C11. MAIN-Knowing God & Living a Full Existence

C11. KNOWING GOD & LIVING A FULL EXISTENCE

John 10:10b NIV

[10] I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

CONSIDER

• God desires relationship with us and provides His Word and the Holy Spirit so we know more about Him including how He desires we think and act

• Remember that, as with any relationship, our relationship with God isn't always easy or straightforward even though we have His Word to guide us <D40>

• Truth be told, not everyone wants to admit there is a God and follow Him, for it is easier to follow the laws of science than it is to follow God

• Science does not demand anything of us, while God demands we follow Him and His ways as outlined in Scripture <P1698>

• We can enjoy this loving relationship and move ahead in confidence despite the ups and downs

• Everyday the enemy tries to entice believers to ignore and even harm their relationship with Christ

• Believing in Jesus and accepting his sacrifice allows believers to experience God's grace and presence

• Satan hates the fact that believers have access to God and will do everything in his power to stop them from growing and thriving in their faith

• He wants to keep believers from living abundant, fulfilling, difference-making, holy lives

• To this end, the enemy will set traps with scenarios that exploit their weaknesses and go against God <L120>

• We live in a spiritual war, with Satan wanting to destroy the soul of every person

• Those who are blind to the battle are going to be the target and victim of the battle <M1501>

Romans 5:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

FULFILLMENT

• To guard against the enemy's attacks, followers of Christ should introspectively discern where they have a weakness that leads to sin <M1501>

• Then be ready to repent when falling prey to that weakness, with resolve to combat it in the future

• This process of sanctification will ultimately deepen the believer's relationship with their Father while advancing a holy fulfilled life

1 Corinthians 11:31 NIV

[31] But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.

• We don’t have to be a master gardener to know that the branches of a vine can’t survive and thrive unless they’re connected to the vine

• And we can’t survive and thrive spiritually unless we stay connected to Jesus

• God gives us the spiritual nourishment we need to produce good fruit in our lives

• God created us and knows what we’re capable of producing; He can see the areas where we’re blossoming and the areas where growth and yield aren’t happening

• If we stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, God will help us cut away the unproductive areas of our lives, the things that keep us from producing even more fruit

• God, the Master Gardener, will help us increase our spiritual yield <L120>

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

RELATED COMMENTS

Note: each ** comment in this APPLICATION doc comes from CHAPTER doc(s), where the comments are in numerical order according to verse(s) from the chapter

** The same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead can bring a fulfilled eternal life to those who call on Him!

• Anyone who calls on the name of Christ will be saved and receive the Holy Spirit

• Those who are born again can live a fulfilled life of joy, peace and hope through the power of the Holy Spirit

• In addition to living a fulfilled life in this mortal existence, the same believer is promised eternity with Christ when their life is over

Romans 8:11 NIV

[11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Acts 1:8 NIV

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

** It's important we understand why God created humans in His image <M1501>

• Being made in God's image is not a matter of gaining sentience, conscience or intelligence

• Some think the image is possible because God breathed life into man, but animals also have the breath of life

• Some think it's a reflection on God because man has a soul and spirit, but animals have those as well

• Man and woman are made in the image of God SO we can serve a purpose: to work according to God's kingdom and His will

• Our being made in God's image is not an inherited character trait of God, but a function for His glory

• Embryos are not just a clump of cells, but are formed and ordained by God to serve His purpose

• Those living today -- those who escaped abortion -- are called to protect and emulate the image of God, as Christ personified God and kept His commandments when He walked the earth

• Christians bear Christ's name and, therefore, are a reflection of Him

• Those who do not live functionally according to God's leading are taking His name in vain

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

[18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

** God's Word is the powerful lifeblood for His followers

• God expects every Christian to make a pledge to read and live out His Word in their life

• This helps them live life as a Christian, providing:

• Armor to help combat the enemy

• A plumb line to help discern falsehoods

• Prophecy to be prepared for what's coming

• Power to overcome temptation, and

• Guidance to avoid sinning against the Father

• Pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word

• Pledge to make His Word a lamp for your feet and light for your path

• Pledge to hide God's Word in your heart so you can readily apply it when needed <D502>

Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV

[10] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

** God works on older people, helping them lessen their grip on the world and tighten their grip on Him

Psalm 73:25 NIV

[25] Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

Philippians 3:8 NIV

[8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

• The latter years are not for waste, but refinement

• God often does His deepest work when no one else is around <M130>

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

John 12:25 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

** God’s wisdom leads to real and lasting life and purpose; dig deep into the Scriptures to find the ancient wisdom He provides <D502>

Ecclesiastes 8:17 NIV

[17] then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

** The Bible warns us not to conform to the pattern of this world, yet our society willingly conforms to a digital pattern that thrives on vanity and validation <B303> (Aug 2025)

• The Apostle Paul warned that perilous times would come in the last days (2 Tim 3:1–5)

• Among those who define this perilous time include 'lovers of themselves' and those 'without self-control'

• Having an identity on social media is the cultural norm today and certainly amplifies Paul's traits like never before

• Social platforms encourage constant self-promotion and comparison

• Children are using these social apps at younger ages and it’s becoming their primary source of information, identity, and interaction

• They grow up believing their worth is tied to how many followers they have or how many people approve of their selfies

• What technology do we have to look forward to in our future that will further promote this current 'cult of self'?

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Timothy 3:1-4 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God---

• Jesus warned us to watch out that no one deceives you (Matt 24:4)

• Social media is a perfect breeding ground for deception with filtered images, exaggerated stories, and carefully curated lifestyles to look perfect

• False narratives spread faster than truth, and carefully edited posts create illusions of reality

• Social media normalizes false narratives about life, morality, and even truth itself -- conditioning hearts to accept lies without discernment

Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

[16] There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, [19] a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

• Distraction is one of Satan’s sharpest weapons enticing people to focus on anything but Christ

• If the enemy can keep everyone entertained, amused, and distracted, he doesn’t have to convince them outright to reject God -- neglect will do the job just as well

• Social media is training entire generations to think and act according to the algorithm -- without question

• Here are suggestions to guard against the dangers of social media in the home:

1. Model healthy use -- Let children see adults prioritize God’s Word over screen time

2. Set boundaries -- Create tech-free zones and times in the home (Deut 6:6–7)

3. Teach discernment -- Help kids evaluate what they see through the lens of Scripture (Acts 17:11)

4. Encourage real community -- Involve children in church, youth groups, and service opportunities; replace digital imitation with genuine fellowship

1 Peter 5:8 NIV

[8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

** How many of us would like a fresh start at life?

• Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it <C410>

• Many of us can see the truth of those famous words when we look back at our lives

• We see destructive patterns and decisions repeated again and again

• But as Paul pointed out, Jesus frees us from those destructive cycles when we give our lives to Him

• A fresh start doesn’t mean a trouble-free life, but we’re no longer slaves to our old sinful urges and impulses <L120>

• If you’re struggling in your season of life right now, don’t give up

• That's why the Gospel is called the good news because you can be saved and have a fresh start

• No matter who you are or what you've done, if you would just call upon the name of Jesus Christ

• Ask Him to forgive you of all your sins and trust that His death on the cross is the full payment needed <C36>

• Then draw close to God, pray, and study His Word on a daily basis

• A new season is on its way; a fresh start is just around the corner!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

[18] “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

** Paul’s faith had ‘substance’ and that substance was to be believed; the foundation of faith is a personal relationship with God through Jesus

• Paul didn’t say ‘I know WHAT I have believed’ but ‘I know WHOM I have believed’ <R1795>

• Do we believe in the ‘idea of God’ or do we have a relationship with our Savior?

2 Timothy 1:12b NIV

[12] …I know whom I have believed…

** We decide not only where we are going in this life but also where we will spend eternity <L120>

Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV

[19] This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

• What road are you on today? Which way are you going?

• If you’re living for yourself, if you’re living for pleasure, if you’re living for happiness, you’re heading for a dead end and will never find what you’re looking for

• No one knew this better than Solomon, the great king of Israel who had almost limitless wealth and pursued earthly pleasures with reckless abandon

• When he was done, he looked at everything he worked hard to accomplish and realized it was all so meaningless, like chasing the wind

Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIV

[11] Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

• On the other hand, if you change your course and follow Jesus Christ, He will give you absolute assurances of life

• We can be assured of life beyond the grave, life in His presence, life in a place called Heaven, which is far greater than anything you think you can achieve and imagine

Philippians 1:27 NIV

** Before David loaded the stone into his sling, he warned Goliath that this was the Lord’s battle <L120>

• David was calm where other warriors had panicked

• He knew who was really doing the fighting

• We cannot win spiritual battles if we rely on our own strength

• And we cannot lose spiritual battles if we rely on the power of God

1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

[47] All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Ephesians 6:10 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

** God is always by our side when we obediently follow His lead

“There are times when to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our life, we must walk alone. This is contrary to our natural inclinations. Sometimes we must walk away from the crowd, even the Christian crowd.” <T207>

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

[6] Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

[10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

** Remember that biblical peace is not merely the absence of war -- it is the presence of truth, righteousness, and the Messiah Himself <P1701>

• We are warned in Scripture that even good beginnings that seem like peace in this world can be used for evil ends

• Align yourself with the God of Peace to carry His peace with you in any circumstance

John 14:26-27 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 15:13 NIV

[13] May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

** Life need not be a series of inevitable bad choices, progression of blunders, struggles, and regret <L120>

• One of our enemy's most effective strategies is to convince people the life Jesus offers is somehow restrictive, boring, or unfulfilling

• Satan tries to distract everyone with empty, shallow, selfish, and ultimately destructive pursuits

• He warps our perspective so we can’t tell what’s truly meaningful and satisfying in life

• Don’t fall for his lies but, rather, follow Christ to discover how rich and satisfying life can be

• Experience life as God intends, making it possible to find purpose and genuine fulfillment

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Philippians 3:10 NIV

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

• Often, when believers think about the life that Jesus offers, their thoughts immediately go to eternal life

• Indeed, Christ's death and resurrection makes eternal life possible for His followers, but He also transforms lives in the current world

• Christ can free people from slavery of sin and provide them with a taste of true freedom that will be fully known in eternity

Romans 8:11 NIV

[11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

** The fruit of the Spirit evident in Christians is not for 'show' or 'spectator sport' but to enable them to stay in step with the Spirit <M1501>

• The Bible uses 'walking with the Spirit' as a metaphor for a believer's journey, encompassing beliefs, attitudes, desires, and actions

• The fruit of the Spirit provides a guide for believers on how to live a life pleasing to God and aligned with His character

• As believers cultivate these qualities, they experience personal transformation and become more like Christ <W2201>

Galatians 5:22-26 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Colossians 1:9b-10 NIV

[9] We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

John 15:5 NIV

[5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

** There are countless ways to serve Jesus, but our worship must come first <L120>

• Some believers make the mistake of allowing their work for God to overshadow their worship of God

• They convince themselves that what they say or do is indispensable to God’s kingdom

• Somehow what they do for Him is more important than spending time with Him

• They believe their ministry is vital to the success of the Christian faith -- that God needs them!

Luke 10:41-42 NIV

[41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

• Newsflash: God doesn’t need us

• Another newsflash: Everything that believers do must emanate from our worship of God

• Worship is the source of our power and effectiveness, so it must be our top priority

• Worshiping God is the source of our spiritual power and energy

• What we do WITH Christ is far more important than what we do FOR Christ

1 Peter 1:15-16 NIV

[15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Thessalonians 1:3 NIV

[3] We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 6:33 NIV

[33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

** The resurrection we celebrate isn’t just an historical event; it also plays an important role in our daily lives <L120>

• Who is this man that we are talking about today?

• What sets the Christian faith apart from all other beliefs and religious systems out there in the world?

It might come down to this...

• If you go to the tomb of Confucius, you will find that it is occupied

• If you go to the tomb of Buddha, you will find that it, too, is occupied

• If you go to the tomb of Muhammad, you will find that it is occupied

• But if you go to the tomb of Jesus Christ, you will find that it is empty because He is alive; we serve a living Savior!

Romans 8:11 NIV

[11] The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Philippians 3:10 NIV

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

** Jesus said that His committed followers would be kept from evil during the Church Age <B23>

• Satan, the evil one will not be able to do any permanent destructive damage to followers of Christ during the Church Age (John 17:15)

• The Church will remain in Jesus while the world remains under control of the evil one

• Christ promises to never allow His followers to pass from 'being in Christ' to 'being in the devil'

John 17:11 NIV

[11] I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

John 17:15 NIV

[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

• The Church Age will end before the Rapture and Tribulation

• At this time, all believers still living on earth will be taken away to be with Christ

• Jesus' promise confirms the Pre-Trib understanding that believers will be removed from the world before Satan exerts increased influence in the Tribulation Age (Rev 3:10)

Revelation 3:10 NIV

[10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

** True Christ-like growth can only come from God Himself, and never is a secret formula to be attained by some other religious attempt <B315>

• Becoming more Christ-like comes only from obedience to God’s Word and glorifying our Maker through proper stewardship of His gifts and reverent worship

• Adam and Eve chose deeper understanding outside of worshiping and obeying their Creator, and we are suffering from the consequences of that to this day

Matthew 13:11-12 NIV

[11] He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. [12] Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.

• Understanding God is revealed through the Holy Spirit, and requires a heart open to God's wisdom <W2210>

Luke 8:8b NIV

[8] When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Luke 8:10 NIV

[10] He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “ 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'

** If we want to dwell with God, we cannot be involved in wickedness <M1501>

Psalm 5:4 NIV

[4] For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome.

• Evil will change our perspective and daily outlook when willingly entertaining it

• We know evil has taken over when we become numb to it

• On the contrary, evil should provoke a righteous anger in us when encountering it

• Take comfort and be encouraged because evil has no weight (or affect) against those who follow Jesus Christ

• God, the One who is in us, is greater than he who is in the world!

Psalm 37:9 NIV [wait=what we hold on to]

[9] For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

1 John 4:4 NIV

[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

** God lifts the heads of His people; His followers can take comfort and feel honored for the Lord of the Universe knows each one by name!

Isaiah 43:1 NIV

[1] But now, this is what the Lord says---he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

• God's relationship with individuals is personal

• He is intimately aware of their lives, thoughts, and needs, addressing them individually by name

• God's children are not lost in the wilderness or buried in a divine spreadsheet somewhere, but known by God

• So we can lift up our head, for the Lord our God sees us! <W212>

Psalm 139:1-4 NIV

[1] You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. [2] You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. [3] You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. [4] Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

[7] Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? [8] If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. [9] If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, [10] even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. [11] If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” [12] even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Revelation 3:5 NIV

[5] The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.

** As followers of Christ, we are to listen to the Holy Spirit through prayer, follow His example as outlined in Scripture and obey the tasks He sets before us <B295>

Galatians 5:22-25 NIV

• We may not immediately see the value in our calling, but God can use our obedience in ways that would likely amaze us

• Don't ever dismiss the efforts of any of God's children, from the willing believer who is a loving parent raising their child, to the Christian worker on a factory production line or mission field

• We are called to accomplish what God wants us to do in the time allotted to us

• We seldom know the final results (and don't need to) but we do know the tasks He sets before us

• God will use everything we offer Him

• Know that our efforts may be a small part of the 'bigger picture' He is orchestrating

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

[31] So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

[23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

** To be content is to recognize the goodness and generosity of God that put you where you are <L120>

• It’s a matter of focus

• Take inventory of the amazing things God has done for you and given you, and remember from Whom all good gifts are given

• If your eyes are on the things of this world, you won’t be content because there's always a new toy, nicer car, and bigger house on the horizon

• It’s only after you acquire the things of desire that you discover the stinging truth of Solomon’s words: that everything is meaningless

Ecclesiastes 2:11 NIV

[11] Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

• If, on the other hand, your eyes are on God and His will for your life, contentment is always within reach

James 1:17 NIV

[17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Philippians 4:11-12 NIV

[11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

** The Church in Philadelphia was not large or of great power, but they overcame Satan's schemes <M1501>

• Christians today need to follow suit and hold on to God's Word and His Name

• Be a Bornean to be able to decipher falsehoods claiming to be truth

Revelation 3:8-9 NIV

[8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. [9] I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars---I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

** Everyone has sin in their life -- thoughts and actions that go against God's will in some way -- but there is a way out from the bondage of sin through the power of Christ

• Paul recognized he was once operating against God as a blasphemer, persecutor and violent

• Thanks be to God that He gave Paul the strength and ability to overcome this sin, transforming his life and ministry

• Christians still have to deal with their sin nature while in our sin-cursed bodies

• All Christians have feet of clay; no matter how dedicated to the Lord and His Word, we are all susceptible to being drawn into error because of our sin nature <H82>

• There is some sin and it's temptation we struggle with more than others, and we will struggle as long as we live in this world

• Not everyone struggles with the same sin, but everyone is in need of Christ's redemption

1 Timothy 1:9-11 NIV

[9] We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, [10] for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers---and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine [11] that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

1 Timothy 1:12-15 NIV

Romans 3:23-24 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV

[11] And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

** God revealed Himself and His will to us, we do not need to ‘figure Him out’

• Manifold = multifaceted; God’s plan and purposes are multifaceted

• God’s plan, revealed in the Old Testament, seems so straightforward:

He chose a people and promised them redemption, a Savior King, and ultimate triumph
Then suddenly, the Son of God appeared as the promised King, but rejected by His people, then crucified and resurrected <R1795>

Ephesians 1:8-9 NIV

that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, [9] he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. [18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

Ephesians 3:10-13 NIV

[10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. [12] In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

** Recognize the 'dividing line' that Jesus lays out for us when considering current world events <N152>

• We can take comfort when aligning with God in this spiritual battle

• It doesn't matter what the enemy has accomplished in corrupting this world or what he has planned for the future

Luke 11:23 NIV

[23] “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

Matthew 12:30 NIV

[30] “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

** It’s been said that inside every old person is a young person wondering what in the world just happened; life is a fast-moving ride <L120>

• We’re all rushing headlong to what lies beyond this life

• In the meantime, we must make the most of our brief stay in this world

• What are we doing with the gifts God has given us?

• Life is short, live it well

Job 9:25-26 NIV

[25] “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy. [26] They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey.

Psalm 39:4-5 NIV

[4] “Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. [5] You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

** It's common for people to ignore their sin condition because they simply don't see it; they think they are 'good' and being 'better than the other guy' will somehow save them in the end

• A good analogy of this is someone standing outdoors in a city suburb, with the morning sun shining brightly through the morning haze

• They see the sun shining but not the smog that surrounds them and think it's a beautiful sunny day!

• It takes getting on a plane to go 'above the smog' before realizing it's there <C392>

• It's like this with sin

• God looks down to see us living in sin, even though we typically don't see it while living in it

• Our sin is damaging us and must be cleaned up so we can live healthy lives

• Recognizing our sin and asking Christ to save us from it is a needed first step

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

[9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

• Moving beyond the notion 'it is enough to be good' to becoming a follower of Christ -- who can perfectly cleanse our sin condition -- is simple yet powerful and requires these steps:

1. Believe Jesus Christ is God

2. Understand that you are living in sin and that Christ came to earth to die and ‘take on’ the punishment for your sin by dying on a cross

3. Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and He now lives

• Once you accept Christ in this way, you are immediately accepted as one of His children

• God expects that you will turn from your sinful ways and AIM TO LIVE a life pleasing to Him, according to His Word

• As a believer, Christ promises to LIVE IN YOU, via the Holy Spirit, to help you along your journey in life

• Becoming a follower of Christ not only saves you from eternal punishment, but shows that you care for God and are willing to dedicate your life for Him — like you would want to dedicate yourself to any loved-one in your life

• After you place your trust in God and receive His Spirit within you, you can move ahead toward this goal in confidence as you follow His Word

Romans 3:12 NIV

[12] All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

** People THINK they are free, but they are only free to choose the sin they desire <M130>

• Christ offers the only true 'freedom' through the gospel truth

• He offers liberation from sin, along with freedom from guilt and eternal punishment

• Bondage to sin is eternal death, while bondage to Christ is eternal life

• Not only do believers in Christ experience freedom in the present life, but hope for the day they will be free from sin permanently after death or Christ returns

John 8:31-32 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Galatians 5:1 NIV

[1] It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Philippians 1:21 NIV

[21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

** We can rest in the love of God who makes up for what we lack, and who brings beauty out of our hurt <D502>

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

** Even though Job questioned his own desperate situation and wondered why God would allow it, he still respectfully trusted his Maker <B315>

• Job recited deep spiritual truths to his friends and praised God

• Job also recognized man’s pathetic attempts to understand a Divine Being far more awesome than their limited human minds could comprehend

• Job had every reason to give up and lose faith, yet he confidently knew that his redeemer lives!

Job 13:15a NIV

[15] Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him

Job 19:25 NIV

[25] I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

** At some point, fear replaced courage in David’s heart <L120>

• David had showed remarkable courage: he killed a lion and a bear protecting his flock, he walked onto a battlefield to face the giant carrying nothing but a slingshot and a few rocks, he led King Saul’s army into countless battles

• Even though God had protected him again and again in high-risk situations, David chose to run away

• David was gripped by fear and that caused him to take his eyes off the Lord

• In his panic, he ran to enemy territory where the Philistine king recognized him immediately

1 Samuel 21:10 NIV

[10] That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath.

Psalm 142:1-4 NIV

[1] I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. [2] I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. [3] When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. [4] Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

• David eventually understood that when the bottom drops out, you look up

• You put your focus on God and not on your problems: give your fears to Him

• That’s how to be a person after God’s own heart!

Psalm 142:5-7 NIV

[5] I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” [6] Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. [7] Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

** God’s wisdom makes a very real difference in the daily lives of His followers <L120>

1. The wisdom that comes from God is PURE

• It reveals God’s will and shows us how His will impacts every area of our lives

• From our relationship with our spouse or loved ones to the way we approach our work

• People may try to twist it or hijack it for their own purposes, but the wisdom itself is beyond reproach

• We can commit ourselves to it fully, building our relationships on it, putting it at the center of everything we do, and never having to worry about what the consequences will be

2. The wisdom that comes from God is PEACE and LOVING

• Some people try to weaponize wisdom and use it to antagonize or 'defeat' others who disagree with them, but God’s wisdom doesn’t encourage those impulses

• Instead, it encourages humility, compassion, and bridge-building

• God’s wisdom doesn’t encourage us to take sides against other people

• It encourages us to find common ground to build on -- working together when we face hurdles, instead of working against one another

3. The wisdom that comes from God is GENTLE

• It has the power to change lives and to make us see the error of our ways

• Its truth can’t be denied because it comes from God, the Author of truth, and His wisdom is the highest moral authority

• Yet God wants us to handle His wisdom thoughtfully and humbly -- not with an “I’m right and you’re wrong” attitude, but with a genuine compassion and concern for others while speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15)

4. The wisdom that comes from God makes us HUMBLE and willing to YIELD to others

• God’s wisdom encourages us to recognize that we can learn from other people, especially if we are quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)

• Look at others (including spouse, family members and loved ones) as potential teachers, and our relationship with them will deepen

5. The wisdom that comes from God is full of MERCY

• God is merciful to us

• He shows us love, compassion, and kindness, even though we don’t deserve it

• He forgives us when we do wrong and chooses not to punish us, although He has every right to

• God instructs us to do the same for others so mercy can transform relationships

6. The wisdom that comes from God is the fruit of GOOD DEEDS

• It isn’t theoretical; it’s practical

• It’s more than a theological concept; it’s a useful strategy for living your best life and forging your best relationship

• It isn’t words; it’s deeds

7. The wisdom that comes from God shows NO FAVORITISM

• It isn’t designed to help the rich get richer and isn’t geared toward Type A personalities

• In other words, it doesn’t encourage an 'us versus them' mentality

• We don’t have to be highly educated to understand it; anyone can be transformed by it

8. The wisdom that comes from God is always SINCERE

• Some people claim to offer wisdom when what they’re really doing is telling us what we want to hear or reinforcing what we're already convinced of, but there’s no real wisdom in that

• We can’t grow, mature, or learn in an echo chamber

• Real wisdom stretches us, challenges us, and takes us out of our comfort zone

James 3:17-18 NIV

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Ephesians 4:15 NIV

[15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

James 1:19 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

** Using the armor of God is not a matter of 'putting it on in the morning then getting on with your day' but LIVING OUT every moment of your day utilizing the armor as needed <G77>

For instance:

• Having the Bible in your backpack will not help in a spiritual battle but rather recalling the Word of God against the enemy in every situation

• The Word of God should be the foundation for everything you learn and hold fast to

• Understand that Scripture is your window into a world you cannot see

• A believer without prayer is like a man without food

• Every believer needs to communicate with the Father to navigate their way through the battle <K110>

• God gives us all the tools we need to fight our spiritual enemy on a moment-by-moment basis

• Rest in God through faith and prayer to know how and when to use His armor

Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

** Locusts ate the fruit of the harvest and there was no way of gaining back those wasted blessings, unless God provided them <S185>

• It is a pity the life should have been locust-eaten by folly and negligence

• If it has, be not hopeless because of it because all things are possible to those who believe

• No man can restore what has been destroyed but God alone can do what seems impossible

• Therefore, turn to God for restoration and He will provide EVEN MORE than what the locusts devoured

• We can receive larger grace to make our lives useful again

• To God be the glory!

Joel 2:25-26 NIV

[25] “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten---the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm---my great army that I sent among you. [26] You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.

** Humans have no native capacity to interact with the realm of the spiritual and eternal unless they have come to know God through Jesus Christ

• Humans can see and understand the 3 dimensions (width, length & height) along with the time dimension, but there could be as many as 12 more

• Some scientists are in search of higher dimensions while Christians better understand this as the spiritual realm

• This doesn't mean what we know as the spiritual realms (like Heaven and Hell) are not as 'physically real' as the world we experience daily <P1698>

Romans 11:33 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

** Christ identifies those He saves as 'kings' and 'high priests' <M1501>

• Kings and high priests must continually walk and serve in repentance

• Repentant hearts enable followers of Christ to live righteous lifestyles, worthy of their calling

• Without repentance there can be no remission of sins

• Grace without repentance leaves Christians having 'no issues' walking their own way of the world, thereby diminishing the blessing of a redeemed life in Christ

• Those who follow the world walk in an opposite direction than Christ but, through repentance, believers can turn from the life of sin to actually 'follow Christ'

• Followers of Christ can live righteously because, as Titus explains, they have been saved through God our Savior and renewed by the Holy Spirit

• Christ gives His followers such stature for their righteousness reflects Him

• No one will reflect Christ unless they have been fully immersed in Him

• Anyone who comes across a follower of Christ should immediately recognize Christ in them

Revelation 1:5b-6 NIV

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, [6] and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father---to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Titus 3:3-5 NIV

[3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

** The words of this Psalm continually remind the people of Israel of the day their messianic hopes become a reality; it will mark the beginning of a gloriously restored kingdom for Israel <B26>

• For us as New Testament saints, we know that our King will surely come for us just as He promised throughout the New Testament

• After the Tribulation, we will return to the earth with our Savior and witness the jubilant scene on the streets of Jerusalem

Psalm 118:25-26 NIV

[25] Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! [26] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.

John 14:2-3 NIV

[2] My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 NIV

[13] May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

** Followers of God aim to REFLECT His attributes, not believe the heretical lie they can become God <P162>

• God is without equal and holds all of His attributes to perfection

• Followers of Christ can share some of His attributes, but not all

• Typically, attributes of God can be divided into two categories: communicable attributes and incommunicable attributes

• Communicable attributes = attributes of God that His followers share and reflect in their lives

• Believers can share in the attributes to a limited degree, but only with the Lord's help

• Communicable attributes include His love, His faithfulness, His patience, His mercy, His justice... all of which Christians should aim to reflect in their lives

• Incommunicable attributes = attributes that God possesses alone

• As God's finite creatures, believers cannot share any part of these attributes with Him

• Incommunicable attributes include immutability (God does not change), eternality, omnipresence (God is everywhere at all times), omniscience (God knows all things), omnipotence (God is all powerful within His will)

• Add to this the aseity of God where God depends on no one and no thing (God is self-existent)

Isaiah 40:25 NIV

[25] “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.

Philippians 2:5 NIV

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

** Following the wisdom of God plants our hearts in fertile soil; that life gets called righteous, and God watches over it <D502>

Psalm 1:6 NIV

[6] For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

** As each day passes, followers of Christ can be thankful we are one day closer to our eternal glory with Christ!

Isaiah 14:12,15 NIV

[12] How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! [15] But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.

** Christians who are serious about their walk with God will represent Him in whatever they do <G73>

• Christians are called to share God's love wherever they live and in whatever situation they find themselves

• Are we thankful to God for our life in Christ, whether at work or play?

• Are we serving Christ by sharing His love with others?

Colossians 3:15-17 NIV

[15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV

[20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

** The Bible addresses every issue we face in our world today and it is the duty of Christians to share God's guidelines with others

• God addresses issues such as life, national borders, immigration, economic prosperity, family, marriage, human sexuality, parental authority, justice, lawlessness, idolatry, Israel, environment, social interaction, confrontation, charity, leadership, unity, etc <H997> <H90>

• God had the first word on all these issues long before anybody even thought of them

• Addressing current societal issues from a biblical viewpoint is not 'getting involved politically' as the world decried that we need to 'keep religion out of politics'

• The world is concerned Christians want to turn their nation into a theocracy but the only time we will see that when is when Jesus returns <H997>

• God gave us His guidelines to successfully survive in this world

• So while we wait for Christ's return, let's live as close as we can to God's values and methods as outlined in His Word -- because they have been proven to work!

• It is the believer's duty to also encourage the world to understand His imperatives

Proverbs 3:5-10 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. [8] This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. [9] Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; [10] then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Psalm 19:7 NIV

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Psalm 16:4-6,11 NIV

[4] Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. [5] Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. [11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Proverbs 29:2 NIV

[2] When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

** Of all the misconceptions about God, one of the most unfair is that He’s a cosmic killjoy. That He regulates the fun out of everything. That we have a choice between following Him or enjoying life. But that’s just not the truth—and never has been.

In His work of creation, God filled the heavens and earth with awe-inspiring beauty and wonders. He created oceans, lakes, and rivers to sail, swim, ski, scuba—and fish. He wired us with imagination so that we can create and enjoy music, literature, cinema, and more.

For those who argue that the Lord’s instructions for godly living get in the way of “real” enjoyment, consider this: God knows the outcome of every life choice we make before we even make it. He sees clearly the paths that lead to guilt, shame, and addiction—things that eventually will make it impossible to enjoy life fully. Directing us away from those paths doesn’t make God the enemy of our enjoyment. It makes Him the perfect adviser for enjoying life to the fullest. <L120>

Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV

[15] So I commend the enjoyment of life , because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

** Man without God is nothing, for our very existence depends on Him <D502>

"When God wanted to create fish, He spoke to the sea. When God wanted to create trees, He spoke to the earth. But when God wanted to create man, He turned to Himself. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image and in our likeness."

If you take a fish out of water, it will die; and when you remove a tree from soil, it will also die. Likewise, when man is disconnected from God, he dies.

God is our natural environment. We were created to live in His presence. We have to be connected to Him because it is only in Him that life exists. Let us stay connected to God.

We recall that water without fish is still water, but fish without water is nothing. The soil without a tree is still soil, but the tree without soil is nothing. God without man is still God, but man without God is nothing."

John 1:3-4 NIV

[3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.

John 3:18 NIV

[18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

John 6:40,51 NIV

[40] For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Romans 8:11-13 NIV

[11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. [12] Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation---but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. [13] For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

** It’s impossible to live the Christian life without the empowerment and help of the Holy Spirit <L120>

• Believers need His power, for they can’t live the Christian life only by personal willpower

• The Holy Spirit’s power must be working in all believers

• So we do our part, but ultimately, it’s the Holy Spirit who does the work through us

• Give thanks today for God’s Holy Spirit, who empowers us, guides us, produces fruit in our lives, and never leaves us

John 15:5 NIV

[5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed---not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence---continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

** What exactly is Biblical hope and where does my hope come from? <D497>

Psalm 42:5 NIV

[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

• Hope is an unwavering confidence in God’s goodness and in His power to do what He says He will do

• We hope because of His love for us and because He is faithful to His Word

• This abiding hope is not only reserved for a special few, but it is something that God wants both Jew and Gentile to share in

• The reason we are able to share in this common bond of hope is because Jesus didn’t just come to bring hope -- He is our hope!

Hebrews 3:6 NIV

[6] But Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Psalm 62:5-6 NIV

[5] Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. [6] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Acts 2:26 NIV

[26] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope

• As natural disasters, wars, rumors of wars and diseases continue to cause great distress amongst the nations, people are searching for some type of hope that will comfort them in life and in death

• The problem is, they continue their frantic search by looking inward (human ability) and outward (governmental agencies) instead of upward (trusting God)

• We know Who holds tomorrow so we can rest assuredly on the promises of God, while living each day calmly and obediently

Lamentations 3:22-25 NIV

[22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [24] I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” [25] The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him

Micah 7:7 NIV

[7] But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

** Stop trying to live the Christian life by personal strength and worldly standards; Christians need access to the full power of the Holy Spirit <F60> <M1501>

• Every believer is the Temple of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

[16] Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?

• Many Christians allow the Spirit to reside in them but then shove Him to the side, allowing Him only part of their being while allowing room for other things

• Satan desires that anything take up space in our lives rather than the Holy Spirit, such as fear, anxiety, stress, envy, lust, depression, wrath, discord... whatever he can convince us of in place of the Spirit

• Every follower of Christ needs the power of the Spirit to live a holy life and should let Him into their entire being so His power can help them overcome every temptation and distraction

Zechariah 4:6 NIV

[6] So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.

John 15:5 NIV

[5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

** Those who have not been saved or born again do not have the Holy Spirit and, therefore, cannot fully understand God and His Word <M1501>

• The Holy Spirit comes upon the believer when they acknowledge Christ and repent of their sin

• The believer will then be guided by the Spirit to fully understanding the things of God

• Those without the Spirit cannot understand God or His Word

• Those who read His Word without the help of the Spirit may have an idea of who Jesus is, but are 'worldly Christians' who end up following the world's logic and dismissing the true message held in God's Word

• Christians can become obstinate and hard-hearted, ending up refusing to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit

• Those who do not have or block the Holy Spirit rely on their own understanding

• God doesn't call on His followers to project their own wishes on His Word but to reflect with the help of the Holy Spirit on His Scripture that He provided thousands of years ago

• Believers need to ask whether they are blindly following their favorite teacher who tells them what they want you to hear or following the message conveyed in the Bible?

• Followers of Christ are to go to the Bible as the primary source for the baseline truth, not their own or someone else's interpretation

• Scripture, in its entirety, is all that is needed for it supports itself

Romans 8:12-14 NIV

[12] Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation---but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. [13] For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. [14] For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Acts 7:51 NIV

[51] “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!

Proverbs 3:5-7 NIV

** The physical and spiritual realms mirror one another; the physical must intersect with the spiritual, just as man is to be led by the Holy Spirit <M1501>

1 Corinthians 15:46-49 NIV

[46] The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. [47] The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. [48] As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. [49] And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

** The human race is cursed because we are all born into original sin through Adam, therefore, no one can say they are ‘inherently good’; humans have potential to do good, but human nature is not inherently good <D40> <E58> <M132>

• Original Sin = the state of being that is rebellious to God

• Humanity's sin nature explains why people are the way they are

• Praise God He sent His Son, the second Adam, to make things right for those who choose to follow Him, for He paid the penalty for sin and save humanity from eternal death

• There are still consequences for sin, but eternal consequences are covered through the atonement made possible through Christ; death has been defeated!

• Those who do not believe in original sin won’t see the need for a Savior

• Therefore, according to those who believe they are inherently good, Jesus died and suffered for nothing

• Even Christians can have a difficult time accepting this concept of original sin, for they would rather 'wink at sin' and think their ‘goodness’ will be sufficient to save them

Romans 5:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

Psalm 51:5 NIV

[5] Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Other considerations:

• Actual Sin = the act of conscious sin

• The fact that children don’t reach an ‘age of accountability’ until (somewhere in) their teen years, is the reason why the Catholic Church decides to baptize infants and the Protestant Church depends on God’s mercy to save those in this age bracket

• Jesus was born of the Spirit (virgin birth) and not by man; if Jesus was born through man, then He would be born into sin and could not be a Savior that would free man from sin

** God invites us to let Him transform us from the inside <D502>

2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV

[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

** As a believer in Christ, do you have a deep profound calm upon your spirit? Are you afraid of Him or afraid of meeting Him on Judgment Day? <S185>

• Since we have access to God by faith, all children of God should be wanting to draw near to Him as a dear child to a loving father

• Anyone who does not have this deep-seated peace may not be justified by faith

Romans 5:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

** Relationships often deepen when friends share with each other their love for God and the impact of His Word on their lives

1 Samuel 20:42 NIV

[42] Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, 'The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. ' ” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

Psalm 119:63,79,165 NIV

[63] I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. [79] May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes. [165] Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

** Everybody has a worldview—a way of looking at, reacting to, and navigating this life. The question is, do you have a biblical worldview? <L120>

The way to develop a biblical worldview is to read, memorize, and internalize God’s Word. To fill your mind with the truths of Scripture. As those truths become second nature to you, your thinking starts to change. Your priorities start to change. Your perspective starts to change. Your attitude starts to change. And your actions start to change.

As Christians, our worldview should align with Jesus’ worldview as much as possible. And if you want to know what Jesus’ worldview is, read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7. Do you want to know what Jesus thinks? Read the sermon. (And by the way, you can read the entire sermon in one sitting.) Do you want to know how His heart really beats? Study the sermon. Do you want to know how He feels about living life in general? Read the sermon. Not only is the Sermon on the Mount the longest recorded message that Jesus ever gave, but it’s also one of the most beautiful and best-known portions of Scripture.

In it, you’ll discover that a biblical worldview influences every aspect of the way you live your life. How you express your anger. How you express generosity. How you pray and fast. How you establish healthy priorities and pursue what’s truly important. How you deal with anxiety and uncertainty about the future. How you take full advantage of God’s generosity with a truly grateful heart. How you build your life on a solid foundation.

You’ll also find that a biblical worldview influences the way you interact with others. How you repair damaged relationships. How you respond to people who have wronged you. How you treat your enemies. How you judge others. How you avoid being a hypocrite. How you live the Golden Rule. How you ensure that other people see Christ in you.

And you’ll discover that a biblical worldview influences the way you react to events. If you have a biblical worldview, you won’t panic when evil seems to be winning. You won’t see a world spinning out of control. Instead, you’ll draw on your knowledge of biblical prophecy. You’ll see that events are unfolding as God determines. You’ll see His hand in the things happening around you. Instead of panicking, you’ll rejoice and prepare as you anticipate the return of Christ and eternity with God.

Colossians 2:8 NIV

[8] See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

** When believers in Christ undergo trials and suffering and are pressed by the world, what should be squeezed out is more of Jesus; we can be excited for these times! <M1501>

• There are a lot of ways we can respond to the trials and temptations that daily life throws at us

1. One option is to give in without a fight -- just surrender to despair or to your sinful urges, which is the worst possible thing to do

2. Another option is to blame God -- you start with the assumption that trials and temptations are bad things, and that if God doesn’t spare you from them then He’s doing something wrong

3. A third option is to hunker down and wait for them to pass, like a coastal resident riding out a hurricane

4. James offers a different suggestion to welcome trials and temptations -- needless to say, an unexpected suggestion that makes us do a double-take!

• Understand that God allows trials and temptations into our life to better us

• He created us and knows our potential

• Because He knows exactly how we are wired, He knows which parts of our potential can be unlocked through successes and victories and which parts can be unlocked through trials and temptations

• Think of it as a spiritual workout that enables us to get stronger in our faith

• Trials and temptations are like God’s gym, where He strengthens us for the present and for the future <L120>

James 1:2-4 NIV

[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

** God reveals His love and power when answering our prayer to be restored; to God be the glory!

Jeremiah 17:14 NIV

[14] Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Psalm 23:3 NIV

[3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.

** Paul is saying that it is a hostile world out there -- both physically and spiritually -- so we need to be prepared to stand against it <W212>

• Remember the battle with Amalek? (Exod 17)

• When Moses’ hands were lifted up, the Israelites prevailed and when his hands were lowered, Amalek prevailed

• We learn that Amalek was not only a physical king that did a most horrible atrocity against the children of God, but also an evil spirit that God promised to deal with over the generations until there is peace in Israel

• The 'spirit of Amelek' is spiritual that manifests in the physical

Exodus 17:16 NIV

[16] He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”

• Quite frankly, there are evil people and spirits that constantly test us in our everyday life

• Just like our parents taught us to look both ways before crossing the street, we need to be aware and prepared to deal with evil like the 'spirit of Amalek'

• Followers of Christ can conquer any evil they come against, whether it manifests in the physical or not, by calling on the One who loves them to defeat it

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Romans 8:37-39 NIV

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** From despair to hope and from fear to faith, God can use our example to encourage others <D502>

Colossians 1:28-29 NIV

[28] He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. [29] To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

[8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

** The Holy Spirit that resides in believers gives them the power to be able to have victory over sin

• The Spirit of God takes residency in the body of the believer and supernaturally empowers them to live a life of victory

• Followers of Christ used to be governed by the desires of the flesh but are now governed by the power of God

• The Spirit of God now tells the believer what He wants so the flesh, as His slave, obediently follows that voice <K110>

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 John 4:4 NIV

[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome [evil spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

** God's deep love relentlessly breaks through anew each day to those who have placed their trust in Him

Psalm 71:15 NIV

[15] My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long---though I know not how to relate them all.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

[22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

** Because Phinehas’ righteous act made things right before God, his is a foreshadow of the greater peace of the New Covenant (Jer 31:33)

• Jesus fulfilled all of the covenants through His blood, who left us, not with the world’s peace, but with his very own gift of “shalom.” (John 14:27)

• God has made peace with mankind through the sacrifice of Jesus <W212>

Numbers 25:10-12 NIV

[10] The Lord said to Moses, [11] “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honor among them as I am, I did not put an end to them in my zeal. [12] Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him.

Jeremiah 31:33 NIV

[33] “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

** When asked, God will help Christians rest in His love and confirm His calling on their life

Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

[5] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. ”

** If you have Jesus and are willing to be used by Him, you have enough

Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV

[1] “Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. [2] See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

1 John 5:4-5 NIV

[4] for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. [5] Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** Too many Christians have the attitude that it's OK to be 'nominal' and not invest or mature in their relationship with God because they 'said the prayer' and already know they are going to heaven when they die <J1093>

• It's like a parent saying they don't want to be a 'good parent' but they just want the child

• This attitude is like an employee not aiming to be a 'good employee' but just employee because they want the job

• What makes Christians think it's OK to have a nominal relationship with God and He would be pleased with that?

• How many of us desire friendships where the other feels obligated to be your friend?

• God knows our hearts and whether we are truly committed to Him and His ways as outlined in the Word He gave us

• Those who want to 'skate by' in their Christian walk with God may find themselves eventually buying into the world and disowning God

Luke 8:14 NIV

[14] The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

1 Corinthians 12:31 NIV

[31] Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Timothy 3:13 NIV

[13] Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

James 1:21-25 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do.

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

** If you try to be a happy person, you never will be a happy person. Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy. Everyone wants to be happy. But if you live to be happy, you never will be.

As philosopher Eric Hoffer pointed out, “The search for happiness is one of the chief sources of unhappiness.”

Here’s what it comes down to: If you want to be happy, then seek to be holy, and happiness will come as a by-product. Seek to be holy. Seek to be like Christ. But also live wholly for Christ. So, seek to be like Christ and live for Christ. You will be a happy person as a result. <L120>

Luke 9:24-25 NIV

[24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

** It boils down to either holding onto the problems of life or the promises of God; our lives are going to be dominated by the problems around us or the promises we can trust <L1293>

Psalm 116:7-11 NIV

[7] Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. [8] For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, [9] that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. [10] I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted”; [11] in my alarm I said, “Everyone is a liar.”

Isaiah 12:4-5 NIV

[4] In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. [5] Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

** To the person who is playing games or isn’t interested, the Lord will say nothing. But to the person who is genuinely searching and wants to know the answers to life, God will reveal the truth.

Nicodemus had a lot of questions about life. Even though he was well-known, highly educated, and deeply religious, there was something missing in his life. And that brought him to a conversation with Jesus one night.

Nicodemus had been hearing about the Lord’s ministry, which was just wrapping up at this point. He had enough spiritual discernment to know that Jesus was sent from God.

The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus wasn’t simply a conversation between two historical figures. Rather, it was a conversation between God and humanity. If we were to elect someone to represent us before God, we could not choose a finer individual than Nicodemus.

He was the finest specimen that humanity could offer, apart from God’s touch. And Jesus gave Nicodemus the answers that have unlocked the mystery of life for countless millions of people through the centuries. It was a significant conversation.

It’s interesting to see how Jesus made time in His very busy schedule for the searching Nicodemus. In contrast to the fickle crowds, here was a man who truly was searching. So, Jesus had time for Him. <L120>

John 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. [2] He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV

[12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

** God made a covenant with Abraham, but only the Shekinah glory of God passed through the split animals making it eternal, and God said, “I will,” making the covenant unconditional <M135>

• The Land grant was based on an unconditional covenant with Abraham

• Abraham was asleep when God made the covenant so, in essence, God made the land covenant with Himself

• God knew Abraham was flawed (as a sin-filled human) and couldn't keep his end of the agreement, so God made this an unconditional covenant <G70>

Genesis 15:12 NIV

[12] As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

Genesis 15:17-21 NIV

[17] When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. [18] On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates--- [19] the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, [20] Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, [21] Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”

Genesis 17:21 NIV

[21] But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year.”

** God directed Moses to meet Him on the mountain together with a select group of others at a distance; God doesn't want a group of followers who blindly abide by a law but, rather, those who value and hunger to be in His presence <M1501>

• Moses face glowed after spending time in God's presence, for no one can be in the presence of God without being changed

• No doubt, witnessing Moses' encounter with God inspired others to experience the shekinah glory in His presence

Exodus 24:1-2 NIV

[1] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, [2] but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.”

Exodus 34:29 NIV

[29] When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.

• God is a refining fire, as experienced by Isaiah when an angel touched his unclean lips to atone for his sin

Isaiah 6:5-7 NIV

[5] “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” [6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. [7] With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. ”

• As New Testament believers, we don't have to climb a mountain to have access to God but can invite Him into our lives and experience His transforming power

Proverbs 15:3 NIV

[3] The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Job 34:21 NIV

[21] “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

• Prayer and reading His Word are the primary vehicles by which we have access to God

• After encountering God, it is our duty as Christ followers to let this light shine so others will be drawn to experience God for themselves

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

1 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Matthew 5:14 NIV

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

** Do you find you have a downcast mood from time to time, wondering whether God is really beside you?

• When times like this come, remember the lesson of the road to Emmaus

• The disciples were downcast and didn’t realize they were walking and talking with the risen Lord!

• Likewise, our feelings do not fit the facts

• We’re not alone anymore, for our Jesus lives and walks our road with us! <R1795>

Luke 24:30-32 NIV

[30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. [32] They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

** Every human being is a sinner, whether male or female, and all are capable of committing a litany of common sins on a continual basis.

The following is a sample from a list of 667 sins recorded in the Bible:

• Lust (2 Tim 2:22)

• Greed (Heb 13:15)

• Cheating (Prov 12:22)

• Envy (Prov 14:30)

• Pride (Jer 9:23-24)

• Unforgiving (Matt 6:12)

• Disobedient (1 Tim 1:9-10)

• and the list goes on... <W2206>

The response to someone's sin that affects another should not be reacting with another sin -- such as a sin response by a female regarding a grievance committed by a male. This retaliatory type of responding only encourages and escalates the amount of sin involved.

• How about everyone pray, forgive and encourage one another to greater heights in the roles God designed for us?

• But that would require we have a relationship with GOD, repent of OUR sin, live by HIS standard, depending on His strength/power to forgive and live as He desires

• Until that happens, we're left to mud-slinging and calling each other 'toxic', which thrills the enemy

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Colossians 3:12-17 NIV

[12] Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. [17] And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

** If we knew the Word of God, we would have solutions to the numerous issues we face <K110>

• In conjunction with the trend to reject history (especially anything viewed by evangelicals), the world turns to its own pagan solutions and movements which typically add sinful solutions to sinful problems

• It's like throwing fuel on fire

• The answer is to not only read the Bible from cover to cover, but to take it for what it says, even if it is difficult to comprehend with our limited human minds

• For instance, if God said through Paul that Jesus is going to yank believers into the sky in what is known as the rapture, then that is what is going to happen <B23>

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

[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.

** Moses met with the Lord, sought to learn His ways and know Him better (12-13)

• Moses also appropriated God’s promises and affirmed his dependence on the Lord (14-17)

• He expressed his yearning to see God more clearly (18)

• These are helpful guidelines for our private times of meditation and prayer <R1795>

Exodus 33:12-18 NIV

[12] Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' [13] If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” [14] The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [15] Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. [16] How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” [17] And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” [18] Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

** It appeared to a crowd that a girl was dead but Jesus raised her back to life

• God can change a situation that appears obvious to us, according to what we see and reason with our limited human understanding

• God can intervene in any situation at any time

• Do not doubt God's ability to change a situation according to His will

Matthew 9:18-19 NIV

While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” [19] Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.

Matthew 9:23-26 NIV

When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, [24] he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. [25] After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. [26] News of this spread through all that region.

** God hears us when we are in distress, as He heard Hagar and her son crying in the desert

Genesis 21:15-17 NIV

[15] When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. [16] Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob. [17] God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

** Antioch was a place consumed with evil, yet the early church there flourished even though they had to meet in a cemetery <M1501>

• In dark times, the church can flourish

• Antioch represents a picture of the end times church

• Its name 'Antioch' at the time implied 'holding fast resisting other spirits'

• Let this early church bring hope to the remnant church in the last days relying on God to take it through the evil and trials that surround

• The world will not understand this willing response to suffer but may lead some to acknowledge Christ as Savior as a result

Acts 11:19 NIV

[19] Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.

Acts 14:21-22 NIV

[21] They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV

[1] “Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. [2] See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

** Christians should constantly analyze themselves in their current generation, considering the basic realities of who they are and how they are to navigate the present age <M130>

1. WHERE we are

• As those living in the pagan city of Philippi in the Roman era, so Christians today live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation

• We should not be surprised by suffering and false teaching when following Christ

Philippians 2:15 NIV

[15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Isaiah 59:7-8 NIV

[7] Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways. [8] The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.

2. WHO we are

• Followers of Christ are children of God

• We are commissioned to radiate God's light (the gospel) to others wherever He places us

John 1:12-13 NIV

[12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--- [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

1 John 3:1 NIV

[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.

Isaiah 49:6b NIV

[6] I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Proverbs 4:18 NIV

[18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

3. HOW we are to live

• Those who believe in Christ have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness

• Christians are to live according to Christ's kingdom and not of the world, until the end of the age when we enter His presence

• We are to work out our salvation by pursuing holiness and obedience to Christ

• Follow Christ's example by living in love and humility, relying on God's provision of strength and ability

• Rejoice as we focus on Christ in our suffering; don't complain to God but be thankful He is working through us!

John 18:36 NIV

[36] Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Colossians 1:10-13 NIV

[10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

Philippians 2:14-15,18 NIV

** One of the reasons this world appeals to many of us and we find its offerings tantalizing, is that we’re lacking closeness with God.

If we can get our priorities right, however, we can see the world for what it is. That is what Caleb did. The Bible said that he wholeheartedly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.

The key to wholeheartedly following the Lord is maintaining a love relationship with Jesus Christ. When you do, this world will lose its appeal. <L120>

Joshua 14:14 NIV

[14] So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.

John 8:47 NIV

[47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

** I think I can speak for all truly born-again believers when I declare Jesus is not my imaginary friend, as mockers of Christians claim. He is my best friend, and He has stayed true to me even in the times that I have miserably failed Him.

He has also been true to His Word of giving me the gift of the Holy Spirit to live inside of me and guide me to the truth in all things. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, has opened up my understanding of how Jesus and His Father are One and how His Father is also my Father. He who began a good work in me is being faithful to complete it, and I will be eternally grateful for His faithfulness. <S2000>

John 15:13-15 NIV

[13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command. [15] I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

** God who sees everything happening in our world, knows us intimately and knows how to help us overcome evil

Psalm 139:17-19 NIV

[17] How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! [18] Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand---when I awake, I am still with you. [19] If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

Job 38:4-5,12-15 NIV

[4] “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. [5] Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? [12] “Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, [13] that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? [14] The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. [15] The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken.

Job 12:13,22 NIV

[13] “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. [22] He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.

** When someone is born into God's family, they become a child of God complete with an inheritance

• One must be born again to enter God's family, dying to their old self and starting afresh with in Christ

• Their old (human) self is of flesh and blood

• Their new (spirit) self grows in Christ

Acts 20:32 NIV

[32] “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession---to the praise of his glory.

1 Corinthians 15:50 NIV

[50] I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

** The natural carnal man is not born in the Spirit and therefore cannot understand the mind of God regarding spiritual matters <G70>

• Comprehending the fullness of Scripture remains puzzling to unbelievers until they humbly believe in Jesus and are saved by Him

• God promises to send the Holy Spirit to each person who proclaims faith in Christ

• No doubt much of the Bible goes against the unbeliever's perception of how they think a god should think/act or understand how to implement His commands from Scripture

• Degrees and academic standing may provide intellectuals the ability to grasp concepts, but they won't have the spiritual discernment to better understand the mind of Christ if they haven't been sealed with the Holy Spirit who guides them in their thinking

• As an example, we see the Pharisees in Jesus' time knew the written 'letter of Old Testament law' but missed the underlying 'spirit of the law'

1 Corinthians 2:9-12 NIV

[9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”---the things God has prepared for those who love him--- [10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. [11] For 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. [12] What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

Luke 11:52 NIV

[52] “Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.”

2 Peter 2:10-12 NIV

[10] This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; [11] yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord. [12] But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.

** The ability to bear good fruit in a Christian's life starts with an accurate knowledge of God so they can then advance according to His purposes and design

• Throughout Scripture, fruit is a symbol of God’s transforming work within believers

• While our relationship with God is private, the product of that relationship is highly visible!

• Good fruit takes time to ripen and the Christian’s life can produce fruit, but it will take time for that fruit to mature <R1795>

Colossians 1:10-11 NIV

Matthew 7:15-17 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

** Revival is needed to clean up the mess this world is in, but it comes at a personal cost <E58> <D40>

• Revival is not 'adding Jesus' to our existing lifestyle and thinking we can go on 'as usual'

• Revival is not 'God coming to save the day' so everyone can continue living in their preferred comfortable sinful state

• Rather, revival is God disrupting our sinful ways which may involve bringing us to the point of suffering

2 Corinthians 1:5 NIV

[5] For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

• Jesus can be a disruptive force in our lives when we accept Him and walk with Him daily

• The revived person will not only clean up their act but shift their focus from themself to God and others

• We will be able to see this force in action when Jesus returns in the last days to fill the valleys and level the mountains

Philippians 2:1-3 NIV

[1] Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, [2] then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. [3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Amos 3:3 NIV

[3] Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

** God set aside time for man to rest, so there's nothing unbiblical with resting occasionally

• We need to make sure, however, this time of rest is not our normal lifestyle

• Ask whether the time leading up to this time of rest was productive and deserving of a break? <D40>

Mark 2:27 NIV

[27] Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

** The Pharisees had so conflated their own standard of holiness with God’s law regarding the Sabbath that they accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law <G72>

• The Sabbath was given for the benefit of the people (Mark 2:27) and as a sign of the Mosaic Covenant (Exod 31:13)

• Over time, the religious leaders had added burdensome rules and traditions for keeping the Sabbath and had elevated their own rules to the level of God’s instructions

• It was so bad that, when Jesus’ disciples picked and ate some heads of grain as they walked through a field, the Pharisees accused them of breaking the Sabbath because they were supposedly “harvesting” and “threshing” (Luke 6:1–2)

• They were furious over Jesus’ actions, yet it was only their Sabbath (rabbinic) law He did not keep

• Bottom line: Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and defined authoritatively what the Sabbath was for, and is not for <R1795>

Luke 6:1-5 NIV

[1] One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. [2] Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” [3] Jesus answered them, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? [4] He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.” [5] Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:27-28 NIV

[27] Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. [28] So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

Exodus 31:13 NIV

[13] “Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

** We serve a God of order and involvement in the lives of His children, as indicated by His trumpet signal instructions

• The trumpet signals were used to direct the tribes when on the march

• The trumpets were also blown when Israel went into battle

• God would then act on behalf of His people, as He does on our pilgrimage today

• Will we remember to act on His Word? <R1795>

Numbers 10:2-6 NIV

[2] “Make two trumpets of hammered silver, and use them for calling the community together and for having the camps set out. [3] When both are sounded, the whole community is to assemble before you at the entrance to the tent of meeting. [4] If only one is sounded, the leaders---the heads of the clans of Israel---are to assemble before you. [5] When a trumpet blast is sounded, the tribes camping on the east are to set out. [6] At the sounding of a second blast, the camps on the south are to set out. The blast will be the signal for setting out.

Numbers 10:28 NIV

[28] This was the order of march for the Israelite divisions as they set out.

** Unbelievers must acknowledge the existence of God before accepting His offer of salvation

• Patiently pray the Lord will help the blind to see God and recognize their need for salvation

• Pray the unbeliever understands the only way to God the Father is through Christ the Son

• May God carry the work of an individual's salvation to completion

• Accepting Christ's offer of salvation and learning of God's love leads the individual to love God and desire sanctification in return

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 6:44-45 NIV [Jesus speaking]

[44] “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. [45] It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.

** The vine is a frequent illustration in the Old Testament of God’s people <R1795>

• Psalm 80:8 speaks of Israel as a ‘vine brought out of Egypt’

• The clearest use of the image is found in Isaiah 5

• But Israel failed to produce the fruit of righteousness and justice that God looked for, so Christ came as the ‘true Vine’ that in and through Him all believers might produce the fruit of true godliness

• Only through relationship with Jesus can anyone strive for the moral qualities that God seeks

Psalm 80:8 NIV

[8] You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.

Isaiah 5:1-2,7 NIV

[1] I will sing for the one I love

a song about his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. [2] He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. [7] The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in. And he looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard cries of distress.

** A branch that is properly grafted in the vine will be healthy and naturally bear fruit; a vine that is not properly connected to the vine will die and be thrown aside <B299>

John 15:4 NIV

[4] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

** All of the insane wickedness that is happening all over this little planet we call home can be a bit overwhelming at times. Yet, at the same time, thanks to Jesus, it is possible to be at peace and filled with hope <S2000>

Philippians 4:9 NIV

[9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

** God will return and everyone will bear witness to Him, whether they believed in Him previously or not; all people will recognize their sin and mourn because they know they are guilty

• There will be no question when Jesus returns because everyone will see Him in the sky

• It’s good to remember that one day ALL OF WHAT WE KNOW on earth -- from houses to relationships that currently surround us -- will be gone

• We will be left with only one question to answer: did we recognize our sin-filled nature, accept Christ’s offer of salvation and focus or prioritize Him in our life?

Revelation 1:7 NIV

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

** Christian saints are heirs to Christ's kingdom as confirmed throughout New Testament writings <B26>

• The word 'heir' implies relationship and allows allotted possession of something because of sonship to God

• What belongs to Jesus will also belong to those who believe <G72>

• Since we become His children when we accept His offer of salvation and live for Him, we become heirs to His inheritance

• Believers in Christ are promised an inheritance of a heavenly kingdom that will never perish if they share in Christ's sufferings

• We share in the sufferings of Christ now and will share in the glory of Christ later

• We all tend to like the message of sharing in the riches of Christ’s inheritance, but sharing in His sufferings doesn’t have the same appeal

Romans 8:17 NIV

[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Titus 3:7 NIV

[7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life

James 2:5 NIV

[5] Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

• Christian saints are heirs to something they won’t possess in their earthly life, for the inheritance of the saints involves eternity with the Lord in heaven

• This inheritance will neither fade nor spoil

• Jesus Himself will provide the inheritance at His second coming (Dan 7:13-14, 24; Matt 24:30, 26:64)

• Believers in Christ will rule with Him in the heavenly kingdom when He takes them to glory

John 14:2-3 NIV

1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

Colossians 3:4 NIV

[4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

** It is utterly impossible to know Christ and not become inspired to:

• Love Him supremely

• Serve Him devotedly

• Resemble Him closely

• Glorify Him faithfully here, and

• Enjoy Him fully hereafter! <W211>

Ephesians 4:13 NIV

[13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

[2] 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. [3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

Philippians 3:8-11 NIV

[8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

** Hurt people hurt people; followers of Christ are to demonstrate healing and 'completeness in Christ' by the way they act toward others <B305>

Ephesians 4:2 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

** Sometimes we simply do not receive support and encouragement from others; this is a great opportunity to experience the faithfulness of God <R1795>

• God will stand by our side and give us the needed strength

• He promises to rescue us from every evil attack and bring us safely to His heavenly kingdom

2 Timothy 4:16-18 NIV

[16] At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. [17] But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. [18] The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

** ‘Ending our life' is not an option to find relief from a problem; our lives are not ours to decidedly end <F60>

• The Lord gives us life and it is for Him alone to remove when He desires

• We may 'hit rock bottom' with seemingly no way out, but the Lord promises to help anyone who calls on His name

• We have a role in living a life of faith

• Things we can't possibly imagine happening can happen simply because, in all our brokenness, we will not stop looking to God <E58>

1 Kings 19:4 NIV

[4] while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

Job 1:21 NIV [Job speaking]

[21] “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Psalm 55:16-17 NIV

[16] As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. [17] Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.

** God included prophecy in the Bible to direct readers attention to His plans and validate Scripture as His plans are fulfilled.

Many people are fearful of studying prophecy for various reasons, such as:

• Believing it is difficult to understand

• Being overwhelmed by its mystery

• Having it induce anxiety or add to a person feeling down

• Realizing prophecy does not fit into life plans, etc.

But the message of the Bible and knowing of His return should provide HOPE, assuring believers there is an awesome ending to their existence despite current hardships. Prophecy, together with the life-transforming power of Scripture, should motivate every believer to share this message of hope with others!

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Luke 12:37 NIV

[37] It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.

Luke 21:36 NIV

[36] Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

** David penned this Psalm and gave it to the church, as a memorial of God's unbounded mercy and faithfulness towards him.

From our youth up, even to the present moment, God's care of us has been unintermitted, and His interpositions truly wonderful. But still greater has been His care for our souls. Behold the multitudinous blessings of salvation which He has given to us; truly their number surpasses knowledge!

How inestimable are our numberless mercies! Who can ever declare the value of pardon or peace, or holiness or eternal glory? <S179>

Psalm 71:15 NIV

[15] My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long---though I know not how to relate them all.

** King David understood that God is all powerful and owed him nothing; it is only by God's grace and mercy that God decided to bless His people and continues to do so

• The Israelites broke covenant with God which made Him the aggrieved party

• Likewise, "we all, like sheep, have gone astray" and continue breaking covenant with God because of our sin

• God could have walked away from His creation but because of His love for us, He provided a law, a Messiah, a path to salvation, His Word, life itself -- even to those who continue in their sin! <D40>

2 Samuel 7:18,22-24 NIV

[18] Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? [22] “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. [23] And who is like your people Israel---the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt? [24] You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, Lord, have become their God.

Isaiah 53:6 NIV

[6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 5:45 NIV

[45] that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Romans 3:23-26 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood---to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--- [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

** As believers in Christ, we should never get to the point where we care more about what people can do for us than where they will spend eternity; this life isn't forever but the next one is <D40>

• Worshiping God is the prime directive as recorded in God's Word; everything else (including salvation) is a by-product of this priority

• It is natural in our sinful state to care about what others can give us when living our daily routine -- such as friendship, added wealth, an ego boost, positions of power, etc -- but that is not the priority God required of His followers

• Christ didn't die so we can have 'our best life now' but died for sinners and provided a way for us to live with Him in eternity

• Those who truly worship God, will cherish His sacrificial act of dying on a cross; accepting His offer of salvation and desiring this of others is a natural response that follows

Matthew 22:36-38 NIV

[36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment.

Matthew 4:17 NIV

[17] From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

** Becoming baptized is a natural response after choosing to believe in God

Acts 8:12 NIV

[12] But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

• Baptism was the next step after receiving the gospel message and the Holy Spirit

• The outpouring of the Spirit was 8 years after the outpouring at Pentecost

Acts 10:46-48 NIV

[46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, [47] “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” [48] So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

** Man baptizes with water while God baptizes with the Holy Spirit

• No one in the Tribulation will be baptized in the way believers were baptized during the Church age

• Instead, there will be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will lead to Christ's second coming

Acts 11:16 NIV

[16] Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

Matthew 3:11 NIV

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

** No matter what, everything we see of an evil nature will ultimately turn out to be used by our God in a way to benefit us. There is no need to worry. Our job is to fulfill the purpose He has assigned each of us. <J100>

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** Lot's wife looked back with a yearning of the life she was leaving, even though she knew of Sodom's corruption; this is a good reminder that we will be taken from this world one day and will not look back <O1591>

Genesis 19:15-17,26 NIV

[15] With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished. ” [16] When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. [17] As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” [26] But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

John 14:2-3 NIV

** Pagans would look to the hills for help, but David said that his help comes from the Lord! <F60>

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

** We are given the choice of putting our hope in either man's version of utopia (for the elite) or God's promise of eternity

• Man's option involves humans being transformed as the WEF (and their allies) desire via 'Transhumanism'

• Or we can align with Christ and allow Him to transform us into glorious righteousness <C36>

• Transhumanists want nothing to do with God so they offer Satan's counterfeit alternative to God's promises

• The efforts of WEF's Human 2.0 program is to bring heaven to earth through a promise of:

a) Super-wellbeing via genetic modification, so a person can look as they want, not get sick or grow tired, etc

b) Super-intelligence, even though (in reality) the elites would keep that for themselves so they remain superior to others

c) Super-longevity so people can live forever <C36>

• God promises His followers they can join Him in heaven when raptured or upon their death

• There is only one eternal kingdom; God's kingdom is eternal while all others have a page in a history book <D40>

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

[18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Philippians 3:20-21 NIV

[20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

John 14:2-3 NIV

** We are missing what is important to God when we only focus on outward appearances; we must first take care of what's going on inside <L120>

Matthew 23:27 NIV

[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.

Matthew 23:25-26 NIV

[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. [26] Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

** God operates His world through covenants which are legally binding relationships initiated by Him, found both in the Old Testament and New Testament <E54>

• Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic are Old Testament covenants, while the New and Everlasting covenants are found in the New Testament

• The Old Covenant was governed by a law that prescribed correct behavior and that the people continually broke. It contained a sacrificial system that only temporarily removed sins. The sacrifices were administered by priests who represented the people of Israel to God, but the people could not enter God’s presence themselves. <G72>

• God's covenant with Noah is an example of a covenant He established, where He provided the rainbow symbol of His promise never to judge a rebellious world (via flood) in the same way again

Genesis 9:12-15 NIV

[12] And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: [13] I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. [14] Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, [15] I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

• The New Covenant is governed by a law that is internalized by the people of God and energized by His Spirit. The sins of the people are forgiven and removed once and for all by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the people of God have direct, intimate access to Him. Finally, Gentiles who believe are included in the New Covenant. <G72>

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

[16] Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

• Covenants reveal the character of God, like the covenant with Noah shows His grace and mercy, even when faced with a rebellious people

• God initiates covenants, not man

• We abide by the terms of God's covenants or suffer the consequences <D40>

** Discernment isn’t only the ability to know what is good or bad – that is definitely part of it -- but it involves knowing the proper amount of something that is within God’s design

1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say---but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”---but not everything is constructive.

Successful discernment involves =

Coming to know the proper AMOUNT needed in any given situation

+ the ABILITY to identify when moving beyond healthy limits into excess

+ an AWARENESS of the consequences

+ the ACTION required to retreat to safe ground when experiencing excess and its consequences

Amount:

• Drinking water is needed for a body to survive, but ocean water can drown a person when not careful

• The sun is needed as vitamin D for the body, but it can also burn the body when exposed to it for too long

• The body craves food to function, but too much of it or the wrong type of food can hinder its proper function

• We need to take time to relax, but spending all our time doing nothing of lasting value diminishes the purpose we have in this life

Ability and Awareness:

• Comes from reading of God’s Word and knowing His design for the world around us

• This is not limited to the physical objects around us, but understanding His purpose for creating us

Action:

• Believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit within to help them move to safety

Example:

• Just because one is exposed to false doctrine, doesn’t mean they can identify it and remove themselves from it through God’s help

1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV

[12] “I have the right to do anything,” you say---but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”---but I will not be mastered by anything.

Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV

[20] Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [21] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

** The wise place a high value on 'understanding' that motivates their diligent search for wisdom

• Similar to those who seek after precious and expensive jewels

• Such dependence on the words of Scripture is especially needed with biblical prophecy

• Unless one is willing to do the hard work of thoroughly examining God’s Word and letting the words of the text speak for themselves, one is likely to wander down an erroneous path that leads to drowsiness found in the bubble of 'normalcy' <B26>

Proverbs 2:4-6 NIV

[4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Psalm 19:7,11 NIV

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

** In the midst of the battles, even with painful wounds and sacrifice, the joy of the Lord can be your strength <L124>

• No one wants to suffer, but suffering in fellowship with Him is sweeter than the grandest party with anyone else

• Stay close to Him, enjoying sweet fellowship with Him

• Sometimes that will include the fellowship of His sufferings

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Philippians 3:10-11 NIV

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** Christians are not to rejoice because of the trials and sufferings, but rejoice because they know what God will do in and through them <F60>

• God not only comforts the afflicted, but afflicts the comforted to move everyone in the direction He wants them to go -- namely into His arms

• Remember that trials are intended to prepare each of His followers to be a pure and holy bride, ready to meet their Righteous God!

1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

[6] In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Revelation 3:8 NIV

[8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

James 5:7-8 NIV

[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

** There is a cycle of events that transform nations from freedom to depravity <T209>

The stages in this cycle include:

1. Bondage to spiritual faith (from/to)

2. Spiritual faith to courage

3. Courage to liberty

4. Liberty to abundance

5. Abundance to selfishness

6. Selfishness to complacency

7. Complacency to apathy

8. Apathy to dependence

9+ Dependence back to bondage

• Some believe today’s elites will continue to throw crisis after crisis at populations to lead them into bondage

• The nations will finally be worn down and look for a solution

• Factor in how nations increasingly vote in laws enabling governments to control them; why?

• Christians know the Rapture will provide the globalists with the greatest (surprising) crisis of all time and they will use it to their advantage

Proverbs 26:11 NIV

[11] As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.

• The only way to break this cycle of bondage is through the redemptive power of God working in the lives of individuals

• Societies will then reflect the moral direction that focuses on God

Psalm 16:9-11 NIV

[9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. [11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

** God hears the cries of those who call on Him, and He will bring healing to them

Malachi 4:2 NIV

[2] But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

** Peace is not the absence of conflict as the world and too many pastors like to define, but peace is the presence of God in the midst of conflict <M149>

• The level of peace we experience depends on our commitment to Christ

• Peace will exist between man & God when man accepts and follows Him

• Conflict between man & God will continue when man continues to reject Him

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Matthew 10:34-38 NIV

[34] “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to turn “ 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- [36] a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' [37] “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

• What may seem like irony and difficult to understand: Christ’s sword (difficulty) can ultimately bring peace

• Christian believers are to follow Christ’s teaching regardless if it causes angst or division in others, for the world needs to take notice of God’s truth that leads to peace

• This is what it means to love our neighbor

• Teach others that they can find true peace in God even during the most difficult times

“Some of you would have told David to pray for Goliath and not cause a scene; it’s time to stand up to tyrants!”

“We either stop murdering our children and parading our sins like Sodom, or God’s judgment will stop it.” <D40>

Isaiah 41:10-11 NIV

[10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [11] “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.

