• 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!