• A good reputation can be built by obeying God's Word (Deuteronomy 4: 1-4)-Deuteronomy 4:1 (NLT) “And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.  Deuteronomy 4:2 (NLT) Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you.  Deuteronomy 4:3 (NLT) “You saw for yourself what the Lord did to you at Baal-peor. There the Lord your God destroyed everyone who had worshiped Baal, the god of Peor.  Deuteronomy 4:4 (NLT) But all of you who were faithful to the Lord your God are still alive today—every one of you.  Deuteronomy 4:5 (NLT) “Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy.  Deuteronomy 4:6 (NLT) Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!’  Deuteronomy 4:7 (NLT) For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him?  Deuteronomy 4:8 (NLT) And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?  Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT) “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.  Deuteronomy 4:10 (NLT) Never forget the day when you stood before the Lord your God at Mount Sinai, where he told me, ‘Summon the people before me, and I will personally instruct them. Then they will learn to fear me as long as they live, and they will teach their children to fear me also.’  Deuteronomy 4:11 (NLT) “You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, while flames from the mountain shot into the sky. The mountain was shrouded in black clouds and deep darkness.  Deuteronomy 4:12 (NLT) And the Lord spoke to you from the heart of the fire. You heard the sound of his words but didn’t see his form; there was only a voice.  Deuteronomy 4:13 (NLT) He proclaimed his covenant—the Ten Commandments—which he commanded you to keep, and which he wrote on two stone tablets.  Deuteronomy 4:14 (NLT) It was at that time that the Lord commanded me to teach you his decrees and regulations so you would obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy.

The LORD has given His People instruction on how to live a holy life.  This is a life of integrity.  These instructions when followed carefully by believers are lifesaving, and life-changing.  This can help build good reputations for those who live by it.  The commands given to God's People through His Servant Moses, were given not only for salvation, but, for excellency, and reputable holiness among His Children-God's People.  God's Word gives wisdom to those who not only read or hear it, but, live by it.  The LORD's decrees are righteous and fair.  The LORD commands us not only to live by His Wisdom, but, also to teach others to live by it as well.  We are to preserve His Word, and His Commands.  Keep them in Our hearts, and teach our descendants, as well as others.  And all who know you will know that you are God's Children.  They will know that you are set apart from the world to live a life of holiness and wisdom.  This wisdom will be a blessing in every area of your life, and you will reap the benefits of it.

• Integrity builds a good reputation (Ruth 2: 1-13)-Ruth 2:1 (NLT) Now there was a wealthy and influential man in Bethlehem named Boaz, who was a relative of Naomi’s husband, Elimelech.  Ruth 2:2 (NLT) One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.” Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.”  Ruth 2:3 (NLT) So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech.  Ruth 2:4 (NLT) While she was there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters. “The Lord be with you!” he said. “The Lord bless you!” the harvesters replied.  Ruth 2:5 (NLT) Then Boaz asked his foreman, “Who is that young woman over there? Who does she belong to?”  Ruth 2:6 (NLT) And the foreman replied, “She is the young woman from Moab who came back with Naomi.  Ruth 2:7 (NLT) She asked me this morning if she could gather grain behind the harvesters. She has been hard at work ever since, except for a few minutes’ rest in the shelter.”  Ruth 2:8 (NLT) Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field.  Ruth 2:9 (NLT) See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”  Ruth 2:10 (NLT) Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”  Ruth 2:11 (NLT) “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers.  Ruth 2:12 (NLT) May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”  Ruth 2:13 (NLT) “I hope I continue to please you, sir,” she replied. “You have comforted me by speaking so kindly to me, even though I am not one of your workers.”

When God's Children live a life of integrity, it builds a good reputation in your community, and among people in your immediate surroundings.  Those who see, and hear of the LORD's righteousness through you, will confirm, and can vouch for you.  They should say that you are a person of integrity.  When you live a life in the love of God, you will bear fruit (spiritual fruit; love, joy, peace, patience, faith, temperance, and humility).  When you bear fruit, you will be reputable among any people.  The truth will have to be told.  

• A bad reputation will follow you (Proverbs 25: 9-10)-Proverbs 29:9 (NLT) If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.  Proverbs 29:10 (NLT) The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.

If you do not live a life of wisdom, you will likely get a bad reputation for it.  If you have a bad reputation, it will follow you everywhere you go.  So, what verse 9 is saying is that, for example, if you are taken to court by a wise person, and you are not wise, but, are a fool before God, you will likely be ranting, and ridiculing, in front of the judge, however, you will not obtain satisfaction because the judge will see right through you.  Verse 10 is saying that there are bloodthirsty (evil, dishonest, haters, back-biters, backsliders, and the like) who hate blameless (innocent) people.  But, those who are righteous will always seek to help the blameless.
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• The Christians in Rome had a reputation for obedience (Romans 16: 19)-Romans 16:19 (NLT) But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.

The Romans who believed in God had a good reputation; one of obedience to God.  They had been instructed to notice and keep a watchful eye on those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which Jesus had taught His Disciples.  They were instructed to avoid those people.  The reason they were instructed to avoid them was because they did not serve our LORD Jesus Christ, but their own bellies (meaning they had their own selfish ambitions/agendas); and by good words, and fair speeches, deceived the hearts of the simple.  Outwardly, they appear to be appropriate, or good, but, inwardly they were wolves in sheep clothing).  But the LORD's Children are thoroughly trained to see with Spiritual eyes and possess a spirit of discernment; so we are able to see through all that.  We are commanded to keep away from it all.

• Guard your reputation (2 Corinthians 8: 18-24)-2 Corinthians 8:18 (NLT) We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News.  2 Corinthians 8:19 (NLT) He was appointed by the churches to accompany us as we take the offering to Jerusalem—a service that glorifies the Lord and shows our eagerness to help.  2 Corinthians 8:20 (NLT) We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.  2 Corinthians 8:21 (NLT) We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.  2 Corinthians 8:22 (NLT) We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you.  2 Corinthians 8:23 (NLT) If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ.  2 Corinthians 8:24 (NLT) So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified.

We, as Christians are to guard our reputations.  We are to be careful in everything we do from going on missionary trips, preaching the Good News, taking offering, gifts, etc.  We need to take care and to have witnesses for all that we do.  So, we must be careful to prove to everyone that our Godly reputations are justified.  We must show Christ's love in Us everywhere we go.

• Maintain a good reputation among non-Christians (Colossians 4: 5)-Colossians 4:5 (NLT) Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

We must maintain a good reputation among non-Christians by living wisely among those who do not believe in Our LORD Jesus Christ, as well as those who believe, but do not live by the Word.  We must make the most of every opportunity to be exemplary before all.  This will help those who do not believe to see first-hand the life that God wants His Children to live by.  This will also help newcomers (baby Christians).  It is very important that God's Children set an example for all to see.

I hope this study on spiritual reputation is helpful to you as it is to me.  May the glory of God rest upon you and His blessings flow through and through.  May His peace be with you and you shine His light to the world.  God bless you all, until the next study!  

• Repentance of sin opens the way for a relationship with God (Luke 3: 7-8)-Luke 3:7 (ESV) He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Luke 3:8 (ESV) Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.

When we repent, we are opening the door of our hearts to allow God to come in and live within us.  When we fore sake sin, it shows that we truly love God.  And just because we come from a long line of Godly ancestors, that doesn't exclude us from our obligations.  We too must live a life in holiness before God.  We must pick up our cross and carry each one of us, his/her own burdens.  Yes, the LORD loves and blesses His Children up to a thousand generations, however, we too must care to practice what we preach.  If we do not care to live for God, He is able to raise up another in our stead to fulfill His calling.  The LORD is seeking people who will love Him, fear Him, and live for Him.

• Unless we repent of our sins, we will perish (Luke 13: 3-5)-Luke 13:3 (ESV) No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.  Luke 13:4 (ESV) Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?  Luke 13:5 (ESV) No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

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Repentance is necessary for believers in that in order for a Christian to live a full life before God, and fully demonstrate or display his/her true respect for God, it is essential that one put his/her selfish desires aside, and live a life that honors and pleases God.  When we repent, our lifespan is increased.  Living a sinful life shortens your life, because sin begets illness, and/or death.  It's not just a matter of saying "I'm sorry for my sin", but rather "I'll show you how sorry I am by living for you".  Actions speak louder than words, much like we must show one another that we truly love one another through our actions.  There isn't a better way to show someone that you love them.  You show them by respecting them.

• Angels rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15: 7)-Luke 15:7 (ESV) Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

When a sinner repents, there's a supernatural change taking place from within the heart and the mind of the believer.  This change means all the difference between their soul perishing in hell, or living eternity  with Christ in heaven.  This is why the angels rejoice.  That is one less soul perishing and having to be damned for all eternity in the fire pits of hell.  Yes, of course there is joy over those of us who remain saved.  But, there's a much greater joy for the newcomer!  A cause for celebration indeed!

• Forgive those who repent of wrongs done to you (Luke 17: 4)-Luke 17:4 (ESV) and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

The LORD wants His Children to forgive anyone who does wrong to Us every time.  The reason this is so important is because we do no good to ourselves in holding grudges.  When we hold grudges, we are keeping hatred in our hearts, and hatred is the same in God's eyes as murder.  This is like a deadly poison that stays in your system; your heart, and kills you slowly over time both spiritually and physically.  If we want God to forgive our sin, we too must be able to forgive others who sin against us.  It's so easy to hold hatred and grudges,  but, it takes a truly wise and strong person to forgive again and again.  Just like He forgives us.  We are truly Children of God when we act like Christ.
 

• Repentance is essential for the Holy Spirit to work (Acts 2: 38)-Acts 2:38 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Just like man cannot trust another for example with their business, unless they are sure that person is qualified and prepared to handle their obligations, the LORD needs His Children to be fully committed to living a holy life before Him.  The Holy Spirit is a gentleman.  He will not go somewhere He is not wanted.  The Holy Spirit will work with the believer only after he/she is seriously committed to serving Christ, and fore sake his/her sin.
 

• God can use difficulties to encourage us to repent (2 Corinthians 7: 9-10)-2 Corinthians 7:9 (ESV) As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.  2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV) For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

The pain and suffering we go through in life can be used by God to bring us to a place where we repent of any and all sin resulting in the grief we go through.  When we feel a godly grief, we start to regret making whatever choices we made to bring us to that place of suffering.  This is a good thing because we can learn very important lessons from the pain.  When we realize that even though we have suffered through these things, but, still have life and an opportunity to grow, we are learning, and becoming stronger through our faith in Christ who sees us through all difficulties.  We then learn so that we won't continue to do the things that we once did, therefore, we become more like Christ.    The world doesn't see it this way.  Many times they are not forgiving or seek to get revenge, and kill themselves and/or others.  This is very damaging both spiritually and physically.  There's no chance for salvation or growth beyond the grave.  Whatever state a person dies in, that's the state they must face Our Creator with.  

• God would like everyone to repent and believe (2 Peter 3: 9)-2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Many believe that the LORD's second coming is taking too long, however, the LORD is waiting and giving an opportunity for more people/souls to be saved.  He simply does not want to come suddenly without saving every soul that was meant to be saved.  Once every soul comes to a place of repentance, He will command His angel to sound the trumpet.  Once that trumpet sounds, it is done.  There will be no more opportunity to participate in the rapture for those believers who are both dead and alive alike.  This is why we must repent of all sin.  So that we will go up in the rapture.

I hope this study is helpful for you all to understand the importance of repentance.  May God continue to bless you and prepare you for that special day!  Amen!