** The presence of a friend in trouble is cheering and consoling. but it is too often the case that our friends, like the friends of Job, prove to be miserable comforters. They do not enter into our troubles or they can not help us. The advice they give at times only aggravates our woe and adds to our distress.

Appearances may be very dark; the night may seem very long; and your pains, weakness, and fears may be many and great. But, believer, your God says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you!" What a thought is this!

Isaiah 43:5a NIV

[5] Do not be afraid, for I am with you

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

[17] Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, [18] yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The great, glorious, omnipotent Jehovah promises to be with me to:

• Help me

• Comfort me

• Sanctify me

• Save me

• Hold communion with me

• Listen to my sighs

• Number my tears

• Secure me from all injury

He is also with me:

• As a kind benignant Father

• In every place, in every trouble, in every conflict

• On the bed of sickness

• Through all my journey and for evermore <S183>

Isaiah 43:1b-3a NIV

[1] Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. [2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. [3] For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior

** Today, some well-meaning Christians would have us believe that we have to act a certain way, or do certain things in order to be saved. The Apostle Paul was very to the point in his letters, which were all inspired by the Holy Spirit. He wrote to the Congregation in Ephesus to assure them, and us, that there is nothing that we can do to earn our salvation.

For instance, some say you must be baptized to be saved, but baptism doesn’t bring salvation — only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ will save you. It’s unbelief that condemns a person, not the lack of being baptized. That being said, baptism is very important. It’s a public declaration of an inward change and is an act of obedience. <G73>

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 10:13 NIV

[13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

** There is a lot more to living the Christian life than expecting the Rapture and return of Christ -- absolutely watch for these events WHILE learning and living the life Christ desires of us in the interim

• Believers can put too much emphasis on Christ's return that it becomes a lop-sided (top-heavy) gospel

• Don't forget the other 2/3 of the gospel <F61>

Titus 2:11-13 NIV

** Society can debate ‘what is true’ all it wants but the only truth was laid down by God before He formed the first universe so “it’s over, it’s decided” <W217>

• Society has fallen into this trap of thinking that instead of accepting reality and God’s truth, we can interpret it and talk about it until we massage it into what we want it to be

• Many people open God’s Word and claim it says what they want it to say — in essence, they refuse to believe what it really says <D40>

• God is sovereign and the truth that He laid out in His Word is the blueprint we are to live by

• It doesn’t matter if people don’t like it or have had their feelings hurt by it — God’s truth is God’s truth

• His truth will heal and bring factions of society together if everyone is willing to go there

John 8:32 NIV

[32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

** For 40 years, 3-5 million Israelites survived without a police force or standing army because they had God’s moral law

• Today society relies on a civil law that tries to accomplish what God’s moral law already accomplished

• Every decision in life is covered by God’s Ten Commandments

• Any law is intended to restrain people so they can survive and pursue excellence

• God’s law should point us back to Him as our ultimate and only hope! <M149>

Exodus 24:12 NIV

[12] The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”

** The doctrine of the inability of the human mind to understand divine teaching and the need for divine illumination is so fully developed in the New Testament that it is nothing short of astonishing that we should have gone so far astray concerning the whole issue.

Evangelicalism has stood aloof from Liberalism in self-conscious superiority; and has on its own part fallen into the error of textualism, which is simply orthodoxy without the Holy Spirit.

Everywhere among Conservatives we find people who are Bible-taught, but not Spirit-taught. They conceive truth to be something which they can grasp with the mind. If a man holds to the fundamentals of the Christian faith then he is thought to possess divine truth.

But that is an incorrect assumption. The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid!

Conservative Christians in this day are stumbling over this truth. We need to re-examine the whole thing. We need to learn that truth consists not in correct doctrine, but in correct doctrine plus the inward enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. A re-preachment of this vital truth could result in a fresh breath from God upon a stale and suffocating orthodoxy.

Most Christians see Bible knowledge as something to be stored away in the mind along with an inert mass of other facts.

The modern scientist has lost God amid the wonders of His world. And we Christians are in real danger of losing God amid the wonders of His Word! Scripture truths must be experienced, before we can really know them.

"Lord, I do believe in the authority of the Scriptures, and thank You for that foundation of truth. But I need to remember that even the inspired text is not alive, until the Holy Spirit takes it and enlightens the recipients. May the Spirit indeed take what I teach and embed it in the hearts and minds of my hearers. Amen." <T207>

1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV

John 14:26 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

** Sin is the seed, the source, the essence of unhappiness. "There is no peace to the wicked" nor is there any happiness for the sinner in his sins. The carnal mind may find something like pleasure in carnal things but real, solid, lasting joy, cannot be found, never has been found by the sinner, until converted to God. Carnal pleasure is empty, fleeting, and unsatisfactory in its very nature! <S183>

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

[3] You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

** Using the word “were” — were washed, were sanctified, were justified — puts our sins in past tense because they're paid on the cross once and for all; Jesus paid it all 2000 years ago when all our sins were in the future <P168>

• Paul lists behavior that requires punishment, such as adultery, homosexuality, criminal behavior, and alcoholism

• Don’t think these acts cut anyone off from the possibility of God’s grace

• What Christians become, after they have been washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Jesus, are ex-adulterers, ex-homoexuals, ex-criminals and ex-alcoholics

• Don’t let anyone who practices such sins deceive you by claims that he or she is a citizen of God’s kingdom now <R1795>

1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV

[11] And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Hebrews 10:19-22 NIV

[19] Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

** Adversity creates tremendous warriors for the Lord; instead of asking God to resolve the difficulty instantly, ask how you can grow and He can be glorified in the situation <G70>

• Every great story through history involved overcoming adversity in one form or another

• Our life is our story and adversity can be the moment we shine, by leaning on God through difficulty

• Remember: we endure one short life to qualify as a good soldier, before enjoying one long eternity as a fulfilled human being <B23>

2 Timothy 2:3 NIV

[3] Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

[13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Revelation 21:4 NIV

[4] 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Romans 8:18 NIV

[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

** People want to know how Christianity is relevant to their lives or they won’t be bothered with it; they often ask:

• Is Christianity eternally relevant?

• What happens to us after we die?

• Why were we made?

• What’s the purpose of human life?

• Why am I the way that i am?

• Why are other people the way they are?

• Why do we have the earth we have?

Then there are issues regarding the claims in the Bible and their impact:

• Is Jesus who He said He is — the Son of God?

• Did He really die and rise from the dead, walking out of a tomb days after His death?

• What consequences are in store for me if Christ is real?

• How do I fulfill the calling on my life?

• How do I deal with all the negative worldly influences that surround me?

The Bible answers existential questions while providing practical explanation, often via Paul’s letters to churches, regarding:

• Why people don’t choose the Christian faith

• Where we go wrong along our journey

• How we can correct mistakes made <D40>

In the meantime, the rapidly increasing tempo of change in modern life has given the entire world a sense of impending crisis, where our world today faces convulsions and changes that threaten our very existence such as:

• Constant turmoil in the Middle East

• Economic collapse

• Radical jihadists

• Nuclear proliferation

• Weather related disasters

• Potential of catastrophic global plagues, and

• One escalating crisis after another

Modern man is asking solemn and searching questions — not only at the personal level in the here-and-now but about the future — and the Bible is certainly the best place to look for answers! What other source provides insight regarding what’s going on in our world today, with instruction and prophecy that spells out the situation in ‘black and white’? <P169> (June 2023)

1 Timothy 4:13,16 NIV

[13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV

** Humans are the creation of our Heavenly Father, God knows every detail of every individual and has numbered their days before they were even formed!

Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Jeremiah 1:5 NIV [To Jeremiah]

[5] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. ”

** Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon used the phrase “under the sun.” But it was only when he looked above the sun and to God that he found the answers he was seeking.

If you have a relationship with God and are walking closely with Him, then you will see this world for what it is. You will recognize the philosophies, concepts, and ideologies that contradict what the Bible teaches. When you are walking closely with God, you also will see the emptiness and the futility of the things that people chase after.

When we see God for who He is, we will see this world for what it is. <L120>

Ecclesiastes 2:1 NIV

[1] I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.

** People are constantly looking for wisdom and fulfillment in this life; some think alcohol will provide fulfillment but it only becomes a means of escape

• Solomon thought he could find an answer to fulfillment through alcohol — if he just started drinking then perhaps he would be a happy person in his altered state

• But after much thought, Solomon realized drinking alcohol was foolish

• Drinking has become a common pass time these days, and young people (especially) think going out and having cocktails will help them relax and enjoy life

• But Scripture warns there is no fulfillment in alcohol and whoever thinks otherwise cannot be wise <L120>

Bottom line: we won’t find fulfillment in this world by any means except in a committed relationship with God

Ecclesiastes 2:3 NIV

[3] I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly---my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.

Proverbs 20:1 NIV

[1] Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;

whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

** Those who are a slave to sin and not at peace with God constantly look for happiness but do not find it

Romans 7:23 NIV

[23] but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.

** Jesus is talking to His eleven saved disciples regarding how to remain in Him; this is not a passage about salvation but about discipline and what happens when believers don’t remain in Christ

• When followers of Christ — who accepted His offer of salvation — sin they do not lose their salvation but are out of fellowship with Jesus

• Much like sinning against a spouse does not null and void the marriage; the couple is still married but out of fellowship with each other

• “Our good works are evidence OF our salvation, not FOR our salvation.” <G70>

• Being cut off from Christ can have devastating results with loss of rewards (not eternal punishment) if not corrected

• Followers of Christ can not bear lasting fruit if they are out of fellowship with Him <W213>

John 15:1-2 NIV

[1] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

John 15:6 NIV

[6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

** God not only calls us but qualifies us to work in His service <B295>

Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

[11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV

** Satan absolutely hates everyone besides himself and will destroy even those who ‘pledge allegiance to him’ so place your allegiance in the One who loves and provides life! <H87>

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

** We have a tendency to see dark clouds on the horizon and worry about the ramifications, but God intends to use every difficult situation for His good and to save many lives

• When people see the evil around them they start searching for God — for if they start believing in an evil being, they start believing in God

• Envision driving on a highway toward the eternal city we are promised and every mile marker we pass means we’re getting that much closer

• Even though things look bleak, we are moving toward a place of ultimate peace! <B23>

Genesis 50:20 NIV

[20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

** Many of us could honestly admit that we commonly place ourselves at the center of the stories we inhabit. When we grant God a place (all too often we forget him entirely), it’s to notice how he fits in around our own story. We may be mystified or angry or sad that he hasn’t intervened more frequently. Or we may be genuinely grateful for what he’s done. But at the deepest level, we’ve flipped the script: God inhabits our stories, rather than the other way around. <W2191>

Job 38:1-3 NIV

[1] Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: [2] “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? [3] Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Genesis 3:4-6 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [6] When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

** Could we transport ourselves above the moon, could we reach the highest star above our heads, we would instantly discover new skies, new stars, new suns, new systems, and perhaps more magnificently adorned! But even there the vast dominions of our great Creator would not terminate; we would then find, to our astonishment, that we had only arrived at the borders of the works of God!

It is but little that we can know of His works, but that little should teach us to be humble, and to admire God's wisdom, power and goodness. How great must that Being be…

• Who produced these immense globes out of nothing

• Who regulates their courses, and

• Whose mighty hand directs and supports them all!

What is this clod of earth which we inhabit, with all the magnificent scenes it presents to us, in comparison of those innumerable worlds? Were this earth annihilated, its absence would no more be observed than the removal of a grain of sand from the vast sea shore! What then are all our fine homes and belongings, when compared with those infinite worlds? They are but atoms dancing in the air, which are revealed to us by the sunbeams!

What then am I, when reckoned among the infinite number of God's creatures? I am lost in my own nothingness!

But as little as I appear in this respect, I find myself great in others. There is great beauty in this starry skies which God has chosen for His throne! How admirable are those celestial bodies! I am dazzled with their splendor, and enchanted with their beauty! But notwithstanding this, however beautiful, and however richly adorned, yet this sky is void of intelligence. It is a stranger to its own beauty, while I, who am mere clay molded by a divine hand, am endowed with sense and reason. I can contemplate the beauty of these shining worlds; nay, more, I am already, to a certain degree, acquainted with their sublime Author; and by faith I see some small rays of His divine glory.

O may I be more and more acquainted with His works and make the study of them my employ, until by a glorious change I rise to dwell with Him above the starry regions! <S1996>

Psalm 8:3-4 NIV

[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4] what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Psalm 19:1-2 NIV

[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [2] Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

** The Bible contains all necessary truth — and nothing but truth. It was written expressly for sinners. It is freely given to them by God, that they may learn the things which make for their everlasting peace and salvation. It was never designed to gratify the critic's pride, or please the carnal imagination.

• The FOUNTAIN of divine truth is the Lord Jesus Christ

• The REPOSITORY of divine truth is the Holy Scriptures

• The proper ABODE of divine truth is the sinner's heart

• And the sacred REVEALER of truth is the Holy Spirit

It was intended to…

• Inform the mind

• Sanctify the heart

• Direct the feet

When we take it up, we should remember that it is a precious gift of God to poor sinners, designed to benefit them, and glorify His holy name.

In a word, this blessed Bible tells the poor sinner…

• What he is by nature

• What he must be by grace

• What he will be in glory

It shows him…

• Nature's deservings

• Mercy's way of escape

• How God is glorified in his present salvation and future glory

This book exhibits God's…

• Gracious purposes

• Merciful promises

• Wise precepts

It sets forth the…

• Thoughts of God

• Secrets of eternity

• Designs of everlasting love

• Method of salvation

• Saint's privileges and glory

• Impenitent sinner's state, condition, and awful doom!

The true Christian…

• Learns the doctrines with satisfaction

• Believes the promises with joy

• Accepts the invitations with gratitude

• Receives the cautions with fear

• Listens to the exhortations with pleasure

• Walks by the precepts with delight

• Reads it with reverence

• Searches it with diligence

• Implores the promised teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand it

Beware of slighting, despising, or neglecting the Bible. Read it daily. Pray over it incessantly, and meditate on what it reveals continually! <S183>

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

** According to the Prophet Isaiah, during the Millennial Kingdom, the earth is restored to its original ecological balance, and lifespans return to what they were prior to the Flood <K112>

Isaiah 65:20 NIV

[20] “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.

** Since we know the Bible to be true, then anyone NOT accepting this truth and focusing on God is living a facade <G70>

The Bible has been proven true:

• Archaeologically

• Historically

• Scientifically

• Eschatologically, etc

It seems as though most everyone is focused on building their own little kingdom here on earth, enjoying the ride without a care in the world rather than focusing on the advancement of God’s kingdom

• There is more concern about fitting into the world and enjoying the easy life than standing for the truths of God

• But no level of ignoring the insanity around us will change the truth; we can’t bury our heads and expect it to go away!

• Jesus is clear that we are to accept and seek HIS kingdom only and the rest will fall into place

Matthew 6:32-34 NIV

[32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

** Do not prioritize the things of this world, for God should take precedence over everything

• This is not to say believers are to ‘disconnect from the world and wait for the rapture’ because we know where we’re going and can avoid struggle as we wait

• On the contrary, followers of Christ are to be about our Father’s business every moment He gives us breath to confront evil and follow through on what He provides for us in Scripture!

• The question remains where we place our ULTIMATE HOPE — do we hope that the world will somehow ‘pull through’ and provide the life we want, or do we understand that God is in complete control and will decide the timing and direction of our future?

• Remnant believers ultimately place their hope and trust in God, not the world

1 John 2:15-17 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Luke 12:34 NIV

[34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

** Those who seek to be satisfied with the things of this world will never be fully satisfied, but the one who is saved and fills their heart with the things of God will find complete peace and satisfaction

Romans 2:7-8 NIV

[7] To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. [8] But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

Luke 12:29-31 NIV

[29] And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

** Christians are called to reflect the reality of Christ

• Christ existed in person on this earth, as outlined in the pages of Scripture – coming to earth, dying and rising again

• He also continues to reveal Himself in the lives of His followers via the Holy Spirit

• If Christians over the centuries didn’t believe Christ is who He says He is, they wouldn’t have bothered trying to live a radically different life than the world

• They would have ‘scrubbed all adherence to Christianity’ long ago, so they could live the way their sinful self desires

• But we CAN be 100% positive that Christ exists!

• In response, our focus should remain on reading Scripture to help us understand who He is and our role as His follower

• There are eternal consequences based on what we decide – suffering consequences for ignoring the existence of Christ, or receiving blessings for accepting His offer of salvation!

2 Timothy 3:14-17 NIV

Titus 3:14 NIV

[14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

** One way to overcome the temptations in your life is to serve in the kingdom of God; you won’t be thinking about your own narcissistic thoughts when focused on helping others <D40>

Romans 12:21 NIV

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

** You cannot overcome light by ‘adding more dark’; darkness exists because there is no light, so as soon as light appears darkness vanishes!

John 1:4-5 NIV

[4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

** The only way God can ‘justify the ungodly’ is to punish His Son in place of believing sinners <130>

Romans 4:5-8 NIV

[5] However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. [6] David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: [7] “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. [8] Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

** Ah! how beneficently has He arranged it all! Were it all cloudy, then how dark and dreary would the night-season of affliction be! Were it all light, then how dazzling and overpowering would the day-time of our prosperity be!

But He has most wisely and exquisitely balanced and harmonized the two in our history:

• Joy and sorrow

• Toil and rest

• Defeat and victory

• Wounding and the healing

• Casting-down and the lifting-up – each acting and reacting upon the other, and both working together for our good!

The cloud of sadness, subdues and softens the light of joy. The sunshine of joy, illumines and warms the chill cloud of sadness. Just so, He is leading us by the right way home to Himself. <W211>

Psalm 107:7 NIV

[7] He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.

Psalm 31:15a NIV

[15] My times are in your hands

** If there is one place where our Lord Jesus most fully becomes the joy and comfort of His people, it is where He plunged deepest into the depths of woe!

Behold and see, was there ever sorrow like His sorrow? Gaze upon Him! Come, behold the Man in the garden of Gethsemane and upon the bloody tree.

We have only to sit longer at the cruel cross, to be less troubled with our trials and woes. We have but to see His sorrows, and we shall be ashamed to mention our sorrows. We have but to gaze into His wounds, and heal our own. <S185>

John 19:5 NIV

[5] When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, “Here is the man!”

** Man in his finite body with limited understanding cannot know the mind of God nor should he strive to; with His infinite knowledge, God often chooses to keep what is not meant for us because He knows it would harm us <D40>

Isaiah 40:28 NIV

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

** In His mercy, God often allows discomfort with the intent that said discomfort causes the sufferer to turn to Him for aid like the pig pen did for the prodigal son. Momentary discomfort brought the wayward son to his senses and his end was far better than he expected. I believe God wants all who are separated from Him to know that He is longingly watching for them to return to Him, to the place where they belong. <A11>

Luke 15:14-17 NIV

[14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. [17] “When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!

** Follow David’s advice in seeking the Lord when in trouble — these sections could be used in any number of current help programs, like AA <C31>

ADMIT YOU'RE IN TROUBLE (1-2)

• David's crisis looked as if it would never end; David asks "how long?"

• David’s prayers seemed to go unanswered and he admitted that worry was growing in his heart

• Times of crisis and suffering can seem like forever; it can seem like you're drowning when it lasts day after day, year after year

• We feel like God does not see or care

• Trying to find our own solutions often creates more worry

SEEK HELP (3-4)

• Though in deep pain, David turned to God for he knew he could not survive without His help

• Don't let discouragement crush you for

healing can begin when we voice our discouragement and pour our hearts to God!

• God does not promise 'easy' solutions so use the opportunities to grow your trust in God

• God CAN move the mountain when you pray and read His Word but He doesn't promise to always do so, at least not in your time and your way

DON'T GIVE UP (5-6)

• Praying helped David remember he could turn to God

• Trust God when circumstances do not change

• Praise and trust God regardless whether you feel He has heard or answered

• Understand that circumstances did not change but David's heart did change!

• Realize that God is with you all the time

• Ask what it is that God has for you to learn in your situation

Psalm 13:6 NIV

[6] I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

** Our solutions to a problem often don't come close to what God has in mind

Mark 6:35-36 NIV

By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. [36] Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

** Every day we have the choice to either live for ourselves or deny ourselves. If we will seek first the kingdom of God and put our priorities in order, then the rest of life will find its proper balance. <L120>

Luke 12:31,34 NIV

[31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

** The omnipotence of Jehovah is ruled by His wisdom and holiness, His justice and love. He can do everything consistent with those attributes, but nothing contrary to them.

God's omnipotence is altogether on the believer's side. All that God consistently can do, He will do for His people. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

He can make us contented in the most trying circumstances, and happy in the deepest affliction. He can so bring down our minds to our condition, that we shall glory in tribulation. He can turn darkness into light, and bitter into sweet; and bring the richest joy out of the deepest sorrow.

The omnipotent God is your God! His omnipotence is engaged for you! <S183>

Matthew 19:26 NIV

[26] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

** In that day, the Lord will cleanse His people from all sin, idolatry and pagan worship; there will be no false prophets

Zechariah 13:1-2 NIV

[1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity. [2] “On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,” declares the Lord Almighty. “I will remove both the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.

Zechariah 13:3 NIV

[3] And if anyone still prophesies, their father and mother, to whom they were born, will say to them, 'You must die, because you have told lies in the Lord's name.' Then their own parents will stab the one who prophesies.

Ezekiel 36:26-29 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. [28] Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. [29] I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you.

Jeremiah 31:1-2 NIV

[1] “At that time,” declares the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.” [2] This is what the Lord says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the wilderness; I will come to give rest to Israel.”

** Do not put your hope in the systems of this world to save this world — be it left, right, Dem, Rep, liberal, conservative etc — but in God alone; at the same time expose the evil around you but do not play in their game <F60>

Ephesians 5:11 NIV

[11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 John 1:5-7 NIV

[5] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. [6] If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

** It is OK to persistently ask God for something that appears to us to be a ‘just outcome’ and isn’t immoral

• Luke introduces this lesson as a parable meant to show the disciples ‘that they should always pray and never give up’

• The lesson: if an uncaring, unfit, ungodly judge answers with justice in the end, how much more will a loving and holy Father give what is right to His children? <G72>

• Delay may be within the will and purpose of God; justice may not come until Jesus returns <R1795>

• God knows the ‘bigger picture’ beyond the immediate moment and understands whether our request is ultimately best for us

• Faith comes when the outcome is not what we asked or desire

• Don’t forget, the building of our faith is a wonderful outcome! <D40>

Luke 18:5-7 NIV

[5] yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually come and attack me!' ” [6] And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. [7] And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

Luke 11:7-9 NIV

[7] And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. [9] “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

** Believers in Christ do not need to entertain any fear regarding what is happening in the world today because we know our final destination <S187>

2 Corinthians 5:8 NIV

[8] We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

** God’s people do not need to fear. God delivers. And if He does not deliver, He sustains. And if He does not sustain, He receives us into His everlasting arms — for He is sovereign! God be praised! <M131>

Psalm 59:16-17 NIV

[16] But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. [17] You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

** Jesus enables the believer in Christ to become righteous through His death on the cross; this discredits any notion of purgatory

• At the point of death, every person is either united with Jesus or not

• The false concept of purgatory is appealing to the masses because it gives a ‘last chance’ for people to gain salvation when they die while still being able to live in sin before death

• Jesus finished the work of salvation by dying and resurrecting

• According to Scripture, we come to faith in Christ and are immediately saved from eternal punishment — nothing else is needed!

• Since humans cannot add to Christ’s offer of salvation, the concept of purgatory is not theologically sound <S188>

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 9:15 NIV

[15] For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance---now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

** We can have complete peace in any situation for we know our life here on earth is temporary

• Christ will return and take us to a better place before the Great Tribulation

• How will we get to this new place but via the Rapture!

John 14:2-3 NIV

[2] My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1 Thessalonians 4:16,18 NIV

[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. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

[51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

• The last trumpet gathers the Church while the first trumpet gathers the Israelites (1 Cor 15)

• Mention of the 'last trumpet' does not refer to the trumpets in the Tribulation but at the Rapture <H84>

Romans 8:10-11 NIV

[10] But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. [11] And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

1 John 3:2-3 NIV

Revelation 22:7 NIV

[7] “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

Revelation 3:10-11 NIV

[10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. [11] I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

** Complete peace is available to all followers of Christ, knowing that He is in control and His Word is 100% accurate; believers can rely on future prophesies knowing all past prophesies God gave the prophets materialized exactly as described in Scripture!

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV

[16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

** Notice David's expectation for eternity [even during the dark valley experiences]. Not in the sheepfold in the wilderness, but in the house of the Lord!

The dwelling-place of God, the family residence of the Father of mercies and His beloved children. In that house, we shall have all our desires gratified, our prayers answered, and our highest expectations more than realized.

• There we shall dwell in peace, united to all the saints, and enjoying the society of all the ransomed brethren

• All friendship will be unchangeable, and fellowship perpetual and pure

• There we shall dwell and worship — and our worship will be spiritual, pure, and perfect

• There we shall dwell and enjoy — and our enjoyments will be dignified, delightful, and eternal

• There we shall dwell and obey — and our obedience will be perfect, hearty, and perpetual

• There, we shall dwell and rest — and our rest will be sweet, refreshing, and satisfying

• There will be no wilderness storms there

• There will be no cruel, crafty, malignant foes there

O glorious prospect! O sweet anticipation! <S183>

Psalm 23:5-6 NIV

[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

John 10:14-15 NIV

[14] “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Romans 8:17 NIV

[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

** There are three states of existence when a person is fully conscious

• CURRENT state where believers are living in the light of eternity

• TEMPORARY incomplete state where the bodiless soul that is fully conscious exists in bliss in the presence of God, or in torment without God; some believe they will have a temporary body while others believe their soul is not housed with a body

• RESURRECTED state when the believer’s soul unites with a glorified body at the resurrection they have for eternity <S188>

1 Samuel 28:11-15 NIV

[11] Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” “Bring up Samuel,” he said. [12] When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” [13] The king said to her, “Don't be afraid. What do you see?” The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.” [14] “What does he look like?” he asked. “An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. [15] Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.”

Matthew 23:33 NIV [not everyone is saved because Jesus talks about a place or punishment often]

[33] “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

** Every believer is a PILGRIM. He is traveling to his Father's house! He is presently a stranger in a strange land, surrounded by temptations, trials, and foes.

His journey lies through a great and terrible wilderness. Therefore he must not expect a very smooth path or many comfortable accommodations. He will have much to grieve and distress him. His heart will be often burdened with grief and filled with sorrow. Tears are common to the Christian. He feels the unsuitableness of the things of time — to his spirit, profession, and aim. And therefore he confesses,

Psalm 39:12 NIV

[12] “Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.

Weariness and painfulness are his portion now but a rest remains for him! It is a glorious rest. It embraces and includes all that the believer has prayed for and can desire!

• It waits for him at the end of his journey

• It was prepared for him from the foundation of the world

• It is now promised to him in the faithful Word, and

• It will be bestowed upon him when he has fought the good fight and finished his course

Everything at present may appear gloomy and distressing; but ahead of you, believer, everything is glorious, magnificent, and blessed. Press on then. Fight the good fight of faith. Travel on in the strength of Jesus! You are going home and you have a glorious home to go to!

The minute after you have entered your rest, you will forget all the fatigue, all the dangers, and all the difficulties of the way. You will perhaps be filled with wonder, that you should ever have allowed such trifles to vex you, or such little trials to discourage you — with such a glorious end before you. All will be satisfied, all will be full. In a little while, you will see the portal of your Father's house and hear Him say, "Come in, you who are blessed of the Lord, tarry no longer outside! Come, dwell forever with Me!" <S183>

Hebrews 11:13 NIV

[13] All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.

** Every created thing exists because God made it as He designed — whether it is the galaxy, world, mighty beast, perfect snowflake or God’s highest creation of man and woman <M139>

John 1:1-3 NIV

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

** God did not make Scripture vague or cryptic but, rather, easy to understand and applicable to our lives when we look to the Holy Spirit for help

• God has no reason to confuse or ‘trip us up’ when we read His Word

• On the contrary, God directed those who penned His thoughts in a manner so His people can best understand who He is and His expectations

• Ultimately this means we will be held accountable for following Scripture when we meet our Maker

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

** Whether we take the creation story as a literal six days or not, God gave us a pattern of 'a week' to follow when living life, including time to periodically rejuvenate

Leviticus 23:15-16 NIV

[15] “ 'From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. [16] Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.

Deuteronomy 16:9-10 NIV

[9] Count off seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain. [10] Then celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the Lord your God has given you.

** You might feel torment when you watch the news and see the increasing brutality of our world. It’s easy to be vexed by the self-destructiveness encouraged by popular entertainment. The ongoing celebration of evil probably makes you feel sick. You’re in good company. The Lord Himself shares your grief. Vexation comes with caring. But don’t let it overwhelm you. Remember the words of Nehemiah and live in the peace & joy of the Lord. <L124>

Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

[10] Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

** God’s promises will help the believer through perilous times; remember God’s promises when feeling down and overwhelmed by the evil that is evident all around

Psalm 119:49-50 NIV

[49] Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. [50] My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

Jeremiah 15:15 NIV

[15] Lord, you understand; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering---do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.

• The next time you feel as though you are suffering, remember how long-suffering God is in order to allow time to bring more souls to His side

** If God is going to make sure anything does NOT misrepresent Him, He is going to ensure the Bible accurately conveys His thoughts and gives us insight into who He is — the very Source used by His followers throughout the centuries

• What purpose would God have for making His Word a mystery and using it to trip up those seeking Him?

• On the contrary, His ways are clear and simple and we are not to mess with any of it, not adding or removing a word

• Everyone, as innocent as children, can understand His Word regardless of their time and generation

• God knew we would be reading His Word in the 21st century just as they did throughout previous centuries!

• We continue to be a work in progress but that doesn’t change what God gave us to start — a solid foundation of His truth in His Word

• God gave us His Word so we would have at least a simple uncomplicated glimpse of who He is and a subsequent motivation to seek Him all the more

Luke 18:16-17 NIV

[16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

Revelation 22:6-7 NIV

[6] The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” [7] “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

** Followers of Christ gain discernment (knowing right from wrong) through daily prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading when studying Scripture

• The church should be a support and pillar for the Christian community, where believers can go to focus on God and be encouraged with His truth via Scripture

• According to John MacArthur, the biggest problem in the church is lack of discernment because churches don’t solely focus on God or desire to learn His full counsel available in Scripture

• Review Psalm 19 to read how David viewed the importance and power of God’s word

• Is it our desire to become wise and open our eyes to His truth so we can identify falsehoods?

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

** God wants us to turn to Him for answers that are plainly outlined in His Word, not string Him along with endless questions

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

• Believer and non-believer alike needs guidance, not a Buddy or some Mystic Figure — they can come to know about our Creator and His thoughts through His Word

• God includes 1050 commands in the New Testament that give us direction and over 600 ancient commands in the Old Testament that provide insight into who He is and His ways

• There must come a point in time in every believer’s life when they become either hot or cold, accepting His truth as outlined in Scripture or not

John 16:13a NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

John 18:37 NIV

[37] “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Psalm 119:52 NIV

[52] I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.

Jeremiah 6:16a NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

** If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature…

• He is convinced of sin, and mourns over it

• He hates sin, and departs from it

• He reads the Word of God, and loves it

• He hears the gospel of Christ, and believes it

He becomes a disciple of Christ…

• Learning His doctrines

• Trusting His promises, and

• Doing His will

He receives the Spirit of Christ, which is a spirit of meekness, love and holiness. He would rather suffer for Christ, than sin against Christ! He loves the person of Christ, imitates the example of Christ, and observes the ordinances of Christ.

He commits his soul into the hands of Jesus…

• To be pardoned through His blood

• To be justified by His righteousness

• To be sanctified by His Spirit

• To be preserved by His power

• To be used for His glory, and

• To be presented faultless by Him to the Father at last

He looks for the second coming of Christ with joy, because then he will be like Him, for he will see Him as He is! <S183>

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV

[23] May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

** Many church leaders choose to focus only on topics that members want to hear, such as self-help tips and how to achieve ‘your best life now’

• Shouldn’t the church gather to focus on God instead of ourselves and be challenged by everything He has to say to us via His Word?

• Topics need to include understanding WHY God made us as He did and WHAT He wants to accomplish through us

EXAMPLE 1

• Review relevant passages for Biblical examples and instruction related to the last steps in Blackaby’s “Experiencing God”:

6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing, and

7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you

EXAMPLE 2

• A theme or topic like “Getting Out of the Boat” could easily focus only on achieving self-interests such as boosting image, being brave and accomplishing dreams

• Rather, focus the topic on God’s purpose for getting out of the boat instead of self-interest

• Discussion could center around WHY God would want members to get out of the boat and WHO to rely on to serve His purpose

• There are lots of times we need God’s courage, faith, strength, wisdom, motivation etc to accomplish tasks that seem impossible to us

• These discussions would be perfect reminders to believe, seek and depend on God alone to help get out of the boat to accomplish His will!

Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

[31] So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

[8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

[19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

** God created us so we can contribute to His plan and reveal to others our allegiance to Him

• God created us to be His witness

• Unfortunately, believers in Christ can lose their effectiveness and become completely worthless

• When this happens, believers should show others the restorative and enabling power of God in their lives as they lean on Him with corrective measures

• Pray that people will benefit from witnessing Christ's work through His followers

Mark 4:21-22 NIV

[21] He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? [22] For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

** Some friends would like to help us but they cannot and sometimes when they could help, they will not

• Christians need not be discouraged for they have a Friend in God who can and is always willing to help!

• We may be disappointed by others but this is divinely appointed, in order to lead us to trust in God alone

Hebrews 13:6 NIV

[6] So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

** There is a great deal of comfort one can experience going to Scripture as the plumbline for truth, especially in these days of ‘relative uncertainty’

• Rather than relying on a source such as the Bible, the vast majority in this world think they can come up with their 'own version of truth'

• Personal truth is often untested and self-serving, but it sure makes people feel good

• Avoid the temptation to ask ‘what does this Scripture passage mean to you' and then cherry-pick from Scripture to support your personal interpretation

• We constantly live in a spiritual battle but we can find encouragement and align our heart with God when we invest in daily prayer and obediently follow His Word

• Read and understand the full Scriptural counsel of God in order to determine truth and be able to identify false teachers

• We have access to the Ultimate Power against the evil around us when we call on the name of Jesus and go to His Word — God’s inspired Word that has been written and tested over thousands of years

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

** Who is He of whom such gracious words are spoken? He is the Good Shepherd.

Why does He carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart?

• Because He has a tender heart, and any weakness in them at once melts His heart

• The sighs, the ignorance, the feebleness of the little ones of His flock — draw forth His compassion

• It is His office, as a faithful High Priest, to consider the weak

• Besides, He purchased them with blood — they are His property. He must and will care for those who cost Him so dear

• Then, He is responsible for each lamb, bound by covenant engagements not to lose one

• Moreover, they are all a part of His glory and reward

John 10:11 NIV

[11] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

But how may we understand the expression, "He will carry them"?

• Sometimes He carries them by not permitting them to endure much trial; providence deals tenderly with them

• Often they are carried by being filled with an unusual degree of love, so that they bear up and stand fast; though their knowledge may not be deep, they have great sweetness in what they do know!

• Frequently He carries them by giving them a very simple faith — which takes the promises just as they stand, and believingly runs with every trouble straight to Jesus; the simplicity of their faith gives them an unusual degree of confidence, which carries them above the world

Isaiah 40:11 NIV

[11] He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Would He hold them close to His heart, if He did not love them much?

• Here is boundless affection

• Here is tender nearness; so near are they, that they could not possibly be nearer

• Here is hallowed familiarity; here are precious love-passages between Christ and His weak ones

• Here is perfect safety

• In His bosom they must hurt the Shepherd first

John 10:28 NIV

[28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Here is perfect rest and sweetest comfort. Surely we are not sufficiently sensible of the infinite tenderness of Jesus! <S185>

** Remnant believers are called to be watchmen, where we share the good news of Christ’s offer of salvation and warn others of impending events during the Last Days; we are called to be watchmen not only before the Rapture but after, for the Tribulation saints <T205>

Ezekiel 3:17 NIV

[17] “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

Luke 21:33-36 NIV [always be on guard!]

[33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. [34] “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. [35] For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. [36] Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

** God operates in multiple dimensions so we do not fully understand Him or how this world operates <S195>

Ephesians 3:18-19 NIV

[18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

• God and His ways are simply beyond our knowledge unless He opens our eyes <G77>

2 Kings 6:17 NIV

[17] And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

** Let me tell you a little secret: whenever you cannot understand a text, open your Bible, bend your knee, and pray over that text; and if it does not split into atoms and open itself, then try again. If prayer does not explain it, then it is one of those things that God did not intend you to know at present, and you may be content to be ignorant of it.

Prayer is the key that opens the cabinets of mystery. Prayer and faith are sacred picklocks that can open secrets, and obtain great treasures! There is no college for holy education like that of the blessed Spirit, for He is an ever-present tutor, to whom we have only to bend the knee, and He is at our side — the great Expositor of truth!

You will frequently find fresh streams of thought leaping up from the passage before you, as if the rock had been struck by Moses' rod! New veins of precious ore will be revealed to your astonished gaze as you quarry God's Word and use diligently the hammer of prayer! <S185>

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

"Every text prayed over opens a mine of 'unsearchable riches,' with a light from above, more clear and full than the most intelligent exposition." <B291>

"A humble and prayerful spirit will find a thousand things in the Bible--which the proud, self-conceited student will utterly fail to discern." <R170>

"There should be a definite asking Him to graciously anoint our eyes — not only that we may be enabled to behold wondrous things in His law, but also that He will make us of quick discernment to perceive how the passage before us applies to ourselves — what are the particular lessons we need to learn from it. The more we cultivate this habit, the more likely that God will be pleased to open His Word unto us." <P161>

** The parable of the Prodigal Son is a typology of Christ’s forgiveness when we mess up and ask forgiveness <A10>

• When we experience God’s salvation, we are privileged with an elevated stature in His kingdom

• Our status changes because of the righteousness we receive from Him

Luke 15:20-22 NIV

[20] So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [21] “The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] “But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV

[30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God---that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Philippians 3:8-9 NIV

** David was young, but he knew the Lord, and knew Him personally. His battle experience was not against men, but he had faced the lion and God gave him victory. He protected his sheep from the bear, and God gave him victory.

The army shivering with fear behind David might not have had his back. But David stood in that valley — the living God within him and the armies of heaven on all sides. Goliath’s size, experience, equipment, and power were as nothing before God. And David made sure that everyone understood Who Goliath opposed that day in the valley. The giant could easily defeat David alone, but he didn’t stand a chance against God.

Maybe you feel alone in the valley — ill-equipped and ill-trained. The Christian army behind you may seem weak, ineffective, compromised, fearful, or uninterested. That which stands against you may seem confident, powerful, and committed. Even in such a dire circumstance, you can say with Paul in

Acts 20:24 NIV

[24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

It's not about you, your strengths, or your weaknesses. In Christ, you can face any enemy, defeat any giant because… the battle is the Lord’s! <L124>

1 Samuel 17:47-50 NIV

[47] All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.” [48] As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. [49] Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. [50] So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

** Joseph rose above his circumstances and was used by God, where his brothers ended up being slaves to their circumstances <D40>

Genesis 50:15-20 NIV

[15] When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” [16] So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: [17] 'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. ” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. [18] His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. [19] But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

** Even though there were poisonous vines added to the pot of stew that would kill those who ate it, God protected them so there was no harm after eating it

• God can protect whomever calls on Him regardless of the poison being pushed our way today — whether vaccine-related or altering chemicals in the air or food, etc; trust God to protect you!

• The account of adding flour to the poisonous stew is a typology of adding Christ (the Bread of Life) to our deadly existence in order to survive

• The stew is intended to harm and ultimately destroy, but God uses it for good to bring about salvation <F60>

2 Kings 4:38-41 NIV

[38] Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets.” [39] One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine and picked as many of its gourds as his garment could hold. When he returned, he cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. [40] The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. [41] Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.

** Part of the armor of God is the belt of truth which is referenced in Isaiah

Isaiah 11:5 NIV

[5] Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist; truth is based on the Word of God and presupposes that the Christian KNOW and APPLY His word

The belt is bound around the waist for 3 reasons:

a) gives you freedom because the truth sets you free

b) truth is both an offensive and defensive weapon

c) displays things outwardly just like the truth should be made public; truth must be spoken and not silenced <H86>

Ephesians 6:10-14 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [14] Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place

** The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God and is a precision instrument so we can utilize appropriate verses for specific instances; we must KNOW the Word first in order to yield it effectively and boldly

Ephesians 6:17 NIV

[17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-6 NIV

[4] For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, [5] because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. [6] If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

** The word ‘sober’ implies not only that we are awake with all cognitive senses flowing, but that we are ‘watching’ for signs and understanding <G71>

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 NIV

[6] So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. [8] But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Luke 12:54-56 NIV

[54] He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. [55] And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It's going to be hot,' and it is. [56] Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?

** Becoming a Christian is more than just saying a prayer and having the assurance of Heaven. Realize that being a Christian means following Jesus not just as Savior but also as Lord.

The problem is there are people in the church today who name the name of Christ but haven’t discovered what it means to follow Him. They haven’t discovered that being a Christian is more than just saying a prayer and then going on their merry way.

And sadly, many are settling for a brand of Christianity that isn’t biblical, one that embraces Jesus as Savior but neglects Him as Lord. It is big on self-esteem, but it is small on self-denial. It celebrates success but repudiates suffering. This brand of Christianity is not changing our world. <L120>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 14:8-9 NIV

[8] If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. [9] For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

** Paul wanted to know more of Christ, for Christ had appeared to Paul, was revealed in him, and was constantly preached by him <S183>

Christ was the:

• Object of his trust

• Subject of his ministry, and

• Joy of his heart

But Paul knew there was much in Christ with which he was unacquainted. He knew but in part. He desired, therefore, to know more of the:

• Glory of His person

• Riches of His grace

• Magnificence of His work

• Excellency of His natures

• Majesty of His kingdom!

Everything in Christ interested Paul. Creation was good, and grace was better. But Christ was best of all. Paul was never weary of thinking, speaking or learning of Christ.

Beloved, how is it with you? Do you sympathize with Paul in this desire of his heart? Is it your daily wish, ardent desire, and constant aim to know more of Jesus?

Throughout eternity we shall be learning Christ!

• He is the lesson placed before us in the church on earth, and

• He is the lesson placed before the church in Heaven.

Time is given us to learn Christ and eternity will be given to us to learn even more of Christ!

Philippians 3:10 NIV

[10] I want to know Christ---yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

** Deciding to follow Christ requires that we understand He is both sides of the same coin — love and discipline

• Side one: Jesus demonstrates love and mercy — thank goodness or humans wouldn’t have any hope at all!

• Side two: Jesus demonstrates discipline and even wrath for those who refuse to believe He is the Son of God and follow His ways

• A full understanding of both sides is essential for those accepting Christ’s offer of salvation

Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

[4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.

1 John 4:16a NIV

[16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love.

Psalm 123:2 NIV

[2] As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.

Romans 12:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship.

Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV

[5] And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, [6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

** Understand: accepting Christ in the present ‘here and now’ means we get Him in the future ‘there and then’

• Our job may seem complete right now but we need to be ready and focused on where God wants us next

• Don’t look back but look forward!

• Think of our life in Christ as a chess game, where God has reasons for both current and future moves

• God knows the BIG picture regarding our current position, where we are headed and why

• Most likely He wants us to learn from the present day and change positions on the battlefield to place our focus where needed

Proverbs 24:14 NIV

[14] Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Job 8:7-10 NIV

[7] Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. [8] “Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned, [9] for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. [10] Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?

Psalm 37:37,39-40 NIV

[37] Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. [39] The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. [40] The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

** May I always do my best with what I know and what I am given to work with

• Regardless of whether I see any difference in the way others conduct their lives, my viewpoint and attitude for my life should reflect Christ’s teaching and be different than the world

• I want to do the best job I can and not let others get in the way of my spiritual focus

• May I be a support to others as directed by the Holy Spirit, regardless if I disapprove of the other person’s tactics or lack of spiritual manner

• I am still responsible to God for how I conduct myself, just like others who will be responsible to Him for their decisions and actions

Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ---to the glory and praise of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 2:4-7 NIV

[4] My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, [5] so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power. [6] We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. [7] No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

Philippians 3:15-16 NIV

[15] All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. [16] Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

** If your faith is in your own strength or the strength of your political associations or in a particular leader, you will naturally be afraid. You will be outraged by every potential threat. But faith in God allows you to exhibit and grow the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control <L124>

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

** Men tend to evaluate all situations, both personal and work, through a ‘results and rewards’ filter

The four pillars of this filter ask:

1. What is the game?

2. What are the rules?

3. Who’s keeping score?

4. How do I win?

As a Christian, the filter must include:

1. What does God have to say about this?

2. Would I be violating His law?

3. Would I be violating my promise to God as His follower? <D40>

Proverbs 6:32-34 NIV

[32] But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself. [33] Blows and disgrace are his lot, and his shame will never be wiped away. [34] For jealousy arouses a husband's fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.

Psalm 105:3-4 NIV

[3] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. [4] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** Renouncing the demonic from your life <H86>

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

a) Face the reality of the situation

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

b) Resist with the Word of God; believe in your position and identify in the Messiah

James 4:7 NIV

[7] Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

c) Confess your sins

1 John 1:9 NIV

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

d) Renounce your sins of the occult and any ‘hereditary complicity’

2 Corinthians 4:2 NIV

[2] Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.

e) Have extended periods of prayer and fasting

Mark 9:28-29 NIV

[28] After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn't we drive it out?” [29] He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. ”

f) Destroy every occult object and methods derived by the occult or paganism

Acts 19:19 NIV

[19] A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.

g) Sever contact with psychics, necromancers, mediums or anyone involved in the occult, including family

Galatians 5:19-20 NIV

[19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

h) Do not isolate; fellowship with other believers

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another---and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I) Expunge every false doctrine from you and replace it with true doctrine

Hebrews 13:9a NIV

[9] Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

1 Timothy 6:3 NIV

[3] If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,

j) Renew your mind in order to identify demonic lies; Satan wants to gain a foothold so dig deep and identify the lies you are buying into

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

k) Renounce the lies so God’s truth will set you free

John 8:32 NIV

[32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

1 John 4:4 NIV

[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

** Life is but a journey — a journey from the present fleeting world to an awaiting eternal world

Exodus 13:21 NIV

[21] By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.

Israel needed a GUIDE in their journey from the wilderness to the promised land:

• They had a long journey before them, which would take them forty years

• They had to travel by a strange path, on which they had never trodden before

• Numerous foes would endeavor to obstruct their progress

• Many dangers lined the way

• And they had evil and deceitful hearts!

Fellow-Christians, is it not even so with us? We are going on a journey to a country of which the Lord our God has told us.

The journey is long and trying. It takes some twenty, some forty, and some sixty years to travel from earth to Heaven. It is a strange path. A path which no one knows, a path we have never trodden before. A path which by nature we could never find, and from which we are prone to turn aside.

We need a guide whose:

• Wisdom is perfect

• Power is almighty

• Care is constant

• Patience is immutable

• Mercy endures forever!

God provided just what the Israelites needed in the wilderness — a guide to lead them by day and night. He went before them, pointing out the road, clearing it of insurmountable difficulties, and conducting them in it.

This is just what our good and gracious God does for us! He is really present with us, though unseen by us. He is never far from any one of us. He marks out our road, He removes every real impediment out of our way and conducts us step by step in the path to the promised land!

Naturally we do not know the right path. Left to ourselves, we would choose the short-cut, the smooth path, and well-frequented road. But He leads us in a zig-zag way, by a rough and uneven road where there are but few fellow-travelers. His choice is best.

The way He points out is the only right one. It is to humble us, and test us, and show what is in our hearts. It is that we may walk by faith, and not by sight. It is to teach us our need of Himself, and to lead us to cleave unto Him. "For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death," through death, and beyond it! <S183>

Psalm 32:8 NIV

[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

** We shall be forever with Christ! Now, we have to mourn His absence. Now we exclaim, "O that I knew where I could find Him!" But He has provided something better for us — even to dwell forever in His presence, which will constitute our Heaven, our glory, and our portion!

O with what rapture shall we fix and feast our eyes upon Him, and how will the thought that we are to be forever with Him, thrill through our souls, and open ten thousand gushing streams of unutterable delight and joy! O with what joy shall we hear Him say, "Come, you who are blessed of my Father!"

Here on earth, we may be cast down, for the way is rough and our trials are many. Here we may mourn the absence of our God, but the love of Jesus will soon rescue us, and we shall be received into His presence to abide forever! <S183>

John 14:3 NIV

[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV

[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.

Philippians 1:23 NIV

[23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

** Passages were written for those left behind after the Rapture, encouraging them to endure with patience, knowing the trouble that is coming upon all those who believe in Christ during the Tribulation; these people are called the Tribulation Saints and will be rewarded with eternity with Christ as a result of their decision and endurance

Revelation 13:9-10 NIV

[9] Whoever has ears, let them hear. [10] “If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.” This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people.

Revelation 14:13 NIV

[13] Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

** Consider that you move through life on parallel roads: a personal road and societal road. The personal road takes you through life at the individual MICRO (friends, work, church) level, while the societal road moves you and those around you at the MACRO (national, global) level.

On each road along the journey, we are to:

a) Move in the direction of God’s will — toward His conclusion and in His timing, but also

b) Fight against sin — oftentimes correcting motives and actions

• We don’t need to ask God’s permission to fight against sin, for He has given us everything we need to do so, including written instruction-commands in His Word and the means by which to do so via the Holy Spirit!

• I appreciate the favorite American Revolution creed to “fight like it’s up to us and pray like it’s up to God”, appealing to the Supreme Ruler of the universe for the rectitude of our actions

• What ‘works’ in life on this planet, is not how God ‘works’; make sure you live by His standard as you journey through life

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 7:21-23 NIV

[21] So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. [22] For in my inner being I delight in God's law; [23] but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.

** It doesn’t matter where a committed believer in Christ travels around the world, they can always unite and bond with other genuine committed believers because they share the same Spirit!

1 Corinthians 12:11 NIV

[11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

** My witness may look different than my neighbor, depending on how God has gifted me

• While some adhere to the ‘forward approach’ such as delivering a message via tracts, others operate in a different environment — like communicating with teenagers who don’t want to listen

• Don’t feel you have to witness the same as your neighbor

• If you buy into this thinking, then you’re getting into ‘works territory’ and neglecting the gifts God has given you!

• For example, God may have given you the ability to ADD into someone’s life with encouragement in a proactive way on a daily basis

• Perhaps let them know they came to mind and you prayed for them

• Don’t keep score waiting for a response in kind, but use your time to shine light into potentially dark places

2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

[2] And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Matthew 5:16 NIV

[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 11:36 NIV

[36] Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

2 Timothy 2:20-21 NIV

[20] In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. [21] Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

** While we’re going through a testing period, remember to place our primary focus on our Lifeline, not on the issues in front of us

• For instance, how do we respond to those who unjustly criticize us? Do we perpetuate the distraction Satan puts in front of us and take our focus off God?

• Be willing to let go of all infractions by others; not forgiving affects us at so many levels

• Carve room to develop a relationship with God over everything else; make Him priority number one!

Romans 12:12 NIV

[12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

1 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Romans 8:6 NIV

[6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

** It is easy to assume the Lord will give the ‘the desires of your heart’ in relation to what is selfishly wanted

• Rather, when committing our ENTIRE LIFE to the Lord — making God our sole priority, not focusing on the situation or status around us but delighting in God alone — we find our desires fall in line with God’s desires and are met in completion

• In essence, God becomes our desire and we become completely satisfied in Him, regardless of our situation

• An awesome promise from God!

Psalm 37:4 NIV

[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 105:3-4 NIV

[3] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. [4] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

** Jesus Christ is our Sovereign Lord who eternally occupies a throne with power to reign

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Revelation 1:8 NIV

[8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 22:13 NIV

[13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

1 Timothy 6:15 NIV

[15] ... God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

Luke 2:10-11 NIV

[10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Matthew 5:34 NIV

[34] But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne

** Jesus Christ remains our Sufficiency; from Scripture we observe Him meeting physical and spiritual needs, such as feeding of the 5000, quenching thirst and revealing truth

John 6:48-51 NIV

[48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. [50] But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 8:12 NIV

[12] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Revelation 22:17 NIV

[17] The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

** Consequences await those who give freely and those who don’t; prioritize God and others!

Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

[24] One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. [25] A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

** God designed us for the new heaven and new earth, which we can reflect in our words and actions on a daily basis

We can expect the old to pass away:

• Not in part, like a renovation to the existing, but in whole

• We can expect perfection in the new heaven and earth — from land, plants, to humans without disease, pain, or struggle

• This will include a perfect relationship with God; no sin or barrier will hinder us from approaching our eternal God!

• As a result, we will be fulfilled by God's love

• Worship will be pure and fulfilling, recognizing God throughout eternity

• All relationships we have will be good and we will relate in the right way

• No marriage in heaven because we will have perfect intimacy with God

• Every tear will be wiped away — no death, sadness, or sickness

Revelation 21:1-5 NIV

[1] Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. [2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” [5] He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Character and provision in the new Heaven and the new earth:

• The kings of the nations will bring their glory to heaven

• As God created cultures in His original design, so will the diversity of culture be represented in heaven

• Our personal uniqueness as individuals will continue

• Economic commerce will continue

• We will continue to be used and grow through eternity; caretakers of creation <C31>

Revelation 21:22-26 NIV

[22] I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. [23] The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. [24] The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. [25] On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. [26] The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.

Compare the picture of heaven with God's original creation — Genesis 1-3 with second coming/heaven Revelation 21-22

• The tree of life in heaven will provide fruit in order to meet our needs

• The Lord will provide us with everything we need, including light

Revelation 22:1-5 NIV

[1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. [3] No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. [4] They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. [5] There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

** Satan tries to lead others astray but Christ’s death and resurrection took care of our eternal souls <K111>

• War broke out in heaven; Satan has limited access to heaven

• Satan leads others astray, like Genesis account; cults do this today like Scientologists brain-washing and constant feelings of guilt so they need a way out

• Eventually the Anti-Christ will convince Israel they are protected

• Jesus already paid the price and is all powerful; we can claim this victory in our lives with God's word etc

Revelation 12:7-9 NIV

[7] Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. [8] But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. [9] The great dragon was hurled down---that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

** God's plan is to bring judgment on those who promote and follow evil; we need to keep perspective on this tribulation period when Satan appears to be winning <S190>

• God's plan is to use evil and their civil war to accomplish His plan; the best example is Christ on the cross, using evil men to accomplish His purpose

• Despite the difficulty and persecution: remember that they can kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul

• Our life is but a speck and we have heaven waiting

• Perspective on life is important: pessimistic or optimistic?

• Much like remembering there is a sun behind months of clouds

• Remember the eternal perspective that God is winning as His plan is unfolding

Revelation 17:16-17 NIV

[16] The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. [17] For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.

Revelation 17:8 NIV

[8] The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.

** Will we live in victory or defeat in the spiritual battle of today? Stay focused on Christ to live in victory! <K111>

• The battle on earth has the dragon pursuing the woman because he was not successful in destroying Jesus

• The woman flies to the desert (wilderness) where she is protected out of Satan's reach

• Water = attacking army that is swallowed up by earth

• Offspring = those who hold to the testimony of Christ; they are also protected, not necessarily with a comfortable life but with eternal life

• Satan rages more because of his frustration

• God equips His people to live a victorious life against Satan's attacks

• God gives His followers the full armor of God (Ephesians); truth, peace, power, wisdom, strength, discernment, fruits of the Spirit

Revelation 12:13-17 NIV

[13] When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. [14] The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent's reach. [15] Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. [16] But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. [17] Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring---those who keep God's commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

** God's plans for our future are good!

A New Year's Prayer

Lord, You make all things new

You bring hope alive in our hearts

And cause our Spirits to be born again.

Thank you for this new year

For all the potential it holds.

Come and kindle in us

A mighty flame

So that in our time, many will see the wonders of God

And live forever to praise Your glorious name.

Psalm 65:11 NIV

[11] You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

** Who can prevail against us? Who can really injure us? Let us daily think of God's glorious perfections, and view them as engaged for us at all times.

• His power is engaged to support, defend, and strengthen us

• His omniscient eye is constantly upon us, watching over us for good

• His omnipresence is our safeguard from all our foes, for no one can come and find our God absent from us

• His justice and righteousness shine in all His dealings with us, and are like lofty mountains round about us

• His holiness shines in all His purposes and plans, and forbids the thought that He will act unsuitably towards us

• His mercy is ever great towards us, and by it He sympathizes with us in all our sorrows, griefs, and woes

• His goodness will constantly supply us, and is sufficient to fill us with admiration and astonishment

• His truth renders certain, every promise He has given and recorded in His Word

• His immutability bears us up and bears us on, confirming our faith and hope in His Word.

• His wisdom frustrates the designs of our foes, and arranges and manages all for our welfare

• His eternity is the date of our happiness, and the duration of our unspeakable blessedness!

How cheering this fact, and what sweet support it yields to the mind--to meditate on God's perfections and glorious attributes, seeing them all in Jesus--and in Him, engaged for our present and everlasting welfare!

What could shake our minds, if we did but firmly believe that God's omnipotence is engaged to defend us to the uttermost?

What could tempt us to commit any known sin, if we were realizing that God's omniscient eye is ever upon us; yes, that God is present with us, and that He is our sin-hating Father?

What could lead us into murmuring and rebellion, if we were fully persuaded that God's holiness and justice are for us, and will shine resplendent in all His dealings with us?

What could lead us to think that our prayers would not be answered, nor our petitions be regarded--if our minds were influenced by the assurance that God is truth?

How could we believe that He would ever turn against us, if we rightly viewed His immutability?

Or, how could we think that our affairs could be disordered, if we felt satisfied that His wisdom was working for us at all times! <S183>

Psalm 46:7 NIV

[7] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Romans 8:31 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

** The words of the dying are often striking and impressive. We remember them, and derive benefit from them. This has always been the case, especially with the saints of God.

"I am dying," that is, I am about to leave the…

• Wilderness for the promised land

• Strange country for my pleasant home

• Field of conflict for the abode of peace!

"I am dying," that is, I will soon…

• Heave my last sigh

• Utter my last groan

• Feel my last pain

• Taste the cup of sorrow for the last time!

"I am dying," that is, I am about to…

• Depart to be with Christ

• Enjoy the glorious presence of God

• Be one with all the glorified forever!

"I am dying," that is, I will soon bid an eternal farewell to…

• All my doubts and fears

• All my sins and sorrows,

• All my foes and follies, and

• Enter into peace, safety, and perfect holiness!

To me, as a believer in Jesus…

• Death has no sting

• The grave has no terrors

• Eternity awakens no alarms!

My sins are pardoned, for His name's sake, my soul is justified, by His blood, and my person is in eternal union with His.

To die is gain! To die is to be perfectly holy and happy! To die is simply to go home to my Father's house, to inherit and inhabit the place that Jesus has prepared for me!

"I am dying." Shall I regret it? Shall I dread it?

Oh, no! May the Lord give me grace, to hail my dying day with pleasure, and to rejoice in the thought of being absent from the body, and present with the Lord! <S183>

Genesis 50:24 NIV

[24] Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Revelation 14:13 NIV

** Jesus Christ is our Counselor, our justice and our only hope – the One who created all and knows all!

Matthew 12:20-21 NIV

[20] A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. [21] In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Colossians 1:16-17 NIV

[16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Isaiah 40:13-14 NIV

[13] Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? [14] Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?

Revelation 4:11 NIV

[11] “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Romans 15:4-6 NIV

[4] For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. [5] May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, [6] so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

** If we look at the offices of Christ, it endears Him to our hearts.

He is a PROPHET, to…

• instruct the ignorant

• lead the blind, and

• make the foolish, wise

He…

• unfolds the Father's mind

• opens the everlasting covenant, and

• teaches all His people to profit

He is a PRIEST, to…

• atone for the guilty

• reconcile those who are enemies, and

• intercede on behalf of transgressors

He…

• satisfies justice

• magnifies mercy, and

• brings a holy God and polluted sinners into an honorable union

He is a KING, and as such He…

• receives the discontented

• rules over innumerable penitent criminals, and

• defends all His subjects from danger

His…

• power is omnipotent

• resources are boundless

• government is peaceful, and

• all the statutes of His kingdom are wise, merciful, and just

He is also our HUSBAND, who loves, cherishes, and honors His beloved blood-bought bride. He…

• loves her as He loves Himself

• treats her with unutterable kindness, and

• will allow nothing to separate her from His love

This causes us to sing:

"Jesus my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,

My Prophet, Priest, and King,

My Lord, my life, my way, my end,

Accept the praise I bring!" <S183>

** The Messenger spoke words encouraging the Church in Ephesus of their good deeds, perseverance, defending the faith yet not grown weary in doing good works

• Ephesus = “desire”

• First era church 30-100 AD where Ephesus was the chief city in Asia Minor at crossroads of other cities

• Home of severe pagan worship; temple to Diana with a lot of idol worship

• Theologically correct but loveless; surrounded by paganism

• Those who inherited churches took them for granted

• Angels are assigned to churches to act as witnesses and discipline/oversee as needed

• Christ oversees angels “hold seven stars” and examines us for our works/production and helps as needed

Revelation 2:1 NIV

[1] “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

• God knows absolutely everything

• He evaluates whether we are doing our service (deeds), amount of effort (labor)

• Are people in the church taking on responsibility and applying what they know according to their gifts and according to Scripture?

• Are people able to discern false teachers by knowing Scripture?

Revelation 2:2 NIV

[2] I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.

• We must persevere to the end under Messiah

• Are you prioritizing Christ in your life? <C31>

Revelation 2:2-3 NIV

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. [3] You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Revelation 2:4 NIV

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

** If we don't receive the word of God eagerly and accurately, then we won't know how to apply it to our lives <C31>

• Seize every opportunity to learn God's word and apply it to your daily life

• If we stop growing then we are not trying; God gives us every opportunity to mature

• Be quick to listen and slow to speak; make sure you are saying what God wants you to say

• Are you agitated and carry resentment with the message of God's word?

James 1:19-21 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

** Put all sin aside so you receive God's word with a prepared heart; sin hinders growth that results from hearing His word <C31>

• There’s nothing wrong with God's seed (word) but only the soil that receives it

• Receive God's word with humility; know that we cannot survive or succeed without His guidance

James 1:21 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

** In our Christian pilgrimage it is well for the most part to be looking forward. Forward lies the crown, and onward is the goal. Whether it is for hope, for joy, for consolation, or for the inspiring of our love--the future must, after all, be the grand object of the eye of faith!

Looking into the future, the Christian sees:

• Sin cast out

• The body of sin and death destroyed,

• The soul made perfect, and fit to be a partaker of eternal glory

Contemplation of my glorious future may well relieve, the darkness of the past, and the gloom of the present. The joys of Heaven will surely compensate for the sorrows of earth! <S183>

2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

[18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Timothy 4:8 NIV

[8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

** God works on behalf of those who wait for Him; we do not know God's timing and His purpose, so we must wait on Him <S1991>

• Waiting = pausing in my present situation until I hear clear direction to move me in another direction

• We cannot separate between waiting on God and trusting in God

• David learned how to wait for God and His instruction

Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

[4] Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. [5] Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

[1] Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. [2] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

• Our hope must be in God who is constant and faithful

• God promises that we will not grow weary while waiting; instead, our strength will be renewed

• There is no room for depression when focusing on God

Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

[29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

** Despite the difficult circumstances, Habakkuk chose to be at peace and rejoice

• His focus was on God not the circumstances

• When we focus on a problem, it magnifies it and we don't see God at work around us

• Habakkuk could lose everything and still be at peace because he rested on God’s promises

<C31>

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

** Trusting in God allows us to live on the heights

• Like a mountain goat can cling to surfaces beyond our reason, so we can stand sure-footed in God

• See God as the source of wisdom and strength

• God tests us so WE find out how we can be confident in Him <C31>

Habakkuk 3:19 NIV

[19] The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

** As Christians we should think about what is most important in life and want to connect with the living God

Mark 12:28 NIV

[28] One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

• Jews put a lot of emphasis on following the law and were often tempted to add to it

• The scribe asked about the priority of commandments most likely because he wanted to trick/discredit Jesus

• Jews treated God like they would when following a recipe; their relationship was based on works

• Our aim should be to move beyond following the rules and concern ourselves with spiritual reality

• As fruit has a seed to produce, so God plants a seed in us with all the genetic info needed to produce and reach our potential

• We need to be rooted in His soil in order to grow and realize our potential

• We all have opportunity to nurture our faith in this way <C31>

** God continues to provide incredible privilege and blessing for each New Testament believer by revealing the hidden things (or mysteries) of God through the Holy Spirit

• Mystery = something that has always been, but hidden; evident in the Old Testament

• Now = New Testament

• Christ in us = the Church through salvation

• Hope of glory = Rapture

• Paul told us there are mysteries hidden from the beginning of the world

• They are evident in the Old Testament and now revealed to us as New Testament believers <G71>

1 Corinthians 2:7-10 NIV

[7] No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. [8] None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”---the things God has prepared for those who love him--- [10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

Romans 16:25-26 NIV

[25] Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith---

Colossians 1:26-27 NIV

[26] the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. [27] To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Ephesians 3:2-5 NIV

[2] Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, [3] that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. [4] In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.

WHAT ARE THESE MYSTERIES?

• Some mysteries that have always been known to God and revealed to us include:

a) Not all will die, which means some will experience the Rapture

b) The Church will hide itself (experience a rapture) till God’s wrath or indignation passes

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:3 NIV

[3] While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Isaiah 26:17-21 NIV

[17] As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in your presence, Lord. [18] We were with child, we writhed in labor, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth, and the people of the world have not come to life. [19] But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise---let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy---your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. [20] Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. [21] See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

c) Israel will experience the Tribulation; the Church will be absent but Tribulation saints will arise

Isaiah 66:7-9 NIV

[7] “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. [8] Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. [9] Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.

d) Another mystery is that the Gentiles (the Church) will be co-heirs of Christ through the gospel! The Church does not replace Israel but is grafted in to God’s chosen nation. Note: from the beginning, God saw His bride (the Church) and knew He would need to suffer on the cross to save her

Ephesians 3:6 NIV

[6] This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Romans 11:25-26 NIV

[25] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, [26] and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

e) Another mystery is that all Israel will be saved via the upcoming Tribulation after having been provoked to jealousy by the Church

Romans 10:19-21 NIV

[19] Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.” [20] And Isaiah boldly says, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.” [21] But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Isaiah 65:1 NIV

[1] “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'

Romans 11:11-12 NIV

[11] Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. [12] But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

Deuteronomy 32:20-21 NIV

[20] “I will hide my face from them,” he said, “and see what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, children who are unfaithful. [21] They made me jealous by what is no god and angered me with their worthless idols. I will make them envious by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation that has no understanding.

** Christians are ambassadors for our sovereign Christ; this is not a metaphor but a responsibility

An ambassador has a specific role, not only to simply represent their king but to:

• Operate in an official legal capacity

• Go in with a mandate, not treat it like a flippant task that has low priority

• Put aside any personal interest so they can purely speak for the king

• Study and prepare to know who to represent

• Be an effective communicator

• Confidently represent their government and not them self

• Understand the culture he is placed in; being in their world, not becoming part of it

• Understand the issues coming and know the pressure points <T202>

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

[20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

• As ambassadors for Christ, do we effectively and unapologetically defend the faith in season and out of season? <F61>

Colossians 4:6 NIV

[6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

[2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction.

** Loving others flows from our loving God

• Our primary task is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength

• Loving God prepares us to love each other

• If we love God then we can't help but love our neighbor

• God doesn't need us but created us with a purpose to love Him and others

Mark 12:29-31 NIV

[29] “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. [30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ [31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

** Loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength means that we don't leave any part of life unaffected by our love for Him

• God desires that we connect with our Creator

• Jesus simplistically summed up the message of the Bible and Jewish law to "love the Lord your God" and "love your neighbor as yourself"

• Heart = affections, desires

• Soul = being, inner self

• Mind = intellect

• Strength = physical endurance <C31>

Mark 12:29-31 NIV

** Once upon a time, there came to my house one of a black and stern aspect. He smote the door; I tried to bolt it to hold it fast. He smote again and again, till at last he entered, and with a rough voice he summoned me before him; and he said, "I have a message from God for you! You are condemned on account of your sins!"

I looked at him with astonishment; I asked him his name. He said, "My name is the Law." And I fell at his feet as one that was dead.

As I lay there, he smote me. He smote me till every rib seemed as if it must break. My heart was melted like wax within me. I seemed to be stretched upon a rack--to be pinched with hot irons--to be beaten with whips of burning wire! An extreme misery dwelt and reigned in my heart.

I dared not lift up my eyes, but I thought within myself, "There may be hope, there may be mercy for me. Perhaps the God whom I have offended may accept my tears and my promises of amendment, and I may live." But when that thought crossed my mind, heavier were the blows and more poignant my sufferings than before, till hope entirely failed me, and I had nothing wherein to trust.

Darkness black and dense gathered round me. I heard a voice as it were, of rushing to and fro, and of wailing and gnashing of teeth. I said within my soul, "I am cast out from God's sight, I am utterly abhorred of God! He has trampled me in the mire of the streets in His anger."

And there came one by, of sorrowful but of loving aspect, and He stooped over me, and He said, "Awake you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." I arose in astonishment, and He took me, and He led me to a place where stood a cross, and He seemed to vanish from my sight.

But He appeared again, hanging there. I looked upon Him as He bled upon that tree. His eyes darted a glance of love unutterable into my spirit, and in a moment, looking at Him:

• The bruises that my soul had suffered were healed

• The gaping wounds were cured

• The broken bones rejoiced

• The rags that had covered me were all removed • My spirit was as white as the spotless snow

• I had melody within my spirit

for I was saved, washed, cleansed, forgiven--through Him who hung upon the tree!

Oh, how astonished was I, that I should be pardoned! It was not the pardon that I wondered at so much; the wonder was that it should come to ME! I wondered that He should be able to pardon such sins as mine; such crimes, so numerous and so black! <S185>

Romans 3:21-26 NIV

[21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood---to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--- [26] he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

** God will surely visit you! His church is His garden in which He takes pleasant walks. It is His city in which He loves to dwell and His family with which He feels at home.

In His church, He visits every individual Christian:

• To the babes, He shows tender care and nurse-like kindness

• To the young men, He imparts strength and courage

• To the fathers, He opens his heart and shows them the depths of His infinite love

• To the afflicted, He manifests sympathy

• To the tempted, He affords support

• And to the poor, He brings supplies

He visits His children:

• In the prayer-closet

• As they sit around His table, and sing His praise

• In the valley of trouble, where they sigh and weep

• When oppressed, to support and set them free

• In sickness, to comfort and make their bed

• When they backslide, to restore them

• In the valley of the shadow of death, to conduct them safely through

He will visit, to bring me up out of this land--this land of trial and tribulation, this land of sins and sorrows. His last visit will be the sweetest, as introductory to His eternal presence and glory!

He will surely visit His children, but it may be to bereave. It may be to remove some idol. Or it may be, to strip me of something which encumbers and hinders me in my journey.

…And now, O Lord, visit me often, stay with me long, and manifest Yourself to me more fully and more gloriously than you have ever done! Especially visit me when on the bed of sickness, and in the hour of death when I am descending into the grave--that land of darkness and corruption! Then, then let me hear the voice of mercy saying, "God shall surely visit you, and bring you out of this land!" <S183>

Genesis 50:24 KJV

[24] And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

** When it boils down to the ultimate question: we either believe there is ONE God that we worship or we believe WE can become gods to do whatever we desire

• The second option is obviously the more popular idea in our fallen world

• Believers in Christ need to stand against the enemy who is deceiving multitudes into believing their own godhood

• Christians understand we become children of God, not God

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

Romans 6:22 NIV

[22] But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV

[19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

• God will have the final say and will destroy man’s attempts at godhood

• God will not be mocked

Psalm 2:1-7 NIV

[1] Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? [2] The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, [3] “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” [4] The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. [5] He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, [6] “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain. ” [7] I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father.

