Whatever Happened to  The Things of God?

SMHG John Jory

This work started out as a list of areas of concern within my own life. Having a desire to live for the Lord Jesus and be more Holy and Christ-like each day, I wanted to review those things which had, over time, become less important to me.

It was a huge disappointment to see how lengthy the list quickly became. Out of this exercise of self-examination came the need to carefully define these areas both by Scripture and in human terms. It is my sincere hope you will find as much comfort, courage and confidence in the living Lord, in reading this, as I have in writing this.

It began by asking myself, “What has happened, to my faith, my practice, to my testimony, to myself as a believer, as an example, as a child of God?”

And just what am I willing to do about it now?

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All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.                    Isaiah 53:6

Absolutes  – Absolutes are those irrefutable evidences which are truth whether we understand and accept them or not. An absolute is something that is conceived (not in the mind of man but in the creation of it’s existence) to be absolute; something that does not depends on anything else and is beyond human control

Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

 Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.

 Exodus 20:3  You shall have no other gods before me.

 Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment,

 Isaiah 46:9      Remember former things from forever; for I am God, and no other is God, even none like Me,

 Acts 4:12        And there is salvation in no other One; for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Absolute values   – Values are the beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something). Absolute values are a rare commodity in these last days. Most societal influences will affirm values change with the whim of the beholder. The scriptures declare God is absolutely right and there is no other. When we truly settle this idea in our hearts, we will cease to argue with Him when our sin is shown to us. We will agree right is right and sin is sin. God gives us absolutely correct moral values.

Exodus 20:13 You shall not kill.

 Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.

 Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal.

 Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness

 Exodus 20:17 You shall not covet

 Isaiah 5:20      Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

 Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.

Abiding in Christ –       Living for Jesus every day and in every way seems such a trite and simplistic way of presenting this. Yet it is the most direct way to address it. If He is not in us and we are not in Him then we are of all men most miserable and without hope. Abiding carries a very real sense of remaining. Remaining when others have gone on to the latest fad or trend; remaining faithful in Christ and His values.

John 15:7       if you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you.

2John 1:9       Everyone transgressing and not abiding in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.

Afflictions for His sake          – A soldier understands the cost of representing his country.  It costs something to be identified with the values and goals of their nation. It may even involve a state of great suffering and distress due to personal adversity. But when it is for His sake and allows others to see Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Philippians 3:8 But no, rather, I also count all things to be loss for the Excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them to be dung, so that I may win Christ

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

2Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

Ambassadors for Christ – An ambassador is a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative or messenger for the royal king; to present His country to strangers and even those who oppose (often in ignorance) Him. A good ambassador is of great value to such a King.

Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

2Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.

Ephesians 6:19 And pray for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

6:20     for which I am an ambassador in bonds; so that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Assurance – That which goes beyond knowing with certainty; assurance allows NO room for doubt. It is a forever secure thing with full understanding and full faith. Assurance comes from the total trust in that which cannot be changed

Isaiah 32:17    And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Colossians 2:2  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

2Timothy 3:14 But continue in the things that you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever

Belief        in a Living Savior. This is a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without need of proof and not a vague idea in which some confidence is placed. It is the cornerstone of our faith and the one claim which differs Christianity from all made man religions, from all other faith systems in the world. Knowing His Word is the only complete and acceptable truth. Knowing He is as He has said. It is not I believe therefore He is; but rather He IS and therefore by His grace, mercy and everlasting kindness, I believe.

Isaiah 43:11    I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved.

Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

                     I serve a risen savior; He’s in the world today!

Boldness     The quality of standing out strongly and distinctly is what separates those who watch from those who act. It is not something we do it is something we are or have within because of what God has done. Every man is eager to proclaim their own goodness and accomplishments. Few of us have a problem with boldness in this area, but we are reticent to be bold for the Lord.

Acts 4:13        Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:29        And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Ephesians 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

2Corinthians 7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation

1John 4:17     Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Philippians 1:20  According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Blamelessness      Oh, to be free of guilt, not subject to blame, to be completely acceptable in His eyes with whom we have to do. Not open to exception or reproach.

To be like Him. And we are!!