• {ur relationship with God is made possible through Jesus Christ (John 14: 19-21)-John 14:19 (NIV) Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  John 14:20 (NIV) On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  John 14:21 (NIV) Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Our relationship with the living God is made possible through Jesus Christ.  His death on the cross paid the price (atonement for all sin) for all who believe in Him, and accept Him as LORD and Savior.  While Jesus Christ lived on earth bodily, He prepared His Disciples for what was to come after His death on the cross.  Here we see that the world was not going to be able to see Him after His death except the few chosen Disciples.  He also promises that through His eternal life, His followers will also have eternal life in Him.  Clearly He is promising for His Children to see him face to face.  And we see that if we have a relationship with Him, we also have a relationship with the Father.  So we know that His Spirit lives within Us, and We live within Him.  We also, therefore, live within the Father.  When we know and keep His commands to live a life of holiness, He confirms that this is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives, and proves Our love for God.  Therefore, if We love God, God will love Us, and also Jesus the Son of God will love Us, and show Himself to Us.  This revelation will take place in His Kingdom in heaven for all eternity.  

• Our relationships should not compromise our faith (2 Corinthians 6: 14-18)-2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  2 Corinthians 6:15 (NIV) What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  2 Corinthians 6:16 (NIV) What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”  2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV) Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”  2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

We are clearly instructed as God's Children, not to unite with unbelievers.  So, a firm Christian is not to unite in holy matrimony with someone who is not firm, or does not believe at all in the one true God.  This is because someone who is living a God-fearing life cannot unite with someone who does not care to submit to God.  Anyone who does not want to submit to God, is clearly considered wicked-an unbeliever.  Someone living in the true light of God cannot have fellowship with someone who lives in spiritual darkness.  There will never be peace nor harmony between Christ and His Followers, and the devil and his followers.  We do not have anything in common with those who do not believe.  Therefore, we cannot agree with those who do not serve the one true and living God.  We (believers) are the temple (home/dwelling) of the one true and living God.  He promises to live and walk with Us.   He is our God, and We are His People.  He calls Us to come out of the world, separate Ourselves from the world, not to touch anything unclean.  If we follow this, He will receive us (for eternity).  He promises to be Our Father, and We will be His Children.

• We are unified with all believers in God's family (Ephesians 2: 21-22)-Ephesians 2:21 (NIV) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  Ephesians 2:22 (NIV) And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as LORD and accepts Him as their one and only {exclusive} LORD and Savior is joined together; and we rise together to become a holy temple (home/dwelling) of the Spirit of the LORD.  As we live in Him, we are growing spiritually together to become a temple in which God lives in Spirit.  

• Our relationship with Christ is deep and abiding (2 Timothy 2: 11-13)-2 Timothy 2:11 (NIV) Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 2 Timothy 2:12 (NIV) if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

A relationship with Christ is a very deep relationship and it is a continuous relationship.  The reason it is continuous is because the LORD is faithful.  In the spiritual sense, when we believe in Christ and accept Him, we die to the world and are reborn spiritually to live in Him.  And if we are in fellowship with the LORD, then die bodily, we will also live with Him in heaven for eternity.  If we endure life with all the trials and tribulations that it brings, we will reign in heaven with Him for all eternity.  If we disown God, meaning we reject Him as our LORD and Savior and decide to live our lives for ourselves, He has no choice but to disown us.  Therefore our souls will be lost.  We cannot be saved and go to heaven if we reject God.  If we lose our faith, He continues to be God.  He is still LORD of heaven and earth, He cannot discontinue to be who He is just because we lose faith.  

• Our relationship with Christ makes us children of God (1 John 3: 1-3)-1 John 3:1 (NIV) See what great 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.  1 John 3:2 (NIV) Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.    1 John 3:3 (NIV) All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

To believe in Christ as LORD and Savior is to have a relationship with Him through prayer, reading His word, fasting, and meeting with fellow believers in worship, song, and prayer.   This makes us His Children.  The world does not know us, meaning they do not understand us.  They do not understand us, because they do not understand God.  What we will be has not been made known yet to the world.  But, we know that when Christ returns, we will be like Him, we will see Him just as He is.  Everyone who has this hope in Christ purify ourselves, just as He is pure.  Therefore we live as He lives in sanctity.  We will love what He loves, and hate what He hates.

I hope this study on relationships is helpful to you.  Let us continue to pray for one another in hopes of spiritual growth, maturity, and purity.  Let us prepare for all that the LORD has for each of His Children.  If you have not yet accepted the LORD Jesus as your one and only exclusive LORD and Savior, and are in need of prayer, or, you have accepted the LORD as your Savior, but, just need prayer we are glad to pray with and for you, please contact us in the contact tab in the About Us section of this page.  May God bless you until the next study! 

• God may not always answer our questions (Job 42: 1-3)-Job 42:1 (NIV) Then Job replied to the Lord: Job 42:2 (NIV) “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.  Job 42:3 (NIV) You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.

This passage is about Job; a servant of God.  This man named Job lived a life that was blameless before the LORD.  This servant was also severely tested in the faith.  And when his faith was tested, he questioned the LORD.  He spoke to the LORD acknowledging the fact that God is all powerful, all knowing, and Soverign.  Here he acknowledges that God's plans cannot be prevented, nor changed.  Any time we attempt to change God's plans, it is clear that we do this without wisdom/understanding.  If we truly knew what we were doing, we would not even attempt to change God's plans.  Here he both is acknowledging that the LORD's wisdom is above all, and that he was speaking foolishly before the LORD, whenever he did question the LORD.  He was speaking of things that he simply did not know.  In this story we see how God's plan is a great learning lesson for Job, and for future generations to come.

• God welcomes our sincere questions (Luke 7: 18-23)-Luke 7:18 (NIV) John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, Luke 7:19 (NIV) he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”  Luke 7:20 (NIV) When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ”  Luke 7:21 (NIV) At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.  Luke 7:22 (NIV) So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.  Luke 7:23 (NIV) Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

God does welcome sincere questions from His Children.  In this passage, we see how Jesus' cousin John the Baptist sent believers to Jesus to ask if He was the Messiah.  Jesus replied to them, instructing them to point out the proof of healing and miracles he performed as well as the preaching of the message of Salvation and Truth to those who believe in Him, that He was in fact, the promised Messiah.  Anyone who does not stumble is blessed.  When we believe in Him, and the miracles He performed, we are blessed.  There are people who did not believe in that time that He was the promised Messiah, and instead blasphemed against the Holy Spirit, saying He casted out the demons and illness by the power of the devil.  That is the unforgivable sin; it shows you do not believe in the one true God.

• We need not be afraid when questioned about our faith (Luke 21: 12-15)-Luke 21:12 (NIV) “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.  Luke 21:13 (NIV) And so you will bear testimony to me.  Luke 21:14 (NIV) But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  Luke 21:15 (NIV) For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

The LORD had prepared His Disciples for what was to come.  He had prepared them thoroughly; and encouraged them to be strong, have faith, and keep their eyes on the prize; eternity with Him, in Paradise.  He told them not to be afraid whenever they are brought before kings, governors, etc., on account of His name.  And so they were instructed to speak the truth about what Jesus had taught them.  He assured them that He would give them the words to speak whenever they were questioned.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit that gives them both the wisdom and words to speak at the appropriate time.  Also, whomever they speak to will not be able to deny that what they are saying is the truth. 
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• We should be ready with answers when questioned about our faith (1 Peter 3: 15)-1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

In this verse we see that we should be ready to give answers to anyone who has questions about our faith.  This is to be done with respect towards Christ our LORD and Savior.   He instructs His Children to do this with love as He would do.  We are to be a reflection of Jesus Christ.  We learn in these passages that it is ok for one to have questions for both God, and His Children.  Man is not all-knowing.  Only God is all-knowing.  With this in mind, we must be prepared to handle every situation the way He has done, with love, and respect towards one another.  I hope this study on questions is as helpful to you as it is to me.  Until the next study, be blessed.  

• Only God can make us pure (Psalm 51: 1-10)-1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.  2Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  3For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.  5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.conceive…: Heb. warm me  6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.  7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.  8Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.  9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Only God can make us pure by redemption of our souls through the shed of Jesus' blood on the cross at Calvary.  Only by the mercy of God are we purified.  His mercy has the power to blot out our transgressions.  The blood of Jesus washes away our sin, and cleanses us from our immorality or grossly unfair behavior.  This can only happen when we acknowledge our transgressions/sin.  Our sin is against God, and against God only.  God is Our Creator, and He created us to live in holiness.  When we disobey God, our sin is clearly against His Commands.  When we practice sin, we are contending with God.  Therefore, when God judges us for our sin He is completely justified in doing so.  In this passage, we see that the sinner acknowledges that he/she was conceived in sin, however, he/she acknowledges that God desires the truth to reside in the depth of our hearts, and so within He will equip us to know wisdom.  God will give His Children the power and ability to resist sin and temptation.  Hyssop was  a wild shrub whose twigs were used for sprinkling in ancient Jewish rites of purification.  The believer wishes to be purified by God so that he/she will live forever in paradise with the LORD.  We desire the joy of the LORD though we must endure a process of trial and tribulation for growth and sanctification purposes.  The process is very painful.  Many sacrifices must be made.  One must forsake his/her own fleshly desires to remain pure in the LORD.  So we desire the joy of the LORD so that we may rejoice in Him.  Our desire is that the LORD will look away from our sin, forgive us, and wipe our slate clean.  This prayer/supplication is that the LORD will create a new clean heart within the believer; and a new righteous spirit.

• We can remain pure by following God's Word (Psalm 119: 1-20)-1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.  undefiled: or, perfect, or, sincere.  2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.  3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.  4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.  5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!  6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.  7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.  thy…: Heb. judgments of thy righteousness.  8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.  BETH.  9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.  11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.  12Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.  13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.  14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.  15I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.  16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.  GIMEL.  17Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.  18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.  Open: Heb. Reveal 19I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.  20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

When we follow God's Word, we can remain pure. God's Word is a guidance to all believers.  When we keep His Word in our hearts, and are careful to live by it, we are blessed by the LORD.  And when we keep His Word in our heart, and seek Him wholeheartedly, we will be greatly blessed.  We will be blessed because we will not be ashamed.  That is why God commands Us to keep His Word diligently.  That is why we must keep His Commands.  We can bless the LORD when we keep His Commands.  We must desire to do God's will and keep His Commands so that the LORD will not forget us completely.  This is also how our youth can remain pure.  By keeping His Commands.  This is why we keep God's Word in our hearts; so that we do not sin against Him.  The LORD is blessed, and we should desire that He teaches us His Laws.  Our lips declare God's judgement.  This is something that the LORD gives to His Children.  We rejoice in God's testimonies to man, as well as His spiritual riches.  We must decide within to meditate in His rules, and have respect toward them.  We delight in His laws, and not forget His Word.  We seek God's truth to open our eyes; so that we can see all the good that comes from His law.  We are at God's mercy.  We need God to reveal His desire/commands to His Children.  Our souls are consumed with longing for His laws at all times though some may not know this.  

• We cannot claim purity apart from God (Proverbs 20: 9)-9Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure;

I am clean and without sin”?
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Unless God purifies our hearts, we cannot say that we are pure, cleansed, or without sin.  It just is not possible to claim to be pure unless God purifies one's heart.  
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• The pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5: 8)- Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

​When the LORD purifies our hearts; we are blessed.  And we will be blessed because one day we will see the LORD face to face.  
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• Purity begins in the heart (Matthew 5: 27-30)-for example: Adultery-(there is more than one form of adultery)

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’5:27 Exodus 20:14 28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

​This passage shows how purity begins in the heart.  The heart is the source of one's thoughts, and desires.  What this passage is saying is that if you find that you are struggling with unclean thoughts, or desires, you should take care of your soul by turning away from whatever it is that is enticing you into living a life that is not pleasing to God.  This passage is not saying that you should literally pluck your eye out as some have thought so in the past, or in present day.  It is saying that you should look away from something that can potentially cause you to sin against God.  Clearly this is warning everyone that our lifestyles/choices determine whether or not we will see God ultimately.  And if you have a tendency to reach out for sinful things such as stealing, etc., it is not saying to literally cut your hand off, but, to turn away from whatever it is that is causing you to sin against God, because stealing is sin.  If we are struggling with anything that is causing us to sin against God, we are to call out to Him and ask Him for the strength that we need to overcome these sinful desires.  