Galatians 6:7 NIV

[7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

** Radical transformation of living godly and holy lives is expected when we devote our life to Christ; when we become Christians our lives are no longer our own!

Ephesians 4:1 NIV

[1] As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:25 NIV

[25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 5:5 NIV

[5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person---such a person is an idolater---has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

** When we are born again in the Spirit, we desire what is good because we are resurrected from spiritual death

John 3:3-6 NIV

[3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

• Our new spiritual life comes about by our being justified before God the Father as Holy, not because of our effort to do good — as if God needed our works — but through the shed blood of His Son

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

• At the moment of belief, we are indwelt and sealed by God the Holy Spirit, who not only transformatively gives us a new nature but we become a new creation altogether

Ephesians 1:11-14 NIV

[11] In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, [12] in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. [13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession---to the praise of his glory.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

• This is why in the Old Testament, only Adam and the angels could be called "sons of God," — as they were direct creations of God — but in the New Testament, all born-again believers can also claim this title

• True born-again believers are direct creations of God <G70>

Romans 8:14 NIV

[14] For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

** We can experience a new life by being baptized into Jesus' death; connect to Jesus who conquered death and make Him a vital part of your new life!

Some theory suggests that Jesus played dead, like a possum

• If this were true then Christianity would be worthless

• Fortunately Jesus experienced literal death and a literal resurrection after

• This was part of His plan: creating humans, giving His law, providing sacrifice in animals because people couldn't keep His commands

• Animal sacrifice was never enough so He sent His Son to be the eternal all-sufficient sacrifice

• God has absolute power over all, including the spirit world

• Since He has ultimate power, He was able to rise from the dead and prove power over death

• The tomb is empty and Jesus is the only way to have a new life!

• Every day can be a new day with peace, meaning, love, forgiveness, etc in our inner selves <C31>

Romans 6:3-4 NIV

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:6-7 NIV

For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--- [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

** Believers in Christ can experience power over death because Jesus already died and conquered death; as a result, we are guaranteed eternity with Him in heaven

• We die to ourselves and live with Jesus = relationship

• We will never have to worry about death again

• We will not only have victory over death but all tears, sickness, and anything that is a consequence of sin <C31>

Romans 6:8-9 NIV

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

Revelation 21:3-5 NIV

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” [5] He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

** The benefits of the cross are multiple: atonement for sin, presence of HS within us, conquering death, eternity, etc <C31>

FIRST SIN AND FIRST SIGN OF HOPE

• Adam & Eve were in a perfect relationship with God in a perfect environment

• They brought sin and death into the world when disobeying God's command

• Likewise, we like sheep have gone astray in sin and are responsible for our actions

• In the middle of curses, God gave hope!

• God promised to destroy Satan's power, for Jesus (seed of Adam) will strike his heel meaning that Satan's plan to reign could not be fulfilled

Genesis 3:15 NIV

[15] And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

RESURRECTION PROMISED LONG AGO

• God always had a plan to deal with this sin and give us life

• Mary gave birth to Jesus who would solve this problem through mankind

• Daniel refers to God protecting those who belong to Him in times of trouble, and Job also knew of this hope

Daniel 12:1-2 NIV

[1] “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people---everyone whose name is found written in the book---will be delivered. [2] Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Job 19:25-27 NIV

[25] I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes---I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

HOPE IS REALITY AT EMPTY TOMB

• Until Jesus walked out of the tomb, He was still just another guy

• The resurrection miracle proved He is God and guarantees OUR resurrection when we follow and trust Him

• The rainbow and empty tomb are reminder that God is in control and Jesus promises to intercede for us!

• Given these realities, WE HAVE HOPE

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NIV

[20] But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. [21] For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. [22] For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

** Next to praying, there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. By reading that Book, we may learn:

• What to believe

• What to be

• What to do

• How to live with comfort, and

• How to die in peace

2 Timothy 3:15 NIV

[15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The Bible alone can:

• Show you the way which leads to Heaven

• Teach you everything you need to know

• Point out everything you need to believe, and

• Explain everything you need to do

It alone can show you:

• What you are, a sinner

• What God is, perfectly holy

• The great giver of pardon, peace, and grace--Jesus Christ

The Bible applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit, is the grand instrument by which souls are converted to God. In this way the Bible has worked moral miracles by thousands! It has made:

• Drunkards become sober

• Immoral people become pure

• Thieves become honest, and

• Violent people become meek!

The Bible has wholly altered the course of men's lives!

• It has caused their old things to pass away and made all their ways new

• It has taught worldly people to seek first the kingdom of God

• It has taught lovers of pleasure to become lovers of God

• It has changed the stream of men's affections to run upwards instead of running downwards

• It has made men think of Heaven instead of always thinking of earth

The Bible can enable a man to:

• Bear afflictions without murmuring and say, "It is well."

• Look down into the grave and say, "I fear no evil."

• Think on judgment and eternity and not feel afraid

All other books in the world, however good and useful in their way, are more or less defective. The more you look at them, the more you see their defects and blemishes. The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, it is "the Word of God."

A man must make the Bible alone his rule. He must receive nothing and believe nothing which is not according to the Word. He must try all religious teaching by one simple test:

Does it square with the Bible? What do the Scriptures say? <R170>

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

** Do we live out the gospel in our everyday life?

Philippians 1:27 NIV

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

Our lives should reflect how the Gospel impacts us in at least three ways: <C31>

1. We have the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God

• We can never earn status with God on our own, but it is a gift from God

• We can be perfect before God; we do not need to try to keep up or earn His approval

• It is vanity to think we can attain and work toward righteousness

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Philippians 3:9 NIV

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Romans 6:18 NIV

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Galatians 3:5 NIV

[5] So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?

2. We have the FORGIVENESS of God

• All sin is washed away — past present & future

• We must forgive others otherwise we are not living in the gospel

• Living the gospel means we are forgiven even when we mess up, so we don't have to live in fear

• Trust in the salvation we have; do not doubt

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

[13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 2:13 NIV

[13] When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,

3. We have the LOVE of God

• We do not have to perform to be loved by God

• Actions should be motivated by His love for me

• We don't deserve God’s love yet we experience it; in turn we live similarly with those around us

Romans 5:5 NIV

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 8:35-39 NIV

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** The Scripture stigmatizes the lost sinner as a fool.

• He may be rich

• He may be learned

• He may fill an honorable station in the world

but so long as he neglects the one thing needful, he is called a fool.

Wisdom consists in fixing upon a worthy end and pursuing it in the most prudent and judicious way.

A wise man…

• Thinks of his immortal soul and seeks its salvation above everything else

• Thinks of the wrath of God and endeavors by all means to escape it

• Thinks of a crown of glory and sets his heart upon obtaining it

• Sees that glorifying God is his highest honor and secures his greatest happiness and therefore he makes that the grand end of his life

But the multitude, alas! The multitude overlook or despise or treat these things with contempt! They live…

• As if self-gratification were the end of their creation

• As if earth were their eternal dwelling-place, and

• As if glorifying God were no business of theirs!

If we were to judge them by their conduct, we would be ready to conclude…

• That they had no souls to be saved or lost

• That there was no Hell to escape

• That there was no Heaven to obtain

• That there was no crown of glory to be won

• That there was no crown of shame to be avoided

Surely the Scriptures are right in designating such men fools — for fools, the greatest fools, they must be!

Should the eye of a worldly man or woman light upon this page, God asks you the question, "When will you be wise?"

• When will you begin to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness?

• When will you come to Jesus and be saved from wrath by Him?

• When will you begin to lay up for yourself treasure in heaven?

• When will you prepare for death, judgment, and eternity? <S183>

Psalm 94:8 NIV

[8] Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?

Deuteronomy 32:29 NIV

[29] If only they were wise and would understand this and discern what their end will be!

** Be thankful for what we HAVE and not what we DO NOT HAVE — recognize God’s goodness and blessings in everyday routines

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a 'supply' to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow's portion; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June, does not need to be quenched in February for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive, we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day, is all that we can enjoy.

We cannot eat or wear more than the day's supply of food and clothing. Any surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveler, but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy. Enough is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this, is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with His daily allowance.

In the Word, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God--you shall receive renewed grace and strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Enjoy your continual allowance! <S185>

2 Kings 25:29 NIV

[29] So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king's table.

Luke 11:3 NIV

[3] Give us each day our daily bread.

Deuteronomy 33:25 NIV

[25] The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days.

** God is omnipresent which means He is always by your side and never leaves you; even though you may not 'feel' His presence, that doesn't mean he isn't there!

Philippians 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

** Even though His people rebelled against Him by building a golden calf, God still chose to be merciful and not destroy them

Exodus 32:9-11,14 NIV

[9] “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. [10] Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” [11] But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? [14] Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

• How awesome that we serve a God of mercy — followers who choose God can cry out to Him and reap reward for it

• We must recognize we NEED mercy because of our sinful nature

• We can experience new mercies every morning; thank God for them!

• As God gives mercy to us, we in turn should show mercy; pray for discernment to do so

• The tax collector recognized his sin nature and requested mercy

Luke 18:11-14 NIV

[11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people---robbers, evildoers, adulterers---or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

• Christ took on this price in New Testament days instead of inflicting it on us

• This demonstrates His ultimate character of love and mercy! <C31>

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

** Moses pleaded with God to save His people, reminding Him of His covenant and probable mocking by the Egyptians if God destroys His people during the exodus; Moses' prayer affected God's actions

Exodus 32:10-12 NIV

[10] Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” [11] But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? [12] Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people.

Exodus 32:13-14 NIV

[13] Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’ ” [14] Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

** Do not put trust in yourself

• It's easy to trust in what we can see, such as people and things

• We also tend to trust our own reasoning and ability

• But these are all misplaced trusts

Psalm 115:1 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

** God gives us a brain to work on future plans but we are to trust God for the results, recognizing that He knows what is best

Proverbs 22:3 NIV

[3] The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Romans 1:13 NIV

[13] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

** Even though we cannot see God we can trust Him because of His character, power, protection, care and patience <C31>

• Trust in anything but God brings devastation in our lives in an instant

• Nothing, on the other hand, is out of God's control and off His radar

• Review Genesis 1-2 to remind you that nothing existed until God spoke creation into being

1. CHARACTER

- God loves us regardless of anything we've done

- we don't need to earn God's love even when He does not want us to stay the way we are; His love enables us to change

Psalm 115:1 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

2. POWER

- God has no limits, for He is completely sovereign

- He is all-powerful and Creator of all that exists

- we have the responsibility to take care of His creation but we cannot take credit for it; we rely on Him to sustain life

Psalm 115:3,15-16 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. [15] May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [16] The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.

3. PROTECTION

- based on His knowledge and power, we can trust Him

- God is our help (watch over, encourage, sustain) and shield (nothing can hurt us when we exist behind His shield)

Psalm 115:9-11 NIV

[9] All you Israelites, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield. [10] House of Aaron, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield. [11] You who fear him, trust in the Lord---he is their help and shield.

4. CARE

- God is always aware of our needs; we forget but God does not

- He cares about the small detail as He does for those things we consider great

Psalm 115:12-14 NIV

[12] The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, [13] he will bless those who fear the Lord---small and great alike. [14] May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children.

5. PATIENCE

- it is appointed for man once to die and then the judgment

- God will not die; we can trust Him with an everlasting trust

- patiently waiting for us to trust Him

Psalm 115:17-18 NIV

[17] It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; [18] it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.

Habakkuk 1:12 NIV

[12] Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish.

** How do we best prepare and what would Jesus have to say regarding these last days concerns?

1. Controlled demolition and financial collapse — Jesus advice in the Sermon on the Mount states we are to transfer our treasure from earth to heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy; we want our heart to be in heaven where our treasure is also knowing that God will provide to meet our need in the interim… so do not worry! (Matt 6:19-34)

2. Future plans with the rapture so close — keeping our eye on the here & now compliments our need to also keep our eye on the future; the ten minas parable is not about money or ministry but Jesus Christ encourages us to spread the entrusted gospel

• What are you doing with the minas given to you where He has placed you?

• Are you busy working for the kingdom of God? (Luke 19:11-27)

3. Escalating division within the last days church — this division is actually fulfillment of last days prophecy; Jesus helps us understand the church is divided with three parables:

• Wheat and tares (deceiver) = confusion via false Christians

• Mustard seed and birds (evil) = compromise via false growth

• Leaven (sin) bread = deception via false doctrine (Matt 13:24-43)

4. Fear surrounding Covid-19 — this is especially difficult for people who value this world their home and fear losing it; we can see how taking the injection is a form of taking control, although running the risk of losing life at the same time

• We need to remember we are just passing through

• Jesus also mentions we are to take up our cross and let go of our life if we want to follow Him (Matt 16:24-27, Matt 10:26-28) <F60>

** Do not seek happiness but focus on God and He will provide deep-seated happiness and contentment; true happiness is the byproduct of seeking God

• The world is constantly searching for happiness in the next relationship, job, purchase, etc

• The world uses the wrong definition of happiness; Christians also buy into this definition, sometimes overtly and sometimes by default

• We can find true happiness through attitude, action and intent

• Everything we need in life to be happy, everything we need to be fulfilled, is found in a relationship with God, our heavenly Father. <L120>

ATTITUDE

• True happiness is more important than good circumstances

• God’s happiness surpasses the temporal satisfaction of this world

• Circumstances are fleeting; we need a constant peace and joy instead

• The key to happiness has to start with God

Psalm 119:2 NIV

[2] Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart--

• God wants what is best for us

• We, in contrast, do not make the best choices so our dependence on Him is needed

• He knows us, supports us, loves us, disciplines us, and saves us as no one or any thing can

• God’s will for our life opens up through knowing Him; we must focus our attention on KNOWING GOD better in order to know His will

• True happiness is the byproduct of seeking God, much like bubble-wrap — it started as wallpaper but because it flopped ended up revolutionizing the packing industry

ACTION

• We need a lifestyle that reflects obedience to God; attitude has to become action

• God teaches us the best way to live life; He provides us with an Owner's Manual (Bible) so we can do this

• Believe God's ways are always the best ways and choose to make obedience a daily habit

• Applying God's ways can change who we are, our attitude and action

Psalm 119:1 NIV

[1] Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

• The focus is still on God, not self

• Obediently walk in HIS ways to please Him because we love Him, not to appease Him so He won't get angry

Psalm 119:3 NIV

[3] they do no wrong but follow his ways.

INTENT

• Lifestyle follows an honest desire to live rightly; we need to want to have a deep longing to know God and please Him

Psalm 119:5 NIV

[5] Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!

• We realize we will always struggle to do what is right because of Satan, but our INTENT should be what God wants of us

• Do we long to develop a passion to consistently and sincerely follow Him?

Psalm 119:6 NIV

[6] Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.

• God will never let us down, for He will never put us to shame

• God is perfect in understanding, power and love <C31>

** Everything good in life comes from a personal loving relationship with God — including purpose, fulfillment and peace; God demonstrates what it means to love by loving us first

PURPOSE

• Our primary purpose in life is prioritizing a relationship with God

• David did not let circumstances dampen his love for God, even when his son rose up against him and/or when he was running for his life

• David was not focused on himself but on God

• God put the need in us to love

• This need for love is evident by the number of (failed) ways people attempt to fill that inner emptiness

• The key to love begins with God who loved us first

• Life comes into focus because of God's love

Psalm 63:1-3 NIV

[1] You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. [2] I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. [3] Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

Psalm 63:6-8 NIV

[6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. [7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. [8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

FULFILLMENT

• God's love brings fulfillment to life

• David's deepest needs were satisfied by God alone

• Ultimately, it didn't matter that people glorified David when killing ‘tens of thousands’ — sure it was nice, but didn't ultimately matter

• Nothing in life can separate us from the love of God

• We find fulfillment (satisfaction) when we meditate on God's love and truth, often starting and ending the day in prayer

• Are we eager to spend time with God regardless of the time of day?

Psalm 63:5-6 NIV

[5] I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. [6] On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.

Romans 8:35,37-39 NIV

[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

PEACE

• God's love covers us with His peace

• David found comfort through God's constant help, even in the most difficult of circumstances

• God is ready to pour peace-that-passes-understanding deep into our heart

• David paints a picture of being under His wings, where God will protect, assure, and provide comfort

• Trust God to always help, strengthen and protect; remember all the good things God has done! <C31>

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Psalm 63:7-8 NIV

[7] Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. [8] I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 91:1-2,4 NIV

[1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

** Christ Jesus is unutterably precious to believers! Nothing gives the believer so much joy as fellowship with Christ.

The Christian has joy as other men have in the 'common mercies' of life. For him, there are

• Charms in music

• Excellence in painting

• Beauty in sculpture

• The hills have sermons of majesty

• The rocks hymns of sublimity

• The valleys lessons of love.

He can look upon all things with an eye as clear and joyous as another man's; he can be glad both in God's gifts and God's works. He is not dead to the happiness of his home; his friends are his comfort and refreshment. He accepts the comforts which soul and body can yield him, according as God sees it wise to afford them unto him.

But he will tell you that in all these separately, yes and in all of them added together--he does not find such substantial delight as he does in the person of his Lord Jesus.

As for the house of feasting, the joy of harvest, the mirth of marriage, the sports of youth, the recreations of maturer age--they are all as the small dust of the balance, compared with the joy of Immanuel our best beloved. <S185>

1 Peter 2:7a NIV

[7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.

** Not once did Jesus follow the seeker-sensitive model and water down His message to try to win people over; Jesus never moves off His message regarding the cost followers face when believing in Him <D40>

Matthew 16:24-26 NIV

[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [25] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. [26] What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

** How you handle insecurities in your life reveals your view of God; do you believe God is in full control even when life seems uncertain?

• The Psalmist recognized that difficulty can happen in life on a large and small scale

• We feel insecure when faced with natural disasters, wars and violence

• The world seems to be 'on fire' all around us

Psalm 46:2-3 NIV

[2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging

Psalm 46:6 NIV

[6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts

• Fear of the unknown and unexpected can lead to deep insecurity

• Insecurity then feeds on our emotions, prompting a feeling of being powerless, alone, overwhelmed, and hopeless

• If the insurmountable (like mountains and nations) can change then anything can change

• We can't control or change the majority of events

• How do you feel safe and secure when the unexpected happens in life?

• We CAN control how we respond, knowing that God is in control

• We tend to want to stand up to the battle ourselves but God knows everything is beyond our control

• Trust God and stop fighting battles without God <C31>

Psalm 46:10 NIV

[10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

** There is a reason Paul uses the word ‘slave’ when referring to sin — people who are bound to sin cannot free themselves from it except through the power of the Holy Spirit, at which point our allegiance changes to being slaves to righteousness

Romans 6:18 NIV

[18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

We see cult-like enslavement to evil around us today where no logic, statistics, reason, moral obligation, science, inconvenience, etc can convince people to change their allegiance; people cannot give up their sin regardless of the cost! <M132> (Nov 2022)

** The Tribulation and the punishment of Hell may seem cruel and unreasonable in our way of thinking, but always remember:

• We always experience consequence for the choices we make

• The most important choice we make will produce or result in either eternal pleasure or eternal suffering

• God loves us beyond measure and longs that we choose relationship with Him

• Christ left His majesty to come to earth to eventually suffer and die as punishment for OUR sin; the ultimate sacrifice for us while we were still sinners

• All God asks in return for His sacrifice is that we accept His offer of salvation and, as a result, follow His commands via a relationship with Him

• Christ gives us every opportunity to choose whom we will serve — either God or Satan

• Unbelievers will be given a last chance to choose God through the Tribulation period

Hebrews 11:24-25 NIV

[24] By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. [25] He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

John 15:13-14 NIV

[13] Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. [14] You are my friends if you do what I command.

Romans 5:6-8 NIV

** God gave Old Testament law to instruct the Israelites on ordering and operating their society:

• How to treat women; marrying before being with a woman

• Structure in the family unit such as marriage between man and woman, hierarchy of roles

• Looking out for one another; property and respect

• Economic structure; capitalist rights

• Legal process of wrongs and accountability

• Who to worship and pitfalls of idols

• Dominion and taking care of the earth

The founding fathers of the US primarily used the book of Deuteronomy (God’s law) throughout their founding documents to structure American society

Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV

[29] Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

When people journey away from God’s law, then they enter self-inflicted chaos and God will judge them for their actions <H86>

Daniel 9:11 NIV

[11] All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. “Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you.

** The baptism of the Holy Spirit was predicted by John the Baptist and Jesus before He ascended to heaven: “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost; for the first time people were permanently in dwelt (sealed) by the Holy Spirit and the church began. <G72>

Acts 2:1-4 NIV

[1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NIV

[12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

** Draw your strength from God to live a life of integrity, then let others see what's on the inside and make sure it does not differ from what they can see on the outside; live your life free from hypocrisy!

• Henry Heinz (the ketchup king) lived and developed his business with integrity; his clear bottles of product showed everyone, "what you see is what you get"

• Some try to hide what's on the inside by putting a deceitful package on the outside

• Ask God to help set you free FROM hypocrisy in order TO DO other things and remain true to Him

• David was determined to live in integrity so he asked God for help

• David’s strength to live in integrity flowed from God's love and grace

• He chose to view life from God's perspective

• Likewise, we can choose to trust God's power to change our life and walk as needed in integrity — in God's way <C31>

Psalm 26:8,11-12 NIV

[8] Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. [11] I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. [12] My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

** God intended Himself to be the great fountain of supply to His creatures. All are to be dependent on Him, and to look for their supplies from Him. Just so, the believer is to apply to God for all. Ample provision is made, but it is only in Jesus. Promises are given, but they are to be fulfilled by Jesus. He possesses all fullness, and as such He presents Himself to us as His needy dependent creatures.

This is the business of faith and prayer: to look to Jesus, and apply to Jesus for all that we need. Let us consider these words as spoken unto us every day, as calling us away from dependence on the creature, and as directing us how to act under all circumstances. It is Jesus who speaks. Jesus, as God. Jesus, as the Savior. Jesus, full of sympathy and power. Let us therefore listen to, and act upon His Word. <S183>

Psalm 46:1 NIV

[1] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Isaiah 45:22 NIV

[22] “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

** Going back to the Torah and to the prophets, Jesus opened [the eyes of those who were dejected that Christ died] to what was really going on. They were bogged down in the circumstances.

Jesus showed them the big picture. The Lord suffered, but it was all part of a glorious plan that the Father had laid out before the beginning of time.

Likewise, we may suffer blows on this earth, but Jesus is alive and is coming soon! That is our awaited hope and source of joy amid a world that continues to grow darker. <T203>

Luke 24:25-31 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. [28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

** Recognize there is only one way out of the pit, first recognize God and ask Him to forgive your sin before asking for His help <C31>

• David was in the pit; his sin and failures were overwhelming him

• He could not see any hope but looked to God; the only light he saw was God

• David recognized his sin and asked for God's love and mercy, knowing He alone could help in his time of need

Psalm 40:1-2 NIV

[1] I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

• Likewise, we are all in the pit like David because our sin has separated everyone from God

• We need forgiveness of sin

• God already started to provide this 'relief' for us by coming to earth in the eventual plan of dying to meet our need for salvation

** God is as much concerned about every one of His redeemed people, as though there were only that one in the whole universe! <S179>

Psalm 145:18 NIV

[18] The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 56:8 NIV

[8] Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll---are they not in your record?

Psalm 34:15 NIV

[15] The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry

** The Lord WANTS us to be encouraged and excited about His return! Why would he be disappointed when His children are excited about His coming to get us? Wouldn’t He be disappointed if we didn’t care?

Don’t listen to the nay-sayers who want to paint those who are excited about the rapture and Christ’s return as those in a cult or not living in reality

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV

[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.

** It is not good enough to simply ‘not be like the other guy’; you know better and God made you to put off your old self in order to embrace the new <B295>

Ephesians 4:17,22-24 NIV

[17] So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

** Even though we experience many pains while living in this world, Christ will rapture us to a new existence!

Isaiah 26:17-19 NIV

God then speaks to His children who are with Him in Heaven, escaping the trauma of the Tribulation <C398>

Isaiah 26:20-21 NIV

[20] Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. [21] See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

** As a prism reflects light, so should we reveal to others what they may not see about God; if God did not reveal Himself we would not know He exists

There are two ways God reveals Himself:

a) general revelation through creation and nature

Psalm 19:1-6 NIV

[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [2] Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. [3] They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. [4] Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. [5] It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. [6] It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

b) special revelation through His word Scripture

Psalm 19:7-14 NIV

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [12] But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. [13] Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. [14] May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

** We do not always understand our surrounding circumstance or God’s purpose in it, but by faith and actively seeking Him we believe God has a perfect will for us and provides wisdom & strength for us to move toward that end

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

** It is a slap in God's face when we refuse relationship with Him, the One who breathed life in us, knows us and designed us

• God wants to work with us to bring about inner change

• Genuine faith means we put our relationship with God and His desires into action <C31>

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

** Be honest about your sin; repent and let God cleanse you from sin so guilt will not slow you down, preventing you from following God's purposes <C31>

DROWNING IN THE FLOOD OF GUILT

• Psalm 51 and 32 (companion chapters) are probably about David's confession after committing adultery

• David is weighed down in guilt for about one year because he tried to hide his actions (ch 32)

• The destructive effects of guilt are timeless, the same then as they can be now

• Trying to keep sin secret is all consuming; day and night it can occupy our thoughts as we imagine what can happen if discovered

• Relationships can deteriorate because we become defensive and we take it out on them as we live a guilt-ridden existence

• Eventually our physical health can decline and we suffer from the pressure of guilt

Psalm 32:3-4 NIV

[3] When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [4] For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

ESCAPING THE FLOOD

• Guilt is the tool God uses to bring us back

• Get everything in the open; offer a clean open confession

Psalm 32:5 NIV

[5] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

• God will cleanse us of the sin; if God caused the guilt, trust Him to remove it

• God patiently seeks us but His patience can end

• Our lives are but mist and we don't know what the future holds; don't miss the opportunity to repent

• Trust God to completely to assuage (remove) the guilt; He does not prioritize what sin He will forgive but offers forgiveness (when asked) across the board

• Our worst failures are no match for God

Psalm 32:6 NIV

[6] Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

• Forgiveness releases us to be truly happy on the inside (we are blessed)

• There is great freedom when there is no sin or deceit to hide, for then we can run the race marked out for us

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

Isaiah 43:25 NIV

[25] “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

Micah 7:18-19 NIV

[18] Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. [19] You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

** New Testament faith involves believing there is a God, His Son is Jesus Christ and He is God of the Bible <C31>

• People can acquire faith in God when observing His creation

• We seek God through His word and prayer

• Faith can comfort when human logic does not suffice

• Our faith is developed when we abide by God's Word

Psalm 19:1 NIV

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Romans 10:17 NIV

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV

“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

• Faith is confidence and conviction in things hoped for and not seen

• Faith gives us a certain reality about the future; substance of things hoped for

• Faith provides moments you can recall and know are true

Hebrews 11:1-3 NIV

[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [3] By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

** Jesus’ kingdom was furthered by a remnant of approximately 110 disillusioned believers (disciples and small gathering) after Christ died and ascended to heaven; they probably were disillusioned until they witnessed Jesus in the upper room

The message of the Christian faith is a stench to the pagan world, yet there is a remnant of believers today who need to carry God’s truth forward regardless of the uncertainty and unpopular response we feel and encounter; be comfortable being uncomfortable <D40> <M132>

Romans 11:5 NIV

[5] So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

** Like Noah, followers of Christ are to walk daily with God, be obedient and proclaim His truth

Noah walked in a right relationship with God

• Actions, words spoken, behavior, sharing with another, studying etc indicates the extent of a person's walk

• ‘Daily practice’ does not mean putting your relationship with God on a shelf, only to be taken down during times of struggle

• If we do not walk in obedience and truth then we are not walking with God in the Spirit

Genesis 6:9 NIV

This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.

Noah was obedient to God

• The people of that day never saw rain yet Noah believed and devoted himself to build an ark for 120 years

• Noah was already 600 years old and could have relied on his experience

• Building the impossible IS possible when God directs

• Half-hearted obedience is not obedience; the level of obedience demonstrates a person’s faith

Hebrews 11:7 NIV

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

Noah condemned the world

• Noah was a preacher of righteousness

• The world does not want to be told they are wrong but would rather have their ears tickled

• Noah endured ridicule by a people who did not like his message <C31>

2 Peter 2:5 NIV

if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others

** God has a plan for this world and for each one of us

• There is no excuse for not knowing what God is doing — He presents to us both opportunity and content of His plan

• For instance, God wants to reach people with His love, offering salvation to all who will respond

• God initiates and reaches out to touch our lives; salvation is God's work, not ours

2 Peter 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. [2] I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.

Isaiah 2:1-4 NIV

[1] This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: [2] In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. [3] Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [4] He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

• Even though there is evil in the world, there is coming a time when there will be an end to it

• All idols will pass away and God will judge in absolute completion

• A time of peace is coming!

Daniel 12:1 NIV

[1] “At that time Michael, the great princes who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people---everyone whose name is found written in the book---will be delivered.

• The same teachings are found in the New Testament from Jesus: we have hope!

• We don't know when He will return so we need to be prepared

• It seems like sin reigns in this world but God is still at work to fulfill His plan so we can be in relationship with Him

• There remain consequences for sin but God forgives and we don't have to pay an eternal price <C31>

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 NIV

[1] Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, [2] for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. [4] But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. [5] You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. [6] So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

** May our daily walk be as pleasing to God as Enoch who walked with Him for 300 years

• Enoch believed God existed, had faith in His word and believed God rewards those who believe in Him

• Enoch was taken by God and spared death because of his faith

• Just as God took Enoch to be with Him, so one day He will take all of those who believe in Him — maybe not in the same way but He will take us nonetheless <C31>

Hebrews 11:1-2,5 NIV

[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [2] This is what the ancients were commended for. [5] By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

Genesis 5:23-24 NIV

[23] Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. [24] Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

** Remain hopeful about the future by being introspective, setting your focus on God and remaining active to accomplish the tasks He had for us <C31>

A. Introspective

• Look inside at our motives, attitude and focus

• Do we recognize the earth as temporary and know that we are foreigners in a foreign land?

• Heaven is our real home

• Just like Caucasians cannot fit in Thai society, so we do not fit into the world's home and its standards

• We should consider how we faithfully live on a daily basis

2 Peter 3:11 NIV

[11] Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

B. Expectant

• Peter said we are waiting for the day of God, as we endure patiently through today's challenges

• We trust that God will work out His original plan for us

• Everything will pass away when God chooses to do so; He is in complete control

• When that occurs, we will be in perfect relationship with Him

2 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

C. Remain Active

• Waiting patiently does not mean being inactive

• Rather, we are to hasten the day of God, living to prepare for the way of God

• God requires us to do certain things before He returns; be salt and light to the world!

• Time seems to go quickly when we are busy and doing something meaningful

• There is a tension — God does not need us to accomplish His plans but uses us because He chooses to do so

2 Peter 3:14 NIV

[14] So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

** God cares more about the condition of our heart than whether we follow man's rules or traditions; rules that often nullify the Word of God

• The religious leaders wanted to talk about ritual hand-washing while Jesus was dedicated to a heart relationship with the Lord

• They were concerned with externals; Jesus was committed to cleansing the inner man

• Inward and outward religion comes into conflict whenever we place more stress on behavior than motive, and on symbolic actions than interpersonal relationships

• Sunday go-to-meeting faces and well-pressed clothes have never been an adequate measure of participation in Christ’s kingdom <R1795>

Mark 7:5-9 NIV

[5] So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” [6] He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. [7] They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.' [8] You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” [9] And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

Mark 7:13-15 NIV

[13] Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.” [14] Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. [15] Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

** While we have limited time on earth, God has ETERNITY at His disposal to fulfill His plan — not just the last thousands of years that we know about that were written in Scripture

We are called to repent, turn from sin and turn toward God

• Part of His plan was to die in our place and for us to recognize the cost/ugliness of sin

• We have the choice whether we will accept this gift and repent toward a better life

• Like a potter who is patient when creating, God is patient in creating us

• God is patient so more people can turn to Him, but there will be an end point

Isaiah 49:6 NIV

[6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Romans 8:21 NIV

[21] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

• One day is like a thousand years and God is patiently guiding history toward His second coming

• God created all of us for relationship and to experience His love, even though not everyone will accept

• God's plan toward this end has not changed and we continue to move in this direction <C31>

2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Isaiah 14:26-27 NIV

[26] This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. [27] For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

** God designed us for heaven and the world is waiting to be resurrected

• Let this reflect in our words and actions on a daily basis

• Compare the picture of heaven with God's original creation — Genesis 1-3 with second coming/heaven Revelation 21-22

This means followers of Christ can live in hope because sin and suffering will come to an end when He sets things right

• Jesus will not lose anyone who belongs to Him; this should give us peace

• Let’s be encouraged to live for Him and trust Him every day

• Like trusting instruments when flying a plane and experiencing disorientation, so we need to trust God with our future <C31>

2 Peter 3:13-15 NIV

[13] But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. [14] So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. [15] Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Romans 8:18-25 NIV

[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. [19] For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. [20] For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. [22] We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. [23] Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? [25] But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

** If you believe and love nature's God, it is surprising how easy it is to:

• Hear music in the waves, and songs in the wild whisperings of the winds

• See God everywhere — in the stones, in the rocks, in the rippling brooks

• Hear Him everywhere — in the lowing of cattle, in the rolling of thunder, and in the fury of tempests <S185>

Romans 1:20 NIV

[20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

** We should aim to understand the big picture, asking why God created the heaven and earth: He desires an ever-increasingly deep relationship with His creation

• Humans were the only creation with a soul — with the ability to think and reason — and were set above everything else

• God created humans in His image and continues to desire relationship with us

Genesis 1:26 NIV

[26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

** Humans can create in a limited way — within God's creation

• Man was given responsibilities to be caretakers of this world and make it part of his life

• We have been given creativity and drive to invest in this world

• God placed 'hidden treasures' for man to discover, use and protect

Genesis 2:15 NIV

[15] The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

** Only God can work a complete change in a person's life; AA meetings, for example, may help us in certain moments but it's the transforming power of Christ that can change us completely from the inside out — including our motives, desires and habits

• We wear glasses to see better visually; as followers of Christ, our goal should be 20/20 spiritual vision that is possible through prayer and knowing God’s word

• God wants us to have spiritual vision that is clear and focused

• If we don't put the energy into living spiritually then we won't grow spiritually and we will become spiritually blind <C31>

2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

[18] And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

** God arranged our DNA for a meaningful and godly life, and provides all the promises to help make that happen

• God pours strength and guidance into us through our relationship with Him

• God gives us amazing promises, like never leaving us, loving us, providing for us... over 300 promises that cover salvation, freedom, wisdom, heaven, etc

• God provides what we need but He never forces us to participate

We have to choose to live in His provision

• He wants to develop His nature in us and escape the corruption of this world

• We will never become a god but can reflect His image

• Sin does not have to dominate our life; we can live free from sin's corruption, living life to its full maximum potential

• We take the step of faith and God empowers us on our journey <C31>

2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV

[3] His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

** God knows our needs along with how best to meet them

• Trouble is, we tend to get confused as to our needs because our vision is limited — but God knows the whole picture

• Ask God to show you what you truly need and fully depend on Him for it

• God keeps His promises and always honors His word, in His way and timing

• We, on the other hand, let others down all the time

• God can make and keep promises through His power and love <C31>

2 Peter 1:3 NIV

[3] His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

** It's all about God and not about me, for God remains our only true purpose and hope

• God expects us to suffer for awhile but He will provide for us so we can endure

• God has a purpose and wants to work in our lives

• God guides us to spiritual maturity through life's sufferings

• Contrary to Olsteen's message that God wants to make you happy and ‘have your best life’ now, God gives us true joy through all circumstances and promises ‘our best life’ in eternity

<C31>

1 Peter 5:10-14 NIV

[10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. [12] With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. [13] She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. [14] Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

** Falling away from Christ leaves an increased emptiness; void of righteousness

2 Peter 2:20-21 NIV

[20] If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. [21] It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

** Followers of Christ are to remember and hold firmly to the basic beliefs which are essential to faithful living; be intentional about dwelling on these things on a regular basis

• Peter knew his time was limited to encourage other believers because Jesus predicted Peter's death by crucifixion; this happened after Jesus' resurrection when He asked Peter if he loved him

• Peter had a healthy view of death; life here is temporary and our bodies are tents

• We need to have the same perspective to free us to seize opportunities while we can; these opportunities may never come around again

• Peter encourages us to leave a legacy

• After our departure, others should be able to refer back to our time here and the faithful life we lived <C31>

2 Peter 1:12-15 NIV

[12] So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. [13] I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, [14] because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. [15] And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

** Were you made only to be a machine for digging holes, laying bricks, or cutting out pieces of wood? Were you created only to stand at a counter and measure or weigh out goods? Do you think your God made you for that and that only?

Is this the chief end of man: to earn so many dollars a week, and try to make ends meet? Is that all immortal men were made for?

As a man with a soul, capable of thought and judgment — and not a mere animal like a dog, nor a machine like a steam engine; can you stand up and look at yourself, and say, "I believe I am perfectly fulfilling my destiny"?

God has made man that he may glorify Him, and whatever else man accomplishes, if he attains not to this end, his life is a disastrous failure!

Others are lovers of pleasure. They are merry as the birds, their life is as the flight of a butterfly, which lightly floats from flower to flower, according to its own sweet will.

It cannot be that an immortal spirit was made for frivolities, spending all its time on the playthings of the world! So great a thing as an immortal soul could not have been made by God, with no higher object than to spend itself upon trifles as light as air.

Oh, pause a while, you careless, godless one!

• There is something more than the fool's laugh

• All things are not a comedy

• Death and Heaven and Hell are serious, and should life be

The charms of music, the merriment of the mirthful assembly, the beauties of art, and the delights of banqueting; there must be something more for you than these. Something more must be required of you than that you should waste your precious time from morn to night upon nothing but to please yourself! <S185>

1 John 2:15 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

** The heart of the believer is Christ's garden. He bought it with His precious blood, and He enters it and claims it as His own.

A garden is a place of BEAUTY, it far surpasses the wild uncultivated lands. The genuine Christian must seek to be more excellent in his life than the best moralist, because Christ's garden ought to produce the best flowers in all the world. Even the best is poor, compared with Christ's deservings; let us not put Him off with withering and dwarf plants. The rarest, richest, choicest lilies and roses ought to bloom in the place which Jesus calls His garden.

The garden is a place of GROWTH. The saints are not to remain undeveloped, always mere buds and blossoms. We should grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Growth should be rapid where Jesus is the Gardener, and the Holy Spirit the dew from above.

A garden is a place of RETIREMENT. So the Lord Jesus Christ would have us reserve our souls as a place in which He can manifest Himself, as He does not unto the world. O that Christians were more retired, that they kept their hearts more closely shut up for Christ! We often worry and trouble ourselves, like Martha, with much serving, so that we have not the room for Christ that Mary had, and do not sit at His feet as we should. May the Lord grant the sweet showers of His grace to water His garden this day. <S185>

Song of Songs 5:1a NIV

[1] I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.

** Parable of growing seed

• Refers to seed planted in good soil where it is nurtured and grows both day and night

• How it grows is unknown to man, for God is the author of all life

• Likewise, the soul begins with weak graces but can mature in holiness on its own, as a machine whose spring of motion is within itself

• As we respond to His Word and allow it to permeate our lives, more truth will be gives to us, thus producing even more spiritual growth

Mark 4:26-29 NIV

[26] He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. [27] Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. [28] All by itself the soil produces grain---first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. [29] As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

** Aged believer, the time of your departure will soon come!

Do not let your mind be troubled as to:

• Where you shall die

• When you shall die, or

• How you shall die!

These are all minor matters, and ought not to affect you. Simply look at death as Jesus did: "Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world, and go to His Father!"

Why should you regret to leave a poor world like this — where sin, sorrow, pain, disappointment, grief and anxiety meet you at every turn? Why should you be reluctant to go HOME — to go to your Father?

• Do you not want to see His face?

• Do you not want to enjoy His company?

• Do you not want to be perfectly happy in His presence? <S183>

2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV

[6] For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Philippians 1:23 NIV

[23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far

John 13:1 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

** God is far above us in every way — character, holiness, power, and majesty; we won't be in awe of God if we are not in love with God

1 Peter 1:17-21 NIV

[17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Psalm 148:13 NIV

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Three ways to live in awe of God;

a) Remember that God is our Heavenly Father

• As a Father, He looks at us as one who loves us and as a disciplinarian and creator etc

• God wants what is ultimately good for us

• God does not show any partiality; stays doesn't matter but rather our sin condition

b) Rejoice that we have been ransomed (18-19)

• We are saved from difficult situations

• We are held captive until God provides Jesus to be our ransom

• Without Christ we are slaves to sin

• At the time when this was written, there were an estimate of 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire; they would understand the word 'ransom'

• We can do nothing to redeem ourselves (silver or gold) but only Jesus can meet God's requirement for the penalty of sin which is death

c) Rest secure in God's eternal plan (20-21)

• Jesus planned to die before He created the world!

• It is difficult to understand but we can be in awe that He thought of and provided a way to redeem us

• God chose the perfect time in history to come to earth and die for us; the Roman Empire was ripe for spreading the Gospel

• Christ’s resurrection guarantees our faith and hope

** Christ is especially precious to believers, when the emptiness of the world is discovered. The soul having tried the world, has found it:

• False and fickle

• An empty cistern

• A dry well

• A cloud without water

• Only vanity and vexation of spirit!

The Christian has experienced that:

• The world's pleasures end in pain

• Its honors end in disgrace, and

• Its wealth ends in absolute poverty

Now turning from the world, to Jesus, it finds:

• Solid happiness

• Substantial pleasure

• Full supplies <S183>

1 Peter 2:7 NIV

[7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

** Every saint must pass through the fire and our only concern should be to pass through honorably and usefully.

The fires are afflictions. These are intended…

• To try us

• To purify us, and

• To endear the Lord Jesus to us.

Beloved, are you in the fire?

• Is the fire in your business?

• Is the fire in your family?

• Is the fire in your body?

• Is the fire in your soul?

Wherever it is, let it be your one desire to glorify God in it. You may do so…

• By patiently enduring

• By trusting the Lord's Word

• By speaking of His character and love

• By expecting His support and supplies

• By holding fast your integrity

Beware that you do not lose the benefit of the affliction, but cry mightily to God that it may be sanctified. <S183>

Malachi 3:3 NIV

[3] He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,

Isaiah 24:15a KJV

[15] Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires

** A man may appear much like a Christian, and yet possess no vital godliness! This is the common talk:

• "We are all Christians."

• "Why, we belong to a Christian nation — are we not born Christians?"

• "Surely we must be all right — we have always attended our parish church, is not that enough?"

• "Our parents were always godly; we were born into the church, were we not? Did they not take us up in their arms when we were little, and make us members of Christ? What more do we lack?"

Walk through the British Museum and you will see all the orders of animals standing in their various places and exhibiting themselves with the utmost possible propriety. Every creature — whether bird, beast, or fish — remains in the particular glass case allotted to it. But you all know well enough that these are not the living creatures but only the outward forms of them. Yet in what do they differ? Certainly in nothing which you could readily see, for the well-stuffed animal is precisely like what the living animal would have been. Yet you know well enough that there is a secret inward something lacking, which, when it has once departed, you cannot restore.

So in the churches of Christ, many professors are not living believers, but stuffed believers — stuffed Christians!

There is all the external of religion, everything that you could desire, and they behave with a great deal of propriety too. They all keep their places and there is no outward difference between them and the living, except upon that vital point: they lack spiritual life. This is the essential distinction — the spiritual life is absent.

It is almost painful to watch little children when some little pet of theirs has died; how they can hardly realize the difference between death and life!

Your little boy's bird moped for awhile upon its perch and at last dropped down in the cage. You remember how the little boy tried to set it up, and gave it seed, and filled its glass with water, and was quite surprised to think that birdie would not open his little eye upon his friend as it did before, and would not take its seed, nor drink its water!

Ah, you finally had to tell the poor boy that a mysterious something had gone from his little birdie and would not come back again. There is just such a spiritual difference between the mere professor and the genuine Christian.

There is an invisible, but most real, indwelling of the Holy Spirit — the absence or the presence of which makes all the difference between the lost sinner and the saint. <S185>

John 6:63 NIV

[63] The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you---they are full of the Spirit and life.

** Peter talks about Christ representing three types of stone: a living stone, cornerstone and stumbling stone

LIVING STONE

• Jesus is alive and life-giving

• We don't have ability to create life

• Jesus is God who made everything that exists

• He shines light (life) into darkness

• He has the power over life and death; as He explained to the disciples about His own deliberate death; nobody can do that but Jesus who is God

• We can find eternal life through Jesus

1 Peter 2:4-5 NIV

As you come to him, the living Stone---rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--- [5] you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

John 1:1-5 NIV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. [5] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 10:17-18 NIV

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life---only to take it up again. [18] No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

CORNERSTONE

• The cornerstone sets the shape and direction of a building

• Jesus is the only way to God

• Relationship with Christ is more than head-knowledge because the demons believe

• We must believe and confess with our mouth

• Jesus will protect those who believe

• It can be argued those who 'once were Christian' but who don't believe now NEVER were believers

• The cornerstone points us in the right direction

• He draws us and we become part of the church or body of Christ

1 Peter 2:6 NIV

For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

John 14:6 NIV

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 10:9-10 NIV

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

John 10:27-30 NIV

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. [30] I and the Father are one.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NIV

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

STUMBLING STONE

• Jesus will be the judge of all people, living and dead

• His judgment will be swift and final

• There is a Book of Life that contains names of those who believe

• If your name is in it then you are protected and forgiven for your sin

• Those who do not believe, will be judged for every wrong-doing

• Jesus was the living stone and cornerstone that man rejected

• Jesus remains the living and cornerstone who wants to set the shape and direction of our life... will you reject Him?

• Do you have a relationship with Christ? If not then you will spend eternity separated from Him <C31>

Acts 10:42 NIV

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.

Revelation 20:11-15 NIV

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

** Everyone is made in the image of God and, like items in the temple, are then to be set apart for His purpose

• Christians are to be different from who they were before being saved, for they are made new in Christ!

• If there is no difference when becoming a Christian, the follower of Christ needs to look carefully at the reason for their indifference

• Christians are to make sure they are separate from the world <C31>

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV

[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

** God chose Israel for a special reason and Peter connects this heritage to God also choosing the Gentiles

Exodus 19:5-6 NIV

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, [6] you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 NIV

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. [7] The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. [8] But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

• God didn't choose anyone for their stature; but through those He can follow through with His plan to His honor and glory

• A relationship is available to all who come by faith

• God will fulfill His promises to Israel; we have similar promises as His step-children

OUR STANDING

- God wants us despite what we've done; He wants and draws us to a relationship

- God puts the desire in us to seek Him; if we listen then we can find Him and find restoration

- He gives us the choice even though He draws us to Him

- the Priest is the middleman who speaks for God

- Israel didn't fulfill their mission to be the royal priesthood so we don't need the priest to come to God; Jesus is our only mediator

1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV

[9] But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

OUR PRIVILEGE

- we are a holy nation, set apart to point the way to God thru our words, life, actions, etc

- we can tell the world who our God is: all powerful, present, just, pure, faithful, etc

- God pulls us out of the darkness into the light which brings life (death to life)

- He offers riches of eternal life

- anyone can experience His grace and mercy

- we have the power behind the message <C31>

John 15:16 NIV

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit---fruit that will last---and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

** God gives us an 'emptiness' so we desire to seek after Him; Christians are never at home on earth because we know God has a better place waiting for us in heaven

FYI: Peter spoke during time of Nero when there was intense persecution and when they were being scattered

According to Peter, God chooses us; so what does it mean to be chosen by God?

• God is in control

• God has a predetermined plan based on grace when we don't deserve it

• God knew our need to be saved

• We are spiritually dead and must rely on God to call us

• God makes us aware of our need and points our way to Him; we cannot do this on our own but only through the Holy Spirit

• God does not make the decision for us but brings us to the point of making a decision <C31>

1 Peter 1:1-2 NIV

[1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, [2] who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

** When we become born again, we are not just changed from bad to good, we are changed from spiritually dead, to spiritually alive.

John 3:3-6 NIV

• Our new spiritual life comes about by our being justified before God the Father as Holy, not because of any of our own works (as if God needed our works), but through the shed blood of His Son.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

• At the moment of belief, we are indwelt and sealed by God the Holy Spirit, who not only transformatively gives us a new nature, but we become a new creation altogether.

Ephesians 1:11-14 NIV

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV

• This is why in the Old Testament, only Adam and the angels could be called "sons of God," (as they were direct creations of God), but in the New Testament, all born-again believers can also claim this title. True born-again believers are direct creations of God. <G70>

Romans 8:14 NIV

[14] For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

** In Christ, we are given a new birth, promise and hope

New Birth (vs 3)

• God promises us that we will be born again into a completely new life; the effects are seen on a consistent basis through all moments of our life in all circumstances

• Being born again means Christ lives within us to work with us against sin; this changes our perspective on life and, hence, our actions

• Remember the story of Nicodemus (John 3) where Jesus told Him about a spiritual change

New Promise (vs 4)

• A gift of eternal life and all its benefits

• Imperishable (cannot be destroyed or damaged, like fruit that goes bad), undefined (cannot be stained with evil, like polluting our environment), unfading (never losing value, like flowers that fade)

New Hope (vs 5)

• New birth brings with it a new hope everyday of our life; we have a freedom from our past sin and failures

• New hope gives us strength to live God's way

• Our relationship with Christ is eternally guaranteed; it is accomplished by God's grace and protected by His all-consuming power

• We are not talking about those who don't live out according to God's ways; these people were not saved in the first place

• Believers in Christ have a hope that we will never be separated from God! <C31>

1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

** Followers of Christ should exhibit a noticeable genuine love and radical obedience that has its foundation in God

Love must be based on God:

• We can truly love because we are born again, which is the starting point for every good deed

• We need to focus on God, which is possible when we are born again

• Our focus needs to shift from temporal to eternal (what is important)

• Understanding this life is temporary gives us motivation to share the Gospel

1 Peter 1:24-25 NIV

For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

Obeying God radically changes our life:

• We start out of focus but grow into focus as we obey and trust in God

• This is the difference between religion and relationship, for following rituals (religion) doesn't change the heart

• Our growing stronger in obedience and faith will help us in times of struggle and, in turn, trials will further purify our faith

• The world says "follow your heart" but we are to believe God's truth because it is tested, eternal and perfect

1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith---of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire---may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Genuine love emits from a changed life:

• Genuine love can start with brotherly love; love that brings the church together as a group

• There is sincerity, not putting on a show but a genuine outpouring of a changed life

• Growth in us will lead to an agape type of love, which is opposite to the typical view of "what can I get from this?"

• As Christ chose to go to the cross in unconditional love, so we must choose (strive) to have unconditional love for others

• A pure heart has the right motives given by God <C31>

** There are three categories of people in today’s society including those who:

1. Are afraid

2. Don’t know enough to be afraid

3. Know their Bible and understand prophecy —

those who know Scriptural prophecy understand where the world is at and where it is headed <W214> (Sep 2022)

Isaiah 41:20 NIV

[20] so that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.

** Solomon sums it up this way: we need to keep in mind that nothing is certain in this life during times of prosperity and times of adversity; tomorrow is not guaranteed <F60>

James 4:13-15 NIV

[13] Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** If we look around we will be depressed; if we look up we will have hope, and be able to cope, and have joy in the midst of earth’s sorrow <M131>

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV

** We can always look to God when we follow His will and find joy and peace despite any adversity

Live with expectation

• Expect suffering to come our way; be prepared for when it comes

• Peter was writing around the time of Nero's persecution of Jews; horrendous persecution such as lighting Jews during parties, etc

• He knew trials were coming because we follow Christ; these trials are not just ‘daily happenings’

• We can find joy because God sees us as worthy to be tested

• Let suffering reflect gratitude for the fact that Jesus died and sacrificed for us

1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV

[12] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Live with Integrity

• When Jesus returns we can expect to be rewarded for standing with Him

• We can be empowered by the Holy Spirit in the meantime if we live a life of integrity

• As we prepare for white water rafting, be prepared for Christ's return

• Make sure we don't fall by not following Christ's commands; an ungodly life invites suffering

• If we are a person of integrity then we don't need to live a life of shame and guilt

• We can live our life with honor as we represent his name

• Small dents/cuts ended up sinking the Titanic and similar seemingly small sin can end up destroying us

1 Peter 4:15-16 NIV

[15] If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. [16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Live with Gratitude

• God's discipline on Christians can be tough, so that we mature/grow

• Christians we receive God's love and grace in the process; imagine those who don't know Christ

• God wants us to have abundant life, even during times of suffering

1 Peter 4:17-18 NIV

[17] For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? [18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Live an Attitude of Thankfulness

• As Creator, God knows what is best for our life

• Remember where we come from, the sinful life, and His grace that has brought us to a better place

• We will not face God's final judgment when he comes back to deal with sin

• Don't take life for granted; take note of all the blessings He provides

• Ask what God wants us to learn through difficult times and encourage others to do the same <C31>

1 Peter 4:16 NIV

[16] However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

** God tests whether we will obey His commands regardless if we understand or not; the lepers were healed because they obeyed; they may have wondered why they should see the priests but they went anyway

Luke 17:14 NIV

[14] When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

** Nothing reveals the state of a person's heart and spiritual health than their view of money; we ALL have to examine our hearts regarding our view of money — rich and poor alike

• Do you have the attitude that there is never enough?

• We cannot serve two masters but must choose

• Store up treasures in heaven, not in store-houses on earth

• Do not be overcome with money matters

• God expects us to rely on Him for resources to meet needs

• Do we demonstrate our faith through what we have and give?

James 5:7 NIV

[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

** Possessing wealth is not sinful <C31>

• God wants us to work and provide for our family

• God gives us ability to generate wealth

• God talks about saving, giving, etc in His Word

• The problem is misuse of wealth and whether we are DEPENDENT on money or God for a sense of security

What's the difference between the righteous and those who hoard wealth?

1. The way we get our wealth — the way we treat those who work for us (Jer 22:13), whether we hoard money, pinch the penny or control the courts (James 2:6)

2. The way the rich use their wealth — do they store up money to ensure personal stability, do they trust in money and keep others from benefiting from their wealth while living in luxury?

3. Realization that everything is the Lord's — it’s a perspective regarding what we have, whether small or large amounts

James 5:4-6 NIV

[4] Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. [5] You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. [6] You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

** Are you practicing an empty faith?

• Empty confessions (14), false compassion (15-17), shallow conviction (18-20)

• Just because you believe God does not make you a Christian; even Satan believes

• If the decision to follow God does not change anything, you probably aren't saved <C31>

James 2:14-20 NIV

[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that---and shudder. [20] You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ?

** The Spirit's work in the believer consists:

1. In convincing us of SIN, when we go astray from the right ways of the Lord.

2. In working REPENTANCE and sorrow within us, and leading us to confess and mourn over our sins before God.

3. In opening up and applying the WORD OF GOD, so that it…

• Meets our case

• Feeds our faith

• Fires our love, and

• Deepens our humility.

4. In exciting and drawing forth the soul in PRAYER, praise, and adoration at the throne of God, so that we sometimes…

• Melt in contrition

• Crumble down in humiliation

• Almost dissolve in love.

5. In making us bold in God's cause, and giving us to feel liberty in His presence through faith in the blood of His dear son.

6. In giving us soul-refreshing GLIMPSES...

• Of the glorious person of Jesus

• Of the everlasting covenant, and

• Of eternal glory!

7. In melting us down in sincere GRATITUDE before God, under a sense of His undeserved favor.

8. In removing all legal fears, and causing HOLY peace to flow through the soul like a river.

9. In melting us in MEEKNESS, and producing SWEET SUBMISSION to the sovereign will of God.

10. In sweetly soothing and CONSOLING under trials and bereavements; and enabling us to look heavenward with hope and joy.

11. In giving us sweet intimations of the LOVE of God to us, by pleasing impressions and holy discoveries of His grace.

12. In witnessing to our adoption, awakening the cry of "ABBA, FATHER!" in our hearts, and enabling us to claim a filial relationship to God.

13. In drawing forth our souls in LOVE TO GOD, under an overcoming sense of His free and unparalleled love to us.

14. In enabling us to MOUNT UPWARD as on the wings of an eagle, and to run with pleasure and delight in God's holy ways.

15. In quickening us to rejoice in the Lord, when all things around are calculated to fill us with despondency and gloom.

16. In producing PERSEVERANCE in our souls, and enabling us to look away from the things which are seen and temporal--and to look to unseen and eternal realities.

The Spirit works within the Christian, teaching him daily to make use of Christ as the panacea for all the ills of life! <S183>

Romans 8:6 NIV

[6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

** I love to meditate on the work of the Holy Spirit to whom we are so much indebted, and from whom we receive such great and invaluable blessings. To Him, I feel that I am indebted for every good thought, and for every good work. How wonderful His patience, that He should bear with me so long; and how wonderful His loving-kindness, that He should confer on me so much! O that I was more deeply sensible of my obligations!

It was the Holy Spirit who QUICKENED me when I was dead in trespasses and sins:

• Imparting a new life

• Infusing new thoughts, and

• Producing new desires in my soul

Having quickened me, He CONQUERED me, subduing:

• The enmity of my heart

• The obstinacy of my will

• The worldliness of my affections

and bringing every thought into subjection to the obedience of Christ

Having quickened and conquered me, He COMFORTED me, assuring me of a saving interest in:

• The love of God

• The perfect work of Jesus

• The precious promises of the Word, and

• The eternal rest which remains for the people of God

Having quickened, conquered, and comforted me, He SANCTIFIED me by:

• Separating me from the world, and

• Setting me apart for my Redeemer's glory and praise

As my Sanctifier, He became my GUIDE:

• Leading me into the truth

• Conducting me out of the paths of danger and

• Directing me into the everlasting way

Not only my guide, but He became my GUARD:

• Preserving me from danger

• Protecting me from foes, and

• Becoming a wall of fire round about me

Whenever I wander, He reproves me; when I willfully go astray, He CORRECTS me and makes me smart for my folly.

The work He began so long ago, He carries on; nor will He withdraw His hand from it, until it is perfected and I am fully fitted for glory.

The work of the Spirit within us, is as necessary as the work of Jesus for us! For if the atonement of Christ entitles us to glory, it is the work of the Holy Spirit that prepares us to possess and enjoy it. We must be washed, justified, and sanctified, in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of God — or we cannot be saved! <S183>

John 14:26 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

** Jesus healed all ten lepers because of some level of faith and obedience in going to the priest; this story can be a picture of salvation in that salvation is available to all through obedience, yet only some will respond <C31>

Luke 17:19 NIV

[19] Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

** We can observe the condition of David’s heart from the first verses of Psalm 23: he confessed his faith in God (5), had absolute confidence in God's goodness and love (6a), and he committed himself to a life of faith (6b) <C31>

CONFESSION

David confessed his faith in God and saw God as the provider of all needs

• God prepares a table to supply every single need even in the presence of his enemies

• God does not always remove us from our difficult situations while providing

• The oil is a refreshment and assurance for a guest that the host will take care of them

• A cup that overflows is one that is already full!

• God is able to do more than we expect

Psalm 23:5 NIV

[5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

[20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

CONFIDENCE

David had absolute confidence in God's goodness and love

• As sheep we are stupid but God will pursue and protect us

• David saw God as shepherd who is constantly seeking the welfare of His sheep

• God constantly pursues us out of love in order to do good

• David didn't need to seek His mercy and love but God's love followed him!

• This does not mean all things are good, but that God can work good in difficult situations

• He does this all the days of our lives!

Psalm 23:6a NIV

[6] Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:38-39 NIV

[38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

COMMITMENT

David committed himself to a life of faith

• David wanted to dwell in His house and commit to God every day despite the fact that things may not be safe

• It was at this time that David desired to build the temple

• David wanted to live in God's presence everyday

• He would return to God after failing Him; he knew the need for repentance and reconciliation

• Living a life of faith is a daily choice; we commit to live in God's presence and to return to Him when we mess up

Psalm 23:6b NIV

[6] ...and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

[22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

** In the light of God's greatness and glory, it is an astonishing thing that God should be mindful of man — especially when we see the answer given in the Bible to the question, "What is man?"

Man is set before us in the Word of God as the particular, distinct object of God's mercy, love, and grace. But what is man?

Anyone who knows and acknowledges the greatness of God, will also freely acknowledge the utter insignificance of man. As soon as David looked up to Heaven and spoke to God of His greatness — his heart was humbled, his pride was withered, and he cried, "What is man, that you are mindful of him?"

It is impossible for anyone to have both great views of God and great views of man. Those who imagine that man is great, think that God is insignificant. Those who know that God is great, know that man is insignificant.

"What is man, that You are mindful of him?" Here is:

• greatness, and littleness

• grandeur, and nothingness

• excellence, and corruption

• majesty, and baseness

• God, and man! <F67>

Hebrews 2:6 NIV

[6] But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?

** As long as God gives you another breath in this life, He has something for you to do — so finish your race as God desires; if you are surrounded by those who don’t want to hear or accept the salvation-gift God has to offer, then keep looking for someone who does <D40>

Acts 20:24 NIV

[24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

Galatians 5:7 NIV

[7] You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

2 Timothy 4:6-7 NIV

[6] For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

** Studying the New Testament, we find four examples of humility <C31>

1. JESUS was preoccupied by serving others

Philippians 2:5-8 NIV

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death---even death on a cross!

2. Apostle PAUL thought of others as he traveled to spread the gospel, willing to die so others know Christ

Philippians 2:17-18 NIV

[17] But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. [18] So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

3. TIMOTHY cared for others and served others, similar to Paul

Philippians 2:19-22 NIV

[19] I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. [20] I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. [21] For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. [22] But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

4. EPAPHRODITUS is also mentioned as caring and serving others

Philippians 2:25 NIV

[25] But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Philippians 2:30 NIV

[30] because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

** How is it possible to live a comfortable, happy low cost, risk-free Christianity that is immune from temptation, attack or persecution? If they persecuted Jesus (green tree) then what will they do to the rest of us? <D40>

Luke 23:31 NIV

[31] For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Acts 13:46,50 NIV

[46] Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. [50] But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

** Those who live ‘effortless’ Christian lives are missing out on the joy they could receive watching God use them to impact other people <D40>

Acts 13:46,50-52 NIV

1 Thessalonians 1:6 NIV

[6] You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 10:34 NIV

[34] You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

** Like Peter, God continues to provide opportunities for us to serve and take a stand for Him; these opportunities can be missed if we are not listening to Him

Matthew 16:15-18 NIV

[15] “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” [16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Psalm 139:16 NIV

[16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

** When it all boils down — ignoring all the ‘isms’ out there — there are only two worldviews: God IS or God ISN’T <D48>

Exodus 20:2-4 NIV

[2] “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. [3] “You shall have no other gods before me. [4] “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

** God prepares us as long as we invest in the process; how do we know the will of God?

a) Develop a relationship and learn to listen so we can learn His voice

b) Focus on God, not yourself

c) Look for God working around you and allow Him to involve and stretch you

Matthew 16:19 NIV

[19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

** All that Jesus does for lost sinners — He does freely, out of pure pity, kindness and love. Yet we are always looking for something in ourselves, to encourage us. Fix the eye of your mind on what Jesus does for sinners — how He acts toward them at the present day.

Jesus CALLS the sinner. He says, "Come unto Me. Come, just as you are. Come, this moment. Come, for all that you need. Come, for all that you desire. Come, and be saved. Come, and I will satisfy you. Come, and commit all your concerns to Me, and I will make all things that occur, work together for your good."

Matthew 11:28 NIV

[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Jesus RECEIVES the sinner when he comes. He receives every sinner--however base, vile, or unworthy he may be! He receives the sinner graciously — pardoning every sin, forgiving and forgetting all that he has done amiss, and treating him with the utmost kindness.

Jesus CLEANSES the sinner. In the fountain of His precious blood, and in the laver of His holy Word, He cleanses him from guilt and pollution, fitting him for holy service on earth, and for holier service in heaven. Nor is there any getting rid of guilt, but by His blood; nor of impurity, but by His Spirit working with His Word!

Hebrews 10:22-23 NIV

[22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Jesus CLOTHES the sinner. Cleansed from guilt and filth — we are clothed in His garments of salvation, and are covered with His robe of righteousness. All that is necessary for our honorable appearance in Heaven among the glorified, He undertakes to provide.

Romans 13:14 NIV

[14] Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Those who trust in Him, are completely NOURISHED by Him. Jesus feeds the sinner. His flesh and blood becomes our daily food. We can no more live and be healthy, without nourishing food for the body than we can live and be happy, without sweet and frequent nourishment from Christ. There is in the renewed soul, a craving for Christ and it is never satisfied but as it realizes His presence, meditates on His Word, or is solaced with His love!

Jesus EMPLOYS the sinner. Having called, received, cleansed, clothed, and nourished him — He sets him to WORK. He gives him a cross to carry, and a plot in his vineyard to cultivate. He sends him to speak to others of His grace, and to manifest to others His temper and disposition. He sends him to the poor widow's cottage, to the sick man's chamber, and to the ignorant soul's home, and says: "Feed them for Me; comfort them for Me; and teach them for Me!"

Jesus COMFORTS the sinner. Yes, when he is depressed and discouraged, when he is low and cast down. He consoles by some special providence, by some seasonable portion of His Word, by the counsel of some friend, or by the sweet whispers of His Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, [4] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Jesus ASSURES the sinner. Assures him of His love to him, of a saving interest in His finished work, and of a title to heavenly mansions! When Jesus assures us — our doubts and fears depart, our unbelief is destroyed, and our souls are filled with peace and joy.

Jesus VISITS the sinner. He says, "I will come unto him." And He does come, and brings with Him pleasant light, precious fruits, and joy and peace. He says, "I will come and sup with him, and he with Me." And He draws him out into such sweet, near and dear communion with Himself, that no costly meal, no delightful company, can be compared to it.

Jesus RESTORES the sinner. For as astonishing as it may appear, it is nevertheless true that we are prone to wander!

• We leave light, for darkness!

• We leave plenty, for poverty!

• We leave joy, for sorrow!

• We leave a paradise, for a desert!

And having wandered we would never find our way back, if He did not come after us! But, blessed be His holy name, He does! And then He restores our souls, and again feeds us in green pastures, causing us to lie down beside the still waters!

Jesus REPROVES the sinner. However He may spare our persons, He never spares our sins! He visits our transgressions with the rod, and our iniquities with stripes! His reproofs are often sharp. Cutting convictions, heavy losses, severe trials, perplexing troubles, bodily sickness, and painful bereavements, are some of the RODS which He employs. But however numerous and heavy His strokes, they are lighter than our guilt, and fewer than our sins! He deals with us as with sons. He chastens us for our profit, and to make us partakers of His holiness!

Jesus GLORIFIES the sinner. Glorifies him with Himself, and confers on him an eternal weight of glory! What it is to be glorified, we do not fully know. At the least, it is to be freed from all that is sinful, painful, and degrading, and to be invested with all that is bright, beautiful, and blessed. It is to be made as like Jesus as possible, and to be with Him where He is forever!

Will you not bear witness to the power and sweetness of His love, to the joy and happiness that are found in His ways? Will you not observe His statutes and keep His laws? Will you not come out of the world which is peopled by His enemies, and be separated to Him? Can you mingle with the carnal and frequent places of worldly amusement? Must you go to the world to be gratified and amused?

Beware how you wound your precious Savior's loving heart! <S183>

** Make Christ your first priority — even before family obligations

Matthew 8:21-22 NIV

Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” [22] But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

** Wise builders base their life foundation on God even though it would not be as easy as living for the world; building on God means you live a life of total dependence on Him

Even though the wise and foolish built houses on rock and sand which looked similar — perhaps they used the same materials and both houses seemed attractive — one planned for a future that will involve stormy weather while the other thought only about the present; the storm symbolizes the pressures of life like sickness, failures, losses, etc

Obviously, the house built on the rock has a solid foundation and will stand firm, whereas the house built on the sand was erected quickly and will be destroyed; only a storm will differentiate between a true disciple of God and a false disciple

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

[24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

** God is always present with us, is willing to be consulted by us, and will surely attend to us. Our way is likely to be difficult, dark, and perplexing; a way in which we have never traveled before, and in which we are likely to be misled.

The only way to be safe, to walk securely, is to seek Divine direction

• God is willing to give but He will have us ask it of Him

• We are dependents, and we must realize our dependence

• We are but children, and we must feel it, and act as under the impression of it

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

You have His WORD, consult it; make it your counselor, your directory and your guide.

You have His PROMISE, believe it; He says, "I will teach you and instruct you in the way which you shall go, I will guide you with My eye."

You have His THRONE OF GRACE, flee to it, and plead with Him as a man pleads with his friend.

And, while you consult His Word, believe His promise, and pray for direction — watch His hand! Providence is God working; working to accomplish His purposes, to fulfill His promises, and to answer the prayers of His people.

In His Word, He speaks to us;

on His throne, He listens to us,

by His providence, He works for us, and those who keep their eye open, will be sure to see His hand.

While you watch His hand, seek grace to submit to His will. He wills to do you good, the greatest good; and if His will crosses yours, depend upon it, it is just because it is most for your benefit.

Gratefully acknowledge His favors as you receive them. Remember that, as sinful creatures, being criminals and traitors, we have no "rights".

• Consequently, everything short of Hell, is a mercy!

• Everything but eternal punishment, is a favor!

• How many favors and mercies you receive — and how few praises you render!

• How many mercies are given you — and how few acknowledgments you make!

He who habitually…

• consults God's holy Word

• believes His faithful promises

• pleads at His gracious throne for direction

• watches His working hand

• submits to His righteous will, and

• gratefully acknowledges His sovereign favors —

will never be allowed to go far wrong, or to go wrong for long; for "He shall direct your steps!"

<S183>

** Prayer should become a habit with us, then everything would furnish us with matter for prayer. Prayer should mingle with our pleasures and our pains, with our labor and our rest.

• We should never do, what we cannot pray God to bless

• We should never go, where we cannot ask God to go with us

• Tempted Christian — pray, and you will overcome every temptation

• Troubled Christian — pray, and God will deliver you out of every trouble

• Perplexed Christian — pray, and God will make your way plain before your face

• Doubting Christian — pray, and God will disperse your doubts, and chase your fears away

• Trembling Christian — pray, and God will strengthen you with strength in the soul

• Sick Christian — pray, and God will make all your bed in your affliction

• Dying Christian — pray, and death will lose all its terrors, and you will gently fall asleep in Jesus

• Lost sinner — pray, for God who heard the publican and justified him, will hear you and save you

O for the grace of prayer, that we may in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. <S183>

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

[17] pray continually

Colossians 4:2 NIV

[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

** It may appear we are facing difficulty alone at times, but the One who created the winds and waves is with us!

Matthew 8:23-27 NIV

[23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Psalm 116:3-6 NIV

[3] The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. [4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me! ” [5] The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. [6] The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

** Paul understood that his suffering could be used to advance the Gospel of God's message

• For the apostle Paul, living meant living for Christ; that was his purpose and motivation

• But he didn’t stop there, for dying would be even better

• If we live for Christ, we can face death with no fear

• In the meantime, though, let’s make the most of the time we have on earth <L120>

Philippians 1:20-21 NIV

[20] I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. [21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

** We love our enemies while protecting our loved ones with a military-style defense, and not love our enemies at the expense of our families or fellow citizens <G793>

Luke 6:27-29 NIV

[27] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.

