Is The GOD you believe in?

… And WHO Is HE to you?

SYNOPSIS

(a condensed statement or outline)

…For the wages of sin is death, but The Gift of GOD is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord Romans 6:23

When Jesus Came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, HE Asked His Disciples, saying, “Who do you say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” HE Said to them, “but who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “YOU Are The Christ, The Son of The Living God.” Jesus Answered and Said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who Is in heaven. And I Also Say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I Will Build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I Will Give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven. Then HE Commanded His Disciples that they should tell no one that HE Was Jesus The Christ.” Matthew 16: 13-20 NKJV ARLB

GOD Does Not Send people to hell. Rather, people send themselves to hell when they choose the condemnation that all born are under. GOD’s Wrath Remains on unrepentant fallen humanity. But, significant to the ram in the thickets that GOD Provided for Abraham, thankfully a Merciful Graceful GOD Has Provided His Perfect Ram, The Way out for all who believe and have faith in Christ Jesus. (John 3: 36)

Jesus Is GOD’s Answer to man’s disappointment. “HE Who Comes from Above is Above All; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. HE Who Comes from Heaven Is Above All. And what HE Has Seen and Heard, that HE Testifies; and no one receives His Testimony. He who has received His Testimony has certified that GOD Is True. For HE Whom GOD Has Sent Speaks The Words of GOD, for GOD Does Not Give The Spirit by measure (GOD’s Holy Spirit was upon Jesus without limit, Jesus is The Highest Revelation of GOD to humanity) (ref Hebrews 1: 2). The Father Loves The Son, and Has Given All Things into His Hand. He who believes in The Son has Everlasting Life; and he who does not believe The Son shall not see life, but The Wrath of GOD Abides on him.” John 3: 31-36

Jesus Is The Only Bridge that leads to Salvation. Christ Jesus Is GOD’s Only Provision for our sin. Only through Him Alone can we know GOD Personally and experience His Love. Jesus Is The Only Connection of this world to our Father GOD’s Heaven and …HE… Has Already Paid the toll.

“I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to The Father except through ME.” John 14:6 NKJV

“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7: 14 NKJV

The Way of the Cross Leads to Eternal Life.

As an unbeliever and seeking, Jesus Is That “Love Worth Finding”. HE Has Provided for your “Breakthrough” in life with His Word by “Cutting It Straight”. A Christian can always be “In Touch” with GOD through His HOLY Spirit Who Provides “Insight for Living”. For GOD’s Absolute Truth, you must go “Back To The Bible”, for GOD Provides us with His “Words To Live By”. GOD Says to us, “Let MY People Think”. GOD’s “Grace To You” is The Only Provision for Eternal Life. Otherwise, without having received Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, you will face “The Alternative” of being forever separated from a Good and HOLY GOD. Knowledge of Thee “Truth For Life”, His “Every Last Word”, along with your confession and repentance of your sin is your “Turning Point”.

Are you “Living on The Edge”? Despite the darkness, The HOLY Spirit is our “Hope for the Heart” and our “Hope in The Night”. Believe GOD’s Word, Receive Jesus Christ and truly Repent of your sin to Cross over during this “Journey”… from death to life. “Jesus Calls” for “you’s” to be transformed by “Renewing Your Minds”. “The Focal Point” is Jesus Saves. Jesus’ Blood that was Shed made room at the Cross for you. There’s Power in the Shed Blood of Jesus. Christ Is The Head of the church body of . “Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd (a broken piece of pottery essentially worthless) among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to The Potter, “What are YOU Making?’ Does your work say, ‘HE Has no Hands’?” (Isaiah 45: 9) It is “The Potter’s Touch” that makes our life worthwhile. As Jesus Is The Way and is “Leading The Way”, you must “Focus On The Family”. Are you a member of GOD’s Family? If so, the “Power Point” in our life is Jesus Christ. As you are “Running To Win”, the Footprints of Jesus Have Already Paved “The Pathway to Victory”. We now have “A New

Beginning”, as we “Walk in The Word” and “Move Forward in Faith”. “Understanding The Times” encourages onward Christian soldiers to continue to Trust and Obey GOD and Stand on His Absolute “Enduring Truth”. Only in Christ are we “Destined for Victory”.

Says Who? … GOD Says.

GOD. Not Simon. Not me. Not you. Not the lady next door. GOD. Before there was time, before there was space, before there was matter … there Is GOD. …Always been. …Always will be. …Forever and ever. Amen.

CONTENTS

Living

Synopsis

To Know Him

A Father’s Story

The GREAT “I AM”

Your “Personal” Invitation

• Promise of Life

• The Testimony

Foreword

• What’s in a Word? (“wiaW”)

• WORD Up!

Acknowledgement

The TRUTH of IS The Matter

• THEE Foundation

o Who Wrote The Holy Bible?

o The Canon of The Bible

• TWO Mountains

o Mount Gerizim

+ Side of Favor

+ Blessings for Obedience

o Mount Ebal

- Side of Favor

- Curses for Disobedience

All Around The World … Same GOD

• The Game of Life “Simon Says”

• Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

• Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

• “IT Is Written”

PrEfACE

I. BIBLICAL KEY P of Peace

Plan His Purpose Purpose His Plan

• What Is Your Destination?

• How does it all fit together?

A. G.P.P. – GOD’s Perfect Plan

uplifting in the Heavenly Light”

Meet the Savior (our Advocate)

1 SEEK GOD

Seeking Father GOD First and Serving HIM

a. The WILL Principle

b. The WORD Principle

c. The WISDOM Principle

d. The WALK Principle

2. O BEY GOD

Obedience Observed and in Divine Order

a GOD Makes Himself Known

i. Moses

ii. Pharaoh

b. I AM the LORD

i. GOD Speaks

ii. The Ten Commandments

3. L OVE GOD and others

Love Learned and Limitless

a. Jesus Christ Prays

i. Jesus Prays for Himself

ii. Jesus Prays for His Disciples

iii. Jesus Prays for Future Believers

b. The Two Great Commandments

i. Love GOD

ii. Love Others

iii. As a true Christ ian

4. SERVE GOD and Others

Service Seen and unseen

a. The “BE Attitudes”

i. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

ii. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

iii. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

iv. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

v. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

vi. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see GOD”.

vii. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of GOD.”

viii. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

ix. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of ME.”

b. The Sermon on The Mount

i. Believers are Salt and Light

ii. Christ Fulfills the Law

iii. Murder Begins in the Heart

iv. Adultery in the Heart

v. Marriage is Sacred and Binding

vi. Jesus Forbids Oaths

vii. Go the Second Mile

viii. Love Your Enemies

ix. Do Good to Please GOD

x. The Model Prayer

xi. Fasting to Be Seen Only by GOD

xii. Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

xiii. The Lamp of the Body

xiv. You Cannot Serve GOD and Riches

xv. Do Not Worry

xvi. Do Not Judge

xvii. Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

xviii. The Narrow Way

xix. You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

xx. I Never Knew You

xxi. Build on The Rock

c. Let’s Pray

i. The Lord’s Prayer

ii. Prayer for UNbelievers

iii. Prayer for Believers

B. A.D.I P. – Another’s Destructive Impaired Plan

“dipping into darkness”

Beware Enemy Mine

1. The Bridge Is Out... “there is no peace,”

Says The LORD, “for the wicked.” Isaiah 48:22

2. The World… “Lust of the EYES” – Pleasure

“it was pleasant to the eyes”

3. The Flesh… “Lust of the FLESH” – Possession

“the tree was good for food”

4. Father of LIES… “The Pride of Life” – Power

“a tree desirable to make one wise”

C. O. P. P. — Other Peoples’ Positions

“looking on from the outside” Fallen World (broad path)

1. GOD IS Able…

a. To Judge

b. To Give

c. To ForGive

d. To Deliver

e. To Raise Up

f. To Do

g. To Destroy

h. To Make

i. To Keep

j. To Help

k. To Raise Him Up

l. To Keep You from Stumbling

m. To Save Completely

n. To Establish You

o. Even To Subdue

p. To Keep Us in Perfect Peace

q. To Make All Things New

2. A Family Affair

a. Creation

b. Adam and Eve

c The HEROD Generation

3. The Family Tree

a. The Genealogy of Jesus

b. Jesus Christ – The Second Adam

c. The Flesh vs. The Spirit

4. Trees… “You will know them by their fruits”

Heaven or Hell

a Virtues—Fruit of The Spirit—Virtuous Fruit

i. Stepping Stones

ii. Heaven Above

b Vices–Works of the Flesh–Forbidden Fruit

i. Stumbling Blocks

ii. Hell Below

D. Y.O.P.P – Your Optimal Proven Potential

To Choose Life (Narrow Path) “looking out from the you inside”

1. TIME– A point or period when something occurs

Foreknew and PreDestined

a. Election and Call

ii Abraham

ii Stephen

iii Saul of Tarsus/The Apostle Paul

iv Jonah

v Samson

b. Repent and Forgive

c. Weave and Wear

2. A SK –- Call on GOD for an answer

Request Render and Receive

“Share with others”

a. Abraham and Sarah

b. Ask and you shall receive

c. The Three Visitors

i. HIS EYE IS On The Sparrow …

3. S EEK– Try to Reach to Obtain

Follow Forward and FIND

“Do unto others”

a. Thee True Seeker

b. Seek and you shall find

c Zacchaeus

i. The Drive

4. K NOCK– Make a Pounding Noise

Opportunity Option and OPENED

“Teach others”

a. Knock and the door shall be opened

b. Freedom to Serve OR Freedom to Sin

c. Knock … knock… Who’s There?

i. The Christmas Party

E. A.R.T. Author’s Remarks and Testimony

• Final Destination

o A Night to

o What do you see?

o Where are you we going?

• Jesus Loves me

o SOMEDAY

o Who’s Place?

o “Your Thoughts”

CONCLUSION

Special Thanks

Special Recognition and Tribute

Bibliography Reference

Endnotes

To

KNOW

HIM

To Know HIM

Peace

The Prince of PEACE

Success is to KNOW and DO The Will of GOD.

is to KNOW and DO The Will of GOD.

“wiaw” SUCCESS= favorable or desired outcome; the gaining of wealth and fame; one that

“wiaw” SUCCEEDS= to follow next in order or next after another; to inherit sovereignty, rank, title, or property; to obtain a desired object or end; be successful (MWD)

A Father’s Story

A very wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare and unique works of art.

They had everything in their collection, from Leonardo Di Vinci to Michael Angelo. Many times the wealthy man and his son would sit together and ire the great art. The son ed the army and went to war. While rescuing another soldier, the son died in battle. The father grieved deeply for his only son.

Around the Christmas Holiday season, there was a knock at the father’s door. When the father opened the door, there stood a young man stood with a large package in his hands. The young man said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but your son was saved me, he gave his life. Your son was very brave and courageous and he saved many lives that day. He was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He talked often about you, and the love that you both shared for each other and the love for art.

The young man held out a package and handed it to the father. The young man said, “I think your son would want you to have this.” As the father began to open the package, the young man said, “I’m not a great artist “. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. The father’s eyes welled up with tears. The father stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The young man was so grateful for what the father’s son had done for him that he also shed tears. When the father thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture, he thanked the father and replied, “Sir, oh no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. This is a gift.”

Every time visitors came to his home, they saw the portrait of his son, before

they saw any other art work he had collected. When the man died, there was an auction of his paintings. Excited to have the opportunity to see and purchase one of the great pieces of art, many influential people gathered. The auctioneer pounded his gavel.

The portrait that the young man had painted of the father’s son, sat on the platform. We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?” There was silence. “We didn’t come to see this painting…We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. The auctioneer persisted. “We want to see the famous paintings”, shouted someone from the back of the room, “you can skip this one.” “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bid for this painting $200, $300?” “Get on with the real bids”, shouted someone else angrily.

Yet, the auctioneer continued. “This is the painting of the son,” said the auctioneer. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the painting of the son?”

The longtime gardener of the man and his (the gardener’s) son were there at the auction. “I’ll give $20 for the painting.” Not having much, it was all he could afford as a poor man. “The auctioneer said, “we have $20, who will bid $30, do we have $30”? “$20 is the bid, won’t someone bid $30?” The crowd was becoming angry. “Let’s see the masters of artwork.” They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted to invest in the more worthy rare pieces of art for their collections. They did not consider the portrait of the son to be a worthy important investment.

“Going once, going twice”, the auctioneer pounded the gavel, “SOLD for $20!” Others shouted in the crowd, “now let’s see the real pieces of art from the real masters.” The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “I’m sorry”, the auctioneer laid down his gavel. “The auction is over.” What about the other art work? “I am sorry”, said the auctioneer. “I was told of a secret stipulation in the father’s will when I was called to conduct this auction. I was informed that I was not to reveal

that stipulation until after the portrait of the son was sold. Whoever bought that portrait of the son, would inherit the entire estate, including the entire painting collection and all the rare works of art. “The man who bought the portrait of the son … got everything! Everything”.

GOD Gave His Son to die a cruel vicious death on an old rugged cross over 2,000 years ago. The Father Did not have to provide for anyone the means to eternal life. The Son Did Not Have to become the Free Gift of Salvation to all who would receive Him. This brings to mind the Scripture that reads, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts20: 35) For if The Father Had Not Given, we would not be in the position to receive. The Heavenly Father’s Life Giving, Life Saving Message to all is, “The son, the son, who will? Take the son?” Because, you see, whoever will take The Son … Gets everything.

Fair use limitations expressed via edited story from original version due to Author unknown

The FATHER Loves The SON, and Has Given ALL Things into His Hand. He who believes in the SON has Everlasting Life; and he who does not believe The SON shall Not See life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him. John 3: 35, 36 NKJV

Do you believe that? Do you promise to tell? … to hear? … to read? … to live? … to love?…

…The Truth, The Whole Truth, and nothing but…The Truth! PLEASE HELP Us GOD

The GREAT “I AM”

I AM

The Alpha and the Omega,

The Beginning and The End,”

Says The Lord,

“Who IS and Who WAS and Who IS to Come,

The Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

Who’ll take Thee SON?

Your “Personal” Invitation

If you have not received Jesus Christ into your Life, you can receive HIM right Now through your Belief in His Promise and by Faith in His Word through Prayer. As you obey HIM, your desire to want to do GOD’s Will is increased.

GOD Knows your heart. GOD Is more concerned with the attitude of your heart than HE Is with your words. When we pray we talk with GOD. To receive Jesus Christ into your heart and have the Holy Spirit Live in you, the following words are a suggested prayer for you to pray:

“Dear Jesus, I want to be saved. I confess that I am a sinner. Please save me. I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for me. You died on the cross for MY sins. I now ask You to forgive me for having sinned against You. Thank You for forgiving me. I receive your free gift of Eternal life. You Paid a price that You did now owe. I owe a debt that I cannot pay. Thank You for rising again on the third day with All Power and Authority in Your Hands. I trust You and You alone for my salvation. Jesus, I want You to be Lord of my life. I receive You as my personal Saviour and Lord. Please make me the person You Want me to be. Thank you for setting me free to willingly Serve Only You. In your Name Lord Jesus I pray. Amen”

If you prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ into your heart, Jesus Has Come into your heart just as HE Promised. And the Holy Spirit Now Dwells in you. Through GOD’s Power and your Trust in Jesus, you will begin to experience what only HE Can Provide…the lasting peace, balance, direction, protection, and fulfillment in your life.

As you seek Jesus and strive to obey Him, you will experience more of His Love and GOD The Father’s Love for you.

Thank GOD often that Jesus Christ Is in your heart and Is your life.

As you walk with GOD, “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers GOD Will Judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For HE Himself Has Said, “I Will Never Leave you nor Forsake you.” Hebrews 13: 5

PROMISE of LIFE

If you know that you belong to Jesus, this is your written marriage commitment…

I am the bride of Christ. I do and will believe that no one comes to The Father except through The Son. I can say with All assurance and faith in GOD that, blessed assurance, Jesus Is mine oh what a foretaste of Glory Divine! This is my story. This is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long. Jesus Saves … me. I have … … The Gift of Eternal Life.

For GOD So Loved the world that HE Gave His Only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have Everlasting Life. John 3: 16

Then I, John, saw The Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from GOD, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21: 2

I, (your name), have received Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord. The HOLY Spirit Now Indwells me.

_________________________________________ If TRUE, Please sign your name

Please send your name and address to the e-mail address listed on the last page of this book if you would like to receive the following special token:

“I belong to “Jesus” Loves me”

The Word of GOD Promises Eternal Life to All who receive Jesus Christ. HE Who Has Begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1: 6 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ Lives in me. Galatians 2: 20

Food for Growth

“When you are not afraid of dying, only then can you live.”¹ Appy to Philippians 1: 21 ARLB NKJV “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p.1329

The Testimony

And this is the :

“GOD Has Given us Eternal Life, and this Life has its source in His Son. Whoever has the Son has this Life; whoever does not have the Son of GOD does not have Life. I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have Eternal Life.” 1 John 5: 11-13

“wiaw” TESTIMONY= evidence based on observation or knowledge, an outward sign, evidence, confirmation, proof

Something important for you to know is that you are not to depend on your feelings. Our authority is based totally on the Promise of GOD’s Word, The HOLY Bible. Our authority does not rely on our feelings.

GOD Gave us the record of the things HE Has Written to us, The HOLY Bible. The Bible has one essential message from Genesis to Revelation: Jesus Saves. The Indwelling HOLY Spirit is our guarantee. GOD Gives you His Word as His Promise that you might be absolutely sure without a doubt that you are saved.

You Belong TO GOD

“GOD Resists the proud, but Gives Grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to GOD. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4: 6, 7

+++ Prayer for you +++

This is a prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed for the saints and faithful brethren who were a church in Colosse, and can be prayed for all fellow Christians:

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His Will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of GOD; Strengthened with all might, according to His Glorious Power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Giving thanks to the Father Who Has Qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He Has Delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of The Son of His Love, In whom we have redemption through His Blood the forgiveness of sins. He Is the Image of The Invisible GOD, the FirstBorn over all Creation. For by Him all things were created that are in Heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

And HE Is Before All Things, and In Him All Things Consist. And HE Is The Head of The Body, the church, who is The Beginning, The First Born from the

dead, that in all things HE May Have The Preeminence.” Colossians 1: 9-18

Jesus Empowers His Disciples

Jesus Said to His Disciples, “I Saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. I Have Given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” Luke 10: 18-20NIV LASB

Pride is the parent sin. It was pride that resulted in Lucifer being cast out of Heaven. The Lord Had Given His Disciples the authority against evil forces. During their mission, the disciples were granted immunity from harm. Yet, they were not to rejoice in The Power that they were given over spirits, but rather to rejoice in The Eternal Gift of their own salvation. It is safe to rejoice in our salvation through Grace.

It is true that all of GOD’s Servants are protected; however, there are subtle dangers connected with success in Christian service. The fact that our names are written in Heaven reminds us that we owe a debt that we could not pay, and Christ Paid a debt that HE Did Not owe.

As Jesus Said to His disciples then …, HE Says to us … now,

“Now Live Life in accordance with Your Relationship with ME.”

This is your life…that I Have Given you…

Submit to ME… Be Fruitful… And Multiply… Teach others…

ME

… I Love you!

FOREWORD

In Preparation

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16: 9

Food for Growth

“We set the sail; GOD Makes the wind.”² Apply to Proverbs 16: 9 ARLB NKJV

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 711

How do you prepare to receive GOD’s Plan for your life? Do you believe that when preparation meets purpose, GOD’s Plan is released in your life?

In preparation, we are to Plan HIS PURPOSE and Purpose HIS PLAN…

You may start by asking, “How do I know GOD’s Plan and Purpose for my life?”

You start by knowing…The Word. Learn and study The Living Word and The Written Word. What has GOD Done? What does GOD Say? What is GOD Doing?

And what is also crucial to know is…

What’s in a Word?

A good guideline necessary to begin to prepare and understand is to know, “What’s in a word?”

**Wiaw** is the acronym for “What’s in a word?”

Learn what’s in a word. It is imperative that you know the definition and meaning of a word. In order to be correct in the proper application of a word, the word must be used correctly in correspondence with a given action and explanation.

For this reason, to keep it simple, **Wiaw** will be used throughout the text to denote the word definition found in the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. Therefore, when you see the word, “wiaw” it is the acronym for “what’s in a word”. You will then see the definition of the word given. Thus, when you see “wiaw” and the word “PREPARE” for example, it will display the definition of the word according to the dictionary.

For example,

“wiaw” What’s in a word? PREPARE:

“Wiaw” is pronounced “why ya”.

Why ya “you” wanna know…what’s in a word? As in more grammatical , “why do you want to know or more importantly, why do you need to know —“what’s in a word?” Webster’s New World Dictionary defines the word “ ”.

The word and the definition will be reflected after the sentence or paragraph as the following example applies:

“wiaw” PREPARE= to set in order

Got it? O.k. let’s move on.

You must . Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“wiaw” PRAY= to ask very earnestly, communicate with GOD

Got it? …Got it. For example, what does it mean to ?

“wiaw” REPENT= to turn from sin and resolve to reform one’s life (in Christ)

Ok … moving forward …

WORD UP!

Although we may feel that we know the meaning of some words, it does not hurt for us to look them up and see how that word is described in a dictionary. We may find that the same word is described with another meaning other than what we originally thought it to be. As we allow our minds to be open enough to a deeper thought process, we gain insight into what we read. We are also able to better interpret what we have read.

Have you read a verse in the Bible and then read that same verse again to discover another meaning, either a separate meaning or a more intense, profound meaning? Each thought increases with the depth of the meaning and the times upon which our particular experiences and observations occurred.

It’s just like when we decide to do something we go through a thought process of how we are going to proceed. The same is true of life. If we are not sure as to how we should proceed, we will most definitely encounter detours along the way. Even if we know which way to go and how to proceed, we will still at some point to some degree, encounter detours along the way.

That’s LIFE.

The Truth of the Matter is…how are you going to get there? How are you going to get to where you want to go? How are you going to live Life?

We want to encounter as few detours as possible, correct? Which would you

prefer?

1. To know where you are going and have a plan to get there and have detours.

OR

2. To not know where you are going or have no plan …and have detours. Think about it….

…. If you do not know where you are going, how will you know which direction to take? And since you are unsure of the direction to take, because you do not know where you are going, where will you end up when you follow the detours??? How do you know what you do not know?

Proceed with Caution Care and Question:

Be aware… no matter how far you’ve gone done the wrong road, turn back!

How do you know when you have reached the turning point?

Is it best…always…to, “Begin with the End in Mind”?

When Stephen R. Covey, author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” wrote about beginning with the end in mind, he referred to all things being created twice.

According to Mr. Covey, “Begin with the end in mind” is based on the principle that there’s a mental or first creation, and a physical or second creation to all things. Thought…Then GOD Said, “Let there be light”, and there was light. Genesis 1: 3

We, on the other hand, have to actually think things through from start to finish. The carpenter’s rule is to measure twice but cut once.

Look at what you are trying to accomplish. If you’re laying carpet, you want to have the exact measurements BEFORE you cut the carpet.

If you have ideas about something, you work with those ideas in your mind until you get a clear image of what it is that you want to do…of what it is that you are striving to portray.

For example: think of the alphabets. Start with the last letter of the alphabet “Z” as in zeal. How do you get to “Z”? The first letter in the alphabet is “A”…then B then C then D …and so on until you get to W…X…Y…and finally Z.

Another example: think of where you would like to go on vacation.

So… you want to go to Hawaii, huh?

Now what are the steps necessary for you to get there? What do you do after you decide that Hawaii is where you want to go?

The following are a list of questions you may ask yourself in reference to planning your vacation…

• How much money do I need to buy my plane ticket? • What airline am I flying on? • Am I driving to the airport or is someone driving me to the airport? • If I am driving to the airport, what air/park lot will I park my car? What is that cost? • How long will I stay on vacation? • What date and time will I leave for vacation? • What hotel will I be staying in? • What is the best price for the best accommodations of my hotel of choice? • Where in Hawaii do I want to go? The big island, the smaller islands (Maui, Oahu, Kauai)? Do I want to go to more than one island? • How much money do I need for the hotel stay once I get there? • Do I have enough luggage to hold the clothing I plan to take with me or do I need to buy more luggage? Or buy more clothing? • What activities would I like to participate in while I am there? Excursions?

• Am I planning to purchase souvenirs to bring back home, for myself, for family, friends, others? • How much money will I need to purchase other items and souvenirs, little tokens to bring back home? • Who will I give the souvenirs and gifts to? • How much more money will I need for food and the extras I may want to pick up while on vacation?

These may be some of the questions that require an answer. See how many thoughts arise and questions come up as you try to simply plan a vacation. How many more thoughts arise and questions come up over a longer period of time… a life time?

What “cha’ gonna” do??? …When HE Comes for you? Life is about making decisions.

When you begin with the end in mind, you think things through… carefully and thoroughly…do you not? Do you find that when you think things through thoroughly to completion, that you may gain a different ?

“wiaw” PERSPECTIVE = the aspect in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed; a view of things (objects or events) in their true relationship or relative importance

What you do is dependent upon what you see, what you hear, what you say, what

you experience, what you believe, and what you choose? How are your values determined? You can choose “what you want to think” and meditate on.

Putting it all together

Think of putting the pieces of a puzzle together. The finished puzzle is the picture that wholly reflects what it is designed for and created to be. The time it takes to see the reflection of the end result depends upon the following:

• The size of the puzzle (how big or small) • The number of puzzle pieces (more smaller pieces, fewer large pieces or a combination thereof) • The skillfulness and tact exercised by the one putting the pieces together.

Let’s not forget about the patience and persistence it consistently requires to work diligently at fitting puzzle piece after puzzle piece. There may have been a few pieces in particular that you tried in some different spots that didn’t fit. And working at it and working at it, you finally got it! You know exactly where those particular pieces of the puzzle go. Now you get down to the last piece of the puzzle, one piece left. No more trying to figure out what goes where, there is only one puzzle piece left. That last open space of the puzzle at that point reflects to you what goes where. The puzzle is then completed and you can see before you even place that last puzzle piece in that space, you know that’s where it belongs.

Have you tried to put a puzzle together before? Think of how you felt when you did it. You worked at it, and worked at it, until you put all those puzzle pieces together and in the right spot. And you did it. Wow! Watch out world!

Think of the fact that each of us has our own puzzle. Let’s that we must put the pieces together for our own puzzle. Would you not agree that just as when we are playing cards, we can only play our own hand? Our own hand is the hand we are dealt. Have you played “Spades” or “Bid Wiz” or “Bridge” before, or any other card game? Can you see what is in the other person’s hand if they do not show you what’s in their hand? Wait a minute…do you try to look in the other person’s hand??

Even so, if you could play the other person’s hand, how well would you be able to play your own hand and someone else’s hand too? Would you not agree that it takes a certain amount of focus and concentration when you are playing to win the game? Well, I guess that leads to the real question, “Are you playing to win???”

When we strive to put the pieces together, it helps tremendously if we can see what the finished puzzle picture is supposed to look like. Otherwise, we are just working frantically at moving the pieces around. How do you know what to work towards if you do not first have something, in this case, a picture to look at? Even with having a picture to look at, the task of completing a puzzle may still seem endless as you try to put the pieces together. How many times have you attempted to put a puzzle together and stopped before you completed the puzzle?

Just as life seemingly appears as a puzzle, the pieces begin to fit together to reflect the whole picture. (We do not know exactly how life is going to go until we start living it.) Some pieces we at first put in the wrong place and then we realize that they don’t fit there. (We make a choice in life and then we think about what would have happened had we made a different choice.) We begin to move the puzzle pieces around until we get them in the right place and finally…. at some point… we have a complete puzzle that fits together ly.

“wiaw” APPROPRIATE= to make one’s own; make right for the purpose; suitable; fit; proper.

Therefore, when we have a complete puzzle we can say that all the puzzle pieces fit together the way they are intended to, the way it’s supposed to be. Once each piece of the puzzle is put into the appropriate place, it is only then that we have a true and accurate picture. (We look back in retrospect and see from where we’ve come to where we are.)

After the puzzle is put together and all pieces are in their appropriate place… what are you looking at? (Rewards and consequences come from the decisions we make in life. However, we do not always know where we are being lead until after the decisions have been made.) Go figure. How do you fit?

For GOD’s Perfect Will for your life is PEACE.

PEACE with HIM through His SON Jesus Christ.

Peace together with one piece (one prayer, one thought, one act, one person) at a time and over time, reflects HIStory.

And the peace of GOD, which sures all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 7

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First and foremost, this book is written to GLORIFY GOD my Father in Heaven in appreciation and gratitude for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

For GOD So Loved the world that HE GAVE His Only Begotten Son that whosoever Believes in HIM should not perish but should have Everlasting Life. John 3: 16

For GOD Did Not Send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be Saved. John 3: 17

I thank my Heavenly Father for saving me by sending His Only Begotten Son to die for my sins. GOD Raised Jesus up on the third day. That is how I know that I will be raised up to live with HIM for eternity. Jesus First Raised me up when I repented of my sins. The Holy Spirit Made me aware and Makes me aware of good and evil. When you belong to Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit Teaches you and Grants you wisdom to choose Good not evil.

GOD Saved me when I did not even realize that I needed to be saved.

I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for dwelling in me. The Holy Spirit indwells each believer who has repented of their sin and chooses to live their life for Jesus. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I know that it is The Holy Spirit Who Is my Helper and my Comforter. It is The Holy Spirit Who Leads and Guides me in the direction in which The Father Has for me to go.

My Lord Jesus Christ Sent The Holy Spirit to us to Help us, Comfort us, Counsel us, Lead us, and Teach us. And … to Live in us who receive HIM.

Second, this book is written for our good. Yes, for yours and mine. We are to teach others. Do you receive Jesus Christ today? If you have not already done so, ask my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to come in to your heart. HE WILL! That is His Purpose for coming here, that you may be saved … from your sins.

… for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of GOD, … Romans 3: 23 NKJV

Food for Growth

“Man isn’t a sinner because he sins; he sins because he’s a sinner.”³ Apply to Romans 3:23 ARLB NKJV

“An Adrianism”

The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 1262

However, GOD is Willing that… …None should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3: 9

HE LOVES YOU!!!

Let GOD know how much you really love Him by repenting of your sins. Repentance means an about face…turning your back on sin, and heading in the opposite direction. To repent is to change your mind about sin, which produces a change of attitude, and results in a change in your action toward The Lord.

If you have not done so already, come now. “Come and see … Follow HIM.”

Be a part of GOD’s family. Live in GOD’s Heavenly Kingdom. Just as Jesus prayed for you, I also pray for you. Make the choice to be with Jesus for all eternity. Only you can make that choice. The most important choice in your life is the choice that you will make to spend eternity in either Heaven…or Hell.

I pray that you do not choose to go to Hell. Hell was not created for you but for Satan and the fallen angels. Any road not leading to Heaven is a detour road leading to hell. You my friend, have a choice. If you do not receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour…you reject Him.

I am so grateful and thankful to GOD, to be able not only to say, but also to know and to believe that,

The Lord Is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He Makes me to lie down in green pastures; He Leads me beside the still waters. He Restores my soul; HE Leads in the paths of righteousness, for His Name’s Sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for HE Is With me. His Rod and His Staff they comfort me. HE Prepares a table for me in the presence of mine enemies; HE Anoints my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of The Lord. Forever Psalm 23: 1-6

Have you heard or read the saying that has significant meaning that, “not to decide is to decide”? Think about it … … not to decide … is to decide. Get it? Ask The Lord to be your Shepherd.

Choose Heaven… Choose Jesus Christ now… GOD Loves you!!!

This book is written for those whom I love… my Lord, our family and you.

I pray The Holy Spirit, who inspired over forty men to write the Holy Bible, will illumine (enlighten, make clear, illuminate) your mind as you read this book.

May you come to know The True and Living GOD through His Word, through

Prayer, through faith in and your obedience to … HIM.

May GOD Bless

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with The Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord Is Not Slack concerning His Promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3: 8, 9 NKJV

But The Day of The Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and Godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of GOD, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His Promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:10-13 NKJV

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless, and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 2 Peter 3: 14-16 NKJV

You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked, but grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be The Glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3: 17, 18 NKJV

The Grace of The Lord Jesus Christ, and The Love of GOD, and The

Communion of The Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13: 14 NKJV

The Truth

IS of

The Matter

Have I therefore become your enemy because I Tell you The Truth. Galatians 4: 16

Food for Growth

“It’s better to be divided by Truth than to be united in error.”⁴ Galatians 4: 16 NKJV ARLB

Apply to Galatians 1:16 ARLB NKJV “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 1316

How do we know who we are? … if we do not know who HE Is?

THEE FOUNDATION

For we are GOD’s Fellow Workers; you are GOD’s Field, you are GOD’s Building. According to the Grace of GOD which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the , and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which was laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3 9-11 The Jeremiah Study Bible NKJV

First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians Paul, called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ, through the Will of GOD… 1 Corinthians 1:1 The Jeremiah Study Bible NKJV

wiaw” FOUNDATION= a basic upon which something stands or is ed; to set or ground on something solid; to take the first steps in building

The success of The Body of believers must be built on Jesus Christ. The commitment to Jesus Christ must never be violated. The churches which consist of the Body of believers can Glorify GOD through obedience, prayer, worship, service, tithes/offerings, ministry outreach and social justice. A church established on any other foundation—even a church composed of many virtuous causes or values —will not succeed as a true church of Jesus Christ. And how do we know that? The Holy Bible tells us so.

Who Wrote The Holy Bible?

Men who were inspired by GOD wrote the Holy Bible. There is no need for it to be re-written. The Holy Bible is GOD’s WORD. GOD’s WORD is Absolute Truth, The Truth, the Whole Truth, and nothing but The Truth.

GOD Inspired over forty (40) men to write the sixty-six (66) books of the HOLY BIBLE. Everything that GOD Inspired the men to write in the Holy Bible is for us. Know…that what is written has already come to , is now coming to , and will come to .

Have you read the Holy Bible? O.k. even if you have read the Holy Bible, just read it again. If I may use Nike’s slogan… “Just do it!” It will be like watching a good movie that you have already seen…just much …much better…much more enlightening! GOD’s Word is life giving. GOD Breathes life into us when we are born. When we take our first breath … that first breath is from GOD.

The Holy Bible is more than a book to carry to church. The Bible gives its readers a way to follow the heart of GOD and the footsteps of Jesus. Thus, I refer to The Holy Bible as GOD’s “ asic nstructions efore eaving arth.” The fruit of a person’s life—their words, their actions, and their underlying motives, their heart—reveals who is and/or who is not a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Rather than just hearing or reading the words of Jesus and agreeing with them, the victory over hardships and trials reveal those who have actually put Jesus’ Words into action by applying and obeying them. Especially in times of difficulty and stress, one of the best ways to tell what is in someone’s heart is to hear what comes out of that person’s mouth and to observe their actions, and over a period of time. A believer’s actions must match his or her professions. How does one’s line up with what they say and what they do?

“wiaw” CHARACTER= the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual (personality, nature, disposition, temperament, mentality)

“Whoever comes to ME and hears MY Sayings and does them I Will Show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6: 47-49

Creation begins in Genesis with the Creator. It all begins… in the beginning… GOD. GOD’s WORD Is True and Is Real. We can count on it. As some say, “And you can take that to the bank!” GOD Does Not go back on HIS WORD. What HE Says… Goes … (Forth). And what GOD Says …IS. There is no need to ask…….…now…what?

The HOLY BIBLE is to be used to stimulate personal study of the Sacred Scriptures and most importantly, to prompt obedience to the precepts of the Lord. Knowledge alone of The Bible is not enough. There must be a disciplined practical application of the Word of GOD to the earthly human life. Thus, Thee Foundation is The Living and The Written Word of GOD. Only when we are obedient to The Lord, do we truly Glorify Him. And only when HE Saves us, do we truly Worship Him.

The Canon of The Bible

The word “canon” is derived from a Hebrew term meaning “cane” or “reed”. The reed was one of the first instruments of measurement used by man. The term carries with it the idea of a pattern or norm by which other things are measured. In the Christian church, the “canon” has been used to refer to that collection of writings which comprises our Bible (The Old Testament consists of 39 books and The New Testament consists of 27 books for a total of 66 books).

The Canon of the Bible has come to be regarded as the Authoritative Infallible and Inspired Word of GOD.

Pray this Prayer:

Dear Lord, I pray that the Holy Spirit will my mind as I read Your Word. Please help me to understand Your Word. Direct me and enable me to apply all that You Command in my life. I pray that I come to know You through Your Word and through my obedience to Your Commandments. In Jesus Name I pray… Amen.

…keeping the Commandments of GOD is what matters. 1 Corinthians 7: 19 NKJV

“wiaw” ILLUMINATE= to supply or brighten with light, to make clear

Food for Growth

You can study the Bible and learn about GOD. You can Obey the Bible and Know GOD.⁵

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers The Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV

There were blessings and curses given during the days of Moses. Read the blessing and rejoice. (Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NKJV) Read the curses and weep. (Deuteronomy 27:14-26 NKJV) Now, we can surely be grateful because Jesus Has Come To Set us free from enemy control and captivity. Free not to be a slave to sin. And FREE to serve only HIM.

During the days of Moses, YaHWeH’s Blessings for those who were obedient, was the “Promised Land”. (The Hebrew Word “YHWH” pronounced “YaHWeh” is the most intimate and personal name of GOD in the Old Testament, considered later by the Jews to be too HOLY to be uttered.) The fulfillment of the Promise was not automatic. The LORD Set before them a blessing and a curse. They must choose what it will be.

“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: “the blessing, if you obey

the commandments of the LORD your GOD which I command you today; and “the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your GOD, but turn aside from the way which I Command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. Now it shall be, when the LORD your GOD Has Brought you into the land which you go to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.” Deuteronomy 11:2629 NKJV ARLB

TWO MOUNTAINS

Gerizim and Ebal were the two most prominent hills in the natural center of Palestine that are used in Scripture to symbolically represent the blessing and the curse. Gerizim was on the south, or right-had side if you were standing in the center of Palestine looking east. Gerizim was the side of favor, and thus, the side of blessing. Ebal on the other hand was on the north, the side of disfavor, thus the side of curses.

Choosing to go to the left in the direction of Mount Ebal, is evil and negativity, leading to an empty and barren life. Choosing the good path in the right direction of Mount Gerizim means that you choose to cleave to GOD and follow His Way. To choose the good path leads to a rich and fruitful life. Mount Gerizim was lush and fertile, while Mount Ebal was barren and rocky, according to tradition. Standing in the middle of the valley between the two mountains represent our choice in deciding which way to go. The ancient city of Shechem lies in the valley between the two mountains. Shechem was the first place where Abraham built an altar to GOD. Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, also built an altar there in Shechem.

On Mount Ebal Joshua erected an altar of stones and wrote upon it a copy of the Law of Moses. During the ceremony, the Israelites gathered on the lower slopes of the two mountains with the Ark and the priests. The Blessings and the curses were read by the Levites. During the reading of “the Curses”, the tribes gathered on Mount Ebal would shout in chorus “Amen”. The tribes that were gathered on Mount Gerizim would give a similar response during the reading of “the Blessings” of the Law.

This time frame is about 1406 BC (Before Christ). The setting is in the desert east of the Jordan River. The children of Israel are preparing to enter the Promised Land. At this time, Moses is 120 years old and still a strong leader with clear vision. Moses life of 120 years is divided into 3 major parts: 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in Midian as a shepherd for his father-in-law’s (Reuel/Jethro) flocks, and a final 40 years as a shepherd for GOD’s Flock as he moved GOD’s People from Sinai to the plains of Moab. Moses knows that he will not be going with the Israelites (GOD’s Chosen people) into the Promised Land.

Moses violated GOD’s Clear Instruction of getting water for the people. Instead of speaking to the rock as GOD Commanded, Moses struck the rock. (Numbers 20: 1-13) Moses climbed Mount Nebo and The LORD Showed him all the land across the Jordan. The LORD Told Moses, “This is the land of which I Swore To

Give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… I Have Caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there” (Deuteronomy 34:4 NKJV) Moses Knows that he will soon die and before he departs, Moses wants to be sure the people go with GOD. He has watched a generation of the Israelites die in the wilderness. Therefore, he wants to impress upon the people who GOD IS and what GOD Requires. GOD’s People must know what GOD’s Law Says, and they must live it out.

After the Exodus generation died off, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, (the only leaders who believed GOD), there was a new generation to teach. This new mature generation (age 60 years and younger) witnessed how serious GOD Is and learned to trust HIM. (Numbers 13-14 NKJV)

Therefore, Moses task in his final days was to explain the covenant again and to lead the new generation, the new nation, to devote themselves to it. Moses, before he died, taught the new Israel through the writing of Deuteronomy. (Deuteronomy means “a repetition or retelling of the law”.) The only way for them to reach and secure the Promised Land is to Love GOD and Obey HIM. The entire Bible is the story of covenant.

“wiaw” COVENANT= an agreement, most frequently thought of as the promises of GOD conditioned on certain on the part of man; a formal agreement between two parties

What was true back then holds true today.

“I Know The Thoughts that I Think toward you, says The LORD, thoughts of

peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon ME and go and pray to ME, and I Will Listen to you. And you will seek ME and find ME, when you search for ME with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV ARLB

All Around The World … Same GOD “taking GOD’s WORD to the whole world”

The Game of LIFE “Simon Says” Introduction to Spiritual Warfare Weapons of Spiritual Armor “IT Is Written”

Do you Simon? Did you play the game “Simon Says” (SS)? If you played the game, “Simon says”, that each player would have to do what “Simon says”. There was no limit on how many people could play the game. We played the game outside in the yard or in an open field area.

In the game, one person was in charge of giving the commands. If that person who was in charge of giving the commands said, “Simon says” raise your right hand, then you were to raise your right hand. If the person in charge said, “Simon says” put your right foot forward, then you were to put your right foot forward. If on the other hand, the in charge person said, raise your right hand and put your right foot forward, then you were not to do what was said. Only when instructed as “Simon Says” to do something were you supposed to do what Simon said. If you did what was said other than “Simon says”, then you were out of the game.

The person speaking would try to trick the ones playing the game, telling someone to do something as their command and NOT saying “Simon Says” first. The rules were if you obey a command other than the command of “Simon says”, you were out of the game. The person who was the last person to stay in the game by following all of the “Simon says” commands was the next person who would be in charge of giving the commands. And then the game would start all over again. It was a lot of fun, especially if you were the winner and you got to give the commands of “Simon says”.

The Word or should I say The Name “Jesus” IS The Word and The Name by which one is to act and obey. In the case of the real world, it is not Simon. “Simon says” is just a game. A game we used to play outside. Life is for real. And so is Jesus Christ. Jesus is for real. HE IS Alive. Jesus Is The One Who Gives the commands by which we are to obey. Jesus Sent The HOLY Spirit to indwell the true believer, on the inside of our body, our innermost being…our spirit and our soul…our heart and our mind. Jesus Was Tempted in every aspect as we are, yet without sin. Jesus Knew no sin (2 Corinthian 5:21). Jesus Committed no sin (1 Peter 2:22). And there is no sin in Him (1 John 3:5) Jesus Did Only as The Father Said. HE Was absolutely obedient to The Father.

Living the obedient life is all about Christ Jesus. What does Jesus Say? Even more so, What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)? Think… What has Jesus already done?

Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

There are five keys that I believe we can utilize to unlock the chains to our minds with GOD’s Help and unleash GOD’s Power in our lives. These keys are of the utmost importance and are crucial to living successfully in this corrupt (wayward) world. These five keys, P—E—A—C—E, are interdependent with one another to propel us towards having life and having life more abundantly. Living the successful spiritual life aids us in pursuing the abundantly fulfilling physical life. Please note that “ ” is written, not the word “ ”. There are no guarantees that we may have all the physical tangible financial desires of this world. This world is ing away. What we acquire and obtain here does not last. However, there is a guarantee of what’s to come; better yet, Who’s to come.

“wiaw” AID= to provide with what is useful in achieving an end, assist

“wiaw” GUARANTEES= an agreement by which one person undertakes to secure another in the possession or enjoyment of something, to give security to

“wiaw” WAYWARD= following one’s own capricious (impulsive, deficient) or wanton (immoral) inclinations (MWD)

The human body is a living soul that lives in a world. The soul is the mind, the will, and the emotions. The human body is made up of both flesh and spirit. The desires of the flesh are in opposition to the desires of the spirit.

“We must walk in the spirit that we might not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” Galatians 5: 16

The Holy Spirit is our guarantee of life everlasting through Christ Jesus. There is no guarantee that we will have all of the abundance of earthly worldly values, only the full abundance of spiritual treasures.

GOD Has Given to us the tools and resources we need to live a rewarding life. Most importantly, GOD has given to us the source needed by which we are able to live this life. That source is GOD Himself…our Prince of PEACE. “…with GOD all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) Jesus Is The One Who Bridges the gap between Holy GOD and sinful man.

GOD Has a Purpose and a Plan for your life as HE does for each life here on this earth. You may ask, “What is that plan for my life?” My question to you is, “Do you BELIEVE that GOD has a plan for your life? Are you ready to apply that plan that GOD has for you?”

While listening to Paula White on television, I heard her say, “When Preparation meets Purpose, GOD’s Plan is Released in your life.” Do you “Believe” that when preparation meets purpose, GOD’s Plan is released in your life? Did you know that your action and your behavior stems from what and who you believe?

Are you prepared to receive the Plan that GOD Has Purposed for you? Are you wanting life and wanting it more abundantly? Think about GOD’s Plan and Purpose that HE Has for you personally, as you continue to read.

GOD’s Perfect picture is the only one that matters. Did you know? … That The LORD Will Perfect that which concerns you… Psalm 138:8 GOD made HIM who had NO sin to BE sin for us, so that IN HIM we might BECOME The RIGHTeousness of GOD. 2 Corinthians 5:21 The NIV Study Bible

And HIM, the Only Perfect Being who walked the earth as 100% GOD …in the Beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD… John 1:1

And HIM, who completed that perfect picture is Jesus Christ, the ONE and ONLY Perfect Being who walked the earth as 100% human

“… and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us…” John 1:14. How do I know that? The Holy Bible tells me so. And we beheld His Glory, the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, Full of Grace and TRUTH. John 1:14

This is where it all begins…In the Beginning…GOD…Genesis 1:1

Do you BELIEVE The HOLY Bible?

Genesis 1:1 tells us that In The Beginning GOD Created the Heavens and the earth. GOD Said, “Let there be light” and there was light.” Genesis 1:3

GOD created the sun, moon, and the stars and all the living things. (refer to Genesis 1: 16-25)

Then GOD said, “Let US make man in Our Own Image, according to Our Likeness…” Genesis 1:26 NKJV

As you are reading, keep this in mind throughout your reading, throughout your living, throughout your breathing, that

…“Jesus Came to Call not the righteous to repentance but sinners.” 2 Peter 3:9

And such are you and I.

While listening to Bott Radio Network (91.5 FM in St. Louis, Missouri), I heard Dr. David Jeremiah say, that we are called in a struggle of unseen forces. We are fighting a battle on foreign territory. For the Christian, this is not our home. This is like a battleground and many are wounded and many are slain.

If you Google Pastor Dr. David Paul Jeremiah, you will see that he is mentioned in Wikipedia as a conservative evangelical Christian author, founder of Turning Point Radio and Television Ministries and senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, a Southern Baptist mega church in El Cajon, California, a suburb of San Diego. My friend Martha and I actually visited Shadow Mountain Community Church the year after we went on a tour to Israel, The Holy Land, with Pastor Jeremiah’s family, church , and outreach ministry. The trip to Israel, The HOLY Land was most definitely amazingly beautiful, very inspiring and the trip of a lifetime! Yet, the nation of Israel needs to always be on guard for they are in constant position of a possible pending attack from their surrounding enemies.

Men and women of today think of this world not as a battleground, but as a playground. Many Christians do not even realize that there is a war going on! How can you deal with something that you have not come to grips with? The Good News is that … Our Commander and Chief Has already Won the war!! Yet, HE wants us to get in on the victory!

Every day, GOD Has Told us to get the armor and put it on. It is our personal duty and our primary duty to put on the whole armor of GOD. The armor is our protection from what the adversary is out to do to us. The Bible tells us the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5: 8) The enemy, our adversary does the opposite of what our advocate, Jesus Christ does.

“For The Son of Man Has Come to Save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11

HE Who Is HOLY, HE Who is True, “HE Who Has the key of David, HE Who Opens and no one shuts, and Shuts and no one opens”: Revelation 3: 7 Jesus Christ Who Has the keys … Is The Master Key. Christ Jesus Is The Prince of Peace. And just as a coin has two sides, Jesus Is our full body armor. GOD Is Love, HE Is also Just.

“…because The Love of GOD Has Been Poured out in our hearts, by The Holy Spirit Who Was Given to us.” Romans 5: 5 But GOD Demonstrates His Own Love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ Died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His Blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5: 8, 9

“…for it is The Power of GOD to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of GOD Is Revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The Just shall live by faith.’ For The Wrath of GOD Is Revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress The Truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of GOD is manifest in them, for GOD Has Shown it to them.” Romans 1: 16-19

“And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on The Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13: 11-14

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor with is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12: 9

For our own benefit in our GOD-Given mission, we must put on the armor to be fully equipped to stand and to fight. We must totally and on GOD’s Word. Jesus Christ Is The Living Word. The Holy Bible is the Written Word.

“wiaw” TRUST= assured reliance on the character, strength, or truth of someone or something; a basis of reliance, faith, or hope; confident hope (MWD)

“wiaw” RELY= to place faith or confidence; depend (MWD)

Take Heed YOUR Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against YOU. Psalm 119:11

Weapons of Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare appears to be a popular topic for books, movies, lectures, and preaching. Some people may even think of war as being somewhat glamorous or inviting, until they or someone they know becomes a . In the case of spiritual warfare, many believers become casualties.

“wiaw” CASUALTY= serious or fatal accident; a military person lost through death, injury, sickness, or capture, or being missing in action; a person or thing missing, lost, or destroyed (MDW)

All Christians are engaged in a very real spiritual battle between two opposing kingdoms. Those who know the least of this spiritual battle and know the least about how to engage in it to win, are often the first casualties. In Ephesians 6, Jesus Equips us with all six dimensions of our spiritual armor. The Apostle Paul displays a self defense course for us to follow. Using the armor of a Roman soldier as a model, the Apostle Paul describes how the Christian can stand strong in the midst of this unseen, ever-present, spiritual battle.

We begin with The Girdle (The Belt) of TRUTH (Ephesians 6:14) which is the knowledge, acceptance, and the use of Truth as it encircles our entire being. True Bible doctrine is where the darts are aimed. The Girdle of Truth also referred to as The Belt of Truth is the First piece of armor. The Girdle of Truth and The Belt of Truth are used interchangeably.

The Roman soldier’s belt served as the foundation of his armor. The belt held the

breastplate and his sword. The Belt holds everything together. The Girdle keeps things from falling. (A woman’s ing undergarment used to keep her body confined from her waist to her hips is also referred to as a girdle.)

Victory in spiritual warfare begins with Truth. As we test everything by the TRUTH, GOD Protects us and Strengthens us within those borders and confinements of Truth, the real state of things. We must apply Thee TRUTH in and to our daily lives at all times. As noted in John 8: 44, Satan is the father of lies and therefore cannot stand against The Truth.

“Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. No one comes to The Father except through Jesus.“ John 14: 6

The Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS (Ephesians 6:14) is the second piece of armor. And righteousness means right standing with GOD. This piece of armor protects the heart, lungs, intestines and other vital organs. The breastplate guarded the heart, the source of the Roman soldier’s life. In ancient Jewish thinking, the heart represented the mind and the will. The bowels (referred to as “the gut”) were considered the seat of emotions and feelings. Righteousness protects the spiritual life of the Christian. Our righteousness comes not from ourselves but from Jesus Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ Is the Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS at all times.

“…not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, The Righteousness which is from GOD by faith; that I may know HIM and The Power of His Resurrection, …” Philippians 3: 9, 10

The Shoes of the GOSPEL of Peace (Ephesians 6:15) are the witnessing in advance to others that you are at Peace with GOD and that you are standing firm on the Gospel Message. Our war with GOD is over when we trust HIM, obey HIM, rejoice in HIM, and yield not to temptation. The Roman soldier’s sturdy heavy armored sandals gave him security and traction in the heat of the battle. Our peace with GOD through Christ Jesus gives us confidence and a blessed assurance in the face of the adversary’s accusations.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD; and The Peace of GOD which sures all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 6, 7

We must also love others as GOD Loves us. The Christian must have on his/her feet, the shoes that possess a sense of “eagerness” or “willingness” to not only take the Good News of the Gospel to others, but to also advance against the devil and take the fight to him. We take the fight to the enemy of our soul when we stand up for what is right with integrity and we speak The Truth in love in boldness yet kindness.

The Shield of FAITH (Ephesians 6:16) protects the Confidence that we have in GOD. We have confidence that GOD Will Do what HE Says HE Will Do. We must totally trust GOD and trust in His Perfect Timing. The shield of FAITH protects us from the darts that are aimed at The Belt of Truth. The Belt of Truth is True HOLY Bible Doctrine. The shield either extinguishes or deflects such flaming missiles. The Roman soldier’s leather covered shield could be soaked in water to extinguish the flaming arrows of the enemy. Faith in GOD’s Promises deflects and extinguishes the lies of the adversary. Having Saving Faith in GOD exposes the enemy’s lies, and sheds light on the dark falsehood. Having Saving Faith in GOD enables one to not believe the lies of the enemy but to stand on The Truth of GOD’s Word.

“Every word of GOD Is Pure; HE Is A Shield to those who put their trust in Him. Proverbs 30: 5 For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” 1 John 5: 4

When the fiery darts come zooming in, figuratively speaking they ask, “What is FAITH?” And the answer is…FAITH is firm confidence in the LORD and in HIS WORD. When circumstances are adverse, when doubts come, and temptations follow, when trials are at hand, when shipwreck threatens, as you may begin to feel anxious, FAITH looks up and says, “I Believe GOD.” I believe GOD.

The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17) is our protection. The helmet GOD Provides is SALVATION.

“For He Put on Righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of Salvation on His Head; …”Isaiah 59: 17

The helmet of SALVATION is the protection of the head. The armored helmet protected the soldier’s head from injury. The Roman Soldier would never enter battle without his helmet if his intent was to win.

The primary battlefield in spiritual warfare is the Christian’s mind. The Christian is not , no matter how hot the battle, since he/she knows that ultimate victory is sure. The blessed assurance of absolute deliverance preserves him/her not to retreat nor surrender to the enemy. The assurance of salvation defeats the doubts the enemy uses to attack us.

Jesus Says, “And I Give them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My Hand. My Father Who Has Given them to ME is greater than all; and no one can snatch them out of My Father’s Hand. I and My Father Are One.”John 10: 28-30

“wiaw” DAUNTED= to lessen the courage of, intimidate, overwhelm (MDW)

The Christian soldier surrenders all to GOD. “If GOD Is For us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 Again, GOD Provides The Helmet which is SALVATION. Salvation is His Eternal Gift and Abundant Grace. “Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in The House of The Lord Forever.” Psalm 23: 6

For believers to be victorious in Spiritual battles, we must be proactive in establishing both defensive and offensive positions against Satan’s attacks. It is therefore necessary for us to analyze and understand the adversary’s tactics and put in place the safeguards, as revealed in the WORD of GOD. Extremely important is it for us to become aware and understand how Satan uses his different strategic weapons in trying to defeat believers from living a victorious life. The head and the heart must be protected at all times. We must recognize Satan’s deceptive destructive weapons and appropriately reinforce our defenses by bringing our lives into conformation with GOD’s Will.

“For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who Will our lowly body that it may be to His Glorious Body, according to the working by which HE Is Able even to Subdue all things to Himself.”

Philippians 3: 20, 21

“wiaw” TRANSFORM= to change in structure, appearance, or character; transfigure

“wiaw” CONFORM= to be similar or identical; agree; to obey customs or standards; comply

The Sword of The SPIRIT (Ephesians 6: 17) is the All Powerful Word of GOD. Had you realized that The Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon of armor? All the other weapons are defensive weapons. We need to constantly be aware of just how powerful the Word of GOD actually is. For the Christian, the Sword of the Spirit is to be used in battle for it is The Word of GOD. We do need to keep our swords sharpened at all times. How useful is a dull sword?

“For The Word of GOD Is Living and Powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of ts and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His Sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to Whom we must give .” Hebrews 4: 12, 13

“Every Word of GOD Is Flawless; HE Is A Shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words, or HE Will Rebuke you and prove you a liar.”

Proverbs 30: 5, 6 NIV LASB

Christians need to use all the armor that GOD Has Provided. To defend oneself against the attacks of the enemy, a Christian must put on all the pieces of armor, not just one or two armor pieces to suit one’s preference. Spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons. GOD’s Children fight, not with cursing and violence, but with Truth, Righteousness, The Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, and The All-Powerful Word of GOD.

There are Greek words that commonly translate the English “word” as “logos” and “rhema”. “Logos” describes the Bible as a whole. “Rhema” refers to a particular “Saying of GOD” that has special application for a given situation. The Holy Bible is an armory from which to select swords for specific battles. The Holy Spirit Led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. Jesus used “The Rhema of God” in His Victory over the adversary in the wilderness. Victories do not come by accident; but by purposeful intent.

“IT Is Written”

“Then Jesus Was Led up by The Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when HE Had Fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward HE Was hungry.”

(The first 1st temptation) Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If you are The Son of GOD, command that these stones become bread.” Matthew 4: 1-3

(Jesus Victory over temptation) But HE Answered and Said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by Every WORD that proceeds from The Mouth of GOD.” Matthew 4: 4

(The second 2nd temptation) Then the devil took Him up into the Holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You Are The Son of GOD, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘HE Shall Give His Angels charge over You,’ and ‘In their hands they shall bear You up, Lest You Dash Your Foot against a stone.’” Matthew 4: 5, 6

(Jesus Victory over temptation) Jesus Said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt The LORD your GOD.’” Matthew 4: 7

(The third 3rd temptation) Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You Will Fall Down and Worship me.” Matthew 4: 8, 9

(Jesus Victory over temptation) Then Jesus Said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship The LORD your GOD, and Him Only you shall serve.’” Matthew 4: 10

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angles came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4: 11 Each time the devil tempted Jesus with one of his promptings, Jesus Countered the adversary with “The Rhema” of GOD. “IT Is Written.”

Jesus Used specific ages that were written in Deuteronomy (8: 3; 6:13); Moses had spoken to the children of Israel to instill (firmly establish) in them the importance of their obedience to GOD and the strength needed to yield not to temptation. These same ages that were written in the Old Testament, are Scriptures that we need to and use as our weapon of spiritual armor.

As Moses said to the children of Israel in remembrance of The LORD their GOD, “So HE Humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that HE Might Make you know that man shall not live by bread alone but man lives by every word that proceeds from The Mouth of The LORD.” Deuteronomy 8: 3

You shall fear the LORD your GOD and serve Him, and take oaths in His Name. Deuteronomy 6: 13

We are to serve GOD. To presume upon or to test GOD is sin. Jesus Remained obedient to His Heavenly Father.

Jesus Commanded the devil to leave him after the devil had tempted Jesus for the third and final time after HE Was Led into the wilderness by The Holy Spirit.

Then Jesus Said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘you shall worship The LORD your GOD, and Him Only you shall serve’”. Then the devil left Him, and , angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4: 10, 11

“wiaw” BEHOLD= to have in sight; see; used imperatively to direct the attention; view, observe, notice

As written in James 4: 7, we are to “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

However, keep in mind that we must pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 NKJV

Please be mindful that even after the devil left Jesus, and the angels came and ministered to Him, the devil left Him until an opportune time. The enemy is always waiting and watching and trying to wear and tear us down. That is the adversary’s job…to do so in a manner of being very as to remain hidden.

“Wiaw” SUBTLE= so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe

Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. Luke 4: 13 NKJV ARLB

Then Jesus Returned in The Power of The Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all of the surrounding region. Luke 4: 14 NKJV ARLB

Jesus Says to us as HE Said to His Chosen disciples, “Behold, I Give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you.” Luke 10: 19 NKJV ARLB

Food for Growth

“The devil has more power than I do (if I am without Jesus), but I have more authority and power (with Jesus).” Apply to Luke 10: 19 ARLB NKJV

An “Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 1161

Therefore, put on the whole armor of GOD. Then we need to be in effectual fervent prayer. It is “the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man that avails much.” James 5:16 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the Heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:17, 18

James also mentions Abraham (2:21-24), Rahab (2:25) and Job (5:11) to illustrate how the effective prayer of a righteous man or woman avails much.

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed GOD, and it was ed to him for righteousness.” And

he was called the friend of GOD. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” James 2:21-24

“Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:25, 26

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by The Lord—that The Lord is very comionate and merciful.” Job 5:11

Walk with ME

It’s not like we have not been given the o.k. to talk with GOD. We have each been given a “Walkie Talkie”. I’m referring to our Precious Holy Spirit Who indwells each true believer. In no way am I trying to be demeaning or derogatory by referring to the Holy Spirit as our “Walkie Talkie”. What I am saying is that The Holy Spirit is in each believer and walks and talks with us all the time. “For HE Walks with me and HE Talks with me and HE Tells me I am His Own… And the joy we share… as we tarry there … no other has ever known.” We used to sing that song at First Baptist Church of Meacham Park when I was a child.

When we’re under attack, The Holy Spirit knows it. HE Knows we are under attack before we know it. We are obedient to our Commander and Chief when we look to and follow the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Has Won the great battle on the cross. Our Lord and Saviour died to free us from Satan’s bondage.

The reason we are in a spiritual battle is because those who have chosen to believe and trust GOD are no longer on Satan’s side. All believers find themselves subject to the enemy’s attacks. The Apostle Paul tells us that we can stand true to GOD in the midst of Satan’s attacks when we use every piece of GOD’s Armor.

The wicked spirit-being may attempt to harass and oppress the believer. However, as we engage in battle with the enemy, the whole armor of GOD that consists of the afore-mentioned six (6) weapons prepare us to win. We must stay in the battle and the race … fighting and running with proper attire to win.

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, The Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him Endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of The Throne of GOD.” Hebrews 12: 1, 2

Jesus Is our Attire. HE IS our Truth. HE IS our Righteousness. HE IS our Peace. HE IS The Object of our faith. HE IS The Source of our salvation. HE IS The Living Word of GOD. HE IS GOD. And HE IS Able. Jesus Is Totally Able!

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:27 When we “put on” Jesus Christ, we are protected by Thee Only Person that the adversary Satan has never defeated. Praise GOD!!! For Jesus! GOD The Son of GOD!

There is no way to win without Jesus. And there is no way to lose with HIM.

PrEfACE

Our Plan is not as important as the Plan GOD Has for us, for you and for me.

The real success in this world is coming to know GOD’s Presence, being in the center of HIS Will, and fulfilling HIS Plan for our life. We may not know what the total plan is for us. However, to know that GOD has a perfect plan and has a perfect purpose is all we need to put that gift of faith that GOD Has also Given us, to work.

“Faith without works is dead.” James 2:20

Biblical Key P of Peace

PLAN PREPARATION & PURPOSE in PRAYER with PRAISE

Prepare your HIS Plan with Purpose

Participation and Promise

in Pursuit of Persevering

through Prayer and Praise with GOD’s Provision

And through hearing, reading, and applying

GOD’s Word in GOD’s Presence

to embrace your Position of Promise and Unlimited Possibilities

with GOD’s Power in order to reach your fullest wholeness,

Your Optimal Proven Potential

in HIM.

“Wiaw” PLAN= method for accomplishing an objective; AIM; GOAL “Wiaw” PURPOSE= an object or result aimed at; Intention

An Unfailing Purpose

• GOD Has an unfailing Purpose for His Children.

When we pray, focus our Gaze on GOD and glance at our problems.

“As the Apostle Paul says that he should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in GOD Who Created All things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold Wisdom of GOD might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the Heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which HE Accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have Boldness and access with Confidence through Faith in HIM” Ephesians 3: 8-12

“The istration of this mystery” refers to the way GOD’s Great Plan is carried out through the church and through the fore-work of the Apostle Paul. GOD Chose Paul to share the Gospel with the Gentiles and Gave him The Power to do it. How does GOD Want to use you? GOD Wants you to utilize His Power, to do your part as you faithfully perform the special role GOD Has Given you to play in His Plan. Ask and seek Him for clarification and direction. Thankfully through Jesus Christ, by faith we can enter directly into GOD’s Presence through prayer and communion in The Holy Spirit.

The “principalities and powers” in the Heavenly places are angels who are witnesses to and may also aid in these earthly worldly events (Colossians 1: 16; 2; 20); and other hostile spiritual forces opposed to GOD (Ephesians 2:2; 6:12)

Because we are GOD’s Children through our union with Christ, we can talk with GOD about everything. HE Is Always wanting to hear from us. It is an awesome privilege to be Abel to approach GOD with confidence and freedom!

An Unfading Provision

• GOD Has an unfading Provision for His Children.

“That HE Would Grant you according to the riches of His Glory, to be Strengthened with Might through His Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16

The Apostle Paul requests that the saints be spiritually strengthened according to the riches of GOD’s Perfections. The blessing sought is spiritual power. The inner man is the spiritual part of our nature that delights in the law of GOD. (Romans 7:22) Even though the outward man is perishing, it is the inner man that is renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) The Holy Spirit is the One who imparts the inner power and gives us strength as we feed on GOD’s Word, pray, and get exercise in daily service for The Lord. Our inner strength needs development, growth, and continuous maturity in The Lord.

An Unrivaled Presence

• GOD Has an unrivaled Presence in His Chilren.

This is the prayer that you (we) should pray for ourselves and for others.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through Faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in Love, may be able to Comprehend with ALL the saints what is the Width and Length and Depth and Height— to Know the Love of Christ which es knowledge; that you may be Filled with all the Fullness of GOD.” Ephesians 3:17-19

At the time of a believer’s conversion, the Lord Jesus takes up permanent residence in the believer’s heart. This is a prayer that the Lord Jesus might have full access to every room and closet in every saved person. It is not only The Holy Spirit Dwelling in the believer, but that HE Feels at home and totally welcome. As we surrender our life to Christ, the more we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to become more like The Lord Jesus Himself. As we grow and mature to become more like Him, the more HE feels at home in our hearts and our lives.

The heart means the center of spiritual life, which controls every aspect of behavior. The Apostle Paul prays that The Lordship of Christ might extend to the books we read, the food we eat (healthy, nutritious, not excessive amounts of junk foods), the work we do, the money we spend, the words we speak, the movies and shows we watch, the voices or music we listen to, the movements we make, the actions we take, and the thoughts we think. It all relates back to the thoughts we think. Thoughts not only come from the brain, they come from the heart. The Christian heart becomes the home of Christ. Jesus Loved to spend time with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, in their home. Pray as Jesus Prays that all your family and friends would be filled with the fullness of GOD.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through Faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in Love, may be able to Comprehend with ALL the saints what is the Width and Length and Depth and Height—” Ephesians 3: 17, 18

The width refers to the wideness of GOD’s Grace in saving Jews and Gentiles, and then incorporating them into the church. (Ephesians 2:11-18)

The length extends from eternity past to eternity future. Believers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 2:7)

The depth refers to the pit of degradation and sin that we were sunk in. Christ Came from Heaven’s Paradise to a place of corruption and filth to rescue us. (Ephesians 2:1-3)

The height refers to where we have not only been raised up with Christ, but we are enthroned in Him to share His Glory. (Ephesians 2:6)

One of the great privileges of prayer is that we can engage the eternal GODhead to work in behalf of ourselves and others. The life of love is a life of selflessness, meekness, kindness, and brokenness. We can stand in awe of GOD’s Word and marvel at its infinity.

Unlimited Possibilities

• GOD Has unlimited Possibilities for His Children.

Have you heard the song? “Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in GOD.” We used to sing that song during church service in a t celebration of Praise and Worship to GOD.

“For with GOD nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 NKJV JSB

Who would think this to be possible? Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that the HOLY Spirit Would come upon her and the Power of The Highest would overshadow her and that she would conceive in her womb and bring forth a SON, and shall call His Name JESUS. And that the HOLY One to be born will be called The Son of GOD. (Scripture Ref: Luke 1: 26-28)

No prayer that you can ever ask can exceed GOD’s Power. However, many times, GOD’s Plans exceed our petitions. The Power at work in us is real.

“We must pray for the abundance of HIM Who is Able to Do Exceedingly Abundantly Above ALL that we Ask or Think, according to the Power that Works in us,”

Ephesians 3:20

Unceasing Praise

• GOD Is to receive unceasing Praise from His Children.

“PRAISE The LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our GOD; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” Psalm 147:1

Q: One might ask, “What is the benefit of Praise and what does Praise do?”

A: Praise Glorifies GOD.

Psalm 147 begins with not a request, but with a command to Praise the LORD! See the exclamation point? Scripture gives us some very practical and powerful reasons for learning to Praise the Lord. Everything that GOD Created, living and nonliving, was meant to bring Him glory. Therefore Praise Glorifies GOD.

A: Praise Heals our Hurts.

“The LORD Builds up Jerusalem; HE Gathers together the outcasts of Israel. HE Heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds…” Psalm 147:2, 3 GOD Lifts us up out of our sulking. HE Puts His Arms around the bruised and bleeding and heals the hurts we cause each other. GOD Has Given us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesss”… Isaiah 61:3

For those who claim to follow Jesus, they simply cannot refuse to help those who are hurt, oppressed, needy and poor.

A: Praise Fortifies our Faith.

“HE Counts the number of the stars; HE Calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and Mighty in Power; His Understanding is Infinite. The LORD Lifts up the humble; HE Casts the wicked down to the ground.” Psalm 147: 3-6

Have you ever thought about how many millions billions zillions of stars there are in the sky? GOD Gave them all names. That means that HE Knows every one of them. This is our Father’s World. HE Is the Creator of all things. We are to Praise Him, for HE Is over all. Our Great GOD lifts people up, renews all hope, and strengthens. No matter what problems we encounter, GOD Is Greater!

A: Praise Tells our Thanksgiving.

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praises on the harp to our GOD, who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains.” Psalm 147: 7, 8

GOD Sends rain as part of His Blessings on all people so crops can grow. This is called “common grace” by theologians. Common Grace is GOD’s Goodness to all people—both saved and unsaved. How can you be thankful to GOD if you do not Praise Him? How can someone not be thankful to GOD? Are you breathing? Let everything that has breath, Praise The LORD. Praise The LORD.

Psalm 150: 6 HE IS a Good GOD! And all the time, HE Is Good!

A: Praise Protects our Peace.

HE Does not delight in the strength of the horse; HE Takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD Takes pleasure in those who fear HIM, in those who hope in His Mercy. Psalm 147: 10, 11

GOD Delights in those who fully rely on Him. GOD is not impressed with our ability to protect ourselves. GOD Brings peace to those who place their hope in His Mercy. When praises go up, blessings come down. When we begin to praise the works of GOD, HE Gives us peace. GOD is Omnipresent, HE IS Always with us and IS everywhere at the same time. Wherever there is praise, “triumphant praise”, Satan is paralyzed and bound. The way you praise GOD reveals what you think of HIM. Your praise to GOD tells what HE is worth to you. Praise needs to be a permanent sincere pattern of your heart, not something you do once in a while.