• Outward purity cannot substitute for inner purity (Matthew 23: 25-28)-​25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.  27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.  28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

What this passage is saying is that it does not matter what kind of life we try to portray in society.  The life that we live within our hearts is far more important than the image we try to portray.  If we try to display a pure life to pull the wool over society's eyes, but, inwardly live a life of hypocrisy and wickedness, God will justly judge us for this and we will be condemned unless we repent.  Curses befall those who live in hypocrisy and wickedness.  We must steer clear away from greed, self-indulgence, lies, deceit, jealousy, envy, murder, strife, anger, contentions, enmity with God, and the like.  

• Purity comes from God (John 17: 17)-17Sanctify them by17:17 Or them to live in accordance with the truth; your word is truth.

God is pure.  this means that God can give purity to those who believe in Him, and desire it.  When we live according to the truth in His Word, we can live in purity.

• Purity ought to mark believers' lives (Ephesians 5: 1-4)-1Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  3But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Those who believe in Christ Jesus should live in a way that is exemplary.  Here we see where God instructs His people to follow His example.  We should have love for one another.  We should sacrifice our own desires as a fragrant offering to God.  We should not want to live sexually immoral lives.  We should not have sex out of marriage, nor sex with same sex, animals, or the like.  We should not live impure lives, nor be greedy (stealing, nor desiring good only for ourselves, nor coveting), we should not be obscene.  Our speech should reflect the speech of God.  We should not conversate about silly things, nor telling coarse jokes so as to cause another to stumble in sin.  This is not fitting for Christians.  We should be giving thanks to the LORD at all times for His tender love and mercy.

• Our minds should think about things that are pure (Philippians 4: 8)-8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  

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Our minds should think about things that are pure.  We need to think about the truth.  We need to think about the noble.  We should keep our minds on what is right.  We should keep our hearts and minds on what is pure.  That which is lovely.  Those things that are to be admired.  We should think about God, His holiness, His purity, His truth, His nobility, His righteousness, His love, and how admirable He is.  His excellency, and give Him praise!  Because His purity will be poured out into our lives, and we also will be pure, true, noble, righteous, lovely, admirable, and excellent!  Amen!

• One day our purity will be like Christ's (1 John 3: 1-3)-1 See what great 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. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,3:2 Or when it is made known we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Here we see that one day our purity will be like that of Christ's purity.  While we live here on earth, we have struggles with the things of this world.  We need to look at the fact that God the Father loves us so much that He calls us Children of God!  That is HUGE!!!!!!!  And that is exactly what We are!  The reason the world does not understand us is because they do not know God.  It hasn't even been made known yet to the world what We will be.  His purity is flowing in our hearts continually as believers; and it increases as we continue to grow in faith, and obedience to His Word, and Commands.  God's Children know and understand that when Christ appears on earth for the Second Coming, our bodies will undergo a transformation, we shall see Him as He is.  And because we have faith in Him as LORD and Savior, we continue to purify ourselves, forsaking the things of this world, sin, and seek to live in purity with Him!  

Be blessed in your walk of faith, and pursue the purity of Christ without which we will not see God.  Until the next study may the LORD bless you greatly and multiply your blessings!  If you who are reading have not accepted the LORD Jesus Christ as your personal LORD and Savior, now is the time to do so!  Please say this prayer:  
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• "Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

If you would like prayer, please feel free to contact us directly in the contact us tab.  We will be glad to pray with and for you.  Peace be with you!

• Prophecy reveals a message from God (Deuteronomy 18: 21-22)-Deuteronomy 18:21 (KJV) And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?  Deuteronomy 18:22 (KJV) When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

In these verses; we see that God does send prophecies to His people.  Sometimes man questions whether or not a prophecy is truly sent from God.  The way that God is teaching His Children that when a prophecy does not come from Him, the prophecy is false, and whatever they say does not come true, or come to pass, this prophecy is not sent of God.  If the prophecy or event does come true, and the prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, then you know that the prophet is sent from God.  If a person speaks presumptuously, or of his/her own ideas, or heart, we should not be afraid of that person because God is above all.  We rely on the LORD's protection from false prophecies.

• False prophecy is not from God (Jeremiah 23: 25-32)-Jeremiah 23:26 (KJV) How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Jeremiah 23:27 (KJV) Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.  Jeremiah 23:28 (KJV) The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.  Jeremiah 23:29 (KJV) Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?  Jeremiah 23:30 (KJV) Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.  Jeremiah 23:31 (KJV) Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.  Jeremiah 23:32 (KJV) Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.

God is warning about false prophecy in this passage.  He is warning to anyone who claims to be a prophet, yet, they are not sent of the LORD.  There are many who have gone out NOT in the name of the LORD to prophesy, and those are the prophets that the LORD hates.  They go in the name of Baal.  They are sent by the devil to confuse people.  They are vessels of the enemy to cause God's Children to forget God.  In this passage we can see that God does give prophecies to His Chosen people to deliver a message to His people.  When we do this under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we do it correctly.  The word of God is like fire.  It is a fire that consumes the darkest of things.  It has the power to break down the hardest heart and soften the wicked.  So the LORD is against false prophets, meaning he detests lies or deceit.  Sometimes people try to steal God's prophecies from His Prophet for their own interest, or gain.  The LORD is clearly against those prophets for attempting to steal His Prophecy.  There can be false prophets claiming to have had His dreams, and tell the lies causing God's People to make mistakes.  They are not sent by God.  Nothing they say can help God's People.  We must be careful not to take the prophecy of another as our own.  We must be careful of who claims to be a prophet of God.

• Claiming to prophesy does not indicate salvation (Matthew 7: 21-23)-Matthew 7:21 (KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 7:22 (KJV) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  Matthew 7:23 (KJV) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity..

Claiming to be a prophet does not indicate salvation because not everyone who says "LORD, LORD" shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.  What this means is that there are people who claim to believe in God, yet they do not do God's will.  They do not live in the way the LORD instructs His Children to live.  On judgement day, many will say to the LORD "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name?, and in your name cast out devils, and done many works?"  It clearly says here the LORD will say to them "I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity"  So it is not enough to believe in the LORD.  It is not enough to claim to be a prophet and even see things come to pass.  A person can believe in the LORD, prophesy, but then make the mistake by living a sinful prideful life.  It is only by the blood of Christ, and reverence for the LORD, thereby living in His will.  Obeying His instruction.  We should not be prideful, or self righteous.  So, if you think you do not have sin, you are judged by God as a worker of iniquity.  We must humble ourselves unto to the LORD.  Acknowledge that He is LORD, and only through the sacrifice of Jesus, the blood that was shed are we then purified and saved.  Not by our own works, pride, or self righteousness.

• The Holy Spirit allows believers to prophesy (Acts 2: 17-18)-Acts 2:17 (KJV) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts 2:18 (KJV) And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

The Holy Spirit is what allows believers to prophesy.  The LORD has poured out His Spirit upon all who believe in Him.  Our sons and daughters shall prophesy by His Spirit.  Our young men shall see visions, and the elderly will dream dreams of meaning.  Clearly here we see he is pouring out His Spirit on men and women alike; young and old.  We will have the ability to prophesy in His name through the power of the Holy Ghost.  

• Prophecy is a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 14: 1-5)-1 Corinthians 14:1 (KJV) Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  1 Corinthians 14:3 (KJV) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  1 Corinthians 14:4 (KJV) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.  1 Corinthians 14:5 (KJV) I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

 
Prophecy is a spiritual gift, because when a person is equipped by God to speak to the Church, they are a great help to the body of Christ.  Here we see it is great to be charitable, to have love for others, and to share.  It is wonderful to be able to speak in tongues, because you are communicating directly to God.  But, when you prophesy, you are communicating something directly from God to the people themselves.  This helps to edify the Church, to prepare them for eternity with Christ.  Also, a prophesy can be an encouragement to someone who is going through certain trials or tribulations in his/her walk of faith.  So, when we (the Church) speak in tongues, we ourselves are being edified.  When we prophesy, we are helping everyone.  Then, there are those who can interpret when someone is speaking in tongues.  This is also a great help for the rest of the Church.  To receive the gift of prophecy is to receive an even greater gift than speaking in tongues.  Nonetheless, we see these as evidence of the Holy Spirit working in an individual's life.  These are great gifts among others.

• We should listen to God's message-1 Thessalonians 5:20 (KJV) Despise not prophesyings.

In this verse we see clearly that God instructs His Children not to despise His prophecies.  We should not hate the plans that the LORD has for our lives, nor for the Church.  Here we can see that it is possible to feel some resentment towards God's prophecies.  This is possible among baby Christians who have not yet reached full maturity in the Spirit.  Therefore, they cannot fully comprehend the LORD's reasons for doing the things He does.  Sometimes people may not like what the future holds.  Nonetheless, we should embrace what the LORD has not only for our lives, but, the Church as a whole.  The LORD is perfect,  and perfect are His plans for you, and for me.  His Judgement is Righteous.  He is true.  Whatever He chooses, is what's best for the Church.  We should take heed to His Word, His Command, and His decisions.  He is faithful.  We can trust that when the LORD sends a prophet to speak to us, it is in our best interest.

• True prophets speak God's words (2 Peter 1: 20-21)-2 Peter 1:20 (KJV) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  2 Peter 1:21 (KJV) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

A true prophet speaks God's words.  We know this because Jesus taught the disciples that this is the way it would be.  Every prophecy will be interpreted by a chosen member of the Church.  The prophecy of the LORD does not come from man's heart or ideas, but, by the holy men of God that spoke as they were moved/directed by the Holy Spirit.  It is done by the power of the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Spirit will give God's Prophets the words that are to be spoken.  The Holy Spirit directs the Prophet of God on what to say.  We must speak the words that the Holy Spirit gives us to speak at the time indicated to do so.  This is how we know that the prophet is a true prophet.  What they say will come to pass.  It will happen without a doubt.  

I hope this study is as much a blessing to you as it is to me.  May we continue in faith, prayer, reverence, and peace by the love of God, and unto one another in Jesus's name.  Amen, until the next study, God bless you!  If you would like to receive the LORD as your personal Savior, or are in need of prayer, please feel free to contact us, directly using the contact form in the contact us page or comment below.  God bless you!
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We must not procrastinate in choosing to serve the Lord-Joshua 24:15 (KJV) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

This message was preached to the people of Israel in the time of Moses, and is still preached to believers across the globe even until this day.  The message is; "Do not procrastinate in choosing to serve the LORD your God".  It does matter which god you choose to serve.  It's either the devil, or Our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The LORD wants us to choose Him, and choose him quickly above all else.  If we choose to serve another god, or ourselves, the same is choosing to serve the devil, because one cannot be saved if we choose to serve anything other than God himself.  Salvation is only obtained by the blood of Jesus, who died on the cross at Calvary.  It does no good to procrastinate in choosing to serve Him.  The time we have on this earth is borrowed.  The miracles, change, and growth we can experience, and are meant to experience is too great, and your decision should not be postponed.  Our days are numbered.    We only hurt ourselves when we delay in choosing to serve the LORD.  
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• God does not procrastinate-Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV) For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

The vision spoken of in this verse is one that was a vision of the LORD given to the people of Israel concerning the consequences of corruption which ends in condemnation; He instructs His Children, the Church, that even though it may seem to take too long for man (in our minds/hearts we may think God is procrastinating), yet, it will surely come to pass, and it will not be late.  God does not take His time to fulfill His vision for our lives.  Everything He does is perfect.  He does not procrastinate when He wants to do something.  When there is a miracle, or event that He promises to His Children, or Church, we can rest assured that it will be done, and it will be done on time.
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• Those who procrastinate lose out (Luke 14: 16-21)-Luke 14:16 (KJV) Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: Luke 14:17 (KJV) And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.  Luke 14:18 (KJV) And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.  Luke 14:19 (KJV) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.  Luke 14:20 (KJV) And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.  Luke 14:21 (KJV) So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

In this passage of the Bible; we very clearly see the parable that the LORD calls out to a chosen people to come, taste, and see the blessings that He wants to pour out onto our lives.  His Word is food to our souls.  However, if we procrastinate to go to Him, or choose to serve Him, he is forced to go out and find others whom are poor, disabled, sick, and blind, so that they may benefit of all the blessings that He has to offer to His chosen Children.  The blessings are so great, that they must not go to waste.  We lose out on all the blessings meant for Us, when we procrastinate in choosing to serve the LORD. 