Jesus turned over the tables in the temple when He was combatting evil; we also should be willing to fight evil

Matthew 21:12-13 NIV

[12] Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. [13] “It is written,” he said to them, “ 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.' ”

Loving our enemies is not being a doormat so others can roll over us; rather, loving our enemies involves caring for them by praying for their salvation — pray they would repent and follow a new path with Christ at the head

** Rejoice and believe in God firmly to the end because it is by faith you are saved

• We can be assured that our salvation in God stands secure, for our salvation is a gift of God through grace and not by our works

• Many debate whether the gift of God here is the faith, the salvation or the grace

• In a sense, it makes no difference because Paul simply wants us to understand that our life in Christ is a miracle

• God gave followers of Christ this gift – one we didn’t earn <R1795>

Hebrews 3:6 NIV

[6] But Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV

[4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.

Ephesians 2:8 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---

Galatians 5:4 NIV

[4] You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace

** It is a comfort knowing that God can miraculously answer our prayers

• Peter never doubted that God could rescue him, but there was a question as to whether God would rescue him <R1795>

• Likewise, we live with a similar tension between faith and uncertainty but don’t doubt that God could act in all situations if He wills

Acts 12:11 NIV

[11] Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

Acts 12:13-17 NIV

[13] Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. [14] When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” [15] “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” [16] But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. [17] Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

** Christ’s birth was supernatural with a divine purpose; it proves we don’t need ‘science’ to validate events for all things are possible with God, even if they contradict man’s science

Matthew 1:18 NIV

[18] This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

** King David comes to mind when we think of someone who was thankful and gave glory to God. A description of him as "a man after God's heart" is found in 1 Samuel 13:14. David wasn't perfect, but His love for God guided his way. When he sinned, he earnestly repented. When enemies pressed in upon him, he turned to God for help but also found a way to praise God in spite of the trouble. Many of the Psalms he wrote contain words of praise and thanksgiving <G73>

Psalm 69:30-31 NIV

[30] I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. [31] This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hooves.

** How are we to respond in today’s culture war?

Follow God’s master plan to live faithfully and pray or, in other words, ‘be the church’:

• Do not bow the knee to idols

• Do not offer your children to sacrifices

• Do not worship false gods

• Do not give the government unconditional allegiance

• Give honor & duty to those who honor & duty is owed

• Follow and live according to God’s word

• Believe in eternal truth and an awesome God!

Paul was happy to pay the tolls for the roads he traveled to spread the gospel

• But when he was told he had to worship Nero, the answer was “no”

• The consequence, however, was Paul losing his head

• We need to be ready to suffer any consequence for living faithfully and praying <D40>

Galatians 3:11b NIV

[11] …the righteous will live by faith

** Beloved, we have a heavenly Father.

• He has adopted us into His family

• He not only wears a father's name but he has a father's heart

• He loves every believer with a father's love.

He watches over each of His children with a father's care

• Yes, we have a Father, and He is always near us

• His heart is ever disposed to do us good

• He will not withdraw His eye from us!

He bids us…

• to cast every care upon Him,

• to expect every blessing from Him, and

• to carry everything that troubles us, to Him.

Does providence frown on us, perplex, and trouble us? Let us not fret, complain, or forebode — but go and tell Father!

Does Satan tempt, suggest evil thoughts, or endeavor to mislead us? Let us not parley with him, be alarmed at him, or yield to him — but go at once and tell Father!

Everything, whether painful or pleasant, should lead us to our Father in heaven. He loves to listen to our broken prayers. He loves to sympathize with us. He never chides us for coming too often, or refuses to listen to us.

Happy child, who has such a Father! And wise is that child, who carries everything to his Father, who tells Him all, keeping nothing from Him. When we carry our cares or our troubles to Him, He says, "Leave them with Me. I will manage them. I will settle them."

Christian, run to your Father from every foe, and from every danger!

• Tell your Father everything that vexes, grieves, or troubles you

• Trust your Father to manage all your affairs.

Honor your Father…

• by consulting Him on all matters

• by confiding to Him all your secrets, and

• by making His written Word your daily rule on all points.

"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." With childlike simplicity, filial confidence, and honest hearts — they go and tell their Father!

<S183>

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.

Matthew 6:9 NIV

[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “ 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name

** As Jesus went to the Father in prayer before He faced death on the cross, so we should follow His example in troubled times

Psalm 16:8 NIV

[8] I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Luke 22:39-41 NIV

[39] Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. [40] On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” [41] He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed

** Followers of Christ should not fear death, for God will not abandon them when they breathe their last; Christ conquered death when He rose from the grave so we can live eternally with Him!

Psalm 16:10 NIV

[10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

** Let’s keep our eyes focused on God alone; take advantage of quiet times to focus on the Lord, our Provider

• Don't simply ‘open your mind’ because evil forces would love to enter; focus on God's word and remain in prayer

• Thank God for His protection

• The more your mind is on God, the less it is on your problems

• Fill your mind with godly thoughts <C31>

Psalm 16:8 NIV

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

** If you want stress relief, then go to God as your life's refuge!

• David experienced difficult times when Saul was trying to kill him and Absolam (his son) was trying to take over his reign

• David learned to turn to God immediately

• God is ALWAYS available, so don't hesitate to call on Him <C31>

Psalm 16:1 NIV

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.

** We can easily give up life here on earth when we realize our citizenship is in Heaven; our eyes, focus and heart need to be focused on Jesus’ appearing and our going home!

Philippians 3:20 NIV

[20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

** David described the wicked, then asked God to condemn/punish them; he also wanted God to prevent the wicked from devouring those who walk in the ways of the Lord

Psalm 5:9-10 NIV

[9] Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. [10] Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

** David asked God to deal with the unrighteous and righteous; when we focus on God during difficult times, He will give us a peace that passes understanding along with a joy that fills our life!

Psalm 5:10-11 NIV

[10] Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. [11] But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

** God blesses the righteous so we can live in safety and rejoice in the Lord

Psalm 5:11-12 NIV

[11] But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. [12] Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

** Aged believer, you and I can look back and wonder how it is that we are where we are, and what we are <S183>

• How have we held on and held out until now?

• Here is the whole secret of the case: "But the Lord was my support!"

In the seasons of my greatest difficulty:

• In all my times of sorrow and danger

• When I was filled with fears and doubts

• When in deep trouble and afflictions

• When all creature help failed me

• When my heart worried and vexed me

• When my enemies were ready to overwhelm me

• When my feet were almost gone

• When my steps had well near slipped

• In my darkest nights

• In my dreariest days — then the Lord was my support!

My journey has been long:

• My road has been peculiarly difficult

• My heart has been weak

• My enemies have been strong, and

• Long ago I must have perished in my afflictions or been a prey to my foes — but the Lord was my support!

I would have fainted under my heavy burdens:

• I would have yielded to my enchanting temptations

• I would have fled before my powerful foes — but the Lord was my support!

• Yes, the Lord has upheld, supported, and supplied me along the treacherous way

• To His free grace, to His inviolable faithfulness, and to His unchangeable love, I must ascribe that

1 Corinthians 15:10a NIV

[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am

** David went to God first thing in the morning in order to help him get through the day; it's the perfect way to start our day!

Psalm 5:3 NIV

[3] In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

** God serves as a lighthouse, bringing us back on track with the strength and ability to move forward; we gain direction, hope, and everything needed in the moment <C31>

Psalm 5:3 NIV

[3] In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

** A little wisdom eases efforts in life and wise living often produces a good outcome, even if not as expected; in contrast, lack of Scriptural wisdom leaves one unprepared to handle the tough times

Ecclesiastes 10:10 NIV

[10] If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

** No other religion has prophecy and the truth of God’s word hinges on every verse in the Bible — if one verse fails, then the entire Scripture comes into question <G70>

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

[18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

** Enjoy your youth and cast aside all anxiety about the future, but remember actions in life will hold consequences <B20>

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 NIV

[9] You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. [10] So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

** Enjoy the idealism of youth because a sobering ‘realistic future’ comes upon you as you age

Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 NIV

[1] Remember your Creator

in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”--- [2] before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; [3] when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; [4] when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when people rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint; [5] when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home and mourners go about the streets.

** Death awaits everyone regardless of where they stand with God; the dead are cut off from all feelings and interests in life in the after world <B20>

Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 NIV

[1] So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. [2] All share a common destiny---the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.

As it is with the good, so with the sinful; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them. [3] This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. [4] Anyone who is among the living has hope---even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! [5] For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. [6] Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 NIV

[7] and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

** Solomon encourages people to enjoy life in the face of injustice; he does not condone unbridled indulgence in sin but, rather, to be “rich toward God”

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 NIV

[14] There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. [15] So I commend the enjoyment of life , because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

Luke 12:16-21 NIV

[16] And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. [17] He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' [18] “Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. [19] And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ' [20] “But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' [21] “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

** Jesus provides clarity of truth and expectation FIRST and so believers can follow it, while the Enemy loves murky confusion until people ‘fall for what he is selling’ and then clarify who he is and what a person fell for after it’s too late <D40>

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

** We cannot know the future or what to expect in life, so rest in God who is in complete control of the future

Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 NIV

[7] Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come? [8] As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 NIV

[11] I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Psalm 91:1-2 NIV

[1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

** Man does not know the future and whether love or hate awaits him

• All lives lay in the hands of God

• One fate awaits everyone regardless of where they stand with God — and that is death

• The dead are cut off from all feelings and interests in life in the after world <B20>

Ecclesiastes 9:1-6 NIV

Proverbs 21:1 NIV

[1] In the Lord's hand the king's heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.

Psalm 31:15 NIV

[15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

Ecclesiastes 11:6 NIV

[6] Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.

** Patience is better than rashly prideful behavior

Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV

[8] The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

** We are all sinful beings; life will go better for those who fear God than those who do not

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 NIV

[12] Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. [13] Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

** Fathers (Ps 128:1), mothers (Prov 31:30) and children (Ps 34:11) are to fear the Lord; Psalm 128 may have been the basis for Jesus’ parable regarding the two builders (Matt 7:24-27)

Psalm 128:1-4 NIV

[1] Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. [2] You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. [3] Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. [4] Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.

Proverbs 31:30 NIV

[30] Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 34:11 NIV

[11] Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

** Those believing they are a victim need to understand the feelings about a situation are justified given personal experience, but entitlement is never justified

• We are not just victims but victimizers because we are all sinners

• Whether the sin is in the form of gossip, hurt-filled motives, lies, acting out of temper, etc, others are affected by us

• So what gives us the right not to forgive others who sin against us?

• Most of all, we have all sinned against God and need His forgiveness! <D40>

Romans 3:23 NIV

[23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 11:30-32 NIV

[30] Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, [31] so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. [32] For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

** Solomon sums it up this way: we need to keep in mind that nothing is certain in this life during times of prosperity and times of adversity; tomorrow is not guaranteed <F60>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

James 4:13-15 NIV

** Times of blessing and adversity are both from God; when He gets our attention via adversity, ask Him what we are to learn from it and then rely on God alone to help

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** Adversity and prosperity are divinely balanced against each other with unerring divine skill. In each, respectively, the due proportions are precisely weighed, so lovingly and wisely, that none should say, "It might have been better done!" Christian, I appeal to you: Could it have been better done? Are God's ways unjust? Have they been so to you?

God's ways are always just, His purposes are always wise and loving. How beautiful is His providence! How exquisite is His skill! Grace is poised against temptation; joys are balanced against sorrows. The lights and shadows of experience thus perfected, and perfecting each other.

• Were all prosperity: we would be lifted up in pride.

• Were all adversity: we would faint under the heavy load.

God's ways are just and equal--look back and see. Had times been pleasant with you, and experience been sweet? How surely they were followed by deadness in the soul! Your joy was gone, you knew not why. Ah! but God knew it. It was the adjusting of the scales, that nothing might be out of balance. Has life gone prosperously? Sooner or later, crosses came--some disappointment, something to bring you down, something or other, counter to your will. It was the adjusting of the scales. And just so with health, and other comforts--God keeps the scales perfectly balanced. <M138>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** What should hinder him who sees God as his Heavenly Father, and believes that all events proceed from His hand, and are managed by His wisdom, and are prompted by His love.

We have perfect confidence in God's wisdom and in His love. We only do Him the justice which we would expect from our own children, when we believe that He does not afflict us willingly, nor unnecessarily grieve His redeemed children, nor ever chastens us but in love.

His was a noble saying who, when his crops were rotting in flooded fields, and poverty stared at him from the scowling heavens, and other men cursed the weather; on being asked his reason for saying that it pleased him, replied, "It pleases God to send it, and whatever pleases Him pleases me." We are ready to envy a man whose faith could triumph over such great misfortunes.

Yet why should we not lie as calmly in the arms of God's providence, as we lay in infancy on our mother's bosom? Having an ever-living, an ever-lasting, an ever-loving father in God — how may we welcome all of His providences! <G75>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

Job 1:21 NIV

[21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1 Samuel 3:18 NIV

[18] So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

Matthew 26:39 NIV

[39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

** In the day of adversity, you should consider from whose hand it has been sent to you! It comes direct from the hand of God!

Intermediate agencies may have been employed in inflicting it:

• a cherished family member may have been the messenger of disease;

• a treacherous friend may have been the cause of bankruptcy;

• an avowed enemy may have been the author of reproach and shame;

• Satan himself may have been allowed to smite you!

But through whatever secondary agency it may have been conveyed, adversity comes from God's hand! <B25>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Isaiah 45:7 NIV

[7] I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Lamentations 3:38 NIV

[38] Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job 5:17-18 NIV

[17] “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. [18] For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

Deuteronomy 32:39 NIV

[39] “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Amos 3:6 NIV

[6] When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?

** We need to study God’s Word to attain discernment to:

• Replace ignorance of what is going on in our lives and around us

• Replace fear to build our faith

• Refuse to bow but rather stand with courage

What does discernment do for us? It allows us to see in the dark! <K113>

Proverbs 30:5 NIV

[5] “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

** Notice the first commandment is to love and worship God; only when we do this first, do we prepare ourselves to carry out His second commandment

If we love God with all our heart, soul and mind then we want to obey and please Him at ALL times

Allowing and advocating what is a clear violation to God — such as homosexuality, abortion, and any other sin listed in Scripture — is NOT “loving others” as God desires but loving others in a human-reasoned way so we can compromise when things get uncomfortable <D40>

Matthew 22:36-39 NIV

** The wicked often entrap themselves in their own sin while those who walk in wisdom remain safe

Proverbs 29:6 NIV

[6] Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

Proverbs 28:26 NIV

[26] Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

** Being made “in the image of God” means we resemble the invisible attributes of God, also called communicable traits, which gives us value, dignity and respect <H86>

For instance, God equipped humans with:

• A will or volition

• Ability to love

• An intellect with reasoning ability

• Freedom of choice

• A conscience with God’s law on our hearts and understanding of a moral code

• Creative abilities

• Emotions

• Ability to be relational with God and others

Genesis 1:26 NIV

** Man has a propensity to sin which leads to death and destruction; this can only be abated through God’s forgiveness, protection and strength

Proverbs 27:20 NIV

[20] Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.

Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV

[7] “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: [8] Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. [9] Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

1 John 1:9 NIV

[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

** Attending Jews affirmed the false accusations coming from the lawyer Tertullus, even though Paul had only been in Jerusalem 12 days and did not have time to break Israeli or Roman law

Acts 24:9-13 NIV

[9] The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true. [10] When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. [11] You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. [12] My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. [13] And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.

Scripture informs us to stand firm in the faith, to do whatever is necessary to ‘win the cause’ against the wolves that want to devour us

Matthew 10:16 NIV

[16] “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Acts 24:15-16 NIV

[15] and I [Paul] have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. [16] So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Proverbs 26:4-5 NIV

[4] Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. [5] Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.

James 1:5-8 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Psalm 91:7 NIV

[7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

** We live in an upside-down world and should expect that foolishness abounds; the bottom-line is how you respond to that fact? <F60>

Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 NIV

[5] There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: [6] Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. [7] I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

** The foolish and lazy produce shoddy product and ultimately do not take responsibility for their actions; like thinking that “throwing money at the problem” will fix the situation when the problem actually came about because of initial foolish decisions and actions

Ecclesiastes 10:18 NIV

[18] Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.

** A bottle of perfume in ancient days was extremely expensive and could be ruined easily; in a similar way, one act of foolishness can contaminate valuable wisdom

Ecclesiastes 10:1 NIV

[1] As dead flies give perfume a bad smell,

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

** The ‘missed calling’ of young Samuel could be attributed to the lack of knowing Scripture and its application

1 Samuel 3:1 NIV

[1] The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

Amos 8:11-12 NIV

[11] “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land---not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. [12] People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.

• This lack of God’s Word leads to lawless rebellion

• In contrast, we learn of the joy and glory possible from a lawful society <M130>

Exodus 32:25 NIV

[25] Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

Proverbs 28:14 NIV

[14] Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

** A guilty conscience imagines accusers everywhere, while a clear conscience produces a boldness to face everyone

Proverbs 28:1 NIV

[1] The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Psalm 53:5 NIV

[5] But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them.

** There is hope for the righteous who stumble for they desire forgiveness, where the wicked are punished

Proverbs 24:16 NIV

[16] for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Proverbs 28:13 NIV

[13] Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs 28:14 NIV

[14] Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

Proverbs 29:25 NIV

[25] Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

** Jesus is our hiding place! He will hide us from…

• the wrath of God

• the rage of Hell, and

• the injurious effects of trials and troubles! <S183>

Isaiah 32:2 KJV

[2] And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

** People desire unfailing love; if they also pursue righteousness, they can find prosperity and honor

Proverbs 19:22 NIV

[22] What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

Proverbs 20:6 NIV

[6] Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?

Proverbs 21:21 NIV

[21] Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

** God made male and female and gave us unique qualities to exhibit

• For instance, as image-bearers of God, men are to exhibit tough discipline with an altruistic (loving) motive

• As it turns out, men are attacked in today’s society if this is attempted because society doesn’t want to be held accountable for anything

• Don’t buy into society’s label of ‘male toxicity’ because we are made in His image

• Men are to exhibit their God-given male character, as women are to exhibit the qualities given them

• Trouble is, society has corrupted and confused these God-given qualities, so we end up trying to survive in a dysfunctional society <D40>

Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV

Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV

[11] My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, [12] because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Proverbs 13:24 NIV

[24] Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Proverbs 19:18 NIV

[18] Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

Revelation 3:19 NIV

[19] Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

Psalm 94:12 NIV

[12] Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law

** Jesus condescends Himself when He calls us sinful worms — His friends! But He not only calls us so but treats us as such and expects us, as His friends, to do whatever He commands us.

Is Jesus your friend?

• Then visit Him often; let Him hear your voice in prayer and praise

• Then trust Him confidently; let Him see evidence of your faith in your dependence

• Then walk with Him in love; let Him enjoy much of your company

• Then expect Him to be your Friend in sickness and health, poverty and plenty, life and in death!

If Jesus is our Friend,

• We can never be destitute; if our father and mother forsake us, He will take us in

• We can never be miserable; He will receive us and be a wise and loving Father unto us

• We can never be neglected, for He will never fail us nor forsake us; He will do for us all that He has promised in His Word such as defend us from foes, visit us in sickness, and cheer and support us in death!

Precious Lord Jesus, You are my Friend. <S183>

John 15:14 NIV

[14] You are my friends if you do what I command.

Song of Songs 5:16b NIV

[16] He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend.

** How happy should we be who are loved by the Lord Jesus!

Especially when we consider on the one hand:

• Despicable

• Poor

• Worthless, and

• Unlovely

And on the other hand:

• Glorious

• Wealthy

• Worthy

• Lovely in JESUS

To be loved by Jesus, is to be preferred before the possession of a world!

Think of the:

• Glory of His person

• Vastness of His possessions

• Number of His angelic attendants

• Unlimited sovereignty He exercises, and

• Excellent character He bears

Also bear in mind that He knew what loving us would COST Him, how He would be treated by us and by others for our sakes! Yet He fixed His love upon US! He loved US just because He would!

He did not, could not, NEED us — for He was infinitely happy and glorious without us! Yet He loved us and He still loves us! <S183>

Romans 8:37 NIV

[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us..

** Satan operates nefariously behind an attractive facade in this world, at first we do not see everything but when we become followers of Christ, we are pulled out of this world becoming strangers in a strange land <L123>

1 John 2:15-16 NIV

** God does not reveal to men all understanding

• Instead, God provides us with a limited intellect and limited amount of time so we can do our best in this life

• Remember: God is God and we are not!

• Stop trying to reason everything from God's perspective

• Figuring God’s perspective may be a fun exercise at times but ultimately futile because we won't be able to see it with complete understanding

Proverbs 25:2 NIV

[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

Proverbs 25:27 NIV

[27] It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.

Proverbs 29:13 NIV

[13] The poor and the oppressor have this in common: The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

Proverbs 30:1-4 NIV

[1] The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh---an inspired utterance. This man's utterance to Ithiel: “I am weary, God, but I can prevail. [2] Surely I am only a brute, not a man; I do not have human understanding. [3] I have not learned wisdom, nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One. [4] Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!

Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV

[5] As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

** Those who are wise desire godly counsel founded on the Word of God, while avoiding counsel from the fool

Proverbs 20:5 NIV

[5] The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.

Proverbs 18:4 NIV

[4] The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

Proverbs 26:8-10 NIV

[8] Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool. [9] Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool. [10] Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.

Psalm 111:10 NIV

[10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

** Some households contain:

• No family government

• No order

• No subordination

• No discipline

The children are kept under no restraint, but are allowed to do what they like. Their faults are intentionally unnoticed and unpunished, and their corruptions allowed to grow wild and headstrong; until, in fact, the whole family becomes utterly lawless, rebellious against parental authority, and grievous to all around them!

Overindulgence of children is awfully common, and continually making shocking ravages in human character. It is a system of great cruelty to the children, to the parents themselves, and to society. This practice proceeds from various causes; in some instances, from a perverted and intentional sentimentalism; in others, from absolute indolence, and a regard to present ease, which leads the silly mother to adopt any means of coaxing, and yielding, and bribing simply to keep the "young rebels" quiet for the time!

It is not uncommon for parents to treat the first acts of infantile rebellion rather as accidents to be smiled at, than as sins to be disciplined. "O," says the mother, "it is only play, he will know better soon. He does not mean any harm. I cannot discipline him." Lack of parental discipline, from whatever cause it proceeds, it is in the highest degree injurious to the character of the children! <J101>

Proverbs 29:17 NIV

[17] Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.

Proverbs 19:18 NIV

[18] Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.

** The longer the Christian lives, the more he learns. And the more the Spirit teaches him, the more he loathes himself and renounces his own righteousness as filthy rags.

He hoped sensibly…

• to grow in holiness

• to feel his corruptions subdued, and

• to enjoy the presence of his God without interruption

But instead of this…

• he seemed to grow more like Satan

• his corruption appeared to get stronger and stronger, and

• the depravity of his nature appeared more and more dreadful!

He thinks himself to be a monster of iniquity, and wonders how God can possibly love him or show any favor unto him. How can such a man be just before God? Where is his righteousness to come from?

Jehovah answers, "His righteousness is from Me!" Jesus wrought it…

• the Father imputes it to us

• the gospel reveals it, and

• faith receives it, puts it on and pleads it before God

Precious Jesus! In You alone, I have righteousness and strength! <S183>

Isaiah 54:17 NIV

[17] no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

** Notice how God arranged the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus.

• Pontius Pilate

• Judas, and the

• Jewish religious leaders of the day

all followed the promptings of Satan and minions in their various roles that led to Jesus’ death.

Acts 4:27-28 NIV

[27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

They thought they were carrying out their own plans; but in the end, they accomplished the Lord’s design for the ages to redeem a people for His own. Satan thought he had won a great victory, but in reality, the crucifixion sealed his doom and forever won our pardon. <B26>

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 NIV

** John relays that God IS light and has no darkness; God defines light and illuminates evil

1 John 1:5 NIV

[5] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all

** The time we spend here on earth:

• For the Christian, it will be the most of Hell experienced

• For the non-Christian, it will be the most of Heaven experienced <F60>

Luke 6:20 NIV

[20] Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Habakkuk 2:14 NIV

[14] For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

** There is often a physical reaction to feelings of love especially in the infancy stage, but then the love relationship matures as should our relationship with Christ

Song of Songs 2:5 NIV

[5] Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.

** The woman realized that nothing can separate her husband’s love for her, just like nothing can separate the love God has for us!

Song of Songs 6:3 NIV

[3] I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine; he browses among the lilies.

Romans 8:31-32,38-39 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** Taste the Lord and see that He is good

Song of Songs 2:3 NIV

[3] Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.

Psalm 34:8 NIV

[8] Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

[2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

** The Lord cares for His children!

• He knows our needs and will supply them

• He knows our foes and will deliver us from them

• He knows our fears and will make us ashamed of them

He is your Father, and His love to you is infinite. You are His delight — His dear child. Will He neglect you? Impossible!

Cast then, your cares upon Him. Tell out all your desires, fears, and troubles to Him; let Him know everything; keep nothing back. And then in the confidence of faith, expect Him to fulfill His Word, and act a Parent's part.

But never for one moment, or under any circumstances, distrust Him! He cannot love you more! He is your ever present help. He will rejoice over you to do you good, with His whole heart and with His whole soul. <S183>

Philippians 4:6 NIV

[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

[7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

** We learn so much when reading God's Word and allowing ourselves to remain under Divine instruction

Scripture helps us understand the:

• True nature of sin

• Vanity of the world

• Emptiness of creatures, and

• Fullness and preciousness of Christ <S183>

Psalm 27:11 NIV

[11] Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Psalm 32:8 NIV

[8] I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

** Living the Christian life is not meant to be easy but a daily battle, with a crown of righteousness waiting for those who succeed; as Paul expressed in his last words to Timothy — he did not say he “danced his last dance” but “fought the good fight” <F60>

2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV

[7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [8] Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

** What a contrast between an unchangeable God, and a sinner withering like a leaf! Yet, this is a true picture of us and of all temporal things.

We began to look green and bright not long ago; and in a little time we shall wither, fade, and die! Shall we soon wither and die? Then let us not be overly concerned by anything that occurs here below.

• Let us set our affections on things above, and lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven

• Let us live by faith in Jesus, walk with God, and aim principally to please Him in all that we do

• Let us also watch against a worldly spirit and pass the time of our sojourning here on earth in fear

The dying bed, the coffin, and the grave are just before us. Brethren, the time is short! Eternity with all its glories is just before us! <S183>

• Let us therefore make our calling and our election sure

• Let us cultivate close and filial fellowship with God

• Let us dig deep and lay our foundation upon the Rock!

Isaiah 64:6b NIV

[6] …we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Job 14:1-2 NIV

[1] “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. [2] They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.

** God knows everything about everyone of us and is involved in our life; what an amazing thought that the righteous can be considered His “treasured possession” when we barely register as a spec on this earth, and the earth barely registers in His universe!

Malachi 3:16 NIV

[16] Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.

** God said He would not return to earth until the Jewish people accepted Him <J103> (Sep 2021)

In that day there shall be a fountain open up to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for their sin and uncleanliness; the fruit of repentance will be the continual running fountain, purging them from all uncleanliness <C39>

Deuteronomy 30:1-4 NIV — [one of the oldest prophesied by Moses]

[1] When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come on you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations, [2] and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, [3] then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. [4] Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.

Zechariah 13:1 NIV

[1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

Matthew 23:37-39 NIV

[37] “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. [38] Look, your house is left to you desolate. [39] For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' ”

** A leader who does not rule in righteousness, according to God’s law, is like a surgeon who is contaminated

2 Samuel 23:3b KJV

[3] He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

• We are under judgment by God because our nation, its leaders and even some ‘pastors’ do not love God

• The ONLY hope we have as a people and nation is to turn to God in repentance and He will lead us out of our chaotic evil and existence <M130>

1 Corinthians 16:22 NIV

[22] If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord !

Psalm 81:10-16 NIV

[10] I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. [11] “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. [12] So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices. [13] “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, [14] how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! [15] Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. [16] But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

** Christ is Shepherd and King — One who feeds us and protects us because we are a member of His flock

Song of Songs 1:7-8 NIV

[7] Tell me, you whom I love, where you graze your flock and where you rest your sheep at midday. Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your friends? [8] If you do not know, most beautiful of women, follow the tracks of the sheep and graze your young goats by the tents of the shepherds.

** I see many wonders in God's salvation [and that He would lavish it on those who choose to follow Him]. It is as many-sided as the ocean with its moods and waves.

There is the wonder of its ORIGIN. From HIM it takes its rise and source!

• From the King against whom I have revolted

• From the Friend whose wishes I have opposed

• From the thrice-holy One, to whom the smallest of my sins is absolutely hateful

• From the Father on whom I have turned my back

• It is He who approaches me with the white flag of peace

• It is He who sacrifices Himself to accomplish my deliverance!

And there is the wonder of its CONTINUOUSNESS. Salvation keeps coming. It does not cease. It flows and deepens and broadens. God does not weary, though there are ten thousand reasons why He should. The Savior does not lose His sympathy and grace. The Holy Spirit goes on performing His good work. It is an "eternal salvation".

Hebrews 5:9 NIV

[9] and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him

And there is the wonder of its OBJECT. It is MY salvation, incredible as that may seem. It is a miracle to me that my past guilt should be pardoned — such a terrible criminality there was in my heart. It is a miracle to me that my present imperfections should be borne with and overcome. Such a forbearing, conquering patience I need, for I am the chief of sinners!

And there is the wonder of its ABUNDANCE. It is SALVATION which comes to me. Salvation is a palace with many rooms in it. It is a landscape in which many different elements of beauty are found — mountain, river, lush pasture-ground, darker forest, and the silver streak of the sea.

I think of salvation from the DIVINE side and how much it cost God! I think of salvation from the HUMAN side and how much it brings to me! <S182>

Psalm 62:1 NIV

[1] Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

[15] Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

** Am I one of His saints? Do I understand that, as a believer in Christ, I am an adopted son and heir of God?

It often seems too high a title to claim, so let me remember that everything depends on what my heart is fixed upon.

• The poet dreams about a masterpiece of music he is yet to write

• The artist dreams about a surpassing picture he will paint one day

• The sculptor dreams about a statue whose grandeur will draw all eyes

What then, are my dreams? Are they about one day being:

• Completely liberated from sin?

• Changed into the image of Christ?

• Perfected in holiness?

If so, then I am among the saints as a child of God and heir apparent! <S182>

Galatians 4:4-7 NIV

[4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. [6] Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Romans 8:17 NIV

[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Titus 3:4-7 NIV

[4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

** What a contrast between an unchangeable God, and a sinner withering like a leaf! Yet, this is a true picture of us and of all temporal things.

• Let us set our affections on things above, and lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven

• Let us live by faith in Jesus, walk with God, and aim principally to please Him in all that we do

• Let us also watch against a worldly spirit and pass the time of our sojourning here on earth in fear

The dying bed, the coffin, and the grave are just before us. Brethren, the time is short! Eternity with all its glories is just before us! <S183>

• Let us therefore make our calling and our election sure

• Let us cultivate close and filial fellowship with God

• Let us dig deep and lay our foundation upon the Rock!

Isaiah 64:6b NIV

[6] …we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Job 14:1-2 NIV

[1] “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. [2] They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.

** It is not a mere outward ritual which God asks from me.

Isaiah 1:13-14 NIV

[13] Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations---I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. [14] Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals I hate with all my being. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.

God desires my ADORATION, a:

• Sense of His solemn and consummate holiness

• Bowing low in heart and mind before the radiance of His majesty

• Realizing of His infinite condescension in suffering and dying for me

• I cannot be too reverent when I am face to face with Him

Hebrews 1:3 NIV

[3] The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

God desires my CONFESSION, a:

• Feeling of the evil of my doings, not superficial, but deep and penetrating

• Abhorring of myself and a repentance in dust and ashes

• Cry from the depths, "In me dwells no good thing!"

• I have need to understand more vividly, more humbly the exceeding sinfulness of sin

Romans 7:18 NIV

[18] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

God desires my PETITIONS, a:

• Sincere pouring out of my soul's desires

• Taking fast hold of God's almighty strength

• Clinging with both hands earnestly to the Rock of Ages!

• Simply, naturally, explicitly, whole-heartedly — let me [unburden] my necessities to Him, that He may answer them according to His wise and holy will

Psalm 105:3-4 NIV

[3] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. [4] Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

God desires my THANKSGIVING, a:

• Thanksgiving which is thanks-living also

• Humble ceasing to do evil and a patient learning to do well

• Glad and grateful obedience

• Bondslave's vow, "I love my Master — I will not go out free!"

• Jesus Christ asks all, from the innermost pulsation of conscious being — to the most tangible outworks of my life!

Exodus 21:5-6 NIV

[5] “But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' [6] then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.

Such is the service my God will welcome — my God who hates all meaningless offerings and who is weary with mere ritualism and formality. <S182>

** Only one leper returned to give God thanks while nine continued on their way unmindful, ungrateful. And why was that?

Perhaps they knew the danger of committing themselves to Jesus, they knew that He was narrowly watched and suspected; they knew that even to receive a cure from Him was in itself an offence to many. My Lord, I seek grace not to be so cowardly!

Perhaps they were afraid that now the Master would have a claim upon them and would begin to press that claim. He who had given them their health, might demand their loyalty; and they were not ready to yield it. My Lord, I would be more [dedicated] than they!

Perhaps they were seized with the wish to mix with the world, to go back to its affairs, to play their part in its business. They were impatient of delays which detained them from the promotion of their own interests. My Lord, I would learn to hate such selfishness!

Perhaps they thought that they had only got what was their due. They thought that the loathsome disease was an injustice and a grievance, and health was their right, and they need not be profoundly grateful. Lord, teach me to watch against this self-conceit and pride!

Perhaps they told themselves that their Benefactor was no longer necessary to them. The pressure of urgent need was past, and its disappearance makes a difference. My lord, let me never forget Your untold benefits!

There is no darker sin than ingratitude! I entreat You Lord Jesus, to save me from it. <S182>

Luke 17:17 NIV

[17] Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?

** The symbolic vision in this chapter has the High Priest representing the nation of Israel and the angel of the Lord representing God <C38>

Zechariah 3:1-5 NIV

[1] Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. [2] The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” [3] Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. [4] The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” [5] Then I said, “Put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by.

The angel says to remove the priest’s filthy dress, symbolic of Christ removing our sin on the cross

Isaiah 53:6 NIV

[6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

** We may feel as if our life is a battlefield. We may be a prisoner in the ongoing war between good and evil. When we turn our life over to God, will he rescue us and keep us safe?

Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Zechariah foretold that Jesus would enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus fulfilled part of these prophecies when he came the first time. He delivered us from death by shedding his own blood to seal our pardon.

Zechariah 9:9-10 NIV

[9] Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. [10] I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 21:1-4 NIV

[1] As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. [3] If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” [4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

When he comes again as he promised, he will bring peace on earth. For now, we can take refuge in Jesus. When the war is over and Jesus is crowned King of kings, he will repay all those who are his, two mercies for every woe suffered in the war! No matter how terrible the battles we face, we can turn our life over to God and have a sure hope for the future. <L126>

Zechariah 9:14-17 NIV

[14] Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south, [15] and the Lord Almighty will shield them. They will destroy and overcome with slingstones. They will drink and roar as with wine; they will be full like a bowl used for sprinkling the corners of the altar. [16] The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. [17] How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.

** God is our stable foundation who offers truth through His Word in these last days of insanity

Isaiah 33:6 NIV

[6] He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

Psalm 31:1-5,14 NIV

[1] In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. [2] Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. [3] Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. [4] Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. [5] Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. [14] But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”

** God gives us the needed strength to accomplish tasks He has for us, for His glory

Haggai 2:3-4 NIV

[3] 'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? [4] But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty.

Haggai 2:9 NIV

[9] 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the Lord Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace, ' declares the Lord Almighty.”

** Let me not worry — the birds and lilies teach me better. God spreads a table for the sparrows, and clothes the wayside anemones with their exquisite beauty. And I am dearer to Him by far. I — who am made in His image, and for whom His Son died, and whom He means to dwell with Him in His Heaven — occupy a larger place in His heart of hearts.

Let me not worry — it serves no good purpose to fret and worry. I cannot, with all my solicitude, add a cubit either to my stature or to my age. Anxiousness will only plunge me into mental distress and annoyance and sorrow, without bringing me any compensating advantage whatever. It knows how to wound; but ah! it does not know how to heal.

Let me not worry — a child should have more confidence in his Father's wisdom and watchfulness and love. It may be excusable for worldly men and women to worry, but not a son in the royal and wealthy family of the King of kings! There is no justification for him if he goes worried and burdened during the day and lies down to hours of sleeplessness at night. <S182>

Matthew 6:26,31-32 NIV

[26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [31] So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

** God continues to allow blessing (or plenty) as well as adversity (or want) so we know that nothing is guaranteed; in both situations our dependency needs to remain on the Lord alone so He can direct our ways <F60>

Haggai 1:9-11 NIV

[9] “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. [10] Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. [11] I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”

An example of God blessing His people and holding back the Devourer can be found in the book of Malachi; God challenges them to test Him in this

Malachi 3:10-12 NIV

[10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

** God is intensely desirous to rid me of my needless fears. Does He not give me reason after reason for peacefulness, calmness and hope?

1. "Fear not," He says, "for I have REDEEMED you!"

• What a work it was!

• What a price it demanded!

• What a sorrow it involved!

It meant the surrender and sacrifice of His Son, His Only-Begotten, His Well-Beloved. It meant for the King of Glory, to be born in a lowly stable, with the ox and donkey and camel. After a life of suffering, it meant a stark and dreadful Cross on the Hill of Shame!

A Scottish professor, who retained to the last a childlike heart, speaking to his students one day about the atoning sacrifice of Calvary, said, with the tears running down his cheeks, "Ay, ay, do you know what it was? Do you know what it was? It was damnation — and He took it lovingly!"

It was my damnation — and He took it lovingly! And since God gave all this for me, then how can He ever abandon me? Let my heart be confident and strong.

2. There is His understanding of my case. "Fear not," He continues, "for I have CALLED you by name!" He has such multitudes to remember and yet He knows me individually and intimately! The stars lie along the face of the sky like bright unnumbered dust; but He knows star from star. The flowers spring up in battalions; but not a single flower is "born to blush unseen" — He knows it and rejoices in it. There are billions of people in the world today and I cannot grasp the tremendous aggregate; but He is familiar with each beating soul.

Just so, He comprehends…

• My special needs and circumstances

• My overbearing duties

• My sore temptations

• My herculean difficulties

• My subtle and persevering foes

Should I not be strong and courageous, when the Lord of Heaven has such perfect acquaintance with me?

3. And there is His ownership of my soul. "Fear not," He commands once more, "for YOU ARE MINE!" In a sense I was always His possession; but since He purchased me with Christ's blood, I am among…

• His jewels

• His trophies

• His special possessions

• His redeemed children!

Why should I be afraid? I am Christ's redeemed child, and He owns and keeps me! <S182>

Isaiah 43:1 NIV

[1] But now, this is what the Lord says---he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

** Death is one of the means God’s grace and power employ to uplift and crown His children <S182>

Death has its unlovely aspects that can make us recoil instinctively when thinking on it:

• It seems unnatural

• It is usually attended by pain and suffering

• It is a farewell to dear and beloved associations

• It is a going out into an untrodden land

• I cannot coax myself to love the dreadful experience

And therefore I am glad to think that there is another side to the matter and that to my Lord, my death is precious! And why is this so?

Let’s consider the Name by which He calls us:

• ‘His saints!’ is His title for His sons and daughters

• The people of His own purchased possession

• The redeemed people whom He has set apart for Himself

• He owns them in virtue of the stupendous price which He paid for them

• He has been at infinite pains to redeem and save and cleanse them

• Nothing which concerns them appears indifferent to Him

• The death of the humblest of them is of stupendous moment in His sight!

It is a marvel that He should pronounce desirable and precious, that loosening and wrench from earth which liberates His children for Heaven. When thinking of the Lord's thoughts, we can cease to be afraid of death!

Psalm 116:15 NIV

[15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

** It is good to know that there is a limit to affliction. It is but for a moment, for it has its appointed end.

• Not always will the war go on.

• Not always will the seas be tempest-driven.

• Not always will the rains descend and the fierce winds blow.

• God weighs and measures, bounds and ordains, my sorrows!

It is good to know that there is a purpose in affliction.

• It works for me, in my service, on my behalf.

• Affliction does not rise out of the ground, nor fall on me by chance, as an unfortunate, aimless, undirected, capricious thing. (Job 5:6, Job 1:21)

Affliction is the instrument and agent of my Father in Heaven! By it He would…

• Teach my mind

• Soften and expand my heart

• Give new robustness to my faith

• Add vigor to my prayers

• Produce all my graces and character

It is good to know that there is a coronation after affliction. It is the prelude to an eternal weight of glory! And the glory will be none the less, but all the more, because it has been heralded by the grief. I am fitted for the purity of the glorious inheritance, by the cleansing and refining discipline to which I am subjected on the way to it. <S182>

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

[17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Romans 8:18 NIV

[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

** Today we hear a lot about self-manifestation where WE can “think things into reality”

• This is a direct attempt to oppose God who DID create everything into existence… a tactic as old as time!

Genesis 3:4-5 NIV

[4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

• Manifestation teaches that instead of relying on God, people are taught to rely on themselves. Who are we going to trust, the created (us) or Creator (God)?

Psalm 139:13 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** Much is said about these stony-ground hearers of the Word which is attractive and hopeful.

Mark 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

So what was the problem? Ah! the heart was wrong, and therefore everything was wrong!

1. The heart was UNBROKEN. The rock had never been penetrated at all, and the seed died soon on its hard and impervious surface.

I wonder whether the stubbornness and the stolidity of my heart have been shattered. Have I been melted…

• into practical concern of soul

• into the sense of spiritual neediness

• into godly sorrow

• into contrite prayer

There can be no new birth and no vital growth, until then!

2. And the heart was SHALLOW and superficial. It had no depth. Immediately beneath the thin layer of top-soil, was that rebellious and intractable adamant; the seed had not a sufficient resting-place and home.

This is the fatal fault of many. They do not stop to think about unseen, eternal, heavenly things. They do not take time to consider their own miserable state of soul, and the grace of Jesus Christ. They nod, and glance, and bustle by.

3. And the heart was DRY. It had none of the moistening, subduing, fructifying influences of the Holy Spirit. If the showers descend upon the rocky soil, there is no loam to retain them and to derive a benefit from them.

Just so, does everything depend on the Spirit's presence and work within me! Apart from His dews and gentle rains, I am helpless, hopeless, dead, damned. For until Almighty God renews me, until His waters quench and enliven my parched and thirsty being, until I receive the outpouring of the grace of God — I have no spiritual life. <S182>

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

** God will destroy all the prideful who mock His people; He will destroy the gods of the earth and all the nations will turn to Israel’s God and bow to him

Zephaniah 2:10-11 NIV

[10] This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the Lord Almighty. [11] The Lord will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth. Distant nations will bow down to him, all of them in their own lands.

** No word of the Gospel sounds more gladsomely in my ears than this. For the unclean spirits have invaded the citadel of my soul, and asserted their hateful domination over me. I have no strength to drive them out — but, my Lord, You can rescue me from their hideous craft and polluting bondage! Every deadly sin may be defeated by the virtue of Your Cross, and the omnipotence of Your Spirit. <S182>

Mark 1:27 NIV

[27] The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching---and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”

** The future of God’s remnant is bright when He brings His followers ‘home’ to live free from sin!

Zephaniah 3:15,17,20 NIV

[15] The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. [17] The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” [20] At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.

Zephaniah 3:13,15,18 NIV

[13] They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid. ” [15] The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. [18] “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.

** The man of the house must take headship or RESPONSIBILITY, not tyrannical authority

His duties are to:

• Protect — to defend against those who would harm his family

• Provide — working to put food on the table

• Guide — giving counsel and imparting life experience

• As a result, he will earn a level of trust or faith because he demonstrated love and responsibility; others will desire to yield to him

• Christ demonstrated this responsibility to His enemies by dying on the cross; because He did this, Christ is the head of the church and all authority is granted to Him <D40>

Ephesians 5:23-24 NIV

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Romans 5:6-8 NIV

** God deserves praise from everything that has breath for His surpassing glory!

Psalm 150:1-2,6 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. [2] Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. [6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

** God delights in His people and His people rejoice in Him in return

Psalm 149:4-5 NIV

[4] For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. [5] Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.

** The Lord's provision is not only sufficient to meet our need but is priceless, comforting and overwhelmingly abundant

Psalm 147:8-9 NIV

[8] He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. [9] He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.

Psalm 36:7-9 NIV

[7] How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. [8] They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. [9] For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Psalm 104:27-28 NIV

[27] All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. [28] When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

** The author of Psalm 149 calls the reader to praise God in music and dance because He has chosen His people and helped them to victory

Psalm 149:1-3 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. [2] Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. [3] Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.

Psalm 98:1,4-6 NIV

[1] Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. [4] Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; [5] make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, [6] with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn---shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

** It is useless to put our hope in anyone other than God for they die just like the rest of us; rather, put our hope in our Eternal God

Psalm 146:3-4 NIV

[3] Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. [4] When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

Psalm 146:5-6 NIV

[5] Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. [6] He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them---he remains faithful forever.

** The Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble but there is no question He is also one who takes vengeance against His enemies, those who plot against Him

Nahum 1:7-8 NIV

[7] The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, [8] but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

Nahum 1:2-3 NIV

[2] The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. [3] The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:9-10 NIV

[9] Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. [10] They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.

** God values and takes pleasure in the heart of man, not the surface valuations common to worldly thinking

Psalm 147:10-11 NIV

[10] His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; [11] the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

** A firm grip on Scripture is vital as we await the Lord’s appearing to take us to the place that He’s preparing for us. There’s something about seeing these words on the pages of the Bible that reassures me of Jesus’ imminent appearing and keeps my focus on what Jesus promised regarding my future.

• 1 Corinthians 15:20-58

• Philippians 3:13-21

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

• Titus 2:11-15, and

• Romans 8:18-25

As our world grows increasingly perilous by the day, it’s not enough just to know about eternal life; it’s essential that we hold tightly to the biblical promises concerning the specifics of our amazing hope. Jesus will not fail to keep His promises regarding the event that we refer to as the Rapture. Of that we can be absolutely certain. <B26>

** Conditional blessings can include God coming near, fulfilling desires and watching over those who call, fear and love Him

Psalm 145:18-20 NIV

[18] The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. [19] He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. [20] The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

Psalm 145:1-3 NIV

[1] I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. [2] Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. [3] Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

** We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light but we know there is above us a world of blessed angels; they are always praising God and the psalmist shows his desire that God be praised in the best manner <H83>

Psalm 148:1-6a NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. [2] Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. [3] Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. [4] Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. [5] Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, [6] and he established them for ever and ever

** The angels call on us on earth, that both by word and deed, we glorify with them the Creator and Redeemer of the universe! <H83>

Psalm 148:7-12 NIV

[7] Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, [8] lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, [9] you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, [10] wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, [11] kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, [12] young men and women, old men and children.

Psalm 148:13-14 NIV

[13] Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. [14] And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord.

** It is natural to speak of God working in our lives so generations after us will also know and experience His great power and love

Psalm 145:4-7 NIV

[4] One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. [5] They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty---and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [6] They tell of the power of your awesome works---and I will proclaim your great deeds. [7] They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 145:10-13a NIV

[10] All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. [11] They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, [12] so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.

Psalm 145:1,21 NIV

[1] I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. [21] My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

** We live in stirring days, when deeds are everything — when closet work is often neglected for active business, and little time is given to meditation. Yet, with more thought and prayer, wholesome activity would be greater in the end and all our actions more successful.

Time is not lost, which is spent in meditation — in searching wisdom's ways, and seeking out profound realities. There is one who often meditates and yet accomplishes much. There is another who hastens and yet does little. None works so heartily, nor reaps so fully as he whose wits are sharpened by prayer and meditation.

Reading either Scripture or Christian books, apart from meditation, does little good. It is much the same as not digesting what you eat which only starves the soul. How many read the Bible thus!

You say, "I am quite unused to meditate. How shall I begin?" Deal gently with yourself at first. Select your subject — some passage from the Word. Then fix the time you choose to give; say, five minutes at a time. Begin, and think aloud. This makes it easier, and saves the mind from distracted thoughts, the hardest task of all. The sound even of your own voice will help you; it is like speaking to a friend. And what is meditation, but communing with self, that self may be a constant hearer.

But, more than all, make it a time of prayer and communing with God. This helps the matter greatly. Take the words of Scripture, and ask Jesus what they mean. In doing this, the mind is exercised. A glow of thought attends the effort. You honor Jesus; and He will honor you, by pouring out a largeness of capacity, a quicker mind. The interchange of thought between you and Jesus goes on apace, and you are surprised to find how long the exercise has lasted.

Meditation grows. The more it is exercised it:

• Feeds the soul

• Expands the mind

• Increases thought

• Best of all, brings you into fellowship with Jesus

This is the very life and soul of meditation. <M138>

Ecclesiastes 7:25 NIV

[25] So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 143:5 NIV

[5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

Psalm 119:148 NIV

[148] My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises

** God is the only One who truly knows our thoughts, motives, struggles, worries, plans, understanding, and every minuscule aspect of every situation; no earthly friend compares!

Psalm 142:4 NIV

[4] Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

** Our Lord is not only mighty, but trustworthy, faithful and compassionate; He knows exactly what each one of us is going through and responds accordingly

Psalm 145:8-9 NIV

[8] The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. [9] The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

Psalm 145:13b,17 NIV

[13] The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. [17] The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.

Psalm 145:14-16 NIV

[14] The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. [15] The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. [16] You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

** Who better to be our Confidant than the One who loves, listens, instructs, guides, provides for, calms, assures, disciplines, reveals to, and protects us in perfect fashion and in His perfect timing?

Psalm 143:8,10 NIV

[8] Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. [10] Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

• In turn, we can be a shining witness for Christ when He stands with us

• Others can be equally encouraged!

Psalm 142:7 NIV

[7] Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

** We do not have to wonder if God is faithful or righteous, for He has repeatedly proven Himself to those who have looked to Him through the generations; do not take God for granted but cherish His faithful and righteous attributes!

How awesome we don’t have to wonder whether our God:

• Is ‘in a mood’ and approachable in moments we call on Him

• Lies and doesn’t come through on His promises

• Really loves us

• Wants us to suffer

• Understands what we’re saying

• Keeps track and always brings up our mistakes

Psalm 143:1 NIV

[1] Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.

Psalm 143:5 NIV

[5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

** The vessel of our soul is too capacious (roomy) to be filled with all the pleasures and delights the world put together. Our glory shall be so great, that power as well as goodness, shall be given by God Himself to renew and enlarge these vessels, that they may be capable of receiving and retaining that glory. Strength and love shall go forth together, to prepare and elevate our dispositions, that they may be suitable for such a transcendent and exalted state!

At present, we are too weak to bear such a weight of glory; therefore God will immortalize us, that we may be able to sustain it! And because our eternal joys cannot fully enter into us while in this world, we shall fully enter into them in heaven.

What fool would place only a few drops of carnal pleasures into so large a vessel as the soul; and neglect the spring, or rather the ocean of unspeakable bliss and everlasting glory!

O my soul, what a glorious day is coming! The joy of His glorious presence, the fullness of His joy, the sweetness of this fullness, the eternity of this sweetness — the heart of man can never adequately comprehend. Lord, let the glory which you have prepared for me, turn my soul from the vanities of earth. <S181>

1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

[9] However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”---the things God has prepared for those who love him

Psalm 16:11 NIV

[11] You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

** Make sure you recognize God’s blessings and promises in these days of confusion and dilution, so others will desire the same hope that you have in Christ

2 Peter 1:19 NIV

[19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

2 Peter 3:13-14 NIV

** The Psalmist understands the deadly traps set by evildoers; he asks God to help him avoid the temptation and snares intended to bring him down

Psalm 141:3-4,9 NIV

[3] Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. [4] Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies. [9] Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me.

** As one deemed righteous, David knew that God was his only ‘rescue’ from evil doers and their plans, for if God is for us who can be against us?

Psalm 141:8 NIV

[8] But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge---do not give me over to death.

Romans 8:31 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

** The Bible is clear: Jesus tells us in advance what is expected. Therefore, we should not be alarmed. All we are seeing in the world today should confirm clearly to us that God’s Word is 100% true. As we see all these things coming together, it should stir us to get our houses in order, pray for the lost, and share the gospel while we still can. <S1995>

Psalm 27:1 NIV

[1] The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life---of whom shall I be afraid?

Romans 5:2b-5 NIV

[2] And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

[6] Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

** It's evident that Jonah was miserable and uncomfortable in the booth he created for himself; the tent (or sukkah) was similar to the ones used by the Israelites who wandered the desert for 40 years <C31>

God understood Jonah’s predicament and miraculously solved his problem in His unique way by providing a shade plant

Jonah 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. [6] Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the plant.

** Like Micah in the days of old, my hope must remain on the Lord despite the corruption and insanity that surrounds

Micah 7:7 NIV

[7] But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

** As God disciplines to correct our sinful behavior, He also brings us back to His side into the light to see His righteousness

Micah 7:9 NIV

[9] Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lord's wrath, until he pleads my case and upholds my cause. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

Micah 7:18-19 NIV

** The afflictions of the wicked are punishments from God, as an angry Judge. But the afflictions of the godly are chastisements from God, as a gracious Father!

The afflictions of the wicked, moreover, are preludes to their future misery. But the corrections of the godly, are preparations for their future glory! <S181>

Psalm 119:67,71 NIV

[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. [71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

** Why do we experience tragedy in this life when there is a loving God who claims to look out for us? Bottom line: we do not live in the perfect world God created, as expressed in the first chapter of Genesis, because sin entered the world; we need to trust that someday God will make things new again!

Genesis 1:21 NIV

[21] So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Hebrews 8:8,13 NIV

[8] But God found fault with the people and said : “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. [13] By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.

** Followers of Christ need to be close to Him in order to know what pleases Him and know His will and direction; knowing God's will starts with loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength <C31>

Mark 12:30 NIV

[30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

HEART = deepest part of who we are

• Seek fulfillment for your life and your being in God alone

• Do you trust God to lead you in what is right and best for you?

Psalm 37:4 NIV

[4] Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

SOUL = emotional and feeling side of us

• Distinguish between my will and God's will so we are not fooled by our emotion

• God's sheep know His voice and follow Him

Jeremiah 17:9 NIV

[9] The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

MIND = mental capabilities God gives us to make good decisions

• Ask God to help change your thinking so you will follow Him and know what He wants you to do

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

STRENGTH = ability to put into practice what is right

• We know what is right by following Scripture

• We can know enough about our next step — not too far into future — via our relationship with God and His word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

** Behold, all things have become new!

Our PERCEPTIONS will be new:

• A divine light will break in upon our minds

• The darkness of error, which obscured the truth from our view, will be dissipated

Our PRINCIPLES will be new:

• We shall act from pure, holy, unselfish motives

• Faith working by love will be the grand moving principle

• Self will no longer be the pivot on which we turn, but Jesus will be our all in all

Our PRACTICE will be new:

• We shall live no longer according to the sinful customs of the world, or the powerful solicitations of the flesh

• We will live according to the holy precepts of the everlasting Gospel

• We shall delight in the law of God after the inward man

• It will be our food and drink to do the will of our Father

Our PLANS will be new:

• We shall dedicate ourselves, and all we have and are, to the service of that divine Savior who loved us and gave Himself for us

• We shall not be daily occupied in forming plans for worldly pleasure, or projecting schemes for the acquisition of worldly profit

• We will devise means for carrying on the cause of truth, and for spreading the knowledge of a crucified Redeemer throughout the earth

Our PROSPECTS will be new:

• The darkness being past, and the true light now shining — we shall see the distant radiance of the heavenly Zion, and behold, with the telescopic eye of faith, the land which is very far off!

Our PRIVILEGES will be new:

• God will be our reconciled Father

• Jesus will be our Savior and friend

• The Holy Spirit will be our sanctifier and comforter

• And Heaven will be our eternal home!

Our PORTION will be new:

• All those exceeding great and precious promises, will be ours

• We shall be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ!

• We shall be the citizens of the New Jerusalem, and inherit that kingdom that is incorruptible and undefiled, prepared for all the new creatures in Christ Jesus, before the foundation of the world!

To sum up all this blessedness, we shall experience in this world a progression in holiness — and in the world to come, a perpetuity of bliss! <R175>

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

** God takes note of the discontentment of our hearts as well as the murmuring of our lips. Not only is DISCONTENTMENT a grievous sin against God, but it unfits the Christian for the discharge of holy duties, preventing the exercise of those graces which are necessary in order thereunto.

• It silences the lips of supplication, for how can a murmurer pray?

• It destroys the spirit of submission, for complaining is a fretting against the Lord.

• It quenches faith, hope and love.

• Discontent is the very essence of ingratitude, and therefore it stifles the voice of thanksgiving.

• There cannot be any rest of soul, until we quietly resign our persons and portions to God's good pleasure.

• Discontent corrodes the strings of the heart, and therefore it arrests all growth in grace.

Discontentment is usually over temporal matters, and this is a sad intimation that material things are sought after more eagerly than are spiritual things. It argues a lack of confidence in the care of our heavenly Father to provide for us the things which are needed. <P161>

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Numbers 14:27 NIV

[27] “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.

Philippians 2:14 NIV

[14] Do everything without grumbling or arguing

** God exalts beggars to the status of "beloved children." He takes them into the place of nearness unto Himself. He brings them into union with His dear Son, making them "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ!" (Rom 8:17). He takes them out of the miry clay of an unregenerate state, and sets them upon the rock.

Marvelous transition and exaltation is that! Translated from the most abject condition, to the highest possible dignity!

• Shame is replaced by the highest honor;

• filthy rags are replaced by the spotless robe of righteousness,

• poverty is replaced by the unsearchable riches of Christ!

The abasement of the Son of God was necessary, in order for the advancement of vile worms of the earth.

• He who was rich had to seek out the lowest level of poverty, before we could be made rich.

• The Beloved of the Father had to be made an object of shame, before we could be raised.

• The Lord of glory must die, in order for Hell-deserving sinners to be made alive!

1 Samuel 2:8 NIV

[8] He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; on them he has set the world.

** The Israelites were to kill a lamb without blemish and mark their door frames with its blood so they would be protected at night when the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt

The original Passover was symbolic for what Jesus would endure later for the salvation of His followers

• The Israelites had to inspect the lamb for 4 days, the same amount of time Jesus was on trial before dying on the cross

• They then marked their door frame from top to bottom, left to right, in the shape of a cross and looked to God for salvation

By faith, the Israelites were to look at Moses’ cross to be healed from the serpents as we are to look to the cross that Jesus died on for salvation — foolishness to those who are perishing <F60>

Exodus 12:21-23 NIV

[21] Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. [22] Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. [23] When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

John 13:1 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

Acts 4:10,12 NIV

[10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

** Most people want to ignore the existence of God — they are content to ignore a) how we got here, b) what forces influence our daily lives and c) where we are going!

All these questions are answered in God’s word, if people would only study it and consider this as God communicating to His creation; the perfect ‘Operations Manual’, so to speak

** What multitudes of people there are who have no concern over, in fact, no consciousness of their woeful condition! While they do not regard themselves as perfect, yet they are not aware that there is anything seriously wrong with them. They are respectable people, law-abiding citizens, and nothing particular ever troubles their conscience. They consider that they are certainly no worse than their religious neighbors, and though they scarcely ever read the Bible or enter a church, they fully expect to go to Heaven when they die.

Some of them will indeed admit that they are sinners but imagine that their good works far outnumber their bad ones. Some of them were sprinkled as infants, attended a Sunday school class as children, said their prayers each night, and later joined the church. Nevertheless, to this moment, they have never realized that they are the enemies of God, an abomination in the eyes of His holiness, and that Hell is their just desert! They see no beauty or glory in the Gospel, no suitableness in it unto their case — and therefore do they despise and reject it.

Though Satan rules in their hearts and lives (Ephesians 2:2), yet it is by their own free consent. They voluntarily obey him and submit to his will. His dominion over them is maintained by…

• keeping their minds in darkness,

• deceiving and deluding them,

• blinding them by pride, prejudice, and the workings of their own corruptions.

Nowhere but in the Scriptures, can we learn what is the real condition of the natural man. There his case is diagnosed with unerring precision by the divine Physician. Many are the terms used therein by the Holy Spirit to describe the solemn and direful state to which the fall has reduced every descendant of Adam; and among them probably none is more pointed and awesome than is the term LOST!

How dismal is its sound! How much is summed up in that single word! It signifies…

• that the natural man is in a sinful, wretched, and perilous state,

• that he is far astray from God,

• that he has willfully and wantonly forsaken the path of duty.

…

Rather than return to God, the unregenerate would take any road which leads farther away from Him. They resent His expostulations and resist the strivings of His Spirit. If not with their lips, with their hearts, they say to God: "Depart from us, for we have no desire to know Your ways!" (Job 21:14). Yes, they would much prefer to be annihilated than yet meet God face to face, and have to give an account of themselves to Him (Ron 14:12). They hate His holiness and dread His justice, while despising His goodness and abusing His mercies! <P161>

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 NIV

[3] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. [4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

2 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

[16] But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

** They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice." (Psa 94:7) Nothing more derogatory to the character of God can possibly be said, than that He does not rule the world.

To deny God's providence is as atheistic as to deny His existence! A god, who neither sees, nor hears, nor knows, nor cares, nor helps, nor saves — is a vanity, and can never claim homage from intelligent men. Such a god should be derided, not worshiped! He might suit the mythology of Paganism, or meet the demands of an infidel heart but could never command the allegiance, or win the confidence of an enlightened and pious man!

The world may as well be without a god, as have one who is incompetent to rule it, or, who, wrapping Himself in a mantle of careless indifference, abandons creation to the governance of puny mortals, to the rule of devils, or to the sway of blind chance! Such conduct may well comport with the character of false gods but is wholly abhorrent to the nature of Jehovah! God's tender mercies are over all His works. His kingdom rules over all! <P166>

How comforting to know that our loving God is ruler over all! No corrupt leader or plan of man can outwit God, otherwise we would remain at the mercy of sinful man. On the contrary, we can rest knowing that Perfect Justice awaits all mankind in the end of days and we will never again be subject to sinful man!

Psalm 135:5-6 NIV

[5] I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. [6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 115:1-3 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. [2] Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” [3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Revelation 19:6-7 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

** God is CAPABLE and can provide everything we need; Jonah was in extreme distress being described as in Hell — it couldn't get any worse — because, technically, he should be dead and he knew it but Jonah cried out and God answered

This doesn't mean there aren't consequences when we sin but God still saves and provides what we need at just the right time; the fact that we can call on God is amazing, let alone that He cares for us even when we are disobedient <C31>

Jonah 2:2,10 NIV

[2] He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. [10] And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Romans 5:8 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

** Why did God permit David to fall so fearfully, and sin so grievously?

One reason may be that we might have set before our eyes the more clearly, the solemn fact that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." (Jeremiah 17:9). Unmistakably plain as the meaning of those words is, uttered by Him who cannot lie — yet how very slow we all are to really receive them at their face value, and acknowledge that they accurately describe the natural state of every human heart! But God has done more than make this bare statement: He has placed on record in His Word — illustrations, exemplifications, demonstrations of its verity--notably so in allowing us to see the unspeakable wickedness that still remained in the heart of David!

Also, the fearful fall of David made way for a display of the amazing grace of God, in recovering His fallen people. If we are slow to receive what Scripture teaches concerning the depravity of the human heart and the exceeding sinfulness of sin — we are equally slow to really believe what it reveals about the covenant-faithfulness of God, the efficacy of Christ's blood to cleanse the foulest stain from those for whom it was shed, and the super-abounding grace of Him who is "the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort." Had David never sinned so grievously and sunken so low — he would have never known those infinite depths of mercy which are in the heart of God!

Also, had his terrible sin, his subsequent broken-hearted confession, and his pardon by God, never been placed in the Divine record — many of God's people throughout the centuries would have sunk in abject despair.

Also, by means of David's fall, they have been preserved from falling! Thousands, from age to age by this solemn example of David's terrible sin, have been rendered more:

• Suspicious of themselves

• Watchful

• Afraid of temptation

• Dependent on the Lord

• Fervent in prayer <P161>

Psalm 51:1-2 NIV

[1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 119:117 NIV

[117] Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

** God has to protect the perfection of Heaven and that is why WE need to be absolved from our sin in order to be with Him eternally

• This is why God cast 1/3 of the angels from heaven at creation

• This is also why He chose to send His Son to die on the cross to pave the way for us; as sinners, we would have no hope if we could not accept God’s offer of salvation

• How incredibly loving on His part and humbling on ours for the sinless God to take our punishment

• As if we are in court ready to be sentenced, God comes in to accept the sentence so we can walk free! Unbelievable!

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV

[2] For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Titus 2:11 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 19:1 NIV

[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God

** It is of first importance that we learn to draw a sharp distinction between Divine punishment and Divine chastisement. The distinction is very simple, yet is often lost sight of.

God's people can never by any possibility be punished for their sins, for God has already punished them at the Cross. The Lord Jesus, our Blessed Substitute, suffered the full penalty of all our guilt; hence it is written "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." Neither the justice nor the love of God, will permit Him to again exact payment of what Christ discharged to the full.

Romans 8:3 NIV

While the believer's sins cannot be punished, yet he may be chastised. The Christian occupies an entirely different position from the non-Christian; he is a member of the Family of God. The relationship which now exists between him and God is that of parent and child; and as a son he must be disciplined for wrongdoing. Folly is bound in the hearts of all God's children, and the rod is necessary to rebuke, to subdue, to humble.

When the believer is smarting under the rod let him not say, "God is now punishing me for my sins!" That can never be! That is most dishonoring to the blood of Christ. God is correcting you in love — not smiting in wrath!

Some of the saintliest of God's people, some of the most obedient of His children have been, and are the greatest sufferers.

Oftentimes, God's chastenings are CORRECTIVE. They are sent to empty us of self-sufficiency and self-righteousness. They are given to discover to us hidden transgressions, and to teach us the plague of our own hearts.

Or again, chastisements are sent to STRENGTHEN our faith, to raise us to higher levels of experience, to bring us into a condition of usefulness.

Still again, Divine chastisement is sent as a PREVENTATIVE, to keep under pride, to save us from being unduly elated over success in God's service.

Remember, your afflictions are among the "all things" which work together for good. Learn, then, to look upon trials as proofs of God's love — purging, pruning, and purifying you. <P161>

Hebrews 12:6 NIV

[6] because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Hebrews 12:10 NIV

[10] They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

** Joel’s prophetic events would come to pass exactly as told, so generations would talk about it in the future; it was also the responsibility of elders to tell the younger generations how God interacted with His creation

Joel 1:3 NIV

[3] Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.

** David knew what it meant to personally confront evil and war against it on a constant basis

• As one deemed righteous, David knew that God was his only ‘rescue’ from evil doers and their plans

• Increasingly believers in Christ are expected to do the same as the world gets crazier and war comes to our door

• If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 140:1-2,4 NIV

[1] Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, [2] who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. [4] Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.

Psalm 140:13 NIV

[13] Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

Romans 8:31 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

** David did not ask God to remove difficulty but help him through it; David knew he still needed to engage in battle

Psalm 140:6-8 NIV

[6] I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy. [7] Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. [8] Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.

** Those who currently think they have the upper hand proudly ‘lift their heads’, but God will have His way and destroy them eventually

Psalm 140:9-11 NIV

[9] Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them. [10] May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. [11] May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.

** The world — that is, the world dead in sin and the world dead in profession, men destitute of the life and power of God — must have something that it can see. And, as heavenly things can only be seen by heavenly eyes, they cannot receive the things which are invisible.

Now this explains why a religion that presents itself with a degree of beauty and grandeur to the natural eye, will always be received by the world; while a spiritual, internal, heartfelt, and experimental religion will always be rejected.

The world can receive a religion that consists of forms, rites, and ceremonies. These are things seen. Beautiful buildings, painted windows, appealing organs, melodious choirs, the pomp and parade of an earthly priesthood, and a whole apparatus of 'religious ceremony'

carry with them something that the natural eye can see and admire. The world receives all this 'external religion' because it is suitable to the natural mind and intelligible to their reasoning faculties.

But the quiet, inward, experimental, divine religion, which presents no attractions to the outward eye but is wrought in the heart by a divine operation — the world cannot receive this because it presents nothing that the natural eye can rest upon with pleasure or is adapted to gratify their general idea of what religion is or should be.

Do not marvel then, that worldly professors despise a religion wrought in the soul by the power of God. Do not be surprised if even your own relatives think you are almost insane, when you speak of the consolations of the Spirit, or of the teachings of God in your soul. They cannot receive these things, for they have no experience of them; and being such as are altogether opposed to the carnal mind, they reject them with enmity and scorn. <P165>

John 14:17 NIV

[17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

** God gave us the miracle of life in a perfectly balanced world <C31> (Nov 2016)

• We breathe air which is made up of 4 gasses, including oxygen (21%) and carbon dioxide (0.03%)

• We exhale carbon after breathing in oxygen; plants are opposite where they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen

• Any more than this percentage of oxygen and we would have too many fires, less of this percentage then we would have trouble breathing

• We need carbon for life in oceans

• A shift either way and we wouldn't be able to sustain life

• There is a litany of these complex systems, including in our body, that does not support random creation but design

• The greatest miracle is life itself

• David broke into praise from awe of God's love

• David knew in his soul, he owed his life to God, for he would not be around to praise God if God did not give life in the first place!

• We cannot bring anything to life but God can, which reflects what happened in Genesis

Psalm 139:14 NIV

[14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

• Picture Adam, formed by God like a statue, taking his first breath

• God does the same with forming persons in the womb

• We should praise God as the Creator of Life

Genesis 2:7 NIV

[7] Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

** There is no place where God does not see us and know our hearts and know exactly what is going on!

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

Jeremiah 23:24 NIV

[24] Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.

Hebrews 4:13 NIV

[13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Job 34:21-22 NIV

[21] “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step. [22] There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.

Job 31:15 NIV

[15] Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

** Some of the days of my life will be days of discipline--of the pruning knife and the cleansing fire. But when He is with me, the discipline is a blessing, and not a curse.

Many of the days, too, will be days of monotony. They must be spent in little things--household labors, common concerns, unnoticed toil. I may long for a more striking and interesting experience. But when He is with me, I know that He makes my life like His own--the blessed life He lived among carpenters' tools, and village streets, and peasant people. The drudgery is a love-message--it is Jesus Christ in disguise!

Every day will be a day of temptation. In the home, in the business, in company, in loneliness--I shall encounter the devil's subtle snares. But let my Lord be with me, and temptation will but reveal the closeness and blessedness of the tie. It will be an instrument which He uses to impart more maturity to my graces--more courage, more patience, more trust.

Perhaps one of the days will be the day of death. But if He does not leave or forsake me, then death will be an ingredient in the training that fits me for the glorious inheritance! As John Bunyan pictures it--I must cross the 'River of Death' to reach the 'Celestial City'. Jesus did it Himself, and the disciple is not above the Master. His Everlasting Arms will sustain me in the flood; and, on the other side, I shall enter the 'Beautiful Gate' and see His face!

ALL the days He is with me--to the end, and through the end, and beyond the end forever and ever! Whether I live, therefore, or whether I die--I am His and He is mine! <S182>

Psalm 139:16b NIV

[16] ...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Matthew 28:20b NIV

[20] ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

** The Christian’s primary concern should be what comes out of the heart; this falls in line with the understanding that it is not wrong to be tempted but it is wrong to act on the temptation

Mark 7:15 NIV

[15] Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”

Mark 7:19-23 NIV

[19] For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.) [20] He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. [21] For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come---sexual immorality, theft, murder, [22] adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. [23] All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

** God has a purpose for our life; even beyond the miracle of life, God designed us with purpose! <C31> (Nov 2016)

Psalm 139:16 NIV

[16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 31:15 NIV

[15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

• God knows everything we will do with our life, even before one of them started

• He has a perfect plan but does not force it on us; God leaves the acceptance and obedience of this plan to us

• God takes care to record our names in His book

• Our names are recorded by our faith in Jesus; those who believe in God and live by His design are written with permanent ink

• All of this reflects that God cares about what we do; He actually cares about what we do and how we respond to Him

• Our lives are not left up to chance!