GOD Resists the proud, but gives Grace to the humble. “Therefore humble yourselves under The Mighty Hand of GOD, that He May exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He Cares for you.” 1 Peter 5: 6, 7

Don’t worry, pray! Easy to say, may not be so easy to do…however, the answer is to take all concerns and potential worries to The Lord in prayer. GOD Can Manage each concern. Draw closer to GOD and keep the adversary farther away. Satan, the adversary is deceptive in tricking people to blame each other or blame GOD for their sufferings. Christians should not only pray but be about the way they live, and very careful not to let worry steal their joy and peace. GOD’s People are to themselves and leave the exalting to Him.

“wiaw” VIGILANT = alertly watchful especially to avoid danger “wiaw” HUMBLE = not proud nor haughty (disdainfully proud)

Let all things praise The LORD

“Praise GOD in His Sanctuary; Praise Him in His Mighty Firmament! Praise Him for His Mighty Acts; Praise Him according to His Excellent Greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath Praise The LORD. Praise The LORD!” Psalm 150 ARLB NKJV

What Is Your Destination?

How does it all fit together?

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from The LORD. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But The LORD Weighs the spirits. Commit your works to The LORD, and your thoughts will be established. The LORD Has Made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.” Proverbs 16: 1-4

How can one ask for GOD’s approval on plans that He Has not been consulted? Asking GOD to direct our path is better than asking Him to correct our mistakes.

Wellness is a worthy destination, but you must plan for it. If you don’t know where you are going, you will end up somewhere…somewhere else. If we want to end up in a certain place, we must set out for that destination. Get to where you are going. To get there, you must head in that direction. Thus, in the same respect, can you see how “we become what we believe”? How we grow depends upon what we eat and how we exercise.

Character Keys: AAMI

Key 1 Attitude: Plan, Purpose Key 2 Action: Prepare, Participate, Pray Key 3 Motivation: Promise, Position

Key 4 Implementation: Practice, Perfection

Key1 Attitude: Plan, Purpose

Is it not true that before we can accomplish that one thing, we must have a plan? GOD Had a plan for us when He Created Adam. Although that plan seemingly was altered by Adam’s disobedience, GOD’s Plan Remains. GOD Did Not nor does HE Want us to be under the rulership of Satan. GOD’s Plan for us is not be condemned to eternal damnation. Thus, there is purpose in GOD’s Plan.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the Gift of GOD is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you were ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of GOD, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.” Romans 6:20-22

Our attitude must be such that we desire and plan to obey GOD at all times. And when we fall short we ask for forgiveness and repent of our wrongdoing. We must hide GOD’s Word in our hearts and intentionally purpose in our minds that we might not sin against HIM. The intention is to commit to our plan to obey GOD “on purpose”. When you were a child and you did something that you were not supposed to do and maybe got in trouble for doing it, do you recall being asked by your parents about what you did? Do you recall ever responding to your parents, “…but I did not do it on purpose”…? Well … when we want to obey GOD, we must set out to obey HIM “on purpose” and “with purpose”.

“Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119: 11 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself …” Daniel 1: 8

We cannot serve GOD by following a legalistic set of rules; we must have purpose in our hearts.

Key2 Action: Prepare, Participate, Pray

Is it not true that when we start with a plan, we may later need to revise it? How many times has it happened before where you began with something in mind and may have had to take different steps to reach the same goal? Or you may have even needed to redefine the goal.

That’s because we do not have a “perfect” plan. Only God has “the perfect plan”. It’s like when you’re playing a game. The object of that game is to win, right? Have you heard that it’s not all about if you win or lose, but how you play the game? Let’s turn that around and think of it in a different context. It’s how you play the game that determines whether you win or lose?

Living is not a game; nor is living a dream. This is life. This is real life, not an imitation of life. It is a must that we talk with God everyday! If we want to win, we have to know how to win. This is not something that we know on our own, but by our communication with God. To win GOD’s Way, first, “Believe on The Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16: 31 Then we have to go a bit further and have faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.

Hebrews 11:1

Faith places confidence in the things that are hoped for today into a promise come true for the future tomorrow. For the believer, “to believe is to see”. However for the UNbeliever, “to see is to believe”. Jesus Appeared to His disciples after His Resurrection. His disciple Thomas, sometimes referred to by some as “doubting Thomas”, was with them when they saw Jesus another time.

“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus Came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen The LORD.” So HE Said to them, “Unless, I see in His Hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His Side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus Came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then HE Said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My Hands, and reach your hand here, and put it into My Side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus Said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen ME, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20: 24-29

After believing, there has to be some action, for faith without works is dead. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2: 26 Spirit and breath are the same word in Greek. Lack of extended breath, no breath, or any absence of breath is indication of death. In comparison to works, no works is an indication of dead faith. Both Abraham (father of nations) and Rahab (a Gentile prostitute) — proved their faith by their works. (Joshua 2: 124; Hebrews 11:31) “The just shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

The just are those people of GOD who continue to trust in GOD and not themselves despite their troubling trials and unexpected circumstances.

We are to be anxious about nothing and pray about everything. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, and with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD. Philippians 4:6

It seems that we often spend less time with GOD or do not have enough time to spend with God. Tell me, how much time is enough? When you think about the word “enough”, would you say that word “enough” is dependent upon the individual?

When has someone had enough food? Enough drink? Enough exercise? When has someone had enough communication with God? Let’s think on that last one, “Enough communication with God? Do we not make time for what is important to us? Do we speak of GOD to others? Do we speak of others to GOD?

Out of Time

“I was running late to work and did not have the time that day, So while driving in my car, I began to pray. Less time less time to speak with others and spread an extra word of cheer, Oh my, what was I going to do? To not finish my tasks were my fear. With all the things I had to do, it seems I was always moving fast, I always strive to get things done, beginning with the first down to the very last. I did not realize the most important was not even on my list, The time to pray and valued time spent with GOD was what I had missed.

Precious moments are to be spent with GOD even if there may only be few, I’d rather not hear HIM Say, “You … I never knew.” I know that it would deeply hurt me in my heart, To have to hear HIM Say to me, “Depart”. There’s something that can be done right now without any procrastination, Receive Jesus Christ into your life and accept His Free Gift of Salvation. Pray every day and obey His Word, and do this with joy and love, These are the things that truly count and come only from Heaven Above. Now I always want to talk with GOD and do the best I can, to put GOD first and not merely second or third to man. Take time to spend with GOD and ask Jesus to save your life, When it’s time to breathe your last breath, you’ll avoid all anxiety and strife. Do not be blinded by the enemy’s tricks, he is the father of all lies, Imagine you go before The Lord; you stand … and bow with downcast eyes, GOD Looks into His Book of Life and Says, “Your name I cannot find, I Waited for you to receive MY Gift…But Now … you are … out of time”.

How important is GOD to you? How important do you want to be to GOD? … Make time for Him.

Key3 Motivation: Promise, Position

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe; the mind can achieve.” This was a famous quote by Dr. Napoleon Hill, an American self-help author born October 26, 1883 – November 8, 1970. He is best known for his book entitled “Think and Grow Rich”. According to Wikipedia, most of his books were promoted as expressive principles to achieve success.

An idea or thought has to first be created. Then we have to believe with our heart, mind, and soul that what is real and realistic and doable for us, can be achieved. Then we have to do something. We have to start making it happen. If we sincerely believe that what we are seeking is possible, we consciously, as well as subconsciously, work towards achieving that goal. For example, if we say that we want a job, however we do not pick up the ad, we do not prepare or send a resume, and we do not fill out a job application, and now, (nothing short of everything is on the internet) BUT we do not even bother to look or put forth the effort necessary, what is the likelihood that we will get a job?

However, on the other hand, if we look through the paper on a regular basis, send out several resumes that we have neatly prepared, go and fill out job applications, search the internet with online application posting, what then is the likelihood of getting a job? How have we raised the odds to achieve the end result of getting a job? Just think how much the odds are increased if we get our education and learn more skills for a particular field or area of interest. Just think how much the odds are increased when we do very well in our studies and achieve A’s and B’s as opposed to C’s and D’s. Moma used to always say that “Nothing beats a failure but a try!” We must begin with the end in mind! If we first have a plan and know what we are to do, by all means with the help of the Good Lord Above, according to His Good and Perfect Will for us, we can do it!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

There are always rules to follow. When we were young, our parents had rules. As students, there are rules to follow in school. When we go to work, our

employers have rules. Even when we go to the grocery store or to a restaurant, there are rules…no shirt, no shoes, no service.

Common are our thoughts that when we become adults, that when we are socalled “grown”, that we can do as the “grown-ups” do…our own thing? And what is that? If we decide now, how we see ourselves and where we desire to be, we will begin to move in that direction. There are steps that must be taken in order for each of us to get to where we are going.

If we want to build a house, the foundation is a key factor to determine how long the house will stand. The more solid and sturdy the foundation, the more the house will be able to withstand nature’s natural causes. The materials that we use to build the house are another key factor. When better quality materials are used, the finished product is more durable and the wear is longer. How much effort we put into building the house is another key factor. Everything needs to be put into its’ proper place and appropriately affixed. All the right connections are important for wiring, plumbing, other materials and fixtures. And what it all relates back to is how important it is to us that we have the best resources and do our best job possible. How long our house stands will depend on whether we build on a foundation of sand or solid rock, use brick or straw as our materials, use quality professionals or irresponsible rookie amateurs as our laborers.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I Will Liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rains descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell.” Matthew 7: 24-27

“For every house is built by someone, but HE Who Built all things is GOD.” Hebrews 3: 4

The level of credibility and durability is placed on the builder. Again, see how the end result depends on the level of implementation that is placed on the plan in the beginning. Jesus Christ Is The Chief Cornerstone. “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of GOD, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself Being The , in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows in to a Holy temple in The Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of GOD in The Spirit. Ephesians 2: 19- 22 Do you not know that you are the temple of GOD and that The Spirit of GOD Dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3: 16

On Christ The Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand. We must take our Promised Position in Christ.

“Wiaw” CHIEF= a leader or ruler of a people or clan.

“Wiaw” CORNERSTONE= sometimes referred to as a “foundation stone”, and is symbolic of Christ, whom the Apostle Paul referred to as the “Head of The Corner” and is the “Chief Cornerstone of The Church” (Ephesians 2:20); foundation stone or setting stone is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure; an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based; a stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, ing two walls. Wikipedia

Queen Esther took her position and became a voice for her people to save the Jewish nation. She and her cousin Mordecai partnered with The Providential

Working of GOD to protect His People. Esther was placed in that position during that crucial time in History to help GOD’s People and her own people. “So it was when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the scepter.” Esther 5: 2

The king’s scepter was a symbol of his favor and his power. It also meant that Esther would not be killed for entering the inner court without his invitation. Only GOD Could Raise Esther to a position of authority in a culture that valued neither Jews nor women. (Read the complete story in the book Esther in the Old Testament of the Bible.)

Key 4 Implementation: Practice, Perfection

From the very beginning, there has been a GOD. What are the very first words that you read in the HOLY Bible? The very first words are…“In the beginning GOD.” Genesis 1:1 Not only does Father Know Best. Father GOD Is Best.

Even before there was a world, or the sky, or animals, or people, GOD was living, for He Was and IS The One Who Made them all. “GOD Is Spirit.” John 4: 24 For thus says The Lord GOD, Who Created the heavens, Who Formed the earth and Made it, Who Has Established it, Who Did Not Create it in vain, Who Formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord; and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:18)

“Look unto ME, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth! For I Am GOD, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The Word Has Gone out of my mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to ME every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.” (Isaiah 45:22-23)

There was darkness everywhere. Therefore, GOD First Created or Made the light. As its brightness shone through the dark, HE Was Pleased and Knew that it was good. HE Called this light Day. But God Knew that darkness was needed also, so HE Allowed some of it to stay and called it Night. These God Created on the same day, the first day of creation.

On the second day, GOD Created the air that is all around us. When we look up as far as we can see, the air seems to be blue, and we call this air that God Made, the sky or Heaven.

Next, GOD Gathered together the waters to form oceans, rivers, and lakes and separated them from the dry land. On the dry land, He Caused the grass and trees and plants to grow and made it green and lovely. As the third day ended, our earth was beginning to look like it does to us now.

The sun and moon were created on the fourth day to brighten the day and the night. Even the twinkling stars lights were set in place by GODs Hand on this day.

The fifth day GOD Brought forth living things to fill the water and the air - fish for the seas and birds for the heavens. Then on the sixth day, more living things were made by Him - every sort of animal that lives on the earth, every kind you can imagine. As this sixth and last day of the creation was ending, GOD Made a man. The Bible says that He Made this man “in His image,” or somewhat like Himself. This means that the man was to be higher than the animals and to rule over them. GOD Placed this man in the wonderful world that He had made.

For six days God had worked to finish His creation. On the seventh day HE Looked at all HE had made - the day with the sun and the night with the moon, the seas filled with fish and the air with birds, the earth covered with plants and

animals of every sort, and a man in His own image - and God Knew that it was good. He blessed this day and rested from His work. (ref: Genesis 1: 1 - 2: 7)

GOD Made us to live on this beautiful earth. Yet, born into this world, we are born into sin. Sin came into the world from the disobedience of Adam (and Eve). For this very reason, “GOD Sent His Only Begotten Son into the world, not to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM Might be SAVED.” John 3: 17) This is “Good News” the Gospel Message. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that we live each day to its fullest. We need to do everything that is pleasing to GOD. We are to practice to perfection what is preached. Moma would always say “Practice what you preach.”

GOD Spoke and Brought into existence that which was not there. Speak what is good and what is right … and the good and right actions will follow. Think it.

“And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify The Lord GOD in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is The Will of GOD, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3: 13-17

Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild…God and sinners reconciled. Joyful all ye nations rise… the triumphs of the skies, with angelic hosts proclaim…Christ is born in Bethlehem. Hark the herald angels sing …Glory to the newborn King.”

What is meant by “God and sinners reconciled”? Our sins are forgiven when we

believe that Christ in His Death paid the price for our sins. In Christ’s resurrection, we are made alive in Christ to follow HIM and to become more Christ-like in our daily walk with HIM.

“wiaw” RECONCILE= to make friendly again. It means to adjust or settle, to harmonize.

“wiaw” HARMONIZE= to be in harmony; to agree in sound or sense.

“wiaw” HARMONY= the just adaptation of parts to each other; musical concord; agreement; peace and friendship.

When we sing “Hark the Herald Angels sing” (composed by Fexliz Mendelssohn and William Hayman Cummings, via Wikipedia), do we really listen to the words? What about “Silent Night”, “The Little Drummer Boy”, “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”, “O Holy Night”, “Joy To The World” and others? Do we really pay attention to the real meaning of what we’re singing? Do we really listen to what is being sung? There is a lot of meaning that is communicated in a song. “It is pleasing to God to make a joyful noise in our hearts unto the Lord. (ref: Psalms 100:1)

The words that are communicated in a song can be a message of good or evil. You see, Satan is referenced as having been a beautiful angel who lead the other angels in heaven, maybe even in glorious song before he fell. Music can be very dangerous in the hands of the enemy. Ezekiel 28:13 references that Satan was involved with music in Heaven. “You were in Eden, the garden of GOD; Every precious stone was your covering, the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx,

and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold, The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created”.

Timbrels resemble the modern tambourine (via Google Wikipedia). Things were in harmony in heaven until Satan rebelled against God. Satan was then cast out of heaven when he fell. For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. Romans 8:22

Do we not know that when God sent His only begotten Son into this world, it was to reconcile the situation? Things had gotten out of hand. However, “with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) GOD Is The Creator of all. GOD Is The One Who Made the heavens and the earth … and us! “For The LORD formed man of the dust of the ground, and Breathed into his nostrils the Breath of Life; and man became a living thing.” Genesis 2: 7 We, as Christians, are to know our faith and practice well enough to be able to point others to Jesus Christ, as their answer.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, The Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him Endured The Cross, Scorning its shame, and Sat Down at the Right Hand of The Throne of GOD. Consider Him Who Endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12: 2, 3 We cannot perfect ourselves. Only GOD Can Work in and through us to carry His Good Work on to completion until The Day of Christ Jesus. “…that HE Who Began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1: 6

With this acknowledgment of the beginning of things and with other biblical truths taken directly from The Holy Bible Scriptures, my intention is to present the grand picture of GOD’s Plan for His people in this world through His Word.

A. G.P.P. – GOD’s Perfect Plan

“uplifting in the Heavenly Light”

Meet the Savior (our Advocate) The Living Word

…The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, The Son of GOD. As it is written in the prophets,

“Behold, I Send MY Messenger Before Thy Face, Which Shall Prepare Thy Way Before Thee.

The Voice Of One Crying In The Wilderness, Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord, Make His Paths Straight.” Mark 1:1-3 King James Study Bible

There was a man sent from GOD, whose name was John, to bear witness of The Light. “John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching of repentance and remission of sins.” Mark 1: 4 NKJV The Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible

John the Baptist is the messenger who was to precede the Messiah, calling the people to be spiritually and morally prepared for the coming of the Son of GOD. John the Baptist’s message was that the people should of their sins.

“wiaw” REPENT=to turn from sin and to one’s life; change their mind and their sin

“wiaw” RESOLVE=to decide, to determine

“wiaw” REFORM=to improve or correct that which is corrupt or defective

“wiaw” FORSAKE=to renounce or turn away from entirely

Unless the people repented of their sins, they would be in no position to receive the Lord. Repentance has two sides: (1) turn away from sins (2) turn towards GOD.

GOD’s Chosen Lamb

The same was in the beginning with GOD. “In the beginning was The Word, and The Word was with GOD, and The Word was GOD. HE Was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made through HIM; and without HIM nothing was made that was made. In HIM was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

John 1: 1-5 NKJV ARLB

John the Baptist baptized many. “Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.” John 1: 24 When John the Baptist was asked questions about baptizing, John answered them saying, “I baptized with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is HE Who, Coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” John 1: 26, 27

…The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, The Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 NIV Study Bible

After John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Jesus’ ministry with His Chosen twelve disciples lasted three and one-half years. During that time, Jesus Healed many people and Performed many miracles. Jesus was betrayed by one of His Chosen twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot. Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified after hearing the Jewish people shout,

“Crucify HIM, HIM.” John 19: 6 NKJV ARLB

“wiaw” CRUCIFY= to put to death by binding or nailing the hands and feet to a cross

“Later knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be

fulfilled, when Jesus had received the drink of vinegar, Jesus said, “It is finished”. With that, Jesus bowed His Head and gave up His Spirit.” John 19:28-30 NIV

What are the three words that set us free? The three words that set us free are, “It is finished”. The mission would not have been possible had it not been for Jesus. The mission was accomplished. Jesus died that we might live. Jesus Nailed all the sins of all the people to the Old Rugged Cross. But it does not stop there. Jesus rose on the third day after HE was crucified and today HE LIVES!

Bridging the Gap

What Jesus did for us, we could never nor can we ever do for ourselves or for anyone else. “It is finished,” were Jesus words. The work has been done. Jesus Christ came to earth as a newborn baby born to a virgin mother named Mary. Jesus lived a life here on this earth for 33 years. Jesus Suffered, Shed His Innocent Blood and HE Died on a Cross on Calvary. However, it does not stop there. That is only the beginning. Jesus Arose on the 3rd day after His Crucifixion. Jesus Was Seen by Mary Magdalene whom HE Had Cast out seven demons. Jesus Was Also Seen by Mary the mother of James, His Disciples and Peter, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered to Him before HE Ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of GOD The Father. (refer to Luke 8: 1-3 and Luke 24:10) Jesus Is Coming back for His Church, His People, “His Bride”. The gap has been bridged between a HOLY GOD and sinful man.

Jesus tells us in John 14:1-4, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in GOD; trust also in ME. In My Father’s House are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I AM going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with ME that you also may be where I AM. You know the way to the place where I AM going.”

The Alpha and The Omega

A puzzle must begin with the first piece. That puzzle is still incomplete and not a finished picture until the last piece is in place. Jesus Is Coming back. what Arnold Schwarzenegger said in the movie, The Terminator, “I’ll be back. He came back. what happened when he came back. And that was a movie. Here we’re talking about TRUTH, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth. Unlike the terminator, Jesus Christ is The Resuscitator. And He Restores our souls.

“wiaw” RESUSCITATE= to revive from apparent death or unconsciousness

“wiaw” RESTORE= to give back, to put back into use or service

In the movie, the mission of the terminator was not accomplished. In real life, the mission of Jesus Christ was finished in its entirety with ultimate endurance and victorious perfection. And so will be the absolute final mission completed when Jesus Christ Returns in His Second Coming. GOD’s Children will live forever with Him in Paradise. As Jesus Told one thief on the cross, “Assuredly, I Say to you, today you will be with ME in Paradise.” Luke 23: 43 NKJV ARLB

“I AM The Alpha and The Omega, The Beginning and The End,” says the Lord, Who Is and Who Was and Who Is To Come, the AlMighty.” Revelation 1:8

“Behold, I Am Coming Quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22: 7 (“This book” as noted above refers to the Book of Revelation in The HOLY Bible)

GOD’s Sole (unique, one of a kind) Plan and Purpose, Wholly (complete, fully) Centers around the redemption of mankind.

The most important question you will ever be asked … The question of a lifetime is … “What are you going to do with Jesus Christ?”

What are you going to do with Jesus Christ?

PLAN

Your

HIS

PURPOSE

➢ Count the Cost

Jesus says to His Disciples in Luke14: 28:

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”

If this was not such a serious matter, I could really laugh. I already chuckled. Think about it…that’s like putting “almost” enough gas in your car to “almost” get to your destination. How much sense does that almost make?

…Now back to building the tower…what’s involved in building the tower?

How imperative is it to calculate the cost first?

Would you agree that is the first thing that needs to be considered? Calculate the cost first. That includes the cost of time, money, materials, and those doing the building-the construction workers, the labor. What usually costs more than parts and materials? Yes, you’re right…labor.

Jesus said to His Disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His Harvest field.” Matthew 9:27

Would you want your building to be left half-completed? That may be what will happen if the builder does not first count the cost or does not realistically estimate the requirement necessary to complete the building.

How have you counted the cost of your commitment to Jesus? How is your Christian life being built? Is it only half built? Has it been or will it be abandoned? What about those around you? How are they being affected? What is required of you to successfully complete what was started? The costs of following Jesus Christ, what are they?

For starters, as a Christian, you may be hated, gossiped about, and separated from family. You may face loss of finances, economic position or social status. You may have to give up control over your career, your time, and your money. As a Christian you may or should I say WILL be persecuted to some degree. Some Christians have been and are being put to death.

Following Christ Jesus does not mean a life that is free of trouble. Following Christ does; however, mean a life that is eternally full of blessings and reward. When we believe Christ’s promises and the end result of following Him, it encourages and motivates us to carefully count the cost of becoming His Disciples. When we realistically count the cost, we will have a better understanding of our effort and determination that is needed in order that we yield NOT to temptation. When we expect the unexpected, the weight of the temptation is potentially lessened. Temptation lies in the options of choosing whether to quit, move forward, or turn back. Whatever the circumstances or the situation, yielding to temptation is not to be accepted, nor tolerated. Yielding to temptation is to be avoided as an onward Christian soldier.

“…Who for the joy that was set before HIM Endured the cross, Despising the shame, and has Sat down at The Right Hand of The Throne of GOD.” Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

Jesus Christ Endured the Cross for us. HE Finished what HE Set out to do. Do you understand the reason for beginning with the end in mind? How best can you plan if you have not thought about your desired end result? Once you’ve thought it, what do you do?

➢ Getting Acquainted

You realize that we are just ing through here?

Have you thought that what you do now is in preparation for what you do later? Once this life is over, where will you go? What will you do to prepare for the life after this one? Out of all the things that we do here in preparation for something later, what’s most important? Of all the questions that were listed before in reference to a trip to Hawaii, which would you say are top priority?

Would you say that the priority boils down to “the way” and “the cost”? Which way will you take to get to your destination? And do you have money to afford it? In order to determine the means by which you will get to where you are going and to know if you have enough money to get there, you must first know “where you are going”. Do you not agree? Where are you going?

Once you know where you are going, the other needs and preparations seem to line up. Prioritizing is putting “First things first”. You can then begin to plan the length of stay, the method of transportation, the place to lodge, etc.

Matthew 6:33 quotes it this way, “Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of Heaven and

GOD’s Righteousness And All things Shall Be Added Unto You”.

In our pursuit of Heaven, Jesus Is The Way. Not only has Jesus Paved the Path to get there… Jesus The Christ Has Already Paid the cost.

Jesus’ Words, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in GOD, believe also in ME. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I Would Have Told you. And if I Go and Prepare a place for you, I Will Come Again and Receive you to Myself; that where I Am, there you may be also. And where I Go you know, and The Way you know.” John 14: 1-4 NKJV ARLB

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?” John 14: 5 NKJV ARLB

Jesus Said to him, “I Am The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to The Father except through ME. If you had known ME, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” John 14: 6, 7 NKJV ARLB

I pray that by your acknowledgment and implementation of GOD’s WORD, you will have a more hopeful, abundantly fulfilling and biblically rewarding spiritual life …beginning right here on earth right now.

PURPOSE

Your

HIS

PLAN

A. G.P.P. – GOD’s Perfect Plan

SEEK GOD

Seeking Father GOD First and Serving HIM

The Will Principle The Word Principle The Wisdom Principle The Walk Principle

It is true that GOD Has a Plan for every man’s life and every woman’s life. According to Scripture, GOD Says in Psalm 32:8, “I Will Instruct you and Teach you in The Way you should go; I Will Guide you with My Eye.”

Food for Growth

You must be seeking the Face of GOD in order for Him to Guide you by His Eye.⁷ Apply to Psalm 32: 8 ARLB NKJV

An “Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 609

The prophet Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 58:11, “The LORD Will Guide you continually.” In Ephesians 2:10, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For we are His Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD Prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Finding the Will of GOD is for all people, not just for missionaries or pastors or ministry leaders. GOD Has a Plan ordained for each of us…from the plumber to the preacher, from the doctor to the lawyer, from the janitor to the construction worker, from the teacher to the Indian chief. (That’s another game we used to play and, saying we used to say.) GOD deals with us individually, not in a mass.

It is your responsibility, your duty and delight to find, follow, and finish GOD’s Specific Plan for your life. Better yet, follow GOD’ Principles and be obedient to His Commands, and GOD’s Will … will find you.

Four principles must be applied to get to know The Will of GOD for your life.

+ The WILL Principle

The first principle to apply to get to know the Will of GOD for your life is to surrender your will to GOD’s Will. The late Pastor Adrian Rogers calls this principle “the Will Principle”.

“By the mercies of GOD we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable to GOD, which is our reasonable service. We are not to be conformed to this world, but are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that offering ourselves as a sacrifice allows us to prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of GOD.” Romans 12:1, 2

ZSurrender to GOD’s Plan not your own plan. In order to surrender to GOD’s Plan, you must first surrender to a Person, that Person is Jesus Christ. You must say, “It’s not what I want to do Lord, but it is what You Will have me to do.”

when Saul was persecuting the believers of the way, when he was killing them and having them killed? As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?” Acts 9: 3, 4 Saul was so set in his ways that he thought he was doing the work of righteousness.

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then The Lord Said, “I Am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.”… So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You Want me to do?” Acts 9: 5, 6

When Saul met Jesus, he asked the two greatest questions anyone could ask, “Who are You, Lord?’ and ‘Lord, what do You Want me to do’”? From that point on, Saul submitted his will to The Will of GOD and he became Paul. Not only did Saul’s name change, but the direction of his action changed.

too while Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, before HE Was Betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Roman soldiers, Jesus Said to The Father … Saying, “Father, if it is Your Will, take this cup away from ME; nevertheless not MY Will, but YOURS, be done.” Luke 22: 42 NKJV ARLB

As a true follower of Christ, you must submit your will to GOD’s Will. Let GOD Choose the path.

+ The WORD Principle

The second principle to apply to get to know The Will of GOD for your life is “the Word Principle”.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

If you desire to know the Will of GOD for your life, saturate your life with The Word of GOD and meditate upon HIM daily. You will find that obedience to GOD’s Word is what settles your direction in your sought out search to know the Will of GOD for your life. For example you know that GOD’s Will for your life is to not steal and to abstain from fornication. That Truth along with many others, noted in the Ten Commandments, is clearly taught in the Holy Bible. As you continue to get into the Word of GOD, such Biblical Principles like these are set to direct your life. You must not only read The Word, you must apply these Biblical Truths in every area of your life. Let GOD Control the path. Do the things that you do know, in obedience to GOD. With having done that, in doing what you do know to be right and true, GOD Will help you to understand more of what you do not know. You know?

+ The WISDOM Principle

The third principle to apply to get to know The Will of GOD for your life is “the Wisdom Principle”.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

As you get into the Word of GOD by meditating upon HIM and applying His Instructions to your everyday life by surrendering your will to His Will, you will find that GOD Begins to Give you . In your obedience to the light and the wisdom that GOD Gives you, as you need more wisdom…ask for it. As you begin to use the light to clear the darkness, ask for more light.

“wiaw” WISDOM = a gift of GOD stemming from a right relationship with GOD; skill in making the application of thought to actions, or simply ability

Solomon when he was asked by the two women to decide which woman was the mother of the baby. Both women said that they were the mother of the same baby. We know that each baby has only one biological mother. Well Solomon was asked to make the decision as to who was the real true mother. Solomon suggested that the baby was to be cut in two so that each mother could receive half. How horrific this sounds. Yet, by doing this, Solomon was able to discern the true mother. When Solomon made such suggestion, the one woman

said to “go ahead” and cut the baby in half. The other woman pleaded with King Solomon to not cut the baby in half and to just “go ahead” and let the other woman have the whole baby. There were two “go a heads” but with two different intentions. In this situation, the true feelings of both women were revealed by each of their display of feelings and relationship to the child. GOD Gave King Solomon the wisdom to find out who was truly the real mother. “Will the real mother please stand up!?” (Read 1 Kings 3: 16-28) Let GOD Confirm The Way.

“When HE (Jesus) Had Been Baptized, Jesus Came up immediately from the water; and behold the heavens were opened to Him, and HE Saw The Spirit of GOD Descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly A Voice Came from heaven, Saying, “This is MY Beloved Son in Whom I Am WellPleased.” Matthew3: 16, 17

“Get wisdom! Get understanding!” Proverbs 4: 5 NKJV ARLB “The fear of The LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the Knowledge of The HOLY One is understanding.” Proverbs 9: 10 NKJV ARLB

+ The WALK Principle

The fourth principle to apply to get to know The Will of GOD for your life is “the Walk Principle”.

“In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE Shall Direct your paths.” Proverbs 3: 6

GOD Directs and Leads you as you are moving…not standing still! Keep in mind though that there is a time when we are to be still and know that GOD Is GOD. And that is when we have exhausted our measures in moving forward that we come to a standstill. In this case of moving forward, have you tried pushing a car that is in park? The car must be in neutral with the brake released in order to move the car. Then all you have to do is PUSH. So…get busy…move…Walk with The Lord. Acknowledge HIM at all times with thanksgiving and praise. Be about GOD’s business by serving HIM!

The Will of GOD for your life is more like a scroll that you have to unroll by obeying GOD one verse at a time, applying one principle at a time, taking one step at a time, completing one test at a time, each moment throughout each day. We may at first think of GOD’s Will as a blueprint that is laid out for study from beginning to end. However, GOD Shows each of us one step at a time, and our steps are not exactly the same. GOD Is Not a cookie cutter, HE IS The Potter.

Just as I am, just as you are, we are each diverse in looks, characteristics, and personality, as is our unique walk in the Lord. Remain steadfast in faith, prayer, and obedience. Ask GOD to show you each step along the way. If one door is closed, another is opened. As one door is opened, another door is closed. Ask

GOD for clear direction as you move forth, forward, and upward in His Name.

How hard it must be to steer a ship that is not moving. Uhhh… Going somewhere? What about a moving ship that is not being steered? Going where?? Therefore, move forward, onward and UPward as Christian soldiers and start actively looking to see how to follow GOD’s Plan for your life. Let GOD Clear the path.

Even in the midst of sickness and trials, we must submit our will to GOD’s Will. A man was at the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. “Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty eight years. When Jesus Saw him lying there, and Knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, HE Said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus Said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.” John 5: 5- 9 NKJV ARLB

“If we say that we have fellowship with HIM, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice The Truth. But if we walk in the light as HE Is In the light, we have fellowship with one another, and The Blood of Jesus Christ Cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 6, 7

“And Enoch walked with GOD; and he was not, for GOD Took him.” Genesis 5:24

Exercise each of the four principles—The Will Principle, The Word Principle, The Wisdom Principle and The Walk Principle. Simply start by saying, “I will submit myself to GOD. I will read GOD’s Word and obey His Every Command.” I will ask for GOD’s Wisdom. I will walk in GOD’s Way and follow

in His Footsteps His Path. I will pray to GOD and ask Him to help me become more like Jesus. These are the five “I will’s” of the disciple of Christ. Totally opposite are the five “I will’s” of the adversary. The true Christian wants to be more like GOD, not take His Place. It takes more than just knowing, we must do. Action speaks louder than words. Some things we can do with others. Some things we must do alone … with Jesus.

Enoch spent his life in fellowship walking with GOD; and then he disappeared, because GOD Took him.

Jesus Is Coming back to take us to be with HIM … for all eternity! Be ready …

How long have you been walking with Him?

A. G.P.P. – GOD’s Perfect Plan

O BEY GOD

Obedience Observed and in Divine Order

GOD Makes Himself Known

Moses

Pharaoh

I AM The LORD GOD Speaks The Ten Commandments

While Moses was repeatedly obedient to GOD, Pharaoh was repeatedly disobedient to GOD. Moses was faithful in his service to GOD. Pharaoh was diligent in his disservice to GOD. Moses strived to put his words into action. The things that Pharaoh said, he did not follow through on. In fact, Pharaoh did the opposite of what he said. When Moses first asked Pharaoh to let GOD’s people go, GOD spoke through Moses. GOD through Moses said to Pharaoh, “Let my people go.” Pharaoh said, “Who is the LORD? That I should obey Him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.” Even after GOD sent the 10 plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh still hardened his heart and would not let the people of Israel go until The Wrath of GOD came upon him. Which do you see yourself to be?

Think on this–

How is it that you would like to see GOD display His Power in you? How would you like for You decide. Which do you prefer? The attributes, character, and action of Moses OR the attributes, character, and action of Pharaoh? Be mindful, “once you make the decision, the decision makes you.”

There was no question as to who GOD was during the times of Moses nor is there any question as to who GOD is today. GOD made Himself known during that time to Moses. GOD makes Himself known today through His Word. It is only Grace alone through Faith alone by which we are saved! Nothing or no one else can save! Jesus Christ is our Amazing Grace. It is our faith in Him, our trust in Him, by which we are saved! Not by our own works, but by the works that HE has already done. when Jesus said, “IT IS FINISHED.” There is nothing else for us to do, but to believe, to trust, to obey, and to serve…HIM!

Pharaoh asked Moses, “Who is the LORD that I should obey HIM and let Israel go?” Pharaoh went on to say, “I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”

Was it that Pharaoh felt he was in such a position of great power he did not have to be submissive to anyone else? Not even GOD? Pharaoh did say, “I do not know The Lord …”

It was GOD Who Showed Himself to Pharaoh through Moses. how Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves in the Garden of Eden after they had sinned against GOD. It was GOD who covered Adam and Eve.

One cannot do what only GOD can do.

I AM the LORD

And it came to , on the day The LORD spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, HE Said to him, “I AM the LORD. Speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I Say to you.” Exodus 6:28, 29

In this verse of Scripture do you see that GOD Is Telling Moses what to say? However, before The LORD tells Moses what to say, HE lets Moses know who HE IS. HE Tells Moses to tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt who HE IS. Did you catch that? GOD Acknowledges Pharaoh in his position as king of Egypt. Moses asked GOD what he should say to the children of Israel when they asked His Name. And GOD Said to Moses, “I AM Who I AM.” And HE Said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “I AM Has Sent me to you.” Exodus 3: 14 GOD lets Pharaoh know (through Moses speaking to Pharaoh) that HE (GOD) is LORD, by saying, “I AM The LORD.”

The LORD Placed Pharaoh in position. The LORD Placed Moses in position. What position has GOD Placed you in? What are you doing in that position?

Did Pharaoh get it? Did Pharaoh understand? Notice that GOD did not speak to Pharaoh directly but spoke through Moses to Pharaoh, just as GOD spoke through Moses to the people. Moses is the vessel through whom GOD Had Chosen to Make His (GOD’s) Commands known. Notice I say commands not requests.

GOD Delivered the people of Israel out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. And

GOD gave the 10 Commandments to Moses to give the people. Since Moses Was the vessel through whom GOD Had Chosen to make His Commands known to His People, they acknowledged that they were to remain at a distance from the LORD. Sometimes GOD speaks to His People quietly, and at other times, HE speaks with a majestic display of power.

What is the reason for the difference in how GOD Speaks?

In answer to that question, GOD speaks in the way that best accomplishes His Purposes.

At Mount Sinai when the people saw the lightning and heard the thunder and trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled in fear. (Exodus 20:18) The awesome display of light and sound was necessary to show Israel GOD’s great authority and power. Only then would they pay attention to Moses and Aaron. The people stayed at a distance and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have GOD speak to us or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for GOD has Come to test you, and that His Fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.” So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where GOD Was. Exodus 20: 19-21

Moses told the people in Exodus 20:20 that it is the fear of GOD that keeps one from sinning. What is it that keeps you from sinning?

GOD Speaks

Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have made you like GOD to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Then I will lay MY Hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out MY Divisions, MY People the Israelites. And the Egyptians will know that I AM the LORD when I Stretch out MY Hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.” Exodus 7: 1-5

“Then The LORD Spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.’” So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as The LORD Commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.”

“But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as The LORD Had Said.” Exodus 7: 8-13

“So The LORD Said to Moses: “Pharaoh’s heart is hard; he refuses to let the people go….” Exodus 7: 14

The LORD Sent ten plagues on the land of Egypt before Pharaoh let the people go:

The First Plague: The Second Plague: The Third Plague: The Fourth Plague: The Fifth Plague: The Sixth Plague: The Seventh Plague: The Eighth Plague: The Ninth Plague: The Tenth Plague:

all the Waters Became Blood including the Nile River Frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt Lice covered the land of Egypt, and were on man and beast Flies in swarms were in the Egyptian houses and land Livestock Diseased of Egypt Boils that broke out in sores on man and beast in Egypt Hail in all the land of Egypt Locusts over all the land of Egypt Darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days Death of the Firstborn of man and beasts in Egypt

Exodus 7 - 12

And it came to at midnight that The LORD Struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. Exodus 12: 29, 30

After The LORD Sent the ten plagues upon Egypt, Pharaoh let the people go.

Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD Commanded them. Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh. Exodus 7: 7

How old did you say you are?

Take Heed

He who does not love ME, will not obey MY Teaching. John 14:24

Be HOLY, because I AM HOLY. 1 Peter 2:16

Moses was called a friend of GOD. So The LORD Spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Exodus 33: 11 Moses desired to know GOD personally and prayed. Then Moses said to The LORD, “See, You Say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You will not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet, You Have Said, ‘I Know you by name, and you have also found grace in My Sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your Sight, show me now Your Way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your Sight. And consider that this nation is Your People.” And HE Said, “My Presence will go with you, and I Will Give you rest.” Exodus 33: 12-14

Moses had seen GOD’s Miraculous Acts during The Exodus, but now he wanted to see more of GOD’s Glory. But HE (GOD) Said, “You cannot see MY Face; for no man shall see ME and live.” Exodus 33:20 GOD Is Spirit and there were limits to what even Moses could see. For no one could look upon The LORD and live – until Jesus.

To all believers in Jesus Christ, The LORD Has Given to us, The HOLY Spirit Who Is The Comforter, Counselor and Teacher of The Truth. GOD Has Opened the door of opportunity for all of us.

What are you going to do with the opportunity to be of service to The LORD?

“wiaw” OPPORTUNITY= a favorable combination of circumstances, time, and place; a chance for advancement

The LORD Had Moses to rewrite The 10 Commandments. Moses had become

angry with the people and broke the first tablets that The LORD Had Written. When Moses went up on the mountain (Mount Sinai) for 40 days and 40 nights to spend with The LORD, the people became impatient and committed an act of idolatry by making a golden calf. The LORD Became very angry with the people of Israel and was going to consume (destroy) them. However, Moses interceded and pleaded with The LORD to turn from His Fierce Wrath. When Moses returned to the camp and saw that the people had corrupted themselves … then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp and said, Whoever is on The LORD’s Side – Come to me!”

“For the LORD your GOD is GOD of gods and LORD of lords, the Great GOD, Mighty and Awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. HE isters justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the LORD your GOD; you shall serve HIM, and to HIM you shall hold fast, and take oaths in HIS Name. HE IS your Praise, and HE IS your GOD…” Deuteronomy 10:17-21

This is what Moses said to the children of Israel about The LORD. There are and there are . Something is either a blessing or a curse.

“Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse. A blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your GOD which I command you this day; and a curse, if you will not obey the commandments of the LORD your GOD, but turn aside from the way which I Command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28

“wiaw” BLESS, BLESSED, BLESSING=to set apart and hallow, or make holy; to confer happiness upon; to bestow good or grant favor to; to express a wish for

happiness for some other person; to invoke special attributes upon; to praise or glorify; consecrated or holy; highly favored; blissful or joyful; enjoying spiritual happiness. The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia

“wiaw” CURSE=The opposite of blessing; used in reference to the penalty for disobedience to GOD; in ancient times, when a curse was pronounced, it was not considered simply a wish for misfortune to befall an individual or a group, but was thought to have the inherent power of conveying itself into effect, for injury, disease, ill-success, desolation, death, etc. to come upon one. The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia

After GOD Prepared the way for the children of Israel to leave Egypt, the old generation wandered for 40 years and died in the desert due to their unbelief and lack of faith. Moses prepared the sons and daughters of the faithless generation to possess the Promised Land. The lessons are clear.

In Deuteronomy, Moses, the man Chosen by GOD, brings the Word of GOD to the people through three sermons. Moses first sermon looks back at the dealings of GOD with Israel, recounting both Blessing and His Judgment (Deuteronomy 1:1-4:43) Because of what GOD Has Done in delivering them from the rule of Pharoah, the children of Israel should have hope and follow GOD. We come to know GOD more intimately through understanding of what GOD Did in the past. And through learning of Israel’s past failures, we can also avoid mistakes in our own lives.

The second sermon of Moses looks inward to the obedience of the people of GOD to obey His Law. The new generation that was about to enter the Promised Land had to review and renew GOD’s Laws. Each person and each generation must respond anew to GOD’s Call for obedience. Highly emphasized is that genuine commitment to GOD and to His Truth must not be taken for granted. (Deuteronomy 4-26)

And Moses third sermon, he looks forward to the plan of GOD for Israel. There are Blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. GOD Reveals to Moses who speaks to the people as to what will happen in the distant future, from a scattering among the nations to an eventual return. (Deuteronomy 27-34) Moses knows that a personal decision to obey GOD would bring benefits to their lives. To rebel would bring severe calamity. Moses stresses in his messages the need for obedience to GOD and the covenant. Moses also stresses the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience.

“And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom The LORD knew face to face, In all the signs and the wonders, which The LORD Sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, and in all that mighty power, and in all the great terror which Moses did in the sight of all Israel.” Deuteronomy 34: 10-12

Choices make a difference. When we choose to follow GOD and obey HIM, it benefits us as it strengthens our fellowship with GOD and improves our relationships with others. Our obedience to GOD also helps pave the way for others to receive blessings and rewards for our obedience. When we choose to abandon GOD’s Ways and are disobedient to HIM, our fellowship with GOD suffers, and we bring harm to ourselves and to others.

Therefore, GOD Commanded the Israelites to teach their children His Ways. It is important today to teach our children to obey GOD’s Truth not only in our traditions but in our minds and in our hearts.

Israel being chosen above all of the other nations is not a matter of Israel’s merit. GOD Chose the Nation of Israel and GOD Has Chosen also all believers today to be a special treasure apart from all the peoples of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7: 6)

Similarly, we have come to faith in Christ not because of our merit. But we have come to faith in Christ because GOD Chose us out of His Goodness and Grace.

“For you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to GOD, that you may declare the praises of HIM Who Called you out of darkness into this wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of GOD; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2: 9, 10

The Levites are “the priesthood of all believers.” People did not approach GOD directly in the Old Testament times. A priest acted as intermediary between GOD and sinful man.

“Now The LORD Spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they (Nadab and Abihu) offered profane fire before The Lord and died; and The LORD Said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the HOLY Place inside the veil (curtain), before the Mercy Seat which is on the Ark, lest he die; for I Will Appear in the cloud above the Mercy Seat.” Leviticus 16:1, 2 NKJV ARLB

For Israel, the Day of Atonement was the greatest day of the year. The word atone means “to cover”. Old Testament sacrifices could only cover sins, not remove them. On the Day of Atonement, the people confessed their sins as a

nation, and the high priest went into the Most Holy Place to make atonement for them. Sacrifices were made and animal blood was shed in order that the people’s sins could be covered.

This temporary covering of sin from animals being sacrificed and the priests entering the Most Holy Place continued until Jesus Came. Christ’s Sacrifice through HIS Earthly Life and Crucifixion on the Cross would give people the opportunity to have their sins Removed Forever…

With Jesus Christ’s Victory on the cross, that animal sacrificing pattern changed. We can now come into the very presence of GOD without fear (Hebrew 4:16), and we are given the opportunity to bring others to HIM also (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). When we are united with Jesus Christ as of HIS Body, we in His Priestly Work of reconciling GOD and man.

Aaron had to spend hours in a lifetime preparing himself to meet The Most Holy GOD. We, however, can approach the same Most Holy GOD anytime (Hebrews 4:16). What a privilege we have! The high priests of the Old Testament times were not offered this access to the Most High GOD as we are. You know why? Jesus Had Not Been Born yet from a virgin mother.

Jesus Is The Open Door for us to GOD! Jesus Is The Good Shepherd. “Then Jesus Said to them (His Sheep, His Followers) again, “Most assuredly I Say to you, I Am The Door of the sheep.” John 10:7 “I AM The Door. If anyone enters by ME, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9 Yet, we must never forget that GOD IS HOLY. We must not let this privilege to approach GOD cause us to approach HIM carelessly. Easy access to the Most High GOD does not eliminate our need to prepare our hearts as we come to HIM in prayer.

“When GOD Purposed in His Election of Jacob and Esau (the older will serve the younger), “I Will Have Mercy upon whom I Will Have Mercy. I Will Have Comion upon whom I Will have Comion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on GOD’s Mercy.” Romans 9:15, 16 NIV Life Applications Study Bible

GOD Told the obedient children of Israel to totally destroy their enemies when they entered the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey. Although GOD Is Loving and Merciful, GOD Is also Just. GOD Does Not allow evil to go unchecked. Those children of Israel who disobeyed GOD were not allowed to go into the Promised Land. Even Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience when GOD Told him to speak to the rock and instead Moses hit the rock. This is a reflection of the extreme importance of obeying GOD. Only the children of Israel who were obedient to GOD, were able to enter the Promised Land.

The command was to destroy the other nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites who were larger than the Israelites. This holds true today. Only the nation of Israel is present today. There are no Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, or Jebusites.

I just heard Dr. Charles Stanley say how important it is to, “Be GOD’s Man in GOD’s Place doing GOD’s Work in GOD’s Way.” Not only is this evident of Moses in obedience to GOD, it is evident of who we are in Christ.

The Ten Commandments

Written in Deuteronomy 5:1-21, The Ten Commandments that Moses summoned all Israel to hear, to learn, and to follow:

1. The First Commandment

“You shall have no other gods before ME.” Deuteronomy 5:7

Notable Historical Violation—Solomon (1 Kings 11) NIV Life Applications Study Bible

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. (1Kings 10:23) However, he loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter. The Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites were from nations about which the LORD Had Told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to The LORD his GOD, as the heart of David his father had been. HE followed Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD, he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.

On a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for chemosh the detestable god of Moab, and for Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and offered sacrifices to their gods.

The LORD Became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, The GOD of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD’s Command. So the LORD Said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept MY Covenant and MY Decrees, which I Commanded you, I Will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I Will not do it during your lifetime. I Will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I Will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but Will Give him one tribe for the sake of David MY Servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I Have Chosen. I Kings 11:113

One of GOD’s Commands was to not marry women from foreign nations who worshiped pagan gods. Solomon chose to disobey GOD’s Command. Our love in relationships leads us to identify with the interests, beliefs and values of those we care about. Because we want to please our loved ones, GOD Commands us not to marry those who do not share our love and commitment to Him. Solomon had clear instructions from GOD; however he chose to disregard them. GOD’s Commands are always for our good because HE Knows our strengths and weaknesses. With all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak areas. Be serious about acknowledging and obeying GOD’s Commands.

Solomon did not turn away from GOD in a brief moment nor all at once. His departure from GOD and the fellowship with Him started with a straying from GOD’s Laws. That sin grew until it resulted in Solomon’s downfall. A so called “little sin” can be the first step in turning away from GOD. Many times, it is the sins we excuse, not the sins that we know about that cause us the biggest trouble. Do not excuse it when you sin against GOD. Ask GOD to help you recognize the

sin that you are questioning as sin. What you think to be sin may not be sin. And what you think to not be sin, just may indeed be sin. Do not refer to what you think or not think, to be sin. Refer to GOD’s Word and believe what GOD Says is sin. Then confess the sin and ask GOD for strength to resist temptation. Call it out. Call out the sin. Expose the sin. And then once the sin is exposed, ask for forgiveness and repent.

Solomon’s kingdom could have been blessed for the duration of his time, however; it was approaching its end. GOD’s Guidance, Promises, and Answers to prayers were with Solomon. Yet, King Solomon’s heart was not as fully devoted to the LORD his GOD, as the heart of his father David had been. His foreign wives lead him into idolatry. The Lord Told the Israelites, “Do not intermarry with the foreign women, and they must not intermarry with you, because they will turn you away from ME to their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 1 Kings 11: 2 Sin corrupted Solomon so much, he lost his kingdom. King Solomon had begun by laying the foundation with GOD, but he did not follow through in his later years. “Unless the LORD Builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127 (believed to be written by Solomon)

It is not good enough to get off to a right start in building our career, our marriage, or church built on GOD’s Principles, we must remain faithful to GOD to the end. All men will hate you because of ME, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13: 13 From start to finish, it is GOD who must be in control of our lives.

Can you see the imperative and utmost importance of the reason for the first commandment? “You shall have no other gods before ME.” Deuteronomy 5:7

2. The Second Commandment

“You shall not make for yourself an idol…You shall not bow down to them or worship them…” Deuteronomy 5:8, 9

Notable Historical Violation—The golden calf-idol incident (Exodus 32); Generations after Joshua (Judges 2:10-14; 2 Kings 21:1-15; Jeremiah 1:16);

Idols again! Although Israel had seen the invisible GOD in action, they still wanted the familiar gods they could see and shape into whatever image they desired. Like the Israelites, our great temptation is still to shape GOD to our liking too in order to make HIM easy to obey or ignore. GOD Does not Work in us when we elevate anything or anyone above HIM. (Exodus 32)

Our great temptation is still to make a god that is convenient to obey. So what happens is that we have a tendency to shape GOD to our own liking.

“After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what HE Had Done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals. They forsook the LORD, the GOD of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They provoked the LORD to anger because they forsook HIM and served Baal (Canaanite false gods) and the Ashtorehs (false gods of the Philistines). In His Anger against Israel, the LORD handed them over to raiders who plundered them. He sold them to their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. Whenever Israel went out to fight, the hand of the LORD was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress.” Judges 2:10-14 NIV LASB

Many things can tempt us to not do what we know is right. The desire to be accepted by others can lead us to behave in a manner that is displeasing to GOD. The Canaanites had a collection of gods for just about every activity, season, or place. By contrast, Israel, was to only worship the LORD. The Israelites could

not believe that GOD was the One True GOD and at the same time, bow to an idol. Idol worshipers create their own god. These idols represent immoral aspects of human nature. GOD Is Holy and His Nature Is spiritual and moral. What could not be tolerated is adding the worship of idols to the genuine worship of GOD. In that regards, GOD Often Exercised His Anger and Wrath upon those who worshiped idols.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD Had Driven out before the Israelites. He rebuilt high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I Will put MY Name.” In both courts of the temple of The LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts. He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger. “They will be looted and plundered by all their foes, because they have done evil in MY Eyes and have provoked ME to anger from the day their forefathers came out of Egypt until this day.” 2 Kings 21:1-15 NIV LASB

Occult practices (sorcery, divination, consulting with mediums and spiritists) are strictly forbidden by GOD. Some board games, video games, and role-playing games, books, and television shows open the door to demonic influences. They emphasize fortune-telling, séances and other superstitious beliefs when there is an increased curiosity to know the future. Stay away from all the movies and

shows that highly emphasize your elevation of fear entertainment or unthinkable amusement. Stay away from card games, board games, video games, roleplaying games that emphasize spiritualism and magic. When we were teenagers, my cousin and I played a game called “Quiga”. It did not result in a good experience. After having played the game once, twice, I went to college and my cousin told me that she continued to play on her own. The consistent game playing of that board game resulted in the occurrence of a very horrific tragedy. Stay away from books, television shows, and shows at the movie theatre that can entice you to dabble in places, thoughts, and practices of which GOD Has Said to not become entangled. Do not let the belief that superstition is harmless nor let the desire to know the future lead you into condoning occult practices. Did you hear the saying, “curiosity killed the cat”? These “pandora’s box tactics” are counterfeits of GOD’s Power.

There are only two sources of spiritual power: GOD and Satan. , Satan only has the spiritual power that GOD Allows him to have. And The LORD Said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him (Job) do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of The LORD. Job 1:12 Since the Garden of Eden, Satan’s main focus has been to divert the human heart away from worship of The True GOD. Satan does this by enticing individuals with the suggestions self-realization, power, and spiritual enlightenment apart from submission to The One and Only True Living GOD.

When we give our lives to Jesus Christ, we must repent. This repentance is to include renouncing any involvement with spiritualism, magic potions and witchcraft. Witchcraft and its many counterparts lead only to emptiness and death. “Now the word of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these, I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of GOD.” Galatians 5: 19-21 Please believe me when I say to stay away from anything that is not of GOD. Most importantly, believe GOD. Only GOD is Sovereign (in complete control) and is Omniscient (all-knowing).

“wiaw” COUNTERFEIT= made in “seemingly” exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud

GOD Knows that if we focus on anyone or anything other than HIM, we will not reach our full potential nor will we become all that HE Wants us to be. What if someone had a picture of you, and they looked at it a lot, they showed it to a lot of people, they put it in a pretty picture frame, but they completely ignored you… the real person? “They did not say” anything about you or to you?

Let me just camp out here for a minute. First of all, I’ve heard quite a bit about what “they say”. You may also have heard a lot about what “they say” or what “they did not say”. I think about “they”. And many times ask, “Who ‘they’ are?” Who are they that are saying so much? More important than “they say”, who are “they” to you?

How do you think GOD Feels? You are listening to “they” instead of Him? As Christians, we may carry our Bibles to church, if we go. Yet do we open The Bible to read The Scriptures? Do we meditate on The Word of GOD and do what The Bible Says? Maybe we do not even pick up our Bibles but put The Word of GOD on the table by the bed or place our Bible on the book shelf. Would you want to be treated this way? … How would you like to speak and no one listens? Or are you listening to what “they say”? Simon? Simon was a game that we played as young children. “When I was a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

GOD Is Real and our obedience to Him is a blessing in our life. GOD Wants a genuine relationship with us…not just an acting out of a part as if in a role play or game; and not just mere traditional ritual. , anyone or anything

other than GOD and anyone or anything that is not a vessel or servant of GOD, consider as “they”. Recall Solomon. Solomon’s foreign wives lead him into idolatry. Manasseh who sacrificed his own son, practiced sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists.

GOD Wants us to get to Know Him, His Way, through His Son, Jesus. How best can we get to know Him than by reading His Word, applying His Word and obeying His ?

Be mindful, it is not any spirit, but it is The HOLY Spirit Who Is Restraining evil in this world. Does The HOLY Spirit reside in you?

“wiaw” COMMAND= an order given

3. The Third Commandment

“You Shall Not Misuse the Name of the LORD your GOD, for the LORD Will Not Hold anyone guiltless who misuses His Name”…Deuteronomy 5:11

Notable Historical Violation- Zedekiah (Ezekiel 17:15-21)

Zedekiah made an attempt to get military assistance from Egypt. This alliance forced Nebuchadnezzar to return later to Jerusalem and destroy it. (Ezekiel 17: 21)

King Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years (597-586 B.C. (Before Christ)). He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. (2 Kings 24:18, 19) Zedekiah did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the Word of the Lord. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him take an oath in GOD’s Name. He became stiff-necked and hardened his heart and would not turn to the LORD, the GOD of Israel. Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the LORD, which he had consecrated in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 36:11-14 The NIV Life Applications Study Bible

The LORD, The GOD of their fathers, Sent word to them through His Messengers again and again, because HE Had pity on His People and on His Dwelling place. But they mocked GOD’s Messengers, despised His Words and scoffed at His Prophets until the Wrath of The LORD was aroused against His People and there was no remedy. HE Brought up against them the King of the Babylonians, who killed their young men with the sword in the sanctuary, and spared neither young man nor young woman, old man or aged. GOD Handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar. He carried to Babylon all the articles from The Temple of GOD, both large and small, and the treasures of The LORD’s Temple and the treasures of the king and his officials. They set fire to GOD’s Temple and broke down the wall of Jerusalem: They burned all the palaces and destroyed everything of value there.” 2 Chronicles 36:15-19 NIV LASB

Zedekiah succumbed to the temptation to look to Egypt for help and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian reaction was immediate. In 588 B.C., Jerusalem was besieged (Jeremiah 21:3-7) and held out for over two years before being destroyed in the summer of 586 B.C. Zedekiah broke his promise after swearing to keep his commitment. To swear such an oath and then to violate it was to despise and dishonor GOD.

He carried into exile to Babylon the remnant, who escaped from the sword, and

they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. The land enjoyed its Sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of the Word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah. 2 Chronicles 36:20 NIV Life Applications Study Bible

The exile was not judgment alone, but also blessing, for it allowed the land to catch up on its Sabbath rest (Leviticus 26:40-45). And GOD ed His Covenant and Restored His People to the land. Even in punishments, the Lord GOD Always Responds to true repentance.

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the Word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD Moved the heart of Cyrus King of Persia to make a proclamation throughout His Realm and to put it in writing:

“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

‘The LORD, The GOD of Heaven, Has Given me all the kingdoms of the earth and HE Has Appointed me to build a temple for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of His People among you—may The LORD his GOD be with him, and let him go up.’” 2 Chronicles 26:15- 23 The NIV Life Applications Study Bible

Cyrus, king of Persia, also issued decrees for other captive peoples, allowing them to return to their lands. Under the sovereignty, this effort by the king of Persia to win the favor of peoples treated harshly by the Babylonians also inaugurated the restoration period. (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23)

Here is a good work that is commanded that we are to use GOD’s Name to praise HIM and ascribe to HIM Glory. Cyrus, king of Persia, acknowledges GOD as The LORD, and as The GOD of Heaven. The king of Persia gives GOD the recognition and the Glory for having appointed him (Cyrus) the authority to build the temple (for GOD). Cyrus makes it known to the people that it is GOD who is Sovereign and encourages the people to honor and worship HIM.

The opposite of using the Lord’s Name to Praise HIM or to call on HIM for help is to misuse His Name. To “misuse” the Name of GOD is to use it for no real purpose. To use GOD’s Name in vain is to use His Name when there is no clear purpose, goal, or reason for its use in the context, such as in a prayer or other Biblical context, (2) to affirm that which is false and untrue; (3) to express mild surprise; or to use GOD’s Name in vain is to use His Name in a(4) joking manner to engage in and promote entertainment.

To misuse the Lord’s Name is to use His Name in vain by using His Name in a worthless, empty or useless manner. So many times I have watched movies in which the Lord’s Name is used for no real apparent reason. Jesus’ Name is put in before or after or even in the middle of any sentence. How sad or angered I become when I frequently hear how the Lord’s Name is said just to be said. Call on the Lord when we are Praising Him, or when we really need help, or when we are talking with Him, when we are praying, when we are honoring HIM and acknowledging Who HE IS. To use GOD’s Name in vain is to misuse His Name. To use GOD’s Name in vain is a sin that is to be avoided.

Now to give you a little history about the rulership during that time, before King Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem, Zedekiah’s nephew, Jehoiachin reigned in Jerusalem for three months and ten days. Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he reigned and he also did evil in the eyes of the LORD. Jehoiachin’s father, Jehoiakim became king when he was twenty-five years old. Jehoiakim reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. He did evil in the eyes of the LORD. Jehoiakim persecuted the prophets. There were three kings that did evil in the eyes of the LORD, in the following order…Jehoiakim,

his son Jehoiachin and Jehoiakim’s brother Zedekiah, who was Jehoiachin’s uncle. (2 Chronicles 36:5-10)

This type of leadership and evil done in disobedience to GOD led to the Fall of Jerusalem. The sad history of Israel’s disobedience led to the exile.

While continuing to read, I learned that Jehoiakim’s brother, Jehoahaz, was king before Jehoiakim. Jehoahaz reigned in Jerusalem three months and Jehoahaz became king when he was twenty-three years old. The king of Egypt dethroned Jehoahaz and made his brother Jehoiakim king. They were brothers: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah. What is really remarkable is that their father was Josiah! Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. What is even more amazing and remarkable is that Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD! Josiah walked in the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. However, Josiah’s father (Amon) and grand father (Manasseh, father of Amon) did evil in the eyes of the LORD. Josiah’s great grandfather was Hezekiah (father of Manasseh). (2 Chronicles 33-36)

Josiah is the only king of Judah to be succeeded by three of his sons (Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, and a grandson Jehoiachin (Jehoiakim’s son) who reigned for three months and ten days before his uncle Zedekiah was appointed king). And Josiah’s great grandfather, Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. 2 Chronicles 29:1, 2 The NIV Life Applications Study Bible

Hezekiah was the son of Judah’s king Ahaz and is best known for turning his people away from the wickedness of his father Ahaz. He also restored worship in the temple. Hezekiah is also best known for having fifteen years added on to his life by the LORD.

(2 Chronicles 28, 29)

Just because you are the son or daughter of a parent that does right in the eyes of the Lord and strives to be obedient to Him, does not mean that you will do right and obey GOD for yourself. This can also be applied in reference to evil. It does, however, mean that you can build upon the strengths and weaknesses of those who are before you. And also teach and train those who come after you the strengths and weaknesses to which you have indulged. What are you teaching someone? And what are you being taught?

The sins of the past bring judgment and difficulty. However, renewed fidelity brings forgiveness and relief.

4. The Fourth Commandment

“Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy”…Deuteronomy 5:12

Notable Historical Violation- Judah (2 Chronicles 36:21)

The land enjoyed its Sabbath rests; all the time of its desolation it rested, until the seventy years were completed in fulfillment of The Word of The LORD spoken by Jeremiah. 2 Chronicles 36: 21

…as the LORD your GOD Has Commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your GOD. On it

you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your GOD brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your GOD Has Commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:13-15 NIV LASB

The fourth Commandment is for “rest.” This Commandment is given for the liberation of the individual, not the individual’s bondage. Another reason relates to the creation of the nation when they were redeemed from Egypt. With this new work of redemption, they are to rest.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Moses writes in Leviticus 26:27-45, about how GOD’s People would be torn from their land for disobeying HIM. One of the laws written was that they should rest from producing crops one year in every seven. (Exodus 23:10, 11) Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed. Exodus 23:10-12 They ignored this commandment to rest. GOD Warned Judah about its sin and Restored the people to His Favor consistently, only to have them turn away. Repeated sin that has not been repented of, invites disaster.

The seventy year captivity allowed the land to rest. That made up for all the years the Israelites had not observed the law. The people did not truly change, despite Judah’s timely reforms and few good kings. Their evil doings continued, and GOD Used the Babylonian empire under king Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem, conquer Judah, and take the people captive to Babylon.

GOD Keeps all of His Promises. Not only does GOD Keep His Promises of blessings, HE Keeps His Promises of judgment also. When everything in life appears to be stripped away from us, we still have GOD—His Word, His Presence, and His Promises. (2 Chronicles 36:16-23)

5. The Fifth Commandment

“Honor your father and your mother”…

…as the LORD your GOD Has Commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your GOD is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16

When we are young, obeying our parents is our main task. Honoring our parents should continue even when we become adults and should continue throughout their earthly life. One way to honor our parents is to respect them although you may disagree with them. Another way to honor them is to care for your parents when they are ill and unable to care for themselves. And another way to honor your parents is to provide for them in times of financial need. One of the best ways to honor your parents is to teach and train your children to abide by their Godly Values. To honor your parents is to teach your children and your grandchildren to respect you (their parents), their grandparents, great grandparents, and other elders. To honor involves all that sons and daughters do with their lives—the way they talk, the way they work, how and why they do things, the beliefs and values they hold and express, and the morals they practice. What are you doing to honor and show respect for your parents? Are you living in a way that is pleasing to GOD and brings honor to your parents?

Notable Historical Violation- Eli’s sons—Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2:12, 22-25)

Eli was a high priest and judge of Israel for forty years. He reared and trained Samuel (Hannah’s son) to be a great judge of Israel. However his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, brought Eli grief and ruin. Two important qualities needed for effective parental discipline: (1) firm resolve and (2) corrective action.

Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD. 1 Samuel 2:12 NIV

Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the LORD’s People. If a man sins against another man, GOD May Mediate for him; but if a man sins against The LORD, who will intercede for him?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was The LORD’s Will to put them to death. 1 Samuel 2:22-25 NIV

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men. 1 Samuel 2:26 NIV

We learn from Eli’s life how parents need to responsibly discipline their children. Eli had a difficult time rearing his sons. What disciplinary action did he

take with them when he became aware of their wrong doing? Hophni and Phineas were taking parts of the sacrifices before they were offered to GOD on the altar. They were sinning while making the offerings, eating meat before the fat was burned off. Offerings were given to show honor and respect to GOD while seeking forgiveness for sins. “This sin of the young men was very great in The Lord’s Sight, for they were treating The Lord’s Offering with contempt.” 1 Samuel 2: 17 NIV To add to their irreverence to GOD, Hophni and Phineas were also sleeping with women who served there. Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept at the entrance who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 1 Samuel 2:22 NIV

➢ Life demands action, not just acknowledgement and reaction.

Eli was perhaps guilty by letting his sons continue in their sinful ways and practices. However, the Bible does say that Eli’s son rejected their father’s rebuke.

He said to them, “Why do you do such things, the evil things that I hear from all these people? No my sons; for the report is not good which I hear The Lord’s people circulating. If one man sins against another, GOD Will mediate for him; but if a man sins against The LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for The LORD desired to put them to death.” 1 Samuel 2: 23-25 NIV

Is there a circumstance or situation in your family, life, or work that you allow to continue or do not address even though you know it is wrong? If so, you may be guilty for not saying something or may simply be doing nothing in a rightful manner. And then again, no matter how much is being said or done to alert someone or make them aware of right and wrong, and the rewards and consequences of each choice, adult persons make their own decisions as to how they choose to live.

➢ Our past victories are not a substitute for present trust.

During a battle with the Philistines, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant contained the Ten Commandments given to Moses by GOD. The Ark was supposed to be kept a sacred part of the tabernacle, the Most Holy Place, where only the high priest could enter once a year. Hophni and Phinehas desecrated the room by entering it unlawfully and removing the Ark.

The people believed that the Ark would bring victory when Hophni and Phinehas carried it into battle. However, the Israelites were defeated by the Philistines and lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. (1Samuel 4)

That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line and went to Shiloh, his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair by the side of the road, watching, because his heart feared for the Ark of GOD. When the man entered the town and told what had happened, the whole town sent up a cry.

Eli heard the outcry and asked, “What is the meaning of this uproar?”

The man hurried over to Eli, who was ninety-eight years old and whose eyes were set so that he could not see. He told Eli, “I have just come from the battle line; I fled from it this very day.”

Eli asked, “What happened, my son?”

The man who brought the news replied, “Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the Ark of GOD has been captured.

When he mentioned the Ark of GOD, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had led Israel forty years. 1 Samuel 4:12-18 NIV

➢ Individual people and also churches (groups of GOD’s people) often try to live on the memories of GOD’s Blessings.

Eli’s sons knew better, but continued to disobey GOD deliberately by cheating and robbing the people. The Israelites had strayed far from GOD; however, they assumed GOD Would Give them victory as HE Had in the past.

We deserve punishment even when we sin out of ignorance. Although any and all sin is wrong, sin carried out deceitfully and deliberately is the worst kind. The consequences will be more severe when we sin intentionally …on purpose. Take heed to GOD’s Warnings about sin. Leave sin alone before it becomes a way of life.

Eli was not just a father trying to handle his rebellious disobedient sons; he was the high priest seemingly ignoring the sins of priests under his jurisdiction. We as parents must act according to the Commands of GOD’s Word, and our responsibility not only is that of a parent; but as children of the Most High GOD. And as a result of disobedience and inappropriate disciplinary action, the Lord

Took the necessary disciplinary action that as it appears Eli would not take. Whatever action Eli may have initiated or taken to discipline his sons, was ignored and not adhered to by his sons, Hophni and Phineas.

Consider what happened in the tabernacle. An offering that was made by someone possibly in need of forgiveness for a sin, was stolen by Eli’s sons. The person’s repentant attitude was more than likely scoffed at. GOD and with His Love for Israel, could not allow this to continue. GOD Allowed Eli’s sons to die as a result of their own boastful presumption. Though they thought the Ark would protect them as they had taken it into battle before; this time, GOD Withdrew His Hand of Protection. Israel fled before the Philistines and the wicked sons of Eli were killed. (1 Samuel 4: 10, 11)

As in Bible times, and today, spiritual victories come through a constantly renewed obedient relationship with GOD. Do not live in the past and do not live off the past. Keep your relationship with GOD new, fresh, and obedient! Be obedient to GOD as you would have your children be obedient to you. Honor GOD as you would have your children honor you. Set the good and right example!

6. The Sixth Commandment

“You Shall Not Murder”…Deuteronomy 5:17

■ Notable Historical Violation- Hazael (2 Kings 8:15)

But the next day he took a thick cloth, soaked it in water and spread it over the king’s face, so that he died. Then Hazael succeeded him as king. 2 Kings 8:15

If someone asks you about committing sin, you may say, “But I do not kill people.” Well, good! However, have you been so angry with someone that you thought about killing them? Jesus’ teaching concerning this Commandment demonstrates that we are capable of committing murder in our hearts. Jesus Explained that hateful anger breaks this law (Matthew 5:21:22) If we have had such thoughts of killing someone or wanting them killed, you are morally guilty of murder. Although you are legally innocent, you need to ask GOD’s Forgiveness. We need to commit ourselves to love and reconciliation. Stay away from anger and hatred! It is possible to be angry and sin not.