• Today is the day to be saved-2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV) (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your exclusive LORD and Savior, now is the time to make the decision to turn yourself over to Him for salvation.  The LORD says here, to anyone who will hear and take heed in this verse that He has heard your cry in your heart, and has accepted to hear your cry out to Him, from the bottom of your soul for salvation.  He has provided a way, and solution to save your soul from eternal damnation.  The only thing He asks here, is that you do not procrastinate in making the choice to surrender your whole being unto Him for salvation.  He wants to begin to feed your soul with His Word, and bless you abundantly so that you will not have need.  He wants to fulfill His plan for your life.  So many people realize that although they seek success in material things, fame, other gods, or lifestyles, something is still missing.  The LORD is calling on these souls to have faith in Him as LORD and Savior, the creator, and take His hand.   Let Him show you what it is that you are missing.  Do not delay in making this decision.  If you feel the Spirit of the LORD tugging on your heart, do it for your life, and most importantly your soul, by accepting His free gift of eternal life in heaven and glory with Him.  Amen.
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• No one can procrastinate forever-Revelation 10:6 (KJV) And sware by Him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

What this verse is saying is that no one can procrastinate forever-meaning, that our days are numbered.  Time on earth will end.  Once the Bible prophecies are fulfilled, the end of this world will come.  Heaven will descend to this earth once the earth is completely destroyed by fire.  The LORD will do this.  We need to make a decision while we still have life, and breath in our lungs, to accept the LORD as our one and only exclusive LORD and Savior, and serve Him in Spirit, and in truth. 

If we read on, we see: 

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.  8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.  9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.  10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.  11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

In this chapter, we see that the Holy bible is food to our souls.  When we begin to read it, at first it is sweet like honey.  Once we ingest it, it falls into our stomachs as something that is difficult to digest, because to serve the LORD requires one to make sacrifices.  We must be disciplined, and deny ourselves of the worldly pleasures, the desires of the flesh, to serve Him in Spirit and in truth.  At first, this is hard for a person to digest.  But, once we trust and accept His will, His power, and His truth, to live by it, we begin to see how His Spirit is poured out into our lives enabling us to be used as His vessel.  An instrument of God, to speak unto the nations, in languages that we are not humanly familiar with, and before kings all over the earth.

I hope this study is as much a blessing to you all as it is to me, and may we all continue to stay in His word, and allow God to bless our lives and use us further each day as we grow in Him.  May God bless you all, stay in prayer and find a place of worship so that you can continue to grow and serve the LORD your God with all your heart, mind, spirit, and soul.  Amen!  God's speed be with you!

• Pride leads to shame-Proverbs 11:2 (KJV) When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

Pride can get in the way of progress in our spiritual lives when God is working in our lives so that we can grow.  The reason pride leads to shame is that it it shameful to think that we can do anything in life apart from God's love, will, or power.  Also, it is a form of idolatry; when we think we can accomplish things in life without God's will.  It is like we are placing ourselves above God.  We can never be above our creator.  It's just not possible.  It is shameful because it was pride in lucifer (the fallen angel of light) that got him cast out of heaven.  We exist because God has allowed us to exist.  So, how can we think that we can accomplish anything without God's will?  We need to be careful with selfish pride and ambition.

• Pride leads to arguments-Proverbs 13:10 (KJV) Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Pride leads to arguments when man believes in his own knowledge and wisdom that he is more than God, that he is above God in any way, or that he is correct, and that God is not correct.  When he places his wisdom over God's given wisdom in His word, this leads to arguments, because God cannot lie, nor agree  with man's foolishness.  Man in his highest state of intelligence cannot compare to God's lowest state of intelligence, wisdom, or foolishness if God has any.  We need to understand, and come to terms with the fact that God is Sovereign.  God does not have to answer to man.  Man has to answer to God.

• Pride will be punished-Proverbs 16:5 (KJV) Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

Pride will be punished because God calls on His children to live a life of sanctity and humility.  We should not be so proud that we cannot (1) submit to God concerning all areas of our lives over our own selfish desires; (2) Help our fellow Brothers and Sisters in time of need when we are able to (3) Deny our selfish desires to please God, or make Him proud of Us as His children.  So, even if we obtain approval, agreement, or support from fellow human beings to continue a life that's self-reliant, prideful, or blatantly disrespectful to God, and even if we are supported by certain churches, groups, or authoritative powers,  if we do not let go of our selfish pride and ego, and submit to God as our LORD, Master, and Creator; God will punish us because He loves us and does not want any to perish.

• Pride ends in destruction-Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride can destroy a person in many ways.  If a person is overcome by pride, not only do they offend God, they offend others.  This can destroy relationships.  If we are arrogant, and we think that we are above God or others, we fall from the grace of God.  Our arrogance brings punishment from God, curses over our lives.  We should let go of pride and arrogance, and seek God's love, wisdom, humility, and grace.  

• Pride cuts us off from God and others (Luke 18: 9-14)-Luke 18:9 (KJV) And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Luke 18:10 (KJV) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  Luke 18:11 (KJV) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  Luke 18:12 (KJV) I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  Luke 18:13 (KJV) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  Luke 18:14 (KJV) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

When a person is prideful, they believe that they are better than others.  They believe that they are justified in the eyes of the LORD above others by living their lives in a certain way, or doing a certain thing (for example the Pharisee).  We cannot say that we are without sin, because since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, we are fallen from grace, and therefore, born in sin.  God wants us to recognize that we are all sinners, and that we all need His forgiveness.  So, we should not be in certain circles, despising others, or singling them out; nor rejecting them.  We should live in Unity with God and one another.  The Church is justified by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary only.  Not by our own effort.  We should live to make God proud.

• There is no place for proud boasting in the Christian life-Romans 3:27 (KJV) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

We cannot boast about our own efforts, because we know that the blood of Christ is the only way that we are justified in the eyes of the LORD.  Therefore, we cannot say "I am better than this Brother or Sister, or others, because I do not do this, that, or the other".  Our justification comes from Christ, not our own accomplishments.  It is He who has created the world, and everything in it.  It is He who has died for our sins.  It is He who allows us to live this life, and accomplish things.  It is He who deserves the praise.

• God chose to reveal himself to the humble, not the proud (1 Corinthians 1: 26-31)-1 Corinthians 1:26 (KJV) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1 Corinthians 1:28 (KJV) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 1 Corinthians 1:29 (KJV) That no flesh should glory in his presence.  1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 1:31 (KJV) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

God chose to reveal himself to those who recognize that they are sinners, and that they need God.  He has not revealed Himself to the proud or boastful.  God has chosen the least in this world to humble the proud.  He chooses the smallest individual to teach His wisdom and power to those who are proud and boastful.  God does not want us to glorify anyone or anything over Him.  So We God's Children should be boastful in HIM.  We should be proud that He has saved us and given us His love, salvation, wisdom, and power.

• Pride is not compatible with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-26)-22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

When a person is spiritual, they cannot be prideful.  A spiritual person cannot be comfortable with pride or arrogance.  Therefore, a spiritual person or Christian person cannot join prideful circles, nor join in matrimony with prideful, sinful people.  We cannot join in a scornful circle.  We cannot want people to glorify us rather than God.  God deserves the credit for all of our virtues.  Everything we have we have because God has given it to us.  Any power given, has been given by God.  We should not provoke one another into anger or temptation, nor should we desire the virtues of another.

• God opposes the proud-James 4:6 (KJV) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

God does not want people to be prideful, as we see here, pride is foolishness in the eyes of God.  Therefore, God blesses the humble.  And He gives Us more grace.  God cannot bless the prideful.  He must let their eyes be opened by their own foolishness.  They should learn the lesson He is teaching by exalting the humble.  I hope this study has blessed you as it has blessed me.  Let us all remember to humble ourselves before the LORD so that He can continue to pour out his blessings upon our lives.  God bless you!

• Ask God for help-Psalms 40:13 (KJV) Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.

God wants His Children to ask Him for help.  He loves to hear our prayers.  He loves to hear and respond to those prayers.  He is present to those who call on Him.

• God does not hear our prayers if we are purposely sinning-Micah 3:4 (KJV) Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

We have an opportunity to reject and turn away from sin.  If we do not reject or turn away from sin, and continually live in sin and practice sin, the LORD will not hear our prayers.  He will even HIDE his face from us, because we knew better and continued to practice sin and live in fornication/adultery before the living God.

• Prayer should not be a show-Matthew 6:6 (KJV) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

We should not pray in public to gain popularity or to display how holy we think we are in doing so.  The LORD wants us to be humble, and go to Him in private even, and ask of Him secretly.  The LORD will honor those who love in humility.  Those are the Children he rewards publicly.

• Jesus taught his disciples how to pray (Matthew 6: 9-13)-9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  11 Give us this day our daily bread.  12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

​Jesus is an example to His Children.  When he lived here on earth bodily, He instructed His Disciples how to pray.  His life on earth was to show us all how to live.

• Pray with an attitude of humility (Luke 18: 9-14)-9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.  14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

​The LORD wants us to humble ourselves in prayer.  We should recognize that we are sinners, and that we cannot do anything apart from the will of God.  All that we have has been given to us by God Himself.  And we should be grateful and recognize that it is all a gift from God what we do have.  Even our wisdom is a gift from God.  And rather than pointing our fingers to others in prayer, it is better and more fitting for a Christian to recognize that he/she is a sinner, and ask forgiveness for their sin.  We should ask God to save us from our sin, and for strength to resist sin and temptation.  We should recognize that we all fall short of God's glory, and ask forgiveness in humility; not in arrogance, judging, or criticizing others for their faults/shortcomings, or weaknesses.

• Pray in Jesus' name (John 16: 23-24)-23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.  24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

​When the Church joins Christ in heaven, we will not need to ask Him anything because we will know and receive all.  The LORD is teaching us to pray in His name.  Whatever we pray for, the Father will give to Us so long as we ask in Jesus' name.  Up until that point, the disciples had not asked nothing in Jesus' name, however, Jesus instructed them to ask in His name, and that they will receive it; and be filled with joy!

• Pray all the time (Ephesians 6: 18)-Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The LORD instructed the disciples to be constant in prayer.  Constant prayer is important as the enemy is constantly seeking whom to devour like a ravenous lion on a prowl.  Prayer keeps us close to God; a closer relationship with our Creator.  It is very important to remain close to Him.

• Pray without doubting-James 1:6 (KJV) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

The reason we must pray without doubting is because if we have even the slightest doubt, the LORD cannot respond to it.  The LORD responds to faith and reverence.  When we respect God and keep our faith, the LORD will respond, react to, and answer our prayers.

• Pray with the right motives-James 4:3 (KJV) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

When we pray to God, we need to be sure that what we are praying for is something that honors God.  If it is not aligned with the word, God will not answer the prayer.  Also, prayers that do not get answered sometimes are so that a certain purpose is fulfilled.  For example: if there is a certain illness that a nation or individual is stricken with, and that person or nation does not receive healing after many prayers have been said on their behalf, it is because God is working on that person or nation to achieve a specific goal or growth in the individual or nation.  Perhaps if these things were not to happen to them, they would be lost forever without God or hope.  So, when we pray, lets be sure to pray for something that will please God, and not just our lustful hearts for example: praying to become a multi-millionaire, etc..  We could be adversely affected by becoming filthy rich versus praying for spiritual growth, health, wisdom, encouragement, or for our needs to be supplied.   God knows what we need better than we do.