Do you have a sense of purpose in your life?

• Ask God to guide you as He wants and give you the desire to do what He wants

** Notice how God values life before birth which shows each person is as important in the womb as out of the womb — God can see what man cannot see <C31> (Nov 2016)

Psalm 139:13-15 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

• The human body cannot be the result of chance, but designed and put together with purpose!

• God carefully created in fine detail every person (vs 13, 15) even before we began to grow in the womb

• The description in Ps 139 reflects the work of an artisan, not haphazard but specific for every person

• Our medical community has limited knowledge but God has unlimited knowledge since He is the Designer-Creator!

** There is no place where God does not see us and know our hearts and know exactly what is going on!

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

Jeremiah 23:24 NIV

[24] Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.

Hebrews 4:13 NIV

[13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Job 34:21-22 NIV

[21] “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step. [22] There is no deep shadow, no utter darkness, where evildoers can hide.

Job 31:15 NIV

[15] Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

** God is too immense to be completely understood; we come to realize, however, that He always acts out of love

Psalm 139:6 NIV

[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

** God is omnipresent; even if we traveled at the speed of light, God is already where we would run to so He can't be ‘outrun’ <C31> (Nov 2016)

• Understanding God's perfect knowledge, David wanted to escape His scrutiny knowing his imperfections

• God is spirit and exists everywhere which can be scary yet incredibly comforting because we know He loves us

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

• There is no need to be afraid for God loves us and wants us to experience what is good

• God is ready to join us in all we do for our good and for His glory

• Nothing can separate us from Him, not even the 'skeletons in our closet'

• Remember that God loves us the way we are but loves us too much to leave us the way we are!

• Ask God to change us as needed because He loves us

Psalm 139:10 NIV

[10] even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

** The omnipresence of God! How baffling to any finite comprehension! To think that above us, and around us, and within us — there is Deity — the invisible footprints of an Omniscient, Omnipresent One!

"His Eyes are in every place!" On rolling planets and tiny atoms; on the bright seraph and the lowly worm; roaming in searching scrutiny through the tracks of immensity and reading the dark and hidden page of my heart! "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do!"

Jesus! Your perpetual and all-pervading presence turns darkness into day! I am not left un-befriended to weather the storms of life — Your hand is from hour to hour piloting my frail vessel. The omnipresence of God, a gracious antidote to every earthly sorrow! <M129>

Psalm 139:7 NIV

[7] Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

Psalm 119:170 NIV

[170] May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.

Psalm 4:8 NIV

[8] In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

** God prompts us to do what is best and right when He hems us in, confronting us with His wisdom as we face the inevitable; like a city under siege, hemmed inside and protected, even though we are being attacked from all sides, we need His help in order to do what is best and right

Psalm 139:1-5 NIV

** Saving faith causes:

• True worship

• Godly fear

• Devout thanksgiving

• Genuine humility

• Christian boldness

• Holy joy

• Evangelical repentance

• Enlarged liberality

• Fervent love

• Pure conscience

• Holy life

• Victory over the world

• Eternal glory!

Saving faith:

• Unites to Christ

• Lays hold of salvation

• Conquers every foe

• Brings every blessing into the soul

• Pronounces death abolished

• Always begets humility

• Is self-renouncing

• Consents to be nothing so God may be all

• Excludes boasting

• Is jealous for God's honor

• Brings forth forgiveness to enemies

• Begets repentance

• Nourishes other graces

• Ever clings to the fullness of Christ

• Kindles love to an unseen Savior

• Is ever laying its crown at the feet of Immanuel

• Puts things in their proper place

• Abases the sinner in the dust

• Sets God on the throne of universal dominion

• Pronounces all God's ways just and right

• Counts all things as loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of God's dear Son! <P166>

"True, saving, justifying faith carries the soul through all difficulties, discouragements, and natural impossibilities — to Jesus Christ!" <B29>

2 Peter 1:1b NIV

[1] To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours

** God is omniscient, knowing every detail of our lives and exploring into everything we do

• He knows every detail and sifts through every action as either good or bad

• God not only knows our actions but the motives behind them

• He knows every word we say, every thought and motive we possess, and sees every action we produce from afar

Even our best medical technology (such as MRI, sonogram, etc) does not reveal everything; we are limited in our knowledge as opposed to God who knows absolutely everything! <C31> (Nov 2016)

Psalm 139:1-4 NIV

** God is aware of every minute detail, even the details of our troubled lives

Psalm 138:6-7 NIV

[6] Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar. [7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

** Our loving God faithfully answers our every prayer so we can be assured of His faithful presence; the answer is always best for us and we can move on, emboldened

Those who rely on His loving-kindness and truth through Christ, will find Him faithful to His word; if He spared not His Son, how shall He not give us all things? <H83>

Psalm 138:1-3 NIV

[1] I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. [2] I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. [3] When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.

Psalm 9:1-2 NIV

[1] I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. [2] I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

** Spiritual growth is always marked by a craving for and delight in God’s word with the intensity with which a baby craves milk <M130>

1 Peter 2:2 NIV

[2] Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation

Job 23:12 NIV

[12] I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

[16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

** We are called to praise Jehovah for His own essential attributes, and exertion of attributes in His works <C34>

God is above all gods; He is not only good but displays His power through the creation of the heavens and earth!

Psalm 136:2,5-9 NIV

[2] Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. [5] who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. [6] who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. [7] who made the great lights---His love endures forever. [8] the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. [9] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.

** God involves Himself in His creation

Psalm 136:11,16-17,23-24 NIV

[11] and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. [16] to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. [17] to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. [23] He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. [24] and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever.

** It is good for us — for our honor, comfort and delight — to live in unity with our Christian brothers and sisters; the pleasantness of this is likened to the anointing of oil, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and proof of our union with Christ that adorns His gospel <H83>

Psalm 133:1-2 NIV

[1] How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! [2] It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.

** Every true believer in Christ is an anointed one, receiving the oil of true grace from the Holy Spirit; our request is that God would not turn away but hear and answer petitions for His Son’s sake <H83>

Psalm 132:10 NIV

[10] For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one.

** David embraced God's plan for his life similar to a weaned child who no longer cries for milk; David described being content in his soul and having outgrown the pursuit of achievement, for many others could do the job better!

Likewise, we find fulfillment when we embrace His purpose for our life; ask yourself whether you are trying to reach beyond (too much) or do the bare minimum (too little) of what God wants for you? <C31> (Sep 2016)

Psalm 131:2 NIV

[2] But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.

** Sin brings ruin for individuals and nations, and the plain teachings of each man’s own life exhort him to ‘return to the Lord’; we have all proved the vanity and misery of departing from Him

Surely, if we are not drawn by His love, we might be driven to go back to God by our own unrest <C38>

Hosea 14:1-2 NIV

[1] Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.

Your sins have been your downfall! [2] Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.

Hosea 14:9 NIV

[9] Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

** All who worship images shall be confounded; no solid lasting comfort is to be expected anywhere but in God <H83>

Hosea 13:4-5 NIV

[4] “But I have been the Lord your God ever since you came out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me. [5] I cared for you in the wilderness, in the land of burning heat.

** God asks His people where the kings and rulers are that they wanted? They are not around to protect them!

Hosea 13:10-11 NIV

[10] Where is your king, that he may save you? Where are your rulers in all your towns, of whom you said, 'Give me a king and princes'? [11] So in my anger I gave you a king, and in my wrath I took him away.

Hosea 13:14-15 NIV

[14] “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? “I will have no compassion, [15] even though he thrives among his brothers. An east wind from the Lord will come, blowing in from the desert; his spring will fail and his well dry up. His storehouse will be plundered of all its treasures.

Hosea 14:3 NIV

[3] Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount warhorses. We will never again say 'Our gods' to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.”

** Hosea often talks of Israel in her youth and how God guided her early steps

Hosea 11:1-2 NIV

[1] “When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son. [2] But the more they were called, the more they went away from me. They sacrificed to the Baals and they burned incense to images.

Hosea 11:3-4 NIV

[3] It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. [4] I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.

** Israel continued in rebellious sin yet God loved her and would not completely destroy her; there are consequences for sin but God continues to look for ways to save us!

Hosea 11:8-9 NIV

[8] “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused. [9] I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again. For I am God, and not a man---the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities.

** Hosea warned his people that judgment (returning to Egypt) was coming because of their own useless attempts at identifying and resolving sin, much like a dog returning to his vomit; preferring sin and lies can happen to entire nations as it can happen to individuals

This identifies what is happening in current-day societies when people attempt to resolve concocted social justice issues apart from God; people want to ignore the idea we’ve been blessed as a nation by God because we may, in some way, be beholding to God if we recognize Him <H87>

Hosea 8:13-14 NIV

[13] Though they offer sacrifices as gifts to me, and though they eat the meat, the Lord is not pleased with them. Now he will remember their wickedness and punish their sins: They will return to Egypt. [14] Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”

** Why are people willing to bow down to a ‘piece of metal’ rather than the God of the universe who desires a relationship with each one of us? Probably because it’s easier — they are not held to any level of accountability with the piece of metal!

Hosea 8:6 NIV

[6] They are from Israel! This calf---a metalworker has made it; it is not God. It will be broken in pieces, that calf of Samaria.

** God is the one who blesses us and He reminded Hosea’s wife by removing the blessings

Hosea 2:10-13 NIV

[10] So now I will expose her lewdness before the eyes of her lovers; no one will take her out of my hands. [11] I will stop all her celebrations: her yearly festivals, her New Moons, her Sabbath days---all her appointed festivals. [12] I will ruin her vines and her fig trees, which she said were her pay from her lovers; I will make them a thicket, and wild animals will devour them. [13] I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot, ” declares the Lord.

** God pardoned Hosea’s wife and she was allured back to Hosea, as God will allure Israel to back to Himself by accepting her and providing blessings

God WANTS to restore Israel, just like He wants to restore us into good relationship with Him <H87>; amazingly, God still desires to restore His relationship with those who cheat on Him!?

Hosea 2:14-15,19 NIV

[14] “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. [15] There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. [19] I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

** The Israelites turned a deaf ear to Hosea and his inspired message, as most people today ignore warnings from God; Hosea chapters 5 & 6 provide a relevant warning for America and the world around us <H87>

1. Hosea calls out the priests and politicians for leading the people into sin (1-5)

2. Hosea calls out their foolishness and false pursuit of God (6-15); God tires of this and gives people over to their own self-interests and perverted sin

• “Reprobate mind” = a mind so perverted that it cannot think in its own best interest <L124>

• Those who venture away from God’s word do not know what is right or just <K110>

Proverbs 28:5 NIV

[5] Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

3. Eventually, in the misery inflicted by God, people will return to Him; unfortunately God must bring on misery in order to get the attention of those who don’t seek Him

Hosea 5:15 NIV

[15] Then I will return to my lair until they have borne their guilt and seek my face---in their misery they will earnestly seek me. ”

** We should not worry about our current or future state because God owns everything and is in total control — no one owns anything in this world except God; we must remember that we are God’s stewards of what He has provided for us <H86>

Psalm 50:10 NIV

[10] for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills

** There is hope — rescue from the troubled — for those who recognize God and admit the error of their ways

Daniel 12:3 NIV

[3] Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Jeremiah 30:10-11 NIV

[10] “ 'So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,' declares the Lord. 'I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. [11] I am with you and will save you,' declares the Lord. 'Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.'

** In a world that contains tragedies, we must realize that these tragedies are vastly outnumbered by blessings” <J103>

** We are brought to this conviction and solemn conclusion: that there is no other true religion but that which consists in the continued teachings of the Spirit, and the communications of the life of God to the soul <P165>

1 John 2:27 NIV

[27] As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit---just as it has taught you, remain in him.

** As believers, our understanding of God is limited and often in-line with our daily existence; Daniel witnessed the power of God that undoubtedly challenged His perception of God

Daniel 10:5-6 NIV

[5] I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. [6] His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

Daniel 10:7-8 NIV

[7] I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. [8] So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless.

** The world knows that we can discern what is going on in the world today and some will turn to us for interpretation; we can be a Daniel of today to let them know “we’re going down”

Daniel 5:14-16 NIV

[14] I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. [15] The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. [16] Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Daniel 5:26-28 NIV

[26] “Here is what these words mean: Mene : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. [27] Tekel : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. [28] Peres : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”

Daniel 5:30-31 NIV

[30] That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, [31] and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

** Evildoers will pay the price for their schemes and actions against God’s people; the Psalmist also understood the fate of the wicked

Daniel 6:24 NIV

[24] At the king's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions' den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Psalm 73:2-4,8,12,16-20 NIV

[2] But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. [3] For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. [8] They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. [12] This is what the wicked are like---always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. [16] When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply [17] till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. [18] Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. [19] How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! [20] They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

** God will be glorified even when evil seems to be winning

Daniel 6:25-27 NIV

[25] Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth: “May you prosper greatly! [26] “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. [27] He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

** Daniel thanked God by acknowledging His omniscience and omnipotence; God later blessed Daniel with wisdom and a position of power

Daniel 2:20-22 NIV

[20] and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. [21] He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. [22] He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.

Daniel 2:48-49 NIV

[48] Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. [49] Moreover, at Daniel's request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.

** God hears our heart-felt cries for mercy, but how willing are we to adjust to His ways that may differ from our expectations?

Psalm 130:1-2 NIV

[1] Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; [2] Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

** God leaves room for people to repent and acknowledge Him as 'sovereign over all', as indicated in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

• Nebuchadnezzar decided to glory in his own accomplishments so God immediately humbled him

• As punishment for his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would dwell with the beasts of the field and eat grass like oxen until he knew that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses <D497>

• Nebuchadnezzar later repented after his suffering and was restored to his throne

Daniel 4:24-26 NIV

[24] “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: [25] You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. [26] The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Daniel 4:29-31 NIV

[29] Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, [30] he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” [31] Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.

Daniel 4:34-37 NIV

[34] At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. [35] All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” [36] At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. [37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

** There are over 3000 promises in God’s word, and each one is God’s word; God has kept every promise — He never has gone back on His word — so why can we not trust Him with our daily lives? <F60>

WHY trust God? Because Jesus is returning to take us to a place He has prepared for us via the Rapture! What an awesome promise that we will be with Jesus where He is! So if we trust Him with this huge promise, why can’t we trust Him in our daily lives?

John 14:1-3 NIV

[1] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. [2] My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

But Jesus has not returned yet, so HOW can we maintain this trust while we wait for the trumpet sound and our departure? Regardless of the confusing and terrifying situation we face, we can be calmed — by trusting Him with all our heart and leaning not on our own understanding that propels us to Him. It’s a reciprocal and conditional promise for us to trust, and He will respond.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Maybe the delusion we see around helps us not to lean on our previously-trusted reasoning but to trust God!?

** A beautiful visual of the steadfast reliability of the Lord, our Anchor with whom we can go to at all times

“Like the bastions of everlasting hills surrounding Zion that cannot be moved, are they whose trust is in the Lord” <C38>

Psalm 125:1-2 NIV

[1] Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. [2] As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

** We can see devastation all around us but we know this is a result of those not trusting in Him; trust God and He will see you through any situation!

Psalm 91:7-8 NIV

[7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. [8] You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

[7] “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. [8] They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV

[3] You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. [4] Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

** God allows us to undergo difficulty so we recognize His deliverance; besides applying this to any particular deliverance, we should have in our thoughts the great work of redemption by Jesus Christ by which believers were rescued from Satan <H83>

Psalm 124:1-5 NIV

[1] If the Lord had not been on our side---let Israel say--- [2] if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, [3] they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; [4] the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, [5] the raging waters would have swept us away.

** We should value the redemption and restoration from the power of sin, Satan and the law and, ultimately, from the power of God’s wrath that is to come <H83>

Psalm 126:1-3 NIV

[1] When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. [2] Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” [3] The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:4-6 NIV

[4] Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. [5] Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. [6] Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Isaiah 1:26-27 NIV

[26] I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City. ” [27] Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.

** May Israel say — the danger was so great, their helplessness so manifest, and the deliverance was so clearly the work of God, that it was proper to say that if this had not occurred, ruin would have been inevitable and entire <C33>

Psalm 124:6-8 NIV

[6] Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. [7] We have escaped like a bird from the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. [8] Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

** I am bound to speak well of my Physician; He treats me with great tenderness, and bids me in due time to expect a perfect cure. I know too much of Him (though I know but little) to doubt either His skill or His promise.

Though His medicines are all beneficial, they are not all pleasant. Now and then He gives me a pleasant cordial; but I have many severe disorders, in which there is a needs-be for my frequently taking His bitter and unpalatable medicines!

We sometimes see published in the newspapers, acknowledgments of cures received. If I were to publish my own case, that it would run something like this:

"I, John Newton, have long labored under a multitude of grievous disorders:

• a fever of ungoverned passions,

• a cancer of pride,

• a frenzy of wild imaginations,

• a severe lethargy, and

• a deadly stroke!

In this deplorable situation, I suffered many things from many physicians, spent every penny I had — yet only grew worse and worse!

In this condition, Jesus, the Physician of souls, found me when I sought Him not. He undertook my recovery freely, without money and without price — these are His terms with all His patients! My fever is now abated, my senses are restored, my faculties are enlivened! In a word, I am a new man! And from His ability, His promise, and the experience of what He has already done, I have the fullest assurance that He will infallibly and perfectly heal me; and that I shall live forever as a monument of His power and grace!" <N150>

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

** How I love the book of Romans, especially the 8th chapter. Here the Apostle Paul chronicles the blessings and promises of God.

Many will look at their Christian walk and ponder why things don't seem to work out as they envisioned. They grow discouraged and become listless in their daily walk with God. They wonder if God is really on their side. They fail to take hold of the promises of God, grasping it with both hands and endure what they must suffer in this life. <T201>

It’s at times like these we need to read Romans chapter 8 and remember we are His adopted children!

Romans 8:15 NIV

[15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

John 1:12-13 NIV

** Instead of making endless lists of resolutions, may we make a moment-by-moment, day-to-day declaration of dependence on the Holy Spirit who dwells inside of us. When we do that, the life of Christ Himself will flow through us. He will produce the fruit in us. He will do the work through us. Our effort should be relentless reliance on Him that leads to complete obedience to Him!

Does this mean that we never make commitments, resolutions or promises to ourselves? Of course not! But, what it does mean, is that we “put no confidence in the flesh” (Phil 3:3) It means the one resolution we must keep is a constant reminder to ourselves to “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18) and to allow the life of Christ to flow through us. As we learn to do that, the lists will take care of themselves because Jesus will be living through us and He never breaks His promises! <S189>

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

** The time of end-times REVELATION is done but there will be an increase in end-times ILLUMINATION; the books of the Bible have been written so we can cross-check references as needed and events will become more apparent as we see them unfold; as generations pass and people start reading the Bible, they will realize the events mentioned in Scripture are taking place

God designed prophecy to get progressively clearer as we move toward the time period when these events occur — which is why previous generations of scholars didn’t understand or write about what current scholars are writing, so the argument that previous scholars didn’t mention a certain theory is debunked <W213>

Daniel 12:8-9 NIV

[8] I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” [9] He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end.

Amos 8:12 NIV

[12] People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.

** Immediately look to God when we encounter difficulty for help and strength; like when Peter started to sink when taking his eyes off Jesus; this often goes against our natural inclination to try to resolve situations on our own

Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Matthew 14:28-31 NIV

[28] “Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” [29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

** God is the guardian and deliverer of His people! From how many dangers has He preserved us! From how many calamities has He delivered us!

Dangers, distresses and deaths crowd upon us and surround us in every age and every place! The air, the earth, the sea, and every element are pregnant with numberless inlets of pain and death ready to seize and destroy us!

Sickness and death swarm around us! Nay, they lie in ambush in our own constitution, and are perpetually undermining our lives, and yet our divine Guardian preserves us for months and years unhurt, untouched. And how many 'salvations' of this kind has He wrought for us! Salvation...

• from accidents,

• from sicknesses,

• from pains,

• from sorrows,

• from death!

Salvation from seen and unseen dangers! Salvation in infancy, in youth, and in maturer years! <D43>

Psalm 121:1-8 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [3] He will not let your foot slip---he who watches over you will not slumber; [4] indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. [5] The Lord watches over you---the Lord is your shade at your right hand; [6] the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. [7] The Lord will keep you from all harm---he will watch over your life; [8] the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 91:3-7 NIV

[3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. [5] You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, [6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

** God has solemn views regarding His land, its division and ownership; Israel is God’s inheritance to His people and He will bless those who obey and respect His commands and curse those who don’t

Ezekiel 46:18 NIV

[18] The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people, driving them off their property. He is to give his sons their inheritance out of his own property, so that not one of my people will be separated from their property.' ”

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 NIV

[13] So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today---to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul--- [14] then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. [15] I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

[2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”

Psalm 37:22 NIV

[22] those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.

** God wants us to know His will even more than we do, and He will guide and enable us as needed toward His goal when we ask it of God!

Revelation 3:8,10 NIV

[8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. [10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

Ephesians 1:18-21 NIV

[18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, [19] and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength [20] he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, [21] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 3:16 NIV

[16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

Colossians 1:10-11 NIV

** The Bible seems to be a new book; and though some may have read it before, there is a beauty about it which they never saw before and which they wonder they have not before perceived <B16>

• The whole face of nature seems to them to be changed and they seem to be in a new world – the hills, and valleys, and streams; the sun, the stars, the groves, the forests seem to be new

• A new beauty is spread over them all; they now see them to be the work of God and His glory is spread over them all

• They now say, "My Father made them all!" — the heavens and the earth are filled with new wonders, and all things seem now to speak forth the praise of God!

1. "He is a new creation"

In the conversion of a sinner a change is produced so great as to make it proper to say that he is a new creation of God — a work of Divine power as decided and as glorious as when God created all things out of nothing!

This change is so deep, so clear, so radical, and so abiding, that it is proper to say that he is a new man. He seeks new purposes, and he lives for new ends:

• New views

• New motives

• New principles

• New objects and plans of life

2. "Old things have passed away". There is a deep and radical change on all these subjects — a change which commences at the new birth, carried on by progressive sanctification, and consummated at death and in Heaven:

• Former prejudices, opinions, habits, attachments passes away

• Supreme love of self passes away

• Love of sin passes away

• Love of the world passes away

• Supreme attachment to their earthly friends rather than God passes away

• Love of sin — their sensuality, pride, vanity, levity, ambition passes away

3. "Behold, all things have become new!". The understanding is consecrated to new objects, the body is employed in new service and the heart forms new attachments:

• Purposes of life

• Feelings of the heart

• Principles of action

All is new! There are:

• New views of God, and of Jesus Christ

• New views of this world, and of the world to come

• New views of truth, and of duty, and

• Everything is seen in a new aspect with new feelings

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

** Stop complaining to God and others about your difficult situation and circumstance! God has you exactly where He wants you for His purpose; all generations have been perverse and God has chosen YOU at this time to be a light for Him so do so rejoicing <M130>

Philippians 2:14-18 NIV

[14] Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky [16] as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. [17] But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. [18] So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

** God is the author of all life and knows the number of our days before we even take our first breath

Psalm 139:14-16 NIV

[14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Ezekiel 37:3-7 NIV

[3] He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know. ” [4] Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! [5] This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. [6] I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ’ ” [7] So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

** Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing He would die and rise again, thus providing the way of salvation; those who believed in Him and were born of the Spirit could be saved <T203>

Zechariah 9:9 NIV

[9] Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Christians are the only people who must make a decision to be born as a follower of Christ; others born in other regions can be born into that religion — such as Hindi, Buddhist, Jew, Catholic, orthodox, etc — but Christians must be born again

John 3:5-8 NIV

[5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

** Recognize God and ASK Him to help you understand what needs to be done to have security after this life then follow His ways; those who are unrepentant will not seek Him unless HE opens their eyes; no one can do this on their own so they need GOD’S help

Ezekiel 36:25-26 NIV

[25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:19-20 NIV

[19] I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. [20] Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

** God will “carve into you” and accomplish His statutes so you keep His commandments; everything is possible with God!

Ezekiel 36:27 NIV

[27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

** God’s ear is attentive to the righteous and against those who do evil

1 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

** God is our Ultimate Shepherd who not only protects us from harm but desires to lavish us with blessings

Ezekiel 34:25-26,31 NIV

[25] “ 'I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. [26] I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. [31] You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

** Don’t ever fall for the enemy’s lie that you aren’t making any effort or are not of any use or value to God. That’s Satan’s way of shutting you up and shutting down your service to God. It’s what Satan wants. Don’t fall for his tactics!

It is never our words or our deeds that make the difference in people’s lives anyway. It is the powerful, active, living Word of the living God that has the power to change one’s eternal destiny. We are only the mouthpieces that spread His Word. We are the hands and feet that distribute it and the fingers that type and disseminate His Word. The Holy Spirit, through God’s Word, does the changing of people’s hearts, not us or what we say. We are merely His vessels. God doesn’t need us; He wants us. He who spoke atoms into existence, He who created all that exists from nothing does not need us. But because He loves us, He has gifted fallen humanity the honor of serving Him for our eternal good and for His matchless glory.

Don’t stop! We are not responsible for what others do with God’s message. That is on them. But we will be held to account for whether or not we remained faithful to what our Sovereign has placed us here to do.

We cannot go by our feelings. Our emotions and feelings are subjective, fickle, and are so easily manipulated and deceived. We go by what the Word of God has already told us. That is where we find what His will is. He has already given us everything we need to know to serve Him and to do His will, whatever He has called and placed us to do. Never trust your feelings or emotions because Satan can and does so easily deceive and manipulate us through them. Rely upon God’s already completed, always sufficient, permanently revealed Word. Everything we need to know, every answer we will ever need is already there. We just need to read, study, learn, and follow it.

I know you’re tired. We all are. I know you’re discouraged. We all are. I know your body is broken and giving out. The rest of the body/bride of Christ is failing in body too, including myself. Still, we cannot give in to the fiery darts or the relentless attacks of the Evil One – not this close to the finish line!

Hang in there! Keep spreading the only truth that can save men’s souls from Hell, then leave the results in Jesus’ nail-scarred hands. We are only the vessels. The power that changes eternal destinies lies solely with the Holy Spirit of God.

Never allow Satan to stop or sidetrack you from doing what God has called and placed you here to do. Even if you feel your part is insignificant, know that it is not. Nothing God has given us to do is insignificant in His plan. Even five loaves of bread and two little fish fed multitudes in the hands that created all things! Nothing is too small or insignificant in the Master’s hands! Keep spreading the gospel everywhere you can, including on social media if you’re on it. Keep on posting scripture. Keep encouraging the brethren. Keep praying for the body of Christ. Keep warning the lost. Keep fellowshipping, praising, and worshiping together with other believers, and keep on keeping on until Jesus calls us Home. Keep on going! <C396>

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

** It is not enough to hear and study God’s word, but to put what is written into practice; the Israelites in Ezekiel’s day listened to the prophet as entertainment but it did not impact their lives

Ezekiel 33:31-33 NIV

[31] My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. [32] Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. [33] “When all this comes true---and it surely will---then they will know that a prophet has been among them. ”

** My dear friend,

I am very sorry about your accident but I am thankful that you were not hurt. Such catastrophes, as this may properly be called, have often been attended with dislocated or broken bones, a fractured skull, or instant death — so frail is man!

Often, when he thinks himself safe, and is dreaming of his own importance, as if he were a necessary part in the complicated movements of Divine Providence — he falls like grass before the scythe! And not by the hands of a giant, or the fangs of a tiger, but the smallest trifle is sufficient to destroy him!

For example: how many loose stones do we see in the road; it seems no great matter where they lie. Yet any one of them, by changing the direction of a wheel is sufficient to confound all the plans of this mighty creature! One stone stumbles him down; he falls with his head upon another — in that very moment all his future plans perish! But the Lord gave His angels charge over you; therefore you fell unhurt, and are still alive to praise and serve Him.

I see so much of the uncertainty of life, and how little I can either foresee or prevent what the next moment may bring forth that I would be a very great coward — afraid not only of riding in a coach but of walking across a room — if I was not in some degree enabled to confide in the Lord's protection!

I wish for you to think much of the Lord's governing providence. It extends to the minutest concerns. He rules and manages all things; but in so secret a way, that most people think that He does nothing. When, in reality — He does ALL! <N150>

Psalm 119:117 NIV

[117] Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

** Trade and merchandise are a blessing when followed in the fear of God and He allows us to use them; but when riches increase, men are apt to set their hearts upon them and forget God who gives power to obtain wealth <H83>

Ezekiel 28:1-2 NIV

[1] The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “Son of man , say to the ruler of Tyre, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“ 'In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.” But you are a mere mortal and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.

Ezekiel 27:34-36 NIV

[34] Now you are shattered by the sea in the depths of the waters; your wares and all your company have gone down with you. [35] All who live in the coastlands are appalled at you; their kings shudder with horror and their faces are distorted with fear. [36] The merchants among the nations scoff at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more. ' ”

** As we take time to ponder all that God has done and is doing for us, truly our words fail; we’re incapable of adequately expressing to God the magnificence of His indescribable gift. Prayers to God expressing adoration, petition, and thanksgiving are seen in the events surrounding Jesus’ birth as described to us by Luke in the first two chapters. <S1993> (Dec 2021)

Adoration —

Luke 1:46-47 NIV

[46] And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord [47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

Luke 2:20 NIV

[20] The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Exalt means to make great, to esteem highly, to laud, and to celebrate. Mary exuberantly hallowed God’s name as she acknowledged His omnipotence, salvation, mercy, and faithfulness to keep His covenants. The depth of her adoration revealed her broad level of understanding of the Old Testament Scriptures.

Likewise, as remnant believers in these last days, studying God’s Word will deepen our understanding of His marvelous attributes. We will be strengthened to face our times of being ostracized by the world for our faith with joy and steadfast resolve.

Petition —

Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were “…both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.” (Lu 1:6). The angel Gabriel assured Zacharias that his “… petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.” (Lu 1:13). Petitions involve seeking, asking, and entreating God’s aid in some matter. This same Greek word is used of the elderly widow prophetess, Anna, who “… never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.” (Lu 2:37)

Likewise, we too, as believers in Christ, have the assurance that our petitions have been heard and that they will be answered according to God’s perfect will for us in His perfect timing.

Thanksgiving —

Luke 2:28-32 NIV

[28] Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: [29] “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. [30] For my eyes have seen your salvation, [31] which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

** We are assured "that all things work together for good, to those who love God." The afflictions of this life, are the faithful corrections of a kind and tender Father. "For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He scourges every son whom He receives."

How consoling the reflection — that all our sufferings are designed to mortify and subdue our corruptions, to wean us from the world, and lead us to a more humble and constant sense of dependence upon God! How ungrateful for a child of God to repine at the dealings of such a tender and faithful Father!

God will give us all that He sees is best for us. And surely we ought to be satisfied with this; for He who sees the end from the beginning, must know much better than we what is for our good. It is our duty to maintain a contented and cheerful spirit in every situation of life. <N151>

Hebrews 12:5-7 NIV

** Children of God! your heavenly Father says, "All things are yours!" (1Cor 3:21) — and so they are, in the degree and manner that is good for me. All the gold in the world is Christ's, and as His child, He gives me just as much as suits my best interest. If more were good for me, would not my loving Savior give me more: money, or material things, or health, or friendship?

Come back, then, wandering desire! Do not roam abroad over that which is not yours — that is forbidden ground.

What is your present lot? Scan it well; look at it through the lens of faith, and you will see a blessing in it. You will find a Father's love, a Savior's presence, and the Spirit's comforts wrapped in the garb of present things, and rays of glory coming from them all.

Is not what I now have, better than the cravings of wandering desire, with such realities, better, far better, than the shadows of wandering desire! <M138>

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

** Ezekiel and Jeremiah were faithful, but apart from them God sought a man capable of advocacy for Israel when its sin had gone so far but no one could lead the people to repentance and draw the nation back from the brink of God’s judgment that came in 586 BC

Ezekiel 22:30 NIV

[30] “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.

Only God Himself as Messiah would have the character and credentials sufficient to do what no man can do and intercede for Israel; He was rejected in His earthly ministry so the effects of this judgment continue today until they turn to Him in faith <M130>

Isaiah 63:5 NIV

[5] I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm achieved salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

Zechariah 13:1 NIV

[1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

• Were all prosperity: we would be lifted up in pride.

• Were all adversity: we would faint under the heavy load.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

** There are many Christians, however, who do not habitually choose the best things — but second-rate things. They labor for the food that perishes, when they might labor for the food that endures unto everlasting life. Even in their prayers, they ask for temporal blessings, when they might ask for spiritual treasures!

It is not worth our while, to toil and moil, and strive and struggle — to do things that will leave no lasting results when our life is done — while there are things we can do which have eternal significance! <M136>

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Luke 10:42 NIV

[42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

** In all circumstances! This comes as a surprise when one considers the vicissitudes of human life. Sickness and health, poverty and wealth, joy and sorrow — are all ingredients of the cup placed to human lips — so all must come within the scope of thanksgiving.

Why be thankful for everything? Because God causes everything to work together for good to those who love Him.

We shall have cause to be thankful for all our afflictions, if the Lord is pleased to employ them as means to make us more humble and broken-hearted, and to wean our hearts from this vain world.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

[18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4 NIV

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

** Many people think of prayer only as coming to God with requests. They only tell Him their needs. They never bow before Him nor speak to Him, unless there is something they wish Him to do for them.

What would you think of a friend of yours who never came to you nor talked with you, except when he wanted to ask some favor of you? True friendship finds many of its sweetest moments, when there is no help to ask--but when only love's communion fills the happy time. It should be so in our relation with our heavenly Father. If we care to be with Him only when we have a favor to ask of Him--then there is something lacking in our love!

We are not to suppose that when Jesus spent whole nights in prayer, He was making requests all the time. He went away from the trying, struggling, troublesome life of the busy days among the people--to find shelter, rest, and renewal of strength, in sweet converse with His Father. Just so, most of the time we spend in prayer should be given to communion with God.

A minister relates that one Saturday morning, when he was in his study preparing his sermon, his little child opened the door and came in, stealing softly to his side. Somewhat impatiently, the father turned to her and asked, "What do you want, my child?" "Nothing, papa," the child replied. "I only want to be with you."

This is oft-times the only desire of the true Christian when he comes to pray. He has no requests to make--he just wants to be with his Father! <M136>

Matthew 6:6 NIV

[6] But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

** Remember that we see things from a linear point of view while God sees everything all at the same time; like watching a parade where we see what passes by but God sees the whole parade in its entirety <D40>

Revelation 21:6a NIV

[6] He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

[11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

** Those who want to call themselves disciples of Jesus must endure many hardships for we now go against the norms of the world; pastors certainly don’t preach on this very much these days

Hardships help prepare us for what God wants us to do, for they help:

• Refine us

• Purify us

• Strengthen us

• Ready us

“God comforts the afflicted, but also afflicts those who are comfortable. God can help us overcome the world in troubled times when we ask it of Him” <F60>

Acts 14:19-22 NIV

[19] Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. [20] But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. [21] They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, [22] strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

James 4:3-4 NIV

[3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. [4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

Psalm 34:19 NIV

[19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all

Psalm 119:67,71 NIV

[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. [71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** God’s discipline is to encourage His children to return to more-innocent days; restoration will be by grace, not merit

Ezekiel 16:53-55 NIV

[53] “ 'However, I will restore the fortunes of Sodom and her daughters and of Samaria and her daughters, and your fortunes along with them, [54] so that you may bear your disgrace and be ashamed of all you have done in giving them comfort. [55] And your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to what they were before; and you and your daughters will return to what you were before.

Ezekiel 16:59-60,63 NIV

[59] “ 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. [60] Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. [63] Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord. ' ”

** God entered into a covenant relationship with Israel at Mount Sinai when she became ‘of age’; making a covenant signifies marriage, the figure of God’s relation to Israel <M130>

Ezekiel 16:8 NIV

[8] “ 'Later I passed by, and when I looked at you and saw that you were old enough for love, I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your naked body. I gave you my solemn oath and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.

Exodus 19:5-8 NIV

[5] Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, [6] you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” [7] So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. [8] The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.

** If a person continues to reject God, then God will remove Himself from them and remove other believers from them

Ezekiel 14:7-8 NIV

[7] “ 'When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the Lord will answer them myself. [8] I will set my face against them and make them an example and a byword. I will remove them from my people. Then you will know that I am the Lord.

** Israel, often symbolized by a vine, had become useless and failing to do the very thing God set her apart to do — bear fruit; other trees can be used for construction but a fruitless vine is useless and has no value <M130>

Ezekiel 15:1-3 NIV

** God questioned the value of fruitless vines and burnt wood; the same can be said of the ineffectiveness of the people living in Jerusalem and how He would treat them as a result

Ezekiel 15:1-6 NIV

[1] The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “Son of man, how is the wood of a vine different from that of a branch from any of the trees in the forest? [3] Is wood ever taken from it to make anything useful? Do they make pegs from it to hang things on? [4] And after it is thrown on the fire as fuel and the fire burns both ends and chars the middle, is it then useful for anything? [5] If it was not useful for anything when it was whole, how much less can it be made into something useful when the fire has burned it and it is charred? [6] “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: As I have given the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest as fuel for the fire, so will I treat the people living in Jerusalem.

** Repent and God will remove sin in your life — don’t think you have to get rid of sin before you can approach Him

Ezekiel 14:6 NIV

[6] “Therefore say to the people of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!

** God asked whether the ‘religious elders’ should even be heard because they had unrepentant hearts and were more concerned about ‘the show’; do we act the same, publicly going to God when really trusting in something else?

Ezekiel 14:2-3 NIV

[2] Then the word of the Lord came to me: [3] “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?

Psalm 66:18 NIV

[18] If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened

** God will set people free from false prophets

Ezekiel 13:20-21,23 NIV

[20] “ 'Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. [21] I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the Lord. [23] therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord. ' ”

** People may mock and think nothing comes of prophetic warnings but God WILL fulfill His Word and promises, putting an end to false utterances

Ezekiel 12:21-25 NIV

[21] The word of the Lord came to me: [22] “Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? [23] Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. [24] For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. [25] But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

Ezekiel 12:26-28 NIV

[26] The word of the Lord came to me: [27] “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.' [28] “Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

** ASK God in faith what you need to do to obtain security after this life and obey His direction; the unrepentant person will not seek Him unless HE opens their eyes, for no one can recognize God on their own without His help

Ezekiel 11:19-20 NIV

Ezekiel 36:25-26 NIV

Galatians 3:13-14 NIV

[13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” [14] He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

** At any given time during His stay on this earth, Our Savior could have decided we weren’t worth the effort and could have left us to our own resources. That would have guaranteed that Heaven would be empty of human souls, as no one could ever make an acceptable sin sacrifice to our Heavenly Father.

As it is, even at the creation of this earth, God knew He would have to give us a gift that was far more valuable than all the riches this earth holds. One precious drop of our Savior’s blood sealed our pardon. This is for any and all who will receive and accept His gift, and Jesus shed His perfect blood as a “one-time” sacrifice for all of us.

Hebrews 10:4 NIV

[4] It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

For those pre-Calvary, His blood reached back to cover all the saints that had been faithful and in the will of God. From Calvary forward, it has covered and will cover all those who are in Christ and have a relationship with Him. <H91>

** “When we are right with God, we look forward to the Day of the Lord; when we are not right with God, we dread the Day of the Lord” <H87>

Let’s examine ourselves to make sure we are right with God; repentance is a cleansing of the heart we are to continually perform so we can be ready for the Day of the Lord

Joel 2:12-13 NIV

[12] “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” [13] Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

** When sinners flatter themselves about their own security — such as saying “we are safe in this city” — they further themselves toward ruin and it is time to tell them they have no peace; those are least safe who think of themselves as most secure <H83>

Ezekiel 11:7,9,11 NIV

[7] “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: The bodies you have thrown there are the meat and this city is the pot, but I will drive you out of it. [9] I will drive you out of the city and deliver you into the hands of foreigners and inflict punishment on you. [11] This city will not be a pot for you, nor will you be the meat in it; I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel.

** Hunger is a mark of health, and the lack of appetite proclaims disease. The cessation of the desire for knowledge, shows that intellectual growth has ended.

Just so in spiritual life — dissatisfaction is the token of health. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness." Blessed are the unsatisfied. Blessed are those who long for more and more. The mark of healthy spiritual life is an intense thirst for God; and a deep, passionate yearning for closer, fuller, richer, more satisfying communion with Christ Himself.

The ideal Christian life is one of insatiable thirst, of unquenchable yearning, of divine discontent — wooed ever on by visions of an increase in spiritual life, new joy, and new attainments in Christlikeness. The best thing in us is never what we now are, nor what we have already reached, but the longing for that which is yet higher and holier. <M136>

Psalm 42:1-2 NIV

[1] As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. [2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

[12] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. [13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

** Christ's sheep hear His voice. Christ speaks to us in His Word as truly as ever He spoke to His disciples in the days of His flesh — and it is the delight of all His people to hear and obey His Word. The inspired volume is to them an inexhaustible source of comfort. They

• read it,

• meditate upon it,

• pray over it,

• esteem it more than their necessary food.

When they open it, they look up to their Divine Master and say, "Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of Your law."

Directions, warnings, precepts, promises — are all acceptable to them. Everything that conveys to them the mind and will of their Good Shepherd, is received with implicit faith and unreserved obedience. Christ's sheep follow His steps. <S179>

John 10:27 NIV

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

** The shepherd takes care that his sheep are well fed. Christ also feeds His people, and leads them out to find pasture.

The BIBLE is His pasture-land, and the pasturage there is always good. Every chapter is a field of rich grass. Some of these fields seem at first to be bare and sterile; but even in the barest — there is enough pasture to feed a hungry soul.

Then there are the pasture-fields of PRAYER. These lie very close to the border of Heaven. They are always up in the quiet valleys among the mountains. The Good Shepherd leads us to them through the gates of prayer. We bow down in lowly humility, and enter with Him into the green pastures, and feed our souls until their hunger is satisfied.

The CHURCH is another of our Shepherd's pasture-fields. We enter the gates of the sanctuary, and at once we find spiritual food. We find it in the preaching of the Scriptures, in the ordinances, and in the fellowship of other believers.

In our common LIFE in this world, if we are faithfully following Christ, we are continually in fields of rich pasture. Christ never leads us into any places in which there is nothing to feed us. Even in the hot plains of trial and sorrow, there is food. We sometimes think there is only barrenness in our toilsome life, filled with temptations, cares and sacrifices. But the Good Shepherd is ever with us, and there is always pasture.

Thus the whole world is a rich field, when Jesus leads His flock. If any Christians are not well fed — it is because they will not feed. The trouble must be that they do not hunger for spiritual food. <M136>

Psalm 23:1-3 NIV

** A traveler who tarried several days at Antwerp, describes the effect which the bells in the great tower had upon him. Every quarter hour they rang out on the air their sweet notes, in soft melody, which fell like a delicious rain of music dropping from the heavens, as tender and holy as the song of angels. Then at the full hour, amid their shower of liquid notes of silver, rang out the solemn strokes of the great bell, with iron tongue, deep and heavy; and these heavy tones inspired him with a feeling of awe.

As he listened hour after hour to the chime — the tender melody of the smaller, sweeter bells reminded him of the mercy and love of God; and the solemn undertones that broke on his ear at the end of each full hour, spoke of the solemn themes of justice, judgment, eternity.

So it is, that every thoughtful person is impressed in reading the Scriptures. Their usual tone is mercy. Love rings everywhere, like the notes of angels' songs. But here and there, amid the words of divine tenderness — comes some deep note, telling of justice, of wrath against sin, of the dreadful judgment day!

It is the same in life. The flow of the common days, is gladness. There is music everywhere. Flowers' bloom. Love lights its lamp in our path. Then suddenly there breaks in, amid the merry laughter — a deep and solemn tone, which fills us with awe. <M136>

Hebrews 9:27 NIV

[27] Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment

** When you watch the news and browse through the Internet, what are the truths that hold you together? The truth will set you free — and the opposite is also the case where lies will hold you in bondage <H90>

God’s truth promises:

• PEACE (John 14:1)

• COMFORT (1Thess 4:15)

• COURAGE (1Thess 5:1-11

• LOVE (James 5:9)

• ZEAL (Titus 2:11-14)

• JOY AND GRACE (Phil 4:4-5)

• DIRECTION (1Cor 15:50-58)

John 14:1 NIV

[1] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 NIV

[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.

1 Thessalonians 5:8,11 NIV

[8] But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. [11] Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

James 5:9 NIV

[9] Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Titus 2:11-14 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Philippians 4:4-5 NIV

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

[58] Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

** Believers have the ultimate hope during these terrible last days because our hope is in God who knows the beginning from the end! <H84>

1 John 4:4 NIV

[4] You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 13:19 NIV

[19] “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.

Luke 21:34 NIV

[34] “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

Titus 2:13 NIV

[13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

** These were the earliest of a great and noble army of holy women — attached to Christ by deep, personal love, following and ministering unto Him.

In all the ages since, Christian women have shown similar devotion and constancy to Christ, and similar heroic love in serving Him. The record of women's ministry to Christ, is one of the brightest in all the world's history!

Women owe an incalculable debt to Christ. He has lifted them up from base thraldom and from degradation. Women have always been grateful too, and have served Christ with great devotion.

Women are found in every sickroom, bending over the sufferer with unwearying solicitude, with matchless tenderness ministering to bodily comfort, and pouring the warmth of affection upon feverish spirits. They are found in the wards of hospitals, and upon battlefields, moving like God's angels in blessed, loving ministry.

Faithful Christian mothers are following the Master and doing work which will shine forever in glorious luster! Faithful Christian Sunday school teachers are doing quiet service in lowly paths--which in God's sight, is nobler than that of many of earth's famous ones!

Everywhere, too, there is an open field for woman's ministry. Christ is no longer here in person to be served, as He was served by these women who followed Him from Galilee; but in His needy and suffering followers, He is ever present; and whoever will, may minister unto Him! For He said that in doing acts of kindness to the least of His people, we do them unto Him.

Much practical teaching is in this picture, which is here held up before every woman, inspiring her to wholeheartedly follow Christ. <M136>

Matthew 27:55 NIV

[55] Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.

** Jesus came to earth to save us — from something — and He didn’t sacrifice His life on the cross to make our lives easier and to help us get through our daily difficulties; God’s help is a by-product of having a committed relationship with Him, not the reason for the relationship

Luke 18:18 NIV

[18] A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

No, Christ came to save us from eternal judgment; Jesus warned the Pharisees about Hell, so we also need to heed His warning and not just put our focus on what we prefer to hear, such as Heaven <S188>

Matthew 23:15 NIV

[15] “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.

** Followers of Christ can find strength to overcome anything this world throws at us by calling on His Name for help and following His example as outlined in Scripture

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

** Look ahead to see if you will encounter evil and plan how to deal with it with God’s help; if you know you will be personally affected by it, then prepare now with a ‘Plan B’ <H86>

Proverbs 22:3 NIV

[3] The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

** Jesus proved He is God and has the authority to instruct us how to live, so we go to His word to determine His example and instruction in truth

Jesus quoted the Old Testament so we know those books are relevant to us even though they are thousands of years old; Jesus’ life on earth in the New Testament is also obviously relevant to us today <S188>

Titus 1:2 NIV

[2] in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time

** When our Lord taught His disciples how to pray, it was thus He said they should begin. They were not to come to infinite power, or to unknowable mystery, or to inaccessible light — but to tender fatherhood. This precious name "Father" at the gateway, makes the approach to God easy and sure.

The name "Father" assures us of divine love and care. Does a true parent have care for his child? Much more does our Father in Heaven care for His children on the earth! He even cares for the birds, feeding them their daily food. He even cares for the flowers, weaving with colorful threads the lovely robes which they wear. He surely cares more for His children!

So the precious name "Father" assures us that we shall never be neglected nor overlooked in this great world.

The name "Father" also gives us assurance of unhindered access to the Divine presence. The children of a great earthly king are not kept waiting at their father's door, as strangers are. Just so, God's children have perfect liberty in His presence. They can never come at an untimely hour. He is never too busy to see them and to listen to their words of love and prayer. In the midst of the innumerable affairs of the vast universe, He thinks of His lowliest child! Amid all the confusion and noise of this great world, He hears and recognizes the faintest cry that rises from the lips of the least and lowliest of His little ones.

The name "Father" also interprets for us, the grace and mercy of our God. We are always conscious of sin. How, then, can we gain access to a holy God? Ah! He is our Father! We know that even an earthly father does not shut the door on his erring child. The candle is left burning in the window through the long dark nights — that the wanderer out in the blackness and longing to return, seeing the bright beams, may be assured of love and a waiting welcome. Infinitely more gracious, is "our Father in Heaven!" <M136>

Matthew 6:9 NIV

[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “ 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

** God gave the prophet Ezekiel everything needed to deal with the hard-hearted and obstinate exiles he was to approach in ministry; God lifted Ezekiel to the place he needed to be and later told him where to go

Ezekiel 3:4-9 NIV

[4] He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. [5] You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and strange language, but to the people of Israel--- [6] not to many peoples of obscure speech and strange language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. [7] But the people of Israel are not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for all the Israelites are hardened and obstinate. [8] But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. [9] I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. ”

Ezekiel 3:12-15 NIV

[12] Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing. [13] It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against each other and the sound of the wheels beside them, a loud rumbling sound. [14] The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the Lord on me. [15] I came to the exiles who lived at Tel Aviv near the Kebar River. And there, where they were living, I sat among them for seven days---deeply distressed.

Ezekiel 3:22-24 NIV

[22] The hand of the Lord was on me there, and he said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” [23] So I got up and went out to the plain. And the glory of the Lord was standing there, like the glory I had seen by the Kebar River, and I fell facedown. [24] Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me and said: “Go, shut yourself inside your house.

** Ezekiel was to warn the righteous who did evil; if they turned from their sin, they would be saved

Ezekiel 3:20-21 NIV

[20] “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. [21] But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself. ”

** The God of the Bible is the God of the broken-hearted.

The world cares little for the broken hearts. Indeed, people oftentimes break hearts by their cruelty, their falseness, their injustice, their coldness, and then move on as heedlessly as if they had trodden only on a worm! But God cares. Broken-heartedness attracts Him. The plaint of grief on earth, draws Him down from heaven.

Physicians in their rounds do not stop at the homes of the well, but of the sick. So it is with God in His movements through this world. It is not to the whole and the well — but to the wounded and stricken, that He comes with sweetest tenderness! Jesus said of His mission: "He has sent Me to bind up the broken-hearted." (Isa 61:1)

We look upon trouble as misfortune. We say that the life is being destroyed, which is passing through adversity. But the truth which we find in the Bible, does not so represent suffering. God is a repairer and restorer of the hurt and ruined life. He takes the bruised reed, and by His gentle skill makes it whole again, until it grows into fairest beauty. The love, pity, and grace of God, minister sweet blessing of comfort and healing to restore the broken and wounded hearts of His people.

Much of the most beautiful life in this world, comes out of sorrow. As "fair flowers bloom upon rough stalks," so many of the fairest flowers of human life grow upon the rough stalks of suffering. We see that those who in heaven wear the whitest robes, and sing the loudest songs of victory — are those who have come out of great tribulation. Heaven's highest places are filling, not from earth's homes of glad festivity and tearless joy but from its chambers of pain; its valleys of struggle where the battle is hard; and its scenes of sorrow, where pale cheeks are wet with tears, and where hearts are broken. The God of the Bible is the God of the bowed down, whom He lifts up into His strength.

God is the God of those who fail. Not that He loves those who stumble and fall, better than those who walk erect without stumbling; but He helps them more. The weak believers get more of His grace, than those who are strong believers. There is a special divine promise which says, "My divine power is made perfect in weakness." When we are conscious of our own insufficiency, then we are ready to receive of the divine sufficiency. Thus our very weakness is an element of strength. Our weakness is an empty cup, which God fills with His own strength.

You may think that your weakness unfits you for noble, strong, beautiful living, or for sweet, gentle, helpful serving. You wish you could get clear of it. It seems to burden you — an ugly spiritual deformity. But really it is something which, if you give it to Christ, He can transform into a blessing, a source of His power. The friend by your side, whom you envy because he seems so much stronger than you are — does not get so much of Christ's strength as you do. You are weaker than him, but your weakness draws to you divine power and makes you strong. <M136>

Psalm 147:3 NIV

[3] He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 34:18 NIV

[18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Isaiah 61:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners

** A true Bible-based perspective of our future beyond this life in order to understand our journey through it. Without such a Scripture-based forward look to the paradise that awaits us, we often err by making this life our destination and eternity but an afterthought.

For those of us securely in Christ, our future millennial reign with Him provides a context into which we can place personal tragedies and other experiences during our short-lived journey this side of eternity.

The Bible gives a picture of eternity that breathes hope into our lives and brings peace amid the turmoil of this life. As the collision of this world with the seven-year Tribulation looms ever so close, it’s essential that we focus on Jesus’ imminent appearing. <B26>

Revelation 21:4 NIV

[4] 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

** God's Word is represented as a lamp for the feet. It is a "lamp" — not a blazing sun, nor even a lighthouse — but a plain, common lamp or lantern which one can carry about in the hand.

It is a lamp "for the feet," not throwing its beams afar, not illumining a hemisphere, but shining only on the one little bit of road on which the pilgrim's feet are walking.

The law of divine guidance is, "Step by step". One who carries a lantern on a country-road at night, sees only one step before him. If he takes that step, he carries his lantern forward, and thus makes another step plain. At length he reaches his destination in safety, without once stepping into darkness. The whole way has been made light for him, though only a single step of it at a time. This illustrates the usual method of God's guidance. <M136>

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

** Eating the scroll in Ezekiel’s vision was akin to fully digesting what the Lord had to say, so it became part of him and he could emulate it to others

Ezekiel 3:1-3 NIV

[1] And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.” [2] So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. [3] Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Ezekiel 3:10 NIV

[10] And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you.

** How do we know what God expects of our behavior? Study Scripture. Don’t wait for your preacher to do a study on sin. Study what Scripture says and don’t twist it’s meaning to show your chosen sin as acceptable.

The Bereans were commended for searching Scripture to be sure what Paul was preaching was God's truth. By the way, it was Old Testament Scripture which they searched. Ultimately, you will be accountable for your own sin, and ignorance isn’t an excuse. The whole Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, is God’s word. Men held the writing instruments, but they wrote according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Put away the self-help books and study God’s Holy Bible. That’s how we know God’s truth. We study what Scripture says, then conform to it, rather than making it conform to us. We can all find sins in our life that need to be corrected. <G73>

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

** A godly man is a lover of the Word of God. Christ is the fountain of living water, the Word is the golden pipe through which it runs!

A godly man diligently reads the Word of God. The noble Bereans "searched the Scriptures daily" (Acts 17:11). Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). The Word is the field where the Pearl of Great Price is hidden. How we should dig for this pearl! A godly man's heart is the library to hold the Word of God; it dwells richly in him (Colossians 3:16). By diligent conversing with Scripture, we may carry a Bible in our heads!

A godly man frequently meditates on the Word of God. "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long." (Psalm 119:97). A pious soul meditates on the truth and holiness of the Word. He not only has a few transient thoughts, but leaves his mind steeping in the Scripture. By meditation, he sucks honey from this sweet flower, and ruminates on holy truths in his mind.

A godly man delights in the Word of God. It is his recreation. Never did a man take such delight in a dish that he loved, as the prophet did in the Word. And indeed, how can a saint choose but take great pleasure in the Word? All of his eternal hopes are contained in it. Does not a son take pleasure in reading his father's will and testament, in which he bequeaths his estate to him? "I delight in your commands because I love them! (Psalm 119:47)

Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

[16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

A godly man hides the Word of God. "Your word have I hidden in my heart" (Psalm 119:11) — as one hides a treasure so that it should not be stolen. The Word is the jewel; the heart is the cabinet where it must be locked up. Many hide the Word in their memory but not in their heart. And why would David enclose the Word in his heart? "That I might be kept from sinning against You." As a man would carry an antidote about him when he comes near an infected place, so a godly man carries the Word in his heart as a spiritual antidote to preserve him from the infection of sin. Why have so many been poisoned with error, others with moral vice — because they have not hidden the Word as a holy antidote in their heart!

Do we love the Word?

• When we need direction, do we consult this sacred oracle?

• When we find corruptions strong, do we make use of this "sword of the Spirit" to hew them down?

• When we are disconsolate, do we go to this bottle of the water of life for comfort?

Then we are lovers of the Word! <W210>

Psalm 119:127 NIV

[127] Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

** Jeremiah understood his strength comes from the Lord, and so he waited patiently

Lamentations 3:24-26,28 NIV

[24] I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” [25] The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; [26] it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. [28] Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him.

Lamentations 3:55-58 NIV

[55] I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. [56] You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” [57] You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” [58] You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life.

** Sin makes the cup of affliction a bitter cup but we can always find strength in the Lord to overcome; because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed!

Lamentations 3:19-22 NIV

[19] I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. [20] I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. [21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

** All of Christian life is a school. "Learn from Me," said the Master. We are only beginners when we first become Christians and enter Christ's school. We begin at the lowest grade. We do not have to wait until we know a great deal before we begin to attend school. School is not for finished scholars but for the most ignorant. We may come to Christ when we know almost nothing. He is the teacher and all believers are learners.

Matthew 11:29 NIV

[29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

** The people drifted away from a relationship with God — and then blamed Him for their defeat with the Philistines

1 Samuel 4:3 NIV

[3] When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord's covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

** God allows man’s and Satan’s wrath to unfold on His people when the stage is being set for the Tribulation, but God will spare believers from His wrath; therefore the Rapture of the church must happen before the horrific Tribulation <M131>

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

[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.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:10 NIV

[10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

** Man’s wrath is brought upon himself because he abandoned God — removed Him from schools, courts, city centers, etc and then our society has the gall to instruct God on gender issues, what lives are valuable and worth saving, etc

Christians who speak against this perversion in the west right now experience “white collar persecution” but need to be ready for this to increase <H84>; fear not, for we always have hope even though difficulty surrounds us!

Lamentations 3:19-23 NIV

** Evil doesn’t win forever, for one day there will be a reckoning against this world and evil doers will be judged; God’s perfect government will replace what we see now! <M131> (Sep 2021)

Psalm 2:1-6 NIV

** Where do people go who do not have the Lord to lean on?

Lamentations 1:16-17 NIV

[16] “This is why I weep and my eyes overflow with tears. No one is near to comfort me, no one to restore my spirit. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed.” [17] Zion stretches out her hands, but there is no one to comfort her. The Lord has decreed for Jacob that his neighbors become his foes; Jerusalem has become an unclean thing among them.

Lamentations 1:21a NIV

[21] “People have heard my groaning, but there is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my distress; they rejoice at what you have done.

Psalm 91:1-3 NIV

[1] Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [3] Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.

** God, the Creator of all things, is our strength; through Him we can do all things!

Jeremiah 51:19-23 NIV

[19] He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including the people of his inheritance---the Lord Almighty is his name. [20] “You are my war club, my weapon for battle---with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms, [21] with you I shatter horse and rider, with you I shatter chariot and driver, [22] with you I shatter man and woman, with you I shatter old man and youth, with you I shatter young man and young woman, [23] with you I shatter shepherd and flock, with you I shatter farmer and oxen, with you I shatter governors and officials.

Philippians 4:13 NIV

[13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

** Destruction is at hand to anyone who follows a false prophet, for they will be led down the wrong path and often ignore the evil of sin

Lamentations 2:14 NIV

[14] The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity. The prophecies they gave you were false and misleading.

** Trust in God, not rumors

Jeremiah 51:46 NIV

[46] Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler.

** God’s help can be seen as a shield that surrounds us

2 Samuel 22:36 NIV

[36] You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great.

** A friend is one who loves, and does not cease to love. Christ having loved His people, loves them unto the end.

One quality of true friendship, is trust. What could be more sacred than this comfort of feeling safe with a person, absolutely safe? That is the kind of friend Jesus is. You may always feel safe with Him. You may confess all your sins to Him. You may tell Him all your faults and your failures — how you denied Him the other night, how you failed to be true to Him, and all the evil thoughts of your heart; and He will be just as tender and gracious, as if you never sinned! He loves to the end!

None of us would want to have our hearts photographed, and the picture held up before the eyes of our neighbors! We would not want even our best friends to see a full transcript of our secret life — what goes on within us:

• the jealousies,

• the envyings,

• the bitter feelings,

• the impure thoughts,

• the meannesses,

• the selfishnesses,

• the suspicions,

• the doubts and fears!

Yet Christ sees all this unworthy inner life. He knows the worst that is in us, and loves us still! We do not need to hide our weaknesses from Him. He never withdraws His love. We may trust Him absolutely and forever! <M136>

John 13:1 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

** Time is made up of golden minutes, not one of which we should allow to be wasted! The Master said that for every idle word that men speak, they must give account. This can be no less true of idle minutes or hours.

Most of us live as if we had a thousand years to stay here in this world! We loiter away the golden hours of our little days, as if the days were never to end! We do not see how swiftly the sun is whirling toward his setting, while our work is but half done, our task perhaps scarcely begun!

We fritter away days, weeks, months--not noticing how our one little opportunity of living in this world is being worn off, as the sea eats away a crumbling bank until its last shred is gone! We set slight value on time, forgetting that we have only a hand-breadth of it--and then comes eternity!

What you make of your life, you must make in a few years at the most; for the human span is short, and any day may be your last one! Every day that passes, leaves life's margin a little less for each of us. Our allotment of time is ever shortening! <M136>

Psalm 90:12 NIV

[12] Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Ephesians 5:16 NIV

[16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

John 6:12 NIV

[12] When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

1 Corinthians 7:29a NIV

[29] What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short.

** Do not trust in personal accomplishments or riches, for they will turn out to be your downfall

Jeremiah 48:7 NIV

[7] Since you trust in your deeds and riches, you too will be taken captive, and Chemosh will go into exile, together with his priests and officials.

Jeremiah 48:33,36 NIV

[33] Joy and gladness are gone from the orchards and fields of Moab. I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses; no one treads them with shouts of joy. Although there are shouts, they are not shouts of joy. [36] “So my heart laments for Moab like the music of a pipe; it laments like a pipe for the people of Kir Hareseth. The wealth they acquired is gone.

** God allows [shadow of the four horsemen] to foreshadow the horror to come. Not to scare the believer, but as a warning for us that time is running out. The reason it is obvious to us, and not the world is because the world is not looking for it. Furthermore, they are incapable of understanding what is transpiring right in front of their very eyes. The convergence of the signs is for those who are watching to know the season and to see that day approaching, as the Bible instructs.

“Shadows are interesting things. They communicate a reality, yet, they themselves are not really real. They indicate the thing that is coming, yet, they are not the things themselves.”

<O1591>

Luke 21:28 NIV

[28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

** God continues to discipline His people “in due measure” and “not let [us] go entirely unpunished”, ensuring that we reap the consequences of what we sow

Jeremiah 46:27-28 NIV

[27] “Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. [28] Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, for I am with you,” declares the Lord. “Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.”

** Power and prosperity soon pass from one to another in this changing world

Jeremiah 46:19,24 NIV

[19] Pack your belongings for exile, you who live in Egypt, for Memphis will be laid waste and lie in ruins without inhabitant. [24] Daughter Egypt will be put to shame, given into the hands of the people of the north. ”

** People sometimes think that salvation imparts…

• godly virtues,

• fine qualities of Christian character,

• lovely traits of disposition, and

• elements of spiritual beauty —

without any cost or effort to the believer himself!

Christ's followers are transformed: old things pass away, and all things become new. Those who believe in Him, are fashioned into His image. But these blessings do not come easily. The heavenly graces are not put into our life, as one might hang up lovely pictures on the walls to adorn a home! They must be wrought into our life in a sense, by our own hands. We must work out our own salvation — although it is God who works in us, both to will and to work.

For example, patience is not put into anyone's life, as one brings in a piece of new furniture. You cannot merely receive patience as a gift from God. Patience is a lesson to be learned, through long and watchful self-discipline. Christ is the teacher, but you are the student, and it is the student who must learn the lesson! Not even Christ will learn it for you, to spare you the effort. Nor can it be made an easy lesson for you. It costs to grow patient, and you must pay the price yourself!

The same is true of all the elements of a godly and worthy character. We are always at school in this world. God is teaching us the things we need to learn. The lessons are not easy, sometimes they are very hard! But the hardest lessons are the best, for they bring out in us the finest qualities, if only we learn them well.

Those, therefore, who find themselves in what may seem adverse conditions, compelled to face hardship, endure opposition, and pass through struggle — should quietly accept the responsibility; and, trusting in Christ for guidance and strength, go firmly and courageously forward — conscious that they have now an opportunity to grow strong, and develop in themselves the qualities of worthy and noble character! <M136>

Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

** Be obedient: even though they initially inquired through prayer, the remnant Jews really didn’t want to follow God’s counsel because His answer was not what they desired; they were again warned of God’s wrath if they went against His guidance

Jeremiah 42:19-22 NIV

[19] “Remnant of Judah, the Lord has told you, 'Do not go to Egypt.' Be sure of this: I warn you today [20] that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the Lord your God and said, 'Pray to the Lord our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.' [21] I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the Lord your God in all he sent me to tell you. [22] So now, be sure of this: You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.”

** The patience and goodness of God to this remnant group of ancient people was remarkable; he did not even leave them in their rebellion but continued to communicate through His prophet warning them of the sin that brought disaster on them <C34>

Jeremiah 44:4-5 NIV

[4] Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, 'Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!' [5] But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods but were in blatant defiance against God

Jeremiah 44:15-17 NIV

[15] Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present---a large assembly---and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, [16] “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord! [17] We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our ancestors, our kings and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were well off and suffered no harm.

** Our forgiving God will forgive the “remnant He spares”

Jeremiah 50:20 NIV

[20] In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “search will be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare.

Jeremiah 50:33-34 NIV

[33] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. [34] Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon.

** We rejoice to know that "God is love!" Love is an attribute of His holy Being, without which He would not be God. We know that God is love, because His love is revealed and made known by His deeds. Love is active. It is never dormant. Like fire, it must break out. It cannot be contained. It is known only when it is experienced--not by words, but by deeds. We know the love of God is that love that "surpasses knowledge." Yet, God's love is revealed and made known by these six deeds of indescribable love:

The first act of God's love was our ELECTION in Christ (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Election is not a hard doctrine. It is a delightful doctrine. Were it not for God's electing love toward sinners, there would be no salvation (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). We would never have come to know and love Christ, had He not first loved us (John 15:16; 1 John 4:19).

The second act of God's love was our REDEMPTION by Christ (Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10). Because He loved us, the Son of God assumed our nature, assumed our sin, assumed our guilt and died under the wrath of God as our Substitute, to put away our sins. "The Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me!"

The third act by which God reveals His love to sinners is His EFFECTUAL SAVING GRACE (Jeremiah 31:3).

• Those whom the triune God loved--the Father chose to save.

• Those whom the Father chose to save--the Son redeemed.

• And those whom the Son redeemed--the Holy Spirit will effectually call by His irresistible grace to life and faith in Christ.

The love of God is revealed fourthly in the absolute PRESERVATION of His elect in a state of grace (John 10:28; Romans 8:39). Can you imagine one who is loved of God--falling from a state of grace, perishing and suffering the wrath of God forever in Hell? Such a notion is worse than nonsense, it is utter blasphemy! The love of God is…

• without cause,

• without beginning,

• without condition,

• without change,

• and without end!

• It is free.

• It is sovereign.

• It is indestructible.

• It is everlasting.

Fifthly, God's love for His elect is seen in our Savior's TENDER, PROVIDENTIAL CARE for us (John 11:35-36). Our Savior really is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. We really are the apple of His eye.

But there is one act of love that goes beyond election, redemption, effectual calling, preservation, and providential care. As great and marvelous as those things are, there is one act of God that goes beyond them all. If the climax of God's love is our redemption by Christ, then the apex of God's love is our ADOPTION into the family of God! <F67>

1 John 3:1-3 NIV

[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. [2] 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. [3] All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

** William Booth (founder of Salvation Army) predicted that by the end of the 20th century the church would be preaching Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration and heaven without hell. We are at that point. When is the last time you heard a sermon on regeneration, sin, or hell? We can add the lack of eschatological preaching to the list of apostasy in the church. Satan has hijacked Christian values and put his own label on it (July 2021)

1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

** Do fathers know how VITAL their role is in the home, especially with the development of their sons?

Issue: boys need to be affirmed of their (physical, emotional, spiritual) growth by their fathers — which requires the Biblical family unit and fathers who have a firm moral foundation & directive from Christ; numerous current-day societal agendas are working against this type of support at full throttle — to the point of saying we need to not only discourage boys to become men but condone changing their gender when they have questions!

Proverbs 4:4 NIV

[4] Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

Ephesians 6:4 NIV

[4] Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

** The Lord protected Jeremiah because he trusted the Lord; God promised this to Jeremiah before Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians

Jeremiah 39:11-14 NIV

[11] Now Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had given these orders about Jeremiah through Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard: [12] “Take him and look after him; don't harm him but do for him whatever he asks.” [13] So Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard, Nebushazban a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a high official and all the other officers of the king of Babylon [14] sent and had Jeremiah taken out of the courtyard of the guard. They turned him over to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, to take him back to his home. So he remained among his own people.

Jeremiah 39:15-18 NIV

[15] While Jeremiah had been confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him: [16] “Go and tell Ebed-Melek the Cushite, 'This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfill my words against this city---words concerning disaster, not prosperity. At that time they will be fulfilled before your eyes. [17] But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. [18] I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.' ”

** Everyone of us want to go to heaven, as this earth is nothing but sin and misery. Oh, God gives us the things that are necessary to endure the years we have on this earth, so we can work for Him, and He knows what we need to endure this life. But we are but pilgrims in a land that is not our home. We search for a home not built with hands, but is waiting for us, as Jesus will bring us to His Father's House and where our mansions are being made right now.

But the rub of the point is we will cling to this life with both hands until the very last second, as we pray for long life even if we acknowledge the joy that we want to go home. It is bred into our DNA that is called the sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight” to preserve life. Even though we know the next life is by far better than the one we now live, we fight to live a long life. God gave us a commandment that our days would be long on this earth:

Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV

[2] “Honor your father and mother”---which is the first commandment with a promise--- [3] “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

With what has been said, it appears quite contradictory. The promise is that we will live a long life upon the earth by honoring our father and mother in this life. Knowing our doctrine of to “die is gain” it would seem illogical to reward believers with a long life on this earth.

As the old saying goes, "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die." Atheists are quick to point out the seeming inconsistency to that position as 'evidence' that our faith, no matter how staunchly we might defend it, is really just a sham, like whistling past the graveyard.

Being dead is far different that ‘getting dead’. The fear anyone has is getting there, than it is of being there. So the promise given by God that “my days be long upon the earth” is attractive to the mortal flesh, because none of us are eager or looking forward to the jumping off point, even though we long to be clothed with immortality.

No one wants to die prematurely, that is before the fullness of days for one's chances to do what is right will have all been used up. Someday, I will stand before my Lord Jesus Christ and be rewarded for what I have accomplished in this life, for HIM, not for myself. None of us know how much time we have left, so we should not waste a moment, as I know within myself of what I have wasted already, so I can't afford to spare another second for anything but the glory of God. <T201>

2 Corinthians 5:1-3 NIV

[1] For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. [2] Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, [3] because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

** God wanted to make sure His message was received by everyone (including the king and His people) so He had Jeremiah write down what God had spoken to him; Jeremiah created a second scroll after King Jehoiakim burned the first

Jeremiah 36:2-3 NIV

[2] “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. [3] Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”

Jeremiah 36:27-28,32 NIV

[27] After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah's dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: [28] “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up. [32] So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated, Baruch wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

** God continues to provide the only truth that will set all men free from the bondage of sin; this scares those who want to control our lives so every effort is made to squash God’s truth, just like the Pharisees (Jews) with whom Jesus communicated in His day

John 14:6 NIV

[6] Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 18:37 NIV

True genuine disciples are recognized because they continue in God’s truth — His word; false faith often starts with a selfish motive (such as alleviating fear and guilt, attaining success, getting direction in life, healing, joining a social club, etc) but ends with serious eternal consequences

John 8:31-36 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” [33] They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” [34] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. [35] Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. [36] So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

True genuine faith requires total allegiance to Jesus Christ and persisting through the hard times, obeying God’s commands even though life is tough — perseverance and sanctification in truth <M130>

Luke 12:8-9 NIV

[8] “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. [9] But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.