“Be angry and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26, 27 NKJV

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and comionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ GOD Forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31, 32 NIV

The Bible points out to us that we are to handle our anger wisely. The Bible does not say that we are not to be angry but that we are to vent our anger properly; otherwise, we hurt others feelings and destroy relationships. The Apostle Paul tells us to deal with anger immediately in such a way that it builds relationships and not destroy them. If you are angry with someone, do not let the day end before you begin to work on mending and restoring your relationship with them. We can grieve the Holy Spirit and harm others by having the wrong attitude and displaying the wrong action. Murder begins in our hearts for our own selfish demeaning reasons.

■ Hazael succeeded Ben-Hadad as king by killing him.

Ben-Hadad, king of Aram was ill. He told Hazael to go and meet Elisha the prophet to consult with him about his recovery from the illness. Elisha said that Ben-Hadad would recover; however, Elisha began to weep because the LORD Revealed to Elisha that Ben-Hadad would in fact die. Elisha knew the harm that Hazael would do to the Israelites. (2 Kings 8:7-15)

“He stared at him (Elisha stared at Hazael) with a fixed gaze until he felt ashamed. Then the man of GOD (Elisha) began to weep.”

“Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael.

“Because I know the harm you will do to the Israelites,” he answered. “You will set fire to their fortified places, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little children to the ground, and rip open their pregnant women.”

Hazael said, “How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?”

“The LORD Has Shown me that you will become king of Aram,” answered Elisha.

“Then Hazael left Elisha and returned to his master. When Ben-Hadad asked, “What did Elisha say to you?” Hazael replied, “He told me that you would certainly recover.” But the next day he took a thick cloth, soaked it in water and spread it over the king’s face, so that he died. Then Hazael succeeded him as king.” 2 Kings 8:11-15 NIV

The LORD told Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Aram. (I Kings 19:15) GOD Used Hazael as an instrument of judgment against the disobedient Israelites. The LORD Disciplines those whom HE Loves. For whom The LORD Loves HE Chastens. Hebrews 12: 6

GOD’s Commands are not for our punishment. They are for our welfare. When GOD Says, “You shall not”, HE’s Saying, “Don’t hurt yourself.” When GOD Says, “You shall”, HE’s Saying, “Help yourself to happiness.”

7. The Seventh Commandment

“You Shall Not Commit Adultery”…Deuteronomy 5:18

• Notable Historical Violation- David (2 Samuel 11:2-5)

“Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.” 2 Samuel 11:2-5 NKJV

This verse relates to adultery and the sanctity of marriage. Adultery was punishable by death and was distinguished from fornication. (Exodus 22:16; Deuteronomy 22:28, 29)

• The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am with child.”

David saw a beautiful woman bathing from the roof of the palace and he was filled with lust. Instead of David leaving the roof and fleeing temptation, he yielded to the temptation by inquiring about Bathsheba. The results were disastrous and devastating.

In order to flee temptation, (1) Ask GOD in earnest prayer to help you stay away from situations, places, and people that may tempt you. (2) Meditate and memorize specific Scriptures that combat your weaknesses. We must trust everything to GOD’s perfect timing. At the root of most temptation, there is a real need or desire that only GOD Can Fill. (3) When temptation strikes, speak with GOD FIRST. Then if you prefer, talk with a person that you can openly share your struggles and concerns in confidence, love, respect and integrity.

In the episode with Bathsheba, David allowed himself to fall deeper into sin.

(1) David abandoned his purpose by staying home from war (2 Samuel 11:1), (2) David focused on his own desires (11:3) (3) David yielded to temptation instead of turning away from it (11:4) (4) David deliberately sinned (11:4) (5) David tried to cover up his sin by deceiving others (11:6-15) (6) David committed murder to continue the cover-up of his sin (11:15, 17) David’s sin was eventually exposed and punished (12:9-14) (7) David’s sin resulted in consequences that affected many others (11:17; 12:11,

14, 15)

Once sin gets started, it is difficult to stop. David could have chosen to stop and turn away from evil at any stage along the way. (James 1: 14, 15) The deeper the mess, the less we want to it having caused it. If you are going down a hill, it is much easier to stop sliding down a hill when you are near the top than when you are half way down the hill. The best solution is to stop sin before it starts. Yield not to temptation. Ask GOD to deliver you from evil.

Sometimes we may face situations with only two apparent choices and both may not seem right. When that happens, we must not lose sight of what GOD Wants. The answer may be to seek out more GOD-sought, GOD-driven options. When we do this, we are more likely to find a choice that best honors GOD.

8. The Eighth Commandment

“You Shall Not Steal”…Deuteronomy 5:19

■ Notable Historical Violation- Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-19)

“Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD Forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”

1 Kings 21:1-3 NKJV

“So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat. His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat? He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreellite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’”

“Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. In those letters she wrote:

“Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have then testify that he has cursed both GOD and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.”

“So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people. Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both GOD and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possessions fo the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell to you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard.”

“Then The Word of The LORD Came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Go down to meet

Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth’s vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. Say to him, ‘This is what The LORD Says: Have you murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what The LORD Says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’” 1 Kings 21: 1-19 NKJV

Jezebel devised a scheme that appeared legal to get Naboth’s land for her husband. Those who twist the law and legal procedures to get what they want today may be more sophisticated in how they go about it, but they are still guilty of the same sin. Queen Jezebel committed several crimes: hypocrisy (using the religious ritual of fasting to cover up her scheme), forgery (to make or imitate falsely with intent to defraud/cheat), perjury (the voluntary violation of an oath to tell the truth), and murder (to kill brutally). Jezebel even had Naboth’s sons killed (2 Kings 9: 26). ‘Surely I Saw the blood of Naboth and his sons, says The LORD, and I Will Repay you in this plot,’ says The LORD. 2 Kings 9: 26

Ahab refused to it his own sin against GOD. He was wicked more than any other king in Israel. “In the thirty-eighth year of Asa King of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years. Ahab son of Omri did more evil in The Eyes of The LORD than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:29, 30 Ahab’s father Omni also did evil in The Eyes of The LORD. (1 Kings 16:25) “…Ahab married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” I Kings 16: 31 (Those who worshiped the idol Baal believed that he was the god who brought the rains and harvests.) When we are blinded by hatred, envy and idolatry, it is almost impossible to see our own sin. “(There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of The LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols…)” 1 Kings 21: 25, 26

Snip it

No matter how evil you have been or what wrong you have done, it is never too late to humble yourself, turn to GOD, and ask for forgiveness.

And just so you know what became of Ahab’s wife, Queen Jezebel, the dogs left only her skull, her hands and her feet. Jezebel’s skull, her hands, and her feet were left only to let others know that it was her, (Jezebel) that had been eaten by dogs.

Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat was anointed king of Israel. (Ref: 2 Kings 9: 1-3)

“Jehoshaphat son of Asa became kings of Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. 1 Kings 22: 41,42 In everything he walked in the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them; he did what was right in The Eyes of The LORD.” 1 Kings 22: 43

“Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window. Then, as Jehu entered at the gate, she said, “Is it peace, Zimri, murderer of you master?” And he looked up at the window, and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” So two or three eunuchs (castrated((to deprive of sex glands esp testes)) men) looked out at him. Then he said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot. And when he had gone in, he ate and drank. Then he said, “Go now, see to this accursed woman, and bury her, for she was a king’s daughter.”

So they went to bury her, but they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. Therefore they came back and told him. And he said, “This is The Word of The LORD, which HE Spoke by His Servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel;

And the corpse of Jezebel shall be as refuse (worthess matter) on the surface of the field, in the plot of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, “Here lies Jezebel.”’” 2 Kings 9:30-37 NKJV ARLB

As a sign of how severely Jezebel had offended The LORD with her immorality and idolatry, her body was left for scavengers rather than being buried properly.

WHO Let the dogs out? WHO? WHO? WHO? WHO? WHO Let the dogs out?

“And also concerning Jezebel The LORD Says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ …” I Kings 21: 23

Did you get that? Allow me to repeat what thus saith The LORD.

“And also concerning Jezebel The LORD Says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ …” I Kings 21: 23

And also, just so you know, king Ahab (Jezebel’s husband) had seventy sons. All

seventy sons were killed.

, Jezebel had directed letters to the elders and the nobles in Naboth’s city to devise a scheme to steal Naboth’s vineyard. Naboth was stoned and his sons were killed.

“Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote and sent letters to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to those who reared Ahab’s sons … 2 Kings 10: 1

Then he wrote a second letter to them, saying: If you are for me and will obey my voice, take the heads of the men, your master’s sons, and come to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.

Now the king’s sons, seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, who were rearing them. So it was, when the letter came to them, that they took the king’s sons and heads in baskets and sent them to him at Jezreel.

Then a messenger came and told him, saying, “They have brought the heads of the kings sons.” And he said, “Lay them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until morning.”

So it was, in the morning, that he went out and stood, and said to all the people, “You are righteous. Indeed I conspired against my master and killed him; but who killed all these? Know now that nothing shall fall to the earth of The Word of The LORD which The LORD Spoke concerning the house of Ahab; for The LORD Has Done what HE Spoke by His servant Elijah.”

So Jehu killed all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men and his close acquaintances and his priests, until he left him none remaining. 2 Kings 10: 6-11

9. The Ninth Commandment

“You Shall Not Give False Testimony against your neighbor”…

Deuteronomy 5:20

■ Notable Historical Violation- Saul (1 Samuel 15: 13-25)

When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The LORD Bless you! I have carried out the LORD’s Instructions.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears?” What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to The LORD your GOD, but we totally destroyed the rest.”

“Stop!” Samuel said to Saul, “Let me tell you what The LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied. Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD Anointed you king over Israel. And HE Sent you on a mission, saying, ‘GO and completely destroy those wicked people, the Amalelkites, make war on them until you have wiped them out.’ Why did you not obey The LORD? Why did you

pounce on the plunder and do evil in the eyes of the LORD?”

“But I did obey The LORD,” Saul said, “I went on the mission The LORD Assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to GOD, in order to sacrifice them to The LORD your GOD at Gilgal.”

But Samuel replied:

“Does The LORD Delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As much as in obeying The Voice of The LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, And arrogance like the evil of idolatry, Because you have rejected The Word of The LORD, He has rejected you as king.

Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated The LORD’s Command and your instructions. I was afraid of the people and so I gave in to them. Now I beg you, forgive my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship The LORD.”

But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected The Word of The LORD, and The LORD Has Rejected you as king over Israel!” 1

Samuel 15: 13-26

Saul disobeyed GOD and then lied to Samuel about the results of the battle. Saul was to attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Samuel said to Saul, “This is what The LORD Almighty Says: ‘I Will Punish the Amalikites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid (ambushed) them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep camels and donkeys.’” 1 Samuel 15: 2, 3

Rebellion against GOD is perhaps the most serious sin of all because when a person rebels, he/she closes the door to forgiveness and restoration with GOD. If you do not act responsibly with what GOD has entrusted to you, eventually you will run out of excuses. All of us must one day give an for our actions. (Romans 14:12; Revelation 22:12)

10. The Tenth Commandment

“You Shall Not Covet your neighbor’s wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor’s house, or land…or anything that belongs to your neighbor”… Deuteronomy 5:20

■ Notable Historical Violation- Achan (Joshua 7: 19-26)

Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you, give glory to The LORD GOD of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”

And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against The LORD GOD of Israel, and this is what I have done: When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonia garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.”

So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent, and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver underneath. They took the things from the tent, brought them to Joshua and all the Israelites and spread them out before The LORD.

Then Joshua, together with all Israel, took Achan son of Zerah, the silver, the robe, the gold wedge, his sons and daughters, his cattle, donkeys and sheep, his tent and all that he had, to the Valley of Achor. Joshua said, “Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD Will Bring trouble to you today.”

Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then The LORD Turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since. Joshua 7: 19-26

Achan underestimated The LORD and did not take His Commands seriously. It may have been a small thing to Achan; however, the effects of his sin were felt by the entire nation, especially his family. Our actions affect more people than just ourselves. Achan was the head of his family. If he prospered, the family prospered with him. If he suffered, the family suffered with him.

Many Israelites had already died in battle, because of Achan’s sin. “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies

until you take away the accursed thing from among you.” Joshua 7: 13 It was a common punishment in ancient cultures to remove the sin.

Achan’s family was to be stoned along with him so that no trace of sin would remain In Israel. In our individualistic and permissive culture, we have a hard time understanding such a decree. Achan had disobeyed GOD’s Command to destroy everything in Jericho; therefore, everything that belonged to Achan had to be destroyed. We should take every precaution to avoid sin, it has drastic consequences. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most serious, how do you believe sinning against GOD is? One word … Achan. Think back … … … one word …Adam. Two words … Adam and Eve … and the effects of their disobedience, their sin down through all of mankind.

“Wiaw” DETRIMENTAL= a cause of injury or damage

GOD Knows that if we put anything other than Him at the center of our lives, we will not reach our full potential and become all that HE Wants us to be.

Take Heed

Therefore you shall be careful to do as The LORD your GOD Has Commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32

You shall walk in all the ways which The LORD your GOD Has Commanded

you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess. Deuteronomy 5: 32

A. G.P.P. - GOD’s Perfect Plan

LOVE GOD and others

Love Learned and Limitless

Jesus Christ Prays For Himself For His Disciples For All Future Believers

The Two Great Commandments Love GOD Love Others

“We love Him because HE First Loved us.”1 John 4: 19 NKJV ARLB

“If someone says, “I love GOD,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love GOD Whom he has not seen?

And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves GOD must love his brother also.” 1 John 4: 20 -21 NKJV ARLB

“Beloved, if GOD So Loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4: 11 NKJV

Jesus Calls, Corrects (makes right) and Commissions (instruction command).

“You are MY Friends if you do what I Command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I Have Called you friends, for everything that I Learned from My Father I Have Made Known to you. You did not choose ME, but I Chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then The Father Will Give you whatever you ask in MY Name. This is MY Command: Love each other.” John 15: 14- 17 NKJV ARLB

Jesus Prayed that GOD The Father would keep his chosen believers safe from the enemy’s power. Jesus Chose us… to love us and to die for us. His Mission Is Accomplished to give us the opportunity to live with Him Forever. We make the choice to accept or reject GOD’s Offer of Salvation. Without His Choice to save us—we would have no choice to make. The world is a horrendous battleground where the forces of good and evil are at war. Thus, Jesus Commands us to love and obey Him for our own protection. HE Gives us the strength to do what HE Commands and to bear much fruit. Jesus Prayed for Himself, His Disciples and all who would follow Him.

Jesus Prays for Himself

“Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may Glorify You. For You granted him authority over all people that HE Might give eternal life to all those You Have Given Him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, The Only True GOD, and Jesus Christ, Whom You Have Sent. I Have Brought You Glory on earth by completing the work You Gave ME to do. And now, Father, Glorify ME in Your Presence with the Glory I Had with You before the world began. John 17: 1- 5

GOD’s Glory Is the revelation of His Character and His Presence through Jesus, GOD The Son. And The Son Glorifies The Father. Jesus Was One With GOD The Father before HE Came to earth. Jesus Prays that His disciples will come to know GOD The Father through Himself, GOD The Son. The lives of Jesus’ disciples reveal His Character and Jesus Is Present to the world through them. When His Mission on earth was nearly completed, Jesus Was Asking The Father to restore Him to His Original Place of Authority and Honor.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

(Jesus Prays to the Father) I Have Revealed You to those Whom You Gave ME out of the world. They were Yours, You Gave them to ME and they have obeyed Your Word. Now they know that everything You Have Given ME Comes from You. For I Gave them the words You Gave ME and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I Came from You, and they believed that You Sent ME. I Pray for them. I am Not Praying for the world, but for those You Have Given ME, for they are Yours. All I Have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to ME through them. I Will Remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I Am Coming to You. HOLY Father, Protect them by The Power of Your Name—The Name You Gave ME—so that they may be one as We Are One. While I Was With them and Kept them safe by that Name You Gave ME. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. John 17: 6-12 NIV LASB

“I Am Coming to You now, but I Say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of MY Joy within them. I Have Given them Your Word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I Am of the world. My Prayer is not that You Take them out of the world, even as I Am not of it. them by The Truth; Your Word Is Truth. As You Sent ME into the world, I Have Sent them into the world. For them I Sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. John 17: 13 – 19 NIV LASB

“Wiaw” SANCTITY= to make Holy, to free from sin

Joy is a common theme in Christ’s Teachings. HE Wants us to be joyful. I Have Told you this so that MY Joy May be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15: 11 The key to immeasurable joy and personal strength is living with the Source of all joy, which is intimate with Christ. “…the Joy of The Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV ARLB

Jesus’ Authority and Power Came from The Father. Jesus’ Purpose was to be The Provider of Eternal Life. Jesus Came to cleanse and purify us in order to prepare us for everlasting life. Everyone will live eternally somewhere. Eternal life that Jesus Spoke of is “living forever” in GOD’s Presence for those who believe and trust in Him. Eternal life is not just length of life. Eternal life is a quality of life —where GOD Is known as Saviour, Lord, Mighty GOD, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor and Friend. (ref: Isaiah 9; 6; 19: 20; John 15: 14)

Jesus Great Desire and Prayer for His disciples is that they would become one, just as HE and The Father Are One. Jesus Cared for and Protected His disciples. Judas Iscariot is the only one who was lost because he was the “one doomed to destruction”. Judas Iscariot, one of twelve of Jesus’ Chosen disciples, is the one who betrayed Jesus. He had spent three years learning from Jesus, traveling and eating with Him, and handling the finances for the group. Even my close friend, whom I trusted, who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. Psalm 41: 9 (A Psalm of David, which this verse is viewed in The New Testament John 13: 18 as a prophecy of Christ’s betrayal). Judas Iscariot who spent much time with Jesus, eventually betrayed Him. (ref: Matthew 26: 14-16, 20- 25)

Jesus Says to His disciples, “I Tell you The Truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. I Am not referring to all of you, I Know those I Have Chosen. But this is to fulfill The Scripture: ‘he who shares MY Bread has lifted up his heel against ME’. I Am Telling you now

before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I Am HE. I Tell you The Truth, whoever accepts anyone I Send accepts ME; and whoever accepts ME accepts The One Who Sent ME.” John 13: 16- 20 NIV LASB

Daily application of GOD’s Word has a genuine purifying effect on our hearts and minds. What GOD’s Word Does is fourfold:

1. GOD’s Word Points out sin 2. GOD’s Word Motivates us to confess our sin 3. GOD’s Word Renews our relationship with Jesus Christ and fellowship with other believers 4. GOD’s Word Keeps us on the right path and Guides us back to it should we stray

Jesus Prays specifically for the disciples, rather than for the world. With the exception of one disciple, GOD Chose the twelve men to be the first disciples and the remaining true church to be one, just as HE and The Father are One. Jesus Asked GOD The Father for the disciples that HE Was Given to be united in harmony and love as they…The Father, The Son, and the HOLY Spirit are united.

“Now I Am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I Come to You. HOLY Father, keep through Your Name those Whom You Have Given ME, that they may be one as WE Are.” John 17: 11

Jesus Prays for Future Believers

Jesus Prayed for unity among the believers based on the believers’ union with Him and The Father.

(Father) “My Prayer is Not for them alone. I Pray also for those who will believe in ME through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You Are in ME and I Am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You Have Sent ME. I Have Given them the glory that You Gave ME, that they may be one as We Are One: I in them and You in ME. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You Sent ME and I have Loved them even as You have Loved ME.

“Father, I Want those You Have Given ME to be with ME where I Am, and to see my glory, the glory You Have Given ME because You Loved ME before the creation of the world.”

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know You. I know You, and they know that You Have Sent ME. I Have Made You known to them, and Will Continue to make You Known in order that the love You Have for ME may be in them and that I Myself may be in them.” John 17: 20- 26 NKJV ARLB

When Jesus Prayed for those who will believe in Him, He Was Praying for every believer who would come to know Him in the future. “I Do Not Pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in ME through their word; that they all may be one, as YOU, Father, are in ME, and I in YOU; that they also may be

one in US, that the world may believe that YOU Sent ME.” John 17: 20, 21NKJV ARLB

GOD’s Love for His People Is the Power of Christian unity. Jesus Longs for His Father to be Glorified. Jesus Longs that His Followers, all believers, which is the true church to be sanctified and unified to reach the world for Him.

Jesus Asks The Father to use the believers in the world not take them out of the world. We are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5: 13-16), not to totally avoid all relationships with non-Christians. Yet, may I make it clear that we are not to become entangled in the ways, the actions, or the beliefs and values of this world. Jesus Told His disciples when HE Sent them out to be witnesses and share The Good News that, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you The Truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd (clever) as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10: 14- 16 NIV LASB

Jesus Wants His Disciples unified as a powerful witness to GOD’s Word. We are to do the work that GOD Has for us to do. His Great Desire is that all His disciples would become One. Jesus Prays for all who would follow Him, including you and others you know. Jesus Prays for unity, protection from the evil one, and sanctity. Knowing that Jesus Prays for us, should give us confidence as we work for His Kingdom.

Pray for other Christians to exalt Christ. Build others up. Avoid gossip. Work together in humility. Give your time and money. Highly relevant in importance is to be understanding, encouraging, prayerful and ive of others in need. Refuse to get over matters. Always lift up one another in prayer and love for

GOD’s Family. Christians can know unity among ourselves if we are living in union with GOD. Are you living in union with GOD?

“Wiaw” SIDETRACKED= to turn aside from a purpose “Wiaw” DIVISIVE = creating disunity

The Spirit Himself Bears Witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with HIM, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8: 16, 17 NKJV ARLB

Character Key: Obedience with Love

Jesus Says: A new command I Give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love another. By this all men will know that you are MY Disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34, 35

As Christians, not only are we to love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to love those who do not love us. We are to love those who do not even like us. We are to love those who do not want us to have anything worthwhile or

beneficial. One thing that those who are in opposition to us cannot take away … is The One Who Loves us and Keeps us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from The Love of GOD which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38, 39 NKJV ARLB

An unbeliever does not have Divine (Heavenly) life. An unbeliever cannot love as the HOLY BIBLE commands. It takes Divine life to pray for one’s executioners and to love one’s enemies. It takes Divine life to love one another. Love manifests itself in giving. “For GOD So Loved the world that HE GAVE…” (John 3:16) Jesus Christ also Loved the church and Gave. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also Loved the church and Gave Himself for her… Ephesians 5:25 We can express our love by giving our talents, our time, our treasures, our temperament (our character), and our lives for others.

GOD’s Love for sinful men moved HIM to “do something” for us. GOD has a specific plan for each of His Children. GOD Has a good plan and right purpose for each of us. Did you get that? Are you seeking GOD’s Will for your life? What are you doing?

Did you see the western movie called, “Pale Rider” with Clint Eastwood? The character “Hull” who was played by the actor “Michael Moriarity” was sitting in the wagon with his girlfriend, soon to be wife … fiancé Sarah played by Carrie Snodgrass. Clint Eastwood who was the pale rider and called “the preacher” in the movie had gone into the saloon to talk with the men who were hired to kill him (Clint Eastwood). The outlaws wanted to take possession of the land and control the townspeople. One of the reasons that the pale rider (called the preacher) rode into town was to help the townspeople and to deal with the outlaws.

What I focus on in the movie is that something has to be done. After being in the saloon for several minutes, Hull’s fiancé said she wondered what was taking “the pale rider” so long, he was inside the saloon. Hull responded, “I don’t know”. After several more minutes, their concern deepened. After several other minutes ed, they still sat there in the wagon. Hull’s fiancé Sarah finally said to Hull, “Do something”! She repeated the words “do something”! After a few moments ed, Hull reached for his rifle and then stood up. He got down from the wagon and proceeded to walk towards the saloon. Once Hull entered the saloon, he saw the preacher standing there talking with the hired gunmen.

The gunmen saw that there was someone else with the preacher and knew that he was not alone. Both the preacher and Hull left the saloon and returned to the wagon and to the place where they were living. What would have happened had Hull not moved? What would have happened had Hull not stood up and had not gone into the saloon? Well, we don’t know what would have happened had that been a real life occurrence and not a movie. However, it was written in the script that Hull did go in to get the preacher and they both left the danger zone (the saloon) together.

GOD Commands us to love one another. We love one another by encouraging, exhorting, helping, and ing one another. We must not forget praying for one another. We are commanded to pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

As we pray, we are to also “do something”. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Hebrews 11: 1 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead. James 2: 26 NKJV ARLB

It was not until Hull went into the saloon did they both come out together. Hull

did something. Where was Hull before he did something? Hull was sitting in the wagon outside the saloon. What did Hull have to do? Hull had to get out of the wagon and walk into the saloon in order to help the preacher. Why did Hull do something? Hull did something to help the preacher get out of a potentially dangerous situation, a situation that could have been proven to be fatal. And Hull did something because the preacher, a.k.a. the pale rider was also trying to help them. That was just an example that I used from a movie I viewed. That was just a movie! Let’s keep it real!

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of The Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2: 1-4 NKJV ARLB

Look at Scripture! It’s always good to do what’s good… and for the good of others! Who else was it that said, “all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing”!? Actually there were a few men who made similar statements in reference to this quote. Of those men are Edmund Burke, Abraham Lincoln, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Two Great Commandments

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” asked one of the Pharisees, who was an expert in the law (to test Jesus). Matthew 22: 35 Jesus replied, “Love The LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22: 37-40 NIV LASB

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father In Heaven. HE Causes His Sun to rise on the evil and the good, and Sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5: 43-48 NIV LASB

Jesus Says that we will naturally keep the commandments when we truly love GOD and love our neighbors. Instead of worrying about what we cannot do, we need to focus on what we can do ourselves to show our love for GOD and for others.

Jesus Keeps us from taking the law into our own hands by telling us not to retaliate. When we love and pray for our enemies, we can overcome evil with good. When we treat our enemies with loving care and kindness, we show that

Jesus Is Truly our Lord and Is in Control of our life.

Food for Growth

“What GOD Says to me is more important than what I say to Him.”⁸ “An Adrianism”

The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers NKJV Legacy Bible

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have ed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. 1 John 3: 1115 NIV LASB

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ Laid Down His Life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of GOD be in him?

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to The Truth, and how we set our

hearts at rest in His Presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For GOD Is greater than our hearts, and HE Knows everything.

Dear Friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before GOD and receive from Him anything we ask because we obey His Commands and do what pleases Him.

And this is His Command: to believe in The Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as HE Commanded us. Those who obey His Commands live in Him, and HE in them. And this is how we know that HE Lives in us: We know it by The Spirit HE Gave us. 1 John 3: 16- 24 NIV LASB

You can come to GOD at any time. You can be confident that your requests will be heard when your conscience is clear and you have the desire to please Him. Jesus Says that whatever you do as in His Name will be given you. This however, does not mean that you can have whatever you want if you are asking for something that is out of GOD’s Will. For example, asking for extreme riches, indulging in quick get rich schemes to gain instant material wealth or power, is more likely, to be out of The Will of GOD.

If you are truly seeking GOD and serving Him, you will reaffirm your position in Christ in alignment with GOD’s Will. Some requests, you simply … will not make if they are not in accordance with His Will. It is not make it and take it. Or you may have heard it referred to as, “name it and claim it.” That is not the way the true Christian’s relationship with GOD works.

On the other hand, how can you give someone something that you do not have? Have you figured that out? How do you get around that one? If I do not love The

Lord or love myself, how can I love someone else? If I do not have food or transportation, how can I give someone else a meal or a ride? If I do not have a dollar, how can I give someone fifty cents? Or maybe I have only 50 cents.

Faith is not so much receiving from GOD what we want. More so, faith in GOD is accepting from GOD what HE Gives. And being grateful! Thank GOD for everything! Let everything that has breath Praise The LORD. Praise The LORD! Psalm 150: 6 NKJV ARLB

Living in Christ as HE Lives in us is the mutual relationship that displays itself in Christians who keep these three essential commands:

1. Believe and have saving working faith in Jesus Christ 2. Love the brothers and sisters in honesty with truth and grace 3. Live in obedience to Christ with morally upright lives

We are to live by GOD’s Principles. People are watching. What are they seeing you do? How are they observing you? What are you saying? What are you doing?

Conversation, conduct, and character are to be consistent with being Christ-Like. It is imperative that we have a sense of direction from GOD. It is The Will of GOD that we know His Will for our lives. We are to pray for ourselves and pray for others.

For this reason we (says Paul the apostle and Timothy) also, since the day we

heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His Will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of The Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of GOD; strengthened with all might, according to His Glorious Power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to The Father Who Has Qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He Has Delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of The Son of His Love… Colossians 1: 9- 13 NKJV ARLB

The Spirit’s Presence is not only spiritual it is also practical (shown in practice, action). Our conduct confirms GOD’s Presence. When we are living in Christ, we are loving GOD and loving one another. Please see the following questions and answers (Q & A).

Love GOD Love Others

Q: How do we Love GOD and others? How do we behave like Christ?

A: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving The Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12: 9-13 NKJV JSB

A: Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12: 14-16 NKJV JSB

A: Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay”, Says The Lord. Romans 12: 17-19 NKJV JSB

Therefore “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12: 20-21 NKJV JSB

➢ As a true Christian, you must:

✓ OBEY GOD

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of HIM, because we keep His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His Sight. 1 John 3:22

One of the great results of a life lived in purity before GOD is a life where there is effective fervent prayer. Right living is a vital part of successful praying. Obedience is more than following a set of rules. It is the expected response of a Christian to his/her Lord.

“As obedient children…like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior. 1 Peter 1:14-15

“And by this we know that we have come to know HIM, if we keep His Commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know HIM,’ and does not keep His Commandments, is a liar, and the TRUTH is not in him.” 1 John 2:3-4

Obedience marks a true believer. Obedience is not merely following a list of do’s and don’ts. Obedience involves following Jesus Christ and seeking after that which is of His Kingdom above.

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ CONFESS SIN

If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me. Psalms 66:18

You can’t use a prayer as a smokescreen to keep you from repentance (says the late Pastor Adrian Rogers). That means that we must repent of our sins.

The only prayer GOD Hears from an unrepentant sinner is:

1. The prayer asking for forgiveness of sins and 2. A willingness to turn from one’s wicked ways and follow Jesus Christ.

When you have received the gift of salvation…Confess your treses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5: 16

If we confess our sins, HE IS faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:19

Here the words –faithful and just—are a single concept that indicates that GOD’s Response towards those who confess their sins will be in accordance to HIS Nature and HIS Gracious Commitment to HIS People and to HIS Promise to forgive. Our communion and fellowship with GOD is interrupted by our sin. When we confess our sin and repent, GOD Forgives us and Restores our connection with Him.

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ ABIDE IN CHRIST

If ye abide in ME, and MY WORDS abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7

The promise of answered prayer is based on the disciple acting as the of Jesus. When Jesus says if we shall pray in MY NAME, we are acting as agents of Jesus. It is impossible to pray correctly apart from believing and knowing the teachings of Jesus Christ. Obedience and love go together. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

“Wiaw” AGENT = A person or thing that performs an action or brings about a certain result, or that is able to do so; a representative who is empowered to act or work for another.

The secret of a successful prayer life is abiding. The closer we get to The Lord, we increasingly learn to think more like HIM. We must that HIS Thoughts are greater than our thoughts. And HIS Ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9) The more we get to Know HIM through HIS WORD, the more we will understand HIS Will. We can look to having our prayers answered as we line ourselves up with HIM and our will agrees with HIS Will.

The Father is Glorified as the children of GOD exhibit the likeness of Christ to the world. When GOD transforms such wicked sinners into such Godly saints, people will see and confess that GOD is a Great GOD. We prove to be GOD’s Disciples when we abide in HIM. “That whatever you ask….believe…” Mark 11: 24, 25 Prayer is the secret of effective service. The disciples went forth with the guarantee that whatever they asked in Christ’s Name, the Father would grant them in accordance with His Good and Perfect Will. “And it shall be done unto you….” John 15: 7

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ ASK ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL

Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:24

Every act of faith must rely on the promise of GOD. Knowing that GOD’s Will is to remove a certain difficulty or interference, we can pray with total confidence that it will be done. In fact, we can pray with confidence on any subject as long as we are confident it is according to GOD’s Will as revealed in the Holy Bible or by the inner witness of the Spirit.

Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the GOD of Israel saying, “Oh, that YOU would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that YOUR Hand would be with me, and that YOU would keep me from evil that I might not cause pain!” So GOD granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4: 9, 10

It is not until we get to this point, will we truly understand the importance of our obedience to GOD and how much we truly rely on HIM. And believe that HE Loves us. Our relationship with GOD depends highly upon what we do, why we do it, what we say, and how we say it. What is the underlying intention behind what we do and what we say? And guess what, our sayings and our doings all stem from what we think and what we value. How powerful is what we think? For example a computer can only give you back what you put into it. A computer cannot give you information that is not first loaded into its’ memory and database, the central processing unit (U).

Since we now have access to good and evil information, what we feed on is what knowledge we input into our brain. The brain is the part of the body that gives direction to the other parts of the body. The U (Central Processing Unit) is the part of the computer in which operations are controlled and executed. The brain stores the information and directs the body , the hands, the fingers, arms, legs, feet, etc.

What we hold onto and choose to digest, stems from our heart. What we choose to meditate upon and act on begins with how we process the information that we have been given. Also how we make choices is dependent upon what we have learned through observation and experience, and what has been exposed to us. However, no matter what we have been exposed to, it is the application of and obedience to The Word of GOD that sets us free to do GOD’s Will! We can act on GOD’s Behalf only with The Holy Spirit’s Help and His Direction.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ Has Made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 NKJV ARLB

Looking ahead…Look up!

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ ASK IN FAITH

Jesus and His Disciples saw a fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, ing, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You Cursed has withered away. So Jesus Answered and Said to them, “Have faith in GOD.” For assuredly, I Say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things that he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I Say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24

It is the object of your faith, not the strength of it; that can move mountains. In other words, it’s The “Who” not the what. GOD is the only one of whom we are to have faith. When we are living in touch with the Lord and praying in The Spirit, we can have the assurance of answered prayer before the answer is actually given.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

James 5: 17, 18

Food for Growth

When we pray for rain, we ought to carry an umbrella. Apply to James 5: 17, 18 ARLB NKJV “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p.1388

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ HAVE A FORGIVING SPIRIT

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in Heaven may also forgive you your treses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your treses.” Mark 11:25, 26 NKJV JSB

A basic requirement for answered prayer is a forgiving spirit. How can we expect GOD to hear us and answer us if we harbor a harsh, vindictive attitude towards others. We must forgive if we are to be forgiven. This refers to GOD’s Parental Dealings with His Children. Know that an unforgiving spirit in a believer breaks fellowship with the Father in Heaven and hinders the flow of blessing.

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ HAVE PURE MOTIVES

“You do not have because you do not ask GOD. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4: 2, 3

Prayer is the right approach to a problem, and even more so when that problem is in relation to greed, envy, and covetousness. If we want something that we do not have, we should ask GOD for it. If we ask, and the prayer is unanswered, what does that mean? It may quite possibly mean that our motives are not pure. It may be that we want things only for our own self-centered selfish desires.

GOD Resists the proud but gives Grace to the humble. James 4:6

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James 1:14

Draw near to GOD and HE Will Draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. James 4: 8 NKJV ARLB

Purity is an example of wisdom from above. Heavenly wisdom is based upon

GOD’s Holiness and you must ask GOD for it. When GOD’s People draw near to Him in worship, HE Always draws near to them in response.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, Who Gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

➢ As a true Christian, you must: ✓ LIVE PEACABLY WITH YOUR MATE AND ONE ANOTHER

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. 1 Peter 3: 7 NIV Study Bible

The Christian husband has the responsibility to thoughtfully regard his wife’s well-being, to know her needs and interests, and to respond to them with care and comion. He is to be understanding of his wife and be a safeguard to her. Husbands are to have the tender regard for their wives as being of the weaker vessel. This is no disrespect to women in any way. It is a simple fact of life that the average woman is weaker than the man physically.

GOD Gave man more physical strength, and generally speaking, more power to control emotions, that better enable the man to make rational logical decisions. The Bible does not suggest the woman is inferior to the man, just that she is a vital part of him. And The LORD GOD Caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and HE Took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.

Then the rib which The LORD GOD Had Taken from man HE Made into a woman, and HE Brought her to the man. Genesis 2: 21, 22 NKJV ARLB

A marriage in which husband and wife are believers, the man’s attitude towards his wife is to recognize the fact that she is a fellow heir of The Grace of Life. Although a weaker vessel than the man, the woman enjoys equal standing before GOD and shares equally The Gift of Everlasting Life. In addition, the woman is chosen as being more than her husband’s equal when it comes to bringing new physical life into the world. GOD Gave woman the innate (inborn, natural) ability to carry a child in her womb and deliver a newborn baby. Mary was Favored and Chosen by GOD the Father to be the virgin birth mother of Jesus.

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe The Word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 1 Peter 3:1, 2 NIV Study Bible

The Christian wife is to model Godly submission. The Godly woman is to have chaste conduct and a reverence for God that will assure her husband of her integrity, respect, and commitment.

The Godly submission of wives to their husbands is one of role and function that is necessary for the orderly operation of the home. In other words, the submissive wife must be in proper alignment according to Scripture in order to be obedient to GOD in fulfilling the role necessary to promote a successful marital relationship in the home. Godly marital roles are necessary in striving to maintain a healthy marital relationship.

Believing wives are not to rely on arguing or nagging to win their unbelieving husbands. Neither are believing husbands to behave in such manner towards their unbelieving wives. They are to rely on the quality of their lives. Actions speak louder than words. Believers’ lives are to be marked by a moral purity that springs from reverence towards GOD. Men and women both experience the saving Grace of GOD. Spiritual fellowship, with GOD and with one another, may be hindered by disobeying GOD’s Instruction concerning husband-wife relationships.

Prayers are hindered when there is discord* amongst spouses. It is very difficult for a husband and wife to pray together when there is *lack of agreement or harmony. For peace and welfare of the home, it is crucial for the couple to observe a few basic rules:

1. Maintain absolute honesty in order to have a basis of mutual confidence and respect for one another. 2. Keep communication lines open. Talk things out. An explosion can occur if steam is allowed to build up in a boiler with the lid on. Talking things out releases steam and clears the air. “Clearing The Air” allows each person to express their concerns and thoughts with love and kindness. Open communication promotes the opportunity, if need be, to say “Forgive me” or “I am sorry”. And it opens the door to express gratitude and appreciation in saying, “Thank you”, “I forgive you”, “You’re welcome”. There must be a meeting of the minds.

Both husband and wife are to work together amicably (in a friendly and peaceable manner) to mutually respectfully understand one another. Manipulation of one party over the other is not of GOD. Manipulation means to influence especially with the intent to deceive. Deception is the works of the enemy. Do not go there. Stay out of the enemy’s playground. Otherwise, the father of lies will take you to service and put you to work for him. Stay away from using any of the enemy’s tactics.

3. Overlook minor faults and idiosyncrasies (particular personal peculiarities). Do not demand perfection in someone else when you are unable to produce it in yourself. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. Proverbs 9: 12 NKJV ARLB 4. Strive for unity in finances. Avoid the lust to keep up with the Joneses. Moma always told us that we are not the Rockefellers nor do we have a money tree outside. Do not overspend nor spend money that you do not have. Do not swipe your credit card if you cannot afford to pay more than the minimum balance. Plan to pay off the entire amount without incurring an interest charge. The amount owed is susceptible to being doubled, tripled or even more than quadrupled over an extremely extended period of time by paying only the minimum balance due. Depending upon your total credit card balance due, you could end up paying over a period of years an exuberant of amount well over you initial primary balance.

4.1 For example, if you have a balance of $1400, based upon an interest rate of 11.20% and the minimum monthly balance due of $30, you could end up paying back about $2,078 over a period of 8 years, providing there are no other purchases made. And if you do have credit cards, narrow your cards to a few that give you something in return, cash or travel rewards.

1.2 Pay on time. Do not pay after the due date. If you pay after the due date you may have to pay a late fee of up to $35 or more in most cases and assume risk of your APR (annual percentage rate) being increased of up to 29.99% or higher. Therefore, pay more than the minimum balance each month. Pay off the entire balance as soon as possible to avoid paying more interest.

1.3 Avoid installment buying. (Purchasing something over a long period of time, generally ranging from a minimum of 3 months to 60 months. Sometimes an installment agreement of 3 months can be same as cash. In this case, no interest is accrued if the principle cost is paid off in 3 payments.)

5. that love is GOD’s Commandment. Love is not an uncontrollable emotion. 1 Corinthians 13 expresses what love means. Writes the apostle Paul, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 3- 8 NKJV

5.1. Love is courteous. It will keep you from contradicting or criticizing your spouse in front of others.

5.2. Love will keep you from quarreling in front of your children.

5.3. Love creates a happy atmosphere in the home and rules out separations, heartache, and strife.

The surest way to receive a blessing is to be a blessing to your spouse and to others. When these actions are genuinely displayed, GOD Is Glorified, Honored and Obeyed.

Highly important in choosing a mate is again following GOD’s instruction.

A. G.P.P – GOD’S PERFECT PLAN

SERVE GOD and Others

Service Seen and unseen

The “BE Attitudes” The Sermon on The Mount Let’s Pray

“… but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man Did Not Come to be served, but to Serve, and to give His Life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20: 26-28 NKJV ARLB

“Attitude”

is more important than facts.

It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.

It will make or break a company…a church…a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding “the Attitude” we will embrace.

We cannot change our past… we cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have and that is our

“Attitude”…

Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you…

we are in charge of

‘our Attitude’.”¹a

By Charles Swindoll Evangelical Christian Pastor Founded “Insight for Living” Radio Program

Headquartered in Frisco, Texas

“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages beginning with the last to the first. And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? Matthew 20: 1-15 NKJV ARLB

The parable of the workers in the vineyard reveals important truths about GOD’s Grace. All workers were paid the same wage—the wage they were promised— no matter how many hours they worked. The workers hired first represent Israel (GOD’s Chosen Nation), the recipients of GOD’s Covenant Promises. (Romans 3: 1, 2) Those workers hired last, at the end of the day, represent the Gentiles and received the same wages. The Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ, are offered the same salvation available to the Jews. (Ephesians 2: 13- 15)

GOD Showers His Grace on those HE Chooses.

What then shall we say? Is GOD unjust? Not at all! For He Says to Moses, “I Will Have Mercy on whom I Will Have Mercy, and I Will Have Comion on whom I Will Have Comion.” Romans 9: 14, 15 NIV LASB Exodus 33: 19 NIV LASB

And those who receive it are blessed beyond anything they can ever hope to earn.

“Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.” Matthew 20:14

Be gone. Now how do you feel about that? What’s …your …attitude?

And you HE Made Alive, who were dead in treses and sins, in which you once walked, according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

But GOD, Who Is Rich in Mercy, because of His Great Love with which HE

Loved us, even when we were dead in treses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come HE Might Show the exceeding riches of His Grace in His Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2: 1-7 NKJV JSB

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are Eternal. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 NKJV JSB

When believers are in pain, are enduring trials and tribulations, and are outwardly perishing, the temporary high lights of this life give a pathway to the eternal glories of the next. The things that are temporary help people appreciate the things that are eternal. Earthly challenges and suffering escalates inward growth.

The “BE Attitudes”

The Beatitudes sermon preached by Jesus on a hillside near Capernaum present a portrait of the ideal citizen in Christ’s Kingdom. For many, the words of The Beatitudes were like ice to a hot cup of water. Jesus’ Teachings were on poverty, sorrow, and discipline; although Jesus’ followers wanted dominion and prosperity. Their hot enthusiastic expectations turned cold. Yet, many were healed of their infirmities.

And HE Came down with them and Stood on a level place with a crowd of His Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and Healed them all. Luke 6; 17-19 NKJV JSB

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes, or blessings reflected in Matthew 5: 1-12. The Beatitudes begin with the first one, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…”

Now when HE Saw the crowds, HE Went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and HE Began to Teach them, Saying:

i. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”

The poor in spirit are those who rely on GOD’s Omnipotence and acknowledge their own helplessness. This refers to one’s own deliberate choice and discipline. They are aware of their spiritual need and find it supplied in the Lord. This does not refer to one’s natural disposition. The poor in spirit are those who realize that self-sufficiency is no virtue and self-exaltation is a vice. The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such people who are the poor in spirit.

ii. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

The mourning includes not only sorrow for one’s own sin, but also sorrow because of the world’s corrupt condition. The world’s rejection of the Saviour, and the doom of those who refuse GOD’s Mercy causes GOD’s Children to mourn. This mourning is the sorrow which one experiences because of fellowship with the Lord Jesus and His Followers love for Him.

What a blessing it is to have The HOLY Spirit in our lives as our Paraclete—our Comforter, our Encourager, our Helper, our Advocate, and The Spirit of Truth. The HOLY Spirit is The Third Person of The Trinity Who Has Been Called to our side. The HOLY Spirit is a personal being, and HE Indwells every believer. John 14: 16-26

iii. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Meekness implies acceptance of one’s lowly position. The meek person is gentle and mild in his own cause, though he/she may be a lion in GOD’s Cause or in defending others. Meekness is not weakness. A good way to think of meekness is strength under control. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines meekness as those enduring injury with patience and without resistance.

iv. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness have a ion for righteousness in their own lives. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, look for practical holiness in the church. They long to see honesty, integrity, and justice in society.

v. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

To be merciful means to be actively comionate. We imitate GOD when we have comion. To be merciful means to withhold punishment from offenders who deserve it. In another sense it means to help others that are in need who cannot help themselves. If one has not been merciful, that person will not receive mercy.

vi. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see GOD”.

A pure-hearted person is one whose thoughts are holy, whose conscience is clean, and whose motives are unmixed. Christians must exercise purity in our character, “who we are”. We are to practice good conduct, “what we do”. And Christ followers are to display excellence in our conscience, “what we say and think”. In Scripture, those who are most holy are also most joyful!

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, as obedient children, and conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as HE Who Called you is Holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be Holy, for I AM HOLY.”

Those who are the pure in heart will see GOD, not only in this life but in the life to come.

vii. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of GOD.”

The Lord is referring to those who actively intervene to make peace. The natural approach is to watch chaos and strife from the sidelines. The divine approach is to take positive action toward creating peace, even if it means taking abuse and being gossiped about. By making peace, believers manifest themselves as sons of GOD.

viii. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

The Kingdom of Heaven is promised to those believers who suffer for doing right. Their integrity condemns the ungodly world and brings out its hostility. And GOD Will one day acknowledge them as people who bear the family likeness. People hate a righteous life because it exposes their own unrighteousness.

ix. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of ME.”

The Lord Knew that those who were loyal to Him, would be maltreated. This is confirmed throughout history; the world has persecuted, imprisoned, and killed followers of Jesus. This is the difference between this final beatitude and the preceding beatitude. In the previous beatitude, the subject was persecution because of righteousness. In this final Beatitude, it is persecution for Christ’s Sake.

“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12 NIV LASB

To suffer for Christ’s Sake is a privilege that amplifies joy. There is a great reward that awaits those who become companions of the prophets in tribulation. The Old Testament spokespersons for GOD stood faithful and true in spite of persecution.

There is emphasis on righteousness (verse 6), peace (verse 9), and joy (verse 12). The Apostle Paul may have had this age in mind when he wrote: …“do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the Kingdom of GOD is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the HOLY Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to GOD and approved by men. Romans14:17, 18

GOD’s Kingdom people seek different blessings and different benefits. In the Kingdom of Heaven, wealth power and authority are unimportant. The people of

GOD’s Kingdom have different attitudes. These “Be Attitudes” do not promise pleasure, laughter, and earthly prosperity. The “Be Attitudes” are the attitudes that we are to ask GOD for. And we are to continue to develop these “Be Attitudes” as a follower of Jesus Christ.

To recap, the Beatitudes are:

+ The poor in spirit + Those who mourn + The meek + Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness + The merciful + The pure in heart + The peacemakers + Those who are persecuted for righteousness + Those who are insulted, persecuted and falsely accused because of JESUS

Each Beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of joy and hope, independent of outside circumstances. These Be Attitudes are not multiple choice—they must be taken as a whole. They are a code of ethics for the disciples and a standard of conduct for all believers. GOD’s Way of living contradicts the way of the world. The Beatitudes contrast what is Eternal (Heavenly Kingdom values) with what is temporary (worldly values).

As a matter of fact, in regards to making everything right, the Word about Jesus was out. Around A.D. 65, Jews and Gentiles were coming long distance to hear HIM. Jesus Proclaimed His Attitude toward the Law when he preached the Sermon on the Mount. Authority, money, and position are not important in GOD’s Kingdom. What matters is faithful obedience from the heart.

The Sermon on the Mount challenged the legalistic and proud religious leaders of that day. The messages spoken during the Sermon on the Mount called the religious leaders back to the prophets of the Old Testament who, like Jesus Taught that heartfelt obedience is ultimately more important than legalistic observance.

Jesus Taught His Disciples to not expect fame and fortune. HE Warned His Disciples about the temptations they would as His Associates. HE Told them that mourning, hunger, and persecution is what they would encounter. Jesus Assured His Disciples that they would be rewarded—after this world’s end.

In Jesus’ longest recorded sermon, HE Began by describing the traits HE Was Looking for in His Followers. Jesus Called those who lived out those traits “blessed” because GOD had something special in store for them. A person’s position in the Kingdom is determined by his faithfulness to GOD and his obedience to Him while on earth.

The teachings of our Lord in the Sermon on the Mount set a higher standard than that set by the law. For example, the law said, “Do not murder”. Jesus Said, “Do not hate.” Therefore, the Sermon on the Mount not only upholds the Law and the Prophets, it amplifies them and develops their deeper implications. The Sermon on the Mount is meant for all disciples—past, present, and future—all disciples who acknowledge Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The SERMON on The MOUNT

As we continue in Matthew 5 with The Sermon on the Mount… let us read and heed what Jesus Has to Say on the various topics.

i. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Believers are Salt and Light

“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Jesus Refers to His Disciples as salt. Jesus’ Disciples are to the world what salt is in everyday life: salt seasons food; salt cleanses and hinders the spread of decay and corruption; salt creates thirst; salt brings out the flavor. If the salt loses its flavor, there is no way to restore its natural, true taste. The salt then… if at this time loses its natural, true taste … the UNflavored salt… is good for nothing.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Jesus’ Purpose Is to be “Light to the nations”. (Isaiah 42: 6; Luke 2: 32). Jesus Confers the same task on His Followers, who are to be the light of the world. Christ’s Reflects His Light into the world’s darkness {Philippians 2:15). GOD’s Children must allow GOD’s Light to be on full display in their lives.

The Christian’s responsibility is twofold: (1) to guard against anything that can separate us from our Only Source of Light and (2)to let our light so shine that others will see the reality of Christ in us and glorify our Heavenly Father.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

ii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Christ Fulfills the Law

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth away, one jot or one tittle will by no means from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:17-20

iii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Murder Begins in the Heart

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I Say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hellfire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

“Raca” is original to the Greek manuscript; however, not a Greek word. Most common view is that Raca is a reference for Aramaic word “reka”, which literally means “empty one”; but probably meant “empty headed” or “foolish”. Raca is a biblical word meaning “worthless” or “empty”. (via Google)

Food for Growth

You can’t be right with GOD and be wrong with a brother.¹ Apply to Matthew 5: 23, 24 ARLB NKJV

“An Adrianism”

The Wit and Wisdom of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 1076

“Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I Say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5:21-26

iv. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Adultery in the Heart

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’

But I Say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30

v. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Marriage is Sacred and Binding

“Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I Say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32

vi. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Jesus Forbids Oaths

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I Say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is GOD’s Throne; nor by the earth, for it is His Footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:33-37

vii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Go the Second Mile

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I Tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” Matthew 5:38-42

viii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Love Your Enemies

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I Say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

…that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for HE Makes His Sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?

Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

ix. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Do Good to Please GOD

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV

x. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … The Model Prayer

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do, For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father Knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

In this manner, therefore, pray to your Heavenly Father:

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed by Your Name. Your Kingdom Come. Your Will Be done On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory Forever. Amen.

For if you forgive men their debts (their treses), your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.

But if you do not forgive men their debts (their treses), neither will your Father forgive your treses.” Matthew 6:5-15 NKJV

When you say “Our Father”, the word “Father” speaks of the GOD you revere above all. “Our” refers to being twice born into the family of GOD. GOD Becomes your Father, not by creation but by decision. When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you are “born again” of the Holy Spirit of GOD. Understand that GOD Is Not the Father of all people. GOD Is Creator of all. In a spiritual sense, GOD is only the Father of those who have been born again into His Family. You become a child of GOD by putting your faith in and obedience to Christ Jesus. The Bible is very clear about this, “For you are all sons of GOD through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). And because you are His Child, you have His Care. By saying “Our Father, Hallowed be Thy Name” you exalt His Name and reverence Him. You rely on Him and trust Him to take care of you. Prayer means talking with GOD. You can come to GOD freely and talk with Him as your Father anytime.

xi. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Fasting to Be Seen Only by GOD

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret places; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6: 16-18

xii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

xiii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … The Lamp of the Body

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6: 22-23

xiv. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … You Cannot Serve GOD and Riches

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and mammon (riches).” Matthew 6: 24

xv. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Do Not Worry

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; And yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if GOD so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will HE not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father Knows that you need all these things. But Seek First the kingdom of GOD and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6: 25-34

xvi. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Do Not Judge

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give what is HOLY to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matthew 7: 1-6

xvii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

“Ask, and it will be given to you; Seek, and you will find; Knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7: 7-12

xviii. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … The Narrow Way

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7: 13-14

xix. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7: 15-20

xx. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … I Never Knew You

“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. 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? And then I Will Declare to them, ‘I Never Knew you; depart from ME, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7: 21-23

Food for Growth

“If your religion hasn’t changed your life, you had better change your religion.”¹¹ Apply to Matthew 7: 21-23 ARLB NKJV

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 1082

xxi. Jesus’ Sermon on The Mount … Build on The Rock

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I Will Liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.

And so it was, when Jesus Had Ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His Teaching, For He Taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7: 24-29

The religious scholars and teachers of the law, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, often cited traditions and quoted authorities to their arguments and interpretations. However, Jesus Spoke with a new authority—His Own. Jesus Did Not Need to quote anyone because HE Was and HE Is the Original Word.

In the Beginning Was the Word, and The Word Was with GOD, and The Word Was GOD. He Was In The Beginning With GOD. All things were made through HIM and without HIM nothing was made that was made. In HIM was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the

darkness did not comprehend it. John 1: 1-5 NKJV

Jesus Was and Is the Source of life. The One Who Gives us life is The same One Who Provides us with light for the pathway we travel.

The light shines in the darkness is when our Lord Jesus came as Thee Light Shining in a dark place. The entrance of sin brought darkness to the minds of men. Sin plunged the world into darkness in the sense that men in general neither knew GOD nor wanted to know HIM. Men did not understand The Lord Jesus when HE Came into the world and some did not want to understand. They did not realize or did not want to realize for their own selfish reasons, who HE Was or why He Had Come.

However, the darkness did not overcome Thee Light. Man’s rejection and cruelty did not prevent Thee True Light from shining. Nor did the darkness prevent Jesus from accomplishing His Mission. When true light appears there is no darkness. Praise GOD!!! Hallelujah! Amen.

By giving up your own rights and wants to selfishly serve others and yourself, you will one day receive everything GOD Has in store for you. The Sermon on the Mount is for those of every age who acknowledge and serve Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Be GOD’s Man or GOD’s Woman in GOD’s Place doing GOD’s Work in GOD’s Way.

A. G.P. P. – GOD’s Perfect Plan “uplifting in the Heavenly Light”

Meet The Saviour (our Advocate)

c. Let’s Pray

The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for UNBelievers Prayer for Believers

Food for Growth

“Prayer is The HOLY Spirit finding a desire in the heart of the Father, putting that desire in our hearts, and returning it in the form of a request to Him.”¹² Apply to Romans 8: 26, 27 ARLB NKJV

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Legacy Bible) p. 1268

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of The Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does

one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but The Spirit Himself Makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now HE Who Searches the hearts knows what the mind of The Spirit is, because HE Makes intercession to the saints according to The Will of GOD. And we know all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to His Purpose. Romans 8: 22- 28 NKJV ARLB

Jesus Prayed

“Father, I Desire that they also Whom YOU Gave ME may be with ME where I AM, that they; may behold MY Glory which YOU Have Given ME; for YOU Loved ME before The Foundation of the world.”

“O Righteous Father! The world has not known YOU, but I Have Known YOU; and these have known that YOU Sent ME. And I Have Declared to them Your Name, and Will Declare it, that the love with which YOU Loved ME may be in them, and I in them. John 17: 2- 26 NKJV ARLB

The Lord’s Prayer

Prayer means talking with GOD. This following prayer quite often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” is to be a guide, a lesson in prayer. And it begins with these words, “Our Father.”

“Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Thine Is The Kingdom, and The Power, and The Glory. Forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 6: 9-13 NKJV

The Lord’s Prayer is also referred to as the model prayer. The model prayer is a powerful prayer in that it acknowledges GOD and Who HE Is. The model prayer first gives reverence to GOD as our Father and the Creator of all. When we say “Our Father” we express GOD’s Nature. The Nature of GOD is to be a Father. Human fatherhood is a reflection of Divine Fatherhood. GOD Is Thee Father. And Jesus Said that when we pray we are to say “Our Father.”

“Hallowed” means to honor, reverence, and adore GOD and His Name. Also “Hallowed be Thy Name” means to consecrate (to devote solemnly to a purpose) namely of GOD’s Kingdom coming and GOD’s Will being done on earth as it is in Heaven. When we say “Father” we exalt His Name. We recognize His Name and know that our GOD Is Not the Father of all people. In a spiritual sense, GOD Is The Father of those who have been born again into His Family. “For you are all sons of GOD through faith in Christ Jesus” Galatians 3: 26 We ask GOD to supply our life and fulfill our needs. We trust GOD as a Father Who

Takes Care of His Children. We can count on Him to Protect us. And because you are His Child, if you are His Child, you can come to GOD Freely and talk with Him as your Father.

We ask GOD for the forgiveness of all of our sins as we forgive the sins of others. We ask to be free from all evil influence and deliverance from the evil one. Then we again acknowledge and reverence GOD as The All Mighty, AllPowerful, Divine Presence. We honor and praise GOD. We rejoice in GOD and acknowledge His Kingdom, Power and Glory. For GOD Is Worthy to be Praised. Forever. Let everything that has breath Praise The LORD. Praise The Lord! Psalms 150: 6 NKJV

The model prayer helps us to know what’s important in prayer with God. It helps with the beginning, the middle, and the end of our prayer. As in writing a letter, the model prayer is referenced in three main parts…a heading, the body (or message, what you say, your concerns), and the closing. We must keep in mind that GOD Is to be reverenced throughout our prayer to Him, yet mainly in the beginning and closing of prayer.

Rejoice in The Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord Is at hand. Philippians 4, 4, 5 NKJV ARLB

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD; and The Peace of GOD, which sures all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6, 7 NKJV ARLB

Food for Growth

When trials come, don’t wring your hands—Bend your knees.¹³ Apply to Philippians 4: 6 “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p.1333

Pray every day.

I cannot think of any other way to get a grip on this world and to overcome the evil that is in the world…than to pray every day. The Holy Bible tells us that Jesus Has Overcome the world. How do you obtain peace of mind unless it is from GOD and His Ever-Presence of the Holy Spirit?

There are twenty-four (24) hours in a day. And of those 24 hours, how much time is spent with GOD? How much time do you spend with GOD? Do you not see that sincere quiet time spent with GOD is the answer for all our needs. GOD already knows what our needs are. It is up to us to ask GOD to help us realize those needs and to find out what to do about them. After we have sought every opportunity and done all that we are capable of doing, then that’s when GOD’s Steps are very spiritually and visually seen.

Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the

GOD of Israel saying, “Oh, that YOU would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that YOUR Hand would be with me, and that YOU would keep me from evil that I might not cause pain!” So GOD granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10 NKJV ARLB

It is not until we get to this point, will we truly understand the importance of our obedience to GOD and how much we truly rely on Him and believe that HE Loves us. Our relationship with GOD depends highly upon what we do, why we do it, what we say, and how we say it. What is the underlying intention behind what you do and what you say? Is what you do or say, honoring to GOD? Does what you say or what you do bring Glory to GOD?

Have you read the short story entitled, “Footprints”? It reads like this:

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonged to him, and the other to The Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned The Lord about it. “Lord, You Said that once I decided to follow You, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed You most You would leave me.”

The Lord Replied, “My precious, precious child, I Love you and I Would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I Carried you”.

Author contenders: Burrell Webb, Mary Stevenson, Margaret Fishback Powers, and Carolyn Joyce Carty (via Wikipedia)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for The LORD your GOD Goes with you; HE Will Never Leave you nor Forsake you. Deuteronomy 31: 6 NIV LASB

Where are you?

If you do not know Jesus Christ, the question that needs to be asked is, “What must I do to be saved?”

A prayer was written by a teen in Bagdad, Arizona. The prayer consists of about 34 sentences. The Ten Commandments and prayer has been taken out of the schools and as a result, have been replaced with guns and bullying. This is a small portion of what the teen in Bagdad wrote to reflect his thoughts and plea.

Now I sit me down at school, Where praying was against the rule. For this great

nation under GOD, Finds mention of Him very odd. The Ten Commandments are not allowed, No word of GOD must reach this crowd. It’s scary here I must confess, When chaos reigns the school’s a mess. So, Lord, this silent plea I make; should I be shot; my soul please take! Amen

How real and true to what is going on in the world?

PRAYER for UNbelievers

The only thing the unbeliever brings to GOD is his receptive faith in Jesus Christ. If you have not yet become a follower of Jesus Christ by asking Him to save you, pray this prayer:

“Jesus, please Save me. I repent of my sins. I ask You Lord Jesus to forgive me. Make me the person you want me to be. Thank you for saving me.”

This is the short version of the prayer (that you read in the section entitled, “Your Personal Invitation”); all sinners must first pray to ask for the free gift of salvation. Either the longer version or this short version is sufficient to be prayed to ask GOD to forgive you and save you.

Jesus Christ is “the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11, 12 NIV LASB

Are you here?

If you profess Jesus Christ to be Lord and Saviour of your life, ask yourself, “What more does the Lord have for me to know and to learn that I may press

toward the upward call of GOD in Christ Jesus?”

“What am I to do because I am saved?”

PRAYER for Believers in Christ Jesus:

Let’s now bow our heads in prayer.

I come to you Father as humbly as I know how…

“We thank You Lord God First for Who You Are and Who You are to us! We thank You for all that You Have Done for us. We thank You for what You Are Doing for us now. And we thank You for what You Plan To Do for us later. Thank You, Father God for all the many blessings that You Have Bestowed upon us. For everything that You Have Provided for us, we could not have provided alone for ourselves. For You Lord Are The Author of ALL. You Are The Father of ALL nations, The Creator of the Universe, and The Creator of Man. We give You praise, honor, and glory Father. Bless Your Holy Name.”

As we talk with our GOD, our Heavenly Father, we want to give HIM all Adoration and Honor, for only to HIM does all Adoration and Honor fully belong.

“For You Heavenly Father Are The True and Living GOD. The ONE Who Sits up high and Looks down low. For Your Eyes Are On the sparrow and I know You’re Watching me. Please protect us Father from the evil one and his evildoers. For we battle not against flesh and blood but against rulers in dark high spirit filled places. For there is a constant battle of the flesh against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh.”

We recognize GOD’s Sovereignty and UPRightness. We ask for GOD’s Help in all that we do. HE Has all Power and Authority to Save us, Protect us and Keep us safe.

But Father You Are The Most High. And Father, if You Are For us, who should be against us? Please Father Help us to be aware of ourselves, others, and our surroundings. For we are living in a sinful world Lord. But Father, because You So Loved the world, You Gave Your Only Begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but should have everlasting life…We are SAVED! Thank You Father. Although the war is won, the battle goes on. WE are soldiers in the army, we’re fighting although we have to die. We have to hold up the blood- stained banner, we have to hold it up until we die.

But Father, death has lost its’ sting. The grave has lost its’ victory. And we thank You Lord, for Your Most Precious Blood that was shed, for YOU Have conquered the world. And now we have a choice Lord. Thank You Father For Sending Your Only Begotten SON so that we might be saved from this sinful world. Thank You, Lord Jesus For Dying for our sins. And for Your Most Precious Blood that was shed for us to have everlasting life. For there is Power in the Blood.

Believe GOD and Thank HIM at ALL times for Who HE Is, for all that HE Has Done, for ALL that HE Is Doing and for ALL that HE Will Do.

“Thank You Lord Jesus For Sending The HOLY Spirit To Lead us in the right

direction and To Comfort us in our time of need and sorrow. For YOU Walk with me and talk with me and tell me I am YOUR Own. And the joy we share as we tarry there…none other …has ever…known. Thank you HOLY Spirit for abiding in us.

We ask You Father To Take Care of us and To Bless each and every one of our family , relatives and friends. Please bless all those who are in the world Lord. We ask You Father To Bless those who are sick and shut in. To Bless those who are less fortunate and To Bless those who are more fortunate. For YOU Are not a respector of persons Father. And we thank YOU. For all have sinned and come short of Your Glory, The Glory of GOD. The Only Perfect One who walked the earth Father was Your Only Begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Ask GOD to forgive you when you sin against Him. Ask Him to forgive you when you tres against others or when others tres against you or your loved ones.

“Please forgive us of our sins Father and please help us to forgive those who tres against us. Great is Thy Faithfulness. For greater are YOU Who is in me than he who is in all the world. With YOU Father God all things are possible. We ask You Father that You Continue To Allow the Holy Sprit to lead us and guide us in the right direction. We pray Father that we will be obedient to the Holy Spirit. For our thoughts and ways are not YOUR thoughts and ways, Father. But we pray that we may have a better understanding of Your Word Lord. For Jesus is the Living Word.

Ask GOD for His Continued Guidance. Ask Him to continue to strengthen you

that you will be able to be a to/for others.

“Wiaw” MENTOR= trusted counselor, or guide; tutor, coach

We pray that we will be able to lead by example Lord. Let our light shine so that others may see so that you may draw all men unto You Lord. Help us to grow in Your wisdom and knowledge of The Word Father. You Said for us to love our enemies Father and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us Lord for we are weak but YOU ARE STRONG. I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

Thank you Father for being so good to us. For You are better to us than we are to ourselves. Thank you Father for Your Understanding, Your Love, Your Mercy and Your Amazing Grace. For You Understand us better than we understand ourselves. Please help us not to be confused Lord, for the devil is the author of confusion. Father, please help us to not be deceived. For the devil is “the deceiver”. Please help us Father, to yield not to temptation.

Please help us to have an inner peace Lord. That when all that is going on around us is sinful, sorrowful, and chaotic, that we can look to You Lord and how You were spit on, beaten, persecuted, and crucified for our sakes. Please help us to all that YOU went through before You died.

Pray GOD’s Word back to Him. Exalt (Glorify) Him. Be specific in your requests and giving thanks to Him. Acknowledge our (your) short comings; we

fall short.

Please help us to Father how Jesus suffered so that we may receive our crown of glory from You Father and live always with You Lord in Paradise. What a price YOU paid for our salvation! All we have to do is ask and we shall receive. Seek and we shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened. Lord You said for us to, “Choose ye this day whom you will serve.” I choose You.

We love You Father. We love You Lord Jesus. We love You Holy Spirit. All because YOU First Loved us.

For without YOU, we are nothing. You died Lord and rose again. There is nothing in this world that YOU did not create for good. Father, how can we refuse to serve You? I’m going to serve YOU until I die! I surrender all to You Lord. For You FATHER Are Able. You can pick us up when we are falling down.

Express deep appreciation and gratitude for His Sovereignty in being able to do all that HE Pleases. For HE Is Good and Awesome! All the time!

Thank You FATHER for allowing us to bring all of our problems, cares, concerns, trials and tribulations, ups and downs, as well as our hopes and dreams to You. What an All Mighty God we serve. For You Father Are All Powerful. And we know that You are “all that”. We know that You Can Help us. We know that You Are The Problem Solver. We know that Your Prayer Lines Father Are Always open 24 hours a day, every minute of every hour. For You Are Never too

busy Lord, You Never Put us on hold Father, You Never hang up on us Lord.

Thank You Father for Jesus. For we have a reconnection to You Father through Your Son Jesus Christ. You knew what You Were Doing Father when Jesus Hung there, with a pierce in His side, Hung there for three (3) days on the cross, suffering… for us. Jesus Came into the world Not to condemn the world, but To Save the world. When He died Father, Jesus Arose on the third day. And He Lives. TODAY, Jesus Lives. Thanks Be to YOU Father God. For YOU Made Your Face to Shine upon us. You Always Know Father. We are the ones who cannot see the forest for the trees. For You Father Have An All Mighty Plan and Purpose for our lives.

Please help us to accept Your Will Being Done. Not our will. For Lord Jesus YOU Have Already Conquered the world through Your Suffering, Death, and Resurrection. We truly thank You Father. The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh away. Blessed Be The Name of The Lord, my GOD. In The Name of The Father, and The Son, and The HOLY Spirit.

In Jesus Christ’s name, we pray. AMEN.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. It’s not too late.

Prayer changes things. Jesus is the Joy of my salvation. I’m so glad Jesus Lifted me. I ‘m so glad Jesus Lifted me. I’m so glad Jesus lifted me … singing, “Glory…Hallelujah…Jesus Lifted me!

It is in these times especially of trials and tribulations that we need to spend time with The Lord. Our bodies require that we eat… for we are flesh. Our spirit

requires that we be fed. Thus, we spend time with GOD. It is only in the quality time that we spend with God, that we grow spiritually. Every time we choose to strive for the best in righteousness, we crucify our flesh. Every time we turn down that third or fourth piece of pie, we crucify our flesh. We must walk in the Spirit that we may not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Galatians 5: 16 NKJV

Since Jesus Christ is the Only Perfect One who walked this earth over 2000 years ago in the flesh as a man and experienced much and even more than what we are experiencing today, we must work through our salvation with fear and trembling. We are not perfect and we are not all knowing.

Job was blameless and upright, one who feared GOD and shunned evil. Job 1:1

Job would rise up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings regularly unto GOD … “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed GOD in their hearts.” Job 1:5 In times of darkness, when he began to press GOD for answers, GOD asked Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” Job 38:4

Job came to the reality and conclusion that he must Trust GOD.

Though he slay me, yet will I trust HIM. Job 13:15

In the end, Job’s dependence upon GOD leads to restoration. Job discovers that a relationship with GOD is more important than a reason for pain. Job suffered many afflictions; however, he talked with GOD and trusted Him. Job grew in his knowledge and understanding of Who The LORD Is.

As the late Pastor Adrian Rogers writes, “Are you a Christian growing?” Unless you learn to be a Christian growing, how will you come to know the joy and victory you ought to know?

When I say “Christian growing”, I’m talking about maturity. You can be fifty or sixty years old or older and still be spiritually immature. Spiritual maturity is Christlikeness. Christlikeness means being like Jesus. “…The Father Himself Loves you because you have loved ME and have believed that I Came from GOD. I Came from The Father and Entered the world; now I Am Leaving the world and going back to The Father.” John 16: 27, 28 “… I Have Told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33

Maturity is a lifelong process that es through stages. To mature, there must be the miracle of life. You cannot begin to grow until you have life. There is no instant maturity. There must be an elapse of time for spiritual growth and maturity to occur. Growth requires nourishment. You have to feed on the Word of GOD to grow up in your salvation and know that The LORD Is Good. (1 Peter 2:2, 3) And growth requires the discipline of exercise. Exercise reading and applying GOD’s Word, obeying Him, and praying continually. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5: 13, 14

What’s important is to not worry about what you can’t do. Find out what you can do and begin to do it–and then will you grow. Your growth will be in the Goodness and the Fullness of The Lord.