• Pray according to God's will (1 John 5: 14-15)-1 John 5:14 (KJV) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:15 (KJV) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Again, we need to keep our prayers aligned with God's will.  We can have confidence if we know that we are praying for the right thing.  When we pray for the right thing, God will hear us, and answer our prayers.  Here we see, that if our prayer is not appropriate, The LORD will not even hear it.

I hope that this study has helped you all to understand just how we should be praying to God.  May you all continue to be blessed in the name of our Holy Father Jesus Christ!  Until the next study

• Christians receive power from the Holy Spirit-Acts 1:8 (KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Christians are very powerful in that we receive power from the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of God here on earth with us, and dwelling inside our hearts.  Just before Jesus was taken back to Heaven in a cloud; He answered the disciples saying "You shall receive power (God's power) once the Holy Spirit was to baptize them; meaning to enter and remain with them, and with anyone who believes in Jesus, so that they could carry out the commandment of Jesus to share the gospel with everyone in the world.  This is the "Great Commission".

• The Bible is a powerful weapon (Ephesians 1: 1-4)-Ephesians 1:1 (KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 1:2 (KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 1:3 (KJV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

The Bible is a powerful weapon in that The LORD instructed the apostle of Jesus Paul who wrote to His fellow Brothers and Sisters saying; that as God has willed this; His grace be to us; His peace; from God; Our Father; the blessings from heaven; just the way He chooses, even before He created the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; what this means is that the LORD had decided even before He created our world that He would create us holy; without blame; meaning perfect beings with His love.  This means we were made to be holy, blameless, perfect and loving beings.  This is His gift and blessing to Us His Children; for all eternity.  And even after the fall of man, His love and blessings continue to cover Us.  Those of Us who believe on Him; and receive His free gift of eternal life..His blood washes our sins away.  We are now able to go before God the Father because of His initial, yet continual will towards  you and me so that we are graceful; peaceful; blessed; as He Himself has chosen; holy; blameless; perfect in His love.  His power lives in Our hearts.

• Jesus is the greatest power (Hebrews 1: 1-4)-Hebrews 1:1 (KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hebrews 1:2 (KJV) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:4 (KJV) Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

The power of the LORD Jesus is the greatest power there is.  None can compare to it.  His power is seen time and time again as He uses whomever He chooses to speak to His people; in the hardest times; as well as in end times; Jesus' power; He is heir of all things.  He made the worlds.  (As we know there are more than one world) He is the the intelligence and the light of His glory; and the image of His person; upholding ALL things by His spoken words; He himself purged; meaning He cleanses us of Our sins; He then sat down once he ascended to heaven (after He was crucified; and resurrected) on the right hand of the Father the MOST HIGH; is made so much more than the angels; He has obtained a name more excellent than they have.  So He is above the angels!!!  There is none above HIM.  

• Prayer can be powerful -James 5:16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

There is power in prayer.  When we confess our sins and faults to God and one another, and we pray for each other, we can receive healing.  Our prayers become effective through thorough prayer, when we live in righteousness.  This obtains answers to our prayers when we live in righteousness.  Great blessings come from our prayers.

• Christians have power to overcome the world (1 John 5: 4-5)-1 John 5:4 (KJV) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  1 John 5:5 (KJV) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

The same way that Jesus has overcome the world (the tomb could not contain Him), We Christians have that power to also overcome this world.  So, when we die; we will live in paradise with Jesus; we also will be resurrected at His Second Coming; and this is the victory that we have in Christ Jesus; the power to overcome the world; even our faith.  Our faith is a gift from God.  So anyone that believes that Jesus is the Son of God, has the power also to overcome this world (meaning even death).  We will are joint heirs with Him.  

I hope that you've enjoyed this wonderful study on the power of God; until the next study; continue to be blessed; and use your God given prayer power to continue in Spirit and in Truth with Our Blessed LORD and Savior Jesus Christ!  May God be with you!  Amen!

• Be full of peace-Psalms 34:14 (KJV) Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

Depart from evil. Go away from it. Not merely take your hands off, but yourself off. Live not near the pest house. Avoid the lion's lair, leave the viper's nest. Set a distance between yourself and temptation. And do good. Be practical, active, energetic, persevering in good. Positive virtue promotes negative virtue; he who does good is sure to avoid evil. Seek peace. Not merely prefer it, but with zeal and care endeavor to promote it. Peace with God, with your own heart, with fellow man, search after this as the merchantman after a precious pearl. Nothing can more effectually promote our own happiness than peace; strife awakens passions which eat into the heart with corroding power. Anger is murder to one's own self, as well as to its objects. And pursue it (peace). Hunt after it, chase it with eager desire. It may soon be lost, indeed, nothing is harder to retain, but do your best, and if enmity should arise let it be no fault of yours. Follow after peace when it shuns you; be resolved not to be of a contentious spirit. The peace which you promote will be returned into your own bosom, and be a spring of comfort to you.

• Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace-Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:7 (KJV) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Jesus is known as the Prince of Peace because God is not only the Creator of our universe, He established it; it was perfect; was in perfect order and peace.  The LORD has clearly established our government to oversee all people (believers and non-believers alike).  He is in peace not only with Himself, and His Children; but also He gives man his own free will to choose whether or not to believe in nor serve Him.  This is the Peace He displays.  Isaiah (9:7) refers to a person ruling forever on the throne of David, the “everlasting father” in verse 6 it is the same ruler. “Everlasting” shows that the Messiah will guard and sustain His people forever; He will be a Father in this sense even in eternity. The throne of David, which is to be forever, will be preserved into the eternal state. The word “Father” can convey the idea of source of eternity. Since the Messiah is eternal He can give eternal life to others.

• Wicked people will not know peace-Isaiah 48:22 (KJV) There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.

Those who love God and follow His direction and commands live in peace.  Those who do not; will not know true peace.  They may follow their own desires; and way of life, thinking they have peace now, however, that peace is only temporary; they must stand before the living God; the Prince of Peace on judgement day; where eternal sentencing of their souls awaits them.  They will not know the true peace that only our living God can give.  Now, on earth, though our material lives may suffer some as a result of our physical bodies, eternal security, and peace of your soul, heart, mind, body, and spirit, comes in knowing that for all eternity you will live as a Child of God, and reign with the everlasting LORD of LORDS, and Prince of Peace.  

• We can have peace with God-Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

The reason we believers have peace is because God in His infinite wisdom has offered Himself up as a living perfect sacrifice through His Son Jesus.  He knew that only the sacrifice of a perfect living being would be acceptable for atonement/payment for this sort of debt.  This means He paid the price for our sin.  His blood covers sin all the way back to our forefathers Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Anyone that believes in Him, and accepts Him as their exclusive, and personal Savior, accepts the gift of eternal life and peace with God.  So while we live here on earth, we live in peace knowing that our eternal destiny will be with Him even though we may face many obstacles, illness, problems, adversity, etc...  Once we receive our glorified bodies and enter His kingdom, all pain and suffering will end.

• Make peace with others quickly-Matthew 5:23 (KJV) Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Matthew 5:24 (KJV) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.  Matthew 5:25 (KJV) Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.  Matthew 5:26 (KJV) Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.  

The reason the LORD wants Us to make peace with others is that we cannot come to Him and offer Him song, praise, worship or other offerings if we have done wrong to someone else.  If we have broken a law, committed a crime against someone, or other sin against someone, we must make amends with that person before going to the LORD's altar.   Please see: https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/5-23.htm

• The peace of Jesus gives us different than the world's peace-John 14:27 (KJV) Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The peace that the LORD gives us differs from the peace that the world gives in that His peace is eternal; perfect.  The world can only offer temporary/material peace.  The LORD will do away with this world and all it has to offer one day.  The only peace that matters is the peace that God gives.  This is the peace we should truly be seeking.  Worldly peace will follow once we've obtained God's peace.

• Jesus gives us peace-Romans 5:1 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Again, when Jesus was crucified, we were justified having believed not only in Him, but receiving His free gift of salvation for all eternity.  This gives us eternal peace of mind every day and every night no matter how difficult the days may be.  

• Peace is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives-Galatians 5:22 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

When you come across a person who is almost always joyful, loving, gentle, peaceful, faithful and good you know that that person has the Spirit of the LORD with them; this Spirit is working within them; they are able to remain positive under most circumstances.  They will always display a certain peace from deep within that gives them confidence like no other.  This proves the HOLY GHOST is working within them.

• We can have peace through prayer-Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV) 4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

A person of prayer is a person of peace.  They believe that the God they are praying to will provide them with the peace and justice that they need within their hearts and souls.  They know that even if their prayer isn't answered, the LORD is in charge and something good will come of any situation.  Their trust is in the LORD.  It does not matter how much of a huge problem they experience; their trust is in the LORD, and He will make a way for them even when there seems to be no way.  Amen.  

Let us bow our heads in prayer and give thanks to the LORD for the knowledge, peace, understanding, faith, love and the many wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon each and every one of us in this day.  That His will continue to be done on earth and in heaven.  Let us give thanks for our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we continue to forgive those who offend us.  May He lead us not into temptation, but, deliver us from evil for HIS is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever Amen!  God bless you all until the next study.  Peace be with you. 

• Parents should teach children to follow God-(Deuteronomy 6: 6-7)-Deuteronomy 6:1 (KJV) Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: Deuteronomy 6:2 (KJV) That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.  Deuteronomy 6:3 (KJV) Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.  Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  Deuteronomy 6:6 (KJV) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: Deuteronomy 6:7 (KJV) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

These are the commandments of God for His Children; The LORD wants us to keep them in our hearts; also to teach them to our children; regularly.  We should be in the habit of doing so.

• Parents should nurture their children (Ephesians 6: 4)-Ephesians 6:1 (KJV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Ephesians 6:2 (KJV) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) Ephesians 6:3 (KJV) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  Ephesians 6:4 (KJV) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

We children are to obey our parents; because it is the right thing to do.  We should make our parents proud.  This is the first commandment that actually has a promise by God for those who honor it; LONG LIFE which is a blessing.

• Children must obey their parents (Colossians 3: 1-20(KJV)-1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.  8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.  12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
  20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.  21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.  22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

In this passage we can see God telling us Children to obey our parents; and how this pleases God.  The reason this pleases God is because our parents have wisdom that comes from God; and He gives them these instincts that are meant to guide and protect us while we live on earth.  If we can make our parents proud; we are sure to make God proud.  Happy Father's Day to all, may God continue to bless you!

• God cares for his people (Deuteronomy 7: 9)-

Deuteronomy 7:9 (KJV) Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
God is faithful. He keeps His promises and shows mercy to those who love Him and keep His Commandments upto a thousand generations. What this means is that His love is never ending. He cares for each and every one of us. Not only does He bless Us, He blesses Our Children; Their Children, and so on and so forth...for one thousand generations. His love endures forever.

• Friends should comfort each other (Job 2: 12-13)-

​Job 2:12 (KJV) And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven, Job 2:13 (KJV) So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.

When we see a friend of ours going through a really hard time; or trial, tribulation, it is important for us to try and have an understanding of their situation; sometimes the pain that a person is experiencing could be so great that it actually calls for us to sit quietly; and try to empathize with that person and understand that they just need your support through prayer and supplication; just being there for them as they mourn the loss of a loved one, or loved ones is enough. To be able to offer your presence, prayers, and support if needed to get through a very painful and difficult situation is priceless. How can you comfort a person that has lost their entire family? We should offer a shoulder to cry on, or our presence to talk to, if they have need. Just reminding them of the promise of God of being reunited with them in heaven one day can be very comforting. We should comfort one another.

• God comforts us in our darkest times-Job 35:10 (KJV) But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

This verse proves that no matter how hard or dark times can be, if we call out to God; our creator; He will give us a joyful song to sing in the middle of the toughest night.

• God watches over the weak-Psalms 12:5 (KJV) For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

The LORD watches over the poor, oppressed; the weak; He watches as they sigh; in need of relief from whatever it is that oppresses them; He will save us from our troubles; away from those who are puffed up and proud in their own efforts. He will comfort us. His Holy Spirit is here to comfort us daily. He is for Us. None can stand against Us.