James 2:17 NIV

[17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Luke 14:26-27 NIV

[26] “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters---yes, even their own life---such a person cannot be my disciple. [27] And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Hebrews 12:14 NIV

[14] Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

** God’s almighty power and wisdom in creation are evidence of His superiority to all idols; these idols along with the worshippers will be destroyed by His mighty power, as in Babylon’s case <M130>

Jeremiah 51:17-18 NIV

[17] “Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. [18] They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.

Jeremiah 51:15-16 NIV

[15] “He made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. [16] When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

Jeremiah 51:47,52 NIV

[47] For the time will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon; her whole land will be disgraced and her slain will all lie fallen within her. [52] “But days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish her idols, and throughout her land the wounded will groan.

** Our Christian life demonstrated through our faith is a muscle like others in our body that need to be used & tested in order to grow; we lose muscles we don’t use and the same will happen to our faith if we don’t exercise it

Put into action your belief in God, that He hears you, loves you, wants what is best for you, is sovereign above all else… and then leave the results to Him

** In the morning the thief was OUT of Christ:

• far from God and far from righteousness,

• the helpless captive of sin,

• the child of despair and death.

At noon the thief was IN Christ:

• remembered graciously by the Savior of the lost,

• redeemed with an everlasting redemption,

• endowed with the new heart,

• and freely and perfectly justified.

In the evening the thief was WITH Christ:

• gazing on the glories of paradise,

• safe at home with his good Shepherd and adorable Redeemer.

What a crowded and memorable day this was in his history! So much was pressed into these few hours. Such a glorious and unprecedented transition they brought, from the cruel cross — to Heaven's glory! <S182>

Luke 23:42-43 NIV

[42] Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” [43] Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

** Here’s the deal: God will break His covenant with the Israelites when we can make day and night cease to exist… which is never

Jeremiah 33:23-26 NIV

[23] The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: [24] “Have you not noticed that these people are saying, 'The Lord has rejected the two kingdoms he chose'? So they despise my people and no longer regard them as a nation. [25] This is what the Lord says: 'If I have not made my covenant with day and night and established the laws of heaven and earth, [26] then I will reject the descendants of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his sons to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.' ”

Jeremiah 33:20-21 NIV

[20] “This is what the Lord says: 'If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, [21] then my covenant with David my servant---and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me---can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne.

** Those who expect comforts and forgiveness from God must call upon Him; in turn, God may choose to provide and promises to graciously forgive those who committed sin against Him <H83>

Jeremiah 33:6-8 NIV

[6] “ 'Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. [7] I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. [8] I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

** God can reveal to us what is deemed ‘unsearchable’, similar to God willingly providing wisdom when we ASK Him

Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

[3] 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'

Romans 11:33 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Luke 21:15 NIV

[15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

James 1:5 NIV

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

** Israel’s first birth happened when Joshua brought God’s people into the Promised Land; Israel’s second birth was in 1948 in one day, exactly as Isaiah proclaimed 2500 years ago! God fulfills His promises! <H84>

Isaiah 66:7-9 NIV

Ezekiel 34:13 NIV

[13] I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land.

** Consider what one of the founding fathers had to say…

“Let us devoutly acknowledge both the source and the justice of our calamities. The origin of the evils that afflict us is often to be found in the sins which disgrace us. Sin is the only thing in all the universe which God hates, and this He abhors wherever He discovers it.

With our limited understanding and feeble powers of moral perception — it is impossible for us to form an adequate idea of the evil of sin, or the light in which it is contemplated by a God whose understanding is infinite and whose purity is immaculate. That law which men are daily trampling upon, equally without consideration, without reason, and without penitence is most sacred in His eyes as the emanation and the transcript of His own holiness.

He is also omnipresent and omniscient. There is not a nook or corner of the land from which He is excluded. Of every scene of iniquity, He is the constant though invisible witness. The whole mass of national guilt with the every minutest particular of it, is ever before His eye!

His justice, which consists in giving to all their due, must incline Him to punish iniquity — and His power enables Him to do it!

He is the moral governor of the nations, and concerned to render His providence subservient to the display of His attributes. And if a people so highly favored as we are, notwithstanding our manifold sins, escape without chastisement — will not some be ready to question the equity, if not the very exercise of His administration?

His threatenings against the wicked are to be found in almost every page of holy Scripture. Nor are the threatenings of the Bible to be viewed in the light of mere unreal terrors, as clouds and storms which the poet's pencil has introduced into the picture — the creatures of his own imagination, and only intended to excite the imagination of others.

No! They are solemn realities intended to operate by their denunciation as a check upon sin; or if not so regarded, to be endured in their execution as a punishment upon our sins! Scripture gives us many examples in which this has happened. It has preserved an account of the downfall of nearly all the chief empires, kingdoms and cities of antiquity; and that, not as a mere chronicle of the event, but as a great moral lesson to the world. Scripture carefully informs us that sin was the cause of their ruin!” <J101>

Jeremiah 32:31 NIV

[31] From the day it was built until now, this city has so aroused my anger and wrath that I must remove it from my sight.

** Child of God, let me urge you to make use of your God. Make use of him in prayer; I beseech you, go to Him often, because He is your God. He has made Himself over to you, and He has become the property of all His children, so that all that He has, and all that He is, is theirs. O child of God, will you let your treasury lie idle, when you need it? No! go and draw from it by prayer.

• Fly to Him, tell Him all your needs — use Him constantly by faith, at all times.

• If some dark providence has come over you — use your God as a sun, for He is a sun.

• If some strong enemy has come out against you — use your God for a shield, for He is a shield to protect you.

• If you have lost your way in the mazes of life — use Him for a guide, for the great Jehovah will direct you.

• If you are in storms — use Him, for He is the God who stills the raging of the sea, and says unto the waves, "Be still."

• If you are a poor thing, knowing not which way to turn — use Him for a shepherd, for the Lord is your Shepherd, and you shall not want.

Whatever you are, and wherever you are, remember that God is just what you need. I beseech you, then, make use of your God! <S185>

Jeremiah 31:33 NIV

** The truth that the Lord will never leave us ought to bring unspeakable comfort to God's children, who are called to suffer earthly losses. If they have GOD left to them, no other loss is irreparable!

A wealthy man came home one evening with a heavy heart and said that he had lost everything. Bankruptcy had overtaken him. "We are utterly beggared!" he said. "All is gone; there is nothing left! We must leave our home, and beg for tomorrow's bread!" His little five year old daughter crept up on his knee, and, looking earnestly into his despairing face said, "Why, papa, you have mamma and me left!"

Just so, what are temporal and worldly losses of the sorest kind — while God remains? Yes, what is the loss of money, houses, costly furniture, and other possessions — while God's love remains? There is surely enough in Him, to compensate a thousand times for every earthly loss!

Our lives may be stripped bare: home, friends, riches, comforts gone; every sweet voice of love, every note of joy silenced; and we may be driven out from brightness, tenderness and shelter into the cold ways of sorrow! Yet if we have God Himself left — ought not this to suffice? Is He not in Himself infinitely more than all His gifts? If we have Him, do we really need anything else? <M136>

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

[5] Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Psalm 23:1 NIV

[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

** Jesus did not come immediately when He saw the disciples struggling in the boat in the storm; indeed, it was almost morning when He came, and the disciples had been struggling all night in the storm.

Yet He had not been indifferent to them meanwhile. From the mountainside where He was praying, He kept His eye upon them. "He saw that they were in serious trouble." All that dark night, He kept a watch upon that little boat that bore His disciples in the midst of the waves.

There is something very suggestive in the narrative. This 'boat in the storm', is a picture of 'Christ's friends in this world, in the storms of life'. Sometimes we think we are forgotten — but from His place in glory, Christ's eye is always on us! He sees us struggling, battling with the waves, beaten, and distressed. He has full sympathy with us in all our struggles. It ought to be a great strength and comfort to us in trial, to know this. Jesus intercedes for us in our distresses!

It may not be best always to deliver us immediately but His prayer continually ascends, that our faith may not fail in the struggle. This also should encourage us. Then, He always comes in time. He may delay long, but it is never too long. If we call upon Him in trouble, we may be sure that He hears and sees us, and knows just how hard it is for us to endure; that He prays for us that we may not fail, and that He will come at the right time for our deliverance! <M136>

Mark 6:45-48 NIV

[45] Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. [46] After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray. [47] Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. [48] He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them

** Many prayers which seem to be unanswered, are really answered. The blessing comes, but in a form we do not recognize. Instead of the very thing we sought, something better is given!

The burden is not lifted away, but we are sustained beneath it. We are not spared the suffering, but in the suffering we are brought nearer to God, and receive more of His grace. The sorrow is not taken away, but is changed to joy.

Our ignorant prayers are taken into the hands of the great Intercessor, and are answered in ways far wiser than our thought!

• Instead of earthly trifles — heavenly riches!

• Instead of things which our poor wisdom sought — things God's infinite wisdom chose for us!

• Instead of pleasure for a day — gain for eternity! <M136>

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV

[8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

** The Israelites were under captivity in Babylon after Jerusalem’s destruction and Jeremiah penned God’s love letter to them; God used the analogy of good and bad baskets of figs to convey His intentions

God told His people to take heart, for He not only knew where each one of His children was and what they were going through, but He let them know He was using their circumstance so they could grow in order to obtain an ultimate hope and a future — the same hope and future God has for us when we trust Him through our present difficult circumstances!

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 24:5-7 NIV

[5] “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Like these good figs, I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this place to the land of the Babylonians. [6] My eyes will watch over them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. [7] I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Acts 2:23 NIV

[23] This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

Acts 4:27-28 NIV

Psalm 119:71 NIV

[71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

** Notice that Saul thought he was just persecuting no-name Christian believers but when Jesus stops him on the road to Damascus, He says that Saul is persecuting Jesus; when someone persecutes a believer they are really persecuting the Master — Jesus has our back <D40>

Acts 9:3-5 NIV

[3] As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” [5] “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

** God is infinite, limitless and omnipresent, almost like a sunbeam that casts over everything; God's presence has no end even though people like to contain Him; Solomon knew that the temple was simply the symbol of His presence

Jeremiah 23:24 NIV

[24] Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.

** Paul tells us that we ought to have…

• the same spirit as Jesus,

• the same temper and disposition as Jesus,

• and the same principles as Jesus.

The life of Christ must be the pattern of our lives.

We can learn what were the qualities of Christ's life by a study of the Gospels. These precious books not only tell us about Christ, of the facts of His life, the works He did, the words He spoke; they also show us…

• His sympathy,

• His kindness,

• His helpfulness,

• how He lived,

• how He interacted with people,

• how He bore enmity, unkindness and persecution.

Perhaps we do not think enough of Christ's beauty of character and disposition in forming our conception of Christian life. It is one thing to profess to be a Christian; and another thing to grow into the loveliness of Christ. One may be altogether sincere in confessing Christ, and yet be full of faults, only a beginner, having everything of Christian duty yet to learn; and all the beautiful qualities of Christian character yet to acquire. <M136>

1 John 2:6 NIV

[6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Philippians 2:5 NIV

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus

** The lives of godly people are sometimes compared to the dew. One point of likeness, is the quiet way in which the dew performs its ministry. It falls silently and imperceptibly. It makes no noise. No one hears it dropping. It chooses its time in the night when men are sleeping, when none can see its beautiful work. It covers the leaves with clusters of pearls. It steals into the bosoms of the flowers, and leaves new cupfuls of sweetness there. It pours itself down among the roots of the grasses and tender herbs and plants. It loses itself altogether, and yet it is not lost. For in the morning there is fresh life everywhere, and new beauty. The fields are greener, the gardens are more fragrant, and all nature is clothed in fresh luxuriance!

Is there not in this simile, a suggestion as to the way we should seek to do good in this world? Should we not wish to have our influence felt while no one thinks of us; rather than that we should be seen and heard and praised? Should we not be willing to lose ourselves in the service of self-forgetful love, as the dew loses itself in the bosom of the rose — caring only that other lives shall be sweeter, happier, and holier — and not that honor shall come to us? We are too anxious, some of us, that our names shall be written in large letters on the things we do, even on what we do for our Master; and are not willing to sink ourselves out of sight, and let Him alone have the praise.

Matthew 6:2-4 NIV

[2] “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Our Lord's teaching on the subject is very plain. The meaning would seem to be, that we are not to wish people to know of our good deeds, our charities, our self-denials; that we should not seek publicity, when we give money or do good works; indeed, that we are not even to tell ourselves what we have done; that we are not to think about our own good deeds so as to become conscious of them; not to put them down in our diaries and go about complimenting ourselves, throwing bouquets at ourselves, and whispering: "How good I am! What fine things I have done!"

This is an insightful test of our lives. Are we willing to be as the dew — to steal abroad in the darkness, carrying blessings to men's doors, blessings that shall enrich the lives of others and do them good — and then steal away again before those we have helped or blessed awaken, to know what hand it was that brought the gift? Are we willing to work for others…

• without gratitude,

• without recognition,

• without human praise,

• without requital?

If you go about doing good in simple ways, in gentle kindnesses, not thinking of reward, not dreaming of praise, not hoping for any return, you are enshrining your name where it will have immortal honor! Our lesson teaches us that this is the way we are to live, if we are followers of Christ! <M136>

Micah 5:7 NIV

[7] The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for anyone or depend on man.

** 'Where to go in sorrow' is one of life's great questions. For there are none to whom sorrow does not come at some time. The Master, whose footprints are on all life's paths, shows us the way to the refuge in the time of trouble. He found it in prayer. "Being in agony, He prayed."

We may listen at the gate of the Garden of Gethsemane, and learn how our Master prayed. He was facing a great sorrow and He pleaded with His Father, that it might not come to Him. We have a right, therefore, to ask in prayer that the trouble which seems imminent may pass, or that we may be relieved of the bitter anguish we are enduring. God will never blame us for such pleading.

There was another element, however, in our Lord's praying. In His most intense pleading for the passing of His sorrow, He still referred all to His Father. "Nevertheless, not as I will — but as You will."

There is no true prayer, which is not modeled after this pattern. We do not know what is best. We do not know what is in the sorrow for us, for others, or for the divine glory; nor what would be lost if we failed to endure it. We must leave all with our Father, saying, "Nevertheless, not as I will — but as You will."

Then the Master found the comfort which He sought. His prayer was answered. The cup of suffering did not pass. The bitterness was not lessened in the smallest degree. So far as we know, not a single cruel element in the terrible experience was eliminated or even mitigated, because of the prayer in the Garden.

The answer came in another way. The Holy Sufferer was strengthened to accept the sorrow and endure it! And was not that an answer? Was it not a better answer, than if the dreadful anguish had been diminished? The pleading grew less intense as He went back again and again into the depths of the Garden, and at the end, the struggle was over — victory had been won and He was at peace!

Prayer is always answered. It is answered either directly in the giving to us of what we ask; or in ourselves, in enabling us to accept the will of God and rejoice. We shall never seek this refuge of prayer in vain. We shall always find comfort there, and peace — and always God will meet us to strengthen us! <M136>

Luke 22:40-43 NIV

[40] On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” [41] He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, [42] “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” [43] An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

** A beautiful picture of how God can shape our lives for His purposes as a potter works with clay at his wheel

Jeremiah watched the potter at his wheel; the soft clay became misshapen, but the potter shaped it back into a good vessel illustrating that God can do the same with Judah if she repents <M130>

Jeremiah 18:1-6 NIV

[1] This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] “Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message.” [3] So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. [4] But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. [5] Then the word of the Lord came to me. [6] He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

** It is useless to call on god-like idols because they do not hear and cannot help in times of disaster

Jeremiah 11:12-13 NIV

[12] The towns of Judah and the people of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they will not help them at all when disaster strikes. [13] You, Judah, have as many gods as you have towns; and the altars you have set up to burn incense to that shameful god Baal are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.'

** Why does evil exist? God ordained evil for His own glory. God is made infinitely more glorious because evil exists. We praise Him because of what He has done to overcome evil!

“What was on display at the cross was the righteousness of God, in necessity of pouring out infinite punishment on an infinite Person who therefore had an infinite capacity to absorb all of humanity's sin in 3 hours”

We would not know God's righteousness and we wouldn't know His mercy if God did not allow sin. <M130>

Romans 3:5 NIV [God demonstrates His righteousness]

[5] But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)

Romans 5:8 NIV [God demonstrates His love toward us]

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 9:22 NIV [God demonstrates His wrath and mercy]

[22] What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath---prepared for destruction?

Doesn't God have the right to demonstrate His wrath as He does any other virtue? God puts his righteousness on display by the way He deals with evil.

** Can your minds fly back to the time when there was no time--to the day when there was no day, but the Ancient of Days?

Can you speed back to that period when God dwelt alone--when this round world and all the things that are upon it, had not come from His hand; when the sun flamed not in his strength, and the stars flashed not in their brightness?

Can you go back to the period when there were no angels, when cherubim and seraphim had not been born; and, if there be creatures older than they, when none of them had as yet been formed?

Is it possible, I say, for you to fly so far back as to contemplate God alone--no creature, no breath of song, no motion of wing; God Himself alone, without another?

Consider next, if you can, the eternal purpose of God that He would CREATE:

• He determines it in His mind.

• Could any but a divine motive actuate the Divine Architect?

• What must that motive have been?

• He creates that He may display His own perfections.

• He does beget, as it were, creatures after His own image that He may live in them; that He may manifest to others the joy, the pleasure, the satisfaction, which He so intensely feels in Himself.

I am certain His own glory must have been the end He had in view! He would reveal His glory to the sons of men, to angels, and to such creatures as He had formed--in order that they might reflect His honor and sing His praise. <S185>

Revelation 4:10-11 NIV

[10] the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: [11] “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Revelation 19:6-7 NIV

** Various PROFILES of the Millennium:

1. It will be a time of great peace

Psalm 72:7 NIV

[7] In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

Micah 4:2-3 NIV

[2] Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [3] He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

Isaiah 11:6-9 NIV

[6] The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. [7] The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. [8] The infant will play near the cobra's den, the young child will put its hand into the viper's nest. [9] They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

2. War will be unknown; it will be a time of prosperity

Ezekiel 34:26-27 NIV

[26] I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. [27] The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.

Ezekiel 36:29-30 NIV

[29] I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine upon you. [30] I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine.

Amos 9:13 NIV

[13] “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills

Zechariah 8:12 NIV

[12] “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people.

3. It will be a time of purity; sin will be kept in check

Isaiah 25:9 NIV

[9] In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Isaiah 66:23 NIV

[23] From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me,” says the Lord.

Zechariah 13:2 NIV

[2] “On that day, I will banish the names of the idols from the land, and they will be remembered no more,” declares the Lord Almighty. “I will remove both the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.

4. It will be a time of prolonged life

Isaiah 65:20 NIV

5. It will be a time of personal joy

Isaiah 25:8 NIV

[8] he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 30:29 NIV

[29] And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people playing pipes go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Rock of Israel. <J103>

** Covenant of Redemption:

“In eternity past, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, live and exist in this perfect unity in the Trinity Godhead, in need of absolutely nothing!

And then that perfect love spills out as the Father, out of His love for the Son, gives the Son a people. And the Son, out of His love for the Father, gives Himself to redeem the people whom the Father had given. And then the Holy Spirit actually applies that redemption to those whom the Father gave and the Son redeems and spills over into His creation.

And you and I not only get to be the byproduct of that but we get to be a part of that as the love of God is proclaimed in all of creation through the redemption of the saints of God!”

The gospel reminds us that God is love — look at His redemption. How can we not, in return, love the Gospel? <B292>

1 Peter 1:18-21 NIV

[18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Galatians 3:13-14 NIV

** Glory in Christ and in Him alone!

• Glory in Him as your Faithful Shepherd, who will care for you, and guard you, and restore you, and keep you even to the end.

• Glory in Him as your Unfailing Physician, who will heal your soul-wounds, and bind up the bleeding, broken heart.

• Glory in Him as your Great High Priest, who ever lives to plead your cause before the Throne of grace.

• Glory in Him as your Omnipotent King, who reigns over the events of Providence, and will make all things work together for your eternal good.

• Glory in Him as your Mighty Redeemer, who will deliver you from every enemy, and make you conqueror over sin, death and Hell.

• Glory in Him as your Everlasting Portion, remembering that when all else shall take wings and flee away; when the home is broken up, and dear ones die, and means grow less, and health decays, yes, when everything on earth fails you — He will be your everlasting treasure, and your unchangeable Friend!

And let this glorying be seen by your entire resignation to His will and by choosing His path rather than your own.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV

[23] This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, [24] but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

** Who can compare the God of the universe with idols that must be fashioned by the hands of men?

Jeremiah 10:9-10 NIV

[9] Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz. What the craftsman and goldsmith have made is then dressed in blue and purple---all made by skilled workers. [10] But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath.

Jeremiah 10:12-15 NIV

[12] But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. [13] When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. [14] Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. [15] They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish.

** Our loving God observes us and questions why some refuse Him, the One who loves us beyond measure and only desires what is best for us...?

Jeremiah 8:5-6 NIV

[5] Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. [6] I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.

** Sometimes it costs very dearly to be true to God. Joseph lay now in a dungeon. But his loss through doing right, was nothing in comparison with what he would have lost had he done the wickedness to which he was tempted.

His prison gloom, deep as it was--was as noonday, compared with what would have been the darkness of his soul under the blight of evil, and the bitterness of remorse. The chains that hung upon him in his dungeon, were but like feathers--in comparison with the heavy chains which would have bound his soul, had he yielded to the temptation. Though in a prison, his feet hurt by the fetters--he was a free man because his conscience was free and his heart was pure!

• No fear of consequences should ever drive us to do a wrong thing.

• It is better to suffer any loss, any cost, any sacrifice--than be eaten up by remorse!

• Better be hurled down from a high place for doing right, than win worldly honor by doing wrong.

• Better lose our right hand, than lose our purity of soul.

• Better to rot in prison, than to sin against God! <M136>

Genesis 39:19-20 NIV

[19] When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. [20] Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison

** Appealing to God to withhold His wrath is as simple as recognizing sin in your life and wholeheartedly turning to God to be cleansed of this sin

Jeremiah 4:14 NIV

[14] Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?

Jeremiah 4:18 NIV

[18] “Your own conduct and actions have brought this on you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart!”

** We must always turn to God’s word for wisdom and truth in order to obey; finding the Book of the Law under King Josiah was a huge discovery to understand how to follow God

Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls...'

How do we make the right choice? We need the combination of God's word and the Holy Spirit (interpretation, direction and motivation) because we can confuse our own voice with God's voice; the Holy Spirit will help confirm what we hear

God's way may be difficult but it is the only path to peace and rest; consequently, we will not be able to rest if we do not follow God's way

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

God helps us face difficulties in life when we follow Him but we need to stop and make right choices

2 Chronicles 34:31 NIV

[31] The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord---to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.

** Beware of false prophets and their “lying pen”as were the priests and prophets in Jeremiah’s day who led Judah into ruin; this is a call for all of God’s followers to be a Berean — to test what is heard against Scripture and treat the Word of God accurately

Jeremiah 8:8-9 NIV

[8] “ 'How can you say, “We are wise, for we have the law of the Lord,” when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? [9] The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do they have?

** False teachers have no shame; do not be duped but, rather, discern their words against God’s written word

Jeremiah 8:11-12 NIV

[11] They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. [12] Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the Lord.

** Remember that your way is ordered by a higher power than your will and choice. The eternal destiny of God has fixed your every footstep. Believe that wisdom, not blind fate, but God's wisdom, has ordained the bounds of your life and fixed your position and your condition so definitely that no fretfulness of yours can change it for the better.

In the decree of God, all your history is fixed, so as to secure His glory and your soul's profit. Your present sorrow is the bitter bud of greater joy. Your transient loss, secures your ultimate and never ceasing gain.

How I rejoice to believe that the Lord shall choose my inheritance for me! All things are fixed by my Father's hand — by no arbitrary and stern decree, but by His wise counsel and tender wisdom. He who loved us from before the foundations of the world has immutably determined all the steps of our pilgrimage!

Why then, should you worry yourself? There is a hand upon the helm which shall steer your vessel safely enough between the rocks and by the quicksands and away from the shoals and the headlands, through the mist, and through the darkness — safely to the desired haven!

Our Pilot never sleeps, and His hand never relaxes its grasp. It is a blessed thing, after you have been muddling and meddling as you ought not to do with the affairs of providence, to leave them alone and cast your burden upon the Lord. I charge you, therefore, children of God — in times of dilemma, to roll your burdens upon God and He will sustain you and make you to rejoice in beholding His wisdom and His love. <S185>

Psalm 31:15 NIV

[15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

** Christian reader, God says to you, "I have chosen you!" This is a great mystery and a comforting truth. God does not tell you WHY He chose you. He only tells you the simple fact. It is not for you to question it, or to shrink from it, but to receive it and be thankful.

God was free to love you or free to loathe you.

He was free to choose you or free to reject you.

He says, "I have chosen you!" Believe what God says, and rejoice. "Before the mountains were brought forth, before He had formed the earth and the world," God had chosen you! "From everlasting to everlasting, He is God." From everlasting to everlasting He loved, He chose, He delighted in His people.

Fellow-sinner, if God says, "I have chosen you," He says it...

• to encourage you;

• to strengthen you;

• to sanctify you;

• that you may rest upon the everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure,

• that you may look away from self, and see that salvation is altogether of the Lord.

Isaiah 41:9-10 NIV

[9] I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. [10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

[9] He has saved us and called us to a holy life---not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

** Of all the pictures God could have chosen to show His love for the world, and of all of the pictures God could have chosen to show how much His church loves Him, He chose marriage. How do we know this? Because God says:

Ephesians 5:22-25 NIV

[22] Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. [25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Essentially the Lord is saying: “Hey, Planet Earth, do you want to know how much I love My people? Check out the way that Christian husband loves His wife. That’s what it’s like. And do you want to know how much My church loves Me? Look at the way that wife loves her husband. That’s how much my church loves Me.” Our love for God is a response to God’s love for us.

1 John 4:19 NIV

[19] We love because he first loved us.

Despite our sinfulness, wickedness, and shortcomings, despite all the horrible things we’ve done, God loves us. And His love wins us over. <L120>

** We now see God as Father instead of Husband; only when we consider God from various relations with us can we measure the depth of our sin or motives we have for returning to Him <B20>

Jeremiah 3:19 NIV

[19] “I myself said, “ 'How gladly would I treat you like my children and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of any nation.' I thought you would call me 'Father' and not turn away from following me.

** Regardless of our guilt when caught in sin and attempts to get clean, we will not succeed unless we repent of our sin and ask God for forgiveness

Jeremiah 2:22 NIV

[22] Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

Jeremiah 2:26 NIV

[26] “As a thief is disgraced when he is caught, so the people of Israel are disgraced---they, their kings and their officials, their priests and their prophets.

** The prophet Hosea was instructed by God to marry an adulterous wife as an example to others; the restoration of Gomer by Hosea was a picture of God taking back His wicked, adulterous people <M130>

Jeremiah 3:1 NIV

[1] “If a man divorces his wife

and she leaves him and marries another man, should he return to her again? Would not the land be completely defiled? But you have lived as a prostitute with many lovers---would you now return to me?” declares the Lord.

Hosea 1:2 NIV

[2] When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”

Jeremiah 3:12-13 NIV

[12] Go, proclaim this message toward the north: “ 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the Lord, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,' declares the Lord, 'I will not be angry forever. [13] Only acknowledge your guilt---you have rebelled against the Lord your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,' ” declares the Lord.

** God pictured His covenant relationship with Israel as a marriage and pleaded with mercy for Judah to repent and return, for He will take her back; God will restore if we will repent!

Jeremiah 3:20,22-23 NIV

[20] But like a woman unfaithful to her husband, so you, Israel, have been unfaithful to me,” declares the Lord. [22] “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God. [23] Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hills and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.

Jeremiah 3:14 NIV

[14] “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you---one from a town and two from a clan---and bring you to Zion.

Jeremiah 3:12-13 NIV

** Jeremiah was created special to be a prophet just as we all are created for God's sovereign purpose; even those around us, regardless of situation, are special in God's eyes

Why are we doing what we are doing... did God call you to where you are right now?

Jeremiah 1:5 NIV

[5] “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. ”

Jeremiah 1:10 NIV

[10] See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

** Jeremiah complained about his appointment because he did not know how to speak or preach the message but God encouraged him and promised to help

Jeremiah 1:6-8 NIV

[6] “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” [7] But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. [8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

** Jeremiah was told to be courageous because God would be with him when he was fearful; likewise, God does not give us a spirit of fear when life is not easy but we can move ahead with yet courage and confidence He provides us

Jeremiah 1:8-9 NIV

[8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. [9] Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.

** The central fact in every true Christian life, is a personal friendship with Jesus. Men were called...

• to follow Him,

• to leave all and cleave to Him,

• to believe on Him,

• to trust Him,

• to love Him,

• to obey Him;

and the result was the transformation of their lives into His own beauty! That which alone makes one a Christian, is being a friend of Jesus.

Friendship transforms — we become like those with whom we live in close, intimate relations.

Life flows into life, heart and heart are knit together, spirits blend, and the two friends become one.

We have but little to give to Christ; yet it is a comfort to know that our friendship really is precious to Him, and gives Him joy — poor and meager though its best may be. But He has infinite blessings to give to us. The friendship of Jesus includes all other blessings for time and for eternity! If Christ is our friend, all of life is made rich and beautiful to us.

"I have called you friends." No other gift He gives to us can equal in value, the love and friendship of His heart. <M136>

John 15:13-15 NIV

** All learning is slow. This is true in proportion to the importance of the lessons. We learn some things quickly but they are not the things which are of greatest value. Mere head-lessons are gotten more easily than heart-lessons. We may memorize the beatitudes in a few minutes but it takes many years to learn to live them! And in spiritual and moral lessons — living is the only learning which counts. Anyone can memorize a code of ethics by heart, without much effort. But to get the faultless code wrought into conduct, disposition, spirit, and character is the work of a lifetime!

In life-teaching, the lessons are given only as fast as they are learned. Our Master will not teach us more rapidly than we can live His lessons. It was in the midst of His most confidential talk with His disciples, that He said He had much more to say to them, more than they could now bear.

Spiritual truths can be received only as we come to the experiences for which they are adapted. There are many of the divine promises which we can never claim, and whose blessedness we cannot realize until we come to the points in life for which they were specially given.

For example: "He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock." This word can mean nothing to the child playing amid the flowers, or to the young man or woman walking in sunny paths without a care or a trial. It can be understood only by one who is in the depths of trouble. In the days of gladness, when there is no trouble, no pain — there are many of God's Words which seem to have no meaning for us. We do not need them. They are for times of sorrow, and we have no sorrow. They are lamps for the darkness, and we are not walking in darkness. They are for days of pain and loss, and we have no pain and are called to endure no loss.

There is a large part of the Bible which can be received by us, only when we come into the places for which the words were given.

There are promises for weakness — which we can never get while we are strong.

There are promises for times of danger — which we can never know in the days when we need no protection.

There are consolations for sickness — whose comfort we can never get while we are in robust health.

There are promises for times of loneliness, when men walk in solitary ways — which never can come with real meaning to us while loving companions are by our side.

There are words for old age — which we never can appropriate for ourselves along the years of youth, when the arm is strong, the blood warm, and the heart brave.

Christ says to us then, "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear." We could not understand these lessons now. But by and by when we come into places of need, of sorrow, of weakness, of failure, of loneliness, of sickness, of old age — then He will tell us these other things, these long-withheld things and they will be full of joy for our hearts! <M136>

John 16:12 NIV

[12] “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.

** How can we learn contentment? One step toward contentment, is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback. There are...

• trials which we cannot change into blessings,

• burdens which we cannot lay down,

• crosses which we must continue to carry,

• thorns in the flesh which must remain with their rankling pain.

When we have such trials, why should we not sweetly accept them as part of God's best way with us? One who accepts with patience, that which he cannot change--has learned one secret of victorious living.

Another part of the lesson, is that we can learn to moderate our desires. "Having food and clothing," says Paul again, "let us be content with these." Very much of our discontent arises from envy of those who seem to be more favored than ourselves. Many people lose most of the comfort out of their own lot--in coveting the finer, more luxurious things which some neighbor has. Yet if they knew the whole story of the life they envy for its greater prosperity, they probably would not exchange for it their own lowlier life with its more humble circumstances. Or if they could make the exchange, it is not likely they would find half so much real happiness in the other position, as they would have enjoyed in their own.

Contentment does not dwell so often in palaces--as in the homes of the humble. The tall peaks rise higher and are more conspicuous--but the winds smite them more fiercely than they do the quiet valleys. And surely, the lot in life which God makes for us, is always the best which could be made for us for the time. He knows better than we do, what our true needs are.

The real cause of our discontent is not in our circumstances; if it were, a change of circumstances might cure it. It is in ourselves, and wherever we go--we shall carry our discontent heart with us. The only cure which will affect anything, must be the curing of the fever of discontent in us.

A fine secret of contentment, lies in finding and extracting all the pleasure we can get from the things we have--the common, everyday things; while we enter upon no mad, vain chase after impossible dreams. In whatever state we are in, we may find therein enough for our needs.

No earthly misfortune can touch the wealth which a Christian holds in the divine promises and hopes. Just in the measure, therefore, in which we learn to live for spiritual and unseen eternal realities--do we find contentment amid earth's trials and losses. If we would live to please God, to build up Christlike character in ourselves, and to lay up treasure in Heaven--we shall not depend for happiness, on the way things go with us here on earth, nor on the measure of temporal goods we have. The earthly desires are crowded out by the higher and spiritual desires. We can do without childhood's toys--when we have manhood's better possessions. We desire the toys of this world less, as we get more of God and Heaven into our hearts.

Paul knew this secret. He cheerfully gave up all that this world had for him. Money had no power over him. He knew how to live in plenty; but he did not fret when poverty came instead. He was content in any trial, because earth meant so little--and Christ meant so much to him. He did not need the things he did not have. He was not made poor by the things he lost. He was not vexed by the sufferings he had to endure--because the sources of his life were in Heaven and could not be touched by earthly experiences of pain or loss.

These are hints of the way we may learn to be content in whatever circumstances. Surely the lesson is worth learning! One year of sweet contentment, amid earth's troublous scenes--is better than a whole lifetime of vexed, restless discontent! The lesson can be learned, too, by anyone who is truly Christ's disciple; for did not the Master say, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you." <M136>

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

** God is not looking for a temple of stone, since as the Creator of all things, the whole universe is His dwelling place; Stephen cited this passage before the Sanhedrin to point out the limiting of God to a temple made with hands

On the contrary, God is looking for a heart to dwell in, a heart that is tender and broken, not one that is concerned with externalities of religion; God is looking to dwell in the heart of a person who takes His Word seriously <M130>

Isaiah 66:1-2 NIV

[1] This is what the Lord says:

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? [2] Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

** God’s mercy is such that it overflows upon those who are outside of the covenant; the New Testament confirms that Gentiles can find Him through the work of His sovereign grace <M130>

Isaiah 65:1 NIV

[1] “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'

** God is willing to forgive past sin when His children believe in Him then respect and obey His Word

Isaiah 65:16 NIV

[16] Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the one true God; whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the one true God. For the past troubles will be forgotten and hidden from my eyes.

** The business of the prophets was to preach and pray; in this light, God commissioned Isaiah to remind His people of the great things He would do after their return out of captivity — including dawning of righteousness, glory, new name and being a triumphant establishment of Zion by God <S192>

Isaiah 62:2-3,11-12 NIV

[2] The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. [3] You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. [11] The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to Daughter Zion, 'See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.' ” [12] They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.

Isaiah 65:15 NIV

[15] You will leave your name for my chosen ones to use in their curses; the Sovereign Lord will put you to death, but to his servants he will give another name.

Jeremiah 33:16 NIV

[16] In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.'

** God sometimes remains silent but He conveys to Israel that He will not remain silent any longer; God will lift His voice and the nations will hear

Isaiah 62:1-2 NIV

[1] For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. [2] The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

** There is a blessing in weakness because it nourishes dependence on God. When we are strong, or deem ourselves strong, we are really weak because we trust in ourselves and do not seek Divine help.

But when we are consciously weak, knowing ourselves unequal to our duties and struggles, we are strong because then we turn to Christ and get His strength.

Too many people think that their weakness a barrier to their usefulness or make it an excuse for doing little with their life. Instead of this, however, if we give it to Christ — He will transform our weakness into strength. He says that His power is made perfect in weakness, for what is lacking in human strength, He fills and makes up with divine strength. Paul had learned this when he said that he now gloried in his weaknesses because on account of them, the strength of Christ rested upon him. When he was weak, then he was strong — strong with Divine strength.

We need only to make sure of one thing: that we do indeed bring our weakness to Christ and lean on Him in simple faith. This is the vital link in getting the blessing.

Weakness itself is a burden... it is like chains upon our limbs. If we try to carry it alone, we shall only fail. But if we lay it on the strong Son of God and let Him carry us and our burden, going on quietly and firmly in the way of duty, He will make our very weakness a secret source of strength.

He will not take the weakness from us — that is not His promise, but He will so fill us with His own power that we shall be strong — more than conquerors, able to do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

This is the blessed secret of having our burdening weakness, transformed into vital strength. The secret can be found only in Christ. And in Him, it can be found by every humble, trusting disciple. <M136>

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV

[9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

** When a penitent sinner recognizes he can’t achieve his own righteousness by works and repents and calls on the mercy of God, the Lord covers him with His own divine righteousness by grace through his faith <M130>

Isaiah 61:10 NIV

[10] I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Romans 3:19-22 NIV

[19] Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. [20] Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. [21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Philippians 3:8-9 NIV

** Believers are separated from the world by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls them out from the world, and separates them as effectually as if a wall were built between them and it. He puts in them...

• new hearts,

• new minds,

• new tastes,

• new desires,

• new sorrows,

• new joys,

• new wishes,

• new pleasures,

• new longings.

He gives them...

• new eyes,

• new ears,

• new affections,

• new opinions.

He makes them new creatures. They are born again--and with a new birth they begin a new existence. Mighty indeed is the transforming power of the Spirit! <R170>

Romans 1:7 NIV

[7] To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

** God conditionally satisfies our soul when we walk in fellowship with Him; this deep satisfaction does not come from material goods <M130>

Isaiah 58:13-14 NIV

[13] “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, [14] then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

** There is hope for the poor, broken-hearted, captive, mourner, and anyone spiritually depressed when they accept God’s comforting offer of salvation

The Servant of the Lord will be the ultimate Preacher and Redeemer of Israel; the Jews who were saved during Christ’s ministry and those being saved during this Church Age still do not fulfill the promise of salvation of the nation to come in the end time <M130>

Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV

[1] The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, [2] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, [3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion---to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Luke 4:16-21 NIV

[16] [Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, [17] and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” [20] Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Zechariah 12:10 NIV-Zechariah 13:1 NIV

[10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. [1] “On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

Isaiah 61:6-7 NIV

[6] And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. [7] Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

** Life can get lonely; how wonderful this world is not the end of the story

Isaiah 57:1 NIV

[1] The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.

** Paul tells us that his "thorn" was given to him to keep him humble, and save him from spiritual peril. Without it, he would have been exalted above measure and would have lost his spirituality. We do not know how much of his deep insight into the things of God, and his power in service for his Master, was owed to Paul’s torturing "thorn". It seemed to hinder him, and it caused him incessant suffering but it detained him in the low valley of humility, made him ever conscious of his own weakness and insufficiency, and thus kept him near to Christ whose home is with the humble.

There are few people who have not some "thorn" rankling in their flesh. Who has not his thorn?

We should never forget that in one sense, our thorn is a "messenger of Satan" who desires...

• to hurt our life,

• to mar our peace,

• to spoil the divine beauty in us, and

• to break our communion with Christ.

On the other hand, however, Christ Himself has a loving design in our "thorn." He wants it to be a blessing to us. He would have it keep us humble and save us from becoming vain. Or He means it to soften our hearts and make us more gentle. He would have the uncongenial things in our environment to discipline us into heavenly-mindedness, give us greater self-control, and help us to keep our hearts loving and sweet. He would have our pain teach us endurance and patience; and our sorrow and loss teach us faith.

Thus, our thorn may either be a choice blessing to us — or it may do us irreparable harm. <M136>

** “We think differently than God! He hasn't asked us to figure out why He does the things He does. We can't. We are not capable. Our thinking is inferior to His. Our God is not a person who is slightly more intelligent: His thoughts are infinitely higher than ours. Knowing the gap is so large, shouldn't we put our energy toward submitting rather than over-analyzing? It is expected there will be many times when you won't figure Him out." <C37>

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

** No weapon forged (previously by a blacksmith) against us will prevail when we have God on our side!

Isaiah 54:17 NIV

[God talking to those who plan to go against Israel in the last days]

Ezekiel 38:9-12 NIV

[9] You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land. [10] “ 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. [11] You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people---all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. [12] I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land. ”

[God’s response to those attacking]

Ezekiel 38:21-23 NIV

[21] I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man's sword will be against his brother. [22] I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. [23] And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord. '

** Joy is possible when focusing on God — even when it goes against worldly norms and expectations

Isaiah 54:1,4 NIV

[1] “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, ” says the Lord. [4] “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

** This is one of the clearest invitations to salvation (now) and kingdom blessings (later) found in the Old Testament; salvation grace and mercy were available to those who sought the Lord and called on Him while He is available

Such true seeking in faith is accompanied by repentance, which is described as forsaking ways and thoughts and turning from sinful living to the Lord; at the same time the person repenting must recognize his own inability to be righteous or satisfy God and cast himself on God’s mercy

Isaiah 55:1,3,6 NIV

[1] “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. [3] Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. [6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Isaiah 55:7 NIV

[7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

** Singleness is a gift from God; men and women do not have to be married to be fulfilled because God IS their spouse

The church of God (those who trust in Jesus Christ) is referred to as the Bride of Christ; marriage is temporary and Christ offers us a new identity for “family” through bloodlines in the Church that are eternal

Just as there was a betrothal period of time in Biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the Bride of Christ (church) separate from her Bridegroom (Christ) during the Church age; her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him

At the rapture the Church will be reunited with Christ and the official wedding ceremony will take place and the eternal Union of the Bride <G72>

We can see bloodlines diminishing with the breakup of today’s family structure, but Christ offers us so much more as our support and love rest in Him and those who love Him! <P1691>

Isaiah 54:5 NIV

[5] For your Maker is your husband---the Lord Almighty is his name---the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

** We are to look to our Creator when pursuing righteousness, for who knows us better than He?

Isaiah 51:1 NIV

[1] “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn

Isaiah 51:16 NIV

[16] I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand---I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people. ' ”

** God gives us abilities and sets a direction before us

Isaiah 51:2 NIV

[2] look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many.

** Jesus was not sought after because He spoke the truth; this only reminded others (like Pharisee leaders) of the lie they were living <K110>

Isaiah 53:3 NIV

[3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

** We are to look to God and trust in His name; those who do not trust in God but in their own devices will suffer torment in the end

Isaiah 50:10-11 NIV

[10] Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. [11] But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment.

** God created the world to have it inhabited; God is a God of relationship

Isaiah 45:18 NIV

[18] For this is what the Lord says---he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited---he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.

** God formed and fully developed us in the womb; at that time He also gave us abilities to fulfill our purpose in life for His glory

Isaiah 49:1-3,5 NIV

[1] Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother's womb he has spoken my name. [2] He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. [3] He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor. ” [5] And now the Lord says---he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength---

** God declares what is truth and right, often through prophecy; our world (including the church) increasingly abandons this truth and suffers the consequences

Isaiah 45:19 NIV

[19] I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

** God continues to provide for us to though His Word and involvement in our lives; He desires to teach and direct us in the way we should go; blessings await us when we follow His lead and we are denied His peace when we do not

Isaiah 48:17 NIV

[17] This is what the Lord says---your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 48:18-19 NIV

[18] If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. [19] Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.”

Isaiah 48:22 NIV

[22] “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”

** Those who strive to replace Christianity today desire a Pagan Religion (classic occultism) that does not accept humans being made in the image of God and ‘pushes’ no identify as male or female; this is all in efforts to develop the religion of Babylon in the end times

Those conforming to paganism today do not want to take on God’s image, so they disfigure and corrupt themselves by putting on disfiguring tattoos and clothing, in efforts to become ‘pansexual’ and tapping into the androgynous evil forces promoting this agenda; this aligns themselves with the pagan demon they worship who is neither male or female

The natural Biblical sex act within marriage is a metaphysical bonding of two individuals — male and female — for ultimate purposes of fertility, while the unnatural anti-Biblical sex act within occult paganism is to derive power and pervert fertility

Most pagan useful idiots today, unlike the leaders who are driving this in our culture today, don’t understand the origins of pagan religion that can be found in androgynous god figures of Satan throughout the centuries, going back as far as 4000 years ago in the time of Abraham; they simply follow the crowd and perform what seems pleasurable to them and go along with incorporating AI (artificial intelligence) and other current chip-tracing technology efforts

Bottom line — efforts continue so society does not see individuals “made in the image of God” but rather as “evolving soulless matter” moving toward perfection and self-salvation; God highlights the differences between light & dark, good & evil etc while current pagan religions of today aim for unity and no distinction <H86>

Genesis 1:27 NIV

[27] So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Deuteronomy 22:5 NIV

[5] A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this.

Isaiah 5:20 NIV

[20] Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

** God is consistent from generation to generation and promises to be with each individual believer through their years on this earth

Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV

[3] “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. [4] Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

** Many will accuse God today saying, “how can He be a loving God and allow difficulty to happen, but never think about the LOVE He demonstrated by witnessing the death of His Son on the cross

Isaiah 53:10 NIV

[10] Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

Isaiah 53:12 NIV

[12] Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

** All plenitude is in Christ, to answer all the needs of His people. In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, that out of His fullness I may receive all spiritual blessings!

• Have I destroyed myself by sin?

I have deliverance from Him who is mighty to save from sin and wrath!

• Is my foolish mind darkened; am I a guilty, polluted and ruined wretch?

Jesus is my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption!

• Is my life fleeting and passing away like a shadow?

Jesus is the Ancient of days, and endures forevermore!

• Are my days short-lived and full of trouble?

Jesus is my life, the length of my days, and the joy of my heart!

• Am I exposed to contempt?

Jesus shall be my crown of glory, and diadem of beauty!

• Am I traveling through the wilderness?

Jesus is my staff, and on Him I lean all the way!

• Am I on my last journey to my long home?

Jesus is my leader, and my rewarder!

• Am I a sheep?

Jesus is my pasture, and my green pasture too!

• Am I hungry and thirsty?

Jesus is my heavenly manna, and gives me to drink of the water of life!

• Am I weary?

Jesus is my rest and refreshing!

• Am I weak?

Jesus is my strength!

• Am I oppressed and wronged?

Jesus is my judge and my avenger!

• Am I reproached?

The reproach of His people, Jesus will wipe away!

• Am I a soldier?

Jesus is my Captain and shield!

• Must I fight in the field of battle?

Jesus is my armor in the day of war!

• Do I sit in darkness?

Jesus is my light!

• Do I have doubts?

Jesus is my counselor!

• Am I ignorant?

Jesus is my wisdom!

• Am I guilty?

Jesus is my justification!

• Am I filthy?

Jesus is my sanctification!

• Am I dead in sin?

Jesus is my life, and quickens those who are dead in trespasses and sins!

• Am I poor?

Jesus is the pearl of great price, and has immeasurable riches!

• Am I blind?

Jesus, and none but He can open the eyes of one born blind!

• Am I naked?

Jesus has white clothing to cover the shame of my nakedness!

• Am I in the very utmost necessity?

Jesus is a very present help in time of trouble!

• Am I exposed to the hurricanes of adversity?

Jesus is a refuge from the storm, a shelter from the blast, rivers of water in a desert, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land!

• Am I afraid of being left alone?

Jesus will never leave me, nor forsake me!

• Do friends and brethren prove false?

Jesus is the friend who sticks closer than a brother!

• Am I in danger from disease and death or from sin and Satan?

My life is hidden with Christ in God! When He shall appear, I shall appear with Him--immortal in my body, and glorious in my soul!

• Is my case considered in the court of Heaven?

There Jesus is my Advocate!

• Do I offend the Father?

Jesus is my Intercessor!

• Do I suffer in my body, and am I grieved in my mind?

Jesus bore my infirmities, and carried my griefs!

• Is my mind disquieted, and my soul debarred from peace?

Jesus is my sympathetic High Priest! He was tempted in all points, and knows how to support those who are tempted!

• Am I poor in my circumstances?

Jesus is the heir of all things! Though He was rich, yet for my sake He became poor--that I through His poverty might be made rich!

• Do I suffer in my character?

Jesus was numbered with transgressors, called a Samaritan, a glutton, a drunkard, and a devil!

• Am I bereaved or alone?

Jesus in the fatal night was left alone; all the disciples forsook Him and fled. Jesus, my only friend, can never die!

• Must I undergo death and be laid in the grave?

Jesus has taken away the sting of death, and robbed the grave of its victory!

• Must I rot in the grave?

Jesus shall be my resurrection, and raise me to immortality and bliss!

• Would I go to God and to glory?

Jesus is my way, and must admit me into the palace of the great King, where I shall abide forever!

In summary, Jesus is my Brother, my Physician, my Prophet, my Priest, my King, my Father, my Head, my Husband. In eternity when I shall dwell in the land of bliss, in the city of God--Jesus will be the light thereof. And since I am to worship there forever, He will be temple of all the redeemed. <M134>

** If you are struggling today, let the lesson of what God did for His people more than three thousand years ago remind you of Who He is and the lengths to which He will go to show His love for those who belong to Him. Our God never changes. That same faithful, powerful, and loving God that we celebrate at Passover has His eyes on you. <T203>

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 NIV

[6] For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. [7] The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. [8] But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

** The Lord God knows the beginning from the end and He WILL fulfill prophecy

Isaiah 44:24-28 NIV

[24] “This is what the Lord says---your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself, [25] who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, [26] who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem, 'It shall be inhabited,' of the towns of Judah, 'They shall be rebuilt,' and of their ruins, 'I will restore them,' [27] who says to the watery deep, 'Be dry, and I will dry up your streams,' [28] who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, “Let it be rebuilt,” and of the temple, “Let its foundations be laid.” '

** God WILL accomplish what He sets out to accomplish, for He knows the end from the beginning

Isaiah 46:8-10 NIV

[8] “Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. [9] Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

** How blessed that elementary truth: "The Lord reigns!"

To know that there is no chance or accident with God; that He decrees...

• the fall of a sparrow;

• the destruction of an atom;

• the annihilation of a world!

The Almighty is not like Baal, "asleep."

"He who keeps Israel" can never for a moment "slumber."

Man proposes, but God disposes. "You, Lord have done it!" is the history of every event, past, present and to come. His purposes none can change. His counsels none can resist.

Believer, how cheering to know that all that befalls you is thus ordered in the eternal purpose of a Covenant God! Every minute circumstance of your lot; appointing the bounds of your habitation; meting out every drop in the cup of life; arranging what by you is called its "vicissitudes;" decreeing all its trials; and at last, as the great Proprietor of life, revoking the lease of existence when its allotted term has expired!

How it should keep the mind from its guilty proneness to brood and fret over second causes, were this grand but simple truth ever realized--that all that befalls us are integral parts in a stupendous plan of wisdom; that there is no crossing or thwarting the designs and dealings of God. <M129>

Psalm 135:6 NIV

[6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 33:11 NIV

[11] But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Job 23:13 NIV

[13] “But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? He does whatever he pleases.

Isaiah 46:10 NIV

[10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Revelation 19:6 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

** God declares what is truth and right; our world increasingly abandons this truth and suffers the consequences

Isaiah 45:19 NIV

[19] I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

** Worldly men imagine that there is true excellency and true happiness in those things which they are pursuing. They think that if they could but obtain them, that they would be happy. But when they obtain them, and cannot find happiness — then they look for happiness in something else, and are still upon the futile pursuit.

There is a transcendent glory, and an ineffable sweetness in Christ.

• Jesus Christ has true excellency, and so great an excellency that when you come to truly see Him, you look no further, but your mind rests there.

You see that you had been pursuing shadows, but now you have found the substance.

• You realize that you had been seeking happiness in the stream, but now you have found the ocean!

The excellency of Christ is an object adequate to the natural cravings of the soul, and is sufficient to fill its capacity.

• Christ has an infinite excellency, such as the mind desires, in which it can find no bounds.

• The more the mind contemplates Him, the more excellent does He appear. <E55>

** The prophet Isaiah cannot bear to leave Israel under a ban but proceeded to give God’s endeared “chosen” ultimate hope

Isaiah 44:1-3 NIV

[1] “But now listen, Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. [2] This is what the Lord says---he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. [3] For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Isaiah 44:6 NIV

[6] “This is what the Lord says---Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.

Isaiah 41:8 NIV

[8] “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend

** The Lord who created the world and life itself, designed everyone (Gentiles included) to follow His righteous example with His help

Isaiah 42:5-7 NIV

[5] This is what God the Lord says---the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: [6] “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, [7] to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

** All of creation will praise our God, Lord Creator of heaven and earth and all-powerful against any and all forces

Isaiah 42:10-13 NIV

[10] Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them. [11] Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. [12] Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands. [13] The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.

** God is the one and only God — none can compare or reverse His will!

Isaiah 43:10-13 NIV

[10] “You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. [11] I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. [12] I have revealed and saved and proclaimed---I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “that I am God. [13] Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Psalm 40:5 NIV

[5] Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Isaiah 40:18,21-23,25-26 NIV

[18] With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him? [21] Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? [22] He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. [23] He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. [25] “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. [26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

** Our integrity and virtue are the result of the divine upholding. We would fall, and blunder and spoil all — if left to ourselves. The Lord should be praised every day, if we are preserved from gross sin. When others sin, they show us what we would do but for the preserving grace of God. <S185>

Isaiah 41:10,13 NIV

[10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [13] For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Psalm 119:117 NIV

[117] Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

Psalm 94:18 NIV

[18] When I said, “My foot is slipping, ” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

** The more I see of Jesus, the more He opens to me His loving heart — the deeper is my sorrow for sin. I lie down in the dust at His feet closer than ever I did before. I can truly say I abhor myself in dust and ashes before Him.

My heart seems ready to melt into contrition in view of the ten thousand thousand sins, willful and aggravating that I have committed against Him who loved me with an everlasting love, and with loving kindness drew me to Himself.

So eternal and deep, so sovereign and boundless is the love of Jesus, that angels cannot fathom it! He is nothing but sincere, constant, and unabating love — to the weakest and most unworthy of all His little flock.

I feel such a weariness of this world that nothing here gives me anything more than a momentary, passing pleasure, and it is gone at a glance. <W216>

Job 42:5-6 NIV

[5] My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. [6] Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”

** God let His people know how much He loved them; His love extends to each one of us today in unfathomable measure

Isaiah 43:4 NIV

[4] Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.

Malachi 1:2 NIV

[2] “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “But you ask, 'How have you loved us?' “Was not Esau Jacob's brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob,

Hosea 11:1 NIV

[1] “When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.

Jeremiah 31:3 NIV

[3] The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

John 15:9 NIV

[9] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV

[14] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Romans 8:35,38-39 NIV

[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** We can see the devastation of sin on our world today! Sin is that abominable thing which God hates. He hates it

• as an evil or malignant thing

• as a bitter or destructive thing

Even now sin stalks through our fallen world with gigantic strides, spreading ruin and wretchedness around in ten thousand forms. Strife and discord, war and bloodshed, famine and pestilence, pain and sickness follow in sin's train--while death mounted on his pale horse, with the grave and Hell follow in the rear.

Such are the miseries which sin has introduced into this once happy world. Such are the evils which attend its progress here, notwithstanding the various restraints which are employed to check its Hellward career.

God rejoices when sinners repent because it gratifies Him to see them escape from the tyranny and from the consequences of sin. God is light--perfect holiness. God is love--pure benevolence. His holiness and his benevolence both prompt Him to rejoice when sinners escape from sin.

Who can conceive of the joy with which the Son of God must contemplate an immortal soul, drawn to his feet by the cords of love--whom He has rescued from the roaring lion at such an infinite expense? How greatly must Christ love and prize and rejoice in every penitent sinner! His love and joy must he unutterable, inconceivable, infinite!

If He thus rejoices over one sinner who repents--then what must be His joy when all His people are collected out of every tongue and kindred and nation and people, and presented spotless before His Father's throne! What a full tide of felicity will pour in upon Him, and how will His benevolent heart expand with unutterable delight, and swell almost to bursting--when contemplating the countless myriads whom He has redeemed! <P164>

Luke 15:10 NIV

[10] In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

** Followers of Christ can always turn to Him in hope and in our human frailty, for God will sustain us!

Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

** The shepherd is a favorite Scriptural picture of the divine love and care. In the Old Testament, the twenty-third Psalm gathers the whole wonderful truth in exquisite lines which are dear to young and old wherever the Bible is known. Then in the New Testament, when our Lord would give His friends the sweetest revealings of His heart toward them, and tell them what they are to Him and what He would be to them, He says, "I am the Good Shepherd."

The Hebrew shepherd lives with his sheep. If they are out in the storm--he is with them. If they are exposed to danger--so is he. Just so, Christ lives with His redeemed people. He enters into closest relations with them.

The shepherd knows his sheep. He has a name for each one and calls them all by their names. Just so, Christ knows each one of His friends--He has intimate personal knowledge of each one. He knows the best in us--and also the worst. He knows our faults, our sins, our wanderings. Yet, knowing us as we are--He loves us still and never wearies of us!

The shepherd is most gentle with his sheep. He does not drive them--but goes before them and leads them. When they need rest on the way--he makes them lie down, and chooses for their resting-place, not the dusty road--but green pastures. He is especially kind to the lambs, carrying them in His arms, holding them close to His heart. All this is an exquisite picture of the gentleness of our Good Shepherd in His care of His sheep. Whatever the need is, there is something in the heart of Christ which meets its craving and supplies its lack!

The shepherd defends his flock in all danger. Often he had to risk his own safety, even his life, in protecting his sheep. Just so, the Good Shepherd gives His life for His sheep! <M136>

Isaiah 40:11 NIV

[11] He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Psalm 23:1-4 NIV

[1] The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [3] he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

** These amazing verses from Scripture of God's comfort and love remind us of the comfort and love expressed by the One who holds everything in His hands, the One who controls all events — past, present & future!

Isaiah 40:11 NIV

[11] He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Dwell upon the love and tenderness of our Lord Jesus! Notice who are the objects of His care: "the lambs," which means not only those of tender age--but also those who have been newly converted; those who are young in Christian experience; and also those whose temperament is naturally timid, whose strength is feeble, and whose danger is great. <J101>

Ezekiel 34:31 NIV

[31] You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.'”

Revelation 7:16-17 NIV

[16] 'Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,' nor any scorching heat. [17] For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water.' 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.' ”

** All of Christ's sheep know Him, love Him and follow Him. They all somewhat possess His disposition: He was meek and humble in heart.

Are you one of Christ's sheep? Are you following after the Good Shepherd? If so, He will lead you, feed you, protect you and save you. Your person, life, comforts, and eternal safety--are committed to His care.

He loved His sheep more than His own life--He laid down His life for them! He searches and seeks out His sheep wherever they stray. He feeds His flock. He cares for His sheep more than for all the world beside. He feeds them in the most suitable pasture, and leads them in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

O view Jesus as your Shepherd! Expect Him to lead you, feed you, enfold you and present you to His Father with exceeding joy. Cleave to Him; let nothing tempt you to leave His feet, His flock or His fold. He will never leave you--nor will He ever forsake you. <S183>

John 10:27-28 NIV

[27] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Isaiah 40:11 NIV

[11] He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

** Moses didn’t know what was about to happen but he knew Who was about to happen <D40>; Moses trusted that God would deliver the Israelites as He had done so many times before

Exodus 14:13-14 NIV

[13] Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

** Dead people do not demand anything or buy into the evil things in this life, for after we die to ourselves, we begin to desire only what Christ desires because Christ lives in the believer!

Galatians 2:20 NIV

[20] I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Philippians 3:10-11 NIV

Galatians 5:24-25 NIV

[24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Believers are not bound to sin any longer because every sin has been dealt with when Christ died on the cross <H84>

Romans 6:6-7 NIV

[6] For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--- [7] because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Romans 13:14 NIV

[14] Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

** There will be no injustice in God’s kingdom, for men will see God’s truth with eyes that see and ears that hear

Isaiah 32:3-5 NIV

[3] Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. [4] The fearful heart will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. [5] No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

Isaiah 29:17-19 NIV

[17] In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest? [18] In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see. [19] Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 35:5 NIV

[5] Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

Isaiah 42:14,16 NIV

[14] “For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant. [16] I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

** God has a warning for those who are complacent but hope for those who will experience God’s salvation and perfect justice

Isaiah 32:9-13 NIV

[9] You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say! [10] In little more than a year you who feel secure will tremble; the grape harvest will fail, and the harvest of fruit will not come. [11] Tremble, you complacent women; shudder, you daughters who feel secure! Strip off your fine clothes and wrap yourselves in rags. [12] Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vines [13] and for the land of my people, a land overgrown with thorns and briers---yes, mourn for all houses of merriment and for this city of revelry.

Isaiah 32:18-20 NIV

[18] My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. [19] Though hail flattens the forest and the city is leveled completely, [20] how blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.

** God LONGS to be gracious to us and will show compassion to those who call on Him and wait on Him!

Isaiah 30:18-19 NIV

[18] Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! [19] People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

Isaiah 30:23-26 NIV

[23] He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. [24] The oxen and donkeys that work the soil will eat fodder and mash, spread out with fork and shovel. [25] In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill. [26] The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.

** Even during times of adversity, God can reveal His ways and teach us the way to go; Isaiah confirms that God WILL lead us as a “voice behind you” instructing us when to turn to the left and right!

Isaiah 30:20-21 NIV

[20] Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. [21] Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Psalm 25:8-9 NIV

[8] Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. [9] He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Proverbs 3:5-7 NIV

Isaiah 42:16 NIV

[16] I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 48:17-18 NIV

[17] This is what the Lord says---your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. [18] If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.

** Liberty and freedom cannot be accomplished via human efforts alone — we need to seek God to bring it about and rely on the power of His Word to direct us otherwise we get entangled

Galatians 5:1 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

God wants us to live in freedom; don't let Satan steal this joy from you; do you notice that those who hate freedom most often hate God? <K110>

Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? [8] That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

** The Bible clearly states that, as the end times draw closer, things will go from bad to worse. In fact, things will get so bad that Christ Himself has to return to make things right. Humans can’t do it, no matter how well-intentioned.

My hope is not in D.C.

My hope is in Christ.

As should yours be.

My freedoms may dwindle.

However, my freedom is in Christ.

Let’s get our priorities realigned and realize political alliances are not with the Democrats or the Republicans. We are Monarchists with an allegiance to Christ the King. He will come back and fix all this; do not plant roots in this life for our home is a heavenly one. Our reality is an eternal reality.

Therefore, don’t let this world ruin your thinking or your attitude. Don’t worry that the world is increasingly shutting us out of the public arena. Jesus tells us that even though we have little strength, the door will remain open (Rev. 3:8-10). Satan knows he can’t steal our salvation, but he loves to crush our hope and spirit. He loves to cause us to be depressed, angry, or anxious. Don’t let him. Ephesians 6 gives us the tools to fight the fiery darts of the enemy. The days may turn sour in the here and now, but just remember we have far better days ahead. <G70> (Feb 2021)

Philippians 3:17-21 NIV

[17] Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. [18] For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

** It is well to meditate upon the things of God because it is only by pondering the Scriptures, that we get the real nutriment out of them. A man who hears many sermons, is not necessarily well-instructed in the faith. We may read so many religious books that we overload our brains, and they may be unable to work under the weight of the great mass of paper and of printer's ink.

The man who reads but one book, and that book his Bible, and then meditates much upon it will be a better scholar in Christ's school than he who merely reads hundreds of books, and does not meditate at all!

Oh, that we might get into the very heart of the Word of God, and get that Word into ourselves!

As I have seen the silkworm eat into the leaf and consume it, so ought we to do with the Word of the Lord — not crawl over its surface, but eat right into it until we have taken it into our inmost parts. It is idle merely to let the eye glance over the words, or to recollect the poetic expressions or the historic facts; but it is blessed to eat into the very soul of the Bible until, at last, you come to talk in Scriptural language, and your very style is fashioned upon Scripture models and, what is better still, your spirit is redolent with the words of the Lord! <S185>

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

[16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 1:2-3 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. [3] That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither---whatever they do prospers.

** God identified those who simply wanted their ears tickled; they do not want warnings or sobering prophecies from a God they don’t want to recognize

Isaiah 30:9-11 NIV

[9] For these are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction. [10] They say to the seers, “See no more visions !” and to the prophets, “Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. [11] Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV

On the contrary, blessings await those who listen and adhere to God’s words and warnings!

Revelation 2:7 NIV

[7] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

** We must distinguish between things that differ, namely, a knowledge of spiritual things and actual spiritual knowledge.

• A knowledge of spiritual things can be acquired by the unregenerate. Spiritual knowledge is peculiar to the children of God.

• A knowledge of spiritual things is merely intellectual and theoretical. Spiritual knowledge is vital and effectual.

One may take up "Bible study" in the same way as another would the study of philosophy or science. He may pursue it diligently and enthusiastically. He may obtain a familiarity of the letter of Scripture and a proficiency in understanding its terms, far in advance of the hard-working Christian who has less leisure and less natural ability.

Yet what is such knowledge worth, if it...

• does not affect the heart,

• fails to transform the character and

• make the daily walk pleasing to God!

Unless our "Bible study" is conforming us, both inwardly and outwardly, to the image of Christ — it profits us nothing! <P161>

1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV

[2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

** God early in Old Testament days established the path to salvation through repentance and rest, and our strength through quietness and trust; turning from trust in man to trust in God

Isaiah 30:15 NIV

[15] This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

Exodus 14:14 NIV

[14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Isaiah 32:16-18 NIV

[16] The Lord's justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. [17] The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. [18] My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.

Isaiah 45:22 NIV

[22] “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

** The righteous anxiously yearn to reside with the Lord and experience leveled paths as they wait in this life

Isaiah 26:7-9 NIV

[7] The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth. [8] Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. [9] My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Isaiah 26:12 NIV

[12] Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

** The Bible is a book which calls not so much for the exertion of our intellect, as it does for the exercise of our affections, conscience and will. God has given His Word to us not for our entertainment, but for our education to make known what He requires from us. It is to be...

• the traveler's guide as he journeys through the maze of this world,

• and the mariner's chart as he sails the sea of life.

Therefore, whenever we open the Bible, the all-important consideration for each of us to keep before him is: "What is here for me today? What bearing does the passage now before me have upon my present case and circumstances — what warning, what encouragement, what information? What instruction is there...

• to direct me in the management of my business,

• to guide me in the ordering of my domestic and social affairs,

• to promote a closer walking with God?"

I should see myself addressed in every precept and included in every promise. But it is greatly to be feared that, through failure to appropriate God's Word unto our own case and circumstances, there is much Bible reading and study which is of little or no real benefit to the soul.

Nothing else will...

• secure us from the pollutions of this world,

• deliver from the temptations of Satan, and

• be so effectual a preservative from sin--

as the Word of God received into our affections.

Psalm 37:31 NIV

[31] The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

...can only be said of the one who has made personal appropriation of the Word, and is able to say with the Psalmist...

Psalm 119:11 NIV

[11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Just so long as the Word is...

• actually working in us,

• influencing us in a practical way,

• loved and revered by us,

• and stirs the conscience —

are we kept from falling into open sin!

And only as we personally go out and daily gather our portion of manna, and feed upon the same, will there be strength provided for the performing of duty and the bringing forth of fruit to the glory of God. <P161>

** God established a plan from the beginning and continues to execute it in perfect faithfulness

Isaiah 25:1 NIV

[1] Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

** The Lord takes note of the poor and those in distress by silencing the ruthless

Isaiah 25:4-5 NIV

[4] You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall [5] and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.

** The desolations of Tyre were not to be forever. The Lord will visit Tyre in mercy. But when set at liberty, she will use her old arts of temptation. The love of worldly wealth is spiritual idolatry; and covetousness is spiritual idolatry. This directs those that have wealth to use it in the service of God. When we abide with God in our worldly callings; when we do all in our power to further the gospel, then our merchandise and hire are holiness to the Lord. Christians should carry on business as God’s servants and use riches as His stewards. <H83>

Isaiah 23:15-18 NIV

[15] At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the span of a king's life. But at the end of these seventy years, it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the prostitute: [16] “Take up a harp, walk through the city, you forgotten prostitute; play the harp well, sing many a song, so that you will be remembered.” [17] At the end of seventy years, the Lord will deal with Tyre. She will return to her lucrative prostitution and will ply her trade with all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. [18] Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes.

** We are undoubtedly living in a crooked and perverse generation, similar to the Philippians living in northern Greece when Paul wrote to them; we see that every generation has known its evil — so what can we learn from Paul’s challenge to them?

Philippians 3:2,18-19 NIV

[2] Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. [18] For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

[27] Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel [28] without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved---and that by God.

Proverbs 21:8 NIV

[8] The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

Isaiah 59:7-8 NIV

When the first church was planted in Philippi, a city swarming with brutal evil-wielding Roman soldiers, it was assaulted and attacked; Paul tells them not to be surprised by persecution for Christ-followers are expected to suffer for Christ

Matthew 5:11-12 NIV

[11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The book of Philippians, an “epistle of joy”, was written by Paul while he was in prison for 4 years waiting for a verdict from Nero on his life; it is recorded that Paul and Barnabas were singing in prison as an example of the JOY believers are to exhibit while in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation

Philippians 2:14-18 NIV

Seek truth, discernment, wisdom and follow Christ’s example when living among unbelievers and do not beg to be taken from this world; this is where God wants us to be, asking for protection from the world as we are to be light reaching a very dark world

Proverbs 2:11-15 NIV

[11] Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. [12] Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, [13] who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, [14] who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, [15] whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

John 17:15 NIV

[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

1 John 3:10 NIV

[10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Proverbs 4:18 NIV

[18] The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

[8] Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Finally, remember that our kingdom is in Christ and not of this world; followers of Christ have been delivered FROM the kingdom of this world — we do not derive our purpose, power, success, reality, rights, or anything from this world — for we know one day God’s kingdom will reign forever and we will be with Him in His new heaven and earth! <M130>

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Revelation 11:15 NIV

[15] The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Isaiah 65:17-18 NIV

[17] “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. [18] But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

Psalm 139:7 NIV

[7] Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

Psalm 119:170 NIV

[170] May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.

Psalm 4:8 NIV

[8] In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

** Believer! what can better support and sustain you amid the trials of your pilgrimage, than the thought that you have an Omnipotent arm to lean upon? The God with whom you have to do, is boundless in His resources! There is...

• no crossing His designs,

• no thwarting His purposes,

• no questioning His counsels.

His mandate is law! "He speaks and it is done!" Your need is great. From the humblest crumb of providential goodness, up to the richest blessing of Divine grace — you are hanging from moment to moment, as a poor pensioner on Jehovah's bounty! <M129>

Revelation 19:6 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

Philippians 4:19 NIV

[19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

** "MY JEWELS!" Of what favored creatures does Jehovah thus speak? Is it of seraphs? Is it of angels? Methinks, at such a title, even they would take the dust of abasement, and veiling their faces, cry, "Unclean! unclean!"

But, marvel of marvels! It is redeemed sinners of the earth — once crude, unshapely stones, lying in "the horrible pit and the miry clay," amid the rubbish of corruption — who are thus sought out by divine grace, purchased by divine love, destined through eternity to be set as jewels in the crown of the eternal God!