Food for Growth

“When you accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, then you say, Thank you for saving me, Jesus. I receive it by faith. I don’t look for a sign. I don’t ask for a feeling. I stand on Your Word. And that settles it!”¹⁴

Apply to 1 John 1: 9

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers, NKJV Legacy Bible p.1401

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your Faith goodness, and to Goodness, knowledge, and to Knowledge, self-control; and to Self-control, perseverance; and to Perseverance, godliness; and to Godliness, brotherly kindness; and to Brotherly Kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten

that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1: 5-11

Food for Growth

“The Bible is GOD’s Love Letter to His Children. If you don’t understand it, it’s because you’re reading someone else’s mail.”¹⁵ Apply to 1 John 2: 12-14

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers, NKJV Legacy Bible p. 1401

HE came to HIS own, and HIS own did not receive HIM. But as many as received HIM, to them HE Gave the right to become children of GOD, to those who believe in HIS name: who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD. John 1:11-13

“People who overcome ‘stand firm to the end”. Mark 13: 13 NKJV

They will receive the blessings that GOD promised. I agree with what I heard also Pastor Charles Stanley say, “The most important mission that GOD has in His Perfect Plan right now, is the redemption of mankind.

B. A.D.I P. – Another’s Destructive Impaired Plan

“dipping into darkness”

Beware Enemy Mine (the Adversary)

The World, The Flesh, and The Devil (The Father of Lies)

The Bridge Is Out

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is ing away, and the lust thereof: but he that does The Will of GOD abides forever. 1 John 2:16, 17 NKJV ARLB

“World” for the Apostle John signifies sin and the evil desires that are so much a part of the human existence. Satan appealed to each of these areas of weakness when he caused the fall of the human race. He tempted Jesus Christ with these same tactics. Jesus Christ replied to Satan’s temptations by saying, “It is written.”

Today, Christians also are to depend on the Scriptures to defeat temptations. The Scriptures tell us what to think, how to think, what to do, how to do, what to ask for, and what not to ask for.

The apostle James asks a question in James 4:1- 4, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasures that war in your ? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with GOD? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of GOD.”

What you ask for, will it bring Glory to GOD or is it dishonoring to GOD? How many things have you gotten that you have asked for? The things that you did not get…is it because you did not ask for them? Or is it that you asked and did not receive because you asked not in accordance with the Will of GOD?

All that the world has to offer may be described as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The lust of the flesh refers to sensual bodily appetites that proceed from within our evil nature. The lust of the eyes applies to such evil desires that may arise from what we see. The pride of life is an unholy ambition for self-glory and self-display.

The sin of Eve is illustrated by these three elements of worldliness that were displayed in the tree of knowledge. The tree was good for food…the lust of the flesh. The tree was pleasant to the eyes…the lust of the eyes. The tree of knowledge was a tree to be desired to make one wise; this describes the pride of life.

As the flesh is hostile to the Spirit, and the devil is opposed to Jesus Christ, so the world is antagonistic to The Father and The Word of GOD. Obsessive appetite and ambition is not of The Father but of the world. Worldliness is the perverted love for ing things. ing things are things that do not last. ing things are things that will away with the ing away of this world. Things such as these are temporary. The human heart cannot find satisfaction with things of such nature.

Heaven and earth will away but My Words Will by no means away. Matthew 24:35 NKJV

“…while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 18 NKJV ARLB

Concentrating on this world and the success in this world is like rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic. After all is done, the ship, the chairs and everything on it is going down. The Titanic sunk. The only people who were saved were those on the Lifeboat. Had it not been for the lifeboat that each was on, the survivors would not have been saved. The Lifeboat represents Jesus. Similarly, Jesus Is Noah’s Ark of Safety.

And Without Jesus Christ,

The Bridge of Salvation is Out!

“wiaw” BRIDGE = a structure built over a depression or obstacle for use as a ageway (MWD); a or link from one subject or things to another (my definition)

“wiaw” CONNECTION = a means of communication or transport (MWD)

LUST of The EYES Personal Desires / Pleasure

The World

“The tree was pleasant to the eyes”

In the Garden of Eden, when the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked… Genesis 3: 7 NKJV

The Lust of the Eyes is Personal Desire. Jesus Is Tempted as a man by Satan. The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. It does not take long for Satan to show all that he has to offer. He offered not the world itself, but the kingdoms of the world.

Here we are told that Eve’s husband Adam was with her. And that he did eat of the fruit also. Eve ate first and then Adam ate. However, it was Adam who was primarily held responsible and able to GOD. Adam was made first. Adam was the one to whom GOD had given authority. Eve was made from Adam’s rib. Not Adam made from Eve’s rib. Adam did not obey God but chose to obey the voice of Eve. This was the first marital role reversal.

Lustful personal desires are those things that we want, those things that we desire to own or have, that are displeasing to GOD. Men and women have different personal desires with an obsessive urge for pleasure. The adversary knows that men and women have different personal desires and continues throughout history to this day to use tactics to create confusion in leadership and unresolved tension among the genders.

Just think about what’s going on in the world today. For example … “Transgenders” … How confusing is that? It is actually being discussed and decided upon whether a little boy can go into a little girl’s public bathroom and vice versa. How confusing and perturbed is that? Using this concern as a reasonable example, can you see how Scripture Says, “It is better to obey GOD rather than men.” Acts 5:29 NKJV

For trans-genders and those who choose to live a homo-sexual life style, this is what The Word of GOD Says, “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an . They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. Leviticus 20: 13

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and . 1Timothy 6: 9 NKJV

“wiaw” ABOMINATION= disgust, loathing (extreme disgust) “Wiaw” PERDITION= eternal damnation

The Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 2:11 says that fleshly lusts war against the soul. War is a way of life. The nations of the world derive their power through brutal force and political schemes. Fear and hate are satanic factors that can motivate a mob. This has become such a big ordeal, trans-genders and related others question the moral vs immoral concern of who is to use what bathroom. Several years ago, men went to the restroom labeled “men”. Women went to the restroom labeled “women”. Say someone went to an opposite gender restroom…Who knew it?

This issue among others such as legalized abortion has become so increasingly apparent and visually expressed in acceptance by many today as if to warrant being justifiably right. When born, you are either a man or a woman according to the genitals that you have at birth. What is so confusing about that? What is so confusing about a baby being carried in the safety of a mother’s womb to be born alive? What authority does one have to intently terminate a life that is given by GOD?

For GOD Is Not The Author of confusion but of Peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14: 33 NKJV The enemy offers kingdoms of the world on confusing deceptive . Christians are Called to be distanced from these fleshly lusts which are earthly obsessions, values, and selfish positions of desired powers. Men and women must be changed from their sinful immoral attitudes, ways, and behaviors to enter GOD’s Kingdom: “Jesus Answered and Said unto him (Nicodemus), Verily, verily, I Say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of GOD”. John 3: 3 NKJV

The enemy, our adversary the devil, does have authority over the Kingdoms of this world. Because of Adam’s sin (man’s sin), Satan has become “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4: 4), and “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2: 2). Yet, GOD Has Purposed that “the Kingdoms of this world” will one day “become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ” and He Shall Reign forever and ever. (Revelation 11:15) So, you know what? What Satan was offering to Jesus Christ Is Originally His and what would Be legally His anyway.

Do you understand that there could be no short cut to the throne? GOD Always Does Things right, decent and in order. The cross had to come first. According to the counsels of GOD, The Lord Jesus Had to Endure the sufferings of His Mission before HE Could Enter into His Glory. Jesus Had to Achieve a legitimate end by a right means, not a wrong means. No matter what, under no circumstances would Jesus Worship the ruler of this world.

Then the devil, taking Him (Jesus) up on a high mountain, showed Him all the Kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory, for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be yours.” Luke 4: 5-7 NKJV JSB

And Jesus Answered and Said to him, “Get behind ME, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship The LORD your GOD, and Him Only you shall serve.’” Luke 4: 8 NKJV JSB

Jesus Answer has a note of finality and direction, “Thou shalt worship The Lord thy GOD, and Him Only shalt thou serve.” Deuteronomy 6:13 NKJV We are to worship and serve GOD Alone.

Setting something up properly plays a major role in how it is used and what results it produces. In the Garden of Gethsemane the Lord Jesus Said, “Not My Will LORD but THY WILL Be done”. Matthew 26:39 NKJV In the Garden of Eden, Adam said by his actions, “Not THY WILL Lord but my will be done”. Everything was set off… off course…of course … after Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

How do you Set it Off?

Did you see the movie, “Set it off”? Four (4) young women robbed banks. Each of the four (4) young women in the movie, based on their particular circumstances and experiences, thought they had a reasonable logical reason to rob banks. The actual action of robbing banks began with a plan. But even before the plan there was a thought. The thought originated in the mind of the one person who voiced her thought. After some thinking about what had been said, and with some disagreement and opposition, the four women all eventually agreed and chose to get involved in a plan to rob a bank.

What started out as being a one-time job was repeated a few more times. And each bank job, excuse me, bank rob was supposed to be the last one for the last time.

How can you “Set it Off” and be set for life?

Unfortunately, at the last attempt to rob a bigger bank, in an effort to get more money, money that would have each of them as they said “set for life”, all of the women were killed with the exception of one (1). They were all identified. Stoney who was not killed, (played by Jada Pinkett in the movie, “Set It Off”), fled to Mexico.

Stoney was the character in the movie who was taking care of her youngest and only other sibling brother who had just graduated from high school. She very much wanted him to go to college and did what she could to make extra money to them both.

Stoney was left alone to work and provide for herself and her youngest brother. Stoney spent some sexually intimate time with a man that she did not even like in order to get the money that she thought she needed for her brother to continue his education. Afterwards Stoney found out that her brother was not interested in going to school. She felt much worse about spending the night with the man she appeared to .

“Wiaw” DESPISE= to look down on with contempt (disobedience to or disrespect to court or legislature) or aversion (feeling of something to avoid, something to avoid); to regard as negligible, worthless or distasteful

Stoney’s brother was erroneously mistaken for someone else after leaving a neighborhood party and was shot by the police. It was a case of mistaken

identity. Her brother was “dressed like” and had just gotten a “haircut like” the male who was guilty of a robbery crime. The movie ended with Stoney either in Mexico or just before she got to Mexico, calling the bank manager with whom she had started a relationship.

Stoney liked the Manager of the bank (played by Blair Underwood) and he liked her. He was very kind to her and appeared to be interested in “her as a person”. She called him from what seemed to be Mexico and just held the phone to her ear. She did not say anything. After holding the phone for seconds, he said, “Stoney, is that you?” Stoney did not reply, just held the phone a few seconds longer and hung up.

This episode makes me think about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, after they had disobeyed GOD and had eaten the fruit from the forbidden tree … and GOD Asked Adam, “Where are you?”

Then The LORD GOD Called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3: 9 NKJV

Now “Set It Off” was a movie; however, in real life, should Stoney decide to come back into the U.S., she would risk getting caught. Although she got away with the money, what a price to pay! Other than risking getting caught by coming back to the United States, the only way Stoney would see her friend again or any of her family or loved ones would be for them to go to Mexico.

After Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD, they were sent out of the Garden of Eden. “…therefore the LORD GOD Sent him out of the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken.

Genesis 3:23 NKJV

I’ve been to Mexico before. Although another beautiful country, I was still glad to get back home to the United States of America. I cannot truly imagine what it would be like to never be able to be at home in my home town with all my family, friends, neighbors, and fellow Americans. What would it be like to be away from what you’ve known to be home for a long time…away from all your “homeys” permanently in a different culture? How do you think Stoney felt? … Such isolation. …Such sadness. …Such regret!

Did Stoney have anyone there besides herself that she could share the enjoyment of having money? Although Stoney now had plenty of money, was it worth it? And do you know how it all started? It stemmed from an idea that Stoney’s friend, Franki had. Franki played by Vivica A. Fox was the former bank teller. Franki was fired because of a bank robbery that had taken place at the bank where Franki worked. The bank robber was a black male. The white bank management personnel thought Franki was a partner in the crime or had something to do with the crime since Franki was also black and knew the robber who may have lived in her neighborhood. That was not the case. Although Franki was able to identify the bank robber, she did not have anything to do with the crime.

Anyway, after Franki was fired, her heart had begun to harden. It hardened to the point of coming up with the idea to rob a bank and actually carrying out the plan with her friends who could also use the money. See how sin sets in? See how sin sets it off?

We get set off track when we choose to disobey GOD, break the Law and decide to do our own thing. How foolish we have become. How unwise we are when we choose to be foolish. How destructive it is when we choose an “ of life” rather than real eternal life. In real life, many many years ago, Pharoah hardened his heart before The Lord Hardened it. Judge Karen (court T.V. show) asks the

plaintiff and defendant in the case brought before her to rule, “And what happened?” “Why am I here?” The outcome of the story leads me to believe that Stoney asked herself those questions many times. “And what happened? Why am I here?” Stoney could not go back and change anything that had already happened. You can only move forward from where you are.

“Wiaw” IMITATION = copy, counterfeit

The movie ended with Stoney driving in Mexico all alone. Her friends were killed. Sin “set it off” and set her apart. If she had to do it all over again, would she make the same choice?

Can you see?

○ How sin can take you farther than you want to go? ○ How sin can make you pay a price you don’t want to pay? ○ How sin can give you what you don’t want to receive? ○ How sin can cost you…and you have to pay for something that you don’t even need and is better that you don’t have?

Yes, there is a high cost for low living. Stop! Look! Listen!

Sin adversely affects your life and the life of others around you. This is what sin

does.

When tempted, no one should say, “GOD Is Tempting me.” For GOD Cannot be tempted by evil, nor does HE Tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 NKJV

GOD Does Test men or Try men as far as their faith is concerned. However, GOD Does NOT Test men or Try men to bring forth evil or sin. Sin comes from within us. Sin comes from our old, evil, fallen, unregenerate nature. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, false witness, blasphemies, murders, thefts, Lies. These are things that defile a man. If we think a forbidden act long enough, we most likely will eventually do it.

The sin of Adam brought physical death on himself and on all future generations. Sin also leads to eternal, spiritual death—the final separation of the person from GOD and from His Blessing. To be out of fellowship with GOD is a form of death for a Christian.

GOD Is The Source of every good and every perfect gift. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from The Father of Lights, of Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His Own Will HE Brought us forth by The Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His Creatures.” James 1: 16- 18 NKJV

Only good gifts come from GOD. Just as Holy trials are designed to bring out the best in us. Unholy temptations are designed to bring out the worst in us. And

it does not help to play the “blame game”, it only hinders and makes matters worse. Those who have endured trials and tribulations with will be honored for that kind of life. And thus, will enjoy a deeper appreciation of eternal life in Heaven.

“Wiaw” FORTITUDE = strength of mind that enables one to meet danger or bear pain or adversity with courage (MWD)

The LUST of The FLESH Physical Desires / Possession

The Flesh

The tree was good for food… Genesis 2: 9

And out of the ground The LORD God Made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9 NKJV ARLB

And the LORD God Commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat. Genesis 2:16 NKJV ARLB

But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat: for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. Genesis 2:17 NKJV ARLB

The of the Flesh is physical desire. Jesus as a Man was tempted by Satan. Human temptations come to all of us. The true humanity of Jesus is reflected by the words, Jesus Was Hungry.

wiaw” LUST: As used in the Holy Bible, this term refers to any intense desire which becomes excessive or misdirected. It may be concentrated on possession of money, personal power, or sensual pleasures such as sexual experience and drunkenness. Excessive and misdirected desires tend to throw human life into chaos and disharmony. Christians are therefore urged to control their desires in

such a manner as to make their bodies instruments of righteousness rather than the prey of lusts. The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia

Back to the beginning…

What caused man’s miserable fall is Adam’s disobedience to GOD.

GOD Inspired Moses to write, “And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die. For GOD doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be gods, knowing Good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons (coverings).” Genesis 3: 4-7 KJSB

GOD inspired Moses to write the consequences of being disobedient. The following is what happened after Adam and Eve were disobedient to GOD and the curses that result from sin.

And they heard the sound of The LORD GOD Walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of The LORD GOD among the trees of the garden then The LORD GOD Called to Adam and Said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your Voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. And HE Said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I Commanded you that you should not eat?” Then the man said: The woman whom You Gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” And The LORD GOD Said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3: 8-24 NKJV

Here the woman (Eve) blames the serpent rather than herself. She is shifting the blame from herself to the serpent. The name Eve comes from the verb to live. Live spelled backwards is evil. To live in opposition of GOD’s Word is to sin against GOD. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17 NKJV

GOD Instructed Adam on what he was to do. GOD’s Instruction is always good and right. And The LORD God Commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat. But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. Genesis 2: 16, 17 NKJV

Again, Adam’s disobedience to GOD and his submission to the woman’s leading is the first marital role reversal. Have you eaten from the tree of which I Commanded you that you should not eat?” Then the man said: The woman whom You Gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3: 11, 12 NKJV

GOD called out to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3: 9) Where are you?” Now since GOD Is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent … GOD Knows Everything, Is Everywhere and Is All Powerful, do you not think that GOD Knows where Adam is? Instead of, “Adam where are you?” Let’s think of that question to mean, “Adam, why are you where you are?”

Why are you where you are? Selah… (pause) Can we each ask that question of ourselves, “Why am I where I am?”

What had Adam done to be where he was? Did Adam realize that he was where he was because he had disobeyed GOD? Do you think he realized that? Do you think that Adam realized that GOD Knew where he was? How about you? Do you believe that GOD Knows where you are?

Be assured, GOD knew where Adam was. Just as GOD knows where you are. GOD knows where I am. I know that GOD Knows where I am. Believe me, GOD Knows all things.

When GOD Spoke to Adam and Eve after they had disobeyed HIM, this is what HE Said:

To the woman The LORD GOD Said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Genesis 3:16 NKJV

Then to Adam HE Said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘you shall not eat of it’:

Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the

herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Genesis 3: 17-19 NKJV

And because it was the serpent who Eve said had deceived her, so The LORD GOD Said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust all the days of your life, And I Will put between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He Shall Bruise your head And you shall bruise His Heel.” Genesis 3:14, 15 NKJV

“wiaw” ENMITY= the bitter attitude or feelings of an enemy or of mutual enemies; hostility; antagonism. Enmity denotes a strong, settled feeling of hatred, whether concealed, displayed, or latent; hostility usually suggests enmity expressed in active opposition, attacks, etc.; animosity suggests bitterness of feeling that tends to break out in open hostility; antagonism stresses the mutual hostility or enmity of persons; forces, etc.

There it is! All is written for us in the HOLY BIBLE. And we ask the question, why did that happen… to me…to you…to us? Why did GOD let that happen?

Is it that you’ve been wondering what happened to mankind? Are you wondering how it was that this world got turned upside down? How did human society get so out of control?

Allow me to explain it as I heard the late Pastor Adrian Rogers explain it according to Scripture. First though, I want to say that according to science discovery, snakes many many years ago are found to have had legs. According to Discovery News (website www.seekers.com), “the oldest snake remains are dated to 112 to 94 million years ago”. To better examine a prehistoric snake from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, a scientist used a new imaging technique called synchrotron-radiation computed laminography (SRCL). With a high-energy intense beam of X-rays, the SRCL deeply penetrated the fossil as the researchers rotated it. The results were thousands of two-dimensional images that were later compiled into a three-dimensional model of the ancient snakes hips and ultra tiny .8-inch legs. (Discovery News website: www.seekers.com) Scientists are just now catching up with what Scripture Says. We do not know how long the legs were; however, we do know that GOD Said to the serpent, “on your belly you shall go”. Genesis 3:14 NKJV

Well, you see GOD made us to have dominion over His Creation and His Creatures. Kingdom authority was graciously given to Adam. Kingdom authority was also legally lost by Adam. GOD Gave Adam the right to rule the earth, but Adam forfeited that right. He believed Satan’s lies. When Adam believed Satan’s lies, he dethroned GOD’s authority that GOD Had given to him (Adam). When Adam was disobedient to GOD, Adam enthroned Satan. Adam failed to realize that GOD had already given to him (Adam)…Kingdom authority. There was no need for Adam to have something more. It was the adversary who set out to make Eve think that there was something that she was missing. And there was something that she and Adam were missing. That something that they were missing was not to be a part of them. That something was sin. Adam and Eve “missed the mark” of a perfect life when they disobeyed GOD.

What was a part of Adam and Eve and is also a part of us …in our created being is our “will” and our “freedom to choose”. Adam and Eve’s choice led them to become a slave of sin. Sin was brought in to the world by their disobedience to GOD. This … is how sin came into the world.

The Kingdom authority that had been graciously given by GOD to Adam and legally lost by Adam, had to be righteously regained. This … is what Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour Came to do. For The Son of man Has Come to Save that which was lost. Matthew 18:11 Jesus Came to Regain the Kingdom authority that was lost through the disobedience of Adam, legally and righteously.

Jesus Is The Victor and overcame the world, the flesh, and the

! Jesus Wants you to know that in Him you have the authority over the world, the flesh, and the devil and all the devil’s schemes. Look to Jesus and you will see how GOD is your strength in times of trials and tribulations experienced throughout your life and in everyday living.

“wiaw” DEVIL= slanderous, to slander, the chief evil spirit, a supernatural being subordinate to, and the foe of, GOD and the tempter of man

Free From Indwelling Sin…Walking In The Spirit

There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For those who live according the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. So then those who are in the flesh, cannot please GOD. Romans 8:1, 5, 6, 8 NKJV

The lust of possession for physical desires may increasingly cause the physical body in an unethical sense, to yield to a condition of being dominated by sin and sinful pursuits. “In the flesh” refers to our bodies before we are saved. After we are saved, these fleshly thoughts must come under the subjection of the spirit. The flesh (the physical body) still exists and so may the desires to indulge in the things you indulged in before you are saved. , you still are in your fleshly body. We receive our glorified bodies when we leave this place, this present world.

The penalty of sin is death, both physical and spiritual. Everyone is born dead in sin. The moment Adam sinned he died spiritually. Separation of the body and spirit, describes physical death which is the ultimate result of sin.

Flesh itself is not evil. And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see GOD. Job 19:26 This refers to the resurrection of the human body.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against GOD: for it is not subject to the law of GOD, nor indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please GOD. Romans 8:5-8 NKJV

The apostle Paul uses “flesh” to represent humanity’s evil nature, which cannot please GOD.

This is contrary to the thinking of this materialistic world today that lives only to satisfy the whims (desires) of the body. Modern man and woman in our secular society says, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” As far as the modern secular man and woman is concerned, that is the end of it all. However, that is farthest from The Truth. This world portrays, that it is an “all about me” society. Selfishness is the curse of an idle creedless purposeless secular society. Our selfish flesh is most often concerned with “what about me?” GOD Grants the ability to earn money, and grants the ability to enjoy it. Both are a gift of GOD.

What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the GODGiven task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. HE Has Made Everything beautiful in its time. Also HE Has Put Eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that GOD Does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the Gift of GOD. Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 NKJV

Our Lord and Saviour the popular philosophy of the world by meeting and overcoming worldly temptation. To yield to the temptation of the world, the flesh, and the devil is to overturn GOD’s intended purpose.

“wiaw” REFUTE= prove to be false by argument or evidence

Then Jesus, Being Filled with The Holy Spirit, Returned from the Jordan and Was Led by The Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days HE Ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, HE Was Hungry. Luke 4: 1, 2 NKJV

And the devil said to Him, “If You are The Son of GOD, command this stone to become bread.” Luke 4: 3 NKJV

But Jesus Answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of GOD’”. Luke 4: 4 NKJV

Bread satisfies the needs of the body. Bread is the staff of life. The body has need of food and Jesus was hungry. Since there is nothing wrong with bread, why did Jesus Respond in such manner to the first temptation to turn the stones into bread? What’s wrong with Jesus Getting Something to eat?

What would have been wrong is for Jesus to Use His Miraculous Powers to minister to Himself. That would have portrayed selfishness. Jesus Must

Demonstrate The Truth of the great principle, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word of GOD’”. Luke 4:4 Jesus Abstained from (did without) eating natural physical food to gain Spiritual Strength and Power from GOD The Father. We are to learn how to discipline ourselves by examining the perseverance and willful actions of Jesus. Nothing is more important than to worship GOD and serve Him only.

The PRIDE of LIFE Positional Desires / Power The devil

“And a tree desired to make one wise”

In the Garden of Eden, when the woman (Eve) saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked… Genesis 3:7 NKJV

It was rebellion that made the devil the devil from the start. The rebelled against All Mighty GOD.

“wiaw” ADVERSARY= adversary or acc is one who distresses or strives against another.

This word is used in portions of the Old Testament and throughout the New Testament as the proper name of the supreme supernatural adversary, also called the devil.

Revelation 12:4 lets us know that his tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.

And war broke out in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then John, the servant of Jesus Christ, said, “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,” “Now salvation, and strength, and The Kingdom of our GOD, and The Power of His Christ have come, for the acc of our brethren, who accused them before our GOD day and night, has been cast down. Revelation 12:7-10 NKJV

(1) You will never be more like the Lord Jesus than when you submit to GOD. (2) You will never be more like the devil than when you rebel against GOD.

How was it that Lucifer fell?

Lucifer has an “I” problem. Five times he used the pronoun of the first person singular. Lucifer was not satisfied with the position of authority that GOD Had Given him. Finally, Lucifer lays out his primary goal. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like The Most High.” Isaiah 14:14 The adversary wanted GOD’s Position and Power.

Lucifer means “shining one” as he is referred to as the morning star. Tradition of the time saw the stars as gods battling among themselves for places of preeminence. (The MacArthur Daily Bible p.911) Lucifer is most likely referred to as the son of the dawn because the morning star fades when the sun rises.

Lucifer started in the light and with The Light. Afterwards, Lucifer rebelled against GOD All Mighty. It was then that Lucifer took a dip into darkness. Taking on his fallen name and his fallen identity as Satan, remains in darkness.

Lucifer The GOD-Given Name of the angelic being Before he fell

How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn!

You have been cast down to the earth, You who once laid low the nations!

You said in your heart,

“I will ascend to heaven;

I will raise my throne Above the stars of GOD;

I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.

I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. Isaiah 14: 12-14 NKJV

Satan the name of the angelic being After he fell

Satan wants you to think that you can do whatever it is that you are thinking you can do even if it is in opposition of GOD. Or Satan will put a thought into your head that is not the right thought. Do not listen to Satan and boast on your own doings. For your own doings may not be solely your own doings. Evil influences and temptations stem from enemy territory. It is only through Christ can all things be done in truth and righteousness. I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV JSB

What would become of Lucifer after his fall?

Again there was a day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before The LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before The LORD. And The LORD Said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Satan answered The LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Job 2: 1, 2 NKJV ARLB

Therefore we are to Be , be ; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8 NKJV ARLB

“Wiaw” VIGILANT= alertly watchful esp. to avoid danger “Wiaw” SOBER= not drunk, serious or grave in mood or disposition

Yet you (Lucifer) shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. Isaiah 14:15 Sheol is the abode of the dead or the grave. Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Truth. Isaiah 38:18 NKJV

Our Lord Jesus Christ will deal with Satan when HE Returns to earth during His Second Coming. The apostle John while exiled on the island of Patmos writes:

Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in His Hand. HE Laid Hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20: 1- 3 NKJV JSB

The saints of GOD will return with Jesus Christ for the battle of Armageddon. Jesus Will Rule from the New Jerusalem for a thousand years of righteousness and peace on earth while the enemy Satan is bound. Everyone entering the Millenium (the thousand year period of Jesus’ Reign on earth) will be a true believer and follower of Christ.

And where is Satan now?

Revelation 12: 12b tells us: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.

Satan lifted himself up in . The Bible clearly and consistently denounces pride. Pride involves placing one’s own reasoning above GOD’s Word. How can you depend on your own finite mind to determine and the infinite Truths of GOD?

“wiaw” pride: The state of quality of being proud or having inordinate selfesteem; conceit concerning one’s talents, ability, wealth, station, etc; disdainful behavior. Beginning with the story of the Fall in Genesis 3, pride is viewed as the root and essence of sin; it is seeking for oneself the honor and glory that properly belongs to GOD.

“wiaw” UNDERSTAND, UNDERSTANDING= to grasp the meaning of, insight, the ability to evaluate a situation and respond to it appropriately.MWD, JSB

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 NKJV

Take Heed

Take time to think things through to completion. Strive to have a positive progressive outcome with good results.

Father of LIES

“a tree desirable to make one wise” So you see…there is another. Another also has a plan for our life /your life. This other is called “the father of ”. (John 8:44) This “other” not only has a plan, he has a mission to carry out the plan. He has also a strategy to enforce the mission in order to carry out the plan. This other I am referring to, has a name. His name as mentioned before is Satan. I kid you not. Satan has a plan and a mission for your life. Satan’s plan and mission for your life is persistent and it is . He wants you to . He takes great pride in setting you up to do so… to fail.

“wiaw” LIES, LYING=to lie is to speak falsely, to fabricate, to make a statement with intent to deceive. The term may also be used of anything which is vain, empty, lacking stability, or which causes distrust and disharmony. Lying is one of the sins against which the Holy Bible strongly inveighs; the punishment of liars is explicitly declared to be exclusion from Heaven and banishment to the lake of fire. The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia (LBE)

“wiaw” IMPAIRED=being in less than a perfect or whole condition; disabled or functionally defective. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (MWD)

“wiaw” FAIL =to fall short; to stop functioning; to be unsuccessful in achieving a ing grade.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary(MWD)

Before this created being became Satan, he was known as the son of the morning. Isaiah 14:12 reads, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning. How you are cut down from the ground, you who weakened the nations!” The GOD given name of the created angelic being was Lucifer.

Originally Lucifer was created as one of GOD’s Highest angels. Make no mistake about it. Satan, the devil (aka Lucifer, his name before he rebelled against GOD) is a created angel and the author of sin. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. 1 John 3: 8 Satan incurred the judgment of The Creator GOD by rebelling against Him.

Possessing all angelic attributes, Satan (the adversary) led numerous angels in a rebellion and involved them in his fall. The subtle nature of Satan is reflected in the first temptation with Eve. (Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which The Lord GOD Had Made. Genesis 3:1) Satan manifested himself in the form of a serpent, tempted Eve and succeeded in getting Eve to sin. (Genesis 3: 1- 15)

Described as the originator and chief practitioner of sin, Satan aka the great dragon is also described as a deceiver, as he who deceives the whole world. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. Revelation 12: 9

Satan is also described with the following titles:

○ “An acc of the brethren” Then I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our GOD, and the Power of His Christ have come, for the acc of our brethren, who accused them before our GOD day and night, has been cast down.” Revelation 12:10)

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis for all victory over the enemy. Just as the martyrs overcame the enemy, the Christians today also overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb, their testimony, and their steadfast faith and devotion to GOD.

○ “That wicked one” We know that whoever is born of GOD does not sin; but he who has been born of GOD keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. I John 5: 18

The enemy has no power over the Christian.

○ “A thief and destroyer” The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10: 10 He comes for absolutely selfish motives. He will kill the sheep in order to gain his own desires. He wants to destroy our personal lives by destroying our relationship with GOD and our fellowship with others.

○ “A murderer and a liar” You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in The Truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8: 44

Those who belong to their father the devil manifest his traits.

○ “An angel of light” And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11: 14

The Apostle Paul warns that the enemy masquerades himself as an angel of light. Just as the enemy pretends to be one of GOD’s good angels, he could empower false apostles to masquerade as apostles of Christ.

What is the enemy’s identity?

Satan is the master of disguise. Satan masquerades himself as an angel of light with the other deceptive fallen angels under his direction to disguise themselves in one way or another. Satan is an antagonist (adversary, opponent) to GOD. Satan is an arch (chief) deceiver to GOD’s Children (the church, Jew and Gentile) and to mankind as a whole.

This enemy is waging war against the:

➢ Christian (Life) represents Individual ➢ Family (Home) represents Inner Circle

➢ Church (Kingdom of GOD) represents Collective Body

We must begin to identify the enemy in order that we know the importance of being well armed. The devil’s most clever tool is “to make believe” that he does not exist. He hides in the most unbelievable places: behind intelligence, behind education, behind religion, behind authority. Satan’s present day activities include opposing The Will and Work of GOD, counterfeiting The Work of GOD, and destroying all that is good and right.

“It was that made the devil the devil to begin with. He rebelled against Almighty GOD. You will never be more like the devil than when you’re a ; you will never be more like the Lord Jesus than when you to GOD.”

“Wiaw” REBELLION, REBEL= to resist authority, defiance against a government through uprising or revolt

Wiaw” SUBMIT= to commit to the discretion or decision of another or of others; to yield or to surrender

What is Satan’s Mission?

Satan’s mission is to kill, steal, and destroy. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10: 10 Satan does have a one track mind. And just like the movie, “The Terminator”, he will not stop until you are dead. You read it right! He will stay on your path while you are still living. Satan wants people to serve and to worship him. Lucifer was not satisfied with the

position of authority that GOD had given him. Now the serpent was more cunning than any other beast of the field which The LORD GOD Made.” Genesis 3: 1 Finally, Lucifer lays out his primary goal. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like The Most High.” Isaiah 14: 14 The adversary wants GOD’s Position and Power.

Satan studies the behavior of humans. He waits and he watches.

The enemy is also described as a roaring lion. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8 NKJV

Know that he has fallen angels assigned to you. You see, Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time. Therefore, he has assigned a fallen angel to keep track of you. He wants to know what you say, and what you do at all times. Satan has limitations. NO mind reading permitted. He knows what you are thinking only by what you say and/or do. Satan also knows what has happened down through the generations, down through your ancestral line. The wickedness that has occurred down through your ancestral family line and the evil that continues to repeat itself can be referred to as generational curses. Generational curses can be broken in The Name of Jesus. Believe and obey The Most High GOD, Creator of Heaven and earth. To break generational curses and strongholds of sin, plead The Blood of Jesus.

Satan is our enemy. Why is Satan our enemy? I’m glad you thought that question. Satan is our enemy because he chose to be GOD’s enemy. Satan wanted to be worshiped and chose to deliberately intentionally disobey GOD. For his disobedience and rebellion against GOD, GOD cast Satan out of heaven. (Revelation 12: 9)

And war broke out in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world, he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and The Kingdom of GOD, and The Power of His Christ have Come, of the accs of our brethren, who accused them before our GOD day and night, has been cast down. Revelation 12: 7-10 NKJV ARLB

Make no mistake about it! Satan is our enemy! He will do anything he can to get us to follow his deadly evil path. Do not be deceived. GOD is not mocked; for whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6: 7 There are four underlying principles in this universal proverb, “You reap what you sow.” (The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV)

The principle of investment: The principle of identity: The principle of increase: The principle of interval:

You reap when you sow. You reap what you sow. You reap more than you sow. You reap later than you sow.

The prophet Jeremiah taught that those who trust GOD are like trees whose roots tap into underground channels of water during dry seasons.

Satan is the ultimate deceiver. However, we can deceive ourselves and mock GOD when we knowingly and willingly sin and act as if there are no consequences or penalty to be paid. GOD Views sin as sin, no matter how big or how small. One more thing, before a Holy GOD, there is no small sin. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, The Lord Search the heart, I Test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17: 9, 10 NKJV

There is a desperate incurable wickedness of the human heart. Do not allow the enemy of your soul to fool you. Ask GOD to help you. HE Will! HE wants to help you. Just look at what happened to Satan. Hell was not created for you. Hell was not created for me. Hell was created for the devil and his fallen angels. Believe me. Most importantly believe GOD! The devil wants you in hell with him and his fallen angels. GOD wants to save you! The gift of salvation is yours for the asking. Be sincere when you ask GOD to save you.

What is Satan’s Plan?

Satan’s plan is to destroy you…and me. If he cannot get you to serve him, he will make every effort and every attempt to destroy you. It is so misleading and ironic, because if Satan has you serving him now, you are already being destroyed. It’s just that he does not want you to know that you are damned, if you do not repent of your sin and receive Christ. If you are already serving the enemy and doing all that you want to do in sin, Satan already has you. Your path is that of destruction if you do not belong to Christ and do not have Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Receive Jesus Christ. Repent of your sin. Love and serve GOD as HE Loves you.

If Satan cannot have you because you are a child of the true and living GOD, Satan wants to destroy your testimony. Have you heard the saying, “Misery loves company?” Satan wants you with him. He just has not fully realized that his place will be in Sheol, the pit, hell. And hell will be cast into the lake of fire. The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. Revelation 20:10 Satan wants you to destroy what GOD has for you. Satan wants to destroy your service to GOD and your fellowship with others.

I believe the main tactic that Satan uses is deception. If he can deceive you he has pretty much got it made. You are on your way to heartache and despair. To deceive someone is to lie to them. is when someone believes something to be true when it is not true. Deception begins when the mind begins to rationalize a justification for an untrue harmful thought, deceitful words spoken, and corrupt evil misleading actions.

“Wiaw” DECEIVE= to cause to believe an untruth “Wiaw” DECEPTION= fraud, trick

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with GOD. For it is written, HE Taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord Knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Should you hear The Word; however, and not follow what The Word Says nor

apply it in your life, you are merely deceiving yourself.

But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22

But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14

This warning age does not involve the insecurity of salvation but spiritual .

“wiaw” IMMATURITY= lacking complete development

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the of GOD; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk, is unskilled in The Word of Righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of fullage, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5; 7 NKJV JSB

“wiaw” ORACLES= divinely inspired answers of revelation, any authoritative or wise utterance; great authority or wisdom

The oracles of GOD are the simplest facts (truths) of The Word of GOD, also referred to as the ABC’s of GOD’s Word.

“wiaw” RUDIMENTARY= elementary principle or basic skill

The father of lies (John 8: 44) uses other tactics which are the “devil’s deadly downfalls” (ddd, aka triple d). Put the letter “d” in front of the word “evil” and you get the word devil. The following devious tactics are used by Satan to lure you on to his corrupt wicked path and to keep you there on the path of destruction.

The devil’s deadly downfalls (ddd) to destruction are as follows:

○ Doubt (ddd) ■ Makes you question GOD’s Word and His Goodness.

○ Discouragement (ddd) ■ Makes you look at your disappointments and problems rather than at GOD.

○ Diversion (ddd) ■ Makes the wrong things seem attractive or seem right so that you will want

those things rather the things that are right and that are of GOD.

○ Defeat (ddd) ■ Makes you feel like a failure so that you don’t even try nor do you want to try.

○ Delay (ddd) ■ Makes you procrastinate and put off something so that it may not get done.

○ Desire (ddd) ■ Begins as a lustful want that is damnable and detestable. Lust begins as emotion—the need to have or do (envy and/or covetousness)

○ Design (ddd) ■ Design is when plans start to be made to fulfill a lustful desire and to deceive. This involves a willful concise decision.

○ Disobedience (ddd) ■ If the design proceeds to action and goes against GOD’s Will and gives birth to sin, then sin leads to destruction and death.

○ Disillusion (ddd) ■ Satan tries to make GOD look bad. He tries to cause you to have dissatisfaction and disappointment with GOD.

When tempted, no one should say, “GOD is tempting me.” For GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor does HE Tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and enticed. James 1: 13- 15

Unholy temptations are strategically designed to bring out the worst in us. Unholy temptations are totally opposite to Holy tests, which are uprightly designed to bring out the best in us. This is what we must clearly understand, the difference between Holy tests and unholy temptations. To be able to decipher right from wrong when it may not be totally obvious requires wisdom and spiritual discernment, that only GOD Can Give. You must ask GOD for wisdom, understanding, and spiritual discernment.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, Who Gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1: 5 NKJV JSB

When we are tempted to sin, the temptation does not come from a Holy GOD. GOD Does not tempt any one to commit to any form of evil. GOD Himself Has no dealings with evil. GOD Does however, test us to broaden our faith and strengthen us.

Just as with Adam and Eve shifting the blame, man does try to shift the responsibility of on to someone or something else. Sin is even referred to as a . Sin is not a sickness.

“wiaw” SIN= an offense against GOD; to miss the mark

“wiaw” SICKNESS= the state of being ill (not in full health) ; the feeling or fact of being affected with nausea or vomiting

Sin is a moral failure of which all must give of all short comings to GOD. Some try to blame inanimate objects and other things for sin. It is so easy to shift the blame from one end to the other. For example, having much money and being at risk of the temptation of becoming greedy or having little money and being at risk of the temptation of stealing. It is not a sin to have a lot of money and it is not a sin to have very little money. The question is too, “What would you do with a lot of money if you had it?” Another question, “What are you doing with the money that you do have?”

The Bible Says that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV

Food for Growth

GOD Will Meet our need, not our greed.¹

Apply to 1 Timothy 6: 10 ARLB NKJV “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p.

The Bible goes on to say that some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9 NKJV

It is many times easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions.

EXCUSES made for evil thoughts and putting those evil thoughts into action include:

(1) I couldn’t help it,

(2) Everyone is doing it, (3) It’s the other person’s fault, (4) They should not have said what they said or did what they did, (5) Nobody’s perfect, (6) It was just a mistake, I did not mean it, (7) The devil made me do it, (8) I was pressured into it, (9) I didn’t know it was wrong, (10) GOD is tempting me.

Have you ever used any of these ? Or have you just simply made up your own?

“wiaw” EXCUSES= to justify, to prove to be just right, or reasonable; to pronounce free from guilt or blame

An individual who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from him/herself to someone or something else. On the other hand, an individual who professes to be like Christ, is the true Christian who realizes and accepts responsibility for his/her wrong doings, confesses sin and asks GOD for forgiveness. The Holy Bible often compares goodness with light, and evil with darkness.

When we enter a dark room and want to see what is in the room and see where

we are going, what do we do? … First … We turn on the light! However, many times men prefer darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.

He who believes in HIM is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the Only Begotten Son of GOD. And this is the condemnation, that The Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. And everyone practicing evil hates The Light and does not come to The Light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does The Truth comes to The Light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in GOD. John 3:18-21 NKJV

Blaming others is an excuse for desiring to remain in the dark and not wanting to accept responsibility for one’s own actions.

Sin and defilement comes from within us, from our old, fallen, evil, unregenerate, unrepentant nature. Jesus Said to His Disciples, “Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, . Matthew 15:17-19 NKJV

“wiaw” DEFILE= to make filthy, corrupt, to violate the chastity of, to violate the sanctity of, desecrate, dishonor, contaminate, pollute, soil, taint

“wiaw” BLASPHEMES= the lack of expressing reverence for GOD; irreverence towards something considered sacred and Holy

The word “desires” is a morally neutral word and could refer to good or evil. With few exceptions it is used in the New Testament to describe evil desires. Lust is compared to an evil woman parading her allurements and trying to seduce her victims. In order that we are not drawn away by our own selfish desires, we must expel all thoughts of sin and sin-related thoughts from our mind and concentrate on subjects that are pure and Holy.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 NKJV

The things which you learned and received, and heard, and saw in ME, these do, and The GOD of Peace Will be with you. Philippians 4: 9 NKJV

A has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. Proverbs 18:2 NKJV

“wiaw” FOOL= a person who lacks sense of judgment; idiot; to spend time idly or aimlessly; to meddle or tamper thoughtlessly or ignorantly; joke; deceive

For every one of us is tempted. In various degrees, we all have some forms of impure appetites and/or vile lusts constantly urging us on to sin. In the moment of temptation, we need to call on the Lord, ing that “The Name of the Lord, Is A Strong Tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10 NJKV

The fear of the LORD Leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil. Proverbs 19:23 NKJV

We fear GOD when we reverence HIM as The Supreme LORD. Glorifying GOD becomes our number one priority. We fear misrepresenting HIM before men and we fear doing anything that would displease GOD.

We do not reverence GOD when we think on things that are displeasing to HIM.

Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin. James 2:15a Instead of expelling the vile thought that comes into our mind, we may dwell on it, encourage, nurture, and even enjoy it. This act is considered similar to sexual intercourse. There is the arousal and the actual sexual act. When lust conceives, sin is born. If we think about a forbidden act long enough, it becomes evident that we will eventually do it.

I “lust” you

gives. gets.

The process of lust conceiving and bringing forth sin is illustrated in the incident of David and Bathsheba. David’s sin occurred because he ignored his duty and gave in to his desire. Perhaps, had David been leading the troops as king and not at home , he would have less likely found himself in this moment of enticement. (Moma would always say, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.”)

“wiaw” LOVE= unselfish loyal and benevolent (charitable kindness) genuine concern for others

“wiaw” LUST= usually intense or unbridled sexual desire; an intense longing

“wiaw” IDLING, IDLE= to spend time doing nothing

David saw Bathsheba bathing on the rooftop, coveted her, sent for her to come to him and took Bathsheba for his own. A subject of the king was desired to do his bidding. In other words, a king had free reign, the authority to do just about all of what he wanted.

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah, one of David’s elite soldiers. Hebrew law required that anyone caught in adultery was to be stoned. (Deuteronomy 22: 2224) The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death. Leviticus 20: 10 Not only did David commit adultery, Bathsheba became “with child”. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, “I am with child.”

2 Samuel 11: 5 NKJV ARLB

King David was unable to cover up his sin. He tried to make it appear as if Bathsheba’s child belonged to her husband Uriah, by having Uriah come home from the battlefield and spend time with his wife Bathsheba. That plan did not work, since Uriah did not spend time with his wife Bathsheba.

David was so anxious to cover up his sin of adultery with Bathsheba that he was willing to commit murder. And thus David did so by setting Uriah up on the battlefield in the frontline. Uriah was killed.

Committing just one sin often makes people callous to bigger sins, until they find themselves doing things they never imagined they would do. There is no limit to the depths of sin a person is capable of once he or she starts to walk away from GOD.

After Uriah was killed, David took Bathsheba as his wife. Although David fasted and prayed, David and Bathsheba’s son died after being born. David itted his sin, asked GOD for forgiveness, and a second son was born to the marital union of David and Bathsheba. The second son born to David and Bathsheba was named Solomon, who became known as the wisest and wealthiest king. (Read the story in 2 Samuel 11:1-27 thru 12:1-24)

And sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. James 1:15b

Sin is NOT a , NOT a sterile thing. Sin a of its .

“Wiaw” LONER= one that avoids others “Wiaw” STERILE= unable to bear fruit “Wiaw” PRODUCE= to give birth or rise to; yield; bring about “Wiaw” BROOD= a family of young animals or children “Wiaw” OWN= belonging to oneself; to have or hold as property; to have power or mastery over

Where do we go from here?

In the case with the adulterous sin of David and Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, after the child died, David arose from having lain all night on the ground, and worshiped GOD. So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of The Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” And he said, “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether The Lord Will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ “But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” 2 Samuel 12: 20-23

There is a high cost of low living. When Nathan the prophet confronted David about his sin, David repented. David said, “I have sinned against The Lord” 2 Samuel 12: 13

GOD Confronted David via Nathan the prophet. GOD Convicted David and chastised him. Nathan the prophet said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin, you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12: 13

Food for Growth

If you are living in immorality, you’re either headed for the woodshed, or headed to hell.¹⁷ Apply to 2 Samuel 12: 13, 14

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers, NKJV Legacy Bible p. 353

“However, by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of The Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.” 2 Samuel 12: 13, 14

Then Nathan departed to his house. 2 Samuel 12: 15

Had king David not repented of his sin, GOD Would have killed him. If you are living in sin and have not repented of that sin, question yourself whether you are GOD’s Child. If living in sin is your lifestyle and you are comfortable and enjoying the sin that you are living in, you may more than likely not be a child of GOD. This is real serious business. Ask yourself, “To Whom do I belong?”

The Bible Says that if we are without chastisement, we are illegitimate and – have never been saved.

If you are living in sin, and GOD Is Dealing with you, do something about it. You know what you need to do … ask for forgiveness, repent and get right with GOD.

“For whom The Lord Loves HE Chastens, And scourges every son whom HE Receives.” If you endure chastening, GOD Deals with you as with sons; for what son is there who a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12: 6-8

Think of the high cost of King David’s sin, the death of his first son born of Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. David went through this season of low living. However, when he repented, GOD forgave him. GOD Said that David was a man after His Own Heart. “…I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MY Own Heart, who will do all MY Will.” Acts 13:22

David in his younger years was a keeper of sheep. This is the same David that slew Goliath and cut off his head. (Read 1 Samuel 17)

If we confess our sins, GOD Is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. 1 John 1: 9, 10 NKJV

The sin of Adam and Eve brought physical death to them and to the rest of creation. Then the LORD GOD Took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD GOD Commanded the man, saying. “Of every tree of the Garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die. Genesis 2: 15- 17 But sin also leads to the final separation of the person from GOD and from GOD’s Blessings. The eternal spiritual death is the final separation of the person from GOD for all eternity.

Also there is a sense in which sin results in death for a believer. A form of living death for the Christian believer is for him or her to be out of fellowship with GOD.

Again, when tempted, no one should say, “GOD is tempting me.” For GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor does HE Tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. James 1:13-15

In these scriptural ages the source is identified as internal, from one’s own lust, and the outcome is death. The progression of sin, from temptation to death, has an in the physical life cycle: conception, birth, maturity, and death. We are first conceived, then we are born, then we grow and learn, then we act and do, we sin against GOD, then we die. Or we repent of our sin; we believe GOD and follow Him. Then we live.

“wiaw” ANALOGY= the likelihood that if two or more things agree, in some respects, they will probably agree in others

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 NKJV

In the process of growing and learning, we have the opportunity to be born again. Should we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, and Jesus becomes our Lord and Saviour, we then have the eternal gift of everlasting life. We live and act differently. And before we die, we actually begin to serve The Lord while we are still on earth. In this case, it is not death for the believer but on the contrary, it is the extension of eternal life from the current earth to the new earth. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. As a matter of Truth, we have life, Eternal Life at the very moment that we ask GOD to save us.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is ing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of GOD abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

The Holy Bible tells us that we are the victors and that we are able to overcome the attack and deception of the enemy through:

• Strength + I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 + GOD’s is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12: 9

“wiaw” STRENGTH=the state or quality of being strong; force; power; vigor; having the power to resist strain, stress, attack; toughness,; durability

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be : I know how to be abased (humbled), and I know how to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4: 11, 12 NKJV

“wiaw” CONTENT= satisfied MWD

The Apostle Paul’s life demonstrates what it means to be content everywhere and in all things. There are four main factors that reflect what it means to be content.

✓ Contentment is a learned behavior. ✓ Contentment is not dependent upon circumstances. ✓ Contentment is a state of being, not doing (being content). ✓ Contentment is based in the riches and fulfillment of Jesus Christ.

Contentment just does not occur, it is not a happenstance. Contentment is a choice. It is cultivated by continually resisting the discontented spirit of the age.

The following truths are fundamental factors utilized to willfully choose to be content and resist the adversary’s tactics.

• Principle + Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic ;of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject to regulations—Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle, which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2: 2023 NKJV

“wiaw” PRINCIPLE=the ultimate source, origin, or cause of something; a fundamental truth, law, doctrine, or motivating force upon which others are based; a rule of conduct, especially right conduct

Just as sin and death had no hold on Jesus Christ (Romans 6:9), Christians have been set free of the human requirements that people try to impose regarding spiritual matters (Colossians 2: 14) GOD Loved us so much that HE Devised a plan to wipe away our sinful unrighteousness. If GOD Could overlook sin, Jesus dying on the cross would have not been necessary.

• Power + The Lord has given us not the Spirit of fear, but of , of love, and a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7

“Wiaw” POWER= Strength, might, force; the possession of sway or controlling influence over others; also, a person, government, etc., invested with or influence or exercising control. In the King James Version of the Bible, there is often little distinction made between “power” and “authority”, that they are quite closely related is seen in the fact that authority is valueless without the power to enforce it. Power is attributed primarily to GOD, but may be applied to any holder of power, whether human or superhuman. The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia

“Wiaw” AUTHORITY= power to influence thought or behavior (MWD); the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience (Google)

And Jesus Came and Spoke to them, saying, “All Authority has been given to ME in Heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28: 18 NKJV ARLB

Jesus Christ Has Given every follower His Power and His Authority to defeat Satan and all evil spirits. HE Made The Promise to give us this power and authority when HE Said to Peter, “And I Also Say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I Will Build MY Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16: 18 NKJV

And I Will Give you the keys of The Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven. Matthew16: 19 NKJV

The gates of Hades will not be able to withstand or withhold the advancing church. Jesus Was Going to Build and Is Building His Church. His Church Is going to advance. The gates of Hades cannot withstand The True Church of Jesus Christ. Christ’s Power Is Greater than the power of the enemy. When there is head on collision between The Power of GOD and the power of the enemy, The Power of GOD Will WIN every time!

When the apostle Paul went to the churches, he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “Now some of you are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if The Lord Wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but The Power. For The Kingdom of GOD Is not in word but in Power. 1 Corinthians 4: 20 NKJV ARLB

What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness. 1 Corinthians 4:21 NKJV ARLB

Identify with the wicked man

A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; perversity is in his heart,

he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. Proverbs 6: 12-15 NKJV

The wicked person winks with his eyes, shuffles his feet, points, devises wicked imaginations and so on, for evil purposes. Frowardness is in his heart and he is constantly devising mischief and sowing discord. Frowardness is willful disobedience and refers to .

“wiaw” MORAL= of or relating to principles of right or wrong, conforming to a standard of right behavior; capable of right and wrong action

“wiaw” PERVERSITY, PERVERSE= turned away from what is good or right, corrupt, to lead astray, to divert (distract) to a wrong purpose

For all have sinned and fall short of The Glory of GOD. Romans 3: 23

Therefore:

Know you are a sinner Know that Jesus Died and Rose Again for you

Ask Jesus to Save you, Call to Jesus, Come to Jesus Live your life in accordance with GOD’s WORD Ask for forgiveness and forgive others. They are human like you.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and The Truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, HE Is Faithful and Just to Forgive us our sins and to Cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. 1 John 1:8- 10 NKJV JSB

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with The Father, Jesus Christ The Righteous. And HE Himself Is The Propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but but the whole world. 1 John 2: 1, 2 NKJV JSB

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His Commandments, is a liar, and The Truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His Word, truly the love of GOD is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. HE who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as HE Walked. 1 John 3- 6 NKJV JSB

The enemy’s disguises

According to Proverbs 6:16-19, these six things The LORD Hates; yes, seven are an abomination unto HIM:

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

A proud look, A lying tongue, and Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked imagination (plans), Feet that are swift in running to mischief (evil), A false witness that speaks lies (liar), and One who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

This proverb can be referred to as GOD’s Hate list. This list is the sort of behavior that displeases GOD. These are the kinds of people with such traits that are to be rejected from one’s fellowship. These are the kinds of people whom GOD Rejects.

Three of these seven hated sins are committed with the tongue… lying, a false witness that speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26 A great forest can be ignited by a little fire. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our GOD and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of GOD. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. James 3: 5-12

The human mouth is like that of a poisonous snake without GOD’s Help and our willingness to discipline it. The human tongue can always be poised like a snake to strike and inject its poison. One minute the tongue blesses GOD and the next minute it curses His Image. The tongue is inconsistent, hypocritical, and unruly if left to itself. We need GOD’s Help to tame the tongue!

Jesus identifies His true disciples as those who believe in HIM and continue in HIS Word. Jesus shows that discipleship depends upon having the right father. When those who choose to abide not in the truth and chooses to do the work of the enemy, they appear to be sons of the devil. The devil is the father of lies.

He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8: 44 NKJV JSB

Not much has changed down through the centuries. Today, the enemy (the devil) still tries to keep you from getting saved. If he fails at keeping you from getting saved, the enemy will try to keep you from discovering GOD’s Best, for you, your family, and your life. This then takes a toll on the church body. It is the individual and the families of individuals that make up the church.

There are also seven deadly sins that are viewed by society and literature and most importantly, referenced in The HOLY Bible. The seven deadly sins are as follows:

○ Lust ○ Gluttony ○ Greed ○ Slothfulness (Laziness) ○ Wrathful Anger ○ Envy

○ Pride

○ Lust – to have an intense desire or need: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” Matthew 5: 28 NKJV ARLB

○ Gluttony – excess in eating and drinking: “for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags” Proverbs 23: 21NKJV

○ Greed – excessive or selfish desire beyond reason: “who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” Ephesians 4: 19 NKJV ARLB

○ Slothfulness (Laziness) – disinclined to activity or exertion: not energetic or vigorous: “The way of a lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway” Proverbs 15: 19 NKJV ARLB

○ Anger (Wrath) – strong vengeful anger or indignation: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15: 1 NKJV ARLB

○ Envy – painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another ed with a desire to possess the same advantage: Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire pure milk of The Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that The Lord is Gracious. 1 Peter 2: 1- 3 NKJV ARLB

○ Pride – quality or state of being proud – inordinate self esteem: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” Proverbs 16: 18

As you continue to read, there is another section entitled “Trees” that has more written about fruit, both the vices (the forbidden fruit) and the Virtues (The Fruit of The Spirit). However, the following is a listing of the virtues and how they cure each vice, each of the seven deadly sins:

• Chastity (Purity) and Self-control — aids in curing lust by controlling ion and leveraging that energy for the good of others

• Self-control and Temperance – aids in curing gluttony by implanting the desire to be healthy, therefore making one fit to serve others

• Charity (Love) – aids in curing greed by putting the desire to help others above one’s own desires and above storing up treasures for one’s self

• Diligence (Zeal) – aids in curing slothfulness by placing the best interest of

one’s intended purpose and the best interest of others above the life of extreme ease and excessive relaxation

• Patience, Gentleness, Joy and Peace – aids in curing wrath by taking time to understand the needs and desires of others before acting or speaking in a wrongful manner

• Kindness and Gentleness – aids in curing envy by placing the desire to help others above the need to supersede, act superior to them, or out-do them due to covetousness

• Humility and Long-suffering – aids in curing pride by removing boastfulness and one’s ego, therefore allowing the right attitude of service

Pride is viewed as the root and essence of sin. Pride and rebellion is what caused Satan’s downfall. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. Revelation 12:9 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

The fear of The LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I Hate. Proverbs 8: 13, 14 NKJV JSB

Before The LORD, he came…

When GOD asked Satan where he had been, he boldly said to GOD in Job 2:2 that he had been roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it. James

in 4:7 says that we are to resist the devil and he shall flee from you. However, if you do not believe that the devil exists, who is there to resist?

Boldly before the LORD, Satan came. GOD cannot be fooled by Satan.

The book of Job is about a man named Job. The book appears to be about Job’s human suffering; however, the true subject of the book comes forth as a reflection of GOD’s Sovereignty. As a brief introduction of the book of Job, Satan accused Job of demonstrating righteousness but not really being truly devoted to GOD.

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared GOD and shunned evil. And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. Also his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest among all the people of the East. Job 1: 1-3 NKJV ARLB

And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. So it was, when the days of feasting has run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed GOD in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly. Job 1: 4, 5 NKJV ARLB

Now there was a day when the sons of GOD came to present themselves before

The LORD, and Satan also came among them. Job 1: 6 GOD Allows Satan access to Him, although Satan is a fallen being. And The LORD Said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered The LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Job 1: 7 NKJV ARLB

Then The LORD Said to Satan, “Have you considered My Servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears GOD and shuns evil?”

So Satan answered The LORD and said, “Does Job fear GOD for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your Hand and Touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your Face!”

And The LORD Said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from The Presence of The LORD. Job 1: 8- 22 NKJV ARLB

With that permission given by GOD, Satan attacks Job’s character. Job then loses his children and his property. Satan goes on to attack Job’s health. Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” Job 1: 12 The limits of Satan’s activity were clearly set forth by GOD. Although Satan wreaked havoc in Job’s life on earth, he had to remain within the boundaries he was given by GOD. This is evident that Satan is always under The Sovereign Deciding Hand of GOD. The adversary is not a free agent to do whatever he chooses, or whenever he chooses nor however he chooses.

Job’s suffering was a test for Job, Satan, and us—not GOD. Job’s faith was being tested. Job walked by faith rather than sight. (2 Corinthians 5: 7) Although Job’s wife told him to curse GOD and die, and although Job’s friends were not understanding but accused Job of having sinned against GOD, Job’s response was, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13: 15 Job did not sin against GOD, no matter what happened to him or no matter what anyone said against him. Job continued to proclaim his innocence before GOD and was prepared to die trusting Him.

Food for Growth

“Character is what we are in the dark.”¹⁸

Apply to Job 1: 8-22 NKJV “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 551

A test for Satan is that Satan did not know how Job would respond to his suffering. Satan is not omniscient, he is not all-knowing. Satan is not omnipresent, he is not everywhere at the same time. Nor is Satan omnipotent, he is not all-powerful. Satan found out when he repeatedly tempted Job, that Job would remain faithful to GOD. Satan is described as one who accuses the followers of Christ to GOD. And he also tries to make the followers of Christ believe that GOD is not for us. Satan makes accusation to GOD . And the deceiver makes accusation to us about GOD.

Believers may talk about trusting in The Lord with all their heart and say that they refuse to believe on their own understanding, but how is one to know until those types of circumstances are experienced. A key is to give of oneself to GOD daily, just as Job did, in order to be able to fully trust GOD in moments of darkness and pain. WHO we rely on and trust in The Light, we must also rely on and trust in the dark, when it seems as if we are not in The Light. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil; for THOU Art With me. For THY Rod and THY Staff; They Comfort me. Psalm 23: 4 NKJV ARLB

Despite the evils, injustices, and corruptive wickedness in the world, the Book of Job displays the character of a loving and totally righteous GOD. (Read the Book of Job) You will see that GOD Gave back to Job twice as much as he lost, including another ten children. These children did not replace the first ten but were added to them. Job and his wife had a total of 20 children.

Yahweh (The LORD) Restored the fortune and family of Job to a level suring that at the beginning of the book. And The LORD Restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Job 42: 10 NKJV JSB

Job lived a rich, full life of another 140 years all the remaining days of his life. Job lived to be about 210 years old. He was about 70 years old when his calamities fell upon him. (‘Dict. Of the Bible,’ vol.1. p 1087 note)

After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. So Job died, old and full of days. Job 42: 16 NKJV ARLB

It is unhealthy and dangerous to believe that there is no conflict in this world… there is. It is the LORD, His Heavenly angels and His children to whom the devil and his demons (the fallen angels) are against. We need to keep each other informed about the nature of this enemy. The enemy wants to be worshipped.

It is Satan who is behind all the evil and wickedness in this world. Satan is known as the tempter, the prince of the powers of the air, the evil one who comes as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11: 14) The morning star disappears before the Rising Sun.

Satan is called a roaring lion.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8 NKJV ARLB

Satan is the open and declared enemy of GOD and man (Matthew 4:1-11). The adversary shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Revelation 20:10) Satan is referred to in Romans 16:20 as the prince of this world who was defeated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“wiaw” ADVERSARY= this word is used in the Holy Bible to translate Hebrew and Greek words which have the meaning of one who distresses someone, one who strives against another, or one who lies in wait against another. The general connotation is that of an enemy or antagonist. It is also used as a designation of Satan.

“wiaw” VIGILANT= to watch, being awake, staying watchful, an alert to danger or trouble

All people are tempted differently according to their individual weaknesses. Temptations follow patterns. Again, the three fundamental areas of life’s temptations that are in opposition to GOD and our obedience to Him are:

○ The Lust of the Flesh (The Flesh/ Physical Desires / Possession) ○ The Lust of the Eyes (The World/ Personal Desires / Pleasure) ○ The Pride of Life (The Devil/ Positional Interests / Power)

When Satan caused the fall of the human race, he appealed to each of these areas of weakness (Genesis 3:6) Satan also appealed to the temptations when he tempted Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:1- 11). Jesus Christ defied Satan’s temptations by relying on the authority of the Scriptures. Christians today must also depend on the Word of GOD to defeat temptation.

Believers sometimes think that when encountering difficult circumstances they have somehow missed GOD’s Blessings and His Will for their life. The Spirit of GOD May Lead the faithful into the wilderness, just as with Jesus. (James 1: 24)

, GOD Led Israel into the wilderness to test them. The nation of Israel failed the test. (Deuteronomy 8: 2- 4) However, Jesus ed not only the wilderness test, but HE Overcame the devil’s temptations.

The father of lies first tempted Jesus to act in His Own Self-Interest by suggesting that HE Turn stones into bread. The devil’s second temptation urged Jesus to forfeit GOD’s Prophetic Plan for The Messiah and Claim His Rightful throne immediately, without first atoning for the world’s sins. Jesus neither denied nor affirmed Satan’s authority to give Him these things but insisted that GOD Alone is to be worshiped. No prize is big enough to warrant the worship of anyone other than GOD.

For all that is in the world,

○ the lust of the flesh, ○ the lust of the eyes, and ○ the pride of life,

is not of The Father but is of the world. 1 John 2: 16 NKJV ARSB

Satan looks for the opportune time to tempt GOD’s Children. He looks for occasions when GOD’s Children are weakened and become more susceptible to giving in to the temptations. Wise believers learn to recognize these types of temptations and depend constantly on GOD through The Holy Spirit.

For there are three that bear witness in Heaven:

➢ The Father,

➢ The Word, ➢ The HOLY Spirit;

and these Three Are One. 1 John 5: 7 NKJV ARSB

For there are three that bear witness on earth:

➢ The Spirit ➢ The Water ➢ The Blood

And these Three Agree as One. 1 John 5: 8 NKJV ARSB

Food for Growth

When we were born again, we were born to win.¹ Apply to 1 John 5: 4 An Adrianism The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1405

Little children, keep yourselves from . 1 John 5: 21 NKJV

“wiaw” IDOL= an image worshipped as a god; a false god; an object of ionate devotion

If you are following Satan, you are following a loser. You are going to die and go to hell. But if you are following Jesus, you will live forever. It Is Written.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus Is The Son of GOD. 1 John 5: 4, 5 NKJV

C. O. P. P. — Other Peoples’ Positions

“looking on from the outside”

Fallen World (broad path)

GOD Is Able A Family Affair The Family Tree Trees

Food for Growth

Reputation is what others think about you. Character is what GOD and your wife (or husband) know about you.² Apply to 1 Samuel 35: 1-3

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p. 1082

… For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Matthew 7:13

The two gates in this Scripture represent every person’s choice: following Jesus or following any other path. As you follow Jesus Christ, you will discover that the road less traveled is the highway of self-sacrifice rather than the low-way of self-gratification. There is a false saying that you may have heard or you may have even said, “All roads lead to Heaven.” All paths leading to destruction will reflect the high cost of low living. Listen, the gate is narrow since it’s NOT anything goes NOR anyone does “whatever”. There is only one way to Heaven and that is by following Jesus Christ.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7: 13, 14

Then Jesus Spoke to them again, saying, “I AM The Light of the world. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. John 8:12

GOD IS ABLE…

For HE Alone Is Able…

…to Do Exceedingly Abundantly Above All that we Ask or Think, According to the Power that Works in us,

to HIM Be Glory in the church by Christ Jesus to ALL generations, Forever, and Ever.

AMEN.

Ephesians 3:20, 21

All throughout HIStory, we see how GOD Takes Care of His Children. HE Takes

Care of His Children because He Can. GOD Alone is Able.

In the following times throughout HIS Story, we learn how others depended upon GOD and looked to Him for all things…

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Judge

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is Able to judge this great people of Yours? 1 Kings 3:9 NKJV

In this Scripture King Solomon knows that only GOD Knows everything. Only GOD Is Omniscient (all knowing). Therefore King Solomon asks GOD to give him an understanding heart to judge. He does not trust himself to judge GOD’s people and so King Solomon requests GOD’s Wisdom to be able to discern between good and evil.

Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived. His unusual wisdom was a gift from GOD in response to a very specific request.

Now the king (Solomon) went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place: Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. At Gibeon The LORD Appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and GOD Said, “Ask! What shall I Give you?”

And Solomon said: “You Have Shown Great Mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You, You Have Continued this great kindness for him and You Have Given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now O LORD my GOD, You Have Made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant

is in the midst of Your People whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

The speech pleased The Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then GOD Said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, or have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I Have Done according to your words; see, I Have Given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I Have Also Given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your day. So if you walk in My Ways, to Keep My Statutes and My Commandments, as your father David walked, then I Will Lengthen your days.”

Then Solomon awoke; and indeed it had been a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before The Ark of The Covenant of The LORD, offered up burnt offerings, offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. 1 Kings 3: 4-15

This dream was a direct revelation from GOD. Solomon’s answer to GOD’s Question marks his love for The Lord and his spiritual maturity. Solomon received a wise and discerning heart from GOD. However, it was up to Solomon to apply that wisdom to all areas of his life. Wisdom is the ability to (1) discern what is right and best and (2) use the strength of character to act upon that knowledge. We have GOD’s Wisdom available to us as we pray and request it. And like Solomon, we must put it into action.

The humility of an understanding heart births a spirit that is sensitive to what GOD Says through His Word and His People. Solomon loved The Lord and The

Lord Chose to grant him the unusual request of a wise and understanding heart.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Give

“For GOD So Loved the world that HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON that whosoever Believes in Him should not perish but should have Everlasting Life.” John 3:16

This is one of the best known verses in all of The Bible. John 3:16 states The Gospel so clearly and simply. GOD So Loved the world, “the world” as indicated here refers to all mankind. The extent of GOD’s Love Is Shown by the fact that GOD Gave us Someone… His Only Begotten Son. This is an expression of GOD’s Infinite Love that HE Would be Willing to Give His Own Son that all who believe in Him would be saved. All who believe in Him would be saved, not all would be saved. A person must receive Christ and receive all that Christ Has Done before GOD Will Grant him/her Eternal Life. Therefore, The Way Has Been Provided by which all might be saved.

The following is The Lord’s Covenant with Solomon:

Character Key: MY NAMESake

The LORD GOD says in 2 Chronicles 7:14-15, “if MY people who are called by MY Name will humble themselves, and pray and seek MY Face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I Will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Now MY eyes will be open and MY ears attentive to prayer made in this place.

It all begins with The House of GOD.

GOD Has Opened the door of opportunity for all of us.

What are you going to do with it?

GOD Gave us something that we did not know that we were going to be in need of. GOD Gave us The Gift of Eternal Life. We did not know that we needed to be saved. GOD Gave us a Saviour.

“And if I Go and Prepare a place for you, I Will Come again and receive you to Myself; that where I AM, there you may be also. And where I Go you know, and the way you know.”

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?”

Jesus Said to him, “I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to The Father except through ME. If you had known ME, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” John 14: 3- 7

GOD Supplies beyond compare. Who other than GOD Has Done that? Who other than GOD can do that? … Huh? Who?

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To ForGive

For when we confess our sins HE Is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 9

It is not enough that we merely acknowledge the truth of The Gospel, we must also confess our sins and and walk in the light. The Christians’ relationship with GOD becomes distant and strained, when their fellowship is weakened.