• God comforts us-Isaiah 40:9 (KJV) O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Isaiah 40:10 (KJV) Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. Isaiah 40:11 (KJV) He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

God gives Us comfort in times of distress; He gives Us strength; strength to lift up Our voices; and NOT be afraid. We are to declare to the City wherever we are that it is God's strength that rules. His reward is with Us; the Church. He will nourish Our souls; He will gather Us in His arms. He will carry Us until the end close to Him; in His Chest. And He will lead us in righteousness; for His name's sake even those with young still under Their wings. We have nothing to fear.

• God promises to comfort those who mourn-Matthew 5:4 (KJV) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

God promises to comfort His people; they are blessed; they know that He is faithful and true. They know that even though they are going through trials and tribulations; it will not be forever; and one day in heaven they will receive their reward; the crown of everlasting life in His kingdom; with Him; in blessed holiness forever and ever. Weeping may endure for a night; but joy comes in the morning!

• God's Holy Spirit is our Comforter-John 14:16 (KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

After Jesus was crucified; and raised from the dead, He saw the disciples for the last time before He returned to heaven; and He knew that they were all sad, and mourning; they did not want Him to leave them, so He promised to pray to the Father God in heaven; that He would send His Spirit to comfort all who believe on Him as their LORD and Savior that they would be comforted until they are united with Christ in heaven. He promises to be with us forever!!! His Presence is always with Us. He is with Us, and so is His Power and Spirit! Amen!

• Christians should comfort each other-1 Thessalonians 4:18 (KJV) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Living to Please God
1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body 4:4 Or learn to live with your own wife; or learn to acquire a wife in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. 4:6 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.
9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Believers Who Have Died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

• All pain will end-Revelation 21:3 (KJV) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. Revelation 21:4 (KJV) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

What this passage is saying is that God's temple is with Us, the believers; the Church. It dwells with Us, and we are His people (No matter where we live) and God is with Us, and is our God. And He will wipe away all tears from Our eyes; there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, crying, or pain once We join Him in His kingdom; once We pass away, or go up in rapture. This comfort is with the Church today; and We have comfort deep down inside our hearts because We know that God is with Us, and that We will live with Him forever in His kingdom. Amen.

 





• Obeying is better than saying, "I'm sorry" (1 Samuel 15: 22)-1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

What this verse is saying is that the LORD is more pleased by obedience than sacrifice or offerings.  When we take heed to the word of God, and obey it; this pleases God.  He would rather for us to respect HIM than to bring him livestock, perfumes, oils,  or money, etc.. to the alter.  So, keeping away from sin is better than bringing offering.  Bringing offerings to HIM is part of being obedient; but keeping HIS Commands is most important.  We should please God with righteous living as well as bringing our tithes and offering.  It all goes together.  But He does not want us to live in sin, and then bring offering.

• People who obey God's Word will be blessed (Luke 11: 28)-Luke 11:28 (KJV) But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

When we hear and read what God wants from HIS Children, and we live by it, we are blessed.  The LORD will bless every part of our lives if we keep HIS WORD in our hearts and live by it.  We see the blessings pour out on every area of our lives as we keep His WORD in our hearts.

• Christians should obey the government (Romans 13: 1-4)-“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
  ‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:1-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬
  https://www.bible.com/bible/1/rom.13.1-4.kjv

What this means is that every person regardless of their faith is subject to their government.  Every authority on earth has been established and put in place by God Himself.  Whoever resists this power is resisting GOD.  They will be cursed.  The persons put in place in the government are not against the good of the people they are in charge of.  They are against evil.  Evil is anything against God.  Therefore we should respect our government.  We should do the right thing, and be honored for it.  Your government is the leader in charge of your country, state, county, region, or city.  But if you do anything evil/illegal, be prepared to receive the punishment of God, because it is for this reason that God has put him/her in that position, and he/she has the power and authority to sentence God's wrath upon all that do evil by breaking the earthly laws, or commit crimes.  

• Children should obey their parents (Ephesians 6: 1)-“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
  ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬ https://www.bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.1.kjv ​

Children should obey their parents because this is the right thing to do.  Your parents are your first teachers.  Your parents are your guardian angels on earth.  They are there to protect you and care for you.  They are in charge of your life until you are old enough to care for yourself.  They will always care for your well-being.  If you honor your parents you are promised by God to live a long life on earth.  You will be blessed.

• Christians obey God (1 John 2: 3)-“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
  ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬
  https://www.bible.com/bible/1/1jn.2.3.kjv

​Christians obey God, because it is the best way to show our love for God.  If we respect HIM, and keep His Commandments, we are showing that we actually care about HIM and know HIM.  This shows our relationship with God to be a good relationship.  He loves us so much that He came to this world to show us the way to live for HIM.  The way to live that pleases HIM.  This is the way that He originally intended for us to live.  You can see this in the following verses: 1 John 2:4 (KJV) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  1 John 2:5 (KJV) But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  1 John 2:6 (KJV) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

• Music can be used to worship God (Exodus 15: 1)-Exodus 15:1 (KJV) Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

In this verse we can see how Moses and the children of Israel would sing in worship to God for all the many miracles and wonders He performed through Moses to help free them from slavery in Egypt.  This honors God when we use our talents and gifts to worship Him through song and praise.  They were singing to God in gratitude for the victory against king Pharaoh of Egypt.  He held their people captive in slavery to build his kingdom.  The LORD heard their cries for mercy and help; and sent Moses to free them from slavery and lead them to worship HIM as their God.   This pleased the LORD as they sang in gratitude.

• Music is useful to focus our attention on God (Psalm 81: 1-2)-Psalms 81:1 (KJV) Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.  Psalms 81:2 (KJV) Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

Here you can see how music is used to focus attention on God.  You can see that when you listen to music; whatever message is behind the music being played is influenced by the Spirit that is involved in the making of the music.  They are instructed to use their music to worship God.  You can see here this is evidence that God does take pleasure in the music made by His children to show gratitude for His Greatness.  It is influenced by the Holy Spirit.

• We should make music for God's glory (Colossians 3: 16)-Colossians 3:16 (KJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Again you can see where the music is used to glorify God the creator of the universe and everything in it.  Music is used to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns; spiritual songs; influenced by the Holy Spirit with grace unto the LORD.  And so, it is important as Christians to use our gifts and talents to please the LORD who is the one who has given us these gifts and talents.  We should use them to honor and please Him.  God bless you all; and see you on the next study..

• God has forbidden murder (Deuteronomy 5: 17)-Deuteronomy 5:17 (KJV) Thou shalt not kill.

This is one of God's 10 Commandments. Very clearly it states; that we should not kill. It does not matter what happens to us in this life; we should not take the law into our own hands and kill another person. We are not God. We cannot decide when a person's life is over. This is God's job. Not ours.

• Hateful anger is the same in God's eyes as murder (Matthew 5: 21-22)-Matthew 5:21 (KJV) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Matthew 5:22 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

What these verses are saying is that not only is it sin to kill, but, even if we allow ourselves to be overcome by anger to the point it consumes us; it is regarded by God the same as murder. And if you become angry with another for no real reason; God will judge you for it. God does want us to HATE sin. If someone is offensive to you you should be reconciled to one another; for God does not want His Children holding onto grudges nor resentment towards one another. In those days, if you say Raca; today it is regarded as spatting at someone; you could be charged with same charges of assault on someone and go before the law (council). If you call someone a fool you are in danger of judgement and can be thrown into hell because God is the Highest authority and wisdom. Wisdom is God's. Only He can really call someone a fool. We are not God. We need to be careful how we treat and talk to others. (Also see: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-5-22.html) I hope this helps you to understand murder, anger, and hate. Until the next study be blessed and stay in prayer ask God to help you with any anger issues you may have that He help us all to live honorably before Him. Amen.

• sGreed brings trouble (Proverbs 15: 27)-Proverbs 15:27 (KJV) He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

When a person allows greed to take over their lives, it starts to consume you; and is the cause of many sins and crime for people of all ages, nations, and walks of life.  So, of course, greed is not fitting for any Christian.  We must be careful not to give greed a place in our lives, ever.  It is a greater blessing to be able to give, than to receive.  This does not mean that if you should reject a gift given to you from someone out of the kindness of their hearts; or if you have a need you cannot receive assistance in life, what it means is that as a Christian you should be happy to help and give to others; not just to receive assistance and gifts for yourself all the time.  We should not be selfish.

• Do not make money the most important part of your life (Matthew 6: 19)-Matthew 6:19 (KJV) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

What this bible verse is saying is that we should not put money above our God.  God should take priority in our lives not wealth.  Too many people are preoccupied; and concerned with financial gain and financial prosperity, and they are blinded in that they forget where their real fortune lies.  Material things are temporary.  This world and life we live is only temporary.  Material things break, they rot away; many times are stolen and taken from our possessions.  Our main focus as Christians should be on our true treasure; eternal life with God our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ and the plan and purpose He has for our lives while we live here on earth.  And how we can be a part of His plan to Help on earth while we live and save lives and souls from hell by sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

• Money can distract people from God (Mark 10: 17-24)-Mark 10:17 (KJV) And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  Mark 10:18 (KJV) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.  Mark 10:19 (KJV) Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  Mark 10:20 (KJV) And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  Mark 10:21 (KJV) Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  Mark 10:22 (KJV) And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  Mark 10:23 (KJV) And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  Mark 10:24 (KJV) And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

What this passage is saying is that as good a person as you can be, if you allow money to be your master you cannot please the one and living GOD.  A person that is so focused on increasing their wealth will undoubtedly neglect their soul and spiritual welfare because of it.  Too often are their days consumed with planning, organizing, and monitoring their money; that they forget to, or are unable to give time to the one true God and His Spiritual wealth and health for their hearts, minds, bodies, spirits and souls.  The LORD has so many blessings that He wants to pour out on us if we allow Him to.  Again, they are so consumed by it that they only wish to increase this material wealth and don't even care about their own spiritual welfare or for others that may have need; it could be a family member, neighbor, or other community need.  So they cannot please God, because God calls us to help others, not only to think of ourselves.

• You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16: 13)-Luke 16:13 (KJV) No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

If you love God, and want to live forever with Him in heaven, then you will have to live your life on earth to please Him.  You must fully dedicate your life to Him.  This does not mean that you cannot earn money to care for yourself, or your family; what this means is that you should not focus all your attention on only material gain.  If you make God your master; He will bless every area of your life in that all your needs will be met.  Anyone who serves God will be so blessed spiritually that they never go without.  The LORD loves us and wants our eyes to be opened to the fact that He should come first in our lives.  We should have a good relationship with God, in prayer, meditation, reading scripture, fasting for spiritual strength, congregating at Church; and helping wherever we can.  

• Christians should share their resources with those in need (Acts 2: 42-45)-Acts 2:42 (KJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  Acts 2:43 (KJV) And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  Acts 2:44 (KJV) And all that believed were together, and had all things common; Acts 2:45 (KJV) And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

What this is saying is that if you're ever in a position that you see there is a need for food in your Brother or Sister's life; or  lives, and you have the ability to help them with food, or money, or if you have belongings that can be sold; for example (a T.V. bike, computer, etc. that you do not use) or in even more extreme cases; you can sell your things and give to them for food.  Starvation is one of the saddest things to suffer in life.  

• Christians should not be lovers of money (1 Timothy 3: 3)-1 Timothy 3:3 (KJV) Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

The LORD does not want His Children to be lovers of money in that they commit sins and crimes to gain it.  In this verse, you can see that the LORD does not want us to be drunkards, violent and fighting; attacking others, greedy, or wanting after other's belongings.  We should practice peace and patience with one another; and be humble before our God.  

• We should look to God for security, not money (1 Timothy 6: 17-19)- 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:18 (KJV) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 1 Timothy 6:19 (KJV) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

We should be more concerned with spiritual security as Christians; not being arrogant; trusting in material wealth; but trusting in God who will bless every area of our lives.  We should concern ourselves in spiritual preparation for trying times that are upon us and yet to come.  We do not want to allow these hard times to rob us of our sanity or salvation so we should be preparing for the LORD's return.