A jewel in Immanuel's crown! Not only raised from the ash-heap to be set among princes; but to gem through eternity — the forehead that for me, was once wreathed with thorns. <M129> What a comfort to know this is our future!

Malachi 3:17 KJV

[17] And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:17 NIV

[17] “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.

Psalm 4:8 NIV

[8] In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

** Grace is no scanty thing, doled out in pittances. It is a glorious treasury, which the key of prayer can always unlock — but can never empty! It is a fountain full, flowing, ever flowing, over flowing!

Mark these three ALL'S in this precious promise. It is a three-fold link in a golden chain, let down from the throne of grace, by the God of grace. "All grace!" "all-sufficiency!" in "all things!" and these to "abound." <M129>

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

[8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

** Once again we are comforted that God is completely in control of events; we do not need to fear the future our outcome for God will execute His plan — the one He determined before the world was created!

Isaiah 14:24 NIV

[24] The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.

Isaiah 14:27 NIV

[27] For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

** We believe, according to Scripture, that the Lord our God is a God of purpose, absolute and unalterable purpose. Before the world began, Almighty God sovereignly purposed all that ever comes to pass in time. Nothing in this world is left to chance. Everything is moving toward the predetermined end of God's eternal purpose with absolute, precise accuracy.

Even a casual reader of Holy Scripture has to face this fact: The God of the Bible is a God of purpose. The above passages plainly state that the Triune Jehovah is a God of purpose, and clearly teach several things about the purpose of God:

1. The purpose of God is eternal.

2. The purpose of God includes all things.

3. The purpose of God has for its peculiar design the everlasting benefit of God's elect. Everything that God has purposed is for the ultimate, spiritual, and eternal benefit of his covenant people.

4. The purpose of God is immutable and sure. The Lord himself says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isaiah 46:10). And in its ultimate end, God's purpose will accomplish the eternal salvation of his chosen people and the glory of his own great name. <F67>

Isaiah 14:24 NIV

[24] The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Acts 2:23 NIV

[23] This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

Acts 4:28 NIV

[28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

Psalm 33:11 NIV

[11] But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

[21] Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

[9] He has saved us and called us to a holy life---not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Ephesians 1:11 NIV

[11] In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Ephesians 3:10-11 NIV

Romans 9:11 NIV

[11] Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad---in order that God's purpose in election might stand

** In deducing from these words moral and spiritual lessons, I would observe generally, that each individual in this life has some great purpose to fulfill. "David served God's purpose in his own generation." He has left his indelible footprints on the sands of time!

Everything in the wide universe has its special mission. Turn to whatever page we may in the vast volume of creation, we shall find in each, the record of some peculiar office and vocation. Mountains and seas, fire and hail, snow and vapor, stormy wind — all fulfill the word and decree and design of God.

And is it different with man? Has he alone no momentous work to perform in the economy in which he is placed? Is our whole earthly destiny to eat and drink, and sleep and die?

Are we to fritter away our brief hour on life's stage; to be ushered in with a few rejoicings at our birth, followed by a few tears at our departure? And when our sun has gone down, when the grass of the grave covers our resting places, shall we be as if we never were? <M129>

Acts 13:36 NIV

[36] “Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.

** God operates from a spirit of faith, while the enemy operates from a spirit of fear; as Christians we need to stay away from fear or we fall into Satan’s trap <O155>

John 10:10 NIV

[10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Acts 20:21 NIV

[21] I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Romans 1:17 NIV

[17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

** Isaiah chapter 12 outlines lyrics to a song about God making level the hilly terrain, or leveling mountainous difficult terrain to easily navigable flat plains that gives us hope when wanting relief from our problems

Isaiah 12:1 NIV

[1] In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

** When God turns away His anger from us, we can turn to Him for strength, find rest for our souls, and praise His name!

Isaiah 12:1-2 NIV

[1] In that day you will say: “I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. [2] Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. ”

Isaiah 12:3 NIV

[3] With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 12:4-6 NIV

** The Bible is the richest treasure of the world! Without it, the palace is dark. With it, the poor cottage sparkles with celestial light.

• It is the transcript of God's heart.

• It tells what human reason is too weak to find.

• It is pure truth without one shadow of error.

• It gives knowledge on all things needful for time and for eternity.

• It is a safe guide through life's entangled path.

It is a compass...

• through shoals and rocks;

• amid winds and waves;

• to Heaven's eternal rest!

The sage is ignorant without it. The peasant learns from it salvation's road.

• It is a solace for every hour.

• It is a companion always ready to converse.

• It cheers when other comforts fail.

• It is arrayed in every charm for the intellect.

• It never wearies.

• It is always fresh.

• Its oldest truths cannot grow old.

• Its readers become more wise--and more holy.

Other books may puzzle and corrupt but the Bible is from Heaven, and leads to Heaven. It enters the heart with purifying grace.

The more you search the Bible — the more your minds will wonder, and your hearts will love. Ponder its characters; you will find on them the intrinsic stamp of truth.

Read it as literally true, then no human philosophy will beguile you. <L121>

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

[16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

** Spirit-imparted qualities enabling the Messiah to rule justly and effectively <M130>

Isaiah 11:2-4 NIV

[2] The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him---the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord--- [3] and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; [4] but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.

** Jesus Christ as our Sufficiency, who demonstrated meeting physical and spiritual needs such as feeding of the 1000, quenching thirst and revealing truth

John 6:48-51 NIV

John 8:12 NIV

[12] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Revelation 22:17 NIV

[17] The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

** Identifying names given to the future Savior of the world <M130>

• Wonderful Counselor = supernatural wisdom

• Mighty God = powerful warrior who will rule over all nations

• Everlasting Father = eternal father to His people

• Prince of Peace = will procure and perpetuate peace among the nations

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

** Jesus Christ as our Shepherd who knows, cares, protects and saves us more than we can imagine

Isaiah 40:10-11 NIV

[10] See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. [11] He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Luke 15:3-7 NIV

[3] Then Jesus told them this parable: [4] “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? [5] And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders [6] and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' [7] I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

** Isaiah, knowing his depravity, was comforted that God is still sovereign, powerful and holy when he SAW God sitting on the throne, similar to Ezekiel’s vision; it is important to know that God is still in control during current times of trouble in our lives and in our nation — our view of God is the foundation of our lives!

Isaiah 6:1-3 NIV

[1] In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. [2] Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. [3] And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy , holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Ezekiel 1:27-28 NIV

[27] I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. [28] Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Hebrews 12:29 NIV

[29] for our “God is a consuming fire.”

If we don’t see the holiness of God then we don’t appreciate the seriousness of sin. No one is going to run to God for forgiveness and grace if they haven’t been traumatized by His holiness — there needs to be a reasoned and healthy fear of God!

Luke 5:8 NIV [Jesus calling the disciples]

[8] When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Remember Manoah, father of Samson, who saw God and told his wife to write the will, for if he saw God in His holiness then God saw Manoah in his sin <M130>

Judges 13:20-22 NIV

[20] As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame. Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground. [21] When the angel of the Lord did not show himself again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it was the angel of the Lord. [22] “We are doomed to die!” he said to his wife. “We have seen God!”

** God’s righteousness will shine for all to see and then His people will rest safe with the destruction of His adversaries all around

Isaiah 5:16-17 NIV

[16] But the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts. [17] Then sheep will graze as in their own pasture; lambs will feed among the ruins of the rich.

** Trust in God not man who only lasts as long as he has breath

Isaiah 2:22 NIV

[22] Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?

** One would think that so grand and solemn a fact as death, especially viewed in connection with the events which are to immediately follow it — Heaven, Hell and eternity — along with the uncertainty how soon it may be realized might operate with an unlimited and altogether overpowering influence upon men's minds and hearts!

But men wish to forget death. They try to forget it, and alas, too often succeed in accomplishing this fatal oblivion! Yet we can scarcely wonder at this, when we consider what their spiritual condition is--and what death is! <J101>

Psalm 39:4-5 NIV

Psalm 90:12 NIV

[12] Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

** More than any other book in the Old Testament, Isaiah focuses on the salvation that will come through the Messiah. The Messiah will one day rule in justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:7; 32:1). The reign of the Messiah will bring peace and safety to Israel (Isaiah 11:6-9). Through the Messiah, Israel will be a light to all the nations (Isaiah 42:6; 55:4-5). The Messiah’s kingdom on earth (Isaiah chapters 65-66) is the goal toward which all of the book of Isaiah points. It is during the reign of the Messiah that God’s righteousness will be fully revealed to the world.

In a seeming paradox, the book of Isaiah also presents the Messiah as one who will suffer. Isaiah chapter 53 vividly describes the Messiah suffering for sin. It is through His wounds that healing is achieved. It is through His suffering that our iniquities are taken away. This apparent contradiction is solved in the Person of Jesus Christ. In His first advent, Jesus was the suffering servant of Isaiah chapter 53. In His second advent, Jesus will be the conquering and ruling King, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

** "Words are more than carriers of thought... they are bridges between people and time. God's Word is the best bridge between the old and the new, between the body and the soul, between the temporal and the eternal, between God and humanity. The inscription is old but the blessing is always new." <Z220>

Psalm 119:152 NIV

[152] Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

Psalm 119:160 NIV

[160] All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

** David understood he had a responsibility in his relationship to keep God’s commands and not just ask God for help when needed — in other words, not just expect a one-way relationship

Psalm 119:145-146 NIV

[145] I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees. [146] I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.

** It is not enough for followers of Christ to read about God’s commands in Scripture (if they even do that) but meditate, memorize and apply them (obey) to their daily life; the communion table is a wonderful reminder to do this!

Psalm 119:147-148 NIV

[147] I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. [148] My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.

Psalm 119:10-11 NIV

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. [11] I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:167-168 NIV

[167] I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. [168] I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.

** Those who do not follow God’s instruction will suffer the fate of being distressed and fearful

Isaiah 8:21-22 NIV

[21] Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. [22] Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.

** Our integrity and virtue are the result of the divine upholding. We would fall, and blunder and spoil all if left to ourselves. The Lord should be praised every day, if we are preserved from gross sin. When others sin, they show us what we would do but for preserving grace. <S185>

Psalm 119:117 NIV

[117] Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.

Psalm 94:18 NIV

[18] When I said, “My foot is slipping, ” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

[10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 119:154,156 NIV

[154] Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise. [156] Your compassion, Lord, is great; preserve my life according to your laws.

** There is a limit (finishing line) to our goals in life, but inexhaustibility when one lives within the precepts of God's intended purpose for life; when we live within the parameters God establishes for us in life, we find the law is perfect and results what Zacharius calls "boundless wonder" <Z220>

Psalm 119:96 NIV

[96] To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

** Genuine believers actively seek after God through His Word; likewise there will be a desire to turn away from worldly enticements

Psalm 119:30-31 NIV

[30] I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. [31] I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame.

Psalm 119:33 NIV

[33] Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.

Psalm 119:36-37 NIV

[36] Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. [37] Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Psalm 119:40 NIV

[40] How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.

Psalm 119:58,60 NIV

[58] I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. [60] I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

Psalm 119:44-48 NIV

[44] I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. [45] I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. [46] I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, [47] for I delight in your commands because I love them. [48] I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.

Psalm 119:81 NIV

[81] My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:98-100,104 NIV

[98] Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. [99] I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. [100] I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. [104] I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

** God is consistent because He is God of all generations!

Psalm 119:90 NIV

[90] Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

Psalm 119:89,96 NIV

[89] Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. [96] To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

** David expressed a zealous trust and hope in God, the One who offers us unfailing love, salvation and fulfilled promises

Psalm 119:41-43 NIV

[41] May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise; [42] then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. [43] Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.

Psalm 119:81 NIV

[81] My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Psalm 119:123 NIV

[123] My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.

Psalm 119:139,141,143 NIV

[139] My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. [141] Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. [143] Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight.

Psalm 119:162,164 NIV

[162] I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. [164] Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.

** The attributes of God become characteristics of Scripture; for both God and His Word can be seen as:

• trustworthy (Psalm 119:42)

• true (43, 142, 151, 160)

• faithful (86)

• unchangeable (89)

• eternal (90, 152)

• light (105)

• pure (140)

** God gave us His Word and commands for us to obey; we will experience His blessings when we obey and also lead exemplary lives

Psalm 119:4 NIV

[4] You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.

Psalm 119:2-3 NIV

[2] Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart--- [3] they do no wrong but follow his ways.

Psalm 119:9 NIV

[9] How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:40 NIV

[40] How I long for your precepts! In your righteousness preserve my life.

** He who has an inward delight in anything will not stop thinking about it for very long. Just as the miser returns often to look on his treasure, so the devout believer, by frequent meditation, turns over the priceless wealth that He has discovered in the Book of the Lord. No spiritual exercise is more profitable to the soul than that of devout meditation! <S185>

Psalm 119:14-16 NIV

[14] I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. [15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. [16] I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 119:20,23-24 NIV

[20] My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. [23] Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees. [24] Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

[8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Psalm 119:138 NIV

[138] The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.

** The habit of laying up a text of Scripture in the morning, to be meditated upon while engaged in the business of this world through the day, is both profitable and delightful. It is as a refreshing draught to a weary traveler!

Nothing is more helpful and practical in Christian living, than the habit of getting a verse or phrase of Scripture into the mind and heart in the morning. Its influence stays through the day, weaving itself into all the day's thoughts and words and experiences.

Every verse in the Bible is meant to help us to live, and a good devotional book opens up the precious teachings which are folded up in its words.

A devotional book which takes a Scripture text, and so opens it for us in the morning, that all day long it helps us to live, becoming a true lamp to our feet, and a staff to lean upon when the way is rough--is the very best devotional help we can possibly have. What we need in a devotional book which will bless our lives, is the application of the great teachings of Scripture to common, daily, practical life. <M136>

Psalm 119:15 NIV

[15] I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

Psalm 119:20,23-24 NIV

** The world is, indeed, a very dangerous foe to the believer. To very, very many, it is the most destructive one. They are not so likely to be subdued by 'open vice' as by worldly-mindedness.

1 John 2:15 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

Worldliness is the sin of the age, and has deeply infected the church of Christ!

• Your business is the world,

• your family is the world,

• your comfortable home is the world,

• the wife of your bosom is the world,

• the children whom God has given you are the world.

"What! then," you exclaim, "are we not to love these?" Yes, in proper degrees — but not more than God. You are not to seek your highest happiness from them. You are not to be more solicitous to secure them, than Heaven. It is of a 'supreme love' which the apostle speaks. <J101>

Matthew 10:37 NIV

[37] “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

** The Lord hears our prayers and shelters us

Psalm 118:5 NIV

[5] When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.

Psalm 118:21 NIV

[21] I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

Psalm 118:23-25 NIV

[23] the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. [24] The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. [25] Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!

** God offers us a PERSONAL relationship with Him where He knows us, hears us, cares for us, saves us, and directs us in the best way possible — what better advocate could we desire for the duration of our lives even to the point of death?

Psalm 116:1-2 NIV

[1] I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. [2] Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Psalm 116:3-4 NIV

[3] The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. [4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me! ”

Psalm 116:5 NIV

[5] The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

** The righteous do not need to fear the future for they trust in the Lord

Psalm 112:6-8 NIV

[6] Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. [7] They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. [8] Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

** David understood the concept of redemption in the Old Testament times, perhaps reflecting on how God redeemed His people out of Egypt

This concept of redemption was certain foreshadowing of Christ coming to die on the cross — once and for all — taking the punishment for our sin and redeeming all those who recognize Him and call on His name!

Psalm 111:9 NIV

[9] He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever---holy and awesome is his name.

** The condition of the sinner may be likened to that of a condemned criminal shut up in prison and infected with a deadly plague! What he needs, is both the cure of his plague and the reversal of his sentence. Neither alone, will meet his case. If he is only pardoned, he will die of the plague. If he is only cured of the plague, he will suffer the just sentence of the law.

So it is with fallen man — he is both depraved and condemned! If he is only pardoned, his depravity will be his misery. If he could by any means be reformed, he is still under sentence of death.

The glory and completeness of the gospel scheme is that it provides a cure for the diseases of the soul in sanctification; as well as a pardon from the condemnation of the law in justification! <J101>

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

James 4:7-10 NIV

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. [9] Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Matthew 12:10,13 NIV

[10] and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” [13] Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

** The Lord reigns! He who once bore our sins and carried our sorrows is seated upon a throne of glory and exercises all power in heaven and on earth! Thrones, principalities and powers bow before Him. Every being and event are under His rule. His providence pervades and manages the whole, and is as minutely attentive to every part as if there were only that single object in His view.

From the tallest archangel, to the most irritating ant or fly — all depend on Him for their being, their preservation and their powers! He directs the sparrows where to build their nests, and to find their food. He overrules the rise and fall of nations; and bends, with an invincible energy and unerring wisdom — all events! So that, while many intend otherwise in the outcome their designs all concur and coincide in the accomplishment of His holy will. He restrains with a mighty hand the still more formidable efforts of the powers of darkness; and Satan with all his hosts cannot exert their malice a hair's breadth beyond the limits of His permission. Satan may rage, but he is a chained enemy!

This is He, who is the Redeemer and Husband of His believing people.

• How happy are those whom it is His good pleasure to bless!

• How safe are those whom He has engaged to protect!

• How honored and privileged are those whom He enables and warrants to claim Him as their friend and their portion!

• Having redeemed them by His own blood, He sets a high value upon them! He esteems them His treasure, His jewels! He guards them as the pupil of His eye.

• They shall not lack and they need not fear!

• His eye is upon them in every situation,

• His ear is open to their prayers, and

• His everlasting arms are under them for their sure support.

On earth, He guides their steps, controls their enemies, and directs all His dispensations for their good! While, in Heaven, He is pleading their cause, preparing a place for them, and communicating down to them reviving foretastes of the glory that shall shortly be theirs! <N150>

Psalm 146:10 NIV

[10] The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 93:1 NIV

[1] The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.

** Followers of Christ are to recognize and praise the Lord at all times

Psalm 113:1-3 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. [2] Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. [3] From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

** Isaiah saw the holiness of the Lord and was distraught because he has unholy lips; a seraphim flew to him and touched his lips with a hot coal from the altar, taking Isaiah’s iniquity and sin away

The Lord told Isaiah to go to a people who see but do not perceive and hear but do not understand — to bring them back to God to be healed; Isaiah went, but they did not adhere to his words

In the gospel of John, prophecy was fulfilled once again — Christ is the One Isaiah saw in his vision; now in the New Testament, Jesus blinded the mockers eyes and hardened their hearts to PROTECT them, for He knew their punishment would increase because they heard the message and still not believe

Isaiah 6:1-11 NIV

“Holy, holy , holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” [4] At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. [5] “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” [6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. [7] With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. ” [8] Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” [9] He said, “Go and tell this people: “ 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' [10] Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” [11] Then I said, “For how long, Lord?” And he answered: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged

John 12:37-41 NIV

[37] Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. [38] This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [39] For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: [40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn---and I would heal them.” [41] Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.

When we turn to Jesus and see Christ seated on the throne, we will have an overwhelming revelation of our own sinfulness, just like Peter when he saw Christ as God and John when he beheld the glory of the Lord <F60>

Luke 5:8 NIV

[8] When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Revelation 1:17 NIV

[17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.

** In the day of adversity, you should consider from whose hand it has been sent to you! It comes direct from the hand of God!

Intermediate agencies may have been employed in inflicting it:

• a cherished family member may have been the messenger of disease;

• a treacherous friend may have been the cause of bankruptcy;

• an avowed enemy may have been the author of reproach and shame;

• Satan himself may have been allowed to smite you!

But through whatever secondary agency it may have been conveyed, adversity comes from God's hand! <B25>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Isaiah 45:7 NIV

[7] I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.

Lamentations 3:38 NIV

[38] Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Job 5:17-18 NIV

[17] “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. [18] For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

Deuteronomy 32:39 NIV

[39] “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Amos 3:6 NIV

[6] When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the Lord caused it?

** When Jezebel heard that Elijah killed the prophets of Baal and Asherah, she threatened to kill him; exhausted, Elijah fled to the wilderness where God spoke to him

1 Kings 19:3 NIV

[3] Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there

It is a powerful scene that Elijah, who just demonstrated God’s power to the Israelites via fire from heaven and then killed 450 prophets of Baal and ended a drought, was found sitting under a tree asking God to take his life

The reason Elijah was disillusioned was because God did not retaliate against Jezebel’s threats as Elijah expected, as God miraculously performed before with fire and rain; Elijah was also dismayed because Israel was not great again — via Israel’s repentance and revival

1 Kings 19:1-4 NIV

[1] Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. [2] So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” [3] Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, [4] while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.”

1 Kings 19:14-17 NIV

[14] He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” [15] The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. [16] Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. [17] Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu.

The lesson is that God’s ways and timing are not always what we expect, our ways and timing — they are higher, better and greater! God does appear to Elijah but not in the mighty earthquake, winds or fire, but in a quiet whisper asking Elijah what he was doing... why the pity party?

Elijah never did see saw death as was feared because he was raptured to heaven via a chariot of fire; the next time we see Elijah is when he is with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration <F60>

Matthew 17:1-3 NIV

[1] After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. [2] There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. [3] Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

** Man’s existence in this world and his accomplishments are not remembered, so why place so much value in them?

• This world is not our home, so don't give it ultimate priority

• Be concerned with the eternal soul rather than the temporary body and its accomplishments

Ecclesiastes 1:3-4 NIV

[3] What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? [4] Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.

Matthew 10:28 NIV

[28] Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

** Take time to reflect and marvel at God’s works and His righteousness

Psalm 111:1-3 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. [2] Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. [3] Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.

** The blessings of God cannot be assumed or taken for granted but they should be enjoyed with thankfulness while they are available <M130>

Ecclesiastes 6:2 NIV

[2] God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.

** Enjoy the present and that which is before you instead of restlessly craving ‘something else’ that is out of reach and uncertain <B20>

Ecclesiastes 6:9 NIV

[9] Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 1:14 NIV

[14] I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

** What is man that God should even look in his direction? Who am I that the infinite, glorious, triune God should glance my way--much less be mindful of me?

Beloved in Christ, understand that your God is without a doubt ever-mindful of you. He...

• numbered every hair on your precious head,

• appointed the bounds of your habitation,

• determined the very second of your death

• bottles your every tear,

• knows your every sorrow,

• records your every work, and

• remembers every cup of cold water given in His name.

God is deeply concerned for your immortal soul, has purposed to do you good, and has staked His glory on your everlasting salvation. Your God is more mindful of you, your soul, your life, and your welfare than you will ever understand in this life. Though all are equally sinful, equally guilty, and equally deserving of everlasting torment, God has been pleased to save some for no other reason than His own glory. <H81>

Psalm 8:4 NIV

[4] what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV

[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them---yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

** Will we ever learn this? If we would live in this world for the honor and glory of Christ, we must understand that it is our glorious privilege and responsibility to wait on our God. If we would honor the Lord Jesus we must wait on Him faithfully...

• believing His Word,

• trusting His promises,

• resting in His finished work as our Savior,

• hiding beneath His precious blood,

• depending on Him for righteousness, salvation and acceptance with our God.

We must wait on Him patiently...

• without murmuring,

• without complaint,

• without dissatisfaction,

• without discontent.

God does not always work immediately, but He always works. He never performs His works on our carnal schedule, but according to His all wise eternal purpose of grace. Let us be patient. God knows what's best for His glory and our immortal souls. He knows when, where, and how to work deliverance for us far better than we do.

We must wait SUBMISSIVELY. We must submit our vain wills to His sovereign, almighty, perfect will. We must wait on Him with a spirit of humility and submission, as children waiting on their father to help them, feed them, teach them and provide for them. His name is Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide). Our God will not forget us. It is our responsibility to submit ourselves to Him, His will and His ways.

We must wait on Him GLADLY. We quickly forget that not only is it our duty to wait on him, but our privilege to wait on His Majesty. Would we really rather have things our way? Has not our way proved to be abject misery and shame, countless times before? Would we rather have our foolish way — than His who is Love, Mercy, and Wisdom? Let us, as the dear children of God, wait on Him cheerfully.

We must wait on Him EXPECTANTLY.

• He will do all that He has promised.

• He will save us.

• He will remember us.

• He will destroy our enemies.

• He will bring us to Himself.

• He will dispel the darkness.

• He will accomplish His purpose for us and in us.

Let us wait on Him who cannot fail, with earnest expectation and lively hope.

We must wait on Him PRAYERFULLY. We must have our eyes perpetually fixed upon Him. Let us give ourselves to constant prayer, so that day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment--we are looking to Him for fresh supplies of mercy and grace to sustain us, strengthen us, and keep us to the end.

We must wait on Him with PERSISTENCE and PERSEVERANCE. We must be resolute and determined to wait on Him forever if needs be. In His time, on His terms, when the time is best, right, and perfect He will come and deliver us from all our sorrows, troubles, and fears.

Our Savior will never leave us to ourselves!

• He is with us always!

• He loved us!

• He chose us!

• He suffered, bled, and died for us!

• He redeemed us with His own precious blood!

• He called us by His Spirit and gave us life from the dead!

• He has staked His glory as God, upon our everlasting salvation!

• He has promised to do us good, and to withhold no good thing from us!

How can we not faithfully, joyfully and patiently wait on such a God as this?

Psalm 27:14 NIV

[14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

** We must obtain the proper understanding of sin and fear of God: we must see every sin as an offense and rebellious attack on our Righteous God and must understand that God’s punishment for us is just; God is the law-giver and consequences are waiting for those who either follow or disregard His law

Sin is not some social issue or personal failure but should be measured against the yardstick of God’s total holiness; God is not a “super psychologist” aiming to fix your problems but is there to help in your relationship with Him

Man seems to fear everything these days except the One who can destroy body and soul in Hell; instead, in many churches today, followers are taught that God is their Friend while forgetting the other side of the equation (the conditional part)

Psalm 115:13 NIV

[13] he will bless those who fear the Lord---small and great alike.

Proverbs 1:7 NIV

[7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Romans 3:18 NIV

[18] “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

Instead, we constantly ask God to bless us without fearing Him or fully understanding why He came to die for us; remember that Christ died for our sins to help reconcile us to God — this is the best news a world of sinners could hear!

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 Peter 3:18 NIV

[18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Hebrews 2:10 NIV

[10] In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.

Consequently, God is an enemy to those who do not believe and accept the saving knowledge of Christ’s death on a cross <M130>

** Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to one of God's elect--without God's decree and direction. The providential government of our great God over everything in this world, is a truth which is clearly revealed and constantly taught in the Word of God. Just as the telescope and microscope show us that there is order and design in all the works of God's hand, from the greatest planet down to the least insect--so the Book of God teaches us that there is an infinite wisdom, Divine order, and gracious design in all the events of our daily lives. There is no such thing as "chance" "luck" or "accident" in God's creation, or in our journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God, our heavenly Father. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

Let us seek to have an abiding sense of God's hand in all our affairs. Our Father's hand measures out our daily portion. All our steps are ordered by Him who loves us with an everlasting love. Confidence in God's wise and good providence, is a mighty antidote against murmuring and discontent. In the day of trial and disappointment, as in the day of joy and happiness--all is right and all is well done. When we are laid on the bed of sickness, there is a "needs be" for it. Else, it would not come to pass. Because it comes to pass, the very fact that it comes to pass should assure us that it is for our souls' advantage. Let us bow and be still, and bear all things patiently. Ours is "an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure" (2 Samuel 23:5). That which pleases our God, ought to please us. Truly, "He has done all things well!" And He will yet do all things well. <F67>

Luke 12:7 NIV

[7] Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

** One of the many things I have learned from my Scripture study is that the Word of God is layer upon layer of remarkable multiplicity. That is, when one digs deep beneath the surface, there is an insurmountable amount of treasure to be found. So much so, that this is the reason I truly believe we will be studying the Scriptures in eternity with The Word, Jesus Christ, teaching us things we never would have been able to see without His insight. <B297>

** God often saves and delivers those He loves; David realized “human help is worthless” but with God they can gain victory over their enemies

Psalm 108:6 NIV

[6] Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.

Psalm 108:12-13 NIV

[12] Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. [13] With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

** As David requested favor enjoying the prosperity of God’s chosen nation, we can also enjoy God’s blessing when we believe in Him and follow His commands

Psalm 106:3-5 NIV

[3] Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. [4] Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, [5] that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise.

** It is impossible to contemplate the character of Jesus, with serious and devout attention and not be charmed with it. We see in Him, all the human virtues in the highest perfection. His joys were grave, his griefs were just; his gentleness and his severity, his holiness and his humanity were in perfect harmony with each other. He manifested great tenderness, and genuine affection, and sensibility to human woe on all occasions.

As He did no sin — so, on the other hand, every shining virtue was exemplified in Him to highest degree.

• His humility and meekness;

• His contempt of the world;

• His heavenly temper;

• His love to the Father, and zeal for His honor;

• His activity and diligence in doing good;

• His submission to the Father's will;

• His patience amidst the heaviest and severest sufferings;

• His constancy in the exercises of retired devotion; and

• His praying for His enemies who spilt His blood can never be sufficiently admired.

When you are tempted to any vanity — set the blessed Redeemer before you, consider His example, and ask yourself, "How would Jesus, my Lord and Master, have acted in such a case? Would He have spent His time upon such trifles? Would He have spoken such and such; or done this or the other thing, which I am solicited to do? And shall I give way to that which would be a manifest deviation from His example? God forbid!"

O Christians, fix your eyes intensely on the great exemplar! Thus you will, through Divine grace, daily grow in love with meekness, patience, and lowliness of heart. <F62>

1 John 2:6 NIV

[6] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

** Christian! Jesus is your Savior, your Friend, and your Portion.

• You are guilty — His blood cleanses from all sin

•. You are miserable — He is rich in mercy

• You are helpless — He is mighty to save

• You are impoverished — His riches are unsearchable

His treasures of grace are inexhaustible! There is an inexhaustible fullness in Him, answerable to all your necessities be they ever so many, or ever so great. He is the ever-flowing, the over-flowing fountain of living waters. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. It has pleased the Father, that in Him all fullness should dwell. Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness. His kindness and mercy are unbounded.

If the kindness of men has a tendency to win your hearts, how much MORE should the infinite love of Jesus constrain you to love Him! He is precious in...

• the glorious perfections of His person,

• His transcendent worth, and

• His all-surpassing excellency.

Surely then, it is reasonable, it is highly proper that He should be the chief object of your love! <F62>

1 Peter 2:7 NIV

[7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

** The Lord protected His anointed through the centuries, even as they wandered the desert

Psalm 105:15 NIV

[15] “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”

Psalm 105:12-14 NIV

[12] When they were but few in number, few indeed, and strangers in it, [13] they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. [14] He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings:

** God acts on behalf of His children, protecting, providing and directing them

Psalm 105:26-36 NIV

[26] He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. [27] They performed his signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham. [28] He sent darkness and made the land dark---for had they not rebelled against his words? [29] He turned their waters into blood, causing their fish to die. [30] Their land teemed with frogs, which went up into the bedrooms of their rulers. [31] He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. [32] He turned their rain into hail, with lightning throughout their land; [33] he struck down their vines and fig trees and shattered the trees of their country. [34] He spoke, and the locusts came, grasshoppers without number; [35] they ate up every green thing in their land, ate up the produce of their soil. [36] Then he struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their manhood.

Psalm 105:39-41 NIV

[39] He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. [40] They asked, and he brought them quail; he fed them well with the bread of heaven. [41] He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.

** What should hinder him who sees God as his Heavenly Father, and believes that all events proceed from His hand, and are managed by His wisdom, and are prompted by His love — from kissing the rod, and saying, "My Father, not my will, but may Your will be done." I say, what should hinder him from taking the agonizing cup and draining it to the bitterest dregs.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV

Job 1:21 NIV

[21] and said: “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

1 Samuel 3:18 NIV

[18] So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Matthew 26:39 NIV

[39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

** There is no such thing as chance. All the reins that guide and govern the world are gathered into the hands of Jesus.

His care of His people extends to the most common, minute, and apparently trivial matters--all are links in the golden chain of providence.

Divine Providence is a comforting doctrine, too precious to be parted with! Let the thought that Jesus...

• watches over all your affairs,

• and guards your welfare,

• and guides all your ways —

banish your every anxious care.

I do not say that you will never be disappointed, but certainly you ought never to be discontented. Many things in your circumstances may occasion anxious thought, but nothing should occasion or can excuse sinful repining.

Child of God! He has numbered the hairs of your head, as well as the stars of Heaven!

Believer, what are you doing, going groaning through the world beneath a load of fears and cares? What should discourage you? What should disturb your peace? What can ruffle the calm spirit of a man who knows that the hands which were once nailed to the tree for him, now hold the helm of his destiny? The blessed Savior, who by love's golden scepter reigns within his heart, holds sovereign sway over earth and Heaven; and...

• by both bitter and sweet providences,

• by both coffins and cradles,

• by both disappointments and joys,

• by both losses and gains,

shall cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose. <G75>

Matthew 10:29-31 NIV

[29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. [30] And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

** Make sure you follow Christ, not worry about whether you are following the crowd

John 21:21-22 NIV

[21] When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” [22] Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

** Christ is MOST precious. Angels are precious, saints are precious, friends are precious, Heaven is precious — but Christ is ten thousand times more precious than these!

A believer had rather have Christ without Heaven, than Heaven without Christ. Let a believer search Heaven and earth, and yet he will find nothing comparable to Christ. To be like to Him, is our happiness. To draw near to Him, is our holiness. <D42>

Psalm 73:25 NIV

[25] Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

1 Peter 2:7a NIV

[7] Now to you who believe, this stone is precious.

Philippians 3:7-8 NIV

[7] But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

** Christ's knowledge is as limitless as His power,

• His understanding is boundless;

• He knows the end from the beginning;

• He knows all things in their origin, connections, tendencies, and consequences.

Everything that has occurred in the universe,

everything that is now taking place, and everything that will take place — is mapped out before His omniscient eye in perfect transparency. At a single glance, He looks through immensity and eternity, and takes in at one view all beings and events.

He knows what will take place and what His people will need a thousand years to come. Nothing can surprise, or baffle, or disappoint Him. <T204>

Isaiah 40:28 NIV

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Psalm 147:5 NIV

[5] Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

1 John 3:20 NIV

[20] If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

Hebrews 4:13 NIV

[13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

** The Lord will provide individuals understanding of situation and words for defense when asked

Proverbs 16:1 NIV

[1] To humans belong the plans of the heart,

but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

** God looks at MOTIVE of the heart — why we think & do what we do — while man often focuses on words and action

Proverbs 16:2 NIV

[2] All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

** If we want to know God, we MUST study the Bible; those with the Spirit understand the message

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NIV

[26] Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things---and the things that are not---to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him. [30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God---that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. [15] The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, [16] for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

** Don’t fall for the world’s standards of ‘success’, for it is better to have a little and be spiritually sound than have great wealth and follow corruption

Proverbs 15:16-17 NIV

[16] Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. [17] Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.

** Knowing and fearing the Lord is a sign of wisdom and helps one walk uprightly

Proverbs 14:2 NIV

[2] Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.

Proverbs 14:27 NIV

[27] The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

** It doesn’t matter if the wicked sacrifice because it is abhorrent to God, much like superficial Christianity; on the contrary, God hears the prayers of the righteous

Proverbs 15:8-9 NIV

[8] The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. [9] The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.

Revelation 3:15-16 NIV

[15] I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! [16] So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Proverbs 15:29 NIV

[29] The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

** At its depth, suffering and rejoicing are personal and private; no one is able to communicate them fully <M130>

Proverbs 14:10 NIV

[10] Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

1 Samuel 1:10 NIV

[10] In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.

1 Kings 8:38 NIV

[38] and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel---being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple---

Matthew 2:18 NIV

[18] “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

Matthew 26:39-42 NIV

[39] Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” [40] Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. [41] “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [42] He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

** The Apostle Paul experienced anything but his best life now. Paul knew that God has an eternal life awaiting him after he had to be "poured out like a drink offering" (2 Tim 4:6) but "now there is in store for [Paul] the crown of righteousness" (2 Tim 4:8). Everything in this world fades away and we look forward to life eternal -- where our inheritance is imperishable (not subject to decay) and nothing ever fades away! (2 Tim 4:4)

1 Peter 1:4-5

...an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

People say they will get bored in heaven, but John MacArthur shares his views in this way: "What I envision most about heaven is the absence of the curse , the absence of sin, the absence of decay, all the effects of fallenness and corruption, the absence of conflict, pain, suffering, sorrow, tears, discipline, hatred, misunderstanding, weakness, failure... I can only describe heaven in terms of negatives because I don't know what the description of the absence of those things would be... except perfect holiness and perfect joy... limitless holiness, unbounded peace, that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

2 Timothy 4:18

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

God mercifully saves/regenerates those who believe in Christ from this life of sin by the power of God -- causing us to be born again to a living hope -- and blesses us with an eternal life without sin. WE can not do anything to be born again, anymore than we can control the wind, so our eyes are on our Lord who saves us. All we can do in response to His mercy is to praise Him!

1 Peter 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

** God’s final blessing and reward to the “righteous” and His judgment and punishment of the “ungodly and the sinner” come after life on this earth has ended; but there are foretastes of both during life on the earth, as the righteous experience God’s personal care and goodness, while the wicked are void of it <M130>

Proverbs 11:31 NIV

[31] If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!

** The world clamors for peace and long life which its inhabitants could attain if only recognizing and abiding by God’s commands

Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, [2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV

[13] Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, [14] for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. [16] Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

Proverbs 3:21-26 NIV

[21] My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; [22] they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. [23] Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. [24] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. [25] Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, [26] for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV

[20] My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. [21] Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; [22] for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.

** Wisdom gives hope and can be found by the foolish and simple

Proverbs 8:1,5 NIV

[1] Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? [5] You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

Proverbs 8:17 NIV

[17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Proverbs 8:34-35 NIV

[34] Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. [35] For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.

** Wisdom and prudence dwell together, providing sound counsel and judgment

Proverbs 8:12,14 NIV

[12] “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. [14] Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

Proverbs 8:20 NIV

[20] I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

** We are to be proactive and seek out wisdom and apply it to our lives if we want to know God and find His knowledge

Solomon made God’s law his own by faith, obedience and teaching; the wisdom of God’s words are available to those who understand its value above all else <M130>

Proverbs 2:1-6 NIV

[1] My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, [2] turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding — [3] indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, [4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

** The omniscience of God is an encouragement to prayer. There is no cause for fearing that the petitions of the righteous will not be heard, or that their sighs and tears shall escape the notice of God since He knows the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There is no danger of the individual saint being overlooked amidst the multitude of supplicants who daily and hourly present their various petitions, for an infinite mind is as capable of paying the same attention to millions, as if only one individual were seeking its attention. <P161>

So too the lack of appropriate language, the inability to give expression to the deepest longing of the soul will not jeopardize our prayers, for...

Isaiah 65:24 NIV

[24] Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

** God protects our way from wicked deceitful men and adulterous women so we can walk in righteousness; God also rewards us when we seek and abide by His wisdom

Proverbs 2:10-12 NIV

[10] For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. [11] Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. [12] Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse

Proverbs 2:7-8 NIV

[7] He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, [8] for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 2:16-17 NIV

[16] Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, [17] who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.

Proverbs 2:20-22 NIV

[20] Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. [21] For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; [22] but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

** The book of Revelation is without doubt the least read book in the Bible, but it is the only one that promises a blessing by doing so.

Revelation 1:3 NIV

[3] Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

If you want to know what the future holds, there it is. It's all packed into that one book ... Revelation. But that's not all; there are several books within the Bible that tells us future things, and the more we read them, the better we understand Revelation.

People often get discouraged when reading the Bible, saying they just can't understand it. Hey, no one, and I mean NO ONE understands it all. Think about it. God, specifically Jesus Christ, wrote it (John 1:1-5), so no one is going to completely understand God. He is the Creator. We are the created. That would be like me trying to explain how a computer works to a grasshopper. BUT ... God wants us to understand it. Otherwise, there would be no need for Him to write it.

The only way to really understand the Bible as a Christian is to allow the Spirit of God, who we call the Holy Spirit, to teach us as we read. He is the best and only teacher we need.

If we are a Christian, we have the Spirit of God living within us. He is the pledge with which God has sealed us as a guarantee, promising we always belong to Him.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Many Christians are missing so many blessings by not being faithful readers of the Bible. Many try to get their spiritual 'kicks' from emotional genuflecting, instead of the real thing. <P160>

** God provides a condition that He will make known His teachings when people change from their mocking simple unbelieving ways

Proverbs 1:22-23 NIV

[22] “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? [23] Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.

Proverbs 1:24-31 NIV

[24] But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, [25] since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, [26] I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you--- [27] when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. [28] “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, [29] since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. [30] Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, [31] they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.

Proverbs 1:32-33 NIV

[32] For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; [33] but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

** God uses His creation to draw man’s attention to Himself and discipline him to the right path during times of trouble

Job 38:22-23 NIV

[22] “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, [23] which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle?

** God detailed His impressive creation to Job which only He can control

Job 40:15-19 NIV

[15] “Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. [16] What strength it has in its loins, what power in the muscles of its belly! [17] Its tail sways like a cedar; the sinews of its thighs are close-knit. [18] Its bones are tubes of bronze, its limbs like rods of iron. [19] It ranks first among the works of God, yet its Maker can approach it with his sword.

** The animal called ‘Leviathan’ refers to a sea creature that can overpower man but is no match for God; it is referenced 4 times in the Old Testament <M130>

Job 41:1-2,8-9 NIV

[1] “Can you pull in Leviathan with a fishhook or tie down its tongue with a rope? [2] Can you put a cord through its nose or pierce its jaw with a hook? [8] If you lay a hand on it, you will remember the struggle and never do it again! [9] Any hope of subduing it is false; the mere sight of it is overpowering.

Psalm 74:12-14 NIV

[12] But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth. [13] It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. [14] It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.

Psalm 104:24-26 NIV

[24] How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. [25] There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number---living things both large and small. [26] There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

Isaiah 27:1 NIV

[1] In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword---his fierce, great and powerful sword---Leviathan the gliding serpent, Leviathan the coiling serpent; he will slay the monster of the sea.

** If man cannot tame the Leviathan, what makes him think he can tame God?

Job 41:25-27,33-34 NIV

[25] When it rises up, the mighty are terrified; they retreat before its thrashing. [26] The sword that reaches it has no effect, nor does the spear or the dart or the javelin. [27] Iron it treats like straw and bronze like rotten wood. [33] Nothing on earth is its equal---a creature without fear. [34] It looks down on all that are haughty; it is king over all that are proud.”

Job 41:10-12 NIV

[10] No one is fierce enough to rouse it. Who then is able to stand against me? [11] Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me. [12] “I will not fail to speak of Leviathan's limbs, its strength and its graceful form.

** Man does not comprehend the worth of wisdom

Job 28:13,15,17-18 NIV

[13] No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living. [15] It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. [17] Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. [18] Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.

** God is wise and we can have access to wisdom when we align ourselves with Him!

Job 28:23-28 NIV

[23] God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, [24] for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. [25] When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, [26] when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, [27] then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. [28] And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord---that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

** Job repeatedly called God to court in order to verify his innocence; God finally came to interrogate Job on some of his comments he made to his accusers

God ultimately was Job’s Vindicator but first wanted to bring Job to a right understanding of Himself; notice that God never explained Himself to Job about the circumstances of his trouble

God did, however, ask Job if he was eternal, great, powerful, wise and perfect — if not, Job would have been better to be quiet and trust Him <M130>

Job 38:4-11 NIV

[4] “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. [5] Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? [6] On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone--- [7] while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? [8] “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, [9] when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, [10] when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, [11] when I said, 'This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt'?

Job 38:25-28 NIV

[25] Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain, and a path for the thunderstorm, [26] to water a land where no one lives, an uninhabited desert, [27] to satisfy a desolate wasteland and make it sprout with grass? [28] Does the rain have a father? Who fathers the drops of dew?

Job 38:32-35 NIV

[32] Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs? [33] Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God's dominion over the earth? [34] “Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? [35] Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?

** Paul was discouraged/depressed because he found the Corinthian church he started in shallow waters and in deep practice of sin — some members demonstrating bickering, slandering, engaged in sexual sin, idol worship, believing false reports and questioning the resurrection; Paul’s heart was grieved over the spiritual condition of the church because of his love for them — love intensified discouragement.

Paul sent Titus to find out how they responded to his first letter (1 Cor) and missed the report; everything was going wrong. But Paul stood his ground and knew he needed to deal with this situation through the strength of God as protector and deliverer! God always leads to triumph in victory when we allow Him to lead us!

1 Timothy 1:12-17 NIV

[12] I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. [13] Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. [14] The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners---of whom I am the worst. [16] But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. [17] Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

** Jesus addressed the spiritual condition of a man as he dealt with his physical condition

Luke 5:23-24 NIV

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? [24] But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

** Christians should not be surprised by persecution in today’s world as has happened in the past; in 2019 alone over 3000 Christians were killed, over 10,000 churches destroyed, 4000 arrested for being Christian, most persecution happening from those in authority <M130>

Historically, when times get hard it purged the church; we are commissioned to preach truth of God and Christ in the midst of troubling times, always looking to Him for strength and stamina and the results of our efforts because the Lord is with us!

2 Corinthians 2:12-17 NIV

[12] Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, [13] I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia. [14] But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. [15] For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. [16] To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? [17] Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Joshua 1:1-6 NIV

[1] After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: [2] “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them---to the Israelites. [3] I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. [4] Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates---all the Hittite country---to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. [5] No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. [6] Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

Isaiah 41:8-13 NIV

[8] “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, [9] I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. [10] So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. [11] “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. [12] Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. [13] For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

** We are to trust in Jesus Christ, which is contrary to the world’s thinking that promotes believing in ourselves; if we don’t have good self-esteem then the world says we need therapy!

Proverbs 28:6 NIV

[6] Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

Proverbs 3:5 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Luke 9:23-25 NIV

[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. [25] What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

** God gives His children a peace that passes understanding when we ASK for it and when we EXPERIENCE (guaranteed) trouble

God’s peace is not as the world defines “peace” where everything “goes smoothly” but a supernatural peace that overcomes the world... just wait and see, for there is a blessing for those who wait on Him <F60>

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

[6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [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. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

[13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Isaiah 30:18 NIV

[18] Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

[28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. [29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

** Eliphaz, friend of Job, accurately describes the mortality of man and temporal worthless value of wealth

Job 15:32-34 NIV

[32] Before his time he will wither, and his branches will not flourish. [33] He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. [34] For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes.

Job 15:29,31 NIV

[29] He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. [31] Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.

** Those who trust in anything but God will perish

Job 8:13-15 NIV

[13] Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. [14] What they trust in is fragile ; what they rely on is a spider's web. [15] They lean on the web, but it gives way; they cling to it, but it does not hold.

** Because God lives forever and I will not, I can experience the several different times of my life knowing that they are part of a bigger picture that I cannot see but which is visible to a good and wise God who sees the whole as beautiful. Part of being wise in this world is learning to accept that we have only very limited access to the big picture. To be sure, we often want access to it, for God has put eternity into man's heart.

But the point is that we cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. God is not being unkind to us by not sharing it -- the point is that we are not built to understand the big picture precisely because we live in time and God does not. If we could see the end from the beginning and understand how a billion lives and a thousand generations and unspeakable sorrows and untold joys are all woven into a tapestry of perfect beauty, then we would be God. <G792>

** Job understood that following God did not guarantee a “good life” but followers must accept troubled times just as they welcome good times

Job 2:9-10 NIV

[9] His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” [10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

** If you would bear the loss of your dear relations with moderation, then eye God in the whole process of the affliction more, and secondary causes and circumstances of the matter less.

Consider the hand of the Lord in your affliction, particularly:

• As a sovereign hand, which has the right to dispose of you and all your comforts, without your permission or consent.

• As a father's hand, correcting you in love and faithfulness. "Whom the LORD loves He corrects, as a father the son in whom he delights." Oh, if once you could but see affliction as a rod in your heavenly father's hand, proceeding from His love, and intended for your eternal good--how submissive you would then be!

And surely if it draws your heart nearer to your God, and mortifies it more to this vain world--then it is a rod in the hand of His special love. If your trial ends in your love to God, doubt not but it comes from God's love to you.

• As a just and righteous hand. Yes, the Lord is just in all that has come upon you. Whatever He has done, He has done you no wrong.

• As a moderate and merciful hand, that has punished you less than your iniquities deserve. He who has cast you into affliction, might have justly cast you into Hell! It is of the Lord's mercy that you are not consumed.

Learn from the death of your loved ones: the vanity of the creature, and the emptiness and nothingness of the best things here below! Affliction is a bitter pill, which, being enrapt in patience and quiet submission, may be easily swallowed. But discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the soul. <F63>

Psalm 39:9 NIV

[9] I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

** The enemies were afraid of the Jews because God was with them; the Jews destroyed them as a result

Esther 9:3,5-6 NIV

[3] And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king's administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them. [5] The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did what they pleased to those who hated them. [6] In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men.

Esther 9:16 NIV

[16] Meanwhile, the remainder of the Jews who were in the king's provinces also assembled to protect themselves and get relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of them but did not lay their hands on the plunder.

** As a result of Jehoshaphat’s obedience to the Lord, all the nations surrounding Judah feared this nation of God as it grew in wealth

2 Chronicles 17:10 NIV

[10] The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 17:12-13 NIV

[12] Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in Judah [13] and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 18:1 NIV

[1] Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.

** Jehoshaphat recognized God as all powerful, whom no one can withstand; the people of Judah understood they could call upon the Lord and He would hear their cry!

2 Chronicles 20:5-6 NIV

[5] Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard [6] and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.

2 Chronicles 20:9,12 NIV

[9] 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.' [12] Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. ”

2 Chronicles 20:29 NIV

[29] The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.

** Queen Sheba and other royalty recognized that God had given Solomon wisdom/wealth; some then praised God in response

2 Chronicles 9:5-8 NIV

[5] She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. [6] But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. [7] How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! [8] Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the Lord your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness.”

2 Chronicles 9:22-24 NIV

[22] King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. [23] All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. [24] Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift---articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.

** But God knew that man's pride would not want to submit to God's offer of grace and mercy. God knew that only a remnant down through the ages would accept this free offer, which is a gift that none of us can do anything to receive it, but by faith believing.

I can only imagine the shock that must have filled the angelic host who gasped in disbelief of the refusal of mankind to return to what was lost, and that is a relationship with God who created them and Paradise lost. The Angelic host see how "one little sin" in the Garden of Eden, has thus far brought mankind to the point it is in today. God has allowed mankind to earn the wages of his own willful pride and the sins he commits. <T201>

Even though mankind is steeped in sin from the days in the Garden, Christ came to offer us a way to redeem ourselves. We have the option to accept God’s offer of grace and mercy, by accepting His offer of salvation!

1 Corinthians 15:34 NIV

[34] Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God---I say this to your shame.

** God provides what we ask as long as we remain in Him, His words remain in us, and our request is in accordance with His will

2 Chronicles 1:6-7 NIV

[6] Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the Lord in the tent of meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it. [7] That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

John 15:7 NIV

[7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 14:14 NIV

[14] You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

James 1:5-8 NIV

1 John 5:14 NIV

[14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

** Our days are numbered and without hope if we do not align ourselves with Christ

1 Chronicles 29:15 NIV

[15] We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

** Time is a jewel of more worth than a world! Time is not yours to dispose of as you please.

It is a glorious talent, which men must be accountable for, as well as any other talent. Of all talents, time is the hardest to improve well.

Ah, beloved, have not you need to improve your time--who have so much work to do in so short a time:

• a God to honor,

• a Christ to exalt,

• a Hell to escape,

• a race to run,

• a crown to win,

• temptations to withstand,

• corruptions to conquer,

• afflictions to bear,

• mercies to improve, and

• your generation to serve! <B24>

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

[15] Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Psalm 90:12 NIV

[12] Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

** Your frequent afflictions are His sweet lessons. It is the proper work of the grace of Jesus to humble the proud sinner, to make him and to keep him sensible of his needs, convinced always that he has not any good of his own and cannot possibly of himself obtain any--but what he must be receiving every moment out of the fullness of Jesus.

All providences, sicknesses, losses, successes--are only so far blessings, as they lead us more out of ourselves, into the fullness of Jesus.

The Lord having appointed you for His heavenly kingdom, has also appointed all the steps which are to lead you there. Your every affliction is in the covenant. Your sicknesses, your failings, your disappointments--there is not one thing that thwarts your will, that is not in God's will. Nothing can befall you but what is...

• divinely ordered,

• contrived for you by infinite wisdom,

• brought upon you by infinite love!

Oh, for eyes to see, for a heart to receive all God's dealings with you in this covenant view. How sweet would be your many trials, if you found them all appointed and managed for you by the best of friends! Learn to receive them thus. <R172>

** God’s love endures forever

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

[34] Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

** Soon we shall see Him as He is! We shall be married to Him, reign with Him, and be entirely like Him! <M142>

Ephesians 3:17b-19 NIV

[17] And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Revelation 19:9 NIV

[9] Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

** A dislike of death is no proof of the lack of genuine religion. The instincts of nature shrink from it, for no creature can like its own dissolution. But though death is not desired, the result of it may be, for to the Christian dying is the way to life eternal! <J109>

Philippians 1:21 NIV

[21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Job 16:22 NIV

[22] “Only a few years will pass before I take the path of no return.

Revelation 14:13 NIV

** Even along our pilgrim way, God walks with us and makes our hearts burn within us. These sweet foretastes of His love draw us on and whet our appetite for Heaven. A few more of these foretastes, and we shall get to the fountainhead and drink rivers of pleasure forevermore! <R172>

** Ezra read the Book of the Law, filled with commands for Israel, in a way that people could relate His commands to their daily lives

Nehemiah 8:1-3 NIV

[1] all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel. [2] So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. [3] He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Nehemiah 8:8 NIV

[8] They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

** The more we love Him, the more lovely He will become to us.

We soon exhaust the most excellent characters of earth. But in the character of our blessed Redeemer there are depths, heights, lengths and breadths of loveliness that we can never exhaust through time or eternity. After, in Heaven, we shall have seen the King in His beauty as many millions of years as there are grains of dust in our globe--there will still be in Him an infinitude of unrevealed beauties to transport our ever expanding souls. <T208>

** God’s redeemed people are the object of His special care. They are all...

• bought with His blood,

• quickened by His Spirit,

• kept by His power, and

• blessed with His love.

All their concerns are upon His heart. His eyes are upon them. He sees His people with perfect delight, and they shall lack nothing good that He has to give. He is managing all things temporal and spiritual for their good. <R172>

** The Israelites recognized God who fulfilled His promise to provide a fruitful land and descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky

Nehemiah 9:22-25 NIV

[22] “You gave them kingdoms and nations, allotting to them even the remotest frontiers. They took over the country of Sihon king of Heshbon and the country of Og king of Bashan. [23] You made their children as numerous as the stars in the sky, and you brought them into the land that you told their parents to enter and possess. [24] Their children went in and took possession of the land. You subdued before them the Canaanites, who lived in the land; you gave the Canaanites into their hands, along with their kings and the peoples of the land, to deal with them as they pleased. [25] They captured fortified cities and fertile land; they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they reveled in your great goodness.

Nehemiah 9:35 NIV

[35] Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways.

** God helped Ezra accomplish what He willed for him to do

Ezra 7:28 NIV

[28] and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.

** To suppose that temporal things are too little for our condescending God, is to forget that He observes the flight of sparrows, and counts the hairs of His people's heads. Besides, everything is so little to Him, that, if He does not care for the little, He cares for nothing.

** What if you had committed the sins of a million worlds? Christ's righteousness will cover, and Christ's blood will cleanse you from the guilt of all! <W219>

Romans 5:6-8,10 NIV

[6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [10] For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

** The prophet Isaiah declared that Hezekiah would die from his illness; Hezekiah appealed to the Lord to remember how he followed God during his lifetime and God added 15 years to his life, after healing his wound

2 Kings 20:1-3 NIV

[1] In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” [2] Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, [3] “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

2 Kings 20:4-7 NIV

[4] Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: [5] “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, 'This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. [6] I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' ” [7] Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.

** Hezekiah asked for confirmation that God would heal him and allow him to go to the temple; the Lord provided a visual confirmation

2 Kings 20:8-11 NIV

[8] Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the Lord on the third day from now?” [9] Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord's sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?” [10] “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.” [11] Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.

** Christ worked miracles when He walked the earth to authenticate Himself; the typical response when we are suffering today is not to remove the problem but force us to go through the problem and lean on Him the whole way, for God will give us the needed tools <H86>

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NIV

[7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

** When Christ died, we died. When Christ rose from the dead, we rose! This is why death cannot hold us down any longer — we have an eternal hope through Christ our Lord!

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 NIV

[54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” [55] “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

Isaiah 63:1 NIV

[1] Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? Who is this, robed in splendor, striding forward in the greatness of his strength? “It is I, proclaiming victory, mighty to save.”

Isaiah 25:8-9 NIV

[8] he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. [9] In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Isaiah 57:2 NIV

[2] Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.

** Solomon sums it up this way: we need to keep in mind during times of prosperity and times of adversity that nothing is certain in this life; tomorrow is not guaranteed so put your hope in Christ alone <F60>

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

[14] When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

James 4:13-15 NIV

** In all your sorrows, pour out your heart to the Man of sorrows. He will bow down His ear and listen to all that you say. He will either remove or moderate your trial, or give you strength to bear it. Even this bitter draught He has given you to drink shall result both in your good and His glory.

Remember, not a sparrow falls upon the ground without His guidance, and that the very hairs of your head are all numbered. How much more has this trying event been ordered and arranged by Him who loves you! Infinite wisdom has appointed the whole! Never doubt that He loves you, when He most deeply afflicts.

May He lift up upon you the light of His countenance, drawing you nearer to Himself, that you may see what a tender, loving heart He has for you, and how deeply and tenderly and considerately He cares for you--as if there were not another poor sorrowful one to care for on the face of the whole earth! <W216>

Isaiah 43:2-3 NIV

[2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. [3] For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

** We see David remembering: no matter how bad things appeared to him at the time, it did not change how good God is; we hang on to the same truth today!

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

[13] I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. [14] Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

** Elisha asked God to open the eyes of his servant to see how they are protected by God even though the situation looked helpless: a wonderful reminder that we live in a spiritual world!

2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

[15] When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. [16] “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” [17] And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

** We live in a spiritual world that has great unseen powers; God is sovereign over everything and can provide protection against evil spirits when we ask it of Him

Mark 5:2 NIV

When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.

Mark 5:12-13 NIV

The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” [13] He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

** It was impossible for death to hold Jesus in the tomb because God said he would; if Christ is not raised then God is a liar and our faith is worthless

Acts 2:22-24 NIV

[22] “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. [23] This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. [24] But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

1 Corinthians 15:14-17 NIV

[14] And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. [15] More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. [16] For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. [17] And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

Romans 15:8 NIV

[8] For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed

Mark 12:14a NIV

[14] They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Psalm 25:5 NIV

[5] Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Likewise, if we do not believe the resurrection then we call God a liar, everyone perishes and our faith is worthless; but Christ IS raised and we are made alive in Him! <M130>

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NIV

Romans 4:25 NIV

[25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

** It is impossible to believe in Christ unless the Holy Spirit reveals Him to us; as a result, we were once dead in our sins but we will become imperishable through Christ who was raised from the dead, through the leading and power of the Holy Spirit!

1 Corinthians 15:50-54 NIV

[50] I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. [51] Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--- [52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. [53] For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. [54] When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

** “A man must address the issue of who is truly the Lord of his life, because one day he will fall through his lattice and need someone to help and somewhere to turn. The one he trusts at such a moment will either support him or collapse him like a rotten lattice.”

We cannot count on our fellow man for support because we are human — we are limited in our ability, knowledge, foresight, attention-span, etc — so we must turn to God! When we do believe in Him, repent of our sin, ask His forgiveness and commit our lives to Him, we KNOW we have the Ultimate Support who is with us every step of the way! A support we can truly count on without fail. (Psalm 91, 116, 139)

** The way to Heaven lies through much tribulation. All our troubles are not over when we are saved by Christ; nay, then commonly our greatest sorrows begin! Nor are we to expect freedom from our troubles, until harbored in Heaven.

This winter weather shall be useful to destroy those noxious weeds, which the summer of prosperity bred. By wintry trials, God will mortify and purge our corruptions!

At present we are tossed upon an ocean of troubles, fears and temptations--but these will make Heaven all the sweeter. Cheer up, then, O my soul, your salvation is now nearer than when you first believed! Yet a few more days, and then comes that blessed day you have so long waited and panted for!

God will shortly put a blessed end to all of your soul troubles, cares and watchings. The time is coming, when your heart shall be as you would have it, when you shall be discharged of all these cares, fears and sorrows, and never more cry out: "O my hard, my proud, my vain, my earthly heart!" <F63>

John 16:33 NIV

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 25:34 NIV

[34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

** What a brittle thing is all the glory, wealth, and honor of this vain world! How empty, and what trash does it appear! And yet men sell their souls to grasp it, and at last pass away from it and find it all a phantom. How unceasing is Satan in forever bringing it before our eyes, in some form or other! What is all the pomp and wealth and rank of this poor fleeting world, in contrast with the glory that shall soon be revealed in all those who love His appearing? <W216>

"The spirit of the world is eating out the very heart and life of true godliness!" <E53>

"Refined worldliness is the present snare of the Church of God!" <B21>

1 John 2:17 NIV

[17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

James 4:4 NIV

[4] You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

** Paul knew how to manage in every state; he learned to be content whatever his circumstances. If he was in prosperity, he knew how to be thankful.

If he was in adversity, he knew how to be patient. He was neither lifted up with prosperity nor cast down with adversity.

A Christian should be content in any and every situation. Many are contented in some conditions — but not in every condition. They can be content in a wealthy state. When they have the streams of milk and honey — now they are content. But if the wind turns and is against them — now they are discontented. While they have a silver crutch to lean upon — they are contented; but if God breaks this crutch — now they are discontented.

Many would be content with their affliction if God would allow them to pick and choose. They could better endure sickness than poverty; or bear loss of estate than loss of children. If they might have a cross of their own choosing, they would be content.

But a contented Christian does not desire to choose his cross but leaves God to choose for him. He is content both for the kind of the afflictions, and the duration of the afflictions, which God gives him. A contented man says, "Let God apply whatever medicine He pleases, and let it lie on as long as He desires. I know when it has done its cure, and eaten the venom of sin out of my heart that God will take it away."

A contented Christian, being sweetly captivated under the authority of the Word, desires to be wholly at God's disposal, and cheerfully lives in whatever circumstances that God has placed him in. He does not only submit to God's dealings, but rejoices in them! <W210>

2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV

[10] That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

** Here is good news for weary, heavy-hearted pilgrims from our homeland in Heaven. Do you have heartaches and troubles too numerous to count? It will do you good to receive some good news from home.

The Lord our God is still on His throne. Our Savior is still in Heaven, preparing a place for you, representing you, interceding for you.

There are many in Heaven just like you and me already. There is:

• a fallen David there,

• a doubting Thomas there,

• an angry Moses there,

• a feeble Philip there,

• an impetuous Peter there,

• and a righteous Lot there.

All are there by grace alone, through the merits of Christ's blood and righteousness. And, soon, the Lord Jesus Christ will come again to take you there! <F67>

John 14:1-3 NIV

** Why then, need I worry or tremble? That great, loving, powerful hand keeps all the events of my life sealed and secure within its almighty clasp! Only He, my Maker and my Master, can permit them to be revealed to me as His will for me. What a compassionate, gracious arrangement! How eminently fitted to fulfill that sweet promise of His Word, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You!" If we fully believed this, we would be absolutely devoid of the worry which corrodes and chafes the daily life of so many professing Christians.

"My times." Not one or two important epochs of my history only--but everything that concerns me:

• joys that I had not expected,

• sorrows that must have crushed me, if they could have been anticipated,

• sufferings which might have terrified me by their grimness, had I looked upon them,

• surprises which infinite love had prepared for me,

• services of which I could not have imagined myself capable--

all these lay in that mighty hand, as the purposes of God's eternal will for me.

But, as they have developed gradually and silently--how great has been the love which appeared enwrapping and enfolding each one!

• Has not the grief been measured--while the gladness has far more abounded?

• Have not the comforts and consolations--exceeded the crosses and afflictions?

• Have not all things been so arranged, and ordered, and undertaken, and worked out on our behalf--that we can but marvel at the goodness and wisdom of God, in meting out from that dear hand of His, all the "times" that have passed over us?

You agree with me in all this, do you not, dear reader? Then I beg you to apply it to your present circumstances, however dark or difficult they may be. They have come directly from your Father's hand to you, and they are His dear will for you! <S186>

Psalm 31:15 NIV

[15] My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.

** Things are going well. So why do so many people feel stressed, hopeless, and miserable?

There are many answers to this question. But it can be summarized by something Jesus said. In Matthew 7:24-25, He said, "Everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock."

For a long time, most Americans including those who did not consider themselves Christians, held God's word in high esteem. However imperfectly, they tried to live by things like the Golden Rule. In court, they swore to tell the truth with a hand on the Bible. But today, influential Americans primarily in the media and academics hold the Bible up to ridicule.

To them, it's good for a laugh. And that brings us to the rest of the Lord's statement. In verses 26 and 27, He said, "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall."

No wonder people are miserable. They feel the early trembling of an imminent fall. They have cut themselves off from the Source of life, joy, and fulfillment.

Terrible as the situation is, it has created an amazing opportunity for followers of Jesus. In John 12:36, Jesus called His followers "the children of light." In every way we can - using television, the internet, and every part of our everyday lives - we must let the light of Jesus shine out into a dark and forbidding world. And we must do so with urgency. <L124>

** David praises Is God for His great kindness and provision for him and future generations

2 Samuel 22:50-51 NIV

[50] Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. [51] “He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.”

** God confirms with Solomon that he will receive long life if he follows God's decrees and commands

1 Kings 3:14 NIV

[14] And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.”

** David did what was right and just (administered judgment and justice) for all his people, and the Lord gave David victory wherever he went

2 Samuel 8:14b-15 NIV

[14] The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. [15] David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.

** May we meditation on our God as long as we live and may He be pleased with His creation

Psalm 104:31-32 NIV

[31] May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works--- [32] he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

Psalm 104:33-34 NIV

[33] I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. [34] May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.

** David praises God for all His benefits and delivering us from the pit, providing and renewing us with what is good

Psalm 103:2-5 NIV

[2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits--- [3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, [5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

** We know of a place in England still existing, where a dole of bread is served to every passerby who chooses to ask for it. Whoever the traveler may be, he has but to knock at the door of St. Cross Hospital and there is the dole of bread for him.

In the same way, Jesus so loves sinners that He has built a St. Cross Hospital, so that whenever a sinner is hungry, he has but to knock and have his needs supplied.

Nay, He has done better; He has attached to this Hospital of the Cross--a BATH. Whenever a soul is black and filthy, it has but to go there and be washed. The fountain is always full, always effectual. No sinner ever went into it and found that it could not wash away his stains. Sins which were scarlet and crimson--have all disappeared, and the sinner has been made whiter than snow!

As if this were not enough, there is attached to this Hospital of the Cross--a WARDROBE, and a sinner making application simply as a sinner, may be clothed from head to foot! Nothing that is good for him shall be denied him. He shall have spending-money (grace) as long as he lives, and he shall have an eternal heritage of glorious treasure when he enters into the joy of his Lord.

If all these things are to be had by merely knocking at mercy's door, O my soul, knock hard, and ask great things from your generous Lord.

No bashfulness need retard us when Jesus invites.

No unbelief should hinder us when Jesus promises.

No cold-heartedness should restrain us when such blessings are to be obtained! <S185>

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

[7] “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

[16] Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

** God is everlasting from generation to generation even though His created world wastes away

Psalm 102:25-27 NIV

[25] In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [26] They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. [27] But you remain the same, and your years will never end.

Psalm 103:19 NIV

[19] The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

Hebrews 1:10-12 NIV

[10] He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. [11] They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. [12] You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

** God is in control of our lives from cradle to grave; we often labor under His wrath because we cannot hide our sins

Psalm 90:5-6 NIV

[5] Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death---they are like the new grass of the morning: [6] In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.

Psalm 90:3 NIV

[3] You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”

Psalm 90:7-8 NIV

[7] We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. [8] You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Psalm 90:9-10 NIV

[9] All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. [10] Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

** Our days on earth are limited by God who created us and provides us with life

Psalm 90:5-6 NIV

[5] Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death---they are like the new grass of the morning: [6] In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.

Job 8:9 NIV

[9] for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.

Job 14:1-2 NIV

[1] “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble. [2] They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.

James 4:14 NIV

[14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

** Our days on earth are limited and pass by quickly according to God’s plan; as New Testament followers, we realize that we are not perishable because we believe and follow God’s Word!

Psalm 102:3 NIV

[3] For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.

Psalm 102:23 NIV

[23] In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days.

Psalm 103:15-16 NIV

[15] The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; [16] the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

1 Peter 1:23-25 NIV

[23] For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. [24] For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, [25] but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.

** David built an altar and prayed to God who, in turn, limited the amount of punishment by telling the Angel of the Lord to withdraw from punishing Jerusalem

2 Samuel 24:16 NIV

[16] When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” The angel of the Lord was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

2 Samuel 24:25 NIV

[25] David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.

** David pleads that God would not cut him off in the midst of his days

Psalm 102:24 NIV

[24] So I said: “Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days; your years go on through all generations.

** Life grows difficult through our shortened passing days

Psalm 102:4-7,11 NIV

[4] My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food. [5] In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones. [6] I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. [7] I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. [11] My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass.

** What wonderful promises God makes to His children who recognize Him and call on Him, wanting to avoid being punished along with the wicked!

Psalm 91:14-16 NIV

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will RESCUE him;

I will PROTECT him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call upon me, and I will ANSWER him;

I will BE WITH him in trouble,

I will DELIVER him and HONOR him.

With long life will I SATISFY him and SHOW him my salvation.”

** Moses asks the Lord to help him be aware of his limited days and live in them wisely with an underlying fear of the Lord

Psalm 90:11-12 NIV

[11] If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. [12] Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

** Infinite wisdom, as well as infinite love, guides the Lord Jesus in all His doings. Thus it is He sees it best for His own glory and our good, that His doings should at times be contrary to our own desires for ourselves. All things, the bitter and the sweet, are from the hands of Him who makes all work together for our good. <M141>

Romans 8:28 NIV

[28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

** God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and has been with His people through all generations; God is not confined by time for He exists from everlasting to everlasting!

Psalm 90:1-2 NIV

[1] Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. [2] Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Psalm 90:4 NIV

[4] A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.

Psalm 93:2 NIV

[2] Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

** Is there any better picture of His great love for us — an omnipotent God noticing when we, a mere spec of dust, is in trouble and saving us!

Psalm 18:16 NIV

[16] He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.

** With these words our Lord Jesus Christ assures us that none of God's elect shall ever be in any real danger or suffer any real harm, for we are under the special care and protection of God Himself.

Matthew 10:29-31 NIV

I see six things in this sentence which are a constant source of peace and encouragement to me.

The blessed fact of DIVINE PREDESTINATION: Before the world began, our heavenly Father counted up and ordained the number of hairs that were to be upon your head at this very moment! That is meticulous predestination. What does it tell us? God's sovereign purpose of grace in predestination includes all that we do and experience.

A comforting assurance of DIVINE PROVIDENCE: The primary intent of the text is to show us our Father's constant rule of all things. A sparrow cannot fall to the ground, nor can a hair fall from your head, without your Father's eternal decree in predestination and His direction in providence.

Our heavenly Father's DIVINE KNOWLEDGE of all things concerning us:

Our God, who predestined all things and rules all things, knows all things. We are so well known by God that He has even numbered the hairs of our heads. "Your Father knows." We need no other comfort. The Lord's knowledge of us is constant and entire. His knowledge of us is the knowledge of a tender, sympathetic Father.