True believers will turn away from darkness to walk in the light, when confronted with The Truth. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6: 14 The believer’s fellowship is restored with GOD as they walk back toward The Truth of Who GOD Is. “HE Restores my soul …” Psalm 23:3 Repentance is the turning away from our sin to GOD. Restoration is the process by which GOD Forgives sin and Cleanses us through The Blood of Christ that was shed on The Cross.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Deliver

Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our GOD whom we serve is Able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and HE Will Deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:14-18

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were pressured by king Nebuchadnezzar to deny GOD. However, they chose to be faithful and obedient to GOD no matter what! The GOD of Israel Chose to Deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from the fiery furnace. This is GOD’s Promise to His Children –not to spare them from the fire but to provide for them in the midst of the fire. They appeared to understand that GOD Would either Escort them into heaven or Allow them to see another day. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego chose not to fall down and worship the golden idol image.

With the three Hebrew boys not knowing exactly how The LORD Would Deliver them, let’s take a look at eight excuses they could have used to bow to the image so that they would not be cast into the burning fiery furnace.

1. We will fall down but not actually worship the idol. 2. We won’t become an idol worshiper but, we can worship this one time and then ask GOD to forgive us. 3. GOD Will Understand because the king Nebuchadnezzar has absolute power and we must obey him. 4. We owe this to the king because he appointed us. 5. GOD Will Excuse us for following the customs of this foreign land. 6. This is not all that bad! Our ancestors set up idols in GOD’s temple! 7. Is somebody being hurt? We’re not hurting anyone. 8. Some pagans can take our high positions if we get killed and they won’t help our people in exile!

These excuses are dangerous rationalizations, although they sound rather sensible at first. To fall down and worship the image of gold would violate GOD’s Command, “You shall have no other gods before ME.” Exodus 3:20 NIV LASB

What excuses do you have for not standing up for GOD?

If the three Hebrew boys had bowed down to worship the golden image, never again could they talk about the power of their GOD over other gods. Forever would it erase their testimony for GOD. Instead, not only did The LORD Deliver them from the fiery furnace, but it was the manner in which HE Delivered them. King Nebuchadnezzar was furious when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not bow down to worship the golden image.

Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their tros, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Then king Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors. “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like The Son of GOD.” Daniel 3: 19-25

The fourth man walking around in the fiery furnace is believed to be The Son of GOD appearing in pre-incarnate form. (Isaiah 43: 2; Psalm 34: 7)

When you through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I Am The LORD your GOD, The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour; … Isaiah 43: 2, 3

The Angel of the LORD Encamps all around those who fear Him, and Delivers them. Psalm 34: 7

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were determined to be faithful to GOD regardless of the consequences. The fire inside the fiery furnace had no power because the real Power intervened. The Real Fire Power was in the fiery furnace with the three Hebrew boys. For our GOD Is A Consuming Fire. Hebrews 12: 29 The Fire Consumed the fire that Nebuchanezzar had heated up to the “hottest of hots”.

… He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. Daniel 3: 19

“wiaw” CONSUMING= destroy, devour

The Lord Showed up in the fiery furnace to be with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He Could have saved them without showing up. Yet, HE Chose to Make His Presence known for those to see. Again,

Then king Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors. “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”

They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”

“Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like The Son of GOD.” Daniel 3: 24-25

How ironic that although Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were not burned nor was their clothing scorched, the ones who put them in the fiery furnace were fatally burned. They were killed. What Power?!! Hallelujah!!!

The Consuming Fire consumed the fire in the fiery furnace and the soldiers of Nebuchadnezzar; however, did not harm His (The Lord’s) Own three men.

Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

If Christians knew how GOD Would Deliver those who were true to HIM, there would be no need for faith. But without faith it is impossible to please GOD. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV In retrospect, only possessing “so-called” religion would be like a great insurance policy, and there would be lines of selfish people ready to

sign up. Do you not think so?

Nebuchadnezzar asks, “And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our GOD whom we serve is Able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and HE Will Deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:14-18

As a true believer in Christ, we are to be faithful to serve GOD whether HE Intervenes on our preferential behalf or not. Our eternal reward is worth more than any suffering we may first have to endure.

“A man of GOD in The Will of GOD is immortal until his work on earth is done.” (Quotes via Dr. David Jeremiah, George Whitfield)

What do you believe? WHO …do you believe?

Food for Growth

“Faith believes in spite of the circumstances and acts in spite of the consequences.”²¹

Apply to Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV

An “Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 974

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Raise Up

John the Baptist prepares the way of the LORD by preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Those baptized by him were confessing their sins. When John the Baptist saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham our father. For I say to you that GOD IS Able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Matthew 3:1, 2, 6-9

The grace of salvation is not transmitted in natural birth. GOD could make the stones of the Jordan cry out in praise to Him in a less violent process than the conversion of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The Pharisees professed great devotion to the law, but they were inwardly self-righteous, sectarian (a narrow or bigoted person), hypocritical (excessively critical), and corrupt (to make evil). The Sadducees were religious skeptics (doubting state of mind) and social aristocrats (government upper class) who denied such basic doctrines as the immortality of the soul, eternal punishment, the existence of angels, and the resurrection of the body. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not normally attend functions together. They detested (to curse while calling a deity to witness; loathe, hate) each other’s teachings.

Yet, people flocked from Jerusalem, all Judea, and the trans-Jordan area to hear John the Baptist. Some of the people responded to John the Baptist and were baptized by HIM in the Jordan, saying that they were ready to give obedience and full allegiance to the coming King. It was a different story with the Pharisees and Sadducees. When they came to listen to John the Baptist, he knew they were not sincere. John the Baptist recognized their true nature: Therefore John the Baptist denounced both sects as a brood of vipers, who pretended to desire to

escape from the wrath to come, but exhibited no signs of true repentance. John the Baptist rebuked them for just coming to observe his works and hear his teachings. Only those who truly confess and repent of their sins, is GOD Able to Raise Up as His Children.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Do

When Jesus departed from the place where HE Restored a girl to life and Healed a woman, two blind men followed HIM, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” And when HE Had Come into the house, the blind men came to HIM. And Jesus Said to them, “Do you believe that I AM Able to do this?” They said to HIM, “Yes, Lord.” Then HE Touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” Matthew 9:27, 28

In addressing Jesus as Son of David, two blind men recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and rightful King of Israel, and followed Him. When Jesus tested their faith by asking if they believed that HE Was Able to give them sight, they responded, “Yes, Lord.”

Not everyone who wants help really believes that GOD can help him/her. These blind men were persistent. They knew that Jesus Could Heal them and went right into the house where HE Was Staying. That’s real faith in action.

When you think that GOD is slow in answering your prayers, consider that HE Might be testing you as HE Did the blind men. Do you believe that GOD Can Help you? Do you really want His Help?

Now they came to Jericho. As he went out of Jericho with His Disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartemaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet;

but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus Stood Still and Demanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, HE Is Calling you.”

And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus Answered and said to him, “What do you want ME to do for you?”

The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”

Then Jesus Said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10: 46-52

If you believe Jesus is The Answer to your every need, do not let anybody or anything keep you from reaching HIM. GOD Is Patient with sinners in their blindness; however, HE Is Eager to do for them and in these cases, give them sight.

Yet, it may be that … you do not have because you do not ask.James 4: 3

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Destroy

And when HE Had Called His twelve disciples to HIM, HE Gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed HIM. These twelve Jesus Sent out and Commanded them, saying: “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather Fear HIM Who Is Able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:1-5, 27, 28

Jesus Called His twelve disciples to Himself. Discipleship involves sharing the Master’s Rejection as well as His Acceptance. The disciples would speak publicly what Jesus had told them privately. Jesus told the disciples not to fear men who could kill the body, but HE Told them to have a reverential fear of Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Soon the disciples would boldly proclaim the Christian message that would cause them to be rejected as Jesus was rejected. However, physical death is not the supreme tragedy for the Christian. To die is to be with Christ.

… to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5: 8

As the Apostle Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ. To die is gain.”

Philippians 1: 21

To die physically is deliverance from sin, sickness, sorrow, suffering, and death. It is a transformation into eternal glory. The greatest loss is spiritual death— which is eternal separation from GOD, from Jesus Christ, from light, and from all hope. Spiritual death is the loss that cannot be measured and the doom that is to be avoided at all cost. Those who fear GOD do not have to fear anyone or anything else.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Make

… All Grace Abound toward you … But this I Say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for GOD Loves a cheerful giver. And GOD is Able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

We are to this in regards to agriculture and farming. The farmer reaps not the exact amount of what he sows but reaps much more proportionately. In Christian giving, the return is not so much in money as it is in spiritual blessing. Cheerful giving is born of love. Our heart’s attitude is what is important to GOD. GOD Loves to see the heart of a Christian who is so filled with The Joy of The Lord that he/she wants to share what he has with others. If a person really wants to be generous, GOD Will See that he/she is given the opportunity. GOD is Able to supply us with resources so that we will not only have a sufficiency ourselves, but so that we will be able to share what we have with others and thus have abundance for every good work. The GOD Who Supplies is also The GOD Who Multiplies.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Keep

… What I have committed to Him… “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know in Whom I have believed and am persuaded that HE IS Able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:12

The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy that he is not ashamed of the Gospel. It was to proclaim the truth of the Gospel that the Apostle Paul was appointed a , an , and a of the Gentiles.

“wiaw” PREACHER = a herald (an official crier or messenger) whose function is to publicly proclaim a message.

“wiaw” APOSTLE = one who has been divinely sent, divinely equipped, and divinely empowered.

“wiaw” TEACHER = one whose function is to indoctrinate others; he/she explains the truth in an understandable manner so that others may respond by faith and obedience. Definitions from Believer’s Bible Commentary p.928

Although Paul was in prison, his ministry was carried on through others like Timothy. (Paul is Timothy’s mentor and refers to Timothy as “his son”.) When imprisoned, Paul did not lose his faith, but he did lose his other material possessions. Paul trusted GOD to use him regardless of his circumstances.

If your situation looks hopeless, it is hopeful in Christ. Give all your concerns to Christ. HE Will Strengthen your faith and safely guard all that you have entrusted to HIM until The Day of HIS Return.

That Day is a favorite expression of the apostle Paul. It refers to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The expression “that Day” refers particularly to the Judgment seat of Jesus Christ when service for Him will be brought into review and when the kindness of God will reward the faithfulness of men.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Help

…Those who are being tempted… “Because HE Himself Suffered when HE Was Tempted, HE Is Able To Help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 NIV LASB

Jesus Can Help others going through trials and tribulations, because Jesus Himself Has been in the midst of suffering and temptation. Since we know that Christ Suffered and Faced temptations as a human being, we know that HE Understands our struggles.

When you face trials and discouragement, go to Christ for strength, patience and endurance. We can trust Christ to help us because HE Understands our needs and is Able to help.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Raise Him Up

…Even from the dead… “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that GOD Was Able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a sense.” Hebrews 11:17- 19

“wiaw” FIGURATIVE= symbolic, symbol, something suggesting another object or idea

Abraham knew what GOD Had Promised. And that was all that mattered. When GOD Commanded Abraham to give up his son, he was willing to do so (Genesis 22:1-19) GOD Had Given Abraham a test of faith. Abraham concluded that if GOD Required him to slay his son, GOD Was Able to Raise Isaac up, even from the dead in order to fulfill The Promise.

However, GOD Did Not Allow Abraham to sacrifice Isaac at the altar, HE Provided a ram instead. GOD Saved Abraham’s son Isaac, born of his wife Sarah. GOD Gave Abraham a whole nation of descendants through him.

And because of GOD’s Love for us, GOD Gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to Save us. HE Did Raise Jesus Up on the third day following His crucifixion and death. Resurrection Sunday is the day we celebrate as Easter when Jesus Rose

from the dead over 2,000 years ago.

Abraham was willing to give up everything for GOD. He received back more than what he could have imagined. Keep in mind that what we receive is not always received immediately or received in the form of material goods. Our best and greatest rewards await us in eternity. Material possessions are proven to be among the least satisfying of rewards. Look at the celebrities who have much as far as money and material possessions (expensive extravagant homes, cars, etc), how pleased are many of them overall with life, such as those of the rich and famous. GOD Knows what we are in need of… food to eat, a place to live, transportation, money to pay our bills and to have some for enjoyment spending. Christ Had no place to lay His Head. Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His Head. Luke 9:58 NKJV We must consider what is most important … to prioritize and manage well what we have. Otherwise, what is the reason we expect GOD to bless us with more?

If you are fearful and are afraid to trust GOD with your most prized possession, dream or person, bank (?) … think about Abraham’s example with his son Isaac. And Christ Who was raised from the dead over 2,000 years ago. Following The Son Involves hardship, submissive obedience and trying times. But … think of the joy in following Jesus. “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before Him Endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the Right hand of the Throne of GOD.” Hebrews 12:2

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Keep You from Stumbling

… And to present you faultless… “Now to Him Who Is Able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His Glory with exceeding joy, to GOD our Saviour, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24, 25

Jude was a younger half brother of our Lord. Jude was a brother of James, also a half brother of our Lord. (Matthew 13:55, Galatians 1:19)

In the Book of Jude, Jude closes with one of the greatest doxologies (a short hymn of Praise to GOD) in all of Scripture. The Book of Jude is an alarm to us. It speaks of the power of Christ to keep those who trust in Him from being overthrown by error. The HOLY Bible is signed (written by GOD), sealed (by The HOLY Spirit), and delivered (through Christ Jesus). The HOLY Bible is complete and correct. The Book of Jude informs us that if any teaching is new, it’s not true. The same GOD Who Guarded the readers of this letter of Jude has promised to watch over you and me. Only GOD Signed, Sealed, Delivered The Holy Bible… I’m His.

Each believer is given a measure of faith. For I say, through the Grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as GOD Has Dealt to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12: 3 NKJV

Jude wrote this letter to motivate Christians everywhere to action. It was written

to remind the church to keep strong in the faith and to oppose

heresy

. He wanted them to recognize the dangers of false teaching and the need for constant vigilance. He wanted to win back those who had already been deceived. Jude was writing against teachers who taught in opposition to GOD’s Word. The false godless teachers were saying that Christians could do as they pleased with no fear of GOD’s Punishment and Consequences.

“Wiaw” HERESY= adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma (Biblical doctrine) adverse contradictory teachings

Many in the church act as if these falsehoods are true. There are many false teachers wanting to destroy your (1) Christ-Centered life, (2)the credibility of GOD’s Word, (3) the unity of the body of Christ and(4) your peace. Nothing is more valuable than to stand firm in your faith and to defend GOD’s Truth at all costs. This letter contains a warning against living an immoral workless faithless Christian life.

We are living in a time of increased . We are closer to the last days now than were the original readers of this letter of Jude. This day and age presents us with more temptations to give in to sin as we are increasingly bombarded with doctrinal error. Apostates (false teachers) wreak havoc and as workers of iniquity, they are deceptive in their teaching. However, we must trust GOD and know that HE Can Keep us from falling, keep us from stumbling. GOD

Guarantees that if we remain faithful, HE Will Bring us into His Presence and give us Everlasting Joy.

“Wiaw” APOSTASY= a falling away, a withdrawal, a defection from the faith, forsaking the LORD. The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia

Although false teachers are dangerous and are widespread, true believers are grounded in the Word of GOD and do not have to be afraid. GOD Protects His Children from the deception of false teachers. To be faultless, “without fault” is to not sin and be perfect. Uhh… wishful thinking…true perfection is the final condition of when the believer meets the Saviour face to face. No one on this earth is perfect!

How great is the Love the Father Has Lavished on us, that we should be called children of GOD! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know HIM. Dear friends, now we are children of GOD, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when HE appears, we shall be like HIM, for we shall see HIM as HE IS. Everyone who has this hope in HIM purifies himself, just as HE IS Pure. 1 John 1:1-3 NIV

The beautiful of the New Testament letter of Jude is the ascription of Praise and Worship to Him Who Is Able.

“wiaw” BENEDICTION= the invocation (a prayer at the beginning of a service) of a blessing esp. at the close of a public worship service

“wiaw” ASCRIPTION= to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author; attribute

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most Holy faith, praying in the HOLY Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of GOD, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have comion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude: 20-23

So…as the letter begins, so…it ends—with GOD’s Blessed Assurance and our diligent efforts to maintain our life with GOD!

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Save Completely

…Those who come to GOD through HIM… “Therefore HE IS Able To Save Completely those who come to GOD through HIM, because HE Always Lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25 NIV LASB

Christ is our Advocate, our High Priest; The Mediator between GOD and us. HE Intercedes for us with GOD and Looks after our interests. Christ Died once for all that we may have our sins forgiven, and Rose Again that we may have Eternal Life. The Old Testament high priest went before GOD once each year to plead for forgiveness of the nation Israel’s sins. Christ’s Continuous Presence with the Father in Heaven assures us that our sins have been paid for and forgiven (see Romans 8:33, 34; Hebrews 2:17, 18; 4:15, 16; 9:24). This wonderful assurance frees us from fear of failure, shame and guilt. No one can add to or take away from what Jesus Did to save us: our past, present, and future sins are all forgiven. , if you are a Christian, that Christ Has Paid the Price for all your sins once and for all.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and HE Will Appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for HIM. Hebrew 9:27:28 NIV LASB

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Establish You

… By my gospel and The Proclamation of Jesus Christ… “Now to HIM Who Is Able To Establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past.” Romans 16:25

The Apostle Paul exclaims that it is wonderful to be alive when the mystery, GOD’s Secret—His Way of saving the Gentiles—is becoming known throughout the world! All the prophecies in the Old Testament were coming true. GOD Was Using Paul as His Instrument to tell this Good News.

To the Christians in Rome (and to believers everywhere) Paul presents the Good News—salvation is available to all, regardless of a person’s identity, sin, or heritage. We are saved by Grace (unearned, undeserved favor from GOD) through Faith (complete trust) in Christ and His Finished work.

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all is the apostle Paul’s closing benediction. Of course there is only one way of salvation. However, the Gospel Message is entrusted to Paul “the Apostle to the Gentiles”, whereas Peter, for example, preached The Gospel Message primarily to the Jews.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… Even To Subdue

…All Things To Himself… “For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His Glorious Body, according to the working by which HE Is Able Even To All things To Himself.” Philippians 3:20, 21

“wiaw” SUBDUE = to bring into subjection, to bring under control The Merriam –Webster Dictionary

Philippi was a Roman colony; therefore, the citizens of Philippi had the same rights as the citizens of Rome. Likewise, because we belong to Christ, we Christians will one day experience all the special privileges of our Heavenly citizenship. As obedient Christians, we long for Christ’s Return.

The phrase “our lowly body” describes our bodily appearance and function as it struggles with pain, disabilities, and physical limitations in this fallen world. Whereas, the bodies we receive when we are raised to be with Christ will be glorious, like Christ’s Resurrected Body. We will no longer suffer with the imperfections and ailments of this present earthly body.

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Keep Us in Perfect Peace

YOU Will Keep him in Perfect Peace, whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in YOU. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is Everlasting Strength. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV ARLB

With GOD we can know Perfect Peace even in turmoil. We can never totally avoid strife in this world, it is all around us. Our whole attitude is stable and steady when we are devoted to HIM. We are not moved by all the surrounding chaos as we are subdued by GOD’s Unchanging Unconditional Love and His All Mighty Power. Do you want PEACE? Be obedient to GOD! Keep your thoughts and your focus on HIM. TRUST GOD.

HE Is Able to DO Exceedingly Abundantly Above All that we Ask or Think according to the Power that works in us, to HIM be Glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21 NKJV

The extent of GOD’s Ability is seen in the manner in which the Apostle Paul pyramids words to describe superabundant blessings:

ABLE Able to Do Able to Do what we Ask

Able to Do what we Think Able to Do what we Ask or Think Able to Do All that we Ask or Think Able to Do Above All that we Ask or Think Able to Do Abundantly Above All that we Ask or Think Able to Do Exceedingly Abundantly Above All that we Ask or Think

Powerful! Our GOD is All Powerful!!! HE IS Totally ABLE!!!

“According to the Power that works in us” is the means by which GOD Answers prayer. The Power refers to the HOLY Spirit Who Is constantly at work in our lives. The HOLY Spirit Indwells the true believer and Seeks to produce the fruit of a Christ-like character. The HOLY Spirit Rebukes us of sin, Guides us in prayer, Directs us in service, and Inspires us in worship. The less we yield to temptation and the more we yield to the HOLY Spirit, the greater will be His Effectiveness in us to Jesus Christ.

“wiaw” CONFORM= to be similar or identical, Agree; to obey customs or standards, Comply

GOD Is Worthy of Eternal Praise. His power and wisdom are displayed in the angelic hosts; in the sun, the moon and the stars; in animals, birds, and fish; in fire, rain, hail, snow, and mist; in mountains, hills, trees; in wind; in kings, children, and people, young men and old; in Israel and in other nations throughout the entire world; and the Heavens in the universe.

Yet, there is another group from which endless Glory will be given to GOD, and that is, the true church. Christ is The Head of the church and the true believers are His Body. The duration of this praise is to all generations, forever and ever.

But the Promise does not stop there:

HE Is Able to Make us stand faultless in the Presence of His Glory with Exceeding Joy … What Grace this is! (Jude 24)

“For the Great Day of His Wrath Has Come, and who is able to stand?” Revelation 6:17

For HE Alone Is Able …

… To Make All Things New

Only the Lord is Able to do all things and anything. We are finite and limited. Only the Lord is infinite and limitless. The Book of Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ. The apostle John was exiled on the island of Patmos, for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and he is referenced in Scripture as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23) John mentions the disciple whom Jesus Loved and is referring to himself.

GOD Gave John a compelling vision that he wrote in the Book of Revelation. The following are some of the things that will happen during this Day of GOD’s Wrath.

All classes of society were seized with panic when the opening of the sixth seal brought tremendous convulsions of nature. A great earthquake shook the land and sea. The starry heavens were thrown into disorder. The sun darkened and the moon turned red like blood. Stars…fell to the earth like ripe figs when the fig tree is shaken violently. The sky receded as if it were a sheet of parchment being rolled up. Every mountain and island was displaced by tremendous upheavals. When they realized that GOD Was Pouring out His Wrath, they hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They preferred to be crushed by tumbling mountains and rocks than to endure The Judgment of GOD and The Wrath of the Lamb. It was too late when they realized that no is able to stand up against the Lamb’s .

“wiaw” INDIGNATION= anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or Mean

“wiaw” REBEL= one that rebels against authority; to resist the authority of one’s government; to act in or show disobedience, to feel or exhibit anger (MWD)

Listed above are the five basic elements in this Judgment of GOD: the shaking of the earth, the darkening of the sky, the falling of the stars, the rolling back of the heavens, and the moving of the mountains and the islands.

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from The Face of Him Who Sits on the throne and from The Wrath of The Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 6:15-17

Know this … for believers who follow Jesus, The Lamb is a Gentle Saviour. To those who are not of The Lord, “Behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, Has Prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” Revelation 5: 5 NKJV

As far as who is able to stand, the first vision that John had revealed to him were 144,000 Jews from the remnant of Israel. GOD Sealed 12,000 descendants from each of Israel’s 12 tribes. The first vision shows the sealing of the servants on earth. The Lord Will Preserve them through the Tribulation Period so that they will be alive when the begins, thereby fulfilling GOD’s Covenant Promises to His People. (Revelation 6:17-7:8)

“wiaw” MILLENIUM = a period of 1000 yrs, the 1000 yrs mentioned in

Revelation 20 when Holiness is to prevail and Christ Is to Reign on earth, a period of great happiness or human perfection The Merriam-Webster Dictionary

John’s second vision portrays a great multitude of Gentiles who have been martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. This second vision reflects the glory of the saints in Heaven. (Revelation 7: 1-17)

After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of The Living GOD. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our GOD on their foreheads. And i heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:

Of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Napthali twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed Of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed;

Of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; Of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed Of the tribe Joseph twelve thousand were sealed Of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. Revelation 7: 1-8

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before The Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our GOD Who Sits on the throne, and to The Lamb!” All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped GOD, saying:

“Amen! Blessing and Glory and Wisdom, Thanksgiving and Honor and Power and Might, Be to our GOD Forever and Ever. Amen.”

When one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of The Great Tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of The Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of GOD, and serve Him day and night in His Temple. And HE Who Sits on the throne will dwell among them. They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for The Lamb Who is in the midst of the throne Will Shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And GOD Will Wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7: 9-17

GOD Is Able to Not only wipe the tears from our eyes, HE Is Able to wipe the tears away completely. Therefore, nothing is left but joy and abundant life in Christ. (Revelation 21: 3, 4)

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of GOD Is with men, and HE Will Dwell with them and they shall be His People. GOD Himself Will be with them and be their GOD. And GOD Will Wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrows, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have ed away.”

Then HE Who Sat on the throne said, “Behold, I Make All Things new.” And HE Said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21: 3- 5

GOD’s Words are Faithful and True. GOD IS Able to Make All Things New.

Snip it

As a Christian believer, whatever you do Not feel comfortable with someone hearing you say and/or someone seeing you do, … do Not say and do Not do.

C. O.P.P – Other Peoples’ Positions

A Family Affair

“looking on from the outside”

Creation First Adam (then Eve) The Herod Generation

The LORD GOD Planted a Garden eastward in Eden, and there HE Put the man whom HE Had Formed.

And out of the ground The LORD GOD Made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The Tree of Life was also in the midst of the garden, and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Genesis 2: 8, 9 NKJV

Wellness is a worthy destination, but you must plan for it and then work the plan. Eating healthy means to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, eat less red meat, and more chicken and fish. To have a healthier more nutritious diet means to eat less fried foods for less fat intake, and to eat more foods baked, grilled or broiled. exercise regularly for at least 20-30 minutes a day for 3-4 times a week and drinking 6-8 (16oz glasses or bottles) of water is a good health measure. Lower your intake of foods and beverages that are high in sodium, sugar, fat, and high saturated oils that increase cholesterol levels. Disciplining yourself in these areas helps to promote better mental and physical health and wellness. Have you heard the saying, “We become what we eat?”

“Wiaw” VIGOROUS= having vigor (active strength or energy of body or mind); done with force and energy

The Garden of Eden was perfect as the best and the only garden with the complete balance of healthy nutritious foods. Nothing could have been any better than The Tree of Life. That says it all, does it not? …The Tree of .

“Wiaw” LIFE= the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body or inanimate matter; a state of an organism characterized esp. by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction; the physical and mental experiences of an individual; the period from birth to death; a way of living; person

GOD Breathed the breath of life into man – thus distinguishing human beings from the animals. GOD Is The Only Guarantee in life.

For six days GOD Had Worked to finish His Creation. On the first day, GOD Separated the Day from the Night. The second day GOD Created the air (the heavens) that is all around us. The third day GOD Separated the waters from the dry land. The fourth day GOD Brightened the day with the sun and Lightened the night with the moon and the twinkling stars. The fifth day GOD Filled the waters with fish and made birds in the heavens and animals on the earth. And GOD Saw that it was good. Genesis 1: 21 NKJV

And on the sixth day, GOD Made Adam, who named all the creatures.

Then GOD Said, “Let US Make man in Our Image, according to Our Likeness; let them have dominion (supreme authority) over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping

thing that creeps on the earth.” So GOD Created man in His Own Image; in the image of GOD HE Created him; male and female HE Created them. Genesis 1: 26, 27 NKJV JSB

Then GOD Blessed them, and GOD Said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1: 28 NKJV JSB

“Wiaw” SUBDUE= to bring into subjection, to bring under control

And GOD Said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. Then GOD Saw Everything that HE Had Made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1: 29- 31 NKJV JSB

Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day GOD Ended His work which HE Had Done, and HE Rested on the seventh day from all His Work which HE Had Done. Then GOD Blessed the seventh day and Sanctified it, because in it HE Rested from all His Work which GOD Had Created and Made. Genesis 2: 1- 3 NKJV JSB

GOD Made this earth beautiful!

This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that The LORD GOD Made the earth and the heavens, before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For The LORD GOD Had Not Caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. Genesis 2: 4-6 NKJV JSB

And The LORD GOD Formed man of the dust of the ground, and Breathed into his nostrils the Breath of Life; and man became a living creature. Genesis 2: 7 NKJV JSB

And The LORD GOD Said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I Will Make him a helper comparable to him.” Out of the ground The LORD GOD Formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And what Adam called each living creature that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. Genesis 2: 18 -20 NKJV JSB

And The LORD GOD Caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and He Slept; and HE Took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib in which the LORD GOD Had Taken from man HE Made into a woman, and brought her to the man.

Genesis 2: 21, 22 NKJV JSB

And Adam said: This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.” Genesis 2:23 NKJV JSB

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be ed to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2, 24, 25 NKJV JSB

And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. Genesis 3: 20 NKJV JSB

Both Eve and Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil and were driven from the Garden of Eden.

GOD’s Original Perfect Plan was altered by Adam’s disobedience to GOD and sin came forth in the world. Certain death was the punishment for eating of this tree …for of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. Genesis 2: 17 NKJV

Yet, no matter what life brings. No matter how evil intrudes. GOD’s Ultimate Perfect (UP) Plan cannot be thwarted (blocked or defeated).

Flash Forward …

Thus, The Tree of Life reappears in the description of The New Jerusalem. “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write… He who Has an ear, let him hear what The Spirit Says to the churches. To him who overcomes I Will Give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in midst of the Paradise of GOD.”’ Revelation 2: 1, 7 NKJV JSB The new creation will be a return to The Garden of Eden… the serpent will not be there. When Jesus Christ Returns to Rule and to Reign on this earth during the Millenium, life will resume as it was before the curse (ref: Psalm 65).

Adam and Eve

Adam was primarily responsible for the disobedience because he was the head– not only of Eve his wife … but now as we know, of all humankind (mankind). Then The LORD GOD Took the man and Put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And The LORD GOD Commanded the man, Saying, “Of every tree of the Garden you may freely eat; but The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die. Genesis 2: 15 -17 NKJV JSB

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

Genesis 3, 6, 7 NKJV JSB

After they had eaten from the forbidden tree, they knew they were naked and were ashamed. However, before they ate from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil, they were naked and were not ashamed. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2: 25 NKJV JSB

Also for Adam and his wife The LORD GOD Made tunics of skin, and Clothed them. Then the LORD GOD Said, “Behold, the man has become like one of US, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of The

Tree of Life, and eat, and live forever”—

Therefore the LORD GOD Sent him out of the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So HE Drove out the man; and HE Placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to guard the way to The Tree of Life. Genesis 3: 21- 24 NKJV

The LORD GOD Made the coverings for Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness. This is the first time that The LORD GOD Made tunics of skin used to cover them. With sin comes shame and self-consciousness. They had used fig leaves to cover themselves. The fig leaves are plants. How do you think The LORD GOD used tunics of skin to cover them? Where did the skin come from?

That’s right… the tunics of skin that GOD Used to Cover Adam and Eve’s nakedness came from animals. Hence, blood was shed as a result of Adam and Eve’s sin. This covering of tunics of skin foreshadows the events that would later take place.

Flash Forward …

To bridge humanity’s sin separation from GOD, required the necessity of blood sacrifices—first of unblemished animals and then of Jesus Christ. The fig leaf coverings that Adam and Eve made for themselves were inadequate. Human efforts at self-adequacy will always fall short of GOD’s Sufficient Provision.

Man was created in GOD’s Own Image and did not have to long for anything. Everything was plentiful in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve could eat from The Tree of Life and all the trees in the Garden of Eden except one…The Tree of Knowledge of Good and evil. Does it appear that as the world grows wiser, it also grows weaker? The world grows weaker as it strays further away from GOD and as GOD’s People stray further from being obedient to HIS Commands.

Not until we realize that it is only in GOD’s Strength that we can be obedient, will we call on The Name of The LORD. Our own strength has limitations. GOD’s Strength has no limits. GOD’s Strength is infinite and all-powerful, never tiring. If we decide to do it our way, as the song implies that Frank Sinatra sings, “I did it my way”, we do not reach our maximum optimal potential. It is only when we rely on and totally depend upon GOD, do we excel to our fullest wellness according to GOD’s Will.

We fall short. As human beings, just as Adam and Eve fell short in the Garden of Eden. And I’ve heard some say how stupid it was for Adam and Eve to do what they did. After all, they had everything provided to them in the Garden. How could they do something like that? How many times have you heard it said or maybe have even said it yourself that Adam and Eve messed it up for the whole world. I felt the same way. How could they? …Now here we go, placing the blame. And that’s what they did. The fact is…we are all Adams and Eves. We are. We do the same thing, at some points … throughout time …

We are disobedient. We are unappreciative. We take GOD’s blessings and HIS unconditional love for granted. And sometimes we don’t even ask GOD to forgive us when we sin. We think that we are right in what we’ve done or in what we’re doing or in what we plan to do. Hey … how can we even entertain the thought … that we know more than GOD? The judgment that we place on Adam and Eve we can also place on ourselves.

The disobedience of Adam and Eve and our own disobedience results in

sufferings for ourselves and sufferings for others. Adam and Eve’s disobedience to GOD is the first sin and resulted in GOD’s First Promise of a Saviour. I know that it all started back then, written in Genesis, the book of first beginnings. This book features the first man, the first woman, the first family, the first murder and the first martyrdom (Cain killing Abel his brother), the first conflict between the two seeds of Adam.

So The LORD GOD Said to the serpent: “…And I Will Put enmity (mutual hatred) between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; HE Shall Bruise your head, and you shall bruise His Heel.” Genesis 3: 15 NKJV JSB

Because of GOD’s Love for us, HE Covered Adam and Eve’s nakedness. And because of GOD’s Love for us, HE Replaces our sin when we repent and receive GOD’s First Promise of His Only Begotten Son, to be, and now is, our Saviour.

Did you know that the first murder was committed by Adam and Eve’s son Cain? Cain’s countenance fell when GOD Told him that HE Did Not Respect his offering. It is up to each person to do what is Pleasing to GOD. Cain did not have the right attitude and wanted GOD to accept what he wanted to offer GOD and not what GOD Respected as an offering. Adam and Eve before the birth of their children and what happened when they ate of the forbidden tree. GOD Sent them out of The Garden of Eden.

Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Now Adam knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from The LORD.” Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to The LORD. Genesis 4: 1- 3 the ground was cursed. “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.”

Genesis 3: 17 NKJV JSB

Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; for dust you are and dust you shall return.” Genesis 3: 18, 19

what The LORD GOD Said when HE Told Adam and Eve what would happen to them once they ate from the forbidden tree.

“Of every tree of the Garden you may freely eat; but The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die. Genesis 2: 15 -17 NKJV

Physical death took place many years after Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD. However, the closeness of their fellowship and relationship with GOD was distanced which indicates that spiritual death occurred immediately.

There are tragic realities that came with the curse on humanity: disturbance and interrupted fellowship with GOD, disagreement and relational discord, pain, suffering, sorrow, intense sweat, chaos, confusion, trouble, sickness, and death. (ref: Job 4: 1; Romans 8: 20- 22)

I believe that Adam and Eve did not realize to what extent their disobedience to GOD would affect them and the impact it would have on everyone to come.

She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. Genesis 3: 7 NKJV JSB

And they heard the sound of The LORD GOD Walking in The Garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from The Presence of The LORD GOD among the trees of The Garden. Then The LORD GOD Called to Adam and Said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3: 8, 9 NKJV

Therefore the LORD GOD Sent him out of the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So HE Drove out the man; and HE Placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to guard the way to The Tree of Life. Genesis 3: 21- 24 NKJV

Adam and Eve hid from GOD, as if they did not know that HE Knew where they were. …And the tree was supposed to make them wise? … Wise…though not only in good but also evil. You see they did not need to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil … they already had the Best Good, they had GOD… which means they also had wisdom. Only wisdom comes from GOD. If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of GOD, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given unto him. James 1: 5 NKJV

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with GOD. 1 Corinthians 3: 19 NKJV

Now moving forward to the brothers, Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to The LORD. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And The LORD Respected Abel and his offering, but HE Did Not Respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry and his countenance fell. Genesis 4: 3-5 NKJV JSB

So The LORD Said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Genesis 4: 6, 7

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to , when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Genesis 4: 8 NKJV JSB

When Cain realized that The LORD Knew that he had killed his brother Abel, Cain left from The Presence of The LORD. The LORD Said to Cain, “When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A and a you shall be on the earth.” Genesis 4: 12 NKJV JSB

“Wiaw” FUGITIVE= running away or trying to escape

“Wiaw” VAGABOND= leading an unsettled or irresponsible life

Then Cain went out from The Presence of The LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. Genesis 4: 16 NKJV JSB

Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. Job 14: 1 NKJV JSB

Cain and Abel reflect every person’s choice regarding how to approach GOD Almighty. Cain offered GOD what he wanted to give GOD which suggests that Cain’s heart was not devoted to please nor respect GOD. Those who become angry when someone especially someone in authority rightfully corrects them, reveal their own selfish hearts. By Cain ignoring GOD’s Invitation to make the right choice, Cain further rejected GOD’s Authority. Abel was careful to give an offering on GOD’s , and offered to GOD the first born of his finest flock.

Flash Forward …

As of right here and right now, it all starts somewhere does it not? How about now? What are we doing now? We can make a difference … each person … for the positive. We can make a decision to do things GOD’s Way. When we sin against GOD, we can ask for forgiveness, repent of our wrong doing, and move forward in the right direction. We do not have to be a fugitive, always on the run or a vagabond, unsettled and/or irresponsible. That’s the reason Jesus came … … to save us from our sins.

“For The Son of Man Has Come to Save that which was lost. Matthew 18: 11 NKJV JSB

And she (the virgin Mary) shall bring forth a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for HE Will Save His People from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21 NKJV JSB”

For GOD Did Not Send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3: 17 NKJV JSB

Not only are we created in GOD’s Image to represent Him on the earth (Genesis 1: 26, 27), we are spiritually created in Christ when we are born again. (John 3: 3 -8)

“And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For GOD Has Appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed. And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on The Name of The LORD.” Genesis 4: 25, 26 NKJV JSB

“This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that GOD Created man, HE Made him in the likeness of GOD. HE Created them male and female, and Blessed them and Called them Mankind in the day they were Created.

And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters. So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died.” Genesis 5: 15 NKJV JSB

Man’s days are numbered. During the many years that Adam lived, he had many sons and daughters and his sons and daughters had many sons and daughters, and so on and so on.

So in the days of Noah when men were eating and drinking and giving in marriage, men lived for hundreds of years. (ref: Matthew 24: 37, 38) Mankind began to multiply on the face of the earth.

And The LORD Said, “MY Spirit Shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” Genesis 6: 3 NKJV JSB

Flash Forward …

This is a new day. Every day is a new beginning. What are you going to do about it? How are you going to change people’s lives when taking a firm and solid stand yourself on The Word of GOD? Who are you going to pray for? How might someone be blessed by your faith and your obedience to GOD shown by your actions? Think about it. Think long and hard about it. One person can make a lasting significant difference. Because as you have just read, all it takes is one person to have such an impact on so many.

For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4: 14 NKJV JSB

A Family Affair

The HEROD Generation All in the Family

Herod Agrippa, referred to only as Herod, was the grandson of Herod the Great, nephew of Herod Antipas, and brother of Herodias (Matthew 14:1-11). Herodias was a vindictive woman who divorced her husband, Herod Philip (who was also her uncle) to marry Herod Antipas. Herodias was the daughter of a half brother of Antipas. Herodias’ first husband Herod Philip was also the brother of Herod Antipas. Herod Philip and Herod Antipas, and another brother named Archelaus were the sons of Herod the Great. Rome divided Herod the Great’s kingdom when he died, among his three sons: Archaleus, Antipas, and Philip.

Herodias was first married to Herod Philip then she divorced him and married Herod Antipas. Therefore, Herodias married two uncles, first Herod Philip then Herod Antipas (brothers). To take it a step further in the circle of wickedness, Herod Antipas (identified as Herod the tetrarch, the governor of one of four divisions of a country or province, in the Gospels) was already married. As mentioned earlier, Herodias’ first husband, Herod Philip, was also the half brother of Herod Antipas. Herod Antipas, had a nephew, Herod Agrippa who was Herod Antipas’ brother’s son. Herodias’ father, Aristobulus (who was also a half brother of Antipas) fathered Herod Agrippa. Aristobulus IV was a prince of Judea from the Herodian dynasty. He was married to his cousin Berenice. He and Berenice had three children: Agrippa 1 (aka Herod Agrippa), Herod (aka Herod V and Herod II as listed in the Jewish Encyclopedia) and Herodias. Herod Agrippa had a son, Agrippa II. Herod Agrippa and Herodias were brother and sister, respectively. They both had the same father … ….Aristobus IV. Gets somewhat complicated and confusing…huh? Well more than somewhat … wouldn’t you say? How mind boggling it is to try to figure it all out… so don’t try. I wrote those details to give you an idea of how confusing and sinful this ring of immorality actually is. (Ref: Scripture and Wikipedia)

To make a long story…short…this is what had been going on down through the

family line through many decades of time…adultery, incest, all kinds of sin and wickedness…in this case with no repentance.

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8 NKJV JSB

There had been much evil done in the family line down through the generations:

1. Herod the Great, because of his loyalty to Rome, was given authority over Palestine and the title of king. Because of Herod the Greats’ hatred and ambition for power over families and because of his consuming suspicion that someone may his throne, Herod the Great executed one of his wives and his three oldest sons.

The preliminary act of murdering all the young male children in the region of Bethlehem, was an effort to eliminate The One whom the wise men called the King of the Jews.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is HE Who Has Been Born King of the Jews? For we have seen His Star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people

together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd MY People Israel.’” Matthew 2: 1- 6

Bethlehem means “the house of bread.” Jesus Would later be called The Bread of Life. “Most assuredly, I Say to you, he who believes in ME has Everlasting life. I Am The Bread of Life.” John 6: 47, 48 In Micah 5: 2, two names are given for the locations of where The Messiah was to be born. The other name, Ephrathah, is a much older name that means “to be fruitful”.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to ME The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5: 2 NKJV JSB

(Micah’s prophecy references both the first and second comings of Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and will someday establish His Rule over Israel and to the ends of the earth in a kingdom of Peace.)

Into a hungry and thirsty world, The Bread of Life would come, and teach human beings how to have a fruitful and abundant life.

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

When they heard the king, they departed, and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. Matthew 2: 1- 12 NKJV JSB

Again, GOD Exercised His Sovereign Protection of His Son.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of The Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word, for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy him.”

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed

for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by The Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I Called MY Son.” Matthew 2: 13-15 NKJV JSB

We see throughout biblical history that GOD always guides His people. As instructed, Joseph fled with his family to Egypt. They settled outside of Herod’s control in a Roman province.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.

Such vicious acts of treachery and extreme selfishness for power and position fit Herod’s character.

Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of The Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. Matthew 2: 19- 21 NKJV JSB

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by GOD in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Matthew 2: 22, 23 NKJV JSB

Herod the Great (Herod the king) was named king of Judea by the Roman Senate in 37 BC. Again, by the time of his death, he had murdered his wife out of jealousy and his three sons to protect his power and his throne. When Herod felt troubled, the entire city was troubled.

When Herod the Great died, Rome divided his kingdom among three sons: Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip.

“wiaw” USURP = to seize; to take or assume (power, a position, property, rights, etc) and hold in possession by force or without right

2. Herod Antipas, identified as Herod the tetrarch in the Gospels, was the son of Herod the Great and brother to Philip and Archelaus. Herod Antipas is ed primarily for his imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. Although Antipas feared and respected John the Baptist, he had John beheaded as the result of a plot by Herodias.

When Herodias was married to her uncle, Herod Philip (half brother of Antipas), Herodias bore him a daughter named Salome. John the Baptist had been arrested because he challenged the legitimacy of Herod Antipas’ divorce and incestuous remarriage to his brother, Philip’s wife, Herodias.

For John said unto him (Herod Antipas), “It is not lawful for you to have her”. (Herodias). And when he (Herod Antipas) would have put him (John the Baptist)

to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him (John the Baptist) as a prophet. Matthew 14:4, 5

King Herod Antipas had a birthday party. Herod Antipas promised Salome under oath that whatever she (Salome) wanted he would give to her. All she had to do was to dance for him at the party. Salome danced before the drunken king Antipas in a provocative and enticing manner. King Herod Antipas was pleased with Salome’s dancing. When he asked Salome what it was that she wanted, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

Where upon he (king Antipas) promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask. And she (Salome), being before instructed of her mother (Herodias), said, Give me here John the Baptist’s head on a platter. And the king was sorry: nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he (king Antipas) commanded it be given to her. So he (king Antipas) sent and had John the Baptist beheaded in prison. Matthew 14:7-10

During Herod Antipas reign from 4 B.C. – A.D. 39, he finally met Jesus when Jesus was sent from Pilate to be examined. (Luke 23:6-12) After a long reign of 43 years, Herod Antipas was by Rome and exiled.

“wiaw” DEPOSE= to remove from office or a position of power

“wiaw” EXILE= a prolonged living away from one’s country, community, etc,

usually enforced, sometimes self imposed

3. Herod Agrippa, referred to only as Herod, was the grandson of Herod the Great, nephew of Herod Antipas, and brother of Herodias (Matthew 14:1-11). Agrippa lived as a in Rome and Palestine, although he was schooled in Rome.

“wiaw” PRODIGAL= exceedingly or recklessly wasteful, extremely abundant, a person who wastes his means, extremely generous, spendthrift

In A.D. 37 when Herod Agrippa’s friend, Caligua became emperor, Agrippa received the title of king and part of Palestine to rule. Herod Antipas was deposed when he requested the same honor and Agrippa received his realm.

“wiaw” REALM= kingdom, region, biographical area

Shortly afterward, Herod Agrippa was given all of Palestine. King Agrippa is mentioned only in Acts 12 when he beheaded James (the brother of John (Matthew 4:21) not James the half brother of Jesus (Matthew 12:17; Mark 6:3)). He intended to do the same to Peter. But GOD intervened.

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to GOD for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards

before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, An Angel of The Lord Stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then The Angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by The Angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately The Angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that The Lord Has Sent His Angel, and Has Delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” Acts 12: 5-11

It is referenced too in Wikipedia that the Herods were of the Edomite family. The Edomites were of the descendants of Esau, the older twin brother of Jacob, whom GOD Renamed “Israel”. Jacob who became known as Israel had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel. The Sanhedrin which was the Jewish ruling council, was under the authority of the Herods, who were in turn under the authority of the Roman Empire. The Herod dynasty continued to rule during the time of Jesus’ earthy ministry and the first Christian church.

Yet, despite the power and control of the Roman Empire, when the church fervently prayed for the Apostle Peter, they did not realize how quickly their prayer would be answered.

When GOD Delivered Peter from the prison cell and Peter stepped in the door of the house of Mary where many were gathered praying, they were astonished. I believe that astonishment was portrayed through their doubts, fears, and then realization. When “believing to seeing” became a reality, the astonishment vanished, and they broke out into great expressions of joy. When what they at first did not see became visible, their faith in GOD was strengthened.

We must keep in mind that GOD is always working, whether you see signs of His Working or not. GOD is moving things that you may not be able to see. There seemed to be no way for Peter to get out of prison. He was in maximum security with guards watching him, chains were on his hands, and Peter was sentenced to death. Yet, GOD’s People prayed without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Just because you may not be able to see how GOD is working, does not mean that GOD is not working. GOD is always working. Just at times…behind the scenes. Look for GOD to move in His Own time and in His Own Way. Remain steadfast in faith and prayer.

Keep on knocking, as Peter did. The door was finally opened and Peter was able to come in.

In Acts 12 we read that the church prayed and were astonished. When we pray, we are to pray expectantly…expecting GOD to answer. And when we pray we are to pray Believing that GOD Will Answer our prayer. Why? Because of Matthew 7:7:

Ask and we shall receive. Seek and we shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened unto us.

Herod Agrippa died violently under GOD’s Judgment.

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a

man!” Then immediately an angel of The Lord Struck him, because he did not give glory to GOD. And he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23

Herod Agrippa reaped what he sowed. Do not be deceived, GOD Is Not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6: 7 The one who had executed James, is himself slain at the hands of HIM who is able to destroy both body and soul.

The people ascribed deity to Herod to gain his favor. However, wickedness will always be punished, either here on earth or at GOD’s Throne, “The Great White Throne Judgment”. GOD Gives His Glory to no one.

I Am The LORD; that is MY Name! I Will Not Give MY Glory to another or MY Praise to idols. Isaiah 42: 8 NIV LASB

Again, this is GOD’s Judgment for Herod Agrippa.

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an Angel of The Lord Struck him, because he did not give glory to GOD. And he was eaten by worms and died. Acts 12:21-23

“Wiaw” ORATION =an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner

But The Word of GOD Grew and Multiplied. Acts 12:24

Jesus Said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18). Therefore, in spite of everything that happened in the Herod generation era to Peter and the other disciples and followers of Jesus, the Word of GOD Grew and Multiplied.

Jesus Says to Peter, “And I Tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I Will Build MY church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I Will Give you the keys of The Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.” Matthew 16: 18, 19 NIV LASB

Christians are to Glorify GOD in their physical bodies (flesh) as well as their spirit, since both belong to GOD. The leaders of the church—pastors, preachers, ministers, the prophets and teachers—must submit themselves to spiritual disciplines, with worship, fasting, obedience and prayer as the cornerstones of their missionary work. When leaders demonstrate these characteristics, the cause of Christ will be exercised with power in Christ’s Strength.

C. O.P.P – Other Peoples’ Positions “looking on from the outside”

Fallen World (broad path)

The Family Tree

The Genealogy of Jesus Jesus Christ – The Second Adam

Now Jesus Himself was about thirty (30) years old when HE Began His Ministry.

HE Was The Son, or so it was thought, of Joseph. Luke 3:23 NIV LASB

Jesus Came the first time to a tree, but now…when HE Returns the second time…HE Is Coming to a throne.

The Genealogy of Jesus

So as it was thought, down through His Family Line, HE Was The Son,

of Joseph (Mary’s husband), the Son of Heli, the Son of Matthat, the Son of Levi, the Son of Melki, the Son of Jannai, the Son of Joseph, the Son of Mattathias, the Son of Amos, the Son Hahum, the Son of Esli, the Son Naggai, the Son of Maath, the Son of Mattathias, the Son of Semein, the Son of Josech, the Son of Joda, the Son of Joanan, the Son of Rhesa, the Son of Zerubbabel, the Son of Shealtiel, the Son of Neri, the Son of Melki, the son of Addi, the Son of Coasam, the Son of Elmadam, the Son of Er, the Son of Joshua, the Son of Eliezer, the Son of Jorim, the Son of Matthat, the Son of Levi, the Son of Simeon, the Son of Judah, the Son of Joseph, the Son of Jonam, the Son of Eliakim, the Son of Melea, the Son of Menna, the Son of Mattatha, the Son of Nathan, the Son of David, the Son of Jesse, the Son of Obed, the Son of Boaz, the Son of Salmon, the Son of Nahshon, the Son of Amminadab, the Son of Ram, the Hezron, the Son of Perez, the Son of Judah, the Son of Jacob, the Son of Isaac, the Son of Abraham, the Son of Terah, the Son of Nabor, the Son of Serug, the Son of Reu, the Son of Peleg, the Son of Eber, the Son of Shelah, the Son of Cainan, the Son of Arphaxad, the Son of Shem, the Son of Noah, the Son of Lamech, the Son of Methuselah, the Son of Enoch, the Son of Jared, the Son of Mahalel, the Son of Kenan, the Son of Enosh, the Son of Seth, the Son of Adam, the Son of GOD. Luke 3:23-37 NKJV

Luke was a close friend and companion of the Apostle Paul. Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14), a Gentile Christian and a Greek. Luke also wrote the Book of Acts and The Gospel of Luke. Luke is the only known Gentile author in the New Testament.

Luke being a Gentile, wrote mainly to the Gentiles. Therefore, Luke emphasized Jesus as the Saviour of all people, Jews and Gentiles. This ancestral line of Jesus reflects GOD’s Love for His People. Also reflected is how GOD Forgives us, Saves us, Rebuilds our lives, and Gives us Blessings that will last through eternity.

The genealogy of Jesus as written by Luke goes back to Adam, which shows that Jesus is related to all human beings. This is consistent with Luke’s picture of Jesus as the Saviour of the world. Luke’s of the genealogy of Jesus follows the lineage of Mary.

The genealogy of Jesus written by Matthew goes back to Abraham and shows that Jesus was related to all Jews. (Matthew 1) Matthew’s of the lineage of Jesus follows the lineage of Joseph.

With the Birth and Preparation of Jesus the King, Matthew opens his Gospel with a genealogy to prove that Jesus is the descendant of both king David and Abraham, just as the Old Testament had predicted. The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to appear.

Finally, when Jesus Was Born, the Jews did not recognize HIM because they were looking for a different kind of king. Jesus Birth did not go unnoticed, both the shepherds and the Magi (the three wise men) came to worship HIM.

As one of the chosen twelve of Jesus, Matthew writes in Matthew 1:1-25 NKJV:

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of

Judah and his brothers, Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahsonthe father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife (Bathsheba), Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manassseh, Manasseh the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the same time of the exile to Babylon.

After the exile to Babylon:

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Akim, Akim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ.

Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.

This is how the birth of Jesus Came about:

His Mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, An Angel of The Lord Appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the Name Jesus, because HE Will Save His People from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord Had Said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means “GOD With us.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what The Angel of The Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave HIM the Name Jesus.

Jesus’ Name correlates with His Mission…Jehovah GOD Saves.

Matthew lists Joseph only as the husband of Mary, not the father of Jesus, since Mary was a virgin when she became pregnant. Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus gives Jesus’ legal (or royal) lineage through Joseph. Luke’s genealogy of Jesus reflects The Lord’s Biological Line of descent through Joseph to emphasize His Full hip in the human race as a Descendant of Adam.

Again Matthew traced Jesus genealogy back to Abraham, while Luke traced His

genealogy back to Adam. Matthew wrote mainly to the Jews; therefore Jesus Is Shown as the Descendant of their father, Abraham. Matthew mentions the women chronologically in the genealogy of Jesus.

Tamar is the first listed who played the role of a harlot and deceived her fatherin-law in order to provide him with legal heirs. Tamar was driven to seduce Judah because of her intense desire to have children and be the matriarch of Judah’s oldest line.

Rahab is the second woman listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Rahab was a prostitute; however, is one of two women who are listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11:1. She welcomed the spies and was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11: 31) GOD Re Rahab because of her faith, not her profession.

Ruth is the third woman listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Ruth came to know the GOD of Israel through her mother-in-law Naomi. GOD Was at the center of their open intimate communication. Ruth was born of an incestuous relationship. She was the offspring of Lot and his daughters who resided in a cave in the land of Zoar after Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. They were known as the Moabites. GOD Led this young Moabite widow to marry Boaz. Boaz was the descendant of Rahab, the former prostitute. Ruth became the greatgrandmother of king David.

Bathsheba (referred to as the wife of Uriah) is the fourth woman in the genealogy of Jesus. Bathsheba committed adultery with king David and became the mother of Israel’s wisest king, Solomon.

Mary became the mother of Jesus. The HOLY Spirit Empowered Mary, a GODFavored virgin to become pregnant with Jesus. Joseph was Mary’s husband;

however, there was no consummation of the marriage until after The Birth of Jesus. And both Mary and Joseph were descendants of king David. Therefore, Jesus Is GOD-man.

Why is it that the virgin birth is essential to the Christian faith?

GOD’s Son, Jesus Christ, had to be free from the sinful nature ed on to all other human beings by Adam. As the Son of GOD, Jesus was born without any trace of human sin. And because Jesus was born of a woman, he was a human being. The woman to Whom Jesus was born, was a virgin. Therefore, Jesus Christ is both fully Divine and fully human.

We can know and be assured that because Jesus lived as a man, HE Fully Understands our struggles and our experiences. (Hebrews 4:15, 16) Because Jesus Is GOD, HE Has the Authority and the Power to Deliver us from sin (Colossians 2:13-15). We can tell Jesus about everything, all of our thoughts, feelings and needs. Although HE Knows all about it…we still need to tell HIM. We need to know that we know Who Jesus Is and Who HE Is to us. Jesus wants us to tell HIM all about ourselves and what concerns we have! What a friend we have…in Jesus! HE Has been here where we are now, and Jesus Has The Ability, The Authority, The Power, The Position and The Sovereignty to help us!

After discovering that Mary was pregnant, Joseph was faced with a very difficult choice. Joseph had planned to divorce Mary quietly.

But while he thought about these things, behold, An Angel of The LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of The HOLY Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name JESUS, for HE Will Save His people from their sins.”

Matthew 1: 20, 21 NKJV ARLB

Jesus Is The Greek form of Joshua which means The LORD Saves. “The Christ” (Greek) and “The Messiah” (Hebrew) both mean “The Anointed One.” NIV

The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are supernatural events beyond reasoning or human logic. Because the birth of Christ is extraordinarily Divine, GOD Sent angels to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening. (Refer to Matthew 2: 13; Luke 1: 11, 26; 2: 9)

Joseph chose to obey GOD’s Command to marry Mary, although he knew that taking her as his wife could be humiliating. Acknowledge again that Mary and Joseph had no sexual relationship with each other until after Jesus Was Born. Joseph’s action revealed four irable qualities:

(1) Righteousness

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man… Matthew 1: 19

(2) Discretion and Sensitivity

…and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19

(3) Responsiveness and Obedience to GOD

When Joseph woke up, he did what The Angel of The Lord Had Commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. Matthew 1:24

(4) Self-Discipline

But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a Son. Matthew 1:25

Although Joseph thought he was doing the right thing by breaking the engagement, it was only GOD’s Guidance that helped him make the best decision. We must always seek GOD’s Wisdom, especially when our decisions affect not only ourselves but the positions, plans, and well-being of others.

All this took place to fulfill what The Lord Had Said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “GOD With us.” Matthew 1: 22 NIV LASB

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His Name JESUS, for HE Will Save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21 NKJV JSB

Food for Growth

“Don’t get the idea that Jesus Died to save you from hell. HE Died to Save you from sin. And if HE can’t save you from sin, HE Can’t Save you from hell.²² Apply to Matthew 1: 21

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p. 1073

Jesus Christ – The Second Adam

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, Who Is Christ The Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe Wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 11, 12 NKJV JSB

Food for Growth

“If HE Is not your Lord, HE Is not your Saviour.”²³ Apply to Luke 2:11

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1146

For about 30 years, Jesus Lived in relative seclusion without publicly revealing His True Identity and Purpose. But when the time of preparation ended; Jesus Began His Work as The Son of GOD. “For The Bread of GOD Is HE Who Comes down from Heaven and Gives Life to the world.” John 6: 33 NKJV

Can you imagine the Savior of the world working in a small-town carpenter’s shop until he was thirty years of age?! Jesus remained in Nazareth for all that time and patiently trusted the Father’s timing for his life and ministry. The

prescribed age for priests to begin their ministry was thirty. (Numbers 4:3) When Joseph began serving the king of Egypt he was thirty years old (Genesis 41:46). When David began to reign over Judah, he was thirty years old. (2 Samuel 5:4)

In the Jewish culture, age 30, then, was a good time to begin an important task. We also, like Jesus, need to resist the temptation to jump ahead before receiving the Holy Spirit’s Direction. What about you—are you wondering what your next step should be? Trust GOD’s Timing. Do not jump ahead before you receive direction from the Holy Spirit.

Mary Had a Little Lamb

Mary Had a Little Lamb, His Fleece was white as snow. And everywhere that Mary went, The Lamb was sure to go. HE Followed her to school one day, twasn’t even in the rule. HE Made the children laugh and play, to have a Lamb at school. And then the rules all changed one day, illegal it became. To bring The Lamb of GOD to school, Or even speak His Name. Everyday got worse and worse, and days turned into years. Instead of hearing children laugh, we heard gunshots and tears. What must we do to stop the crime, that’s in our schools today? Let’s let The Lamb Come back to school, and teach our kids to pray! (Author unknown)

Did you use to sing that song “Mary Had A Little Lamb, His Fleece was white as snow, and everywhere that Mary went the Lamb was sure to go. He followed her to school one day: That was against the rule: It made the children laugh and play to see a lamb at school.”

Do you wonder where that song came from? The Boston publishing firm, Capen & Lyon, published the nursery rhyme as an original poem by Sarah Josepha Hale on May 24, 1830, and was inspired by an actual incident. A young girl named Mary Sawyer (later Mary Tyler) kept a pet lamb and with the suggestion of her

brother, took the lamb to school one day. (Ref: Wikipedia)

“Mary Had A Little Lamb” actually dates back even longer than year 1830 … to over 2000 years ago. … Our destiny ….your destiny is wrapped up in that little lamb.

Jesus Is The Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. The Bible Says, “Blessed are those who are called to The Marriage Supper of The Lamb!” Revelation 19: 9 NKJV JSB “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him Glory, for the marriage of The Lamb Has Come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19: 7, 8

The bride is the true church of The Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the guests that will attend the wedding will be “the redeemed” of all the ages who were “saved ‘before or after’ the church age”. The bride comes forth during the church age. The tune “Here comes the bride” was played quite often at weddings with the organ or piano or both. The real tune (harmonious relationship) that we long to hear, see, and ad is, “Here Comes The Groom!”

The bride makes herself ready for The Groom by making herself beautiful. Pastor Adrian Rogers says that the beautiful bride undergoes a threefold beauty treatment. Take a look at the three R’s.

First, there is Redemption. You must get saved. If you are not saved, you are not the church bride. “…for the marriage of The Lamb Has Come, and His wife has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7

Second, there’s The Rapture. You will be changed in a moment, made like the Lord Jesus Christ, when The Rapture comes. All the sinful nature, the lustful desires, and any objectionable thoughts will be “left behind”. Praise GOD for that! And the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4: 16 NKJV

Third, there’s Reward. At The Judgment Seat of Christ, you will receive according to the deeds you have done. And The Marriage Supper of The Lamb … And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 19: 8 How are you deg your own garments before Christ’s Return to earth?

The first time Jesus Came, HE Was Born into this world through the portals of a virgin’s womb, and laid in a feeding trough in a manger, a stable. HE Was/Is The Son of GOD. However, all of that glory was veiled. The veil is drawn back in the book of Revelations. The KING of Kings and The LORD of Lords Is that little Lamb that little BABE that was born in a manger to save His People from their sins. …You will find a Babe Wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2: 12 NKJV JSB … and you shall call His Name JESUS, for HE Will Save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 21 NKJV JSB

Jesus Came to this world the first time…to Redeem. When Jesus Comes the second time, HE Is Coming to Reign. Jesus Came the first time to a crucifixion. But now… the second time…HE Is Coming to a .

“wiaw” CORONATION = the act or ceremony of crowning a

“wiaw” MONARCH = a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire, one holding preeminent position or power

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary

The apostle John says, Now I saw Heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And HE Who Sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness HE Judges and Makes war. His Eyes Were like a flame of fire, and on His Head were many crowns. HE Had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

HE Was Clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His Name Is Called The Word of GOD. And the armies in Heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it HE Should Strike the nations. And HE Himself Will Rule them with a rod of iron. HE Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty GOD. And HE Has on His Robe and on His Thigh a name written:

KING of kings And LORD of Lords. Revelation 19: 11-16 NKJV JSB

When we are born we don’t know anything. We’re babies. We begin to grow. We begin to see, hear, listen, watch, and…learn. It’s not long before we start to mimic what we see others do. Yes, we learn from observing others. We learn from being taught…or…from not being taught.

As we grow older we begin to think for ourselves. We begin to make our own decisions. We set goals for ourselves.

When we meet Jesus Christ, our view of life of what we thought was important

becomes less important. When the Lord is on the throne of our life, we realize that the Purpose HE Has for our life is what becomes most important. It’s no longer my will be done, but THY WILL be done. (Matthew 6:10)

“Most assuredly I Say to you, he who believes in ME Has Everlasting Life. I Am The Bread of Life.” John 6: 47, 48 NKJV JSB

Food for Growth

“Eternal Life is not something you get when you die; it’s something you get when you believe.”²⁴ Apply to John 6: 47

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1196

“For The Bread of GOD is HE Who Comes Down from Heaven and Gives Life to the world.” John 6: 33 NKJV JSB

Blessed are those who do His Commandments, that they may have the right to

the Tree of Life, and may enter through the gates of the city. Revelation 22: 14 NKJV JSB

Jesus mission is to Seek and to Save that which was lost. Luke 19: 10 When we are born into this world, we are all born sinners. Born as sinners means that we are automatically on “the road most traveled”.

What the first Adam did not do and what the first Adam did do, The Second Adam has done! … And undone!! (Respectively)

Jesus Says to the apostle Peter, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I Will Build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it…” Matthew 16: 18 NKJV JSB

He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I Will be his GOD and he shall be My son. Revelation 21: 7 NKJV JSB

when Jesus Said to the Pharisees when they were in the temple, “Most assuredly, I Say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58 NKJV JSB And also what The Lord GOD Said to Moses, when Moses asked Him who he should say sent him to the children of Israel to have Pharaoh to “let His People go.”

And GOD Said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And HE Said, “Thus you shall

say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM Has Sent me to you.’” Exodus 3: 14 NKJV JSB

When GOD Said, “I AM WHO I AM”, HE Declared His Eternal, SelfExistence, Unchanging Sovereign Deity. Moses and the children of Israel needed to know that HE Was The GOD they knew to be The Father of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The LORD’s Plan Was to Deliver His Children from slavery so they could worship Him and be fully established as His Chosen people.

Jesus Was Saying that before HE Was Born in Bethlehem, HE Eternally Existed. Jesus Became Incarnate (bodily, human form) for our benefit for thirty-three years while here on earth. The book of John conveys what others saw in Christ in addition to The Lord’s Own Words about Himself.

The following are the seven “I AM” Sayings of Jesus:

1. “I AM The Bread of Life”

“I AM The Bread of Life. He who comes to ME shall never hunger, and he who believes in ME shall never thirst.” John 6: 35 NKJV

2. “I AM The Light of The World”

“I AM The Light of The World. He who follows ME shall not walk in darkness, but have The Light of Life.” John 8: 12 NKJV JSB

“As long as I AM in the world, I AM The Light of The World.” John 9:5 NKJV

3. “I AM The Door”

“Most assuredly, I Say to you, “I AM The Door of the sheep.” John 10: 7 “I AM The Door. If anyone enters by ME, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10: 9 NKJV JSB

4. “I AM The Good Shepherd”

“I AM The Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd Gives His Life for the sheep. John 10: 11 “I AM the Good Shepherd; and I Know MY Sheep, and am known by MY Own.” John 10: 14 NKJV JSB

5. “I AM The Resurrection and The Life”

“I Am The Resurrection and The Life. He who believes in ME, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11: 25 NKJV JSB

6. “I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life”

“I AM The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to The Father except

through ME.” John 14: 6 NKJV JSB

7. “I AM The True Vine”

“I AM The True Vine. And MY Father Is The Vinedresser.” John 15: 1 NKJV JSB “I AM The Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in ME, and I in him, Bears much fruit; for without ME you can do nothing.” John 15: 5 NKJV JSB

Jesus Is The Source of all life. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Jesus Is all we need. I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens me. Philippians 4: 13

From the beginning to the end, the Book of Revelation describes how Jesus Christ is coming back visibly in Power and Great Glory and Majesty. We are to look for His Coming. We are to learn of His Coming. We are to long for His Coming. And most of all, we are to live for His Coming.

In the case of the first Adam, GOD Was not pleased with the disobedient actions of Adam and Eve. GOD Sent Adam and his wife Eve out of The Garden Eden to till the ground from which they were taken. And they heard the sound of The LORD GOD Walking in The Garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from The Presence of the LORD GOD among the trees of The Garden. Then The LORD GOD Called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your Voice in The Garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And HE Said, “who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from The Tree of which I Commanded you that you should not eat?” Genesis 3: 11 So HE Drove out the man; and HE Placed cherubim at the east of The Garden of Eden and a flaming sword which turned every way to guard the way to The Tree of Life. Genesis 3: 24 NKJV

In the case of The Second Adam-Jesus Christ, GOD The Father Is Well Pleased. And suddenly a voice came from Heaven, saying, “This is MY Beloved Son, in Whom I Am Well Pleased.” Matthew 3: 17 NKJV

Blessed are those who do His Commandments, that they may have the right to The Tree of Life, and may enter through the gates of the city. Revelation 22: 14 NKJV

What the first Adam did not do, The Second Adam Has Done!

The first Adam did not obey GOD. While in the Garden of Eden, GOD Said to the first Adam, “but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, GOD Has Said, ‘you shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die’.” Genesis 2: 2 NKJV

GOD Said to the first Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree which I Commanded you that you should not eat?” Genesis 3: 11 NKJV

Jesus, The Second Adam, Obeyed GOD. Jesus Prayed in The Garden of Gethsemane to GOD the Father, saying, “Father, if it is Your Will Take this cup away from ME; nevertheless not MY Will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22: 42 NKJV

What the first Adam did, The Second Adam has undone!

The first man Adam became a living being. 1 Corinthians 15: 45 All die under the first Adam. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 1 Corinthians 15: 45 All live under the second Adam. The disobedience of the first Adam brought death to all people. The obedience of the Second Adam brought life to all who would believe in Him and receive the free gift of salvation.

But now Christ Is Risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man Also Came The Resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15: 20- 22 NKJV

However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; The Second Man Is The Lord from Heaven. 1 Corinthians 15: 46, 47 NKJV

In display of obedience to GOD, the first Adam failed in The Garden of Eden. The second Adam SUCCEEDED in The Garden of Gethsemane and Gained back what was legally lost, Power of Authority and eternal life through His Resurrection.

Food for Growth

Jesus Did Not Have any itch that the devil could scratch.²⁵

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV

As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is The Heavenly Man, so also are those who are Heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of The Heavenly Man. 1 Corinthians 15: 48, 49 NKJV

Now this I Say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit The Kingdom of GOD; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I Tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15: 50- 54 NKJV

But thanks be to GOD, Who Gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in The Work of The Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in The Lord. 1 Corinthians 15: 57, 58

“Worthy Is The Lamb Who Was Slain To receive Power and Riches and Wisdom, And Strength and Honor and Glory and Blessing!

And every creature which is in Heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power Be to Him Who Sits on the Throne, And to The Lamb, forever and ever.” Revelation 5: 12, 13 NKJV

Our destiny your destiny is wrapped up in that little Lamb Who Was Born in a manger and Who’s Blood was shed on Calvary for the of our sins.

Jesus Has the whole wide work in His Hands. Have you sang that song? Jesus Has the whole wide work in His Hands … for GOD Is the Righteous Judge. HE’s Got the little bitty baby in His Hands … HE’s Got the whole world in His Hands.

“Wiaw” REMISSION= the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty; forgiveness of sins (Google)

For the world is Mine, and its fullness. Psalm 50: 12 NKJV ARLB

Food for Growth

“What is this world coming to? Jesus!”²

Apply to Revelation 1: 7 “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p. 1414

The FLESH vs. The SPIRIT

To live according to the flesh is to be unsaved. If Jesus Christ had not saved us, the flesh would have dragged us down to the darkest, deepest, hottest places in hell. Those who live according to the flesh must die, not only physically, but spiritually and for an eternity. Another way to describe the true believers is to say that they are led by the Spirit of GOD.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was born of a virgin by means of The HOLY Spirit. Jesus did not sin. For to this you were called, because Christ Also Suffered for us, leaving an example, that you should follow His Steps: “Who Committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His Mouth.” 1 Peter 2: 21, 22 Jesus knew no sin. For HE Made Him Who Knew no sin to be sin for us, that HE Might Become The Righteousness for us. 2 Corinthians 5: 21 By coming into the world in human flesh form, Jesus resembled sinful humanity. However, there was no sin in The Lord Jesus. And you know that HE Was Manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 1 John 3: 5

Jesus Christ Condemned sin in the flesh as a sacrifice for sin. He died for our sin nature not only for the sins we commit. My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of The Truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, GOD Is Greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward GOD. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His Commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His Sight. And this is His Commandment: that we should believe on The Name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as HE Gave us Commandment. 1 John 3: 18-23 Jesus died for who we are just as much as for what we have done. We are born sinners who sin. Yet, through Jesus we are saved by GOD’s Amazing Grace.