• Do not love money (Hebrews 13: 5)-Hebrews 13:5 (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

What this is saying is that we should be humble; and content with the provisions that the LORD has given us; not wanting other's money, possessions.  We should be happy with everything the LORD has blessed us with.  The LORD promised not to leave or forsake us.  So we should have this security.

• Be careful to treat rich and poor equally (James 2: 1-9)-James 2:1 (KJV) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.  James 2:2 (KJV) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; James 2:3 (KJV) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: James 2:4 (KJV) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?  James 2:5 (KJV) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?  James 2:6 (KJV) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?  James 2:7 (KJV) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?  James 2:8 (KJV) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:9 (KJV) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

What the LORD is trying to tell us is that we should not treat rich people better than we treat poor people.  All lives matter.  All lives deserve the same respect.  Just because someone has material wealth; that does not mean that we should give them more consideration.  They should be offered a seat in the same manner.  This is considered evil to God.  We are all of equal importance to God.  And many times it is the rich that oppress those who are not as fortunate financially.  When we favor the rich; we are hurting ourselves spiritually because one day we will be judged by God for this.  They blaspheme God's name many times.  (You hear them saying "God D*****d it" etc..).  God wants us to love our neighbors the same way we love ourselves.  We should love everyone we cross paths with in the same way we love ourselves, and our family.  We should do well to one another.  But, if we discriminate against poor people; we are sinning.  And we are transgressing God's Laws/Commandments to those who love HIm.  We cannot honor God like this.

I hope this study helps you to remember how to honor God with respect to money and favor to those who have it.  We should love all people regardless of their possession of it; and most of all we should love God before money.  He should be proud about our attitudes towards money and one another.  May God continue to bless you all and your loved ones.. until the next study..

• Keep away from mental sins(Matthew 5: 27-30)- Matthew 5:27 (KJV) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Matthew 5:28 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  Matthew 5:29 (KJV) And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.  Matthew 5:30 (KJV) And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Since the beginning; it is sin to commit adultery.  This is well known.  But the LORD taught His Disciples that even if you look onto a woman with lust in your heart it is the same as adultery.  This proves that the way we think is also important.  It is important that we do not even think in a way that could offend God.  In verse 29, we see that even our eyes can offend God if we use them in a covetous manner.  It says to pluck it out (meaning look away if necessary) so that we will be found guiltless of coveting and adultery.  If we practice adultery and covetousness, we will be found guilty before God.  It is not worth going to hell for.  And if your flesh causes you to sin, it says to cut it off, not literally, but resist the urge or impulse (meekness-practice self control) to do the wrong thing so that the LORD will find you guiltless.  Clearly this is a call to live in holiness with God our Creator.  His Holy Spirit is here to help us to accomplish this.  This means it IS POSSIBLE.  He wants us to mirror His example in our thoughts and conduct.  And if we should find that we are weak, and are struggling with this, we are to call upon His name for strength to endure these temptations.  That is why we are to fast and to remain consistent in prayer for strength to withstand the urge to be sinful or to have lack of self-control.  We also know that God's children are anointed to be able to resist these temptations.  We must use the power bestowed upon us as Heirs of God's Kingdom.

• A Christian's thoughts should be holy -Romans 12:2 (KJV) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We are not to be satisfied with the way of this world and everything in it.  We are to be transformed by the Holy Spirit which helps us to live a Holy life, so that we may be a living testament of what God's good, acceptable, and perfect example is.  We have been given power to live this way.  We just need to use the power given to us.

• Our fellowship with God helps us make decisions (1 Corinthians 2: 6-16)-1 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 1 Corinthians 2:7 (KJV) But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:8 (KJV) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  1 Corinthians 2:10 (KJV) But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.  1 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.  1 Corinthians 2:12 (KJV) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  1 Corinthians 2:15 (KJV) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

We speak of submission to God among Christ's Church; not of this world, or the government that do not submit to God.  But we speak of the fear of God in what is considered a mystery to this world; it is a hidden treasure, which God ordered before everyone in the world to our glory also.  None of the government knew this; because had they known, they would not have ordered Jesus to be crucified.  However, God has revealed the secrets of true wisdom to His Children.  We are His chosen Children to live in the way that He originally intended us to live.  The Spirit of God knows all things.  Even the deepest of things.  Who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  So, We being Children of the Most High God, do not have a spirit of the world, but, We have God's Spirit so that We can know the things that are of God; what comes from Him.  And He gives us this blessing freely.  Because We believe.  Even our faith is a gift from Him because We are chosen.  And this is why even our speech is not that of this world.  We use the Words that are given to us by God.  So We are to live and speak the way He speaks.  But, the natural human does not receive the Spirit of God, nor does he understand it.  The things of God are considered silly to the natural man.  Because the things of the God are to be discerned(identified; accepted or understood) by the Spirit.  Whoever is Spiritual judges all things; meaning they have a more thorough understanding of everything, yet, We are not judged or fully understood by the natural man.  A Godly or Spiritual person cannot be taught by the natural man.  This is because We have the mind of Christ; a Godly mind.  That is why we have the ability to know other's thoughts too if God wants us to.  

• Christians should please God with their thoughts-Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Therefore, the LORD wants us to keep our minds in a positive manner; thinking of truth, honesty, justice, purity, lovely, and goodness.  Think of anything that is a blessing to Our lives; He wants us to be holy like Him.  Again, He gives us these abilities.

I hope you have been blessed on this study of the Godly mind.  May the LORD continue to bless you today and always.

• The prophet's prophesied about the Messiah- Genesis 3:15 (KJV) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

In the Garden of Eden; the fall of man; by the enemy convincing the woman Eve to deliberately disobey God and eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the LORD sentenced the enemy to eternal condemnation and prophesied to satan that He will put enmity; meaning He will make war with satan through His son Jesus who was to be born of the Virgin Mary (the woman) and was to defeat him (on the cross at Calvary) even though the enemy was going to try to kill him physically and to try to defeat God the Father and Jesus the Son in the plan of salvation for mankind.

• The Messiah's mother would be a virgin- Isaiah 7:14 (KJV) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

The mother of the Messiah would be a virgin because in order to give birth to a holy God, one would have to do it without sin.  The conception would have to be without sin in order for scripture to be fulfilled.  God is holy.  There is no sin in God.  There could be no sin in His conception.

• The Messiah would be great-Isaiah 9: 6-7 (KJV) 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

The Messiah is great in that His power has no limits.  He would be born of a virgin, His majesty is observed in His everything from His prophesied birth, His life, the way He lived, His wisdom, His ability to counsel, His personality traits of the Father God; everlasting there is no end to His love for mankind.  He is the Author of Life; the Son of  God the Father who is Peace.  He taught His disciples to be peaceful even under the WORST circumstances; as He was unjustly accused, cursed, spatted on; abused, insulted, disrespected, humiliated and beaten to death on the cross at Calvary.  Never once did He retaliate.  Though He was crucified; His Love, teachings, words, justice, and judgement rules forever.   He will never end.

• The Messiah would suffer-Isaiah 53:2-12 (KJV) 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.  Isaiah 53:3 (KJV) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Isaiah 53:4 (KJV) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.  Isaiah 53:7 (KJV) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.  Isaiah 53:8 (KJV) He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Isaiah 53:9 (KJV) And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.  Isaiah 53:10 (KJV) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.  Isaiah 53:11 (KJV) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.  Isaiah 53:12 (KJV) Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Jesus came to the world like a fragile human being.  His mission was to save mankind from their sin.  He came to the world very humbly.  He did not appear to be very magnificently attractive or rich like a king.  He was rejected; he didn't appear to be much in this world.  He got to know sorrow very well.  Man did not appreciate him at that time.  We have sinned and fallen away from God.  We have all desired to live our lives according to our own beliefs.  The LORD has taken our punishment onto himself.  The government dealt with Him very harshly.  They inflicted pain on Him.  But He was meek, and quiet spirited through his trial, judgement, and sentencing.  Like a lamb without blemish he is brought to His death.  He remained quiet the whole time.  He got to see death as if He had sinned, or was wicked or lied though He had not lied or sinned.  As horrible as he was treated; and severely punished, it please Him to be able to save the souls of all that believed in Him.  In His death alone, he received that reward that He was able to pay for our sins.  Not to mention, He is seated in His throne in His portion with the great; God the Father, where there is eternal celebration and rejoice in His endless victories.

• The Messiah would heal broken lives- Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;  Isaiah 61:2 (KJV) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

When the LORD anoints a chosen person to preach His Word unto all who are anointed to receive His word, and practice self control, we know that they have the Spirit of the Lord upon them.  This is because they have to have God's Spirit in order to be able to accomplish these things.  We are sent to help heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom from sin to those in bondage.  To announce the acceptable year of the LORD and His day of vengeance to give comfort to all that suffer from all the injustices that have occured since the beginning of time. To inform them of their place in heaven-The Kingdom of God.  To give them beauty for their remorse of sin.  Joy in place of suffering and cries.  And to help establish them so that the LORD Himself will be exalted and glorified, for it is through HIS mercy and love we can receive this gift of salvation of our souls.  He gives us the gift of being able to give Him praise instead of having the spirit of heaviness.  By this we know that those who know His word; they will compare us to the likeness of a tree of righteousness; firmly planted by God for His glory and purpose. 

• The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem-Micah 5:2 (KJV) But thou, Beth–lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Though Bethlehem is a small town located in Northern Israel; it was there that the promised Messiah and ruler would be born,  His birth was foretold since the beginning of time.

• Jesus' disciples knew he was the Messiah-Mark 8: 27-29 27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? 28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.  29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.

The reason that Jesus' disciples knew that He was the Messiah, was because they had the Spirit of the LORD on them which gives them a Spirit of discernment of the truth.  They are able to know without a doubt what is, and what is not the truth.

• The Messiah will come again-Mark 14:61 (KJV) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?  Mark 14:62 (KJV) And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Jesus confirmed that He is Christ, the Son of the Blessed.  He foretold His second coming to  the high priest during his trial.  

• Jesus claimed to be the Messiah-John 4: 25-42-John 4:25 (KJV) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.  John 4:26 (KJV) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.  John 4:27 (KJV) And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?  John 4:28 (KJV) The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, John 4:29 (KJV) Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?  John 4:30 (KJV) Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.  John 4:31 (KJV) In the meanwhile his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.  John 4:32 (KJV) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.  John 4:33 (KJV) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat?  John 4:34 (KJV) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.  John 4:35 (KJV) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  John 4:36 (KJV) And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.  John 4:37 (KJV) And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.  John 4:38 (KJV) I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.  John 4:39 (KJV) And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.  John 4:40 (KJV) So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.  John 4:41 (KJV) And many more believed because of his own word; John 4:42 (KJV) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Jesus claimed to be the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well.  She spoke of the promised Messiah that was to come and speak to them; and He told Her "You are speaking to Him".  His disciples saw Him speaking with her, and nobody questioned Him.  This shows they have the Spirit of the LORD, the LORD is Sovereign.  He told her everything about her life.  She left, and told others about Him, and why she believed He was the Christ.  The men then left, and went unto Jesus.  In the meantime, His disciples were concerned for his nourishment, and told Him to eat.  However, Jesus refused and told them that His nourishment is to do the will of the Father, and to finish His work.  This mission is to save souls from hell.  And all that are assigned to do this work, must be taught well; and we should know that our mission is also to help save souls.  We are to work the souls that are lost, and not to fret; that we will reap the harvest of these souls for Christ; and made us aware that some souls would be finished off by other Pastors even though we won them for Christ.  This is ok, because likewise, we would reap the work of other Pastors as well.  So many souls believed what Jesus spoke; because everything He spoke was true, not only about the Samaritan woman, but, also about the prophecy of the coming Messiah.  Everything matched up.  

• The Messiah brings salvation-Hebrews 2:10 (KJV) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.  