Our Father's constant, DIVINE CARE:

He who takes the trouble to number the hairs of our heads must surely care for us. We are the apple of His eye. Cast all your care upon Him, for "He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

The HONOR AND DIVINE ESTEEM God has for us: God has numbered our hairs because He values them. He holds us in honor and esteem above all the people of the world because of His gracious purpose toward us in Christ (Isaiah 43:3-5; 1 John 4:9-11).

The promise of DIVINE PROTECTION:

The hairs of our head are all numbered because our God intends that, "Not a hair of your head shall perish."

Trials are certain.

Temptations are sure.

Tribulations are constant in this evil world.

But there is no cause for fear, for "The very hairs of your head are all numbered!" <F67>

** Life is but a short breath until death

Psalm 89:47-48 NIV

[47] Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all humanity! [48] Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?

** It didn't matter how well-prepared and intimidating the enemy appeared, David knew God was on his side; the enemy would wither at the mention of our Lord God and be delivered into the hands of David <M130>

1 Samuel 17:5-7 NIV

[5] He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels ; [6] on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. [7] His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him.

1 Samuel 17:32 NIV

[32] David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

1 Samuel 17:41,45-47 NIV

[41] Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. [45] David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. [46] This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. [47] All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 17:48-50 NIV

[48] As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. [49] Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. [50] So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

** David humbly asks God to teach him so his faith will grow and he will fear the Lord

Psalm 86:11 NIV

[11] Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

** Those who love God are to hate evil; God rewards those who align with Him!

Psalm 97:10-11 NIV

[10] Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. [11] Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.

** God grants peace to His people who follow Him; only those who renounce their sinful autonomy and put their complete trust in the living God will participate in the blessings of salvation and the future kingdom <M130>

Psalm 85:8-9 NIV

[8] I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants---but let them not turn to folly. [9] Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

John 3:3-5 NIV

** There are two types of repentance: worldly sorrow and godly sorrow

A) Worldly Sorrow is like a guilty conscience and not wanting to experience consequences from sin; if there were no consequences and chance of getting caught, the person would continue in sin

B) Godly Sorrow is a work of God enabling us to recognize that our sin hurts/grieves Him; we become sensitive to the Holy Spirit illuminating truth as we delve into God’s Word in the pursuit of sanctification

2 Corinthians 7:9-11 NIV

[9] yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful AS GOD INTENDED and so were not harmed in any way by us. [10] GODLY SORROW brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but WORLDLY SORROW brings death. [11] See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

** Hannah recalls in her prayer:

How God looks after the weak and those in need

1 Samuel 2:1 NIV

[1] Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.

1 Samuel 2:4,7-8a, 9 NIV

[4] “The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. [7] The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. [8] He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. [9] He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails

How God knows the heart and actions of the proud

1 Samuel 2:3 NIV

[3] “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

How God is in control of life and death

1 Samuel 2:6 NIV

[6] “The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.

How God is the creator and sustainer of the world

1 Samuel 2:8b,10b NIV

[8] “For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world. [10] The Most High will thunder from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. “He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

** In marital love, there is a mutual giving each to other. Just so in this holy spiritual love between Christ and the redeemed soul.

Christ gives Himself unto the soul, and says, "All that I am and all that I have are yours--My righteousness is yours, My merits are yours, and all My benefits shall be yours!"

So the soul in love with Christ, says, "Lord, I give myself to You! My mind shall be Yours, my will, my heart, my estate, my all shall be Yours--at Your command, at Your disposal!" <D49>

Song of Songs 2:16 NIV

[16] My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies.

** David pledges allegiance to God, for he knows God will deal with those who oppose Him and those who seek Him in righteousness

Psalm 75:9-10 NIV

[9] As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, [10] who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

** David feels like God is not hearing his plea for mercy but then remembers how God met him in former days when he was in distress

This Psalm illustrates one cure for depression. The psalmist does not explain his reason for despair, but he was definitely locked into gloom. When he thought about God it only causes him to complain bitterly. But in vs 10 the psalmist’s mood begins to change because he commits to focusing on God’s goodness and past acts of deliverance. His lament then changes into a hymn of praise. The psalmist began to remember the times when God used His right hand (power) to strengthen and protect him. <M130>

Psalm 77:2,5-7 NIV

[2] When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. [5] I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; [6] I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: [7] “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

Psalm 77:10-12 NIV

[10] Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. [11] I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. [12] I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

** David recognizes that he has nothing unless he is sustained by God

Psalm 73:25-26 NIV

[25] Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. [26] My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

** Prayer: Lead us to the cross, and show us in His wounds--the hateful character of sin. May we see our sins, as . . .

the nails which transfixed Him,

the cords which bound Him,

the sword which pierced Him,

the thorns which tore Him,

the taunts which stung Him.

Help us to read in His cruel death, the reality and immensity of His love. Open to us the wondrous volumes of glorious truth in the cry, "It is finished!"

Our atonement is forever achieved,

our debt is fully paid,

all our guilt is washed away,

all our sins most righteously forgiven,

our souls saved,

Hell vanquished,

the devil crushed,

Heaven won, and

eternity of glory our rightful home! <L121>

** God’s name represents His presence; Old Testament believers had evidence and could remember God’s presence through His miracles since the Holy Spirit was not indwelling in New Testament followers at that time <M130>

Psalm 75:1 NIV

[1] We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

[16] Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?

John 14:16-17 NIV

Psalm 76:1 NIV

[1] God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great.

** There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough--a cheap Christianity which offends nobody, and requires no sacrifice--which costs nothing, and is worth nothing! <R170>

** In his old age, Joshua reminds the Israelites how the Lord fought for them over the years helping them conquer 31 kings and their territory!

Joshua 23:2-3 NIV

[2] [Joshua] summoned all Israel---their elders, leaders, judges and officials---and said to them: “I am very old. [3] You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you.

Joshua 23:9-10 NIV

[9] “The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. [10] One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised.

Joshua 24:8 NIV

[8] “ ‘I brought you to the land of the Amorites who lived east of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, and you took possession of their land.

Joshua 24:11-12 NIV

[11] “ ‘Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. [12] I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you---also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow.

** Joshua, in his old age, recounts how God led and provided for Israel through the years which was to give perspective and ensure the young generation would not forget; unfortunately the younger generation (those after the death of Joshua) did evil in the sight of the Lord

Joshua 24:2ff NIV

[2] Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods...

Joshua 24:8 NIV

Judges 2:8,10-13 NIV

[8] Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten. [10] After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. [11] Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. [12] They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger [13] because they forsook him and served Baal and the Ashtoreths.

** Teach others using truths from past generations; it is our responsibility to pass on God’s praiseworthy deeds, power and wonders to future generations

Psalm 78:1-4 NIV

[1] My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. [2] I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old--- [3] things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. [4] We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 78:5-6 NIV

** We are to teach God’s truths to the next generation so they will learn from their predecessors and not be rebellious

Psalm 78:5-8 NIV

[5] He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, [6] so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. [7] Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. [8] They would not be like their ancestors---a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.

** David prays that the land and God’s kingdom will flourish and be restored because they align themselves with God who is righteous

Psalm 72:3-4,6-7 NIV

[3] May the mountains bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness. [4] May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; may he crush the oppressor. [6] May he be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. [7] In his days may the righteous flourish and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.

Psalm 72:12-14,16 NIV

[12] For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. [13] He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. [14] He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight. [16] May grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. May the crops flourish like Lebanon and thrive like the grass of the field.

** People today have become so deadened to the oppressive Babylonian nature of this world. It's as if they know deep down that things aren't right, but they can't quite put their finger on what exactly is wrong...so they escape.

They escape into a world of fantasy either through drug, drink, book or show. They escape because everyday life, with its bills, taxes, problems, defeats, inevitability, and all the other things we dread dealing with, doesn't mesh with what the world is promising. In other words, marketing isn't living up to reality.

Do you really think that is how God designed this all to be? Satan has sold everyone on this lie that this is the way life is and will continue on as it always has been, routinely and unexpectedly. The 'normalcy bias' lie is that the way life is today, is the way it should be. There is no heaven, no hell, and that is why you must take life by the horns and get what you can get out of today. And many people fall for that, and they pursue all their worldly lusts, only to find them vapid and unfulfilling, they get disappointed and restless. Satan keeps man constantly chasing after the ghost of a good thing, in hopes that they will finally grasp it, not realizing that it is only a wispy air of a dream they had been chasing all along. Their fleeting pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But even if things did work out for them, the pot of gold cannot satisfy.

Man was, after all, built for eternity. Temporary things can never satisfy. <G70>

** It doesn't matter how old or how many troubles we've experienced from our youth, we have a wonderful HOPE for the future for God will restore us!

Psalm 71:20-21 NIV

[20] Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. [21] You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.

Psalm 71:12-14 NIV

[12] Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. [13] May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. [14] As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

** The person singing this song recognizes where the Lord lives and longs to be there

Psalm 84:1-3 NIV

[1] How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! [2] My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. [3] Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young---a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.

** Once I was a slave, but now I am His dear son.

Once I was spiritually dead, but now I am spiritually alive.

Once I was in darkness, but now I walk in light.

Once I was a child of wrath and an heir of Hell, but now I am an heir of Heaven.

Once I was Satan's slave, but now I am God's freeman.

Once I was under the spirit of bondage, but now I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby I cry, "Abba, Father!” <B24>

** Our worship is to include thanking God for His acts of salvation and protection and then sharing this with others

Psalm 71:22-24 NIV

[22] I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God; I will sing praise to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel. [23] My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you---I whom you have delivered. [24] My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long, for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.

Psalm 71:8 NIV

[8] My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

** Those who have God's Holy Spirit will be removed at the precise time that God pulls back from holding evil at bay and Satan will have full sway over the destiny of mankind to destroy them and those who worship the Beast. Jesus promised He would never leave us Comfortless, or leave us forever.

The Anti-Christ, will overcome the saints of the Tribulation, as God's Holy Spirit has been pulled back. The AC cannot overcome the Church, as he can't overcome God, so it is another point for confirmation of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church. <T201>

** Moses offers God's words of comfort to be strong and courageous because God promises to go before them and never leave or forsake them

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

[6] Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 NIV

[7] Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. [8] The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:23 NIV

[23] The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”

** Moses reminds the people how God has been with them every step of the way from Egypt to the Promised Land, that He holds the holy ones in His hand and will protect Israel against her enemies

Deuteronomy 33:2-3 NIV

[2] He said:

“The Lord came from Sinai and dawned over them from Seir; he shone forth from Mount Paran. He came with myriads of holy ones from the south, from his mountain slopes. [3] Surely it is you who love the people; all the holy ones are in your hand. At your feet they all bow down, and from you receive instruction

Deuteronomy 33:27-29 NIV

[27] The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’ [28] So Israel will live in safety; Jacob will dwell secure in a land of grain and new wine, where the heavens drop dew. [29] Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights. ”

** The nation of Israel will be powerfully blessed when they follow God

Deuteronomy 15:5-6 NIV

[5] if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. [6] For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.

Genesis 12:1-3 NIV

[1] The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. [2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”

Deuteronomy 19:8-9 NIV

[8] If the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as he promised on oath to your ancestors, and gives you the whole land he promised them, [9] because you carefully follow all these laws I command you today---to love the Lord your God and to walk always in obedience to him---then you are to set aside three more cities.

** As Israel need not fear armies with military might in battle because the Lord went before them, so we know God can go before us when we obey and call on Him today; the command not to be afraid was based on God's power and faithfulness as proven by the Israeli deliverance from Egypt <M130>

Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NIV

[1] When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. [2] When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. [3] He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. [4] For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. ”

** The Lord loves His people and can turn a curse into a blessing

Deuteronomy 23:5 NIV

[5] However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you.

** As followers of Christ we not only experience His grace and blessings including salvation but reflect His goodness as our personal testimony to others wherever we go

Psalm 67:1-2 NIV

[1] May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us--- [2] so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.

** God has His own 'social justice system' that works when we follow His commands; man otherwise struggles in vain

Deuteronomy 15:4-5 NIV

[4] However, there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, [5] if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today.

Deuteronomy 15:7-10 NIV

[7] If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. [8] Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. [9] Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. [10] Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.

** Also see notes in Deuteronomy 16 for many references supporting a fair justice system

Deuteronomy 19:18-21 NIV

[18] The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against a fellow Israelite, [19] then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. [20] The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. [21] Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

** God informs us that we will always have the poor among us and should have a benevolent attitude toward them

Deuteronomy 15:11 NIV

[11] There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Deuteronomy 15:14-15 NIV

[14] Supply [the freed slave] liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the Lord your God has blessed you. [15] Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

** God desires to bless us just as He blessed His people taking them to the Promised Land

Deuteronomy 8:7-9 NIV

[7] For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land---a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; [8] a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; [9] a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

** Christians do not need to fear anything, for God is omnipotent and is able to do great things to help us overcome any obstacle

Deuteronomy 7:18-19 NIV

[18] But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. [19] You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the Lord your God brought you out. The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

Deuteronomy 7:21-23 NIV

[21] Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. [22] The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. [23] But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed.

** The spirit world can wreak havoc on our lives, such as when Jesus destroyed the livelihood of pig farmers when sending a legion of demons into the herd of 2000

• Jesus’ power also supersedes all supernatural forces that are ranged against humankind

• We see the reaction of a people who cared more for their pigs than a tormented man’s sanity

• Yet we can have confidence that Christ, Ruler of the secret kingdom of God, has power over nature, over demonic powers and over every illness <R1795>

Mark 5:15-17 NIV

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. [16] Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man---and told about the pigs as well. [17] Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

** Nothing in this world is more beautiful <M136>

A ship is made to go in the water, and no matter how deep the sea nor how wild the tempest--all goes well as long as the water does not get into the ship. The problem of managing a ship, is not to keep the ship out of the water--but to keep the water out of the ship!

In this sinful world, we cannot avoid all cares and trials and temptations. The goal of of true Christian living is to keep these cares and trials and temptations from getting into our souls. Some people let all their frets and worries at once into their hearts--and they soon live out their lives in sourness, irritability, and discontent. They become thus miserable themselves--and they make all around them miserable. They cast, not cooling, healthful, refreshing shade on others--but melancholy, darksome, chilling shadows.

Learn to keep your cares in your hands--and out of your hearts. Nothing in this world is more beautiful than a Christian life with many trials and cares--yet remaining ever peaceful and joyous amid them all. This is the real goal of noble Christian living.

** Following God's word is a sign of wisdom and we will prosper as a result

Deuteronomy 4:5-8 NIV

[5] See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. [6] Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” [7] What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? [8] And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NIV

[32] So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. [33] Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

** God can accomplish what we believe to be impossible; God can be seen as a devouring fire burning everything in His path

Deuteronomy 9:1-3 NIV

[1] Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. [2] The people are strong and tall---Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: “Who can stand up against the Anakites?” [3] But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you.

** God guided, provided and protected the Israelites as they journeyed in the desert for 40 years; God will do the same for us when we seek Him

Deuteronomy 2:7 NIV

[7] The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

Deuteronomy 2:3-5 NIV

[3] “You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north. [4] Give the people these orders: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your relatives the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. [5] Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own.

Deuteronomy 2:21,25 NIV

[21] They were a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. The Lord destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place. [25] This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you.”

** God was to be the inheritance for the Levites while other tribes possessed part of the land; acknowledgment in God alone was echoed by David later in Scripture

Numbers 18:20 NIV

[20] The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.

Numbers 18:21-23 NIV

[21] “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting. [22] From now on the Israelites must not go near the tent of meeting, or they will bear the consequences of their sin and will die. [23] It is the Levites who are to do the work at the tent of meeting and bear the responsibility for any offenses they commit against it. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. They will receive no inheritance among the Israelites.

Psalm 16:5-6 NIV

[5] Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

** True peace and satisfaction is possible when recognizing God and following His ways; genuine peace and satisfaction is not possible when we do not love and obey Him

Leviticus 26:26b NIV

[26] You will eat, but you will not be satisfied.

Leviticus 26:40-42,45 NIV

[40] “ ‘But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors---their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me, [41] which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies---then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, [42] I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. [45] But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the Lord.’ ”

Psalm 91:14-16 NIV

[14] “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. [16] With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

** The aim of the laws in Leviticus was to protect God's people from disease but, more importantly, impress on them vivid object lessons regarding how God desired purity, holiness and cleanliness among His people <M130>

Leviticus 11:43-45 NIV

[43] Do not defile yourselves by any of these creatures. Do not make yourselves unclean by means of them or be made unclean by them. [44] I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. [45] I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

Leviticus 11:46-47 NIV

[46] “ ‘These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves about in the water and every creature that moves along the ground. [47] You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.’”

Leviticus 12:2,6 NIV

[2] “Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. [6] “ ‘When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering.

** For the protection of the people, observation, cleansing and isolation was demanded for all cases of what were considered a contagious skin disease; regulations also existed for mold on fabric and sexual acts <M130>

Leviticus 13:35-37 NIV Example

[35] But if the sore does spread in the skin after they are pronounced clean, [36] the priest is to examine them, and if he finds that the sore has spread in the skin, he does not need to look for yellow hair; they are unclean. [37] If, however, the sore is unchanged so far as the priest can see, and if black hair has grown in it, the affected person is healed. They are clean, and the priest shall pronounce them clean.

Leviticus 13:45-46 NIV

[45] “Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ [46] As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp.

Leviticus 14:37-39 NIV

[37] He is to examine the mold on the walls, and if it has greenish or reddish depressions that appear to be deeper than the surface of the wall, [38] the priest shall go out the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days. [39] On the seventh day the priest shall return to inspect the house. If the mold has spread on the walls

Leviticus 14:43-45 NIV

[43] “If the defiling mold reappears in the house after the stones have been torn out and the house scraped and plastered, [44] the priest is to go and examine it and, if the mold has spread in the house, it is a persistent defiling mold; the house is unclean. [45] It must be torn down---its stones, timbers and all the plaster---and taken out of the town to an unclean place.

Leviticus 14:54-57 NIV

[54] These are the regulations for any defiling skin disease, for a sore, [55] for defiling molds in fabric or in a house, [56] and for a swelling, a rash or a shiny spot, [57] to determine when something is clean or unclean. These are the regulations for defiling skin diseases and defiling molds.

Leviticus 15:32-33 NIV

[32] These are the regulations for a man with a discharge, for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen, [33] for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations with a woman who is ceremonially unclean.

Numbers 5:2 NIV

[2] “Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone who has a defiling skin disease or a discharge of any kind, or who is ceremonially unclean because of a dead body.

** God outlines a reciprocal approach for their obedience: follow His commands and they will live in safety and experience His blessings in abundance

Leviticus 25:18-19 NIV

[18] “ ‘Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. [19] Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety.

Leviticus 25:20-21 NIV

[20] You may ask, “What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?” [21] I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years.

** Even though David was living during the sacrificial days, he understood his heart and attitude needed to be right with God

Psalm 51:16-17 NIV

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. [17] My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

** Charles Spurgeon wrote:

"Scripture grows upon the sincere searcher. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, to the searching eye--it glows with God's splendor, like a vast temple paved with wrought gold, and roofed with rubies, emeralds, and all manner of precious gems."

Lastly, "The Scriptures reveal Jesus, 'The Scriptures point to Me!' No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this--he who finds Jesus finds life, Heaven, all things. Happy he who, searching his Bible, discovers his Savior!"

Proverbs 2:4-5 NIV

[4] and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

** The Lord understands our situation and provides what is needed

Exodus 34:1 NIV

[1] The Lord said to Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones, and I will write on them the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.

Exodus 34:28 NIV

[28] Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant---the Ten Commandments.

** God has a purpose for each of us and provides the ability to accomplish His will

Exodus 31:1-5 NIV

[1] Then the Lord said to Moses, [2] “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [3] and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills--- [4] to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, [5] to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Exodus 31:6 NIV

[6] Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you

** The Lord provides specific skills and abilities to certain individuals to accomplish His will

Exodus 35:30-34 NIV

[30] Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, [31] and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills--- [32] to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, [33] to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. [34] And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.

Exodus 36:1 NIV

[1] So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.”

** God presents how the righteous are to lead a different lifestyle and not follow the crowd of evildoers to protect us

Exodus 23:2 NIV

[2] “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,

Exodus 23:31-33 NIV

[31] “I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give into your hands the people who live in the land, and you will drive them out before you. [32] Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. [33] Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.”

** God met Moses on Mount Sinai to communicate exactly what he was to tell the Israelites; He did so in such a way so the people would put their trust in Moses

Exodus 19:2-3 NIV

[2] After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain. [3] Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:

Exodus 19:9 NIV

[9] The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.

Exodus 20:18-19 NIV

[18] When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance [19] and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

** God uses the image of carrying us on eagles' wings, which is appropriate since eagles were known to carry their young on their wings when teaching them to fly

Exodus 19:3-4 NIV

[3] Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: [4] ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

Psalm 91:4 NIV

[4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

** A person’s life will be ‘in control’ when Jesus is at the center of their life; Jesus may be their Savior but is He Lord over their life? Jesus, who created the universe and holds it together, certainly has the ability to hold our lives together! <F60>

Colossians 1:15-23 NIV

[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. [21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--- [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Hebrews 1:3a NIV

[3] The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

** God knows exactly the route we are to take for our benefit; even though the direction God has for us may not make sense, we are to trust that He knows best

Think about the kick-back Moses must have received with all those who "knew better", yet Moses obeyed the Lord regardless if it seemed illogical

Exodus 13:17-18 NIV

[17] When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” [18] So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.

** God continues to direct our steps to this day even though it may not be as obvious as a pillar of cloud or fire

Exodus 13:21-22 NIV

[21] By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. [22] Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

** God can get the attention of people when we fail, through a series of miracles and, as we know in New Testament times, working on the hearts of listeners

Exodus 4:1-5 NIV

[1] Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” [2] Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. [3] The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. [4] Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. [5] “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers---the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob---has appeared to you.”

Exodus 4:6-9 NIV

[6] Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, the skin was leprous---it had become as white as snow. [7] “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh. [8] Then the Lord said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second. [9] But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.”

** The Lord will help us accomplish the task He has for us; God is the creator of everything and is limited by nothing

Exodus 4:10-12 NIV

[10] Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” [11] The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? [12] Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 4:17 NIV

[17] But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”

** The Israelites in captivity were thankful the Lord was concerned about their situation and heard their voice; they worshipped God in response

Exodus 4:31b NIV

[31] And when [the Israelites] heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

** God rules over everything, including time, events and life itself

Exodus 12:1-2 NIV

[1] The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, [2] “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.

2 Peter 3:8 NIV

[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

Exodus 12:29-30 NIV

[29] At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. [30] Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

Exodus 12:40-41 NIV

[40] Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. [41] At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt.

** Joseph witnesses his brothers bowing down to him as predicted in his boyhood dream

Genesis 42:6 NIV

[6] Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.

** God knew we cannot fully observe the law because of our weakened state in the flesh, so God sent His Son to be the atoning sacrifice making eternal salvation possible for those who believe in Him

Romans 8:3-4 NIV

[3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

** We follow the ways of the spirit in us; those who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit in them and abide by His leading

Romans 8:5-9 NIV

[5] Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. [6] The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. [7] The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. [8] Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. [9] You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

** God found favor with Noah and chose to save him and his family from the impending total destruction of the earth

Genesis 6:8-9 NIV

[8] But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. [9] This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.

Genesis 6:17-18 NIV

[17] I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. [18] But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark---you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.

** No doubt Abram was confused how God would fulfill His promise to make a great nation through him when he remained childless

Genesis 15:2-3 NIV

[2] But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? ” [3] And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

** The Lord confirms His promise to give Abram descendants equal to the number of stars in the sky; God credited Abram's faith as righteousness

Genesis 15:4-6 NIV

[4] Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir. ” [5] He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars---if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” [6] Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

** God wants our heart that is in love and desires Him alone, not a checklist of good deeds or what we deem as sacrifices

Psalm 51:16-17 NIV

[16] You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. [17] My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

** Do not worry or it will kill you <F60>

• Satan wants us to be consumed by a worry that accomplishes absolutely nothing, eclipsing God in the process

• Study shows 85% of perceived calamities never happen and most of the remaining 15% are not as bad as we imagine and gives us good lessons to learn for the future

• "We do not inform God when we pray but we conform to God when we pray"

• Prayer is more of a dialog (talking and listening to God) than a monologue

• Making our requests known to God changes everything

• Prayer changes the pray-er changing our hearts enabling us to see situations through God's lens and not my own

• While we pray we remember how God worked for us in the past

• Calming peace comes from the act of praying!

• Replace fear with faith: Romans 10:17 states that God will provide for us through His Word and prayer which increases faith

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

[3] When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise---in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Luke 12:24-26 NIV

[24] Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! [25] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life ? [26] Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

** We are to remember how God worked in our life and teach the next generation of His marvelous works

• Moses made it clear why Israel needed to look back, for they would remember what God had done

• God is defined by His acts in history, as Israel is defined by her relationship with God

• Appreciating who God is and seeing Israel’s identity in Him should motivate them to obey Him for future blessings

• Believers today can look back and realize what God has done in Jesus Christ, who suffered for us because we are deemed precious in His sight

• All of this is understood when looking back and should motivate us to serve our Lord <R1795>

Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV

[9] Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Deuteronomy 4:32-34 NIV

[32] Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? [33] Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? [34] Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

Deuteronomy 4:40 NIV

[40] Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.

** Our God is full of compassion, even to the point of forgiving our sin and working with us in areas of struggle and weakness

Psalm 51:1-2 NIV

[1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51:11 NIV

[11] Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.

** Our relationship with God is conditional for He tends to our needs and protects us when we recognize Him

Psalm 34:5-7 NIV

[5] Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. [6] This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. [7] The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

** God conditionally promises to be with His children when they acknowledge Him and separate themselves from that which defiles both body and mind; complete or perfect holiness was embodied only in Christ and believers are to pursue Him

2 Corinthians 6:16b-18 NIV

[16] 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.” [17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [18] And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Matthew 5:48 NIV

[48] Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

** God allows us to struggle with a weakness (affliction) in order to keep us humble and continue looking to Him for strength to endure

2 Corinthians 12:7b-9 NIV

[7] Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

** Daniel is candid about his fear and shares his hope in God alone which are comforting words considering mortal man’s insanity in today’s end time; those who put their trust in God will alleviate their fear

Psalm 56:3-4 NIV

[3] When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise---in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:11 NIV

[11] in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?

Psalm 56:11-13 NIV

[11] in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? [12] I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. [13] For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Psalm 116:8-9,12-14 NIV

[8] For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, [9] that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. [12] What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? [13] I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. [14] I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 2:1-6 NIV

Psalm 57:1-3 NIV

[1] Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. [2] I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. [3] He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me---God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

** In the midst of difficulty we should follow David’s example of focusing on the God of the universe and the glory due His name!

Psalm 57:5 NIV

[5] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 57:7-11 NIV

[7] My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. [8] Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. [9] I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. [10] For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. [11] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

[1] Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. [2] Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

God will use trouble to prepare us for the triumph God has in store for us, like he did with David for 10 years and Joseph for over 17 years!

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

[10] For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

** Embrace and rejoice in our weakness for it highlights God’s constant grace working in us as He helps us overcome; we are strong when we are weak

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV

1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV

[10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them---yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Philippians 4:13 NIV

[13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Colossians 1:29 NIV

[29] To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

** Paul issues a warning to followers of Christ to be careful, for those who think they are standing firm may fall if they allow temptation to overcome them; God always provides a way for Christians to endure and overcome temptation!

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV

[12] So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! [13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

** If anyone is in Christ they should recognize and be thankful God has taken steps to reconcile them to Him, changing their status from alienated sinner to one of forgiven friend of God!

In response, followers of Christ desire to live their lives for God, doing what pleases Him and guarding against sin — even refusing to do those things that are not outlined as sin in Scripture but are questionable

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NIV

** God defines and balances the mystery of reconciliation through the one verse found in 2 Cor 5:21; the most powerful truth in Scripture tells us how we can be reconciled to God in this verse that has four key elements:

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

1. Benefactor -- God is behind the entire reconciliation plan and can lovingly qualify us, forgiving us of our sin, and giving us insight full of wisdom; this is so different from every other religion

2. Substitute -- Jesus who knew no sin and could not sin as God (pure) became sin (credited Him with our sin) and paid the penalty in order to redeem us; even Pilot, the guilty man on the cross beside Christ, His disciples and God Himself knew there was no sin in Jesus

3. Beneficiaries -- anyone who is in Christ who is a new creation, can be a receiver of this plan with Christ as a Substitute

4. The Benefit -- we become righteous before God! This is not a righteousness that comes to us by keeping the law but through God's forgiving gift (through death on the cross) offered to us through Christ

** We do not BECOME righteous but God will TREAT us as righteous when we have a holy fear of Him and desire to follow Him in faith, much like Noah became an heir of righteousness when he kept his faith and was obedient to God

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 11:7 NIV

[7] By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

** We have freedom in Christ

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

[17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

** Christians have a freedom or liberty in Christ but not everything is beneficial

Paul gives four principles for Christian liberty:

a) edification over gratification (23)

b) others over self (24)

c) liberty over legalism (25-27)

d) patronizing superiority over strong disapproval (28-30) <M130>

1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV

[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say---but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”---but not everything is constructive.

1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV

[24] No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10:25-27 NIV

[25] Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, [26] for, “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.” [27] If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.

1 Corinthians 10:28-30 NIV

[28] But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. [29] I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience? [30] If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?

** Scripture does not follow current day “everyone is a winner” thinking but reminds the reader that we must prepare to win the race before us to obtain the prize

1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV

[24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

** Running the race involves having a direction/goal and personal sacrifice

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV

[26] Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. [27] No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1 Corinthians 10:16 NIV

[16] Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

** Christians who look after the needs of the poor will be rewarded with “righteousness forever”

2 Corinthians 9:9 NIV

[9] As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

** Strive for full restoration through repentance, be of one mind and encourage one another while living in peace; in turn, the God of love and peace will be with us!

2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

[11] Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

** Recipients of your generous gifts will remember you in their prayers

2 Corinthians 9:14 NIV

[14] And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

** As Christians our prize is far beyond what we experience here on earth, for we can obtain an eternal heavenly reward

1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV

[25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

** Christians must read and follow God’s Word to not only know our Lord but also what He expects of us

1 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

[6] Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

** God provides us with His Word that can be shared and understood in part; one day we will understand in full

2 Corinthians 1:13-14 NIV

[13] For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, [14] as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

** God’s message is not one of contraction as witnessed through Paul and the apostles, to the glory of God

2 Corinthians 1:18-20 NIV

[18] But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” [19] For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us---by me and Silas and Timothy---was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” [20] For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

** We all have an assigned role to play in the witness and discipleship of new believers; do not be consumed by who does what role but follow the Spirit’s lead

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 NIV

[5] What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe---as the Lord has assigned to each his task. [6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. [7] So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. [8] The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. [9] For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.

** There is to be a marked difference between the mature Christian and world; Christians, for instance, are not to be consumed by jealousy and quarreling

“Milk” used in the New Testament refers to what is basic and needed for spiritual growth, such as elementary truths of God’s word; being ready for “solid food” refers to those more mature in the faith able to distinguish between good and evil

In other words, Christian maturity happens when a believer purposely reads and obeys and applies God’s word to their life; growth is up to the individual

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly---mere infants in Christ. [2] I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. [3] You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

Hebrews 5:12-14 NIV

[12] In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! [13] Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. [14] But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

** Ask God to help increase and make evident the fruits of the Spirit

2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV

[5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. [9] But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

** The message of the gospel in its entirety is foolishness to those in the world, those perishing and in need of salvation

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

[18] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Romans 8:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 NIV

[18] Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; [20] and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

** When Jesus was crucified, Matthew reports that a great earthquake shook the city, and the veil covering the Holy of Holies in the temple was torn open from the top to the bottom. Thus, that inner place where only the high priest could go once a year, and not without blood for himself and the people, was emptied before the whole world. God was no longer in that place.

Jesus explained it to the Jewish leaders like this: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," for He was speaking of His body as the temple of the Spirit of God. In the same manner, born-again believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 3:16, "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" <L124>

Matthew 27:50-51 NIV

[50] And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. [51] At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split

** God is the source of all wisdom and gives us enough to understand His offer of salvation; those who think they are wise are, indeed, fools for their source of wisdom is limited to that which God has given them from the beginningp!

1 Corinthians 1:19-20 NIV

[19] For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” [20] Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 1:21 NIV

[21] For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV

[25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

** Look to God for true wisdom, not man-made signs and logic, such as proof in science

1 Corinthians 1:22-25 NIV

[22] Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, [23] but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, [24] but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. [25] For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

** Christians are to be content with our situation for we live for Christ and not our worldly desires

1 Corinthians 7:17,20 NIV

[17] Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. [20] Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

1 Corinthians 7:24 NIV

[24] Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

1 Corinthians 7:18-19,21-22 NIV

[18] Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. [19] Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. [21] Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you---although if you can gain your freedom, do so. [22] For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave.

** Paul lays out how we can determine God’s will for our lives — by turning from the ways of the world and renewing our minds to focus solely on God so we can then test and approve His will

We can only recognize and hear His voice when we KNOW His voice, like sheep that know the voice of their shepherd!

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** Everyone experiences death through one man Adam, while Christ provides life to all

Romans 5:18-19 NIV

[18] Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. [19] For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

** As Christ followers, our hope is not based on following God’s law but our hope lies in being bound to Christ alone; in this way we are free from the penalties evoked from not following His law perfectly

Romans 7:4-6 NIV

[4] So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. [5] For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. [6] But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

** Believers in Christ are adopted into God’s family as His child when we believe in Him by faith and not by works; we are not slaves to the law but are slaves to God — until we collect on our inheritance (as an heir) upon death or Christ returns!

Remember that adoption in Paul’s day was usually of adult males in their 20-30s (not needy children) who were set to inherit the entire estate of the father adopting; even the born heirs including sons could be sold and killed if the father decided! Great value was placed on those adopted, to the degree that numerous Caesars were adopted into leadership especially when the current leader had no sons

Galatians 4:1-5 NIV

[1] What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. [2] The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. [3] So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. [4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

Galatians 4:7 NIV

[7] So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 1:3-5 NIV

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will---

** The kingdom of God is about righteousness, not following a legalistic program; therefore do whatever you can to build a righteous kingdom that promotes peace and mutual edification

Romans 14:17-19 NIV

[17] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, [18] because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. [19] Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

** The elect received what they sought while other eyes were darkened and their hearts hardened

Romans 11:7 NIV

[7] What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened

Romans 11:8-10 NIV

[8] as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day.” [9] And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. [10] May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.”

** Christians share a worldwide bond with other brothers and sisters who believe in the name of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 1:2 NIV

[2] To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ---their Lord and ours:

1 Corinthians 1:6 NIV

[6] God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you.

** God’s holy and good law defines sin and consequently judges us to death when we live in it; thankfully the saving grace of Christ saves us from such a fate

Romans 7:7 NIV

[7] What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”

Romans 7:9-10 NIV

[9] Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. [10] I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.

** Those who pursue God’s law as a way of righteousness will not obtain their goal for righteousness comes by faith

Romans 9:29-32 NIV

[29] It is just as Isaiah said previously: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.” [30] What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; [31] but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal. [32] Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.

** We need saving from our sin nature; thanks to God for redeeming us when we offer our lives to Him and trust Him completely

Romans 7:24-25a NIV

[24] What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? [25] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 8:1-4 NIV

[1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, [2] because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

** Israelites saw that the rock Moses struck provided water for them throughout their journey; Paul identifies this rock as the Eternal Rock of Jesus Christ who continues to stay and provide for us when we look to Him

1 Corinthians 10:1-4 NIV

[1] For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. [2] They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. [3] They all ate the same spiritual food [4] and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

** God is omnipotent; nothing is beyond His power including death

Romans 6:9 NIV

[9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

** Since God is master over death, sin does not have power over us and we can enjoy eternal life with Him

Romans 6:9-11 NIV

[9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. [10] The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. [11] In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6:14 NIV

[14] For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:22-23 NIV

[22] But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. [23] For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:10-11 NIV

** Christians should no longer be slaves to sin but follow God’s teaching and pledge their allegiance to God alone

Romans 6:16-18 NIV

[16] Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey---whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? [17] But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. [18] You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Romans 6:19 NIV

[19] I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

** Once we realize the cost Christ endured at the cross and how our sin hurts the One who loves us beyond measure, we should not want to continue in our sin; instead we should feast and strive to obey the commands as outlined by Spirit of God in His Word

Romans 6:1-2 NIV

[1] What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? [2] By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Romans 6:15 NIV

[15] What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!

Romans 6:12-13 NIV

[12] Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. [13] Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Romans 8:5-6 NIV

** Total devotion to Christ (Paul uses the word “baptism”) identifies and unites us with Christ, His death and resurrection

Romans 6:3-5 NIV

[3] Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. [5] For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Romans 6:6-8 NIV

** Our service to the Lord should never lack in spiritual fervor and zeal

Romans 12:11 NIV

[11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

** God alone provides for us and enables us in all ways, so if you are going to boast then boast in the Lord

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV

[17] But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” [18] For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV

[30] If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

** God is omnipotent; nothing is beyond His power including death

Romans 6:9 NIV

[9] For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

** Since God is master over death, sin does not have power over us and we can enjoy eternal life with Him

Romans 6:9-11 NIV

Romans 6:14 NIV

[14] For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:22-23 NIV

Romans 8:10-11 NIV

** Christians should no longer be slaves to sin but follow God’s teaching and pledge their allegiance to God alone

Romans 6:16-18 NIV

Romans 6:19 NIV

** We can experience everlasting hope and overwhelming peace when we believe in God and commit our lives to Him; it is by His grace we stand justified

Romans 5:1-2 NIV

** When we identify with Christ, we can experience grace, peace and comfort while also sharing in His sufferings; this is a taste of what is to come

2 Corinthians 1:2-3 NIV

[2] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort

2 Corinthians 1:5 NIV

[5] For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV

[21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

** Being justified in Christ can provide comforting perspective in the midst of our suffering; in this way, suffering can produce ultimate hope, with additional prayer perseverance and character

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

[3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

** The concept of ‘credit’ implies a one-sided transaction where something belonging to someone is added to another’s account; God took His own righteousness and credited it to Abraham because he believed in God

Romans 4:3 NIV

[3] What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Galatians 3:6 NIV

[6] So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

** God's plan for mankind was that we would inhabit the earth, find Him, know Him, repent and reach out to others

Acts 17:26-27 NIV

[26] From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. [27] God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Acts 17:30-31 NIV

[30] In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. [31] For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

** We cannot KNOW God if we don't know His word and His revelation. Every passage unfolds truth about Him and can help us grow. We can know ABOUT God through other means, such as Christian books, but we cannot know God apart from His word! Do we love God's word more than anything as described by Job?

Job 23:12 NIV

[12] I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

** The book of Romans reflects the beauty and power of God and is the most comprehensive statement of Christian faith; the outline of Romans:

1:1-3:20

- Humanity's unrighteousness and great need if the true righteousness

3:21-8:39

- God's gracious gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ

9:1-11:36

- Proof of God's righteousness in His glorious plan

12:1-16:27

- God's righteousness worked out in His people's lives

** We can experience control over sin, power over the evil one and gain understanding/truth when we know God and believe in Him

1. We have control over sin

1 John 5:18 NIV

[18] We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.

2. We have power over the evil one

1 John 5:19 NIV

[19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

3. God gives us understanding and we can know truth

1 John 5:20 NIV

[20] We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

** Position, wealth, influence, popularity, intelligence and appearance — most anything the world holds dear — does not influence God

Romans 2:11 NIV

[11] For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34-35 NIV

[34] Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism [35] but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

Galatians 2:6 NIV

[6] As for those who were held in high esteem---whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism---they added nothing to my message.

** It is more important for a Christian to have an obedient heart than to outwardly appear righteous but not cherish God’s law in their heart

Romans 2:25 NIV

[25] Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.

Romans 2:27 NIV

[27] The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

Romans 2:28-29 NIV

[28] A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. [29] No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.

** Understand the amazing sacrifice Christ endured to deal with our sin; in thanks, we should obey His commands and live as He has shown us

1 John 4:9 NIV

[9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

1 John 4:12 NIV

[12] No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

** Thankfulness and praise is a natural response to God's unending goodness

Psalm 47:1-2 NIV

[1] Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. [2] For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.

Psalm 47:5 NIV

[5] God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.

Psalm 47:6-7 NIV

[6] Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. [7] For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise.

** The early Gentiles were eager to receive and honor the word of the Lord

Acts 13:48-49 NIV

[48] When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. [49] The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

** We live in a spirit-filled world; all spirits are subservient to the Spirit of God

Acts 16:16-18 NIV

[16] Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. [17] She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” [18] She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

** We do not have to succumb to depression because the Lord promises to be a refuge for those who believe in Him; we can completely put our trust and hope in God

Psalm 43:5 NIV

[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

** It may seem as though God is not paying attention but His wrath will eventually come on those who reject Him and His ways

Psalm 50:16-17,21-22 NIV

[16] But to the wicked person, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? [17] You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. [21] When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you. [22] “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you

** Do not worry how you will defend yourself, for the Lord will help you when persecuted for His name sake

Luke 21:14-15,17-19 NIV

[14] But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. [15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. [17] Everyone will hate you because of me. [18] But not a hair of your head will perish. [19] Stand firm, and you will win life.

** God's command may not make sense to us from our limited ability to reason, but it is ALWAYS in our best interest to obey Him; reward for obedience can be bountiful if He so chooses

John 21:3-6 NIV

[3] “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. [4] Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. [5] He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. [6] He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

John 21:11 NIV

[11] So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

** Jesus did not leave us to fend for ourselves after He left this world but gave us the Holy Spirit to live, teach, guide, and work the truth in us; we will see Christ through the Holy Spirit even though the world does not see Him

John 14:16-19 NIV

[16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

John 14:27 NIV

[27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

** God miraculously released Peter from prison proving that man's efforts cannot stop God and go against His will

Acts 12:6-10 NIV

[6] The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. [7] Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. [8] Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. [9] Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. [10] They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

** How comforting and confirming to witness God in action, sometimes miraculously answering our prayers

Acts 12:11 NIV

Acts 12:13-17 NIV

** We can experience a life filled with purpose and deep satisfying God-designed joy when we recognize God, devote our lives and walk with Him daily

John 15:11 NIV

[11] I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

** Jesus spent much of His time teaching in the temple and communing with His Father in solitary places

Luke 21:37-38 NIV

[37] Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, [38] and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

** We trust God when we close our eyes to the things of this world; Isaiah knew there was more to life than what he saw, namely God's glory!

John 12:40-41 NIV

[40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn---and I would heal them.” [41] Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

Isaiah 6:8-10 NIV

[8] Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” [9] He said, “Go and tell this people: “ ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ [10] Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

** Jesus knew He was to fulfill His purpose by dying on the cross in order to conquer death (resurrect) and live in the hearts of His believers

John 12:27 NIV

[27] “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

John 12:31-33 NIV

[31] Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. [32] And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” [33] He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

** We are cognizant of sin because Christ came to show us our depraved state

John 15:22,24 NIV

[22] If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. [24] If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.

** Those who hold to Jesus teaching can be His disciples; Jesus' teachings applies to all of us today, not just those who followed Him at the time!

John 8:31 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."

Ephesians 6:17 NIV

[17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-6 NIV

** Those who recognize the authority of Jesus and admit their need for Him can receive His light, which opens their eyes to spiritual knowledge and insight

John 9:39 NIV

[39] Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

** Paul and Silas demonstrated what it meant to praise God in all circumstances

Acts 16:23-25 NIV

[23] After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. [24] When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. [25] About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

** Jesus makes it clear that He is from God and that He has a special relationship with His Father; God the Father, in turn, helps Jesus accomplish His purposes

John 8:23-26 NIV

[23] But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. [24] I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” [25] “Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. [26] “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”

John 8:27-29 NIV

[27] They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. [28] So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. [29] The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

** We can ask of God anything when we submit our will to His will; we then pray for what He desires, knowing it is best for us!

John 15:7 NIV

[7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Proverbs 10:24 NIV

[24] What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV

[14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us---whatever we ask---we know that we have what we asked of him.

** Some do not hear God because they do not know Him; like a sheep follows the Shepherd's voice, so we can hear from God and follow Him because we know His voice!

John 8:43-44 NIV

[43] Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. [44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:47 NIV

[47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

** We know we have the ear of God when we abide by Him and focus on obeying His will

John 9:31 NIV

[31] We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.

** We can experience God's power when we live and abide in His light

John 9:11 NIV

[11] He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NIV

[19] This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live [20] and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

** Jesus offers an analogy of eating bread to explain how we are to 'consume' Him with all our being to gain from Him, as the branch survives by drawing from the vine

John 6:53,56 NIV

[53] Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. [56] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

John 15:1-2 NIV

John 15:5-7 NIV

[5] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

- setting is near Passover where people were reminded that blood was spread on doorposts in order to have death pass by

- people were to act in obedience and belief to put the blood on the door

- as Israelites were to eat the manna with sandals tied (ready to travel) and eat everything leaving nothing behind (for sustenance for the journey), so we are to consume Him and believe Jesus will give us the strength for our journey

** The crowd was curious where Jesus and disciples ended up and followed Him; Jesus addressed something that was more important than their curiosity and daily needs but eternal life

John 6:24 NIV

[24] Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

- crowd was after daily bread but Jesus says He can provides the (eternal) bread of life

- Jesus reveals the crowd is shallow because they wanted signs and wonders

- rather they were to believe in Him and believe

John 6:29 NIV

[29] Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

** Jesus offers a Living Water that will satisfy forever; we need to recognize our mortality, our sin, our need for eternal salvation and then go to God and His word

Repentance should occur when we become convicted of our sin and then maturing of faith will happen through continued efforts to be obedient to God's commands on a daily basis

1 John 1:8-10 NIV

[8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

- the Samaritan woman remembered there was to be a Messiah, and Jesus informs her of who He is

- woman is first example of Gentile turning to Christ

- her eyes are opened; we know this because she goes to others and shares the news

John 4:28-29 NIV

[28] Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, [29] “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”

** Jesus' death enables us to have purpose and live for eternal hope, we must be willing to give our lives to Christ, sacrifice to His will and die to the things of this world

John 12:23-24 NIV

[23] Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. [24] Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

John 12:25-26 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

** God came into the world through Jesus Christ to save us, although the world did not recognize Him

John 1:9-12 NIV

[9] The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. [12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God---

- God outlines what is truth and boundaries to live, like an owner's manual regarding what is created

- we cannot understand or accomplish what is required without His Helper in Jesus providing wisdom and grace

- the challenge is to live life to the full, possible only by having complete faith in Him

- understand that God can work through our meager actions to accomplish His will

** Jesus is God and He did not come to earth to judge mankind but offer a way of salvation; God will judge when He returns again

John 3:17 NIV

[17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 8:51-54 NIV

[51] Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” [52] At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. [53] Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” [54] Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.

John 8:58 NIV

[58] “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

John 7:33 NIV

[33] Jesus said, “I am with you for only a short time, and then I am going to the one who sent me.

** Why do we look to the nations for exemplary behavior when they follow evil; these nations will only temporarily reign on the earth until the return of Christ

Psalm 58:1-2 NIV

[1] Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? [2] No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

** Jesus works (via the Holy Spirit) inwardly in the lives of people while also (allowing us to be involved) using our preaching and sharing of word/action outwardly, all in efforts to accomplish His Father's will; if we choose to live the way God intended, then we will experience true freedom

John 8:12 NIV

[12] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:41,47 NIV

[41] You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” [47] Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

** God gives us the gift of faith to accept what He offers -- He moves minds to understand, emotions to desire, and gives us the will to receive Jesus; God gives us the desire to search for Him but not all accept what they find

John 6:44-45 NIV

[44] “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. [45] It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.

Luke 24:27 NIV

[27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

** The heart of God's purpose is eternal life and Jesus will continue to give eternal life until He returns; Jesus raised the dead both physically and spiritually while He was on earth, and the dead will hear Jesus' voice upon His return at the Second Coming

John 5:24 NIV

[24] “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:25,28-29 NIV

[25] Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. [28] “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice [29] and come out---those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

** We must recognize and depend on God to understand His offer of salvation and other spiritual matters; we can know we are born again, similar to knowing the effects of the wind -- we see and feel the effects of wind as we can with the effects of the Holy Spirit

John 3:8 NIV

[8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

- Jesus mentions his surprise/disgust that the 'spiritual leaders' did not understand the spiritual matters

** The woman at the well needed to adjust her thinking about worship; spirit (heart) and truth (mind) combined together is needed for genuine worship to happen

Spirit = refers to God not being contained in a box and the soul we have deep within us that can connect with the Ultimate Spirit; we cannot worship what we do not love and our outward actions should reflect our heart values

Truth = Jesus pointed out flaws in her thinking, ideas about their priority in following the law and adding in pagan practices; we cannot worship what we do not understand correctly

John 4:20-21 NIV

[20] Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” [21] “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem."

John 4:23-24 NIV

[23] Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. [24] God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

** God has put the desire for relationship with Him and eternity in our hearts; too bad the majority of people look at human relationship as the only one needed

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

[11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

John 1:12-13 NIV

** Jesus brought together God's grace and truth for us; we fail when we are measured against God's truth but Jesus offers us grace to be acceptable in His sight, thus justice and mercy become two sides of the same coin

John 1:14,16-17 NIV

[14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [16] Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. [17] For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:4 NIV

[4] Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

** God gave the law to expose sin and let us know the extent of God's grace in comparison; God's law is intended to lead mankind to righteousness and salvation

John 1:17 NIV

[17] For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Romans 4:15 NIV

[15] because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

Galatians 3:10-11 NIV

[10] For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” [11] Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

** Repentance must occur for salvation to take place and our sins forgiven

Acts 3:19 NIV

[19] Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord

** The righteous can be identified by their words of wisdom, generous giving and following the Lord's commands that ultimately reflect the condition of their heart

Psalm 37:21 NIV

[21] The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously

Psalm 37:30-31 NIV

[30] The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. [31] The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

** God always brings us through devastation with positive outcome; just like the aftermath of a forest fire that looks beyond repair but in reality creates excellent conditions for new growth as evidenced at a later time

John 4:46-53 NIV

[46] Once more [Jesus] visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. [47] When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. [48] “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” [49] The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” [50] “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. [51] While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. [52] When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” [53] Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed.

Note: Israel was to be an example of this increased growth as its people repented of their sin (positive result) during difficult times

Deuteronomy 4:34 NIV

[34] Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

Galatians 3:6-9 NIV

[6] So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” [7] Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. [8] Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” [9] So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

** Humans are worth more than sparrows or the grass of the field and God takes care of them, so why would He not take care of us His children?

Luke 12:22-24 NIV

[22] Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. [23] For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. [24] Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Luke 12:27-28 NIV

[27] “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [28] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you---you of little faith!

** The early church father John Chrysostom said this is prayer: “The potency of prayer hath subdued the strength of fire, it hath bridled the rage of lions, hushed anarchy to rest; extinguished wars, appeased the elements, expelled demons, burst the chains of death, expanded the gates of heaven, assuaged diseases, repelled frauds, rescued cities from destruction, stayed the sun in its course, and arrested the progress of the thunderbolt. Prayer is an all-sufficient panoply, a treasure undiminished, a mine which is never exhausted, a sky unobscured by the clouds, a heaven unruffled by the storm. It is the root, the fountain, the mother of a thousand blessings.” <Z220>

** Happy will be those who have left everything for God; on the contrary, miserable will be the rich who already find comfort in their wealth

Luke 6:20-23 NIV

[20] Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. [22] Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. [23] “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

Luke 6:24-26 NIV

[24] “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. [25] Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. [26] Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

** Many societies places emphasis on what people see (proof of independence, youth, beauty, wealth, status, etc), all of which are temporal and will end when life on this earth does; rather, believe in God who offers us true values that last beyond our few years here!

John 4:48-50 NIV

[48] “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” [49] The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” [50] “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.

Jeremiah 2:13 NIV

[13] “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

** Jesus warns that we are not to invest in this world; it has no long-term value

Luke 6:24-26 NIV

** David makes the connection between the troubles of his heart (including loneliness and affliction) and his sin

Psalm 25:16-18 NIV

[16] Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. [17] Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. [18] Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.

** Like John the Baptist, we also have a God-designed and unique purpose meant for us; our greatest fulfillment comes from embracing and living out God's plan

John 20:21 NIV

[21] Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

** Jesus ministered to the 'elements of society' that many others wanted to avoid, including prostitutes and tax collectors; Jesus wanted to offer a way of salvation for those who needed it most

Luke 5:27-31 NIV

[27] After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, [28] and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. [29] Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. [30] But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” [31] Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

** God provided a way of salvation that will save His people when they repent of their sin; God sent Jesus to be born in the city of David and eventually die, for His purpose of saving "all Israel" (some say all believers in Israel)

Isaiah 59:20 NIV

[20] “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.

Romans 11:25-27 NIV

** Once believers are born again, or invite the Holy Spirit into their lives, the Holy Spirit helps them die to themselves on a daily basis

** Zacharias encourages us to maintain a sense of wonder as we reflect and realize His workings in our past, then study, dialog and pray to sustain that wonder regardless of what that future holds

“On our journey to the home of our Father, He has given us the map and shown us what it will cost. There is a language to it, there are boundaries for it, and there is danger in it. The recognition that though some days will be hard and painful and other days will be joyous and delightful, all are part of the same journey. We must keep our eye on Him and the delight of reunion with Him, bearing the good with the hard and accepting all as real, but letting none diminish the grand, ultimate sight and sound of His presence.” <Z220>

** Jesus, as part of the Trinity, offers the only way to salvation through the forgiving of sins

Luke 5:24-26 NIV

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” [25] Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. [26] Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

Luke 5:20 NIV

When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

** David makes numerous references to going down to the depths/pit which we infer as near-death experience; God is the unique Healer who can bring someone from such a place

Psalm 30:1,3 NIV

[1] I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. [3] You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit.

Psalm 30:2 NIV

[2] Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

** We may think we have it all together but soon realize it is only God who gives us the strength to stand firm

Psalm 30:6-7 NIV

[6] When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” [7] Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.

** God uses ordinary men to do strong things, like share Christ's word/message, like John who was a very ordinary fisherman and son of ordinary parents

John 1:39-42 NIV

[39] “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. [40] Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. [41] The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). [42] And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).

** Simon was obedient to Christ, acted in faith and profited by it even though it did not make sense in human terms

Luke 5:4-6 NIV

[4] When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” [5] Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” [6] When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

** The Lord actively guides and instructs those who have a respectful fear of Him and look on Him alone

Psalm 25:8-9,12,14 NIV

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. [9] He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. [12] Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. [14] The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

** Look to history to remember God blessed us and allowed us to flourish; it was not by our own might

Psalm 44:1-3 NIV

[1] We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. [2] With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. [3] It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.

Psalm 44:5-7 NIV

[5] Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. [6] I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; [7] but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.

** David humbly recognizes that God gave him life and has been with him from the beginning

Psalm 22:9-10 NIV

[9] Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. [10] From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.

** Those who put their trust in anything or anyone but our living God will fail because of misplaced trust; contrast this to those who stand strong when they trust in God

Psalm 20:7-8 NIV

[7] Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. [8] They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

** Those in David's company who were unanimous in prayer were focused on God, confident in victory, anxious to lift their banners glorifying God and rejoicing with their neighbor

Psalm 20:5a NIV

[5] May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

** God listens to His children who rely on Him, for He knows exactly what is on their hearts and will bring them to victory utilizing their unique interests and pursuits

Psalm 20:4-5b NIV

[4] May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. [5] May the Lord grant all your requests.

Psalm 20:6 NIV

[6] Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.

** God promises to remain a constant in our lives: past, present and future

PAST = "made known to me"

PRESENT = "heart is glad and tongues rejoices", "fill me with joy in your presence" and

FUTURE = "not abandon me", "eternal pleasures"

Psalm 16:9-11 NIV

** Live to please God increasingly, day by day

1 Thessalonians 4:1 NIV

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 Thessalonians 3:13 NIV

And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

** God's ways are unsearchable and inaccessible to us except when He reveals them to us; God is our ultimate Counselor

Romans 11:33-34 NIV

[33] Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! [34] “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?”

** Jesus is Lord and knows everything that is happening and has happened and will happen; He is aware of all events at all times o

Mark 11:2,4 NIV

[2] saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. [4] They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,

Mark 14:12-16 NIV

[12] On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” [13] So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. [14] Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ [15] He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” [16] The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

** Christ demonstrated what it meant to be a great leader: the Creator God of the universe who gave up all and became a servant to all

Mark 10:42-45 NIV

[42] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [43] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

** When we put our needs aside (or what we think we need) and exhibit strong faith in God, then He can work uninhibited

Mark 7:26-30 NIV

[26] The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. [27] “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [28] “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” [29] Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” [30] She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

** God chose us to be saved through the Spirit

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

** We were made to give God honor and glory through our lives as servants; we must first recognize God as the One and Only

Revelation 1:6 NIV

and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father---to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Revelation 1:8 NIV

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

** Jesus heals a blind man in response to the man calling to Him in faith, believing Jesus has the power to heal; Jesus said the man's faith healed him!

Mark 10:46-52 NIV

[46] Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. [47] When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” [48] Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” [49] Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” [50] Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. [51] “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” [52] “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

** David recognizes that the Lord hears the cries of those in need and He will come to their aid

Psalm 12:5,7 NIV

[5] “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise, ” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.” [7] You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,

** Our lives should be a witness for Christ as we reflect His goodness and power; He enables us to do so

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 NIV

Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Do not quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 NIV

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

** As salt is useful for preserving meat and making it savory, so it is good that we be seasoned with grace for purifying our hearts and minds and spreading it to others <M130>

Mark 9:50 NIV

[50] “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

** We never 'arrive' in our efforts to know Christ but we can be fulfilled in our efforts

Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

** God cares more about the condition of the heart than whether someone follows man's rules or traditions; often these rules nullify the Word of God

Mark 7:1-2,5-7 NIV

[1] The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus [2] and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. [5] So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” [6] He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. [7] They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’

Mark 7:8-9 NIV

[8] You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” [9] And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!

** We can know God's will as He works and reveals His will to us

Philippians 2:13 NIV

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

MERCY = don't receive what we deserve

GRACE = receive what we don't deserve

** Satan is powerful and destructive; he is an entity not easily contained which is why we need God's strength when wanting to break his power over us

Mark 5:3-4 NIV

This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. [4] For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

** The power of prayer: answers of a righteous man and healing after confessing sin

James 5:16 NIV

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James 5:17-18 NIV

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. [18] Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

James 5:13-15 NIV

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

** The power of prayer allows humans to access the power of God to cast out demons!

Mark 9:28-29 NIV

[28] After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” [29] He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

** Sometimes God spares us sorrow

Philippians 2:27 NIV

Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.

** Keep things in perspective: life is short so stay focused on what is important to God

James 1:9-11 NIV

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation---since they will pass away like a wild flower. [11] For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

** How are you investing what God entrusts to you? If your focus is on living a comfortable luxurious life then you have a dismal future ahead of you.

James 5:1-3,5 NIV

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. [2] Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. [3] Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. [5] You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.

** Lives can change as a result of the power of God; results can be a desire to serve Christ and witness to others about the change

Mark 5:15 NIV

When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.

Mark 5:20 NIV

So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

** God does not only provide for us physically but also provides for our spiritual well-being

Mark 9:20-27 NIV

[20] So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. [21] Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” [23] “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” [24] Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” [25] When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” [26] The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” [27] But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

** King David offers thanksgiving for blessings received

Psalm 21:1-6 NIV

[1] The king rejoices in your strength, Lord. How great is his joy in the victories you give! [2] You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. [3] You came to greet him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. [4] He asked you for life, and you gave it to him---length of days, for ever and ever. [5] Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. [6] Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

** We are filled with inner conflict which affects our actions including how we treat each other; we do not have peace because we do not ask God

James 4:1-2 NIV

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.

** Do not say that doubt or anything else that is contrary to God is from God, for He does not initiate evil for His purposes

James 1:13 NIV

[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

** Our life here on earth is short and is fragile; God guarantees we will face death one way or another

Psalm 18:4-5 NIV

[4] The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. [5] The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.

Psalm 102:23 NIV

[23] In the course of my life he broke my strength; he cut short my days.

** A suffering woman understood how Jesus' power could heal her by simply touching His cloak

Mark 5:25-34 NIV

[25] And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. [26] She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. [27] When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, [28] because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” [29] Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. [30] At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” [31] “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ” [32] But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. [33] Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. [34] He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

** Jesus demonstrates that He is Lord over death by raising a child from death

Mark 5:38-42 NIV

[38] When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. [39] He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” [40] But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. [41] He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). [42] Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.

** Jesus shares our sorrow; he wept even though he knew he would wake Lazarus up shortly

John 11:35 NIV

Jesus wept.

John 11:23 NIV

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

** Jesus walks on water to greet the disciples, defies the 'natural' by walking on water, encourages them with His words and demonstrates His power over all things by calming the water when He gets on the boat

Mark 6:48-51 NIV

[48] He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, [49] but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, [50] because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” [51] Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,

** Why do you rely on what Satan and the world offers when you have access to the Creator and Lord of the universe?

Galatians 4:9 NIV

But now that you know God---or rather are known by God---how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces ? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

** Living the Christian walk is often contrary to the message of the world; for example, the poor are rich and the rich are poor

James 2:5-7 NIV

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? [6] But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? [7] Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?

** What does God do when I desire to communicate with Him? (vs 2-3):

a) God will answer because He wants to give me guidance and cares for me; this doesn't mean He won't allow me to go through times of struggle to get there

b) God will speak clearly as He instructed Habakuk was told by God but I need to interpret what He is saying

c) God will speak in His time; God always knows the right timing and there are times I need to wait; am I willing to wait and not accept a substitute plan because of impatience?; waiting strengthens my trust and faith

d) God will speak with authority (vs 3); the message may be difficult to hear and it may be frustrating but God does not lie and always has our best interest in mind

Habakkuk 2:1-3 NIV

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. [2] Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. [3] For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

** We live in a world that values and judges by outward appearance but God does just the opposite; be careful you don't rely on outward signs as a means for your salvation but the inner man must be right with God

Galatians 6:12-14 NIV

Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. [14] May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

** Our lives are not our own; we owe our existence to God for not only creating us but living in us and giving us purpose; as a result, we should identify and share in a life devoted to Him including the sufferings of Christ

Galatians 2:20 NIV

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

** While we must obey God's commands, our salvation and righteousness comes by faith

Galatians 3:10-11 NIV

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” [11] Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

Galatians 3:26 NIV

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,

** Parables of the mustard seed and yeast can remind us that God is in the details and He is not limited by size, growing mature spiritual followers from a small seed/start; also reveals that God works in and affects all areas of life; in reference to the kingdom of God, the doctrine of Christ will spread as can Christ in the soul of man

Mark 4:30-32 NIV

** The Old Testament law helped God's chosen know they were different from others by following His commands, for obedience and practical (such as sanitary) reasons. New Testament covenant sums up the law in "loving God" and "loving our neighbor", for when we do this we cover what is needed for all law.

The law is not altogether abolished in the New Testament because it originated from God and is therefore good. But we don't depend on the law as in Old Testament days. The law serves a different purpose: in addition to the Spirit, the law can help us follow His guidance, in all our tempers, thoughts, words, actions and can help us know the mind of Christ.

Ultimately we cannot obtain godly character through our own efforts, by following rules or without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit produces inner character that exemplifies Christ. Focus on Christ: know Him, love Him, remember Him, imitate Him.

Galatians 5:22-25 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

** Make sure your energy and zeal is directed toward God and His purposes

Galatians 4:18 NIV

It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.

** Do you believe God can do anything He desires? How do you approach God... with a doubting spirit or one who believes it is possible for God to accomplish anything?

Mark 9:17-19 NIV

[17] A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. [18] Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” [19] “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Mark 9:20-24 NIV

** God wants us to live in freedom; don't let Satan steal this joy from you

Galatians 5:1 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? [8] That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

** Use your freedom to serve God and others

Galatians 5:13-14 NIV

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

** God uses difficult situations to get us to focus on Him and show His care/provision for us

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, [18] yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. [19] The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

** God wants us to continue to mature to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, not just reach an arbitrary 'plateau' and coast the rest of our lives

Ephesians 4:13-15 NIV

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. [14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

** The God of the universe sets us apart and has a purpose for us!

Galatians 1:15-16 NIV

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased [16] to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.

** God's ways are unsearchable and can be a mystery to us; yet we can ask God for He is the ultimate Counselor

Romans 11:33-34 NIV

** After spending time in the crowd performing miracles, Jesus goes to a solitary place to spend time with His Father and pray

Mark 6:46 NIV

[46] After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

** Search for God's will then make the most of every day and every opportunity!

Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live---not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

** In order to communicate with God I need to (vs 1):

a) put myself in a position to hear God speak and keep constant watch (vs1), like a watchman in tower to warn town against approaching enemies

b) develop the relationship with God; begins with a DESIRE to know what God seeks for me to do; when God is ready He will communicate to me

c) discern what God is saying

d) when I understand what God is saying, then I must adjust my action/attitude to be obedient; will I go my way or God's way if it differs?

Habakkuk 2:1 NIV

[1] I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

** Pray continually - communicate with your Commander so you know what to do during battle - and be bold

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

** Repentance (put off old and cling to what is new) must be an integral part of our walk with God

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

** Grace is available to those who love the Lord with all their being

Ephesians 6:24 NIV

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

** We have access to His awesome strength and insight. How would we feel if given access to all this and more by the powers-that-be on earth? We would think we have the world by the tail. But we DO have access to everything we could imagine (such as all strength and power and wisdom), only for God's purposes and not ours!

Ephesians 1:3 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Ephesians 1:19-20 NIV

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength [20] he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

Ephesians 2:18 NIV

For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Ephesians 3:12 NIV

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

** We can enjoy the awesome benefits of being children of God when we first invite Him in (by choice); God is not going to inhabit where He is not welcome!

John 14:15-17

“If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NIV

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. [2] By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

1 Corinthians 1:8 NIV

He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

** God sent His Spirit or angel representative at various times; people in the Old Testament were not privileged to have the indwelling of the Spirit as in New Testament times

Ephesians 3:4-5 NIV

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

** We should ask God's representatives if they have a message from Him when they are among us

Acts 13:13-15 NIV

[13] From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. [14] From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. [15] After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.”

** God has a purpose for us which He knew from the beginning

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

** God reveals Himself and His will to us, we do not "figure Him out"; we can know God by inviting the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in

Ephesians 1:8-9 NIV

that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, [9] he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV

Ephesians 3:7 NIV

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.

** In Christ is all power and wisdom. We can not find strength, peace and understanding from any other source.

Colossians 2:2-3 NIV

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:4 NIV

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

** We can escape this "present evil age" and peace can be yours!

Galatians 1:3-4 NIV

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

Galatians 6:16 NIV

Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule---to the Israel of God.

** Our households should follow the order and duties Christ outlines for us.

Colossians 3:18-20 NIV

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. [19] Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. [20] Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

** Make the most of every opportunity; be clear, be hopeful, prayerfully consider what you should say to those who do not believe.

Colossians 4:2,4-6 NIV

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

** Always recognize to whom you are communicating: the Lord God of all creation! How thrilled would we be to be invited to the throne of royalty... with God we CAN be in the presence of the King of kings!

Colossians 1:15-17 NIV

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Colossians 2:10 NIV

and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

** The only way to truly maximize life is to live it according to God's plan

Mark 12:30 NIV

[30] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

** May we be filled with the fullness of God, including His light, wisdom, holiness, power, glory and immeasurable love for us; may we comprehend God's love (as much as our human minds are capable) its breadth (of all mankind), length (from everlasting to everlasting), depth (not to be fathomed by any creature) and height (not to be reached by any enemy)

Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

** One of the manifestations of living a Godly life is a peace that passes all understanding.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

** God identifies Himself, sets a standard to show difference, identifies with us and wants to help us

Acts 7:32-34 NIV

‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. [33] “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. [34] I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

Luke 1:37 NIV

[37] For no word from God will ever fail.”

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Message to seniors 2014-2015:

The world says the pursuit of college and career and wealth will lead people to 'happiness and success'. It does to a certain degree but does not last. If these things lead to success, then I ask, "why is there so much violence and lawlessness across the world (even in America) and why are so many people unhappy?"

I have come to learn it's because people have abandoned God or made Him low on the priority scale.

Consider the love we can receive from God -- a love that goes beyond satisfying of worldly physical needs but a love that reaches into the depth of our being. God's love not only gives us a purpose for our life but allows us to experience genuine happiness!

Know that you can always set your priorities in life, not only while in college but through all stages of your life. My prayer is that you will choose to accept and follow God who will lead you to understand your ultimate purpose in life and give you an everlasting happiness.

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** We have hope/access to a living God while in this life

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

** Our awesome God cares about us even though we are 'nothing' in comparison to Him or His creation; yet God crowns us with glory and honor and gives us responsibility over His earthly creation

Psalm 8:3-8 NIV

[3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, [4] what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? [5] You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. [6] You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: [7] all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, [8] the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

** Christ is with us everyday, always

Matthew 28:20 NIV

[20] And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

** The more we get to know God, the more we realize we can depend on Him because He never forsakes us

Psalm 9:9-10 NIV

[9] The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. [10] Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you

Luke 1:37 NIV

[37] For no word from God will ever fail.”

** We can live a fulfilling life if our aim is to be holy, not looking to the world for direction or support, but God alone

1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; [16] for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, [3] now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

** God hears us when we come to Him in prayer and when our thoughts are occupied with Him; how blessed we are to be able to go to Him at any time and have the confidence that He will answer

Psalm 5:1-3 NIV

[1] Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. [2] Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. [3] In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

** The Lord delivers those who suffer from their enemies and come to Him for relief; David's tears had a voice in the ears of our merciful God

Psalm 6:7-10 NIV

[7] My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. [8] Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. [9] The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. [10] All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

** Followers of Jesus may have good intentions and are willingly dedicated to Christ to the point of death but results may prove otherwise; though we forsake God, He will not forsake us

Matthew 26:33-35 NIV

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” [34] “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” [35] But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

Matthew 26:57-58 NIV

Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. [58] But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

Matthew 26:69-75 NIV

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. [70] But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. [71] Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” [72] He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” [73] After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” [74] Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. [75] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

** Christ has compassion for the crowd around Him; Christ continues to love and have compassion on us today

Matthew 15:32-38 NIV

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” [33] His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” [34] “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” [35] He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. [36] Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. [37] They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. [38] The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children.

** We get into trouble and do not have access to God's power when we take our eyes off of Him, when we focus on the situation around us rather than God's all-encompassing knowledge and power

Matthew 14:30-31 NIV

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

** Parable of the hidden treasure: reminds us how valuable the kingdom of God is over anything the world has to offer; so valuable the man in the parable gave up everything for this new-found treasure

Matthew 13:44-46 NIV

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. [45] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. [46] When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

** Jesus told His disciples that He will look out for them and take care of them!

Matthew 10:29-31 NIV

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. [30] And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

** Our aim is to continually grow and imitate the Lord, through His wisdom and strength which gives us the ability to do so

Matthew 5:48 NIV

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

** We can overcome anything including all kinds of evil if we reside in Christ and the Word is in us

1 John 2:14 NIV

I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

** God summarizes the commandments that lead to life; we cannot be good but we can do what pleases God and operate within His design

Matthew 19:17-19 NIV

“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” [18] “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, [19] honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 19:21 NIV

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

** It is difficult for a rich man to completely trust God for he often relies on the earthly safety nets around him

Matthew 19:21-24 NIV

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [22] When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. [23] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

** Live your life knowing God's return is imminent

2 Peter 3:11-12a NIV

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives [12] as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

2 Peter 3:14 NIV

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

2 Peter 3:17-18 NIV

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

** We should give when our hearts are willing to give; our attitude and motive matter more than our sacrifice.

2 Chronicles 29:29-31 NIV

When the offerings were finished, the king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped. [30] King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed down and worshiped. [31] Then Hezekiah said, “You have now dedicated yourselves to the Lord. Come and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the temple of the Lord.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.

** Believers in Christ can 'prove their salt' via baptism, miracles, speaking in tongues, and praying for healing [text in Mark is not in early manuscripts]

Mark 16:16-18 NIV

[16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. [17] And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; [18] they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Mark 16:19 NIV

[19] After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

C11.

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