Those who are unconverted, are those who live according to the flesh and are concerned with the things of the flesh. The unconverted are those who live to gratify the desires of the corrupt nature. Those who live according to the flesh, obey the impulses of the flesh. They cater to the body, which will return to dust in a few short years. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4: 14

But those who live according to the Spirit—the true believers—rise above flesh and blood and live for those things that are eternal. They are preoccupied with prayer, obedience and submission to The Word of GOD, worship, and Christian service. Christ Healed and Served many during His Life here on earth. We are the vessels through whom HE Still Works. Christian means Christ an(d) i.

To be carnally minded—which is the mental inclination of the fallen nature—is death. There may be no mutual connection when it comes to both present enjoyment and ultimate destiny. Present enjoyment may be temporary. Ultimate destiny is permanent. A bottle labeled as Poison – does no harm to the body – until it’s drank…and then the warning on the bottle labeled “poison causing death” deemed as a warning of fatality, becomes real.

But to be spiritually minded is life and peace. The Spirit of GOD is the guarantee of life that is of peace with GOD, and of a life of tranquility. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1: 21

The mindset of the flesh is death because it is enmity against GOD. The sinner rebels against GOD and is in active hostility to HIM. The mind of the flesh, the flesh nature, is not subject to the law of GOD. The mind of the flesh wants its own will, not the will of GOD. It does not want to bow to GOD’s Rule, it wants to be its own master. The flesh is dead towards GOD.

Those who are in the flesh cannot please GOD. There is nothing an unsaved person can do to please GOD. There are no good works, no religious observances, no nice personhood, no sacrificial services, there is absolutely nothing that an unconverted person can do to please GOD. Well there is the first one thing, and that is to confess to being a guilty sinner and receive Jesus Christ by a definite act of faith. Only then can he/she win GOD’s Smile of approval.

Other people may have a different view on how things are to be done. Other people include family, friends, associates, co-workers, acquaintances, friends of family, and “friends of friends”. Now there is face book, twitter, instagram, snap chat, and different blogs on various websites. It seems as if everyone wants to be able to express his/her opinion about nearly everything.

Yes we are an opinionated people. In Scripture, GOD refers to the Israelites as a stiff-necked people. What is the reason that it’s so necessary to give an opinion about something… about anything? So often I hear someone when asked a question or make a statement say, “whatever”. When that “whatever” opinion is based on the foundation of The Truth, then that is the “whatever” that counts. It’s not only “whatever” but “Whoever”. Who Ever is what makes whatever “worthwhile”.

The relevance of what someone says should be measured with what The Bible Says. The significance of your opinion is measured by the actual truth of GOD’s Word. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to ME and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Isaiah 55: 2 NKJV ARLB

And we can be just like the Pharisees and Sadducees if we think that what we say and what we do is more important than what GOD Says, what GOD Does, what HE Is Going to Do, and what HE Has already Done. And let me not neglect to say, What HE Is Doing, and how HE Is Working … things out for our total benefit. And we know that all things work together for good for those who love

GOD, to those who are the called according to His Purpose. Romans 8: 28 NKJV ARLB There is nothing wrong with having an opinion or expressing your own personal preferences, as long as those opinions and personal preferences do not blaspheme the HOLY Spirit nor contradict The Word of GOD.

Did you know that Pharisees and Sadducees did not really like one another…not until they felt that they had a common enemy. Is that not something? They only came together in communication with each other to plot against Jesus. Can you imagine that? The rebellion and hostility is seen most clearly in the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Pharisees and the Sadducees did not want The One and Only True and Living GOD, the Son of GOD the Father, to become more prominent than them so they plotted to get rid of HIM. What they failed to realize is that Jesus Was Before they were. Jesus is The Great “I AM” when they were non-existent.

Does this remind you of another story in the Holy Bible when Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers? What the brothers did was evil but GOD meant it for good. That is what Joseph told his brothers when his brothers asked Joseph to forgive them. Joseph was favored by Pharaoh, after many years of heartache from being sold into slavery by his own brothers.

The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man: and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that The LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:2, 3 NKJV ARLB

After being selected to become a servant in Potiphar’s household, Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife when she made a sexual at him. He was unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, although he remained loyal to GOD and to Potiphar. Nothing happened between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife, that’s why he ran. He did not want anything to happen. However, Potiphar was lead to believe the

opposite (that Joseph had made a sexual advance) by his wife, and Joseph was imprisoned.

Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. But The LORD Was With Joseph and showed him mercy, and HE Gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. Genesis 39: 20- 22 NKJV

During Joseph’s stay in prison, a butler and a baker who were imprisoned with him told him their dreams. Joseph revealed the meaning of their dreams to them when they asked him. Those dreams came to be true. The butcher was restored to his butlership role and the chief baker was hung. The chief butler ed Joseph and told Pharaoh about his interpretation of his dreams. Pharaoh sent for Joseph in order that Joseph could reveal Pharaoh’s dreams. After being released from prison, Joseph revealed the meaning of Pharaoh’s dreams and was placed in a position of authority that was next highest to Pharaoh. There was the occurrence of one event that lead to another and another. The bottom line or should I say The Top Line, The Upline, The True Source of Joseph’s favor, was from The LORD.

Did you read that…who made all that Joseph had to prosper in his hand? Yes, the LORD was with Joseph and it was the LORD who made all he did to prosper in his hand. Again it is written that, The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. Genesis 39: 23 NKJV ARLB

Pharaoh set Joseph over all the land of Egypt. Joseph revealed to Pharaoh what GOD Revealed to Joseph. The revelation Pharaoh’s dream meant that there

would be seven years of plenty and seven years of famine.

Then the seven years of plenty ended, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” Genesis 41: 53-55 NKJV ARLB

Let’s take a quick look forward in the New Testament after Jesus was born and was on the earth. when they ran out of wine at the wedding party, what Mary said to her son, Jesus. what Mary told the servants.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His Disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus Said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with ME? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever HE Says to you, do it.” John 2: 1- 5 NKJV

The first miracle referenced before Jesus began his public ministry is when Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding party.

Just want to bring these statements into your awareness.

Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” Genesis 41: 53-55 NKJV ARLB

His (Jesus) mother said to the servants, “Whatever HE Says to you, do it.” John 2: 1- 5 NKJV

Joseph was put in position before Jesus Time on earth, to save GOD’s People. Joseph saved the people by providing physical food for them. Jesus Saved the people from their sins by providing HIMself as the propitiation for our sins and spiritual food, The Bread of Life.

Jesus Was Seen by His disciples and many of His followers when HE Rose from the dead. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, Joseph eventually revealed himself to his brothers. Joseph told his brothers not to be grieved or angry with themselves because they had sold him, for it was GOD who sent Joseph before them to preserve life. (Genesis 45: 5 NKJVThen Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no none stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Genesis 45: 1 NKJV ARLB

Joseph goes on to say to his brothers, “And GOD Sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but GOD; and HE Made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 45: 7, 8 NKJV

Unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees, Joseph’s brothers were grieved and wept with their brother Joseph over all the sorrow that they had caused. Joseph and his brothers were born of their father Jacob whose name is also Israel. They truly were born of the same father. Israel (Jacob) was born of Isaac, and Isaac was born of Abraham.

Abraham is the father of nations whose Heavenly Father is the GOD of Israel. Joseph had his brothers and their families and their father Jacob return to Egypt to live together in the land. When their father Jacob dies, Joseph’s brothers thought Joseph was going to do away with them and repay them for what they had done to him. However, Joseph had forgiven them and told them not to be afraid. “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of GOD? But as for you, you meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50: 19- 21 Joseph lived one hundred and ten years, and they embalmed him and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. Genesis 50: 26 NKJV ARLB

Jesus said to the Jews who believed him, “If you abide in MY Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know The Truth, and The Truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32 NKJV

The Jews (the Pharisees and Sadducees) when they responded to Jesus said that they were Abraham’s descendants.

Jesus Said, “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill ME, because MY Word has no place in you. I Speak what I have seen with MY Father, and you do what you have seen with your father. They answered and said to HIM, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill ME, a Man who has told you The Truth which I heard from GOD. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to HIM, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—GOD.” John 8: 37- 41 NKJV ARLB

Food for Growth

“GOD Isn’t your Father, Just because HE Is your Creator.”²⁷ Apply to John 8:44

An Adrianism The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible

Jesus Said to them, “If GOD were your Father, you would love ME, for I proceeded forth and came from GOD; nor have I come of Myself, but HE sent ME. Why do you not understand MY Speech? Because you are not able to listen to MY Word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in The Truth, because there is not truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8: 42-44 NKJV ARLB

But because I tell The Truth, you do not believe ME. Which of you convicts ME of sin? And if I tell The Truth, why do you not believe ME? He who is of GOD hears GOD’s Words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of GOD.” John 8:45- 47 NKJV

Those who belong to their father the devil manifest his traits.

However, Christians are given The HOLY Spirit to dwell inside them. It is The HOLY Spirit Who enables the true Christian to become more like GOD The Father and Creator.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1: 5 NKJV ARLB

But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2: 11 NKJV JSB

Jesus Was sadly rejected by His Own Jewish people. Those who respond to The Truth by believing and receiving Jesus in His Name are children of GOD.

That was The True Light that gives light to every man coming into the world. HE Was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. John 1: 9, 10

HE Came to His Own, and His Own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them HE Gave the right to become children of GOD, to those who believe in His Name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD.

John 1: 11-13 NKJV JSB

Jesus Lived on earth and spoke The Truth. Salvation is a Grace Gift from GOD.

For by Grace you have been Saved through Faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a Gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD Prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2: 8, 9 NKJV JSB

All creation was affected by the fall of man and the curse.

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:22 NKJV ARLB

Groans and labors in pain (birth pangs, a sudden sharp spasm of attack, remorse) which has caused misery from then until the present, refers to Adam’s Fall. The present sufferings of creation are the “birth pangs” of the Millenium, the new age to be born. Creation has been groaning over Adam’s disobedience to GOD. From the Fall until now, creation (with the exception of Lucifer and the fallen angels, also created beings) has been groaning of having been made subject to a curse. Creation (which is also referred to as the creature), includes everything that GOD Created. Creation eagerly looks forward to the time when the curse will be lifted.

For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of GOD. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of GOD. Romans 8:19-21 NKJV ARLB

Creation looks back to the ideal conditions that existed in Eden. Then it measures the destruction that was caused by Adam’s disobedience to GOD. Adam’s sin not only affected mankind, but all creation. The ground is cursed. Many animals are hunted by other wild animals for food or hunted by man for food or sport. Many people die violent deaths. Disease affects people, birds and animals as well as fish and the environment. The result of man’s sin has catastrophically resulted in chaos, extreme repercussions, and mass confusion.

But when the fullness of the time was come, GOD Sent forth His SON, made of a woman, made under the law.

Message to memorize: GOD is always doing something good whether we understand it or not.

Those who belong to Christ are already the sons of GOD. However, the world never recognizes nor appreciates us as such. And ironically, the world is looking forward to a better day, and that day cannot come until The King Returns to Rule and Reign with His Saints. Unfortunately, that better day does not happen for the world.

To recap, the following are the series of events to occur after the Fall of man, the

flesh:

○ The serpent was cursed. Genesis 3:14 ○ GOD Promised redemption through the seed of the woman. Genesis 3:15 ○ The woman would experience multiple sorrow and pain in childbearing. Genesis 3:16 ○ The ground was cursed. Genesis 3:17,18 ○ Pain, sorrow and physical death became part of the experience of life, and labor became burdensome. Genesis 3:19 ○ Man shall return to dust from the ground from whenst (where) he came. Genesis 3: 19

Genesis 3: 15 has long been recognized as perhaps the first messianic prophecy of the HOLY Bible. This first messianic prophecy foretells the coming of Jesus Christ. Ever since the Fall, Satan and his seed (Satan, the fallen angels, and unbelievers, who are called the devil’s children in John 8: 44) has battled against the woman’s seed (Christ, born of a virgin mother, and a descendant of Eve, and GOD’s Children).

GOD Gives a message of hope in the midst of the curse age. GOD Said to the serpent that he could only bruise Christ’s heel (cause HIM to suffer). Yet, HE (Christ) Shall bruise your head, is what GOD Said to the serpent. Christ Came to defeat Satan completely and destroy him with a fatal blow.

For Christ Also Suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE Might Bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by The Spirit, by whom also HE Went and Preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were

disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3: 18- 20 NKJV

There is also an which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward GOD), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who Has Gone into Heaven and is at The Right Hand of GOD, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. 1Peter 3: 21- 22 NKJV

“Wiaw” ANTITYPE= a person or thing which represents the opposite of someone or something else (Google), a person or thing that is foreshadowed or represented by a type or symbol esp a character or event in the New Testament are figured in the Old Testament

While many souls perished when the flood came in Noah’s day, eight souls were saved. And now many profess their faith in Jesus by making a public confession of sin and asking for forgiveness in order to be saved. Baptism with water immersion follows the example of Christ being baptized by John the Baptist. Baptism is also in obedience to GOD’s Command in representing a transition from the “old” flesh to the “new” spirit.

Genesis 3:15 contains the first glimpse of the gospel. It reveals three essential truths:

1. GOD put enmity, related to the word enemy, between Satan and the woman. Satan is the enemy of the human race. 2. GOD would place a spiritual barrier between the seed of Satan (Satan’s followers, slaves of sin, offspring of the flesh) and the seed of the woman (Jesus Christ and GOD’s Children, sons of righteousness, offspring of the Spirit). 3. Jesus Christ Is (the GOD-man) born of the Holy Spirit, and the firstborn seed of the woman, (being both divine and human in nature).

Our hope for deliverance from the presence of sin and all its horrific results is based on The Promise of GOD. Our blessed hope is alive and resurrected in Christ Jesus. True believers in Christ have help for today and hope for tomorrow.

Character Key for Jesus

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4: 13- 17

“wiaw” NAMESAKE= one that has the same name as another; esp: one named after another (MWD)

HE Leads me in The Paths of Righteousness for His Name Sake. Psalm 23: 3 NKJV JSB

GOD The Father Is Seen through Jesus. What do you believe? WHO do you believe?

C. O.P.P – Other Peoples’ Positions Fallen World (broad path) “looking on from the outside”

TREES “You will know them by their fruits”… Matthew 7:16

Virtues—Fruit of The Spirit—Virtuous Fruit

Stepping Stones

HEAVEN Above

Vices –Works of the Flesh-Forbidden Fruit Stumbling Blocks Hell Below

But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its ions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26 NIV LASB

The Fruit of the Spirit is the miraculous spontaneous work of the HOLY Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ Jesus. We cannot obtain them by trying to get them apart from His Help. They are the by-products of Christ’s Control. We must our lives to His, if we want the Fruit of the Spirit to grow in us. (ref: John 15:4, 5)

Remain in ME, and I Will Remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the Vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in ME. I AM The Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in ME and I in him; he will bear much fruit; apart from ME you can do nothing. John 15:4, 5 NIV

Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine (John 15:5). Human works are produced by human effort. Fruit and human works differ as a garden and a

factory differ. Although there are some plants that do not require soil to grow, all live plants need water. Products are manufactured in a factory.

GOD Cultivates, Nurtures and Brings Forth plant life in a garden, hence, the Garden of Eden. Human hands and bodily efforts assemble and make parts in a manufacturing plant. Notice the similarity and play on words, manufacturing plant. Live plants are real of which water and soil are necessary elements needed for life and growth. And then there are some plants, flowers, and even fruits that are made to simply look real. Water and soil are not essential to the growth of these types of plants; they are .

“Wiaw” ARTIFICIAL= produced by art rather than nature; made by humans to imitate nature; not genuine

Please note that fruit is singular, not plural. The HOLY Spirit Produces only one kind of fruit…Christ Likeness. All the single virtues listed above describe all the fruits combined to result in the life actions of a child of GOD who possesses Christ Likeness.

Do you see any stepping stone virtues listed in the right column that are fruits that you bear and want to bear as the by-products of living for GOD?

VIRTUES—Fruit of the SPIRIT—Virtuous Fruit

• Love (Galatians 5: 22)

• Joy (Galatians5: 22) • Peace (Galatians 5: 22) • Patience (Galatians 5: 22) • Kindness (Galatians 5: 22) • Goodness (Galatians 5: 22) • Faithfulness (Galatians 5: 22) • Gentleness (Galatians 5: 23) • Self-Control (Galatians 5: 23)

Word definitions for VIRTUES (virtuous fruit) are reflected as follows:

“Wiaw” VIRTUE= Strength

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit LOVE: The HOLY Bible speaks of three types of love:

1) The love of GOD for man (vertical love expressed from GOD to us)

2) Man’s love for GOD (vertical love expressed from us to GOD)

3) Love for one another between fellow men and women (horizontal love expressed from one human being to another)

As reflected in 1 John 4:8: “He who does not love does not know GOD, for GOD is Love.” This lets us know that love is rooted in the very personality of GOD, and His Boundless love for us. We read of GOD’s Love in the election of and long-suffering attitude toward Israel, GOD’s Chosen Nation. GOD’s Love for us is supremely manifested in His Sending His Son to die for our sins, that we might have Everlasting Life. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8)

Man’s love for GOD arises in response to and out of gratitude for this love which man has received through no merit of his own.

What enables us to love one another is GOD’s Unconditional Love for us. This kind of love is expressed not only to family and friends but to those who may be considered enemies. Even the Pharisee’s would love their friends. However, without true GOD-Given Love, no human community, regardless of the prestige it enjoys, or the name it wears, can claim to be the church of Jesus Christ. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines love as: a strong affection; a warm attachment; an attraction based on sexual desire; an unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for others.

Food for Growth

“A man will go to hell unsaved, but he will never go unloved.”²⁸ Apply to John 3: 16, 17

An Adrianism The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1190

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit JOY: This emotion is enlivened by the acquisition or expectation of good, delight, and gladness. Throughout the Bible, gladness and joy are related to the life of Israel and the Church. This joy is not only a response to the present blessings of a covenant relationship with GOD but is also an anticipation of the future state, when redeemed man will be able to enjoy the full presence of GOD. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines joy as a feeling of happiness that comes from success, good-fortune, or a sense of well-being.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit PEACE: Freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; a state of quiet or tranquility. The ideal of peace plays a prominent role in both Judaism and Christianity. The common Hebrew greeting, Shalom, means “peace” and is used frequently in the phrase, “Peace be with you.” Those who trusted in GOD were promised inward, or spiritual peace. Christians, as children of the GOD of Peace, are exhorted to be at peace with one another. The Gospel of Christ may be described as a message of spiritual peace from GOD to man. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines peace as freedom from disturbing thoughts or emotions.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE: The stated, or quality of being patient; bearing suffering, trouble, disappointment waiting, or trials with fortitude; uncomplaining endurance of evils or wrongs. Patience implies self-possession and indicates a certain quietness and repose. The cultivation of a patient spirit aids one in avoiding a sinful reaction to the petty annoyances and harassments which we each face. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines patience as bearing pain or trials without complaint; showing self-control; being steadfast; persevering.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit KINDNESS: The state or quality of being kind; goodness of heart or disposition. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines kindness as sympathetic, forbearing, or pleasant nature.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit GOODNESS: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines goodness as being of a favorable character, or tendency; excellence, virtue.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit FAITHFULNESS: In the Old Testament, faith is considered as firmness, reliability, or steadfastness. The individual who is considered to be faithful, holds on confidently to the precepts of the Law, and to his/her own integrity that is strengthened by his/her confidence in the object believed, the GOD of Israel. In the New Testament, faith is thought of as trusting only in GOD. The individual abandons all thoughts of self and submits himself/herself in obedience to GOD’s Commands. The emphasis shifts here from the Old Testament as being reliant on self, to the New Testament as being reliant totally and wholeheartedly on GOD. The Apostle Paul introduced the concept of faith as being in opposition to “sight”. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 Paul describes faith as being the confident trust in the unseen power of GOD.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit GENTLENESS: Kindness and softness in manner, considerateness, readiness to look humanely and reasonably at the facts of a situation. Gentleness is viewed in the Bible as a beautiful virtue, and righteous persons are urged to cultivate it. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines gentle as belonging to a family of high social station; not harsh, stern, or violent.

“Wiaw” Fruit of the Spirit SELF-CONTROL: To exercise control over one’s self. The essential person distinct from all other persons in identity; oneself; itself; to exercise restraining or directing influence over oneself (MWD)

The Book of Galatians also describes “the Fruit of the Spirit” as the marks of a mature Christian. The Gospel Message is not a matter of preference. It’s a matter of eternal destiny. The Book of Galatians will help you to discover if you are a mature, biblically spiritual Christian and determine where you are headed.

You will know that the HOLY Spirit is leading you if your desire is to have the quality virtues listed previously. Being led by the HOLY Spirit involves your desire to hear, your readiness and willingness to obey GOD’s Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and The Holy Spirit’s Promptings. Be very careful not to confuse your subjective feelings with the leading of the HOLY Spirit. We are to test the spirits to see whether they are from GOD… 1 John 4:1

“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Do not be deceived, GOD Is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap Everlasting Life.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 5:4-10

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit Desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful man is hostile to GOD. It does not submit to GOD’s Law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please GOD. Romans 8:5-8 NIV

Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of GOD Lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your Spirit is alive because of righteousness. Romans 8:9, 10 NIV LASB

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self,

which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like GOD in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4: 22-24 NIV LASB

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ Is Seated at the right hand of GOD. Set your minds on things

above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in GOD. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with HIM in Glory. Colossians 3:1-4 NIV LASB

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of GOD is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3: 5-10 NIV LASB

Our selfish inclinations or evil desires stem from our own bodies. These forces are not equal, the HOLY Spirit is infinitely stronger. However, we will make wrong choices if we rely on our own knowledge. We will certainly fall short and fail if we try to follow the Spirit by our own human effort. We will be free from our evil desires only through the empowering of the HOLY Spirit. All the virtues describe the life of the child of GOD. Again, simply put…

• Faithfullness means trust in GOD, also being able to encourage fellow Christian brothers and sisters to trust in GOD (Ephesians 11: 1, 2; Colossians 1: 2) • Gentleness is portraying the lowly position as Jesus Did when HE Washed His Disciples feet. (John 13:1-17) • Goodness is kindness shown to others. (Luke 10:30-35) • Joy is satisfaction and contentment with GOD and with His Dealings. (Luke 12:22, 30-31; Philippians 4: 11-13)

• Kindness is gentleness. Kindness is representative of the attitude of The Lord especially toward little children. (Mark 10:14) • Longsuffering is patience in annoyances, afflictions, and persecutions. (Romans 12: 12) • Love is what GOD Is. Love is demonstrated fully at The Cross of Calvary. (Romans 5: 6-8) • Peace includes the Peace with GOD as well as harmonious relationships with others. See Luke 8:22-25 for peace in the life of the Redeemer. • Self-control means holding one’s self in control. Self-control especially applies to exercising restraint from unbiblical illicit sex and lustful appetites. Temper, lust, and gluttonous ions are to be controlled. The use of right moderation in the correct balance of our daily living activities and temperamental choices displays discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7; Titus 1:8)

It is for freedom that Christ Has Set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV LASB

“Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself Is GOD in Heaven above and on the earth beneath; There is no Other. Deuteronomy 4:39 NKJV

GOD in Spoke to the children of Israel when HE Said, “You shall therefore keep His Statutes and His Commandments which I Command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD your GOD is giving you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:40 NKJV

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father Knows” (Father Knows Best) “that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of GOD and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6: 34 NKJV

“Wiaw” HEAVEN= The abode of The Deity and of the blessed dead; a spiritual state of everlasting communion with GOD (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Heaven is a word used in the Bible to indicate several different conditions and things. The phrase “heaven and earth” represents the totality of the whole as noted in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning GOD Created the heavens and the earth”.

The first heaven includes the sky where the birds fly and a little higher above the earth surface where planes fly and precipitation occurs. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are MY Ways Higher than your ways, And MY Thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55: 9 NKJV ARLB

The second heaven represents the realm in which the sun, moon and stars are located. Then GOD Said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth” and it was so. Then GOD Made two great lights: the greater light to

rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. HE Made the stars also. GOD Set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And GOD Saw that it was good. Genesis 1: 14- 19 NKJV ARLB

And the third Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of GOD. It was from Heaven that the Son of GOD Descended to become Incarnate. “No one has ascended to Heaven but HE Who Came down from Heaven, that is, the Son of Man Who Is in Heaven.” John3: 13 NKJV

The apostle Paul received revelations and visions from The Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know – GOD Knows. And I know that this man – whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but GOD Knows – was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. 2 Corinthians 12: 2- 4 NKJV Paul revealed this incident to let others know that he had been uniquely touched by GOD.

Heaven is to be the eternal dwelling place of the saints in Resurrection Glory.

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from GOD, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. 2 Corinthians 5: 1 NKJV

In the present life “heaven” is the region of the spiritual Citizenship of believers.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who Will Transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His Glorious Body, according to the working by which HE Is Able even to subdue all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20 NKJV

Because all things will be dissolved in the final judgment, Christians are to what is eternal and work towards Godly ends. Discipline of the mind and body is necessary in order to think, speak, and live biblically. The obedience of Christians in these last days can actually hasten the coming of The Day of The Lord by motivating sinners to repent.

The sun and moon will cease to give their light and heavenly bodies will begin to fall from the sky.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of The Son of Man Will Appear in Heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see The Son of Man Coming on the clouds of Heaven with power and great glory. And HE Will Send His Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His Elect from the four winds, from one end of Heaven to the other. Matthew24: 2931

Food for Growth

“The only thing between sinning man and judgment is Time.”²

Apply to 2 Peter 3: 3-10 NKJV

An Adrianism The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1398

Heaven and earth will away, but My Words will by no means away. Matthew 24: 35

The present “heavens” with the earth, are to away and new “heavens” and earth are to be created. The present “heavens” with the earth refers to the atmospheric heavens—the blue firmament above us—not to That Heaven which is the Dwelling Place of GOD.

“Watch therefore for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for The Son of Man Is Coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24: 42-44

What we think about heaven and eternity determines how we live today.

As in the days of Noah, the people ate, drank, married, and were given in marriage. In other words they went through the routines of life as if they were going to live forever. The days of Noah were wicked, and though they were warned that a flood was coming, they lived as though they were flood-proof.

When the flood came, they were unprepared, and they were outside of the only place of safety, The Ark. That is the way it will be when The Son of Man Returns. The Ark in the Old Testament is an illustration of Jesus in the New Testament. Only those who are in Jesus Christ, The Ark of Safety, will be saved.

The Bible’s teaching on the last days, the end times, always has one main goal in mind. And that goal is to motivate GOD’s People to living Holy. Also those who do not know the Lord need to submit to the Lord and ask to be saved.

The Promise of new heavens and a new earth implies something far different from this world—even better than the beautiful Garden of Eden. Although Christ’s Return will be accompanied by judgment (2 Peter 3:12), His Final Purpose is not devastating destruction but establishing a new earth where righteousness dwells (Revelation 21:1). This new heaven and earth will be a perfected place for all who put their trust in Christ.

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had ed away. Also there was no more sea. Then, I, John, saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from GOD, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of GOD is with men, and HE Will Dwell with them, and they shall be His People, GOD Himself Will be with them and be their GOD. Revelation 21:1-3 NKJV ARLB

But I saw no temple in it, for The Lord GOD Almighty and The Lamb are its temple. The City had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for The Glory of GOD Illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its lights, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.

Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory of the honor and the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in The Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21: 22-27 NKJV ARLB

True believers Glorify GOD and identify themselves with Him by producing spiritual fruit, which includes steadfast character and good works. Where there is no spiritual fruit, there is no spiritual life.

I am The True Vine, and My Father Is The Vinedresser. Every branch in ME that does not bear fruit HE Takes away; and every branch that bears fruit HE Prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15: 1-3

As The True Vine, Jesus Is The Source of Life. Jesus identifies two types of branches: barren and fruit-bearing. Appearances can be deceptive. For a while the ones not bearing fruit may look like the ones that bear fruit. However, the branches that do not yield a harvest will be removed and thrown in the fire on the last day.

Abide in ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in The Vine, neither can you, unless you abide in ME. I AM The Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in ME, and I in him, bear much fruit; for without ME you can do nothing. John 15:4, 5

The Truth of being a Christian is that one must be connected to (abide in) Jesus Christ. Branches cannot bear fruit independent of the vine. Branches that are cast out are nonbelievers whose eventual destiny is fire.

Jesus Wants believers to bear fruit—which is to share the Gospel, live the Gospel, and win others to Him. Jesus Loves to have lifelong disciples, not superficial believers.

GOD’s Word tells us that we will know them by their fruits. The Bible mentions many specific attitudes and actions that are either right or wrong. Vices and Virtues are referenced in Galatians 5. Have you ever heard someone say, “I am free to do whatever I want to do”? Ironically, there is no freedom in sin.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! Galatians 5:15

Sin is what holds one captive. What sin is holding you captive? What sin are you holding on to? How are you being bound?

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and

debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the Kingdom of GOD. Galatians 5:19:21

The Law of Jesus Christ is different from the Law of Moses. During the Old Testament times, the Law of Moses promised life for obedience. However, Moses law gave no power to obey, and encouraged obedience by the fear of punishment. The Old Testament believers were looking ahead to the Cross. On the other hand, the Law of Christ Is loving instruction for those who have life already through Him. Christ Followers are enabled to keep the Law by the power of The Holy Spirit. The New Testament believers look back to what happened before, during, and what is happening after the Cross. The believer’s motivation is love for Christ.

There is Power in The Blood of Jesus. HE Breaks every chain. Ask HIM.

If you love ME, keep MY Commandments.John 14:15

VICES–Works of the FLESH FORBIDDEN Fruit

Stumbling Blocks

HELL Below

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of GOD. Galatians 5:14-21

The obvious sins that are demonstrated more outwardly in which we must crucify our flesh include sexual immorality and witchcraft. Less obvious sins that stem from the inside are hatred, jealousy and selfish ambition. Those who refuse to deal with such sins or ignore them reveal that they have not received the gift of The Spirit that leads to a transformed life.

Spiritual warfare reflects wrong desires and right requests on opposite sides. The Will of the HOLY Spirit is always in opposition with our sinful ways. Which do you choose?

Take a look at the following two separate columns:

Wrong desires: Deadly Decadent Destructive Difficult to Stifle Easy To Ignite

Right requests: Abundant Life Uplifting Productive Easy to Stifle Difficult to Ignite

Evil Good Oppressive and PossessiveLiberating and Nurturing Self-Centered Self-Giving Sinful HOLY

To be led by The Spirit means to be lifted above the lustful wrong desires of the flesh. A right request stems from being preoccupied in fellowship with The Lord. It is The HOLY Spirit Who Resists the motions of evil within us, not our bodies ourselves.

In the list below of stumbling blocks, are there any negative influences or behaviors that cause you to neglect GOD and others, and cause you to violate His Word?

VICES –Lusts of the FLESH —Forbidden Fruit

○ Adultery (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) ○ Anger (Galatians 5: 20) ○ Arrogance (v20); (2 Corinthians 12:20) ○ Cheating (1 Corinthians 6:8) ○ Debauchery (v 19) ○ Discord (v 20) ○ Dissension (v 20) ○ Drunkenness (v 21) ○ Envy and factions (v 21) ○ Fits of Rage (v 20) ○ Greed (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10); Ephesians 5:5

○ Hatred (v20) ○ Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) ○ Idolatry (v 20); (Ephesians 5:5) ○ Impurity (v19) ○ Jealousy (v 20) ○ Lust (Colossians 3:5) ○ Lying (Revelation 22:12-16) ○ Murder (Revelation 22:12-16) ○ Orgies (v 21) ○ Selfish ambition (v 20) ○ Sexual immorality (v19) ○ Stealing (1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10) ○ Wild Living (v 21);(Luke 15:13) ○ Witchcraft (v 20)

Word definitions for (forbidden fruit) are reflected as follows: (The word descriptions given are noted from the Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia (LBE) unless otherwise indicated.)

“Wiaw” VICE= Depravity, Wickedness, Corruptness, Perverseness

“Wiaw” ADULTERY= Voluntary sexual intercourse of a man, either single or married, with a married woman not his wife. (In the Old Testament, under the Law, adultery was punishable by death.)

“Wiaw” ANGER= A strong ion or emotion of displeasure, and usually antagonism, excited by real or supposed injury, insult, or wrong.

“Wiaw” ARROGANCE= Offensively exaggerating one’s own importance (MWD)

“Wiaw” CONTENTION= An idea or point from which a person argues; strife. (MWD)

“Wiaw” CHEATING= To deprive of something through fraud or deceit; to violate rules dishonestly; to be sexually unfaithful (The Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

“Wiaw” DEBAUCHERY= Seduce; corrupt; demoralize; deprave; pervert; debase (to lower in character, quality, or value). (MWD)

“Wiaw” DISCORD= Lack of agreement or harmony. (MWD)

“Wiaw” DISSENSION= Disagreement in opinion. (MWD)

“Wiaw” DRUNKENNESS= The Hebrew word translated in the Old Testament as “strong drink” that refers to every intoxicating beverage with the exception of wine. There was a separate word for wine. Drunkenness is sometimes used as a figure for intellectual, moral, or spiritual confusion.

“Wiaw” ENVY= Discontent at the excellence, good fortunes, or possessions of another; resentful begrudging. The HOLY Bible regards envy as a sin and a stumbling block to the person who seeks to pursue the religious life (LBE); painful or resentful awareness of another’s advantages. (MWD)

“Wiaw” FACTIONS= A group or combination (as in a government) acting together within and usually against a larger body.

“Wiaw” FITS of RAGE= A sudden violent attack; a sudden outburst of violent and uncontrolled anger. (MWD)

“Wiaw” FORNICATION= Consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other. (MWD)

“Wiaw” GREED= Eager to acquire or selfish desire beyond reason. (MWD)

“Wiaw” HATRED= Strong aversion, ill will, intense dislike, an opposite of love. The term is used in the Bible to refer hatred of men toward one another, hatred of the righteous by the ungodly, hatred of ungodliness by the righteous, and hatred of evil by GOD.

“Wiaw” HERESIES= Adherence to a religious opinion contrary to true church doctrine. (MWD)

“Wiaw” HOMOSEXUALITY= Sexual interest in the same sex as oneself; relating to or involving sexual intercourse between of the same sex. (MWD)

“Wiaw” IDOLATRY= An idol may be defined as the image of a “so-called” god, or any other material symbol which is the object of worship.

“Wiaw” IMPURITY= Not pure; not free from taint (a contaminating mark or influence), mixed with other matter; not free from moral fault. (MWD)

“Wiaw” JEALOUSY= The root meaning of the Hebrew word translated “jealous” in the Old Testament originally meant “to be dyed dark red or black”; it was used of emotions which show themselves in bright “colors”. It is frequently used of a righteous man’s jealousy for GOD and of GOD’s jealousy for His People.

“Wiaw” LEWDNESS= Vulgar; sexually unchaste; obscene; lacking cultivation or refinement. (MWD)

“Wiaw” LUST= As used in the Bible, this term refers to any intense desire which becomes excessive or misdirected. It may be concentrated on money, personal power, or sensual pleasures such as sexual experience and drunkenness.

Wiaw” LYING= To lie is to speak falsely, to fabricate, to make a statement with the intent to deceive. The term may also be used of anything which is vain, empty, lacking stability, or which causes distrust and disharmony.

“Wiaw” MURDER= The malicious unlawful killing of a human being especially with malice afore-thought.

“Wiaw” ORGIES= A gathering marked by unrestrained indulgence, as in sexual activity, alcohol, and/or drugs. (MWD)

“Wiaw” Outbursts of WRATH= A violent expression of feeling of furious anger. (MWD)

“Wiaw” REVELRIES= To take great pleasure or satisfaction in usual wild parties or celebrations. (MWD)

“Wiaw” SELFISH AMBITION= Exclusive regard for one’s own interest or happiness; a sort of self-love or self-interest which leads its possessor purposely to ignore the interest and happiness, rights and privileges of others; an eager, often inordinate, desire for position, wealth, power, superiority, etc.; the desire to attain something without appropriate regard for others.

“Wiaw” SEXUAL IMMORALITY= Any sexual relationship other than the GOD-Commanded sexual relationship between a male and a female as husband and wife; relating to or involving sex or the sexes; not moral, an immoral act or practice; conforming to a wrong act or behavior instead of a right principle.

“Wiaw” STEALING= To take or carry away without right or permission. (MWD)

“Wiaw” SORCERY= The use of magic, including the use of charms or spells of such means believed to have supernatural power over natural forces. (MWD)

“Wiaw” UNCLEANNESS= Morally or spiritually impure; dirty; soiled. (MWD)

“Wiaw” WILD LIVING= Deviating from the natural or expected course of living, of being alive, a manner of life without regulation or control.

“Wiaw” WITCHCRAFT= In Biblical times, a “witch” was a person who practiced the art of divination, that is, one who was regarded as being able to summon spirits from the dead in order to ask questions of them. “Witchcraft” may refer either to divination or to sorcery, the practice of the magician’s art.

Being human, we all are subject to evil desires. We cannot ignore them. We also have a curious nature. Have you heard the saying that “curiosity killed the cat.” In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit’s Guidance, we must make a decision to deal with the evil desires, lustful ions and any games or tactics that would put anyone at risk of harm or destruction. We must crucify the flesh. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its desires and ions.” Galatians 5:24 NIV LASB

The Spirit and the flesh are in constant conflict with each other. The Christian is made up of two trees we might say. The new tree is the new nature implanted by the new birth of The Spirit. The old tree represents the old nature of the flesh. The battle lies in making fruitful the new tree and keeping the old tree barren.

(ref: Scoffield, C.I. “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”) The believer’s part in the conflict is to yield to the Spirit.

What kind of works does the old tree, the fallen human nature produce? The works of the flesh are evident to all. There is no difficulty in identifying the old tree. Again, simply put…

○ Adultery is unfaithfulness in the marital relationship. ○ Contentions are quarrels, discord, and variance. ○ Dissensions are separations caused by disagreements. ○ Drunkenness refers to intoxication caused by strong drink. ○ Envy is displeasure at the prosperity and/or success of others. ○ Fornication is unlawful sexual intercourse between unmarried persons. ○ Hatred is strong feelings of malice directed toward individuals. ○ Heresies are sects formed by others with self-willed opinions. ○ Idolatry not only is worship of idols, but also the immorality that accompanies demon worship. ○ Jealousies are unhealthy abusive suspicions and distrust. ○ Lewdness is shameful conduct involving absence of restraint. ○ Murders are unlawful killing of others. ○ Revelries are riotous gatherings for entertainment, accompanied by drunkenness and /or perverse behavior. ○ Selfish ambitions are self-centered strivings to be “number one” at someone else’s expense.

○ Sorcery is witchcraft. Drugs were used in sorcery, used in magic spells and in conjunction with evil spirits. Any dealing in the occult (black magic, wizardry, supernatural, voodoo, psychic phenomena is forbidden. Sorcery may also include, as one may speak of “bad luck” and superstitions. Pharmakeia, the Greek word related to drugs, is where the words pharmacy and pharmaceutical stems. ○ Uncleanness is moral evil, sensuality. ○ Wrath is outbursts of ions and hot anger.

The Book of Galatians describes “the works of the flesh,” the old tree from adultery and fornication to hatred and drunkenness to uncleanness and wrath (5:19-21). The Apostle Paul warns that those who do such things as a practice shall not inherit the Kingdom of GOD. In other words, those who make a lifestyle of such ways are on their way to hell. As a matter of fact, they will stumble all the way there!

“Hell” is used in the New Testament as the equivalent of Gehenna, which refers to the place of torment of the wicked, and of Tartarus, the place of punishment of fallen angels. This word, “Hell” derives from the Anglo-Saxon, and was originally used to designate the world of the dead generally, or the place of departed spirits. It is often used in the King James Version of the Bible to translate the Hebrew word “Sheol” and the Greek word “Hades”, both of which refer to the unseen world of the dead.

Hades refers to the underworld, the region of shadows, silence, and forgetting, in which the dead reside. The Hebrews did not view death as total extinction; rather, they felt that when a man was “gathered to his fathers”, he entered the gloomy nether (situated down or below) world known as Sheol. There virtually all with GOD and the living was severed; therefore, Sheol was viewed by the Hebrew with horror and dismay. In the King James Version of the Bible, Sheol is translated by “grave”, “hell”, or “pit”.

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously (lived in luxury) everyday. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.” Luke 16: 19- 35 NKJV

‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to from here to you cannot, or can those from there to us.’ Luke 16: 26

“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, ‘for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Luke 16: 27, 28

“Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” Luke 16: 29- 31

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget GOD.” Psalm 9:17 NKJV

Doom of False Teachers

“For if GOD Did Not Spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—then the Lord Knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries (glorious ones), whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.” 2 Peter 2:4-11 NKJV

“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 9 NKJV

Some people think that GOD Will Save all people because HE Is So Loving. But it is extremely foolish to think that GOD Will Cancel the last judgment. These examples warn us clearly that GOD Judges sin. And unrepentant sinners cannot escape. what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. “… and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;” …

2 Peter 2:6

“So I say, live by The Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to The Spirit, and The Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.” Galatians 5:16-18 NIV LASB

The best defense against false teachings is being equipped in the true Word of GOD. When Christians stray from The Truth that is found in Scripture, they are subject to believe and practice error and heresy. False teachers twist The Truth for their own benefit and blaspheme GOD. Whereas, Holy men of GOD were called and chosen to write only what was delivered through The Holy Spirit.

C. O.P.P – Other Peoples’ Positions Fallen World (broad path)

HEAVEN or Hell

When I was in the ninth grade at about age 14, I wrote a paper for my English class entitled, “Heaven or Hell”.

I began with “We all know that something is eternal about every human being.” I at first had the word important and changed it to eternal, to emphasize how very extreme and urgent this matter of choice is. The story is written as follows:

We all know that something is important (eternal) about every human being because the way we live our life determines whether we go to Heaven or Hell. Every human being that lives on this earth will either live eternally in Heaven or live eternally in Hell. It is left up to the individual because everyone is going to die for him or herself. And everyone is going to have to face GOD for him or herself. A person that lives a faithful Christian life, serves and worships GOD, believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, does what is right and loves his fellowmen, will live eternally in Heaven. This is his or her reward for living a faithful Christian life here on earth. If a person keeps on sinning on earth and doesn’t ask for forgiveness, he or she is not living a life that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father. The Holy Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. It is only through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we have eternal life. We have to start now to plant seeds that will reap a harvest. All it takes is one tiny seed to grow into a large plant or tree. Those are tiny things that grow into big things. All the vegetables and fruits that we eat were once little seeds. Those little seeds when planted in soil and watered, grow into large crops that feed millions and millions

of people. Without seeds that turn out to be food—we would most likely starve to death.

Adam and Eve when GOD told them that they could eat of the “Tree of Life” but not to eat off the “Tree of Knowledge”?

I guess Eve considered this a little thing, because when Satan tempted her, she did eat off the “Tree of Knowledge” and so did Adam. But GOD still loved them and didn’t kill them, but HE Made them leave the “Garden of Eden”.

You can see what this “little thing” has done to our lives today. (But if it hadn’t been for Jesus Christ, we wouldn’t be able to be saved today.) Adam and Eve brought sin into this world, which turned out to be a “big thing”. (Which they thought didn’t matter very much?).

As you can see in the two examples that there are some little things that turn out to be good and necessary big things—like the seeds growing into a tree to produce fruit. And there are some little things that turn out to be bad big things like when Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD, and…what that disobedience has caused throughout the world today. It was probably some little thing that started a big war in Vietnam, in which a lot of soldiers are being killed.

There are two sayings that I can relate to this quote—pay close attention to the second one.

• Big things come in small packages. • You Never Miss the Water until the Well Runs Dry!

I got a “1” (comparable to an “A”) written on that paper and the word “good!” The comments that my teacher wrote are as follows:

Linda—You are a joy?! You give me great satisfaction. I’ll miss you next year.

I’m still not exactly sure of the meaning of the question mark (?) and the exclamation point (!) behind the word “joy”.

I am so thankful that I saved that paper. GOD IS enabling me to compare what I knew then to what I know now…

Food for Growth

Heaven is not a reward for the righteous; it’s a gift for the guilty.³ Apply to Romans 5: 6-11

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p.1263

I do believe that at that time when I wrote the paper entitled, “Heaven or hell”, I

did not consider myself as guilty. After all, I had just gotten baptized a few years before I wrote the paper. I sang in the choir, attended Sunday School in the morning on Sunday, Vacation Bible School for 2 weeks in the summer, and was the Group Captain in B.T.U. (Baptist Training Union) in the evening on Sunday. My understanding is much more clear and the meaning of being a believer in Christ more in depth now than then.

The HOLY Spirit Has Lead me to grow in a more personal intimate relationship with Jesus. I realize that the importance of my eternity lies in who I am in Him and less in what I do for Him. To reiterate, it’s “who I be” and not only “what I do”. One more time, just want to make sure that you hear (read) me, “my eternity rests not so much in what I do but who I be.” Do you understand that who you be determines what you do? Many may have asked themselves the question, “Who am I”? and keep in mind, “Man is not a sinner because he sins. Man sins because he is a sinner.” So repent.

And you will no longer enjoy doing what you did when you were a sinner. You will instead enjoy your new birth in Christ.

A high light

Today, Tuesday 29 January 2002 is my grand-daughter Nayla’s birthday. Nayla is one year old. She has 2 older siblings —her sister, Naeisha, my oldest granddaughter age 5 and her brother Nathaniel III, my oldest grandson age 3. We were all one year old at one time for 12 months in our life. We begin life and it continues throughout eternity. How long is eternity? Eternity is longer than a lifetime on this present earth. Eternity lasts longer than the end of this world…as we…now… know it. One year is just the beginning.

D. Y.O.P.P – Your Optimal Proven Potential

To Choose Life (Narrow Path) “looking out from the you inside”

T IME

Foreknew and PreDestined Election and Call Forgive and Repent Weave and Wear

The GOD-Given TASK

What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the GOD –Given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. HE Has Made Everything beautiful in its time. Also HE Has Put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that GOD does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor —it is The Gift of GOD.

I know that whatever GOD Does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. GOD Does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; And GOD Requires an of what is past.

Ecclesiastes 3: 9-15 NKJV ARLB

Food for Growth

Everything has its Time. Time is what GOD Allows So everything doesn’t happen to us all at once.³¹ Apply to Ecclesiastes 3: 1

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p.735

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under Heaven:

A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance’ A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain,

And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak’ A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of PEACE.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 NKJV ARLB

ELECTION and CALL

And so the Apostle Peter exhorts his readers to confirm their Call and Election. Call and Election are two facets of GOD’s Plan of Salvation. “Election” refers to GOD’s Sovereign, Eternal choice of individuals to belong to Himself. “Call” refers to GOD’s Action in time by which the choice is made evident. Our Election took place before the world was made. There is first “election”, chronologically, then “call”. In human experience we first become aware of GOD’s Call, then we realize we were chosen in Jesus Christ from all eternity.

GOD’s Eternal Purposes can never be defeated. We cannot make our Call and Election more certain than they already are; however, we can confirm them by growing in likeness to the Lord. We can provide unmistakable evidence that we truly belong to the Lord by manifesting the fruit of the Spirit. A Holy life proves the reality of our salvation.

Living a Holy life will keep us from stumbling. It is not an issue of falling into eternal perdition, the work of Christ delivers us from that. Instead, it refers to falling into sin, disuse, or disgrace. We are in danger of wrecking our lives if we fail to progress in divine things. If we walk in the Spirit, we will be spared from being disqualified for GOD’s Service. GOD Guards the Christian believer who moves forward for Him. The danger lies in spiritual blindness and idleness.

HE Himself Is our Peace, Who Has Made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His Flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He Might Reconcile them both to GOD in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And HE Came and Preached Peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 2:14- 18

Christ Died to abolish (to do away with) the whole system of Jewish laws. By His Death Jesus Christ ended the angry resentment between Jews and Gentiles. The resentment was caused by the Jewish laws that favored the Jews and excluded the Gentiles. One new man means that Jesus Made a single person or entity out of the two. Therefore, Christ Fused all believers together to become one in Himself.

Christ Has Knocked down the barriers and Has Unified all believers into one family. Because neither group could be saved by their knowledge, sincerity, or good deeds, both needed to hear about the salvation available to them through Christ Jesus. Both Jews and Gentiles are free to come to God through The Messiah and Saviour, Lord Jesus. You have been brought near to Him through The Shed Blood of Jesus. Thus, the focus of our unity should be His Cross. The HOLY Spirit Helps us to look above and beyond the barriers to the unity we are called to enjoy.

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. Ephesians 2:14- 18

Foreknew and Predestined Election

Foreknowledge and Predestination

The following is the letter that the Apostle Peter wrote to the Elect Pilgrims: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of GOD the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 1 Peter 1: 1, 2 NKJV ARLB

Those who received the Letter from the Apostle Peter are further designated by a fourfold progression of their salvation which involved all three persons of the Trinity.

First of all, they were according to the of GOD the Father. This means that in an eternity past, GOD Chose them to belong to Himself. Foreknowledge is GOD’s Determination in eternity past to bring certain ones into a special relationship with Himself. GOD is GOD and this doctrine of Divine election has this virtue—it allows GOD to be GOD.

“wiaw” ELECT = chosen, a selected person

“wiaw” FOREKNOWLEDGE = to have previous knowledge of

Some believe this means that GOD Elected those whom HE Foreknew would trust the Saviour. Others say that GOD Knew that no sinner if left to him/her self, would trust the Saviour. Therefore, in GOD’s Foreknowledge HE Marked certain ones to be trophies of His Grace.

GOD Is Sovereign. And GOD Gives us a free will. Any confusion and difficulty in reconciling GOD’s Election and human responsibility lies in man’s finite mind, not in GOD’s infiniteness. The HOLY Bible teaches both doctrines, and we should believe both.

Blessed be The GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His Abundant Mercy Has Begotten us again to a living hope through The Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by The Power of GOD through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at The Revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1: 3- 9 NKJV ARLB

Second, sanctification of the Spirit

Sanctification of the Spirit is the second step in salvation. is when the Holy Spirit Sets apart those whom GOD has Foreknown for salvation from

destruction. This is believed to take place before conversion. Salvation can occur only as a work of the Holy Spirit and through the means of belief. The Holy Spirit Sets those elected apart to belong to GOD. Sanctification of the Spirit follows election by GOD the Father. There is only eternity past and eternity future. GOD Foreknew and Chose men in eternity. The Holy Spirit in time operates to make that election real in the lives of the individuals concerned.

“wiaw” SANCTIFICATION, SANCTIFY = make holy, set apart from sin for GOD, (consecrate: to make or declare sacred, to devote solemnly to a purpose)

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, The Spirit of Christ Who in them was indicating when HE Testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached The Gospel to you by The HOLY Spirit Sent from Heaven—things which angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1: 10- 12 NKJV ARLB

Third, obedience to Jesus Christ

“wiaw” OBEDIENCE = submissive to the restraint or command of authority, to

comply with

All Christian believers are called to represent Christ’s interest here on earth.

In the soul’s salvation, the third step is the sinner’s response to the work of the Holy Spirit. This third step is described as to Jesus Christ.

As we live before our GOD our Father,

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as HE Who Called you is Holy, you also be Holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be HOLY, for I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 NKJV ARLB

To represent Christ here on earth, means to obey the Gospel by repenting of one’s sins and receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of GOD Is Manifest in them, for GOD Has Shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His Invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His Eternal Power and GOD head, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew GOD, they did not Glorify Him as GOD, nor were thankful, but became futile in their

thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the Glory of the incorruptible GOD into an image made like corruptible man—and birds—and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore GOD Also Gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of GOD for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason GOD Gave them up to vile ions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Romans 1:18-26

Look at and listen to what’s going in the world. Men and women not wanting to be who GOD Made them to be but wanting to be who they think they are to be. A man is born with male genitalia; however, may prefer to be a female. A woman is born with female genitalia; however, may prefer to be a male.

Professing to be wise, they became fools… they served the creature rather than The Creator. For this reason GOD Gave them up to vile ions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Romans 1: 22-26

Food for Growth

To understand the part of the Bible you don’t understand is to obey the part you do understand, and before long you’ll begin to understand what you didn’t understand. …Understand?³²

Apply to Romans 1: 18-26

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and With of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1260

Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD Gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of GOD, violent, proud boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of GOD, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:27-32

Eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also to the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with GOD. Romans 1:7-11

…since it is a righteous thing with GOD to repay with tribulation those who

trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when The Lord Jesus Christ Is Revealed from Heaven with His mighty angles, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know GOD, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1: 6- 8

The Apostle Paul employs “know” as to signify being intimately acquainted with and standing in a close relation to GOD. Thus, to “know” means more than just casually knowing someone.

To know GOD is to Love GOD. And to love GOD is to keep His Commandments. (John 14: 15) When we receive salvation we repent of our sin and turn from our wicked ways.

Fourth, sprinkling with Jesus Blood

The fourth and final step is the with Jesus Blood. This is figurative language. This does not mean literally that one is sprinkled with the blood of Jesus. What this does mean is that as soon as a person obeys the Gospel, he/she receives all the benefits which flow from Jesus Christ’s blood that was shed once for all, over 1900 years ago. The Saviour’s Blood will never be shed again. We receive forgiveness, redemption, and many other innumerable blessings that flow from the day when we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and we receive His free gift of eternal life.

“wiaw” SPRINKLING = to scatter in small drops or particles

As sinners, there was nothing ahead for us but the certainty of judgment and fiery indignation. We had no hope beyond the grave. It is by GOD’s Abundant mercy that we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. GOD is the source of this salvation. GOD’s Great mercy is its cause.

Although the Grace of GOD is experienced in salvation and the resulting Peace of GOD, day by day believers need Grace and strength for the Christian life, and Peace in the midst of a turbulent society. James Denney, a Scottish theologian and preacher (1856-1917), said that “grace is the first and last word of the Gospel; and peace—perfect spiritual soundness—is the finished work of grace.” (ref: Believer’s Bible Commentary)

When you have GOD’s Presence, there is GOD’s Promise and GOD’s Provision…

Abraham is called “the father of those who believe.” Romans 4:11

Think on this, according to Pastor Adrian Rogers, “Everything we truly believe we obey. Everything else is just religious talk.”… … (selah … pause) continue…

Abraham lived in a place called Ur of the Chaldees, about two thousand years

before Jesus Christ, when GOD spoke to him. Abraham had a beautiful wife named Sarah, and they left to go to a country they had never seen. GOD Said that HE Would Show him the land. GOD Did not tell Abraham where he was going, or how long the trip would take. GOD Did not say what Abraham would do when he got there, how long he would stay, or what would happen to him along the way or exactly what would happen when he got there. Basically, in our terminology, GOD Said, “Get up and go”. And Abraham went. We must take the first step in order to get to the second step… and so on and so on.

GOD Promised that HE Would Make Abraham a Great Nation.

But First GOD Called Abraham.

Abraham’s name was Abram before GOD Changed his name from Abram to Abraham.

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I Will Show thee. And I Will Make of thee a Great Nation, and I will Bless thee, and Make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I Will Bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:1- 3 KJV KJSB

…with your Participation, and GOD’s Power and Protection for you through your obedience to apply HIS WORD in your life and through your Perseverance in Prayer GOD Places you in the Position that HE Has for you…

Abraham was the forefather of both the Jews and the Arabs. Abraham was originally called Abram which means “high father”. Abraham left Ur in ancient Sumeria (Mesopotamia) to travel to Haran in Syria. Abraham eventually migrated to Canaan where GOD Promised him that his descendants would ultimately dwell. (Genesis 15:1-6) Abraham lived to be 175 years old and is pictured in the Holy Bible as the father of faith in GOD because of his faithful

obedience to GOD’s Call and subsequent commands. Abraham’s greatest test came in his obedience regarding Isaac at Mount Moriah. (Genesis 22:1-14)

And it came to after these things, that GOD did tempt Abraham, and Said unto him: and said, Behold, here I am. And HE said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I Will tell thee of. Genesis 22:1-2 NKJV ARLB

For reference clarification purposes, Scripture interprets Scripture. Therefore the verb “tempt” is better rendered as “proved” or “tested”. GOD Does in certain instances …test, try, or prove us. (James 1: 2; 1Petr 1: 6, 7)

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of GOD: for GOD Cannot be tempted with evil, neither temptest HE any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:13, 14

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass (donkey), and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which GOD Had Told him. Genesis 22:3

Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off. Genesis 22:4

Abraham told the young men that he and his son were going to go worship and that they would return. Abraham had the wood, the fire and a knife for the burnt offering. Isaac asked his father Abraham, “But where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, GOD Will Provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. Genesis 22:5-8

Abraham’s faith was being tried. Doing what GOD Tells us to do, prompts Him to pour out His Blessings upon us.

…to reach your optimal Proven Potential and to fulfill HIS Perfect Plan for and His Perfect Purpose in your life.

When they came to the place where GOD had told him of, Abraham stretched forth his hand, and stretched forth his hand to slay his son Isaac. Genesis 22:10

And the Angel of the LORD Called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And He (the Angel of the LORD) Said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I Know that thou fearest GOD, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from ME. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son. Genesis 22:11-13

GOD Knew what HE Would Do in the end. And it was in the beginning that GOD Created the Heavens and the earth. Genesis 1: 1 GOD was certain that Abraham feared (reverenced) Him more than anyone else, since he (Abraham) was willing to offer his son Isaac to GOD. So GOD Provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac. This is what happened in Genesis, the first book in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, GOD Provided a spotless blameless lamb as a propitiation for our sins. GOD Provided His Only Son, Jesus, the Lamb of GOD. …Behold the Lamb of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1: 29 …Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 21:6

And all is written for us, for our benefit, that we may know the Great I AM, The KING of Kings and the LORD of Lords. GOD is Omniscient. GOD Knows everything. The Word of GOD is for us to know and obey. GOD’s Word is written not only for us to know but for us to live by What we know and WHO we know. When you put GOD first, your faith will grow stronger and you will have a deeper reliance upon GOD as HE Directs things that happen in your life.

ALL is Accomplished In HIM, Through HIM By HIM and For HIM

Hebrews 11:17-19 reveals that Abraham was expecting Isaac to be resurrected; thus, he would regard him as being given back from the dead.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That IN ISAAC SHALL THY SEED BE CALLED: ing that GOD was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Hebrews 11: 17-19

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh: as it is said to this day, in the mount of The LORD it shall be seen. Jehovah-Jireh is The Name for The LORD Will Provide, The LORD Provides.

And when The Angel of The LORD Called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, Saith The LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I Will Bless thee, and in multiplying I Will Multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My Voice.

GOD Provides for our needs in ways and in places we never dreamed of, despite any or all circumstances, as we exercise our obedience to GOD.

Thus, the Abrahamic covenant confirms…that

…When you have GOD’s Presence, there is

GOD’s Promise and

GOD’s Provision with your Participation, and

GOD’s Power and Protection for you through your obedience to apply HIS WORD

and through your Perseverance in Prayer

GOD Places you in the Position that HE Has for you

to reach your optimal Proven Potential and to fulfill HIS Perfect Plan for and His Perfect Purpose in your life.

ALL is Accomplished In HIM,

Through HIM By HIM and For HIM

To GOD be the Glory.

Broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it. Narrow is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7: 13)

When we truly meet the Saviour we do a 180 degree turn from sin to salvation. We do a U turn. That means “youuu…tuuurn” … from your wicked ways.

As a result, you are no longer traveling down the path to destruction. You are on the road up to eternal life with Christ. Throughout Scripture, we read of men and women chosen by GOD to fulfill His Plan and Purpose according to His Good and Perfect Will.

➢ Stephen

➢ Saul of Tarsus/The Apostle Paul

Before The Apostle Paul, his name was Saul. Saul of Tarsus used to kill Christians and have them killed.

The Jewish widows were being overlooked for food distribution. In order that the disciples could remain teaching and preaching the good news that Jesus Is the Christ, the Twelve apostles gathered other disciples and they chose seven who were known to be full of The Spirit and wisdom. They wanted seven men who could take on the responsibility of the distributing food program. The Twelve are the 11 original disciples and Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). “…We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of The Word.” Acts 6: 3-4 One of the men chosen of the seven was Stephen. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6: 5 The group of disciples presented the seven men to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them. Acts 6: 6

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. Acts 5:12 …more and more men and women believed in The Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he ed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. Acts 5:14-16

So The Word of GOD Spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6: 7

Now Stephen, a man full of GOD’s Grace and Power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) –Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand against his wisdom or The Spirit by Whom he spoke. Acts 6: 8-10

Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against GOD.” So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. Acts 6: 11, 12

The Freedmen was a group of Jewish slaves who had been freed by Rome and had formed their own synagogue in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin was the council of religious leaders. The Sadducees, who made up the dominant party in the council, studied and accepted only the writings of Moses (Genesis through Deuteronomy, referred to as the Penteteuch). NIV Life Applications Bible

They produced false witnesses, who testified. “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth Will Destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like that of an angel. Acts 6:13- 15

Because Stephen stood for truth and exposed the evil deeds of the people, they persecuted him and killed him. This is what Stephen said to them:

“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted The Coming of The Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him—you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.” Acts 7: 51-53

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. but Stephen, full of The HOLY Spirit, looked up to Heaven and saw The Glory of GOD, and Jesus Standing at the right hand of GOD. “Look,” he said, “I see Heaven open and The Son of Man standing at The Right Hand of GOD.” Acts 7: 54- 56

On earth before HE Was Crucified and Ascended to Heaven, Jesus Said that many sons of the kingdom (Jews by birth) would end up in outer darkness because they had never truly converted to faith in Christ. (Ref: Isaiah 25: 6-9; Malachi 1:11; Luke 13:28, 29)

There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in The Kingdom of GOD, and yourselves thrust out. They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in The Kingdom of GOD. And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.” Luke 13: 28-30

Stephen saw The Glory of GOD and The Messiah Jesus Standing at The Right Hand of GOD The Father. Stephen’s words that were spoken before the council, gave affirmation to The Messiah, The Righteous One Whom they had crucified. The Jewish leaders who had condemned Jesus to death, became angered with Stephen because his vision ed Jesus Claim of an everlasting Kingdom. (Ref: Acts 7: 55-57)

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Acts 7: 57, 59

The Jewish leaders would not tolerate Stephen’s words, so they dragged him out and killed him. People will let us know that they do not want to hear the truth and will often try to silence us by ridicule, intense anger, and/or some kind of punishment and pain.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. Acts 7:59- 60

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Acts 7: 1- 3

Snip it

Despite what’s going on in the world, with all the opposition and turmoil,

to keep honoring GOD in your words and in your actions. Though many may turn away from you because of your Christ-like conduct and message, some will follow Christ. We ought to obey GOD rather than men. Acts 5: 29

Saul thought he was doing the right thing. However, on the road to Damascus, The Lord Changed his thoughts. Thus, The Lord Changed Saul’s life, enter Paul.

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting ME?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then The Lord Said, “I AM Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Acts 9: 3-5 NKJV

Saul immediately fell under when he heard Jesus call his name not only once but twice. The referred to in this case was most likely Saul’s own conscious of having been convicted of the horror of what he had done to Christians.

“wiaw” CONVICTION= the state of being convinced; belief

“wiaw” GOAD= something that urges; a long pole that was used during those times to jab an ox to pick up the pace in movement

So he trembling and astonished, said “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Then

The Lord Said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Acts 9: 6

Saul asked the two most important questions anyone could ever ask The Lord Jesus: “WHO Are YOU? … And WHAT Do YOU Want me to do?” The desire to obey is a result of a heart that has been changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ. Jesus Gives those who know him a assignment.

“wiaw” DIVINE= of, or relating to, or being GOD; being supremely good; Heavenly

Saul was led by the hand into Damascus by the men who journeyed with him. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Acts 9: 9

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him The Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” Acts 9: 10

So The Lord Said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Acts 9: 11, 12

Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your Name.” Acts 9: 13, 14

Ananias did not understand why he was being asked to help an enemy of GOD. (Ananias was a common name among the Jews. In Hebrew form was Hananiah. This Ananias is not to be confused with the other two named Ananias.)

Just so that you know something about the other two named Ananias … here is a brief snapshot. The other Ananias, we’ll refer to as the second Ananias, along with his wife Sapphira was part of the early church in Jerusalem. This Ananias along with his wife Sapphira resulted in GOD’s Judgment of death because of their hypocrisy. In their act of selling property, they wanted it to appear as if they were giving like others, when they were actually keeping back part of the money from property sales for themselves. They were not truthful and thus, lied to the Holy Spirit about what they were doing. (You can read the story of Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5:1-11)

The other Ananias, the third Ananias was the high priest and president of the Sanhedrin at the time of Paul’s arrest. This third Ananias was himself murdered by assassins for his collaboration with the Romans. (Read Acts 23, 24)

A most significant and important of the three named Ananias is the disciple from Damascus whom GOD Used to Purposefully Minister to Saul (Apostle Paul) after his conversion. The Apostle Paul describes him as “a devout man according to the law,” with a good testimony before others (Acts 22: 12)

But The Lord said to Ananias), “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry MY Name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I Will Show him how much he must suffer for My Name.” Acts 9: 15, 16 NIV LASB

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing is hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, Who Appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—Has Sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the HOLY Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9: 17-19

Ananias greeted Saul lovingly. When we are afraid of someone or doubt their motives, it is not easy to greet them with love and ease. None the less, we must follow Jesus’ Commands. Jesus Says, “A new command I Give you: Love one another. As I Have Loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are MY Disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34

Ananias displays this obedience to Jesus Command as he shows loving kindness to another believer. And Saul/the Apostle Paul received his sight when Ananias laid hands upon him. The Lord Has His People in position, there’s no doubt about it.

Faith in Christ brings great blessings and often great suffering too. Stephens’ death made a profound impact on Paul, who later became the world’s greatest missionary. Saul was his Hebrew name. Paul became his Greek name as he began his ministry to the Gentiles. As a devoted follower of Christ and a gifted Gospel preacher, Paul was uniquely qualified to talk to the Jews about Jesus because he had, before his conversion, persecuted those who believed in Jesus.

He understood how the opposition felt.

The Apostle Paul would suffer for his faith. (Read 2 Corinthians 11: 23- 28)

GOD Calls us not to comfort but to commitment. GOD Promises to be with us through hardship and suffering, not to always spare us from the trials. Paul had a health condition that he referred to as “a thorn in his flesh”.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these suringly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with The Lord to take it away from me. But HE Said to me, “My Grace Is Sufficient for you, for MY Power Is Made Perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 8

The Apostle Paul is a powerful example of how GOD Is Able to reach and change anyone. “…with GOD all things are possible.” Matthew 19: 26

Paul says, “But, let him who boasts boast in The Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom The Lord Commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17

Snip it

As Christians, we most likely do not want to experience persecution. Yet as GOD Works through our hurts and our circumstances, we may experience discomfort. When you are tempted to complain about uncomfortable or painful situations, ask yourself if GOD May be Preparing you for a special task. Even those who may oppose you now…may later…turn to Jesus Christ.

Jesus First Prepares believers to witness for Him.

But The Lord Said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My Name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I Will Show him how many things he must suffer for My Names’s sake.” Acts 9: 15, 16

Saul was chosen to serve and suffer for Jesus. GOD Called Saul to be a vessel to carry Jesus Name to the world, as HE Calls other believers to serve and witness His Name. Rather than giving up when persecution tried to wear him down, the Apostle Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). …that HE Would Grant you, according to the riches of His Glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, Ephesians 3: 16

It is a real challenge not to lose heart and quit.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those wo belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6: 9, 10 NIV LASB

We all may have faced problems at work or in our personal relationships where we have wanted to throw in the towel, lay down or walk away. However, do not let criticism, fatigue, or pain cause you to not keep on pushing. Do not forsake your eternal reward because of the intensity of today’s struggles. Daily renew your commitment to seeking, obeying, loving, serving, and trusting Jesus Christ. We are weak, but Christ Is Strong.

To keep the Apostle Paul from becoming conceited because of great revelations he received from the Lord, he was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment him. HE prayed three times for the Lord to take away the thorn in his flesh. (2 Corinthians 12: 7, 8)

But the Lord Said to him, “My Grace Is Sufficient for you, for MY Power Is Made Perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9

Paul said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s Power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s Sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am Strong. 2Corinthians 12:9, 10 NIV

Just as the Apostle Paul learned, we must come to realize that there is a purpose in our suffering. Our troubles are not to disillusion us or diminish our faith. Human limitations and problems have several benefits, they:

(1) Remind us of how Christ suffered for us; (2) Keep us from being prideful; (3) Cause us to look past this brief earthly life;

(4) Demonstrate our faith that others can more readily see; (5) Enhance the opportunity for GOD to Demonstrate His Power more expressively.

We need to begin to see our human limitations and problems as opportunities!

Knowing that we will live forever with GOD in a place where there is no suffering and no sin, can help us live in this corrupt world and help us to endure the pain we face in this life. Our ultimate hope when we are experiencing persecution, wretching pain, and terrible illness is the realization that this is not all there is. There is life after before death!

For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain. Philippians 1: 21 Saul’s former enemies became his friends and his former friends became his enemies, when Saul was ed. This still happens today when someone becomes a Christian. Baptism is a public statement of profession that a believer makes to all, believers and unbelievers.

“wiaw” CONVERT= to turn from one belief to another; transform(ed)

Immediately he preached The Christ in the synagogues, that HE IS The Son of GOD. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” Acts 9: 20, 21

But Saul increased all the more in strength, and the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus Is The Christ. Acts 9: 22

“wiaw” CONFOUNDED= to throw into disorder or confusion

The Apostle Paul had faced much distress and many trials and sufferings as he preached the Good News. He knew that one day these sufferings would be over and that he would receive GOD’s Rest and Rewards. As we face great challenges, struggles, and troubles, it’s easy to focus on the pain rather than on the Lord and our ultimate goal. We must choose to focus on the reward for our faith and the everlasting joy that lasts forever, just as athletes ignore their discomfort and concentrate on the finish line in effort to win the race. True Christians have the assurance of eternal life, no matter what happens to us in this earthly life.

Only the redeemed will travel GOD’s HIGHway. The redeemed are protected from fierce animals and wicked travelers that are out to do us harm. GOD Walks Beside us and the Holy Spirit Indwells us as we walk along The Way that GOD Has Prepared and Is daily Preparing for us. Never does GOD Stop at simply pointing The Way, HE Is Always Beside us as we go.

No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of The LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35: 9, 10 NIV

GOD Had Been Preparing Saul for service to Him to talk with other believers and witness to them about Christ. During the time that Saul was killing Christians and having them killed, he was an enemy of GOD. He did not know the True and Living GOD at the time he was in opposition to Him. Yet, Jesus Made Himself Known to Saul. Saul did an “about face”.

