• 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.