Because Jesus was crucified; though he was blameless, He was able to take upon Him the sins of the world.  Our salvation is made perfect through Jesus' suffering.

​I hope this study helps you to understand the prophesy and mission of our promised Messiah.  May God continue to bless you always..

• God requires that we show mercy-Micah 6:8 (KJV) He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
  
  In this verse, we see that Jesus lived as an example to mankind.  He was good, just, merciful, and humble.  He requires that His children live in the same way.  He expects us to follow His example.
  
  
• People who show mercy to others will be rewarded -Matthew 5:7 (KJV) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
  
  When we show mercy to others, the LORD blesses us for it.  We will receive mercy when the time comes that they make a mistake, or sin in some way many times unknowingly. 
  
  
• We should imitate God's mercy -Luke 6:36 (KJV) Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
  
  The same mercy that we ask of the Father should be extended to others.  If we want God to forgive us our sins and tresspasses, we should likewise forgive others.  He wants us to imitate His example.

• Jesus is merciful -1 Timothy 1:2 (KJV) Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
  
  Jesus is merciful to all.  Even as they tortured and crucified Him on the cross at Calvary, He asked mercy for them of the Father saying: Luke 23:34 (KJV) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

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• Mercy is from God -2 Timothy 1:2 (KJV) To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
  
  Mercy is from God; He shows mercy throughout the Bible from beginning to end.  He is merciful in that He knows that man is fallible; He created us from the dust of the earth; man is fragile.  He has shown mercy from the beginning of creation even after the first man and woman sinned in the Garden of Eden.  
  
  I hope you enjoyed this short study and remember to show mercy to others fighting hard battles in this life.  May God continue to light the path for you today and always.  God bless you.
  
  

God hates divorce-Malachi 2:16 (KJV)-For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

This verse is clear in that the Lord hates divorce because when you are married; you are covering yourselves of the violence of sin.  Outside of marriage you are forced into committing violent sexual sins before God.  They are considered violent because adultery, and fornications are sins of death before the Lord.  Disobeying the LORD can be deadly.  They were once payable by death.  The Lord is clearly warning married couples not to deal treacherously with Him, (the LORD) and one another.   When we divorce, we are sinning against God and against one another.
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• Two people become one through marriage (Mark 10: 2-12)-

​2.  And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
3.  And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
4.  And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
5.  And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6.  But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8.  And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
10.  And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
11.  And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
12.  And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
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So, once you marry, your flesh are joined together as one.  And once God permits this unity, no one should come between them.  If you divorce your spouse, you are committing adultery in that God commanded the two of you to remain together in marriage.  So the decision of divorce is adultery before God.

• Angels do not get married (Mark 12: 25)-For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

This verse is touching on two points: The first, is that in heaven, it will not matter who we are married to because we will become as the angels in heaven.  What this means is that angels in heaven are not married; they have no need for it; they are holy.  They do not have a need to reproduce, nor do they feel lust of the flesh.

• Married partners should meet each other's needs (1 Corinthians 7: 2-5)- (KJV) Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.  1 Corinthians 7:3 (KJV) Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.  1 Corinthians 7:4 (KJV) The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.  1 Corinthians 7:5 (KJV) Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

What these verses are saying is that it is important to avoid fornication.  Everyone should have their own spouse.  When it says let the husband render unto his wife due benevolence, this means let him tend to her needs meaning spiritually, materially, and physically.  He should not deny her in the things of the spirit, (taking care of her spirit and soul by putting God first, praying together, regularly attending church services, etc..), materially, providing for her and the family, and physically pleasing his wife.  He should not deny her intimacy.  The wife should also do the same for her husband.  Neither party should be denied any of these things.  They should be pleasing God and one another in their marriage.  The only time they should not be intimate is during fasting and prayer when you are separating/taking your time out for God.  Then you are to come back together to avoid temptation always waiting for married couples as we are aware the devil is always looking to attack marriages in this way.

• Married partners are united to each other for life 1 Corinthians 7:39 (KJV) The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

What this verse is saying is that couples are to be married until they die.  Only then can a Christian couple consider marriage to another.  And this should be properly done; with  God's blessing.  

• A Christian wife can witness to her non-Christian husband  1 Peter 3:1-6 (KJV) Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 1 Peter 3:2 (KJV) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.  1 Peter 3:4 (KJV) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  1 Peter 3:5 (KJV) For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:​ 1 Peter 3:6 (KJV) Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

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What this passage is referring to is that if a woman is married before she is saved, and comes to the walk of faith, her conduct alone should be an example for her husband.  It should speak volumes that she is a quiet and meek wife; the way she carries herself, and the respect she has for her husband in daily conversation, her honor should suffice in attracting her husband to the faith.  This should make it easy to witness to your non-Christian husband.

I hope this brief study on marriage is as much a blessing to you and yours, as it is to me.  May God be with you today and always.

• Lustful thoughts are sinful (Matthew 5: 28)-Matthew 5:28 (KJV) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

This verse describes the care that a Christian must take even in their thoughts; if we cannot control our thoughts, we are to ask God for help in doing so.

• Christians should not give in to lust (Colossians 3: 5)-Colossians 3:5 (KJV) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

When we are faced with these temptations, we are to run from them; not give into them, we should resist temptation; and the devil, and they will flee from us.  Again, if we are struggling with this, we should ask God for help with this.

• Christians should avoid lust (1 Thessalonians 4: 3-5)-1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (KJV) That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 1 Thessalonians 4:5 (KJV) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

What these passages are saying is that God wants us not to succumb to these temptations, fornication (idolatry, or sexual relations out of marriage) we are to know how to keep holy and live honorably before Him.  He does not want us to go after the lust and desires of our hearts/flesh.  Again, if we are struggling with this we should be asking Him for help with these desires/weaknesses.

• Godless people enjoy immorality (1 Peter 4: 3)-1 Peter 4:3 (KJV) For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:/

What this is saying is that before we came to the knowledge of Christ we lived as the world/non-believers, doing whatever we desired.  Now that we know Him, we should live for Him.  Keep holy as He is holy.

• Friends are loyal (Proverbs 17: 17)-Proverbs 17:17 (KJV) A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

A true friend will love you through your worst times. Sometimes we can find friends that will love and support us even more so than our own siblings. Our siblings ( like the story of Cain & Abel)often compete with us and are rivals, sometimes in Church, with boyfriends/girlfriends, a job, or even for the affection/attention of our parents. But a true friend will love you at all times. You can count on a friend when you need something, whether it be help in the form of just being there to listen when you have a problem; a shoulder to cry on; are having a problem; need advice, need cash, need a favor, the list goes on and on.. We should value a friendship such as this, and give thanks to God for the very few true friends we find sometimes. Be appreciative; and reciprocate the love, or go above and beyond for a loyal friend.

• We cannot divide our loyalty (Matthew 6: 24)-Matthew 6:24 (KJV) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

In this passage, the loyalty described is the loyalty of God. God wants loyalty from His children in that He MUST come before ANYTHING ELSE in our lives. We must LOVE GOD above all else including money. We cannot serve God and serve money at the same time. We must love one or the other. If you love God, you must not dedicate your life searching for riches. The bulk of your time should be spent in serving the LORD. He should be your main focus. Therefore, you should not be so enticed by money that you would be caught up in doing anything illegal. We should not be cheating in any way. We should not compromise our dignity or salvation to gain riches. This does not mean that you cannot make an honest living. But this should not come between you and God.

• There must be loyalty in marriage (Hebrews 13: 4)-Hebrews 13:4 (KJV) Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

The loyalty in marriage is so important. The reason it's so important is for reasons far above just hurting the one you love and made a promise to. It is symbolic of your love for God. If you cannot be loyal to your spouse, how can you be loyal to your God?

This study is short, but, nonetheless a great one. Loyalty is something that is hard to come by these days. It is something that we need to take a closer look at. We need to examine ourselves; and see how we can be honorable, and loyal not only to God, but to ourselves. We are only hurting ourselves if we live in deceit. We should pray for God to change anything in our hearts that may be crooked; or blind. Let's pray so that God would open our eyes and our hearts to live in a loyal way. May God abundantly bless you this and everyday. Until the next study.

• Love in marriage is strong (Song of Songs 8: 6-7)-Song of Solomon 8:6 (KJV) Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.  Song of Solomon 8:7 (KJV) Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.
• Love your enemies (Matthew 5: 43-44)- Matthew 5:43 (KJV) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  Matthew 5:44 (KJV) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

This verse is saying that most people react to their enemies with hatred; however, the LORD wants His Children to react the opposite.  He wants Us to have and show love for them.  To do what He has done.  To bless them that curse us, do good to those that hate us; and pray for those which despitefully use and persecute us; the reason for this is that there is no reward in loving only those who love you.  To be God's Child is to love even the impossible ones to love.

• Loving God is the most important command (Mark 12: 29-30)-Mark 12:29 (KJV) And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: Mark 12:30 (KJV) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

This verse is saying that loving God is the most important thing for a Christian.  Loving Him above all else.  We must love Him even more than ourselves.  Put Him first, above all else.  So obeying His commands above even our own wants, or desires.

• Christians must love each other (John 13:34)-John 13:34 (KJV) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

We also must love one another with the same love that God shows us.  We must be concerned about one another.  

• We cannot be separated from Jesus' love (Romans 8: 35-39)- Romans 8:35 (KJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Romans 8:36 (KJV) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Romans 8:37 (KJV) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  Romans 8:38 (KJV) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Romans 8:39 (KJV) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What this means is that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from our LORD.  It does not matter what trials, tribulations, illness, anything that you could think of.  Though many times we are tried; our faith is tested, we go through many difficulties; but, that will not separate us from the love of God.  He will always love us.  What this means is that His love has given us victory over it all.  These things will not change the love He has for His Children.

• Love must be genuine (Romans 12: 9)-Romans 12:9 (KJV) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
  

​The love that we have for God, ourselves, and one another should be truly genuine.  We should not pretend to have love.  We should hate what is evil, and love what is good.  This is God's love for His Children. 

• Love never quits (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8)-1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 1 Corinthians 13:6 (KJV) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 1 Corinthians 13:7 (KJV) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  1 Corinthians 13:8 (KJV) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Love is the most important attribute of a Christian.  When we love God and one another, we are not easily discouraged.  We show kindness like He shows kindness.  We should not be envious; we should be content with what the LORD has blessed us with in every area of our lives.  We should not be prideful.  We should not be disrespectful or obnoxious.  We should not be selfish.  We should not be easily angered.  We should be optimistic.  We should not think negatively; or of evil things.  We should not be glad to see the bad.  We should be happy in truth.  We should be patient. Always believing the best of one another.  True love never fails.  The gifts from God are temporary.  But the love that God gives is eternal.

• God's love for us is beyond our understanding (Ephesians 3:18)-Ephesians 3:18 (KJV) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;​
  

When we are rooted and grounded in God's love, we will be able to understand along with the body of Christ how deep, long, broad, and great God's love is.  His love never ends, and there's nothing that He cannot endure.  His love is so deep that man cannot understand it.  There are people/circumstances that sometimes we would never be able to understand how God can love them.  Nonetheless, God's love is that great that He loves them.  His love is infinite. 

• Love helps you look past offenses (1Peter 4: 8)-1 Peter 4:8 (KJV) And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
  

​God's love is so great that His love covers many many sins.  The sins of our past are long forgotten by God.  We should also love in this way.  We are to forgive, and forget.

• God is love (1 John 4: 16)-1 John 4:16 (KJV) And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
  

​The love that we have was given by God.  He that has love lives in God, and God lives in Him.  Without God we would not be able to show love for all.  It would not be possible to have love without God.​​

• We must be known for our love (2 John 1: 5)- 2 John 1:5 (KJV) And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

God has shown His love to man and all creation in that He so loved the world, that He gave His one and only begotten son that whoever believes shall have eternal salvation through Christ Jesus this is the beginning, and the end of the Gospel.  The love of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  May God continue to bless and keep you all.  Amen.