Saul had a complete stop when he realized that the Real Lord Whom he was persecuting is Jesus. When he came to with This Conviction, that he was indeed killing Christians for believing in the Real Lord, he could not see for three days. And it was not until Ananias laid hands on him, could Saul/The Apostle Paul see again. GOD Instructed and Empowered Ananias to complete The Purpose He Had for Saul to receive his sight back. Saul would then fulfill the good and perfect will of GOD.

Ananias did not understand the reason The Lord Asked him to help someone namely Saul who he viewed as an enemy. Yet, Ananias obeyed GOD.

➢ Jonah

There was a reluctant prophet named Jonah who did not want to abide by the mission that he was given by GOD. The Lord Told Jonah to go to Nineveh. Jonah did not want to go. Jonah knew that if the people of Nineveh repented of their sins when he preached to them the message from GOD, that The Lord Would Forgive them and the Ninevites would be saved. Nineveh was a great city; however, the Assyrians were very cruel and wicked. Jonah did not want them to be saved. He did not want GOD to forgive the Ninevites.

The Word of The LORD Came to Jonah son of Amittai: “GO to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before ME.” But Jonah ran away from The LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from The LORD. Jonah 1: 1-3 NIV Life Application Study Bible

Then The LORD Sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. Jonah 1: 4, 5 NIV LASB

The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us and we will not perish.” Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?”

Jonah 1: 6-8 NIV LASB

He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship The LORD, The GOD of Heaven, Who Made the sea and the land.” Jonah 1: 9 NIV LASB

This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from The LORD because he had already told them so.) The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” Jonah 1: 10, 11

“Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. Jonah 1: 12, 13

But The LORD Provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to The LORD his GOD. And The LORD Commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 1: 17 - 2: 1, 10

Three days … Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights. Saul/the Apostle Paul was without sight for three days. And when they prayed, GOD Delivered them. I would think that in the belly of a great fish, there

was no light either. They both were in the dark for three days. And during that time of being in darkness, they prayed to GOD. GOD Heard their prayer.

Sometimes it seems that in order to see more clearly, there may be a period for darkness. When you go from a lighted room to a dark room, it takes a few minutes for your eyes to get adjusted. At first everything is dark, then after several minutes, you can begin to see. However, if you were to remain in the dark for an overly extended period of time, with no light, you would be unable to see once you came into the light. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see The Light of The Gospel of The Glory of Christ, Who Is The Image of GOD. 2 Corinthians 4: 4 NIV Life Applications Study Bible

Then The Word of The LORD Came to Jonah a second time: GO to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I Give you.” Jonah 3: 1

What do you think? Did Jonah listen this time? Did he go to Nineveh?

Jonah obeyed The Word of The LORD and went to Nineveh. Jonah 3: 3 … Ohh yeah. Wouldn’t you? Can you even imagine being in the belly of a great fish?

Jonah went to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria and preached to the Ninevites.

Now Niveveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. Jonah 3: 3

So the people of Nineveh believed GOD, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Jonah 3: 5

When GOD Saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had comion and did not bring upon them the destruction HE Had Threatened. Jonah 3: 10 NIV LASB Then GOD Saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and GOD

Relent

ed from the disaster that HE Had Said He Would Bring upon them, and HE Did Not Do it. Jonah 3: 10 NKJV JSB

“wiaw” RELENT= to become less stern, severe, or harsh (MWD); GOD Relented means GOD Withheld His threatened judgment (Jeremiah Study Bible)

Bottomline…when the Ninevites repented of their sins, The LORD forgave them. (Read Jonah 1-4 for complete story)

GOD Has His Ways of accomplishing His Plan and His Purpose according to His Good and Perfect Will. Everyone and everything is subject to GOD’s Full Authority and Sovereign Power.

GOD Spared the others on the boat when they cried to Him and pleaded for mercy. GOD Saved Jonah when HE Had the great fish vomit him onto dry land. GOD Saved the people of Nineveh when they responded in repentance to Jonah’s preaching. GOD Will Always Work His Will. He Desires that all come to Him, trust in Him, and be saved. Those who heed GOD’s Warnings through His Word, and respond in obedience to His Commands, can be saved. GOD Is Gracious and not His Punishment will be received, but His Grace.

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love GOD, to those who are The Called according to His Purpose. Romans 8:28

GOD Works not only in isolated incidents—but in “all things” for our good.

We know that evil is prevalent in our fallen sinful world, but GOD Is Able to turn every circumstance around for His Glory and for our long-range good. GOD Works to fulfill His Plan and Purpose, not to make us happy. We are calledGOD’s Promise can be claimed only by those who love GOD and are “called” according to His Purpose. GOD Commands that we be holySuch people who are called have a new perspective, a new mind –set on life. Those who are called are those who have received Christ. True Christians trust GOD and look for their security in Heaven, not on earth nor earth’s treasures. True Christians learn to accept pain and persecution, not resent it, because GOD is with His Children through it all.

GOD Calls those to repent of their sins, for all who would believe and come to Him, GOD Forgives.

➢ Samson

it was Samson who lost his sight to the Philistines when he disobeyed GOD. The Philistines used Samson’s infatuation, his lust for Delilah, a , against him to weaken him. Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. Judges 16:1

“wiaw” HARLOT= prostitute

After spending much time with Delilah, Samson revealed to her what was not to be revealed and he was weakened. …But he did not know that The LORD Had Departed from him. Judges 16: 20

Then the Philistines took him and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza. They bound him with bronze

fetter

s, and he became a grinder in the prison. However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaven. Judges 16: 21, 22

“wiaw” FETTER= a chain or shackle for the feet

In his blindness, he then began to see The Real GOD and began to call upon Him again.

Then Samson called to The LORD, saying, “Oh LORD GOD, me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O GOD, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!” Judges 16: 28

Samson was born at a time when the Israelites did evil in the sight of The LORD. GOD Sent His Deliverer, Samson into this environment. Samson was to be a Nazirite to GOD from the womb and was to begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. A Nazirite was one who was given to GOD as a special servant to carry out specific duties. GOD Gave to Samson enormous strength to be victorious in accomplishing His Plan. (Read Judges 13 - 16 for story)

Samson’s story teaches us that it is never too late to start over. Samson’s hair began to grow back. And The LORD Gave Samson his strength back. No matter how badly we may have failed in the past, today is not too late to put your complete trust in GOD.

A person’s greatest most significant accomplishment may be helping others achieve great things. On the other hand, a person’s greatest failure may be preventing others from achieving greatness. The effect of Delilah’s role in Samson’s life was devastating. She influenced him to betray his special calling from GOD. Motivated by greed, Delilah used her persistence to wear Samson down. Delilah’s greed and her unfaithfulness to Samson brought ruin to him and

to her people. Delilah is never mentioned in the Bible again. She kept asking Samson for the secret of his strength until he finally grew tired of hearing her nagging and gave in.

With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death. Judges 16: 16 NIV LASB And it came to , when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; … Judges 16: 16 The King James Study Bible

Three times Delilah tried to get Samson to tell to her the secret to his strength. After three times of telling her stories, he told her the truth.

So he told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazarite set apart to GOD since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.”

When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. Having put him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Judges 16: 17-19

Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!”

He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that The LORD had left him. Judges 16: 20

Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down in Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison. But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. Judges 16: 21

So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them.

When they stood him among the pillars, Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that the temple, so that I may lean against them.” Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. Then Samson prayed to The LORD, “O Sovereign LORD, me, O GOD, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Judges 16: 25-28

Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed men more when he died than while he lived. Judges 16: 29- 30

He had judged Israel twenty years.Judges 16:31

Samson is listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11

Snip it

Don’t allow anyone, no matter how attractive or persuasive, to talk you into doing wrong. Delilah was a deceitful woman and toyed with Samson, pretending to love him while looking for her own personal gain. Avoid falling prey to deceit by asking GOD to help you distinguish between false deception and real genuine truth. Ask GOD for spiritual discernment, wisdom and the strength to obey HIM.

How willingly do we receive GOD’s Will for our life? Jonah was rebellious to GOD’s Instruction and ended up in the belly of a great fish before he fulfilled GOD’s Intended Purpose. Samson took his eyes off GOD and put them on something/someone else and was blinded. What was the cost of their deliverance from their deliberate disobedience to GOD and His Instruction? Jonah was … in the belly of a great fish and … Samson … blindness … his eyes. What do you say was a common factor that caused their disobedience to GOD? How about their own agenda? …Selfishness. Jonah did not want GOD to save the Ninevites. Samson wanted to have someone that was not for him. They had, as so do we have, character flaws.

• GOD Deals with the Defects in Our Character. Those defects in our character are weaknesses that we have. The spots in our life that someone else may see, may be those weaknesses that we may not see or choose not to see. GOD uses those defects too in a way that develops Christ-like character in us.

• GOD’s Trials are progressive in nature. There is a progression in difficulty. GOD changes the nature of our trials to develop it as Christ-likeness. It is endurance that reveals our character.

• GOD Measures our progress by our capacity to endure. We are not to endure with murmurings and complaints. We are to endure as we pray fervently. We are to endure as we meditate upon and believe GOD’s Word. We are to endure as we fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus with love and encouragement for one another. We are to remain steadfast in our faith in GOD and endure with praise and thanksgiving to GOD as we Trust and Obey HIM.

GOD First Prepares believers to witness for Him. All three men fulfilled GOD’s Purpose in a manner that was set forth for each of them. Pray and ask GOD what it is that HE Has for you to do. Be willing to obey Him and “just do it”. (“just do it” is Nike Slogan)

GOD Had Specific Ways of dealing with Saul/the Apostle Paul, Jonah, and Samson. Again to reiterate, Saul/the Apostle Paul started off as an unbeliever, an outsider to The Real GOD of Whom he was persecuting. However, Saul was converted on the road to Damascus when Jesus Made Himself Known to him. Thus, Saul became the Apostle Paul and served GOD faithfully in word and deed.

Jonah was a prophet and Samson was born to be the deliverer of Israel from the Philistines. Yet, they allowed themselves to become distanced from GOD and created a delay in their GOD-Purposed mission.

Jonah was a reluctant prophet given a mission he found to be distasteful and rebelled against GOD because he did not want the Ninevites to be forgiven. Therefore, Jonah went in the opposite direction of where he was instructed to go. He boarded a ship that was headed to Tarshish when GOD Had Instructed him to go to Nineveh to speak to the Ninevites, the Assyrians. Jonah was thrown overboard and ended up in the belly of a great fish.

Samson had more desire in fulfilling his own fleshly lusts as opposed to focusing on what his GOD-Given Purpose was in caring for and protecting GOD’s people from the Philistines. Samson ended up being betrayed by the woman he attempted to satisfy. Samson was blinded and was put in prison.

GOD’s Mission and Purpose is always accomplished. However at what cost? We can be blessed and advance with benefit if we heed GOD’s Warnings to us through His Word. If we respond in obedience to GOD’s Graciousness, we receive His Mercy and not chastisement and punishment due to our own disobedience.

Are you willing to be GOD’s Instrument of benefit and blessing in the lives of others? Stephen, a man full of GOD’s Grace and Power. After Stephen was stoned for his steadfast faith in GOD, the witnesses laid the clothes of those who were stoned at the feet of the young man named Saul. After giving his approval of all who were put to death or put in prison, The Lord Save Saul and Turned his life around. Saul became Paul.

Before Stephen fell asleep, while being stoned, Stephen prayed to The Lord, that HE would not hold that sin against them (the ones who were stoning him). Scripture lets us know of GOD’s Approval of Stephen. Before Stephen was stoned, he looked up to Heaven and saw The Glory of GOD. Stephen saw Jesus Standing at The Right hand of The Father. “But he, being full of The HOLY Spirit, gazed into Heaven and saw The Glory of GOD, and Jesus Standing at The Right Hand of GOD, and said, “Look! I see the Heavens opened and The Son of

Man standing at The Right Hand of GOD!” Acts 7: 55-56

Stephen saw “Jesus Standing” from “His Sitting” Position to receive him (Stephen/Stephen’s spirit) unto Himself.

The “R” and “F” in

Repent and Forgive

“Wiaw” PREFACE= the introductory remarks of a speaker or writer

“Wiaw” PEACE- = a state of calm or quiet; an agreement to end hostilities

ForGive ME

No ission of wrong just an informing of choice You just wanted to let us know not holding anything back, Expecting us to rejoice with no mention of lack We’ve all fallen short, have sinned and still sometimes do, We must forgive ourselves and forgive others too When we sin against GOD sin against ourselves and others also To grow from being low, say “I’m sorry” because those hurt need to know To us His Only Begotten Son, GOD Sent To turn to Him and turn away from sin is to repent, For everything that I’ve done that has not been right I ask you to forgive me as I cling to Thee Light Forgiveness is what’s most important to ask since we cannot go back I would love to start over and make right my wrong track Yet moving forward … Christ Is my life, HE Wipes away all tears, sorrow, and strife Persistently seeking and obeying GOD as I strive to maintain For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1: 21

So …What … Who do you choose?

In efforts to agree to end hostilities and conflicts, we must acknowledge what’s happened. Once realized that we have indeed sinned, we must decide to repent of our wrong doings and opposing offensive disagreements. We must ask GOD to forgive us when we sin against HIM and others. We must ask for forgiveness if we have wronged someone and forgive those who have wronged us. Once these two introductory requirements are met, to repent and forgive, we exercise elevating faith and strength in loving GOD and loving one another. When we love as Christ Loves the church, we acquire peace, along with knowledge and understanding. The measure in which GOD Forgives us is the measure in which we are to forgive one another. Yet, the in which GOD Forgives us is much greater than the magnitude in which we forgive. But GOD Demonstrates His Own Love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ Died for us. Romans 5: 8

“Wiaw” MAGNITUDE= the greatness of size or extent; quantity

“For if you forgive men their treses, your Heavenly Father Will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their treses, neither will your Father forgive your treses.” Matthew 6: 14, 15 NKJV ARLB

For Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7: 10 NKJV ARLB

I Repent of my sin, please Forgive me

Before the Apostle Paul was converted on his way to Damascus, he used to treat Christians very cruelly. Saul (whose name was changed to Paul) was so zealous in his Jewish beliefs and in effort to build his reputation as a true Pharisee, that he began a persecution campaign against anyone who believed in Jesus Christ. Those then who were believers in Christ were referred to as “belonged to The Way”. Christ met Saul on the road to Damascus and turned Saul’s life around.

Saul was born in Tarsus, but became a world traveler for Christ. The Apostle Paul became a Christian and preached Christ to others. The Lord GOD Converted Saul to the Apostle Paul and Paul repented of his sins. GOD transformed Saul from a persecutor of Christians to Paul, a preacher for Christ.

The Good News is that forgiveness and eternal life are a gift of GOD’s Grace received through faith in Christ and available to all people who truly repent of their sin. GOD Does Not waste our time—HE Will Use our past and present so we may serve HIM with our future. Because of this 180 degree turn, others began to Glorify GOD because of the repentant life of the Apostle Paul. When a total repentance occurs, what is displayed in the individual is good conduct and good conversation that results in being of good character (personality, nature, behavior). To Glorify GOD is to praise Him, trust Him, and obey him. Do others Glorify GOD in love and worship because of the change in your life?

The Apostle Paul was sensitive to GOD’s leading and, despite his strong personality, Paul did as GOD Directed. Are you willing to ask GOD to do the same for you? You will not know all HE Can Do with you until you surrender all of who you are to HIM! Are there any worse sinners than others?

“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3

NKJV

If we confess our sins, HE Is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 9

How important it is to forgive yourself and to forgive one another. If there is someone who you have not forgiven, forgive them. Forgive them now.

Now is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV)

• KNOW that GOD Forgives you. Forgive others.

• LEARN to laugh. Do not keep yourself from crying.

• ASK GOD to grant you the serenity to accept the things that you cannot change. ASK GOD to give you the courage to change the things that you can change. And even more importantly, ASK GOD to give you the spiritual discernment and wisdom in order that you will KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Know the difference between what you can change and what you cannot change. Be anxious for nothing. PRAY about everything. And in everything … Praise GOD!!! And give HIM Thanks.

The only way that you will be able to know the difference is by knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and Lord.

Tell me…do you KNOW HIM?

Living is about getting to know and serve Jesus Christ. Get to Know HIM for yourself. JESUS is REAL and HE IS ALIVE!!! Do you know that He’s waiting for you to ask HIM into your life if you have not asked HIM already?

Behold, I Stand at the door and Knock. If anyone hears My Voice and opens the door, I Will Come in to him and Dine with him, and he with ME. To him who overcomes I Will Grant to sit with ME on My Throne, as I Also Overcame and Sat Down with My Father on His Throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit Says to the churches. Revelation 3:20-22 NKJV ARLB

Choose HEAVEN … … … NOT hell!

Weave and Wear

What we weave in time, we will wear in eternity.

What are you weaving?

As referenced in the Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible: Jesus taught that hell is real. Of the 162 New Testament texts that speak of hell and the judgment of the lost, more than 70 were issued by Jesus Christ Himself. Hell is an eternal misery, an emotional, sensual, and spiritual torment. In the story of Lazurus, a pitiful beggar and the rich man, Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s bosom when he died. Whereas the rich man when he died, was carried to hell. There was a gulf between the two that could not be crossed.

The most amazing time you will ever spend will be the first five minutes after you die. Those first five minutes, is when you discover Heaven … or hell.

An Author unknown wrote:

Loved ones will weep o’re my silent face, Dear ones will clasp me in sad embrace. Darkness and shadows will fill the place, five minutes after I die. Faces that sorrow, I will not see, voices that murmur will not reach me. But where, oh where will my spirit be, Five minutes after I die?

Where will you spend those first five minutes? Where will you be for all of eternity?

Naught to repair the good I lack, Fixed to the goal of my chosen track, No time to repent, no turning back, Five minutes after I die. Mated forever with my chosen throng, Long is eternity, O, so long. Then woe is me, if my soul; be wrong, Five minutes after I die.

Where will your friends and family be? … Five minutes after they die? Tell them about Jesus. Live like Him.

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that HE Might bring us to GOD, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by The Spirit, by whom also HE Went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering (the longsuffering of GOD Waited patiently) waited in the days of Noah, while The Ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight soul, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward GOD), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who Has Gone into Heaven and is at The Right Hand of GOD, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. 1 Peter 4: 18-22 NKJV ARLB

The End Times

But the end of all things is at hand; Therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each other has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of GOD. If anyone ministers let him do it as with the ability which GOD supplies, that in all things GOD may be Glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4: 7-11 NKJV John MacArthur Daily Bible

In the New Testament, the Greek word for “end” is never used as a chronological end, as if something just stops. The word “end” instead means a consummation, a goal achieved, a result attained, or a realization. With Christ’s triumphant life, ministry, suffering and death, Peter emphasizes triumphant suffering through the second coming of Jesus Christ.

GOD’s Purpose in allowing trouble is to test the reality of one’s faith.

Since Christ’s second coming is the goal of all things, Peter is calling believers to live expectantly and obediently in the light of Jesus Christ’s return. “Is at hand” and “imminent” means that the return of Christ is near and could be at any moment.

To “Be serious and watchful” implies that we are not to be swept away by our own emotions or ions. We are to maintain a proper eternal perspective on

life. The Christian is not to become a zealous religious fanatic who does nothing but wait for Christ’s return. Instead, the doctrine of the imminent (ready to take place) return of Christ is to lead the Christian believer into a watchful pursuit of holiness. A watchful attitude creates a pilgrim mentality which reminds the Christian that he/she is a citizen of heaven only sojourning on earth. The Christian believer is also reminded that he/she will face the record of his/her service to GOD and be rewarded for what stands the test at the judgment seat of Christ, which follows Christ’s return to rapture His Church.

“And watchful in your prayers.” A mind that cannot know the fullness of Holy Communion in prayer with GOD is a mind that is victimized by emotion and ion out of control, or knocked out of balance by worldly lusts and pursuits.(1 Peter3: 7) A mind fixed on Christ’s Return is purified. (1 John 3: 3)

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of GOD! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not Know Him. Beloved, now we are children of GOD; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when HE Is Revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as HE IS. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as HE Is Pure.

Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither Seen Him nor Known Him.

Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as HE Is Righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD Was Manifested, that HE Might Destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of GOD does not sin, for His Seed Remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of GOD. (1 John 3: 1-9)

A mind fixed on Christ’s Return enjoys the fullness of fellowship with the Lord. GOD Calls every Christian to a life of discipline. Someone has defined this as the controlling power of the will under the operation of the Spirit of GOD. There must be discipline in prayer, discipline in Bible Study, discipline in curbing bodily appetites, discipline in the use of time, and discipline in sacrificial living.

D. Y.O.P.P. – Your Optimal Proven Potential Choose Life (Narrow Path) “moving out from the you inside”

A SK –- Call on GOD for an answer

Request Render and RECEIVE Yet you do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2

“Share with others”

Abraham and Sarah The Three Visitors

Ask and you shall receive “His Eye Is On the Sparrow”

“When the LORD Had Finished Speaking with Abraham, HE Left, and Abraham returned home.” Genesis 18:33 NKJV

GOD anything but also expect anything.

“wiaw” ASK=to call on for an answer, to make a request

The LORD Appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”

“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”

So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs (maybe about 20 quarts, 22 liters) of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread.”

Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said.

Then The LORD Said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought. “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

Then the LORD Said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too hard for the LORD? I Will Return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.”

Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”

But He Said, “Yes, you did laugh.” Genesis 18:1-15 NKJV

Fear is the most common motive for lying. Sarah lied and said that she did not laugh when she did laugh. Even though she laughed on the inside (Sarah laughed to herself), the LORD Knew it.

Lying is the result of fearing that our inner most emotions and thoughts will be exposed and/or our wrong doings will be discovered. However, lying most frequently causes greater complications than telling the truth and brings even more problems. Think about it. You must each lie you tell. And not only that, you must each person to whom you told the lie. Would you not agree that it is much less complicated to simply tell the truth than it is to lie? If no one else, GOD Is to be Trusted with our innermost fears and thoughts.

The Three Visitors

One of the three men that appeared to Abraham, was The Lord. The other two men that appeared to Abraham were angels. Before The of Jesus in the New Testament, this appearance to Abraham is one of the mysterious manifestations of Jesus in the Old Testament. We see here how Abraham was very hospitable and welcoming towards his guests. We are to humbly express love and encouragement towards one another.

“Wiaw” INCARNATION= the embodiment of a deity or spirit in an earthly form, the union of divine and human natures in Jesus Christ

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Hebrews 13:1, 2

When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then The LORD Said, “Shall I Hide from Abraham what I Am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I Have Chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep his way of The LORD by doing what is right and just, so that The LORD Will Bring about for Abraham what HE Has Promised him.”

Let’s fast forward to the New Testament for just a bit to reinforce another powerful Scripture of Truth and Promise, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to His Purpose.” Romans 8:28

O.k. now back to Abraham,

Then The LORD Said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I Will Go down and See if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I Will Know.”

The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will YOU sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will YOU really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from YOU to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from YOU! Will not The Judge of all the earth Do Right?”

The LORD Said, “If I Find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I Will Spare the whole place for their sake.”

Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will YOU Destroy the whole city because of five people?

“If I Find forty-five there,” HE Said, “I Will Not Destroy it.”

Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?”

HE Said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.” Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?” HE Answered, “I Will Not Do it if I find thirty there.”

Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?”

HE Said, “For the sake of twenty I Will Not Destroy it.” When the LORD Had Finished Speaking with Abraham, HE Left, and Abraham returned home. Genesis 18:16-33 NKJV

GOD Was personally involved in Abraham’s life and wanted Abraham to ask HIM for His Power to help. But even before that, it is GOD Who Shared with Abraham what HE Was about to do. “Then The LORD Said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I Am about to do?”

GOD Knew that there were not even ten righteous people in the city; however, HE Was Merciful enough to allow Abraham to intercede. “Then he (Abraham) said, ‘Let not The Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?’ And HE Said, ‘I Will Not Destroy it for the sake of ten.’ So The Lord Went His Way as soon as HE Had Finished Speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.” Genesis 18:32, 33

Although there were not ten righteous in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah, GOD Was merciful and allowed Abraham’s nephew Lot, and his family to get out of Sodom before it was destroyed. GOD Takes no pleasure in destroying the

wicked, but HE Must punish sin. HE Is Both Just and Merciful. Therefore, it is up to us to choose what path we will follow.

When the angels first reached the city gates of Sodom, Lot greeted them and welcomed them to stay at his house. The men of Sodom wanted to know the men (who were angels) carnally. The Sodom men became extremely vulgar and sinfully vile. When the men of Sodom tried to get into Lot’s house, they were strickened with blindness by the angels.

“And they (the angels) struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.” Genesis 19:11 NKJV ARLB

“So it came to , when they (the angels) had brought them outside, that he said, ‘Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” Genesis 19: 17

Lot was reluctant to leave Sodom and the angels physically took Lot’s hand, the hand of his wife, and the hands of his daughters, and led them out of the city. The husbands of Lot’s daughters thought Lot was joking and Lot’s daughters’ husbands remained in the city. When the angels told Lot to escape to the mountains, Lot asked if his wife and his daughters could go a nearby city called Zoar. In another act of mercy, The Lord granted Lot’s request.

“The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. Then The Lord Rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from The Lord out of the heavens.

So HE Overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.” Genesis 19:23-25

Lot and his family was told, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you…” Yet, Lot’s wife turned around to see the sight of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction and was turned into a pillar of salt.

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26NKJV

The disobedience of Lot’s wife is a lesson to learn to start looking forward to the future to which GOD Is Calling … and to stop longing for the past. The names Sodom and Gomorrah are used as examples throughout Scripture to reflect the depravity of the human heart and GOD’s Divine resulting judgment.

Those who quit walking in The Will of GOD stop listening to Him. GOD hears the prayers of His People when His Children ionately and persistently come to Him.

Our prayers do not necessarily change GOD’s Mind, but they may change ours, and change the way we think. We are to ask GOD for anything and then expect with openness anything. Prayer helps us to better understand the mind of GOD.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD. And the Peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6, 7 NKJV

In the Old Testament times, compliance with GOD’s Laws was a witness to faith in GOD. Jesus Said in the New Testament, “But why do you call ME ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do the things which I Say?” Luke 6:46

To call someone Lord is to acknowledge that person’s authority. To disregard someone’s authority and instruction and call them Lord is to live as a and a liar.

“Wiaw” HYPOCRITE= a person who indulges in hypocrisy; pretender; deceiver

“Wiaw” HYPOCRISY= the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense (Google)

It is the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man that avails much. James 5:16

Abraham’s obedience to GOD is .

“wiaw” EVIDENT= clear to the vision and understanding

HIS EYE IS On The Sparrow …

I rang the door bell and had a seat. Those were the instructions on a piece of paper that was taped to the door. So I did just that. After about 10 minutes, a guy walked in and did the same thing. We were the only two in the office. Within about another 10 minutes, someone opened the door and asked who was next. I walked up to the gentleman, named Steve Washington and explained the situation to him. I still his name, not his face. Usually it’s the other way around. He asked questions and I told him the truth.

My husband and I had made a lump sum payment and had made payment arrangements to pay off the balance of our taxes. I told him the names of people with whom I had spoken and gave him the dates and times that I had spoken with them. He got all of our information, full names and social security numbers, and numbers. He told me to have a seat. I did not go inside with him. All of this information, I had given him in the lobby area of the office.

I waited for about another 15-20 minutes and prayed quietly to myself. I had prayed before I got there, and while on my way there. The HOLY Spirit Comforted me with, “Be still and know that I am GOD.” Psalm 46.10 NKJV

You see, let me back up a bit… I had called the bank to check my balance and was informed via the automated teller system that we had a zero balance. I could not believe that and after calling the automated teller again and getting the same answer, I decided to speak with a live representative at the bank. To my surprise and somewhat shock, she also told me that there was a zero balance in the . I knew that was not correct because our direct deposits had been recently made and even before the deposits were made into the bank s, there was still a balance.

The bank representative informed me after I continued to ask questions about what was going on with the , that the IRS had withdrawn our funds. After getting that information and asking her about what to do, she informed me that there was not anything that I could do … they were the IRS. … Not so … they were only the IRS.

After finding out the exact location of the IRS building downtown, and after talking with my Lord about the situation, I decided to go and talk with them. And so glad we did.

Mr. Washington opened the door, walked over to me, and said that everything was taken care of. All of the funds from all of the s would be put back in the bank. As he said this, he handed me a piece of paper. It was a confirmation receipt that reflected $0 was to be held for tax … nothing… $0. Only The Creator can take nothing and make something. In this case, they (the IRS) only put back what they took … our money $.

A feeling of great joy came upon me. As I thanked Mr. Washington, I thanked GOD. I was so overwhelmed with joy that as I left the office lobby, I was thanking and praising GOD all the way to the ladies room.

People were looking at me. I didn’t care. All I cared about was letting GOD know that I was truly thankful. I know I could not make it all the way down the hall, and down the elevators to my car, without rejoicing.

So I stopped in the ladies room and sang “GOD Has Smiled on me, HE Has Set me free. GOD Has Smiled on me… HE’s Been Good to me. Tears flowed from my eyes as I sang “HIS Eye Is on the sparrow, I know HE Watches me. (As I

write about what happened, it again brings tears to my eyes.)

HE Didn’t have to do it. Not Mr. Washington, but GOD. Not just some of the money, GOD Had them put a l l …all of the money back into the s. HE worked through Mr. Washington.

When I got to the car, I continued singing as I was thanking and praising GOD. All HE Told me to do was to Show Up! Show Up! For greater is HE Who Is in me than he who is in the world. GOD Had Already Taken Care of it! How would I have known! I …didn’t. But…FAITH!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Hebrews 11: 1 NKJV Faith without works is dead. James 2:26 NKJV

Oh I had to do some things. Trust in The Lord and Obey HIM.

Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE Shall Direct your paths. Proverbs 3; 5, 6 NKJV

We ought to obey GOD rather than men. Acts 5:29 NKJV

… If GOD Is For us, who can be against us? Romans 8: 31 NKJV

Trust and obey … for there is no other way.

In the back of my mind, there was a replay, I heard the lady when I called the bank say that it probably won’t do any good to talk with them (the IRS) about getting our money back. But …The Lord Said to me … when I talked with Him, “you go there …you be there … you show up.” I worked a half day and drove about 35 minutes to downtown St. Louis to the Internal Revenue Service building.

When I left the IRS building, I drove to the bank and handed the bank representative the document that Mr. Washington had given me. I was informed that the funds were to be back in the within 24 hours. As I recall, no later than the next business day, the funds were deposited back in our s. Praise GOD!!! HE Is Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask, think, or do. HE Alone Is Worthy to be Praised!

The above referenced praise report about this incident with the IRS is what I shared with our church family at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in South St. Louis.

There will be trials and tribulations in this life that we will go through; however, the LORD Is Always with us. For HE Himself Has Said, “I Will Never Leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13: 5 NKJV

HE Was Already there … waiting for us… me and The HOLY Spirit.

James 1: 2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, The Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM Endured the Cross, Despising the shame, and has Sat Down at The Right Hand of The Throne of GOD.” Hebrew 12:1, 2 NKJV

Do you know anyone bigger than the IRS? (selah, pause) …I do. … His Name is JESUS.

The Lord GOD Said to Job when questioned, “Who then is able to stand against ME? Who has preceded ME that I Should pay him? Everything under Heaven is Mine. Job 41: 10, 11 NKJV

Jesus Christ Is The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever. Hebrews 13: 8 NKJV

I am asking that The Lord Will Open the windows of Heaven and Pour out for us such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3; 10)

D. Y.O.P.P. – Your Optimal Proven Potential Choose Life (Narrow Path)

S EEK -Try to reach to obtain

Follow Forward and FIND … and you will find… Matthew 7:7 NKJV … he who seeks finds… Matthew 7:8 NKJV

“Do unto others”

Thee True Seeker Zacchaeus

Seek and you shall find “The Drive”

We have eyes to see, ears to hear, a nose to smell, and a mouth to eat and to speak. We have hands to serve and feet to move. What beautiful sight do you want to see? What truth do you want to hear? What pleasant odor do you want to smell? What delicious meal would you like to eat? What encouraging words would you like to speak? What do you want to say? What do you want to do? Where do you want to go?

“wiaw” SEEK=to search for, to try to reach or obtain

Nothing beats a failure but a try.

The Lord is The True Seeker.

For the Son of Man Has Come to Seek and to Save that which was lost. Luke 19: 10

Jesus came to this earth to Seek and Save men and women estranged from GOD. When Jesus Called Levi (Matthew the tax collector), Levi immediately invited his fellow tax collectors and others to meet Jesus. The Pharisees, scribes and others complained.

Jesus Answered and Said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31, 32

No one in his or her own is good enough, holy enough, or righteous enough to win a place in heaven. Only GOD Can Bring about the miracle of salvation. (ref: Job 42: 2, Jeremiah 32: 17)

Zacchaeus

Jesus Saved a wealthy chief tax collector named Zacchaeus. Israelites despised the tax collectors. A tax collector was not the one who would typically want to see who Jesus was. However, Jesus was ing through Jericho and Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. With Zacchaeus being a short man, he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus since HE Was Coming that way.

When Jesus Reached the spot, HE Looked up and Said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I Must Stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him joyfully. But when they (the people) saw it, they all complained, saying, “HE Has Gone to be a guest of a man who is a sinner.” Luke 19: 5, 6

Again, the Scribes and Pharisees complained as they did when Jesus Went to Levi’s house.

Jesus Said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” Luke 19:9 NKJV

Zacchaeus demonstrated an inward change by an outward action. Zacchaeus offered to give half of his possessions to the poor and offered to pay back four times the amount to those to whom he had cheated.

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to The Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Luke 19: 8

Zacchaeus did not earn his salvation by pledging to right his wrongs. Instead, his repentant actions evidenced that GOD was already at work in his heart. (Luke 19: 8) This rich tax collector gave his money to the poor as a public indication of his decision to follow Jesus.

There also was a rich young ruler who refused to sell what he had and distribute to the poor. This rich young ruler called Jesus Good.

“Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” So Jesus Said to him, “Why do you call ME Good? No one is Good but One, that is GOD. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So when Jesus Heard these things HE Said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come, follow ME.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. Luke 18:18-23

The certain ruler or religious leader did not understand that salvation is not about what one does for GOD but about what GOD Has Done for sinners.

Do you know?

A person is not condemned by a bad heritage or saved by a good heritage. Faith is more important than . Jesus Still Loves to bring the lost into His Kingdom, no matter what their previous way of life or background. Through faith, the lost can be forgiven and made new. It is not enough to follow Jesus in your heart or head alone. Action on your part is required. Your changed behavior demonstrates your

saving faith and your virtuous spiritual fruit.

A genuine relationship with GOD and true repentance change a person’s behavior.

“wiaw” GENEALOGY= a record of a line of ancestors

Has your faith resulted in changed behavior? How has your action changed since you became a Christian? What actions of yours need to be changed?

The Drive

It happened to me over 20 years ago. I had become very suspicious and dissatisfied with our relationship. I decided to follow my husband as he left the house. This had been going on for some time now, his leaving the house and staying away for several hours at a time. Months have turned into years. What I was feeling and thinking turned out to be true.

No matter how I wanted to disbelieve my feelings, they were there. They kept nagging at me, until one night, I jumped in the car immediately after “Z” left the house and began to follow him. I running through a yellow light that was about to turn red. I knew that if I missed that light, I would lose him. Therefore, I kept going forward.

I eventually lost him though as we approached North Saint Louis near Saint Louis University. I kept driving. I was determined to find him. I drove down to Cass Street past Delmar Street. I decided to drive around in that area coming back a ways South. I figured that if “Z” was going to see someone it would not be any farther north than Cass. The living areas were less attractive past Cass. I knew enough about “Z” to know that he would not want to be in that area too long nor often. I continued to drive. I was looking for a 1978 Chevy Van, red and black. We were the only ones that have a van like that. It was one of a kind that could not be mistaken for someone else’s van. I continued to drive. I was determined that “Z” was somewhere in that area and that I was going to find him.

After driving around for about 20 minutes or more after first losing him, it seemed as if I was drawn right to him. As I drove up one of the back streets over near N. Compton, I saw the red and black van. I could not believe it. Here I was driving around over in the North Central Saint Louis area, not entirely familiar with the area myself and I am seemingly led to the van…“Z’s” van, our van.

What came to mind is the Scripture, “Seek and you shall find…” I’d heard others say to be careful what you ask for. Now I could understand, to some extent, what they meant. Did I really want to deal with this?

It took me a while to “settle down”. I don’t how long… may be several several minutes. I was in amazement. It’s really difficult to describe how I actually felt at that time.

I parked the car across the street, not directly across the street, but across from the apartment building on the intersecting street where I could still see the van. All kinds of thoughts entered my mind. Who lives there? It was dark. However, there were some streetlights on. I guess it was after 9 p.m. I just sat there in the car. After I sat there in the car…in amazement for I do not how long… many many minutes I guess. Then I finally drove home.

What now comes to mind is the apostle Peter, when they were praying for him. When Peter was knocking on the door of the gate, and a girl named Rhoda answered it, she did not open the door. Instead, she went and told those who were praying for Peter, that Peter was at the door knocking. And they could not believe it.

It is amazing…the results … when GOD’s Principles are applied. I was simply in search of the Truth! 1.) Seek and you shall find. And in the case with Peter knocking, those praying for him, eventually opened the door. 2.) It is Truth that sets us free!

I would come to find out later who lived there. The question is, “What was I going to do about it?”

“If you abide in My Word, you are My Disciples indeed. And you shall know The Truth, and The Truth Shall Make you free.” John 8: 31, 32 NKJV

D. Y.O.P.P – Your Optimal Proven Potential Choose Life (Narrow Path)

K NOCK —Make a Pounding Noice

Opportunity Option and OPENED … and the door will be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 NKJV … and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:8 NKJV

“Teach others”

Freedom to Serve OR Freedom to Sin Knock Knock … Who’s there?

Knock and the door shall be opened “The Christmas Party”

Jesus is The One Who Knocks on the door of our hearts. Jesus is patient and persistent in trying to get through to us. HE Does not Break and enter… Jesus Knocks. HE Wants to have fellowship with us and HE Wants us to open ourselves up, open our hearts to HIM.

“wiaw” KNOCK= to strike with a sharp blow, to make a pounding noise

Jesus Tells us to persist in pursuing GOD. Many times people frequently give up after a few half-hearted efforts and conclude that GOD cannot be found. However, seeking to know GOD takes faith, focus, and follow-through. Ask GOD for strength, for more patience to love, for wisdom and understanding. HE Will Give them to you. Do not give up in your efforts to Seek GOD. For thus says The LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek ME and live…” Amos 5: 4, 5 Knock that the door may be opened unto you. Continue. Jesus Assures us that we will be rewarded.

“Those whom I Love I Rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I AM! I Stand at the door and knock.

If anyone hears MY Voice and opens the door.

I Will Come in and eat with him, and he with ME. Revelation 3: 19- 20

GOD Has Given everyone the opportunity to come to HIM. None the less, this does not imply a second chance for those who reject Jesus Christ in this life. The knocking stops once your last breath is taken. …“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27

Jesus Christ Came the first time because of mankind’s sin.

“And you know that HE Was Manifested to Take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” 1 John 3: 5 “For the death that HE Died, HE Died to sin once for all; but the life that HE Lives, HE Lives to GOD.” Romans 6: 10 Christ Knew no sin, nor was HE Able to sin. “For HE Made Him Who Knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in Him. 2 Corinthians 5: 21

Open the door when Jesus Knocks at the door of your heart. Jesus Came to Save you from sin. If you are not saved from sin, you will not be saved from hell.

There will be no more knocking when Christ Appears a second time for the Rapture. HE Will not then atone for sin but will complete salvation for His People.

Although some churches build larger buildings, grow vast congregations, increase programs, Jesus May Be Pushed aside and left knocking at the door. What a tragic unfortunate picture of the church at Laodicea! Christ’s invitation here is to anyone who hears His Voice—evidently because this Laodicean church

had fewer faithful ones than the church at Sardis.

John who was exiled on the island of Patmos was told by Jesus to write a letter to the seven churches. Listed as follows are the seven churches and a brief description of each issue of concern that Jesus Had for them:

The church of Ephesus, left its’ first love. The church of Smyrna, suffered persecution. The church of Pergamos, compromised biblical doctrine. The church of Thyatira, was corrupt with idols and sexual immorality. The church of Sardis, was a dead church. The church of Philadelphia, was the faithful church. The church of Laodicea, was the lukewarm church, neither cold nor hot. (Revelation 1- 4, Read about the 7 churches)

I will write more about the latter two churches, the church of Laodicea and the church of Philadelphia, on the next few pages.

Freedom to Serve OR Freedom to Sin

The church of Philadelphia had little strength in itself. Its’ source of power was ultimately The Lord. “MY Grace is sufficient for you, for MY Strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9 NKJV JSB Unlike the church in Laodicea, the church in Philadelphia was faithful.

“I Know your works. See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept MY Word, and have not denied MY Name. Indeed I Will Make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I Will Make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I Have Loved you. Because you have kept MY Command to persevere, I Also Will Keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I Am Coming Quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I Will Make him a

pillar in the temple of MY GOD, and he shall go out no more. I Will Write on him The Name of MY GOD and The Name of the city of MY GOD, The New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from MY GOD. And I Will Write on him MY New Name. Revelation 3: 8- 12

“Wiaw” PILLAR= a strong upright ; a column or shaft used as for building or monument

“Behold” is a call to pay attention! Believers have but a little more time to serve The Lord and then Jesus Will Return.

He who has an ear, let him hear what The Spirit Says to the churches. Revelation 3: 13, 22

Before the judgments of the seven year Great Tribulation, the purpose of the Rapture is to remove the Church from the world. Rapture means to snatch or catch away, to be caught up together. As Jesus Christ Told the church at Philadelphia, “Because you have kept My Command to persevere, I Will Also Keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth” (3:10)

John’s vision of the Great Tribulation, consistent with that promise, never mentions that the church is present on earth. GOD’s Promise that the dead in Christ, and the living at the time of the Rapture, will be “caught up together… to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4: 17)

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus Died and Rose Again, even so GOD Will Bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13, 14 NKJV JSB

For this we say to you by The Word of The Lord, that we who are alive and remain until The Coming of The Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For The Lord Himself Will Descend from Heaven with a shout, with the

voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with The Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4: 15- 18 NKJV JSB

Jesus’ Return to take believers to Heaven is a fulfillment of His Promise to His Disciples. When a person dies, his/her body goes in the grave. His/her soul and spirit goes immediately into the presence of The Lord. To be absent from the body and to be present with The Lord. 2 Corinthians 5: 8 However, in the Rapture, the person’s spirit and soul will be reunited with his/her glorified body.

Jesus Told His Disciples not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for The Promise of The Father. Now when HE (Jesus) Had Spoken these things, while they watched, HE Was Taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward Heaven as He Went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, Who Was Taken up from you into Heaven, will so Come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.” Acts 1: 9-11 NKJV JSB

No fulfilling encouragement exists like The Promise that can be experienced through GOD’s WORD.

Unlike the church of Philadelphian, the church of Laodicea was rich, complacent and lukewarm. They were rich, they were the wealthiest of seven cities and were known for its banking industry and manufacturing. They were complacent, they felt self-satisfied in their own accomplishments. The Laodiceans were lukewarm. They had become half-hearted and “in name only” Christians. They did not have Christ’s Presence among them.

The Laodicean church was neither hot, filled with spiritual zeal. Nor was the Laodicean church cold, openly rejecting Christ. Similar to the nature of their heart, Laodicea had dirty tepid (moderately warm) water that flowed for miles through an underground . Unaccustomed to the water in Laodecia, visitors when taking a drink, immediately spat the water out of their mouths.

“Wiaw” AQUEDUCT= a conduit (channel, long gutter) for carrying running water

The Laodicean were hypocrites professing to know Jesus, but not truly belonging to Him. Perhaps the church of Laodicea is much like the church of today.

“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. 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?’ And then I Will Declare to them, ‘I Never Knew you; depart from ME, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7: 21-23 NKJV JSB

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I Could Wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I Will Vomit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3: 15, 16 NKJV JSB

He who has an ear, let him hear what The Spirit Says to the churches. Revelation 3: 13, 22

Christ Knocked at the door of their hearts, and they did not respond in that they were so busy enjoying the pleasures of the world. These self-deceived hypocrites sickened Christ, just like the lukewarm water of Laodicea. The pleasures of this world can be dangerous and sinful. The temporary satisfaction that this world has to offer makes us indifferent to GOD’s Offer of lasting satisfaction.

You can choose either your freedom to serve GOD or choose to sin. What the Laodiceans could see and buy had become more valuable and worthwhile to them than what is eternal and unseen. Wealth, luxury, and ease can make you feel confident and satisfied. However, no matter how much money you make or how much you possess, you have nothing if you do not have a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.

Before someone can require believers in Christ, to live a life of Holiness, HE must be HOLY. “…But as HE Who Called you is HOLY, you also be Holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be Holy, for I Am HOLY.” 1 Peter 1: 15 NKJV JSB Therefore The Lord establishes His Holiness in the beginning of the letter to the church in Philadelphia.

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says HE Who Is Holy, HE Who Is True, “HE Who Has the key of David, HE Who Opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” Revelation 3: 7 NKJV JSB

Jesus Is the of . HE Is The Real One, Holy and True. True is a reference to Jesus

Genuineness and Reality. The One Who Has the key of David refers to a king in the line of David who held the key to all the kings’ treasures. His name was Eliakim. (Isaiah 22: 20- 22) When Eliakim opened the door, it was opened. And when he closed the door, it was closed. In the same way, not only does Jesus Have the key, Jesus Is The Key to The Kingdom of GOD and The entrance to the open door of Eternal Life.

“Wiaw” ESSENCE= fundamental nature or quality; the most significant element or aspect of something

“Wiaw” DEITY= Divinity, GOD

What people are when Jesus Returns is what they will forever be.

“…for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22: 10, 11 NKJV JSB

There is a definite distinction between freedom to serve and freedom to sin. Christians are free to do right. Christians Glorify GOD through loving Him and through loving and serving others. By contrast, freedom to sin is no freedom at all. When you sin, the sin enslaves you to the enemy Satan, enslaves you to others, and enslaves you to your own sinful nature.

We become critical of others when we are not motivated by love. When we become critical of others, we do not look for any good in them, we however; see all of their faults. When we become more critical of others, we more easily see someone else’s short comings and not our own. When we allow ourselves to focus on someone else’s weaknesses, and not our own, the unity of believers is broken.

Jesus Wants us to exercise spiritual discernment. However, HE Condemns the kind of judgment that comes from a hypocritical and unkind spirit.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6: 37, 38

“Judge not” does not mean that Christians are not to be discerning of their responsibility to exercise good biblical judgment but instead warns against harboring a condemning discouraging attitude.

Have you focused on someone’s misfortunes, shortcomings, or weaknesses instead of their accomplishments and strengths? Have you been two-faced and talked behind someone’s back? Do you do that now?

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, But do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘let me remove the speck from your eye, and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5

It is easy for Christians to say that they love others. But … do we prove that love that we say we have for others by praying for them and by sincerely caring for them? Is there any action behind the words that we speak? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 3: 14 NKJV ARLB

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

Instead of knocking someone else and finding fault with them, we must be receptive and listen to hear The Lord when HE Knocks on the door of our hearts and open That Door. If we think that we can live out the teachings of The Sermon on The Mount in our own strength, we have failed to realize that the wisdom and power for such a life must be given from above. Wisdom and power for the Christian life will be given to all who persistently and earnestly ask and pray for it.

The Philadelphians were commended for their efforts to obey Jesus and His Teachings.

Jesus’ Command to love GOD, and to love others as you love yourself.

Knock … knock… Who’s There?

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to answer, named Rhoda. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” (You are mad!) Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place. Acts 12: 13-17 NKJV

When the church was fervently praying for the Apostle Peter, they did not realize how quickly their prayer would be answered. When GOD Delivered Peter from the prison cell and Peter stepped in the door of the house of Mary where many were gathered praying, I believe that their doubts and fears vanished, and that they broke out into great expressions of joy.

We must keep in mind that GOD Is Always Working, whether you see signs of His Working or not. GOD Is Moving Things that you may not be able to see. The Lord Is Always With us. When we fly in an airplane, the sun is always there, right where we can see it in the sky. Although we may not be able to see the sun while standing on earth on a cloudy day, flying high above the earth in an airplane, we can see the sun.

If we are in an airplane and are flying over thick clouds, we may not be able to see the earth. Yet, the earth is still there! Just like the earth, the sun is still there in the sky! There is Only One Who Is Everywhere.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your Presence? If I go up to the Heavens, You Are There; if I make my bed in the depths, You Are There. Psalm 139: 7, 8 NKJV JSB

GOD Is All-Seeing, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, and Everywhere Present. GOD Knows us, GOD Is With us, and His Greatest Gift is (1) Himself for our salvation and (2) to allow us to know Him.

There seemed to be no way for Peter to get out of prison. He was in maximum security with guards watching him. Chains were on his hands and Peter was sentenced to death. Yet, GOD’s People prayed without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to GOD for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, An Angel of The Lord Stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and He Struck Peter on the side and Raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then The Angel Said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And He Said to him, “Put on your garment and follow ME.” So he went out and followed Him, and did not know that what was done by The Angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately The Angel departed from him.

And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that The Lord Has Sent His Angel, and Has Delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. Acts 12: 5-12

Again, just because you may not be able to see how GOD Is Working, does not mean that GOD Is Not Working. GOD Is Always Working. Just at times… behind the scenes. Continue to “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 Look for GOD To Move in His Own Time and in His Own Way.

Keep on knocking as Peter did. The door was finally opened and Peter was able to come in.

Knock Knock…What must I do to serve GOD and not sin against GOD?

Follow The Leader…The HOLY Spirit. Love GOD. Love, encourage, forgive and pray for one another. As a follower of Jesus, you must be willing to give when others take, to help when others abuse, and to love when others hate. To find hope and joy is the deepest form of happiness. Follow Jesus, no matter what the cost. By sacrificing your own rights in order to serve GOD and to serve others, you will one day receive all that GOD Has in store for you.

“You shall love The LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6: 5 NKJV JSB

Knock knock…What must I do to serve GOD and not sin against others?

Make a list of a person’s positive qualities, and when you think about criticizing them or being critical of them, read that list. If there are problems or issues that arise that need to be addressed, it is better to confront those concerns in love than to lie and/or to gossip. Should you fall short in following these guidelines, yield not to temptation, and ask The Lord for forgiveness. Start again to obey GOD with The Lord’s Help.

“…that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are MY Disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34, 35 NKJV

Knock knock…What must I do to serve GOD and resist sin?

Meditate upon and apply GOD’s Word to your everyday life. Memorize Scripture. Obey GOD’s Commands. The Words of Christ will be in your mind, the Love of Christ will be behind your actions, and The Power and Strength of The HOLY Spirit Will Help you control your selfish desires. Learn to hate sin. Learn to hate the malicious selfish corrupt way of the world. Learn to hate the enemy. The enemy is not your friend. You are to make no provision for the adversary. The enemy hates you and he hates that GOD Loves you. Make no provision for the lustful desires of the flesh. The enemy wants your destruction… yes! You read it right … the enemy wants to destroy you! Love only GOD and one another as GOD Has Commanded His Children to do. Be who GOD Has for you to be in Christ-likeness. That is how you will be able to

resist the devil and he will flee from you. Pray. Believe. Trust. Obey.

“GOD Resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore Submit to GOD. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to GOD and HE Will Draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and HE Will Lift you up. James 4: 6- 10 NKJV ARLB

Knock knock…What must I do to serve GOD and not grow weary?

We must daily commit our sinful tendencies to GOD’s Control. Daily crucify them, and moment by moment draw on the Spirit’s Power to overcome those habitual sinful influences. Do not let anyone outside of Jesus Christ or anything other than the direction of the Lord determine your standards and values in any area of your life.

“Brothers (and sisters), if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him (and her, respectively) gently. But watch yourself, or you may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he (includes she) deceives himself (herself). Each one should test his (her) own actions. Then he should take pride in himself (herself), without comparing himself (herself) to someone, for each one should carry his (her) own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the Word must share all good things with his (her) instructor.”

Galatians 6:1-6

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and

enticed

. James 1: 14 NKJV

To be drawn away means “to be snared in a trap”. Enticed means “lured by the bait”. The enemy uses different kinds of bait to lure those who are unsuspecting into his traps. People will be deceived by their own selfish desires and fall into sin, if they are not mindful to call on the help of The Holy Spirit and careful to realize that it is a trick of the enemy.

“Wiaw” ENTICED= allured, tempted

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9, 10 NIV LASB

I am knocking… asking, seeking, and knocking …

I have been writing this book for over 20 years. I am so grateful to be able to finish this first one. HE Alone Is Worthy to be Praised! It is truly the Grace of GOD and His Help to Make you (me) complete in every good work to do His Will, working in you (me) what is well pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom Be Glory Forever and Ever. Amen Hebrews 13: 21 NKJV

The apostle Paul says that we as followers of Jesus Christ are light bearers.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, Being in The Form of GOD, did not consider it robbery to be equal with GOD, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

And being found in appearance as a man, HE Humbled Himself and Became Obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore GOD Also Has Highly Exalted Him and Given Him The Name which is above every name, that is The Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ Is Lord, to The Glory of GOD The Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is GOD Who Works in you both To Will and To Do His Good Pleasure. Philippians 2: 5-13 NKJV ARLB

GOD’s Purposes for each believer to be complete in, and equipped for, every good work.

Nevertheless the solid foundation of GOD Stands, having this seal: “The Lord Knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names The Name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for The Master, prepared for every good work. 2 Timothy 2: 19- 21 NKJV LASB

There are true Christians and those who profess to be Christians. GOD Knows those who are truly devoted to His Service and His Use. The Lord Wants those who are holy and righteous in Christ doing His Work. Those doing work in Christ are holy and righteous in Christ after being cleansed of wrong doctrine as well as wrong conduct.

The apostle Paul says that any servants within his household who are dishonorable vessels may become vessels of honor. Dishonorable vessels become honorable vessels by ridding themselves of earthly priorities, (gold, silver, wood, clay, any of extreme needless measure, in this day and age— excessively expensive homes, cars, brand name goods, cell phones, highly advanced technological goods that are unaffordable prideful and outside of reasonable living means beyond realism). Also dishonorable vessels become honorable vessels by ridding themselves of obsessive unhealthy wrong motives (fame, fortune, glamour derived from dishonesty and any of unnecessary selfish excess). Vessels of honor are specially Purposed by GOD and HOLY Spirit Prepared.

For this is GOD, our GOD Forever and ever; HE Will Be our Guide Even to death. Psalm 48: 14 NKJV LASB

The church is to be the eyes, ears, hands, feet, and heart of Jesus on earth, while HE is Alive in Heaven seated at The Right Hand of The Heavenly Father. (1 Corinthians 12: 14- 20)

The LORD Said to my Lord, “Sit at My Right Hand, Till I Make Your enemies Your Footstool.” Psalm 110: 1 NKJV JSB

GOD Says that HE Will Pour out Spiritual Blessings and Protection for His People. Even, more so as we honor GOD with our commitment to obey Him and as we use our money and time wisely as the need arises. Do not rob GOD.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in MY House, And try ME now in this,” Says The LORD of hosts, “If I Will Not Open for you the windows of Heaven and Pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3: 10 NKJV

I am asking that The Lord Will Open the windows of Heaven and Pour out for us such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3: 10)

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for GOD Loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: 7 NKJV

D. Y.O.P.P – Your Own Proven Potential KNOCK

The Christmas Party

Friday 15 December 2000

I had gone shopping for my outfit that I was going to wear to the Novus Christmas party. I had worked at Novus for nearly 10 years (since January 1992) and we had a Christmas party every year. This year it was on Friday December 15, 2000. Anyway, I bought a 2 piece leather outfit, short to the waist jacket and long pant. I bought a pair of short, just about 4 inches above the ankle boots; they were ruby red in color to match the 2 piece leather outfit. I had a black turtle-neck cotton long sleeve top to wear with the suit.

The Novus Christmas party was at the St. Louis Zoo Art Museum that year. The dining area and the place where the photographer was taking pictures was like a Safari-type jungle setting. There were many plants and trees throughout and livetype animal figures. Novus always managed to come up with some really unusual fun type things to do on special occasions. This was one of them. One year we took an approximate 2 hour train ride to have dinner and to dance. We had a live band on the train, hors d’oeuvres and a bar.

The Novus celebrations were always a very memorable and enjoyable experience. My husband had ed me on other occasions; however, this time he was in Texas. After being asked to go to the party several times by co-workers, I decided to go by myself. They told me that there were other employees who planned to go by themselves also, that I need not feel uncomfortable. I had gone to a few other events by myself because Nate was working out of town.

Novus chartered a coach bus for all those who chose not to drive to the St. Louis

Art Museum, located in the city. Novus is located in Creve Coeur, West St. Louis County, which is a drive of about 35 minutes to the St. Louis Art Museum. This was so convenient because those who lived in the county or some even lived farther West (St. Charles) who preferred not to drive could ride the bus.

The party was fun as they usually are and the food was delicious. Everyone seemed to have a good time. The gourmet buffet consisted of a large menu variety: roast beef, shrimp, chicken, ham, turkey and many different side dishes, and breads. There was a choice of wine, soda, water, tea and coffee to go along with a big variety of desserts.

I sat with my friend Laura and her husband Denny. There were about 5 other people at our table. Laura, Sandy, and Sabrena and I became friends when I first became an employee of Novus. Laura worked in s Payable. Sandy was the Office Manager/Receptionist. Sabrena was the Human Resources Manager.

After dinner, we got a chance to work off some of those calories by dancing. Dancing is such good exercise! The “electric slide” is a song and dance that nearly everyone at the party got up on their feet to do. I received many compliments on my outfit. I received comments about how I could eat anything and not appear to gain weight. I would just smile and say that when much younger in my teenage years, I could eat all the time anything I wanted and go back for seconds and thirds. Not anymore! My regular eating habits are in moderation now, except on special occasions. Especially on the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, I usually have no eating limit.

Anyway, after dinner and dancing, it was time to return to the bus for our trip back to Novus and then the drive home. Everything went well. It was a lot of fun! …as it usually is! We would talk about how much fun it all was again on Monday at work…or so we thought.

Sunday Night

That Sunday night, I began to experience some chest discomfort. My arms felt funny, they were sore when I moved them. This was definitely strange. I do not recall feeling like this before. I felt uncomfortable enough to say that in the morning I planned to call the doctor. I always talk with the LORD, and most definitely, did so at this time also. Thanks be to the Good Lord I was able to go to sleep and had a restful sleep.

Come Monday Morning

Come Monday morning 18 December 2000, I called the office and spoke with my friend Sandy. When she asked how I was doing I told her that I was not feeling well, that I had some chest discomfort and that I was going to call the doctor. She told me to call the doctor as soon as I got off the phone with her.

I had appeared and felt o.k. at the party Friday night. Monday morning I’m on the phone calling in to work to report that I’m not feeling well. What do you make of that?

I called the doctor and told her I was experiencing some chest discomfort, and of course, she wanted to see me. The only appointment she had available that day was for 4 p.m. Since I began to feel better, throughout the duration of the day, I decided that I would not go to the doctor at 4p.m. I had rested most of the day and lounged around, and thought that it was just something that had occurred temporarily. Maybe I had experienced some indigestion or something common for my age of 45 years. I went to my seasonal part time job at Famous Barr because I had told someone else the prior week that I would work for them. Feeling obligated, I went to work for the other associate as previously agreed.

Dark Shadows

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13: 5 NKJV ARLB

It was Christmas season, and that means “busy”. Monday 18 December 2000 was swarming with people at Famous Barr’s Jewelry Department. We have 4 counters in the Jewelry Department with 2 s at each counter. I usually work all 4 bays with the exception of that night; I worked at the jewelry watch bay. It was so busy at the watch counter I did not go to another counter. I was scheduled to work 5 hours and 15 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. I serviced customers; however, do not feel that I overexerted myself. I sold over $ 2000 within the 5.25 hours worked.

A few minutes shortly before 11:15 p.m., I began to close the . It usually took a few minutes to count all the cash, checks, and other merchandise documents. Everything counted out perfectly. We had over $2000 in bills in the cash and there were many credit card charges. There were no overages and no shortages, not even a penny! There were so many transactions that had occurred that entire day, and to have a discrepancy of $0, boy, was I glad of that!

Well, I had gotten all the money together and put it in the plastic bag. Then I gathered together all the paper receipts and put those in their prospective paper bags. Just as I reached to the top of the cash to pull off the paper balance receipt, I had a piercing pain and discomfort in my chest. I knew immediately that something was not right.

The pain had come back! This time it was more intense, intense enough for me to know that I was going to leave right then and go to the hospital. I let the other

associates know that I was sorry; however, needed to leave. I asked them if they could take the bags upstairs and that the money had counted out o.k. They just looked at me for a moment, as they probably wondered “what is going on?” They showed concern and asked me if everything was o.k. I thanked them and replied that I was going to leave and drive myself to the hospital.

After putting on my coat, I clocked out and walked to the van. It had been snowing pretty much of the day. It was cold outside and snow on the ground. I usually let my van warm up for a few minutes before driving. This time I didn’t. As I walked to the van, I prayed that it would start and that it would move since I knew that I was not going to let the van warm up. I thank GOD for having a parking space available for me that was closer than where I usually park when scheduled to work. It was dark when I left work shortly after 11p.m. I did not have to clean my windows off because most of the snow had occurred before I got to work; therefore, there were only a few flurries on my windshield.

As I drove off the parking lot and headed for Interstate 40, I prayed that I would get to the hospital o.k. I prayed also that everything would be all right. The scripture that came to mind is 2 Timothy 1:7, “The LORD Has Not Given us a spirit of fear, but of love, of power, and of a sound mind.” That is the scripture that I kept repeating over again in my mind while reminding myself that HIS Strength is made perfect in my weakness. According to 2 Corinthians 12: 9, the Apostle Paul said that Jesus said to him, “My Grace Is Sufficient for you, for MY Power Is Made Perfect in weakness.”

ER

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for the Lord is with me. Psalm 23: 4

It only took about 10 minutes to get to Missouri Baptist Hospital from Chesterfield Mall. Thanks be to the Good Lord, I took the correct turns and drove right up to the Emergency Room door. I had asked the Lord to help me to get there without making the wrong turns. First, I parked in the parking spot for ambulances right down from the Emergency Room. Then, I moved the van and parked in front of the door and pulled forward as not to block the entrance.

Upon entering the Emergency Room, I proceeded to the window to . I calmly told the receptionist that I was having chest pains and had parked in the front of the ER door, and that someone would need to move my van. After telling the receptionist that I was having chest pains, and had driven myself to the hospital, she gave some papers to me to fill out and said to have a seat. Without getting excited or raising my voice, I said again that I was having chest pains and had driven myself to the hospital. She asked me to fill out the papers, have a seat, and someone would be right with me. Well, before I sat down, I filled out the papers right at the window, very quickly, handed the papers back to her, and had a seat right in front of her. I wanted to make sure that she did not forget about me.

Before I could begin to think that she had not taken me seriously, someone came out of the room and said, “Who’s having chest pains?” I looked around as I raised my hand and said, “I am.” There were about 3 or 4 other people in the Emergency Room. No one else raised their hand, so I guess they were coming through the door for me. Not even 5 minutes had ed, when the orderly came through the door with the wheelchair and asked me to get into the wheelchair. He then wheeled me into the patient room. Once I got into the room, he asked me if I could get out of the chair and into the bed. By this time I’m wondering if I’m really there and what is going on. I did not know what was going on. What was this with my chest? I had driven myself to the hospital without thinking about it twice. Now I was there, in the emergency room and being asked to get out of the wheelchair into the bed, but first to undress a bit and put on the gown.

As I began to lift myself up, it was as if I couldn’t get out of the chair. I placed

one foot on the floor and made an effort to lift myself out of the chair holding onto the arms of the chair. As I began to lift my body, it didn’t go anywhere, my body just stayed in the chair. That didn’t take long; a few seconds later, I was lifting myself out of the wheelchair. I didn’t even think about it, other than the brief seconds it took to realize that the first time I tried to lift myself up, it did not happen, my body just did not lift up. That’s o.k. Thanks to the Good Lord, I was able to lift up out of the chair and get on the bed. I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens me. Philippians 4: 13 I was still experiencing some chest pain though, and tried to abstain from taking deep breaths. When I took deep breaths, the pain was worse. My breathing seemed to be shallow and somewhat short. I did not feel tired just very relaxed.

I had not called home yet because I did not want to alarm my family. My sons were at home and they knew that I got off work at 11:15 p.m. I figured I had until 12:00 a.m. (midnight) before they would begin to wonder where I was. It was now about 11:35p.m. I knew that I was going to have to give them a call within the next several minutes. Otherwise, they would be driving up to Famous Barr looking for me. They did not like the idea that I was working that late anyway. And they had driven up to Famous before to meet me when I got off work at 11p.m or 12 midnight.

O.k. what’s it going to be? The doctor and nurses are in and out of the room. They immediately hooked me up to the EKG (electrocardiogram) machine. The little connectors were sticky and stuck to different parts of my body- my chest, my arms and legs. I could see the lines going across the screen monitoring what was going on with my heart. This test detects and records the heart’s electrical activities. It helps to diagnose heart block. They took my vital signs—pulse, listened to my heartbeat, and took my temperature. The nurse gave me a little white pill. She told me that it was nitroglycerine. She waited few minutes and asked me if my chest pain had ceased. I answered, “No, it hasn’t.” She then gave me another little white pill. She asked me if my chest was still hurting. I said, “Yes.” Again, she waited a few minutes and gave me another nitroglycerin tablet. After about 10 minutes, my answer was, “still having discomfort and some tightness in my chest.” When she asked me if I felt any different, I told her, “Yes, now I have a headache.” In addition to having chest discomfort I then had

a headache. What is it that they say, “You go in the hospital and get worse?” That is what crossed my mind. I must say that I was feeling still pretty calm although all this was going on.

The nurse gave me another pill for pain. I noticed a relief of chest pain that I had been experiencing. How about that? Whatever that pain pill was, my chest felt better and the headache was going away that the 3 nitroglycerin tablets had caused. I tell you… I was thankful to GOD that I was feeling better. And especially thankful that I was feeling better before I had to make that call… home!

Just as I was getting ready to call home, because by now, it was nearly 12 midnight, the doctor walked in. He said to me, “Mrs. Moore, we’re not sure what is going on, but it does not appear that you are having a heart attack.” The EKG looks pretty normal and your vital signs are o.k. How grateful to GOD I was for hearing those words. What a relief!

You see, on the way to the hospital, it entered my mind that I was, maybe, having a heart attack like my first cousin Motty. Motty had a fatal heart attack in September 2000, 3 months prior to my health issue. The scriptures that I mentioned earlier enabled me to not dwell on the fact that Motty had a heart attack. By the time he had gotten to the hospital in the ambulance, he had already gone to be with the LORD. I had prayed that I would make it to ER safely without ing out. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from The Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5: 6, 7

Now it was time to call home. When I called home, a few minutes before 12 midnight, Keelan answered the phone. I told him that I was o.k. and asked him to have Nay pick up the other phone. Keelan was asking me what was going on, and I said that I was o.k. and to have Nay pick up the other phone. I wanted to tell them both at the same time. Nay was 26 years of age and is my first born.

Keelan was 18 years of age, a senior at Rockwood Summit high school and is my second born. They are both very protective of me, and as 2 of my favorite sons, they think sometimes that they are my parents (and their dad’s parents, as well).

When Nay and Keelan were both on the phone, I asked them how they were and told them that I was o.k. They said they were alright and asked me if I was still at work. I told them that I had gone to work and how busy it was there. I went on to tell them that after work I had driven myself to the hospital because I was having chest pain. I am so thankful to GOD because I could honestly tell them that I was feeling better.

Nay asked me if I wanted them to come to the hospital to pick me up and I said no, that I could drive. However, the doctor was going to run some more tests, which meant that I could not leave the hospital yet anyhow. I assured them that I was o.k. I told them that I was at Missouri Baptist Hospital and that I would call them back and let them know what was going on. I was somewhat jovial. I was. And I wasn’t pretending to be jovial (cheerful and friendly). I know that the LORD had me in His Care and am so grateful to Him.

When I called home, I had asked the LORD to help me know what to say and how to say it. I asked the LORD to help them and the rest of my family to not get upset. My husband was out of town in Texas. I did not call him because I knew that he was trying to finish his business and was planning to come home a few days before Christmas.

Within the next 15 minutes, the nurse came through the door and asked me if I was Linda Moore and said that I had a phone call. Sure enough, it was my sister LaWanda on the line with our mother and my sons, Nay and Keelan. They wanted to know what was going on. I went through the with them. I assured them that I was feeling better and that the Good Lord had taken care of me. I told them that I couldn’t leave right then because the doctor wanted to run some more

tests. They were checking different things and thanks be to the Good Lord, the tests were coming back o.k. The only thing is that they and I wanted to know what had caused all this to begin with. What had caused the chest pain? There must be something that had not yet been identified. The question is, “What was it?”

“wiaw” SPIEL = to talk in a fast smooth and usually colorful manner

I told them that I would keep them informed as to what was going on. At about the time I said that, the doctor walked back in and said that they were going to run another test. They were going to take chest xrays and some other test that is similar to a chest x-ray, I can’t think of the name of it right now, ah…maybe a VQ scan. A ventilation-perfusion lung scan can be used to help diagnose pulmonary embolism in patients. Well, the technician that was to perform these tests was out of the hospital on call. They were going to call the technician who was out of the hospital to come in to perform these tests. Now take in mind it is already after 12 midnight.

Days of Our Lives

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8

When they finally got in touch with the technician and heard back from her, it was nearly 1:30 a.m. By the time she got to the hospital it was going on 2:00 a.m. I tell you at least I was able to rest until that time. When the male nurse

asked me if I wanted to watch anything in particular, I told him to keep it on the news channel. In between listening to what was going on in the news, I was sleeping. I actually felt rested. The chest pain had become minimal and on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most painful, the pain had gone from a 6 or 7 to a 2 or 3. I know it was because the Lord was taking care of me.

The technician wheeled me into another room for the chest x-rays and the VQ scan. I had to sit with my back up against the screen and turn sideways. I took deep breaths in and let them out slowly. She had me breath into this rubber type tubing apparatus. As I took the breaths, the monitoring screen reflected the darkness of my lungs as the oxygen was flowing through my bronchiole tubes. It was really something to see. As the oxygen flowed into my lungs and the carbon dioxide flowed out of my lungs, we (the technician and I) could see the actual picture of both lungs.

That procedure lasted for about 20 to 30 minutes. She took pictures of the right side, then I turned to the left side, and she took pictures with my back flat against the framed screen. She wanted to get all angles and she did. I apologized to her for her having to come in at that time of the night to run tests on me. She said that was o.k., that she was on call and that was what she did. She wheeled me back to the room and said that the pictures were going to be sent over to the radiology department for review.

I called home to let Nay and Keelan know that I had just had some more tests done and that it would take at least an hour to get the results. They said they would come to the hospital to pick me up. I told them not to come because they would just be sitting waiting for the results, and they could do that at home. I told them that I had parked the van right outside the emergency room door and how the security guard had moved it to another lot. It really didn’t matter at that time since I was not about to leave yet.

As I was talking with Nay and Keelan on the phone, the doctor walked in the

room. I told them that I would call them back after the doctor spoke with me.

Well, “Mrs. Moore,” the doctor said, “we’re upstairs preparing a room for you. Looks like you’re going to be staying with us for a while. “I asked, “How long? And for what reason?” I could not really believe what I was hearing the doctor say. It just was not computing. I guess I appeared to be … ? What is it? What could it be? He had already told me that my heart seemed to be o.k. Well, what? He went on to say that I would need to be there in the hospital for another few days, 5 or 6 days at least. When they looked at the x-rays they really didn’t see anything until they did the last test, and the radiologists reviewed them.

“wiaw” DUMBFOUNDED =amazed, astonished

They diagnosed the cause of my chest discomfort to be a pulmonary embolism. Well, that wasn’t ing too well either. Pulmonary embolism, the doctor went on to explain that it was appearing as a darker blotch down in the lower part of my lung. It didn’t show very well and they could barely make out what it was. They came to the conclusion that it must be a pulmonary embolism because they were able to identify something on the x-ray that had the appearance of a possible blood clot. There was no other diagnosis that indicated there was any other problem.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD; and The Peace of GOD, which sures all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6, 7

The doctor told me what they were planning to do for treatment. They were going to put me on a blood thinner in efforts to dissolve the clot. The doctor thought that was amazing because he said that usually there are other symptoms that go along with experiencing a pulmonary embolism. A couple of other nurses came into the room. The doctor began to ask me more questions about how I was feeling and how I felt. He said that usually one who has a pulmonary embolism experiences anxiety, much anxiety. He asked me if I felt anxious. I knew why I had not felt anxious. The Holy Spirit brought those 2 Scriptures to memory and that is where my focus was. My reply was that I kept meditating on 2 main Scriptures. For GOD Has Not Given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1: 7 And GOD’s strength is made perfect in my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12: 9 NKJV

It was less than another half hour when they were wheeling me up to the room. I guess maybe part of me was still in somewhat disbelief. Pulmonary embolism, it still had not ed. I was hearing the doctor say the words, but all I could think about was how the Lord was taking care of me.

As the World Turns

When I got upstairs, I don’t which floor I was on, maybe the 6th floor. The nurses were still preparing the room and a bed for me. I was sitting in the wheel chair for about 5 minutes until the nurses said that the room and my bed were ready. The nurses said they could not believe that I had a pulmonary embolism and I was talking and walking. They said that someone with a pulmonary embolism usually was not able to do too much of anything, and here I was getting out of the wheel chair without any help from them. As they were saying these things I guess it slowly began to that I was in the hospital and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

Before coming upstairs, I called home to let Nay and Keelan know that I was going to have to stay in the hospital that night, and that I would talk with them tomorrow. They wanted to come to the hospital; however, I told them that it would be best for them to stay at home. I let them know that I was going to rest and that they should also. I told them that they knew where I was and that I was not planning to go anywhere. “How could I go anywhere,” I asked them, “I don’t even know where they parked my van?”

General Hospital

I was about to get some rest. It was going on 4 a.m. and it had been a pretty lengthy eventful day. After sleeping for about an hour, they were bringing someone in the room. It was 2 nurses and a patient who was my roommate. As they ed by my bed, being half asleep I could tell that things were not too pleasant. They drew the curtains and I could hear the female patient saying that she did not like that part. The nurses wanted to insert a small tube down her throat that she had to first have inserted into her nostril. That definitely sounded unpleasant to me and I began to pray for the lady. I did not yet know who she was; however, I prayed silently to the Lord that HE Would Help her. After they tried to get the tubing down her throat, she asked them to let her try to do it herself. It still did not go down her throat through her nose. I felt saddened for her, and continued to pray for her. Well after a few unsuccessful attempts, the nurses said that they would wait until later that morning before they tried again. I thanked the Lord for letting the nurses leave her alone and not continue when she was so upset. How Good GOD is! HE allowed her and me to rest.

I woke up that morning about 8 o’clock after going to sleep around 5 a.m. Shortly after I was awake, my doctor, Dr. Linda (her name is Linda also) came into my room. She could not believe why I was there. She began to feel on my legs and ask me questions about what had happened. She asked me if my legs or feet had swollen. My reply was, “No.” I began to tell Dr. Linda what had happened and how I had driven myself to the hospital. She said that she was totally puzzled. She did not understand what had happened. All I could say was

how grateful I was to the Lord who got me there safely and had taken care of me. As she checked my vital signs and they were o.k., I could take deep breaths without it hurting in my chest or back. And that is because of the Goodness and Grace of an All Mighty GOD. How could I explain anything more to her? I, myself could not figure anything or anyone other than GOD being in control. Do you feel me? Or should I say, “What can you see?” that Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Hebrews 11:1

Dr. Linda said that she would be back later. When she left, my roommate was waking up. We introduced ourselves and began to talk a little. It wasn’t long after that the nurses were back in the room wanting to try again to insert the rubber tubing through Lydia Marie’s nose down her throat to her stomach.

Lydia Marie had been having gastrointestinal problems for several months throughout some years. It just goes to show that we are to count our many blessings. We may have a tendency to take for granted what others do not have. The nurses left the room with the statement, “You can rest for a while, we’ll be back.”

When the nurses came back, thanks be to the Good Lord, Lydia Marie was able to go to the bathroom to relieve herself and did not need to have the rubber tube inserted.

All My Children

It was not until that first day overnight in the hospital that I told my family that I had a pulmonary embolism (or so they say). My family was extremely upset. No matter how calm I was when I told them, no matter how I told them how much better I felt, they were upset. My sons looked it up in the medical book and the website. Webster’s New World Dictionary defines “embolism” as any foreign

matter, as a blood clot or air bubble carried in the blood stream. The Family Medical Guide goes on to show that it could be a fat globule or clump of cells which is swept along in the bloodstream until it lodges in a vessel and blocks the flow of blood beyond the at point. “Pulmonary” is defined as of, like, or affecting the lungs, designating the artery conveying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs or any of the veins conveying oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. The Family Medical Guide mentions that the pulmonary embolism can be fatal. I can understand why my family was upset. It was enough news to upset me.

Another World

When I called my job Tuesday morning around 8:30 a.m., my friend Sandy, also istrative Assistant to the Vice President of the ing/Finance Department answered the phone. Sandy said, “Linda, how are you?” When I told her that I was in the hospital, Sandy said, “In the hospital? What happened?” When I told her that the doctor said I had a pulmonary embolism, Sandy said, “pulmonary embolism!” real loud. She could not believe it. She probably got everybody’s attention who was close by and those who weren’t close by. She was talking pretty loud.

News sure travels fast. Before 11:00 a.m. that morning, Irene, (pronounced “I ree nay” who is from Mexico) the wife of the President of Novus, was at my door asking if it were all right to come in. I could hardly believe that. I was in Missouri Baptist Hospital right off of Interstate 40. Although she may live close by, that was still within 2 hours of me notifying my job and them notifying others.

I was so surprised and appreciated her thoughtfulness. Irene had with her a stuffed animal, a little rag style puppy called “Ty” that she gave to me. During the few minutes that she visited with me, I told her the story of what had happened. I had just talked with Irene and Eddy at the Christmas Party. We had

shown each other pictures of our families. I had met Irene briefly at Novus before she and Eddy were married. How very considerate of her to come and visit me in the hospital right after being informed that I was there. She was my first visitor that Tuesday morning around 11:00 a.m. I still have my stuffed doggie animal “Rags” that Irene brought to me on the day she visited. My cousin Janeen brought me a 8”x5” blue and beige pillow. My pillow has the words, “A Savior Has Been Born Unto you.” They are both on my bed along with my big 4 ft tiger that my son Keelan got me and my playful puppy that my son Nay got me. There are a variety of stuffed animals and pillows on my bed.

My sons, Nay and Keelan arrived around noon. They told me they had parked right across from the van. Now how about that? I didn’t know exactly where the van was; therefore I certainly could not tell them. You see how the Good Lord works. I know that it was The Holy Spirit who led them to park right across from the van. They said there was an empty parking space right there! Thanks be to the Holy Spirit, I could see more and more of how The Good Lord was working.

They told me that they had looked up pulmonary embolism in the medical book, and they knew that it was serious. I didn’t look any different and thanks again to the Good Lord, I felt better. I don’t know how you are supposed to feel with a pulmonary embolism other than what the doctors and nurses were saying. I know that it was The Good Lord who did not allow me to get anxious. HE kept me calm and in HIS care. As I said before, my mind was fixed on Scripture. The Holy Spirit Enabled me to keep my eyes on Jesus.

I ed the song the lady sang at Washington Tabernacle when we went to Worship Service one Sunday with my brother Clifford and his wife, Julie my sister. I do not the lady’s name who sang. I do that she was a professional singer and sang, “GOD will take care of you. HE WILL take care of you.” I Thee great sense of security and comfort I felt while she sang. I don’t know quite how to explain it. I just know I felt and continue to feel that what she was singing, was for me. That GOD Would and Will Take Care of me. I recalled how HE Had Taken Care of me before. I know how GOD Is

Taking Care of me now. Even when I did not realize the extent in which I needed to be taken care of. GOD’s Care is one of the things that is so utterly amazing to me. Truthfully, GOD Is Faithful…1 Corinthians 1: 9 The LORD Will Perfect that which concerns me… Psalm 138: 8 NKJV

GOD Knows when we don’t. GOD Knows when we don’t know “what” to do. GOD Knows when we don’t know “how” to do. GOD Knows when we don’t know “when” to do. GOD KNOWS when we don’t know “where” to do. GOD Knows when we don’t know even “if” we should do. GOD Knows when we don’t know period. GOD KNOWS! And even if we do know or think we know, we may not care or we may not know the importance or urgency of a specific matter, nor exactly what our response should be.

Knowing some things and seeking to know GOD, enables me to know how insufficient, inadequate and just how weak I am. And growing in my knowledge of and relationship with GOD, enables me to know how sufficient, adequate and all-powerful GOD IS. And you know what else? We may know what to do, how to do, when to do, where to do, and if we should do. The question is, “Can we do?” “Will we do?” “Are we able to do?” Let me tell you right now, “GOD IS Able.” Have you used the word “awesome” before in describing someone or something? Look up… Look out… Look around you… Look inside you… My GOD IS AWESOME!!!

“wiaw” AWESOME = expressive of awe, inspiring awe

“wiaw” AWE = profound and reverent dread of the supernatural, respectful fear inspired by authority

One Life to Live

Finally all of you be of one mind, having comion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; … 1 Peter 3: 8 NKJV ARLB

“… Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes are on the righteous, and His Ears are open to their prayers; But The Face of the LORD Is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3: 11, 12 NKJV ARLB

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ The Righteous. 1 John 2:1 NKJV ARLB

I had talked with my mother and she had been trying to get in touch with my sister LaWanda. My sister LaWanda called and a few minutes later, the nurse came into the room and told me that I had another call at the nurse’s station. It was my brother Leon. I told LaWanda that Leon was on the phone and asked her to call me back and do a 3 way call on her phone so that we could all talk together. She called me back with Leon on the other end. We three were on the phone at the same time. They kept asking me what happened. I began to tell my story. Of course I went all the way back to the party briefly and moved up to Sunday night into Monday’s occurrences and up to that moment of being there in the hospital.

Before I could get through the presentation of events, LaWanda said well what is it? “What is the problem?” She wanted to get right to the point. I told them that I was feeling o.k. But that the doctor said that I had a pulmonary embolism, LaWanda said that she would have to put the phone down. I could hear in her voice that she was extremely upset. I could hear that she was crying before she put the phone down. As I was trying to explain, my brother Leon could not understand what I was saying because LaWanda was making crying sounds in the background. Leon kept telling LaWanda to be quiet so that he could hear what I was saying. After a few minutes on the phone with them both, with LaWanda not really being able to listen because she was so upset, when she finally was able to listen again she put the phone back up to her ear and said “what”?!

She did not hear what I was saying, so of course she did not hear Leon telling her to be quiet. These two are sooo funny, they are the youngest of five siblings, only one year apart. However, that night they were not laughing. None of us were.

I was praying quietly to myself while I was talking with them on the phone. I am thankful that The Holy Spirit Helped LaWanda and Was Helping Leon. LaWanda is a Medical Assistant who works for a private doctor, and knows the seriousness of a pulmonary embolism.

After we got off the phone, about an hour went by, and LaWanda called back again to let me know that she had spoken with several family and church . LaWanda called Rev. Turner, the Pastor of our church, Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in South St. Louis. He and his wife Sis Gloria prayed also and said that I would be o.k. They said that I believed in GOD and GOD Would Take Care of me. The song I had heard sang at Washington Tabernacle.

LaWanda spoke on the phone with each of them separately. Do you know what? LaWanda told me when she called me back that night that each of them had

mentioned Scripture to her. The same Scripture that The Holy Spirit had brought to me, that GOD had not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The Guiding Light

… GOD Is Light and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1: 5

Now you know. There is only one person who would bring that Scripture to the hearts and minds of different individuals at different times. And that person is GOD, The Holy Spirit, Who Indwells each and every believer. How Great THOU Art! How Great THOU Art! Then sings my soul, my Saviour GOD to Thee, How Great THOU Art…How Great THOU… Art!

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is The Power of GOD to salvation for everyone who believes for the Jew and also for the Greek. For in it The Righteousness of GOD is Revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1: 16, 17

As I thought about what the doctors and nurses had said, as I saw the look and expressions on their faces and heard the concern in their voices: what Sandy said when I called her at work, how LaWanda reacted on the telephone, what my sons Nay and Keelan had said after looking up pulmonary embolism in the Medical book, and how upset my husband was with me when he came to the hospital for not notifying him immediately, I began to think of how the ailment had come upon me and I had not even realized it. I began to think about how that happened and how something else could have happened, just that quick, in an instant. “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It

is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14 Then I began again to thank and praise GOD. I began to look towards GOD and not think about those things that would create a distraction and cause me to become anxious and lead me down the path of worry. I made a conscious willing decision to look to the hills from whence comes my help, for I ed that my help comes from the LORD. (Psalm 121: 1)

GOD wants us to depend on HIM, and not have the expectation of making it on our own. GOD Is Faithful. HE keeps His WORD. HE keeps His Promises. I rest assured that had HE Chose that I were to be absent from my body, the blessed assurance of knowing that Jesus is mine and knowing that I belong to HIM reassures me that I would be present with the LORD. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

Putting it mildly, Zap was very displeased with me for not letting him know about my condition before he arrived on Wednesday. I was released from the hospital on Friday 22 December 2000, one week after the Christmas party. The only medicine prescribed for me to take was Coumadin, a blood thinner. To my recollection, I believe I took one dose every day for six weeks. Then after that I was to take a baby aspirin every day. I am still taking a baby aspirin every day.

Oh, and he told me that I was not cooking for Christmas, as I usually did. Zap did all the cooking … with the exception of one thing. He did let me make the dressing. Praises be to The Good Lord, we had a beautiful Christmas with family! The food was delicious! And I was back home! But …

Before I left the hospital, I let Lydia Marie know that I know, “Who’s in charge.” And it’s GOD All The Way! The doctors and nurses all seemed to be . But guess who’s not stunned? GOD. HE Is In Complete Control all the time. GOD Is Sovereign! I know it. And now I’m telling you. I’m telling all of you reading this. Get to Know HIM. … for HE Cares for you.

Likewise you younger people, yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be to one another, and be clothed with , for “GOD Resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore yourselves under the mighty hand of GOD, that HE May you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for HE Cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 5-7 NKJV JSB

“wiaw” STUNNED = to make senseless or dizzy, or as if by a blow, bewilder (confused) “wiaw” SUBMIT = to commit to the discretion or decision of another or others,

“wiaw” SUBMISSIVE = to yield or surrender

“wiaw” HUMILITY = quality or state of being humble

“wiaw” HUMBLE = not proud, nor haughty (arrogant)

“wiaw” EXALT = to raise up esp. in rank, power, or dignity

Ryan’s Hope

How grateful I am to GOD for bringing me through all of that and His allowing me to be able to live to tell and write about it. Jesus Said, “As The Living Father Sent ME, and I Live because of The Father, so he who feeds on ME will live because of ME. John 6: 57 NKJV JSB Jesus Is The Bread of Eternal Life in Heaven, not just The Source of Abundant Life here on earth. We are to rely on Christ as The Source of Life and be fully committed to Him, as HE Is to The Father.

When I was in the hospital and talked with Lydia Marie, she began to tell me about the gastro-intestinal problems that she had been having for quite a while, several months, some years. She had to come into the hospital regularly, once to twice a month, to get checkups and treatments. They had not been able to determine the exact diagnosis of the problem. We talked. I told Lydia Marie the reason I was there.

I told Lydia Marie about the Christmas party Friday night. This is a recap of the occurrences as I thought about them:

• my discomfort Sunday night, • calling my job and calling the doctor afterwards to make an appointment, • not showing up for the doctor’s appointment, but going to work another associate’s scheduled shift at Famous Barr, • working the 5.25 hour shift with no discomfort, • the return of chest pain upon closing the cash , • notifying the other associates that I was leaving after counting the and having no money discrepancy in the cash drawer, • driving myself to the hospital and getting there within 10-15 minutes,

• parking right in front of the Emergency Room door, • filling out paper work that the receptionist requested and having a seat although I told her that I was having chest pain, • coming through the door within 5 minutes was an orderly with a wheelchair asking, “Who’s having chest pain?”, • being wheeled into the room and not being able to get up the first time, but a few seconds afterwards getting up the second time, • talking with the doctors and nurses about the symptoms I was experiencing, being given 3 little white nitroglycerin pills and getting a headache, • calling home to let my family know where I was and what was going on (even though I did not quite know myself and neither did the doctors and nurses), • having an x-ray technician who was on call come in about 1:30 a.m. to run some other tests on me, • having the x-rays viewed by radiologists to determine where the ailment was stemming from, • being told by the emergency room doctor on staff about the pulmonary embolism and how I was going to have to stay in the hospital for 5 or 6 days, • being visited by my doctor the next morning Tuesday 19 December who did not know what was going on either and did not keep from me that even she was quite puzzled herself.

That was a mouthful. Did I leave anything out?

Oh, yeah … I am a Christian, yet without Christ … I am nothing.

Christian = CHRIST + ian “I am nothing”.

Look …without Christ, ian (I am nothing). Only with Christ … am I a Christian.

Though I may have many GOD-Given gifts… but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13: 2

Yet, Jesus Said to His Disciples, “With Christ all things are possible. Matthew 19: 26

What else do I have to say, “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus Christ and His Righteousness.” These words are from a hymn entitled, “The Solid Rock” that we sang frequently in church when I was a child growing up. And it also refers to Zechariah 3: 1-5.

Another song we used to sing is, “There is nothing that my GOD Can’t Do, what HE’s Done for me and others, HE Can Do for you.”

Christ Makes the Difference

When I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day, I had so much to do that I did not take the Time to pray. Issues and problems were arising before me, and more complicated came each Task, I silently thought to myself, where is GOD to help me, HE Brought to my mind,

“you did not Ask.” I strived to accomplish my challenges, but the day appeared dark and bleak, I silently thought to myself where is GOD to show me, HE Brought to my mind, “you did not Seek.” When I tried to come into GOD’s Presence, and used the keys I had for the lock, GOD Said to me kindly and lovingly, “My child, all you have to do is Knock.” Now when The Lord Wakes me up early in the morning, and now I pause before “getting going” for the day, I realize since I have so much to accomplish, I now always make Time to pray.

E. A.R.T Author’s Remarks and Testimony

Final Destination

A Night to

This prayer is what I prayed when I was a child before I learned the model prayer, “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray The Lord my soul to keep, if I should die before I wake, I pray The Lord, my soul to take.

I one night when I was about five years old. I was lying in bed about to go to sleep. You know how you think about things before you go to sleep. Well, that’s what I would do. I didn’t really like to go to sleep anyway…not when I was little. Most children would rather stay awake forever if they could. I was one of those children. Anyway, this particular night while lying in bed about to go to sleep, the thought of death entered my mind. Not sure of why this thought entered my mind; none the less, I found myself thinking about death for a long time. I’m not sure how long, maybe as long as an hour, or perhaps longer.

I began to think on the fact that one day everybody was going to die. That one day, I was going to die. The more I thought that no matter how old I lived to be, no matter how long I lived, I was going to die. Not maybe I would die. I knew it to be a sure thing. Death was (is) as sure as life. Tears built up in my eyes and began to rush down my face. I cried and cried and cried.

It was a crying time. Then I began to feel somewhat relieved as I thought that I would not die because all of my family would be around me, and I simply would not allow myself to die. I even found some comfort in thinking that my family would not allow me to die. I would simply make myself stay alive. Although I tried to console myself by thinking these kinds of thoughts, I still cried. I knew that no matter how I thought that I would not die, the truth of the matter is that

one day… I was going to die and there wasn’t anything that anybody could do about it period.

Have you thought about death? How do you feel about dying?

I that night …when I cried a long time over what I was thinking.

What could I do? I did not want to die. I wanted to live forever. To die means to cease to exist. As a child, I did not realize that when I die I will still exist somewhere, just not here. What I wanted to do as a child was play and have fun.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13: 1 NKJV ARLB

I believe that The Lord Was Awakening me to the more serious issues of life when I began to think about dying at such an early age.

Well, that was over 40 years ago. I still on occasion think back to when I was age 5 and how at that time…thought about death. Knowing how strong my emotions and feelings were then, although today…brings tears to my eyes still. More so now, being unaware of the deeper meaning of what brought tears to my eyes that night, is experiencing the joy of knowing that though my physical body dies, I will receive a new glorified body and a new place to live. For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who Will Transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His Glorious Body, according to the working by which HE Is Able to Subdue all things to Himself.

Philippians 3: 20, 21 NKJV

Therefore, do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on The New Man Who Is Renewed in knowledge according to The Image of Him Who Created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ Is All and In All. Colossians 3: 9-11 NKJV I have to continually strive to do the things commanded of me of the new man (the spirit) and reject the things desired of me to do from the old man. You see the old man (the flesh) can now only request, he can no longer demand.

The old man (the once born me) requests that I live according to what my flesh craves, according to how the world system evolves, according to what the enemy tries to manipulate and trick me into doing. You know the enemy is the adversary the devil who walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5: 8) That is how the “old” man “rolls”. The old man is the old me who was once under the control of the enemy, the “me” before I was born again to receiving The Truth. The old man wants to keep you captive, in bondage to sin and lies. Thus, I have not yet received my new glorified body. The old man still resides in the same body; it’s just that the old man is under lock and key. The old man is on “lock down”. He is under control of the new man.

The new man (the twice born me) is under The Authority of The Holy Spirit, and I no longer desire to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, but am committed to do what The Lord Says. When you fall down, get back up! Arise! GOD Is A Forgiving GOD. Ask for forgiveness. Then Peter came to Him (Jesus) and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus Said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven…” Matthew 18; 21, 22 Ask Him to save you if you are not yet saved. And repent of your treses and sin.

Bless The LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His Benefits: Who Forgives all

your iniquities, Who Heals all your diseases, Who Redeems your life from destruction, Who Crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who Satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 2-5 NKJV

Looking back I believe The Good Lord Was Waking me up to the reality of being alive. You see, that night when I cried, I did not think that I had a way out of death. I was going to die no matter what. It seemed at that time to be a hopeless situation. But it’s not hopeless. What I did not realize when I was five is that I was first already born dead to Christ and alive to sin. Although I was literally awake thinking about dying, I was actually dead spiritually being awakened to life.

I became alive to Jesus Christ and received Him as my Lord and Saviour at age nine. I began to realize and understand that the cost of being a sinner had been paid for me and I was being set free…to be in Christ and for Him to be in me! I understood that I can choose right from wrong. I asked Jesus to save me so that I can live forever with Him. When you die to self, you live in Christ. Because Christ Is Great Power, no sinner is beyond Christ Saving, and no saint is beyond sin recovery. Eternal life that holds true for me holds true for you. However, there can be no relationship with Christ if one remains spiritually dead. We were all created by GOD; yet, only those who are born again are truly GOD’s Children.

It seems that when we are young, it seems like it will take forever to grow up. Did you stop to think that we spend one-fourth of our life growing up, and the other three-fourths we spend growing old? Kind of scary…isn’t it? When we are young, we think we have all the time in the world. When we are old, we wonder where all the time went. That is why it is imperative that we take time and spend time with GOD and with one another. For He who does not love does not know GOD, for GOD Is Love. 1 John 4: 8 NKJV GOD Gives us cherishable moments of precious time. Time we can never recapture. Time is only precious to us when there is a memory that we can associate it with.

As we relate to specific shareable occurrences …we say, “ the time when ….”

Each day is always different from another. The days and experiences may be similar; however, not in their entirety. Not only are there sunny days, cloudy days, rainy days, and stormy days, there are different problems and circumstances associated with those days. There are interactions with different people. There are different interactions with the same people. Each day there are new joys and challenges. My daddy use to say, “There will be another day, but not like this day. It may look like this day, we may do some of the same things like this day, but it won’t be ‘this day’.”

My daddy, Lindberg Waters died December 1, 1978. Thirteen more days and he would have been forty-nine years old. His birthday was December 14, 1928. He did not live to be age fifty. That is why it is so important to live each day to its’ fullest. We don’t know how many days we are going to be here. All of our days are numbered. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10: 30 NIV

I am grateful to be able to say that he and my mother I plan to see again. They both and my brother too, professed Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 2 Corinthians 5: 16 As a result of being a new creation, the world’s standard of judgment according to the flesh no longer applies. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have ed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV

Jesus Answered and Said to him (Nicodemus), “Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see The Kingdom of GOD.” John 3: 3 NKJV

What if we knew, once we were born, how long we were going to live? What would we do…? What would we do differently? Would we change for the better or for worse? I always hear people say what they would have done, if only they had known. Once you know, then what?

The concern then becomes not whether you are going to die, but how do you want to live?

For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to GOD in the spirit. 1 Peter 4: 6 NKJV

Although physically dead, those in the spirit who are born again now live in GOD’s Presence in eternity. The actual preaching was done not after these believers had died, but while they were still alive. The soul, body and spirit are one unit in being and are separated at death. The soul is the true self and consists of the mind, will and emotions. The body soul and spirit are reunited at The Resurrection. It is GOD Alone Who Determines the final destiny of us all.

Take heed, keep in mind…there will be no opportunity for people to be saved after death. And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him HE Will Appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Hebrews 9: 27 NKJV

The tears of sadness and sorrow that night became tears of gladness and joy later on.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30: 5 NKJV JSB

The following is a letter poem that The Lord Placed upon my heart to write and to read at my mother in law’s going home celebration. Her name is Mary Moore. We called her, “Muddear”. And this is her message to those who have been “left behind”.

“Don’t Weep For Me Now”

Don’t weep for me, just let me be, For I’m with my Saviour this day, I’m with my Lord now, no” if’s”, “and’s”, “but’s”, just how, And this is where we’d planned I’d stay.

It was a long time ago, as many of you know, That I received Jesus Christ as my own, I may have been by myself, around nobody else, But believe me I was not alone.

Since the day I believed in GOD’s Word, And The Holy Spirit Came to live in my heart, I’ve always known that time would come, That I would leave this present world to depart.

Away from here, and with my Lord GOD, Oh how I am thankful these days, For as HE Told me then and still Tells us now,

Nothing can separate us from His Love and HE Will be with us always.

The day has finally come and true life has begun, And believe me I’d rather be here, Not here on this earth, for I’ve had a rebirth, I’m with my Heavenly Father, please shed no tear.

It’s a beautiful Heavenly place, make no mistake, What I tell you I know is for real, Obey GOD today, Seek Him always and pray, For GOD Has Placed on His Children a Seal.

Don’t get uptight, don’t fret, and don’t fight, to treat others right. Forgiveness begins with true love from within, For The Lord will be your Everlasting Light.

You must believe in Jesus Christ to have Eternal Life, Tomorrow is not promised you know, You must believe in GOD’s Word and act out what is heard, For one day from here you also must go.

Don’t weep for me now, don’t frown, give a smile, Love GOD, love one another, Believe, in reference to GOD be sincere, I’m happy this day, I’ve read my Holy Bible, and prayed, For all my children, do good, take care, I Love You. Muddear.

As the apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 4: 7, I believe Muddear can also say, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

When the end of your journey comes, can you too say that? I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

E. A.R.T. Author’s Remarks / Testimony Final Destination

What do you see?

With the HOLY Spirit being “the source” of the Christian believer’s new life, the knowledge of our final destiny will be determined by our connection to Jesus Christ. Being Christ’s Disciples, we must “watch and pray lest we fall into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” Matthew 26: 41. Rest assured that GOD Is “Willing that none should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3: 9 NKJV

FOREWARN: “Do not be deceived: GOD Cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap Eternal Life.” Galatians 6: 7, 8 NIV LASB

The HOLY Spirit is the of your new life, so keep in step with His Leading.

“wiaw” SOURCE= Origin, Beginning

Throughout The HOLY Bible, it is made clear that at the source the choice of election rests not with man, but with GOD. This raises the question of man’s freedom. The conviction that GOD Has Chosen one of a group of individuals or communities and Has Established a particular relationship with it, has imposed

certain demands and promises certain rewards. In the Old Testament, this concept of GOD’s Election is applied mainly to the Nation Israel. In the New Testament, this concept is applied to the Christian community.

It is imperative that we see things the way they are meant to be seen. And in order to see things that are meant to be seen, we must start with what is real, what is true, what is accurate, what is correct, what is appropriate, and what is written.

The GOD Who Sent the Law also sent The Spirit. Therefore, the by-products of The Spirit-filled life are in perfect harmony with the intent of GOD’s Law. A person who displays the Fruit of the Spirit fulfills the law much better than a person who observes s but has little love in his or her heart for GOD or for others.

“wiaw” RITUAL= the established form especially for a religious ceremony; an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a precise manner

When we Know Jesus… Love HIM… HIM… and Imitate HIM… as a result… we will fulfill the intended purpose of the Law. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18

And I Will Pray The Father, and HE Will Give you another Helper, that HE May Abide with you forever—The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for HE Dwells in you and will be in you. I Will Not Leave you orphans; I Will Come to you.

John 14:16-18 NKJV

Suppose you wanted to arrive at a specific location in South St. Louis. A street map of the city would be a big help to you in reaching your destination. However, suppose you were given the wrong map. Through a printing error, the map labeled “St. Louis” was actually a map of “Kansas City”. Can you even imagine the ineffectiveness and the frustration of trying to reach your destination using the wrong map? You’d be lost!

The way we view things is the source of our beliefs, our values, the way we see, think, and the way we act. Please take a look at picture 1 on the following page. (The pictures are taken from Stephen Covey’s The Inspiring National Bestseller book entitled, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” p. 45)

What do you see? Do you see a woman? How old do you think she is? How does she look?

Now take a look at the picture 2 on the page after the following page of picture 1. (The pictures are taken from Stephen Covey’s The Inspiring National Bestseller book entitled, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” p. 25)

Carefully describe what you see. You may describe the woman to be about 25 years of age—lovely with a petite nose and rather fashionable. A single man might like to take her out. A retail manager might want to hire her as a fashion model.

Or do you see the picture of the woman in her 80’s in picture 1? Would you say that she has a big nose, looks sad, and is no fashion model. She may be someone that you would offer to help cross the street or open the door for. Keep looking at the pictures.

Can you see the woman with the big hook nose? See her shawl? Can you see the woman about 25 years of age with her petite nose and necklace?

It may take a while, but it is important that you see both of the women, the young and the old. As clearly and objectively as we think we see things, we begin to realize that others see them differently from their own point of view. Each person’s interpretations of black lines and white spaces represent prior experiences.

How long would you spend trying to see the other woman in the picture? Or would you even try to see the other woman in the picture? We may see the world, not as it is, but as we are—or, perhaps, as we are conditioned to see it. Our own attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, circumstances, experiences, and values play a role in how we view things. Where we stand depends on where we sit.

In order to get to where your destination is in St. Louis, you must have the correct map of St. Louis, not Kansas City. In retrospect, many things in life are based upon our perceptions of how we see them. However, anything that we perceive other than the Truth is an error. In the example with both of the women, if you saw the old woman and someone saw the young woman, you both could say that the other one was wrong. When in actuality, both persons are right in what they saw. Many may prefer one over the other; however, the picture reflects both. These pictures of the old woman and the new woman are not meant to reflect one as being good and the other as being evil. These pictures are to get you to examine each picture and be able to acquire the ability to see both images in one viewing.

Take a look at picture 3, after the following page of picture 2. Can you see both women? Can you see the old woman and the young woman? (The pictures are taken from Stephen Covey’s The Inspiring National Bestseller book entitled, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” p. 26)

In this world, there is good and there is evil. All the time … GOD Is Good. GOD Is also HOLY and Just. Evil is of the enemy. The enemy is malicious and deceptive. It is imperative that you see both. There are two eternal destinations… Heaven and hell … both are for real.

Your final destination is your very critical choice that’s made by you while you are A l i v e.

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him HE Will Appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Hebrews 9: 27, 28 NKJV

Food for Growth

“You have a date with Deity.”³³ Apply to Hebrews 9: 27

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p.1376

To a much lesser degree, you will not reach your destination if you depend upon the map of Kansas City that you believe to be a map of St. Louis. With the wrong map, until given the correct directions, a temporary delay would occur as you tried to reach your destination in St. Louis.

However, in following the wrong guideline, a permanent delay is evident in your pursuit of Heaven. The Holy Bible is The Authority and Infallible Word of GOD, in written form. Believing upon anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ, The Living Word, costs you not only a delay but costs you “your” salvation. And … If you miss Heaven…you will NOT miss hell.

Will you choose the to Heaven or the to hell?

“wiaw” HIGHWAY= a main direct road

“wiaw” HIGH= elevated, tall, of relatively great importance, a high point or level

“wiaw” WAY= a thoroughfare for travel or age, a course of action, opportunity

“wiaw” HEEL= the rear, low, or bottom part; a contemptible person; to tilt to one side

“wiaw” CONTEMPT= the act of despising; disobedience to or open disrespect of a court or legislature (an organized body of persons having the authority to make laws)

“wiaw” HOLE= an opening into or through something; a hollow place (as a pit or cave)

“wiaw” DESPISE= to look down on; to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15: 33 NKJV ARLB

And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became A Life-Giving Spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth made of dust; The Second Man is The Lord from Heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as The Heavenly Man, so also are those who are Heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of The Heavenly Man. 1 Corinthians 15: 45- 49 NKJV ARLB

Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit The Kingdom of GOD; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1 Corinthians 15: 50- 54 NKJV ARLB

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? 1 Corinthians 15: 55 NKJV

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks Be to GOD, Who Gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in The Work of The Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in The Lord. 1 Corinthians 15: 56- 58 NKJV ARLB

Many concerns, experiences, and principles are embodied within our conscience and our common sense of being. As we seek to integrate and understand these sources, Stephen R. Covey writes that he is convinced that we will discover and rediscover the truth of T. S. Elliot’s observation that:

We must not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time. (referenced in Stephen R. Covey’s book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” p. 44)

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Proverbs 4: 5 NKJV JSB Meditate on that.

Jesus Tells Nicodemus (a man of the Pharisees) that “… unless one is born again, he cannot see The Kingdom of GOD.” John 3:3 NKJV JSB

There is no real excellence in all the world which can be separated from right living.

(David Starr Jordan referenced in Stephen R. Covey’s book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” p. 15) A repentant heart is to start again doing the right thing, and to realize that each individual has the opportunity to do so.

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself, for you who judge practice the same things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape The Judgment of GOD? Or do you despise the riches of His Goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing The Goodness of GOD leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of The Righteous GOD, Who “Will Render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey The Truth, but obey unrighteousness— indignation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also for the Greek. For there is no partiality with GOD. Romans 2:1-11 NKJV JSB

“wiaw” IMPENITENT= not penitent, not repenting of sin

“Now, therefore,” Says The LORD, “Turn to ME with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So your heart, and not your

garments; return to the LORD your GOD, For HE Is Gracious and Merciful, Slow to anger, and of Great Kindness; and HE Relents from doing harm. Joel 2: 12– 13 NKJV JSB

“wiaw” REND= to tear forcibly apart

Repentance prompts The LORD to show mercy and withhold His Judgment. However, as referenced in The HOLY Bible, darkness accompanies serious events:

+ When Jesus Died on the Cross.Matthew 27: 45NKJV JSB Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.

+ When Egypt was judged.Exodus 10: 21- 23NKJV JSB Then The LORD Said to Moses, “Stretch out Your Hand toward Heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward Heaven, and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see another; nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. The ninth plague of darkness was so thick, it could be felt. A normal eclipse was considered an omen. This darkness lasted three days in Egypt. However, the Israelites were exempt from this plague and they had light in Goshen.

+ When The Lord Came down at Mount Sinai.Exodus 24: 15, 16 NKJV JSB Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. Now The Glory of The LORD Rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day HE Called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Cosmic changes as a result of “Wonders in the heavens” will signal that a great event is about to happen. These wonders are evident of Jesus’ soon return to earth to establish His Kingdom.

I Will Show Wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before The Coming of The Great and Awesome Day of The LORD. Joel 2: 30, 31 NKJV ARLB

And everyone who calls on the Name of the LORD will be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as The LORD Has Said, among the whom The LORD Calls. Joel 2: 32 NKJV ARLB

“wiaw” REMNANT= a usually small part or trace remaining

Our final destination is just one breath and one heartbeat away… What do you see?

E. A.R.T Author’s Remarks / Testimony Final Destination

Where are you we going?

What a price to pay, on Judgment Day,

When GOD Will Wipe all tears from our eyes,

Unbelievers were on the wrong path,

By listening to the deceiver of lies,

Into Eternal damnation is where they’ll go,

Perhaps they could have been saved, Yes! Maybe so,

If only they had many times seen and heard us say,

That Jesus Christ Is The Truth, The Life, and The Way,

If only we had lived as a true witness they could see,

That Jesus Suffered, Died and Rose Again to set us free

To repent of one’s sins and receive Christ Is The Key,

Death has lost its’ sting, the grave has lost its victory.

If ony we had told all nations,

That Jesus Is our Joy of Salvation,

If only we had let them know that by confessing our sin,

The HOLY Spirit comes to each heart to dwell within,

And when we repent, turn from life’s wicked ways,

The HOLY Spirit lives in our heart for the rest of our days,

Just maybe then with GOD they would be,

Yet, our GOD Has the First and Final Say throughout all of history,

If only we had spoken more of GOD’s Word,

Perhaps, perhaps … they would have heard,

If only we had walked in GOD’s Way of Light,

And made no excuse for wrong, but strived to do Right,

If only we had said, “Lord, It is not I, but it is YOU,

Come into my life, take control, and make me new.”

If only we had confessed our own sin,

Others could see the first step necessary to begin,

If only we had not tried to pretend,

But truly lived a righteous life after being born again.

For how can we tell others how to live?

If we as Christians do not know how to forgive,

The key is not only what we say, but what we do,

Jesus Christ Is Real, GOD’s WORD Is True!

For us to obey our Good LORD is what leads others to Christ,

Not how good we are or how nice.

If only we could understand,

That God Is The Only One with the Perfect Plan.

Submission to GOD is How His Child behaves,

The lost world could then see through GOD’s Children how Jesus Saves. The Son of Man Is Come to Seek and to Save that which was lost,

Which way are we going?

… How much was?

How much is?

The cost?

Now it came to , when the time had come for Him to be received up, that HE steadfastly set His Face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His Face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His Face was set from the journey to Jerusalem. And when His Disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them just as Elijah did?” Luke 9: 51- 54 NKJV JSB

But HE Turned and Rebuked them, and Said, “You do not know what manner of Spirit you are of. For The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. And they went to another village. Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus Said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His Head.”

Then HE Said to another, “Follow ME.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus Said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach The Kingdom of God.” And another also said, “Lord, I will

follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”

But Jesus Said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for The Kingdom of GOD.” Luke 9: 55- 62 NKJV JSB

Jesus Wants total dedication from us, not half-hearted commitment. Others are also watching. What are they observing in us? Ask yourself, “What are others seeing and observing when they watch me?” We are not to pick and choose what we want to obey. We must accept the cross along with the crown, judgment along with mercy. We must count the cost and turn away from everything else that is not of Christ. When we focus on Jesus, we are to not let anyone or anything else come between our relationship with and obedience to Him. We are to allow nothing to distract us from the manner of living that Jesus Calls good and true.

For which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost … Luke 14: 28 NKJV JSB

E. A.R.T Author’s Remarks /Testimony

Jesus Loves me

Jesus Is The Reason for any season. I adore and honor Him. The showering of Jesus’ Love Enables me to love Him and others. I love my LORD. I love my family. I love you. Most important…Christ Jesus Loves you…and HE Loves me.

In this book I would also like to acknowledge my husband of over 40 years Nathaniel Edward Moore Sr. We met at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in Columbia, Missouri. He played basketball in high school and was given the nickname “Dr. Zap!” Do you have any idea why he was given that name? You guessed it…he was quick on the basketball court…even though our team won! Our high school teams played in a basketball tournament in our senior year. Zap attended Sikeston Senior High and I attended Kirkwood Sr. High School. We were married at the early age of 19 years on 27th April 1974.

We both worked hard to complete our college education while raising our sons, Nathaniel Edward Jr. and Keelan Nathan Moore. I also have a step-daughter, Danielle Janine. Not only do we have beautiful children, the Good Lord Blesses us to have beautiful grand children. I am grateful to GOD for our family.

Zap completed his Bachelor’s degree curriculum in Industrial Engineering at Washington University and continued at Fontbonne College to earn a Master’s Degree. He worked as a consultant and also was President and C.E.O of his own company. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business istration at Saint Louis University. Having worked as an ant for Novus International Corporate office for over ten years, I also acquired my health and life insurance license. Currently, I work in sales for a major retail organization. Our children are grown, married and have their own immediate families.

It is only because of the Goodness, Grace and Mercy of my GOD that we are here today. Although now we are living separate lives, my Lord Blesses us in the midst of all the challenges, struggles, trials and tribulations that we’ve faced. I am grateful to my GOD for giving to me and my family the strength to persevere and the determination to endure. We continuously ask GOD for His Hand of Protection and Steady Guidance in our lives as we strive to move forward in obedience to Him. My constant prayer is as for those who may still be asleep to be awakened in Him by Him and for Him that all may to His Good and Perfect Will.

“Wiaw” SUCCUMB= to yield to superior strength or force or overpowering appeal or desire; die; submit (MWD); fail to resist (Google)

My mother and father have gone on to be with The Good Lord. They both professed their belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. For a brief parental family background, my mother stayed home and took care of us kids while my dad worked two jobs consistently for over 15 years. He worked two jobs from the time I was a child till I left for college at age 17. Before they met and were married, he was awarded a scholarship to Grambling College to play football. While attending Grambling College, he was drafted into the U.S. army to serve in the Korean War.

My mother, Lorraine Evon (Taylor) Waters had a beautiful voice and sang over the radio in New York City when she was in high school. My mother was introduced to my dad, Lindberg Waters by her hair stylist who was my dad’s sister, Aunt Louise. That is how their relationship began. For over twenty years, Daddy worked for what was formerly, “Southwestern Bell Telephone Company” now ATT. Moma did in-home domestic work.

When our sons Nay and Keelan realized that I was serious about writing, they continued to encourage me “get it done”. To finish what I start remains a priority for me no matter how long it takes to complete. I know that I am somewhat annoying to my family as I struggle on a daily basis to “be on time”. Yet, while looking ahead, what comes to mind as I see myself being victorious in this challenge area is thinking of the apostle Paul saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4: 7 NKJV

Food for Growth

He who has a “why” to live can bear almost any “how”.³⁴

Apply to Hebrews 12: 1-3 “An Adrianism” The Wisdom and Wit of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible NKJV p.1380

And just so you know, I continue to work on it. Perfection is coming.

I have five siblings. My sister LaWanda is like my twin. But not slow . She set the school record at Kirkwood Sr. High School and won the state race in high school track and field hurdles. She ran against Jackie Joyner Kersey and some other fast runners. LaWanda (husband Charles), my two brothers, Clifford (wife Julie) and Leon (wife Sarah), and I meet together for our brother/sister fellowship breakfast luncheon periodically.

Our Lord Called our second brother Lin Tyrone home in 2001. Also my first cousin JR (Lee Junior) and my sister LaWanda’s husband Charles, are both like brothers to me. And to all who played a role in my life, I thank you. All Praise Honor and Glory is to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who positioned you and me… in this timeframe of life. Some other family and loved ones are no longer here…but have gone on to Paradise to be with The Lord.

To my family and loved ones I say, “Thank you for your inspiration of courage and hope. I sincerely appreciate all your prayers and , and for not giving up on me.” It is a continuous process to ask for forgiveness when we fall short. With having said that, “Thank you family for forgiving me of all my short comings. I remain a work in progress.”

But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is no one who calls on Your Name, who stirs himself up to take hold of You; for You Have Hidden Your Face from us, And Have Consumed us because of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay and You our Potter; and all we are the work of Your Hand. Isaiah 64: 6-8 NKJV

To GOD Be The Glory for blessing me to be able to write this book… and you to be able to read it. The blessing is not only for you to have been able to read this book but to abide by The Word you have read and apply what you have learned. Love encourage forgive and pray for others as The Lord Does for you. Jesus Is our and . Teach others as The Holy Spirit teaches you. Jesus Sits at the right hand of The Father and Makes for you and me.

“Wiaw” ADVOCATE= one who pleads another’s cause; to plead in favor of

“Wiaw” INTERCESSOR, INTERCESSION= Mediator, mediation; prayer or petition in favor of another;

“Wiaw” MEDIATE= to work with opposing sides in order to resolve; influence

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ Who Died, and furthermore is also Risen, who is even at the right hand of GOD, Who also Makes Intercession for us. Romans 8: 34

Take heed to The HOLY BIBLE … His Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For HE Himself Has Said, “I Will Never Leave you nor Forsake you.”

So we may boldly say: “The LORD Is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13: 4-6

Being so very grateful to believe… I among others… have everlasting life! Yet still seeking… To Know HIM … more … and more… therefore:

Verily, verily, I say to you… Learn about Jesus and Live for Him. Talk with Him. Walk with Him. HE IS Who Success is all about!

Jesus Is Coming Again! …sooner than later … and sooner than you or I may think … Any time … … … now… is the day of salvation! 2 Corinthians 6: 2

For life offers no guarantee of tomorrow. Today is the only acceptable time to respond. Yes, Jesus Christ may come at any moment…

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus Died and Rose Again, even so GOD Will Bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by The Word of The Lord, that we who are alive and remain until The Coming of The Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For The Lord Himself Will Descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with The Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 NKJV ARLB

For It’s a RAP…sure

Therefore,

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear GOD, and Keep His Commandments For this is the whole duty of man. For GOD Shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, Whether it be Good, or evil. Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14

Food for Growth

“Life is too short. Eternity is too long. Souls are too precious. The Gospel is too wonderful for us to sleep through it all.”³⁵ Apply to 1 Thessalonians 5: 2- 10

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and With of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p. 1344

What brings PEACE is the Promise of the Word of GOD and His Presence.

Pray The Serenity Prayer

“GOD Grant me The to accept the things that I cannot change, The Courage to change the things that I can, And the wisdom to know the difference.” Written by American Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1872-1971)

Wiaw: SERENITY, SERENE= quiet, calm, peaceful

“The LORD Bless you and Keep you; The LORD Make His Face Shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD Lift Up His Countenance upon you, And give you PEACE.”

Numbers 6:24-26

When that last person is saved, my Lord Jesus Will Come.

For HE Himself is our PEACE… Ephesians 2: 14 NKJV ARLB

SOMEDAY

From Lorraine and her children

You’d betta get ready Without ceasing you need to pray

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

You need to prepare I jus wanna say

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

Jesus Christ Came to Seek and to Save That which was lost If you choose not to repent of your sins You must pay the cost

You must be obedient to GOD or You’re gonna have to pay

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

I received Christ in my life at an early age To not know Jesus is like livin’ in a cage Jesus Christ is The Life, The Truth and The Way

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

When I look up at the blue sky I’d be happy or maybe I’d want to cry I know this is not the place I want to stay

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

Get ready, be set, before it’s time to go

Jesus Is The Only Saving Faith that you need to know You say you love Jesus? Then His Commandments you must obey

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

I thank GOD for me, I thank GOD for you For the trials and tribulations, My Lord and Saviour Will see you through There will be joys, and in the midst of the struggles Jesus Makes it all ok

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

I’ll see you later Not as I saw you then But Only if you know Jesus As your Lord. Saviour, and Friend Apply GOD’s Word in your life

Love, Forgive one another, and Always Pray

You know… you’re gonna leave this place Someday

Someday

I wrote this poem when The Lord Called our mother home to be with Him. HE Allowed her to spend half of the day with us and the other half of the day, she spent with our brother Tyrone, already in the Presence of The Lord since 2002.

I’m sure our brother was happy to see her and be able to say to her, “Happy Mother’s Day Moma.” And she was able to say to him, “Happy Birthday Porky”. Porky was a nickname he was given when he was very little. He used to eat up almost everything. On pay day when Daddy went to the store to buy groceries every two weeks, Porky would eat up nearly all the bag of apples in about two days. Anyway, that year of 2009, Mother’s Day was on Sunday 10th of May. Porky’s Birthday was Monday, 11th of May.

GOD Is Awesome! Only GOD Can something like that! That Sunday was some day for us! And Monday was some day for our brother, her son!

“wiaw” ORCHESTRATE= to arrange so as to achieve a desired effect

In the midst of all that was going on, with all the sadness and discomfort, GOD Says, “I Got this” and “I Got you!” Thank YOU Jesus for salvation, Your Strength, comfort, and lasting peace. The song that comes to mind is, “The Blood that Jesus Shed once for me, all the way back on Calvary, The Blood That Gives me strength every day, Jesus Blood Will never lose Its’ Power.

The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power

The Blood that Jesus Shed for me, As my Redeemer, upon the tree; The Blood that setteth the prisoner free, Will Never Lose Its Power

It Gives us access to GOD on high, From far off places It Brings us nigh; To precious blessings that never die, It Will never lose Its Power

It Is a shelter for rich and poor, It Is to Heaven, the open door, The sinner’s merit forevermore, It Will never lose Its Power

And when will all The Blood Washed throng, We sing in glory redemption’s song; We’ll the glorious Truth along,

It Has never lost Its Power.

The Blood That Cleanses from all sin Will Never Lose Its Power. There is Power in The Blood of Jesus.

The words and The message that Jesus Gave for me and to me that day, for my comfort, my strength, and joy and for the comfort, strength, and joy for our family and others is, “I GOT THIS!”

HE Did! And HE Does… just as HE IS!

And someday, for those who belong to Christ, we will be with Him. Forever in the New Jerusalem (ref: Revelation 21: 9- 21), we will be with Him. Someday.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth.” 3 John 4 NKJV JSB

The following are words that I read from an author unknown about:

Who’s Place?

As I read this poem, some questions came to mind that are denoted with a Q:

One day,

A man went to visit a church. He arrived early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up near him, and the driver told him, “I always park there. You took my place!”

Q: Do you have a certain parking space that you prefer to park your car while attending Worship Service? How do you feel if someone parks in the parking space that you think is yours?

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat, and sat down.

A young lady from the church approached him and stated, “That’s my seat! You took my place!” The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

Q: Do you have a special place where you usually sit during Worship Service? How do you feel if someone has sat in that seat that you “think” is yours?

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the church sanctuary and sat down.

Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit. You took my place!” The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing.

Q: What do you say to the person that sat in the seat that “you think” is yours while you are preparing to Worship GOD during Worship Service? What’s “your attitude”? How do you respond?

Later, as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, “What happened to you?”

The Visitor Replied, “I Took your place.”

Put yourself in the position of the persons having their places taken.

What are your thoughts “now” about the visitor taking “your place”?

Have you surrendered your all to Jesus Christ? Has HE Taken your place? How do you know that you know that you know? That HE Took your place??

“Your Thoughts” Please

What does “salvation” mean? In your own words,

What does it mean “To Plan His Purpose and to Purpose His Plan”? What does this statement mean to you?

What do you want to do? What do you believe is GOD’s Plan and Purpose for your life?

What are your thoughts about this book content that you have read?

I’d like to receive your . Please go to my website www.SOLS4Jesus.com

Thank you.

CONCLUSION

The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1: 7

“wiaw” DESPISE= to look down on with contempt (disobedience to or open disrespect to court of legislature) or aversion (desire to avoid something, dislike); disdain (to reject), detest (loathe, hate)

To fear The LORD is to have a sense of respect and awe for Him as The Holy One and The Source of All Knowledge. Those who reverence GOD in this way heed His Instructions and can understand the relationship they have with Him.

Those who love GOD, KEEP His Commandments. To fear GOD and to love GOD is not an option. A true Christian makes obedience a faithful discipline.

Jesus Says to us, “For I Have Come Down from Heaven, not to do My Own Will, but The Will of HIM Who Sent ME.” John 6:38

“And you HE Made Alive, who were dead in treses and sins, in which you

once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

But GOD, Who is Rich in Mercy, because of His great Love with which HE Loved us, even when we were dead in treses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come HE Might Show the exceeding riches of His Grace in His Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is The Gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2: 1-9

All were lost and are lost in sin, But GOD Provides a Divine Design for Rescuing His People. The Gracious Abounding Mercy of GOD, His Great Unconditional Love, and His Merciful Amazing Grace is provided to all who would receive His Everlasting Free Gift, to all who will receive Him through Faith. This is The Whole Truth of Salvation! Jesus Is GOD’s Ultimate Perfect (UP) Plan and Purpose for lost mankind to be saved!

Only fear that we are to have is for The Lord. When we reverently fear The Lord in awe, all else is not to be feared. At times we may not feel that The Lord Is Always with us; yet, HE Is. The following is what The LORD Said to His Chosen nation Israel, and Speaks to us today as His Children:

“Fear not, for I Am with you; Be not dismayed, for I Am your GOD, I Will Strengthen you, Yes, I Will Help you, I Will Uphold you with MY Righteous Right Hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish.

You shall seek them and not find them—those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, The LORD your GOD, Will Hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I Will Help you. Isaiah 41:10-13

And as we wait upon The LORD, our strength is renewed. But those who wait on The LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Living the Christian life in victory is not primarily soaring like an eagle or running like a deer. It is a day by day walk with Jesus. It is trusting Jesus for the strength to accomplish even the little ordinary things in life like cooking breakfast, getting the kids ready for school, having dinner ready when your spouse gets home from work, helping your spouse with cleaning up, and thanking and praising Jesus to be able to do the things that need to be done! When you do what you need to do and actively wait upon The Lord, that’s the kind of strength HE Will Supply you with.

Christians are saved for good works, not by their works. As Christians we are to walk with Christ and walk in them. Good works do not save. We are saved “not” because we do good works, but … because we are saved … we “do” good works. For we are His Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD Prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

GOD ‘s Great Commision for His Children is to:

GO Ye therefore and Make disciples, Teach all the nations, Baptizing them in The Name of The Father and of The Son and of the HOLY Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NKJV

SomeBody Loves you! …His Name is Jesus.

Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in The Son and in The Father. And this is The Promise that He Has Promised us – eternal life. 1 John 2: 18, 24

The apostle John says, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had ed away. Also there was no more sea, Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from GOD, Prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband. And I heard a loud voice from Heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of GOD Is with men, and HE Will dwell with them, and they shall be His People. GOD Himself Will be with them and be their GOD. And GOD Will Wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have ed away.” Then HE Who Sat on the throne said, “Behold, I Make all things new.” And HE Said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:1-5 NKJV

Behold, I is directed to the whole world. Make all things new is the climax (highest point) of The Book of Revelation. (see Isaiah 43:19)

+ This is what The Messiah Christ Jesus The Son Says to GOD The Father,

“And this is Eternal Life, that they may know YOU, The Only True GOD, and Jesus Christ Whom YOU Have Sent. I Have Glorified YOU on the earth. I Have Finished The Work YOU Have Given ME to do.” John 17: 3: 4

“It Is Finished!”

John 19:30

+ Jesus Testifies to the Churches, both Jew and Gentile

“And behold, I AM Coming Quickly, and MY Reward is with ME, to Give to everyone according to his work. I AM The Alpha and The Omega, The Beginning and The End, The First and The Last.” Revelation 22: 12, 13 NKJV

Blessed are those who do His Commandments, that they may have the right to The Tree of Life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. Revelation 22: 14, 15 NKJV

“I, Jesus Have Sent My Angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I AM The Root and The Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. Revelation 22: 16

Jesus is The Root (origin) of David and The Offspring (descendant) of David. As The Bright and Morning Star, Jesus Will Dispel (drive away by scattering) all darkness and usher in the promised perfect reign of the ever living Messiah.

And The Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22: 17

This is the final invitation in The HOLY Bible. The first part of the scripture verse is an invitation for Jesus Christ to come back to the world. The last part of the verse is for the world to come back to Jesus Christ. Read and Believe The Book of Revelation. Read and believe the Bible and be blessed. Adhere to its message of Salvation and Judgment.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which GOD Gave Him to show His servants— things which must shortly take place. And HE Sent and Signified it by His Angel to His Servant John, who bore witness to The Word of GOD, and to The Testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. Revelation 1: 1-3

“One like The Son of Man Clothed with a garment down to The Feet and Girded about The Chest with a golden band” (Revelation 1: 13) Instructs John. The following is what was revealed to John while he was caught up in the Spirit. John heard a loud trumpet sounding voice behind him while on the Island of Patmos. The voice said, “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” Revelation 1: 19

Food for Growth

“Prophecy is history prewritten.”³ Apply to Revelation 1: 3, 19

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and With of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p.1414

I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for The Word of GOD and for The Testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in The Spirit on The Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I Am The Alpha and The Omega, The First and The Last,” and, what you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1: 9-11

His Head and Hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His Eyes like a flame of fire; His Feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His Voice as the sound of many waters; HE Had in His Right Hand seven stars, out of His Mouth Went a sharp two-edged sword, and His Countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I Saw Him, I fell at His Feet as dead. But HE Laid His Right Hand on me, Saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I Am The First and The Last. I Am HE Who Lives, and Was Dead, and Behold, I Am Alive Forevermore. Amen. And I Have the keys of Hades and of Death.” Revelation 1: 14-18

Behold, HE Is Coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1: 7

Food for Growth

The difference between the antichrist and Christ is that one gives you a number and the other gives you a name. When Jesus comes, will your name be called or will your number be up?³⁷ Apply to Revelation 2: 17

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and With of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p.1414

HE Who Testifies to these things says, “Surely I AM Coming Quickly.” Revelation 22:20 What we say as Jesus’ Followers, as we wait expectantly “ ” together with much excitement and intense joy, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22: 20

HE Said HE Is Coming. His Followers say Come!

“Wiaw” ALAS= used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern (MWD)

HE Will Swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD Will Wipe away tears from all faces; The of His People HE Will Take away from all the earth; For the LORD Has Spoken. Isaiah 25:8 NKJV ARLB

“wiaw” REBUKE= to reprimand sharply, reprove, express disapproval (MWD)

Again, therefore, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His Commandments, For this is man’s all. For GOD Will Bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12: 13, 14 NKJV ARLB

Do Good! Be Good!

“… and if a son, then an heir of GOD through Christ.” Galatians 4: 7 NKJV ARLB

You as a follower of Christ are GOD’s Plan. And GOD Has Purpose for you.

The Son! The Son! Who’ll take Thee Son? Because, you see, whoever takes Thee Son … gets everything.

Food for Growth

“Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.”³⁸ Apply to Genesis 6:14; 7:7, 17

“An Adrianism” The Wisdom and With of Pastor Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible p.10

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen Revelation 22: 21

SPECIAL THANKS

In acknowledgement of my first born son Nathan (Nay) for encouragement of having completed his books before the completion of my first manuscript entitled “To Know HIM”.

In acknowledgement of my second born son Keelan who had no idea that the pictures he drew in Junior High School would be used as an inspiring resource in my first completed manuscript, “To Know HIM”.

In acknowledgement of Adrian Rogers Ministry and Love Worth Finding Staff : Nicole and Bro Billy for their and assistance in providing the approval to use the “Adrianism” citations documented in my first completed manuscript, “To Know HIM”.

In acknowledgement of Stephen Covey Publications Staff member: Annie Oswald for her and assistance in providing the approval to use the pictures and quotations from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” in my first completed manuscript, “To Know HIM”.

In acknowledgement of my family and my prayer filled church families: Diversity Church … Pastor Ray and Sis Lorrunda Sewell Grace Church … Pastor Ron and Sis Debbie Tucker New Community Church … Pastor Jerry and Sis Cindy Marshall

Christian Life Family Church … Pastor William and Sis Estella Davies Christian Fellowship Church … Pastor Harry III and Sis Marian Walls Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church … Pastor Matthew and Sis Gloria Turner First Baptist Church of Meacham Park … the late Pastor George E. and Sis Sebree

In acknowledgment of BOTT Radio Network, a Biblical Christian Radio station on air 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Thank you to Dick Bott and his son Rich Bott. Thank you to all the pastors, teachers, ministers, speakers, and staff for providing the Biblical teachings of sound doctrine, the current news events and concerns of Christian interests each day of every year.

May GOD Bless As you continue to praise, worship and serve HIM in efforts to make HIM and His Word Jesus known all around the world.

To GOD Be The Glory

Forever and Ever Amen

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AND TRIBUTE

Your life and your decisions that you make in your life have a profound affect and impact upon the lives of your family and others. As I read The Legacy Bible of the salvation experience of pastor and teacher Dr. Adrian Rogers, I reflect on the statement that Pastor Rogers said of his dad.

When Pastor Rogers was age fourteen, he and his parents went to an evangelical crusade, the guest evangelist (Fred Brown) issued a public invitation. He asked those who wanted to be saved to come forward to receive Christ. Pastor Rogers said that he was astounded when his father stepped forward to receive Jesus Christ. He said that at the time his father stepped forward, the message became personal. Pastor Rogers wrote, “I was immediately smitten (overwhelmed) by GOD’s Spirit and knew I needed to do the same thing as my father. When he stepped forward, I did also and made a profession of my faith in Christ.”

Reflecting on that night, Pastor Adrian Rogers said, “I believe an eternal change took place in those moments, and I became a new creature in Christ.”

Pastor Rogers said to Jesus, “Lord I am willing to stand on Your Word. I receive You Lord Jesus, as my personal Saviour and Lord, I commit my life to you.”

Can you say that? Will you say that you will stand on GOD’s Word? Will you say that you have or will receive Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord? Have you submitted your life to The Only One who can save you?

I sincerely thank GOD for calling Pastor Adrian Rogers to deliver His Message of salvation to all who will receive Jesus and for Bro Adrian to accept GOD’s Call.

Are you willing to be a willing participant as GOD’s plan in the purpose of GOD and in leading others to Jesus?

“The Adrianisms” listed in the Legacy Bible and those “Adrianisms” listed in this book are foundational aspects of Pastor Roger’s ministry that are directed towards the prayerful desire of Pastor Adrian Rogers work to continue his legacy and help future generations know and love Jesus – whether for the very first time or for a more meaningful deeply intimate and personal relationship with Him – all for The Glory of GOD.

The profound strength of the ministry of Pastor Adrian Rogers and Love Worth Finding is The Power of The Holy Spirit working through the proclamation of The Truth of GOD’s Word. This special recognition and tribute is being given to Pastor Teacher Dr. Adrian Rogers for his role in mentoring and in his faithful service to GOD, to his family and to others. Pastor Rogers was bold and courageous in his stand on and for The Word of GOD.

what GOD Said to Joshua: “Have I Not Commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for The LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Special recognition is given to Nicole (ministry team member) and Brother Bill (Skelton, Advisor and Executive Committee member). Brother Bill rejoiced in hearing the enthusiasm displayed by Pastor Adrian Rogers towards Jesus, when he said to Brother Bill, “What a beautiful day to serve The Lord?”

How I long to hear Jesus Say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I Will Make you ruler over many things. Enter into The Joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25: 21 NKJV

Special recognition is given to Mrs. Joyce Rogers for her encouraging words she expressed towards her husband, the late Pastor Dr. Adrian Rogers, Sr. Pastor and Teacher of Love Worth Finding Ministry and Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. “Come to Jesus” was the theme of his celebration service. Early one morning Jesus Called to him, “Adrian, it’s time, come unto ME.”

Mrs Rogers said Pastor Rogers wanted to be known simply as a “man of GOD” and longed to be “faithful to the end”. Would you say that Pastor Adrian Rogers began with “the end in mind”?

Mrs Joyce Rogers said her loving and faithful husband, a devoted father and grandfather, Pastor Adrian Rogers would say,

“Come, come to Jesus! GOD Is Love, Jesus Is Wonderful!”

GOD Says with Love, “Have I not commanded you?”

Bibliography Reference

Barker, Kenneth, (General Editor); Burdick, Donald, Stek, John, Wessel, Walter, Youngblood, Ronald (Associate Editors); The New International Version (NIV) Study Bible10th Anniversary Edition, copyright 1995 by the Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, U.S.A.

Beers, Ronald A. (General Editor), Life Application Study Bible, New International Version, copyright 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189 and Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tyndale House Publishers acknowledges gratefully the role of Youth for Christ/USA in preparing the Life Application Notes and Bible Helps

Covey, Stephen R., The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, copyright 1989, First Fireside Edition, 1990, Simon & Schuster Inc., Rockefeller Center, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020

Jeremiah, David Dr. Pastor; The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 2013 By David Jeremiah, Inc., published by Worthy Publishing, a division of Worthy Media, Inc. Worthy is a ed trademark of Worthy, Media, Inc., published in association with Yates & Yates; The HOLY Bible, New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

MacArthur, John, Pastor, The MacArthur Daily Bible, New King James Version (NKJV), copyright 2003 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee

MacDonald, William, Contributions by Art Farstad, Believer’s Bible Commentary New Testament, Revised Edition copyright 1990 by William MacDonald, published in Nashville Tennessee by Thomas Nelson Inc., and distributed in Canada by Lawson Falle, Ltd., Cambridge, Ontario, printed in the United States of America 7214-1000

Mish, Frederick C. (Editor in Chief); Morse, John M. (President and Publisher) ; The Merriam-Webster Dictionary new edition based on Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh edition, copyright 2004 by Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, Massachusetts, made in the United States of America

NIV (New International Version) Women’s Devotional Bible, Copyright 2012 by Zondervan, published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids Michigan 49530, USA, “New International Version” and “NIV” are ed trademarks of Biblica, Inc. produced with the assistance of the Livingstone Corporation, printed in China

Rogers, Adrian, Pastor, copyright 2009 by Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 38300, Memphis, Tennessee 38183, The Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV), copyright by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1000, printed in the United States of America

The King James Study Bible (KJSB) King James Version; copyright 1988 by Liberty University, several contributing editors, Concordance copyright 1981 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee

Vine, W. E. (William Edwy), 1873-1949 (Vine’s Concise Dictionary of The

Bible); Strong, James, 1822-1894, Strong’s Concise Concordance Omnibus, The New Strong’s Concise Concordance & Vines Concise Dictionary of The Bible, copyright 1997, 1999 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., published in Nashville, Tennessee by Thomas Nelson, Inc., printed in The United States of America

William, Martin C, M.A., B.D., The Layman’s Bible Encyclopedia, NonDenominational, Biblically Centered, copyright 1964, The Southwester Company, Nashville, Tennessee, The Lakeside Press, R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, Chicago, Illinois; Willard, Ohio; and Crawfordsville, Indiana, printed in the United States of America

The condensed poems and very “minute” writings reflected in the manuscript have fair use limitations view as disclaimer due to the fact that authors are unknown, research done via Library of Congress website to determine such identities were not found and therefore remain unknown

“Blessed Assurance” is a well-known Christian hymn written by a blind hymn writer s van Alstyne, more commonly known as Fanny Crosby. The lyrics were written in 1873 to music written in 1873 by Phoebe Knapp

“The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”(1912) written by Mrs. C. D. Martin, born in Nova Scotia August 21, 1866- March 9, 1948; copyright: Public Domain

Author: Civilla D. Martin Most commonly referred to as C.D. Martin Also wrote: GOD Will Take Care of you (1904) His Eye Is On The Sparrow (1906)

It The Garden (1913, Refrain based on John 20:14 and sometimes known by its first line, “I Come To The Garden Alone”) written by C. Austin Miles (Charles), born January 7, 1868 Lakehurst, NJ- March 10, 1946 Philadelphia, PA, was an American writer of gospel songs

Hark The Herald Angels Sing (1730) written by German composer Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy widely known as Felix Mendelssohn born February 3, 1809 Hamburg, - November 4, 1847 Leipzig,

Brief wording from a prayer that was written by the teen in Bagdad, Arizona and forwarded as group text messages via computer nearly 20 years ago, was forwarded as such, “written by a teen in Bagdad, Arizona”

Endnotes

Works Cited from footnotes in book as “Adrianisms” reference ARLB

Rogers, Adrian, Pastor, copyright 2009 by Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 38300, Memphis, Tennessee 38183, The Adrian Rogers Legacy Bible (ARLB), New King James Version (NKJV), copyright by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1000, printed in the United States of America

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“When you are not afraid of dying ARLB p. 1329 “We set the sail; GOD Makes the wind.” Ibid p. 711 “Man isn’t a sinner because he sins Ibid p. 1262 “It is better to be divided by Truth Ibid p.1316 “You can study The Bible Ibid p.1316 “The devil has more power than I do Ibid p. 1161 “You must be seeking The Face of GOD Ibid p. 609 “What GOD Says to me is more important Ibid p. “When we pray for rain Ibid p. 1388 “You can’t be right with GOD Ibid p. 1076 “If your religion has not changed your life Ibid p. 1082 “Prayer is The HOLY Spirit Finding a desire Ibid p. 1268 “When trials come don’t wring your hands Ibid p. 1333 “When you accept Jesus Christ Ibid p. 1401 “The Bible is GOD’s Love Letter Ibid p.1401 “GOD Will Meet Ibid p. “If you are living in immorality Ibid p. 353 “Character is what we are in the dark Ibid p. 551 “When we were born again, we were born to win.” Ibid p.1405

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“Reputation is what others think about you “Faith believes in spite of the circumstances “Don’t get the idea that Jesus Died to save you “If HE Is not your Lord, HE Is not your Saviour.” “Eternal Life is not something you get “Jesus Did Not Have any itch “What is this world coming to? Jesus!” “GOD Isn’t your Father just because “A man will go to hell unsaved, but “The only thing between sinning man and “Heaven is not a reward for the righteous “Time is what GOD Allows so everything “To understand the part of The Bible you “You have a date with Deity.” “He who has a why to live can bear almost “Life is too short. Eternity is too long. Souls are “Prophecy is history prewritten.” “The difference between the antichrist and Christ “Plan ahead. It was’t raining when Noah

Ibid p. 332 Ibid p. 974 Ibid p. 1073 Ibid p.1146 Ibid p. 1196 Ibid p. Ibid p. 1414 Ibid p. 1200 Ibid p. 1190 Ibid p. 1398 Ibid p. 1263 Ibid p. 735 Ibid p. 1260 Ibid p. 1376 Ibid p. 1380 Ibid p. 1344 Ibid p. 1414 Ibid p. 1417 Ibid p. 10