We are His and being conformed to His image. The Lord of all creation sees us as perfected; Blameless in His sight.

Romans 8:1   There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

1Timothy 6:14 that you keep the commandment without spot and without blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Peter 3:14     Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

1John 3:2       Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Commitment          Allegiance, dedication, loyalty, the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. In the Church today there is a tremendous lack of commitment to the things of God. The temple is distressed and no one takes it to heart. Our song, our hearts cry, must be: I am yours Oh Lord…

Psalm 37:5      Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works unto the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.

1Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane [and] vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

2Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

1Peter 4:19     Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Confession More than an admittance of guilt, it is an acknowledgment of the truth of something. Confession of sin is agreeing with God that what He says is sin, IS! Agreeing with the Divine Creator is not only right, it is healthy. It is also a reiteration of that which is truth. A written confession of ones faith most often is specific irrefutable, unchangeable, dictates of God from which there is no deviation.

Nehemiah 9:3  And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.

Acts 19:18      And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

James 5:16     Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much

1John 1:9       If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1John 4:2       Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

Counting the Cost  is Considering the weight of a matter and its consequences comes from wise counsel. Wisdom comes from above. It determines of what worth someone or something is. The table of the Lord is worthy of our effort. Often our relationship with the Lord costs us what the world touts as precious, but we seek a reward of infinitely greater value and count the cost of attaining that as nothing.

1 Chronicles 21:24 And king David said to Ornan, Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is yours for the LORD, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.

Job 13:15        Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him

Luke 14:28     For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Mark 14:3      And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.

Conforming              To tailor something to fit an already existing pattern. To make the conformed image so much like the pattern as to be unable to see a difference. Thomas Chisholm’s song is pleading this be so when it renders “Stamp thine own image deep in my heart”. This means we are to walk, talk, appear and exist as though Christ were here in our place, this is Him living in us. Surely if He was willing to become as we are so that He might present us as before His Father’s throne, then we aught to seek to be like Him.

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death

Hebrews 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Covenant   Most people believe this is an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return. The Hebrew word we translate as covenant in English carries the meaning of being separated unto something new. A cutting away takes place in this separation, much like circumcision. We are to be separated from the things of this world and this life and joined to the life to come; just as the surgeon’s knife cuts away that which is harmful ad unprofitable so the body may be restored to full health and proper use.

Malachi 2:14 Yet you say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of your youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she your companion, and the wife of your (marriage) covenant.

Romans 11:27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Hebrews 10:16 This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Calling of God    If there is one area where people have rejected the guidance of the Holy Spirit most, this must be it. The Lord gives spiritual gifts when we obediently surrender to Him. Then as we seek His desire and plan for our lives, He reveals His will to us in the form of a calling. When we respond to His calling and obey His direction, then and only then can we be truly happy. It is His calling, given unto us. We neither decide to be called nor the nature of the call.

Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 5:4   And no man takes this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

2Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Determination     While most of us view this as hard headed tenacity, it is also a position or opinion or judgment reached after much consideration. The cost is counted, the calling of God considered and the commitment to being His faithful and loyal servant causes all other courses to be deemed inconsequential. It is a position of love, understanding confidence and great assurance. When God determines anything, it is for our benefit to agree with Him.

 

2Chronicles 2:1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

Acts 2:23        Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

 Act 11:29       Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Acts 15:37      And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark

1Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

2Corinthians 2:1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

Duty             Can there be any more noble effort than doing that which is expected? God’s Word specifically refers to duty in two areas; Man’s relationship to God, and man’s relationship to his marriage. This is fascinating as the Lord often uses a marriage relationship analogy when referring to our spiritual relationship.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Luke 17:10     So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

Luke 20:25     And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s

1Corinthians 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

1Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Discipleship Someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another is counted as their disciple. In the Greek it is a word that means a learner or taught one. It requires effort and commitment. Everyone is someone’s disciple; the one you follow is your discipler. Notice the constraints of Scripture below: Believe, continue in (do) the teachings, love other disciples, and produce more disciples.

John 8:31       Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 13:35     By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.

John 15:8       Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Dedication  Complete and wholehearted fidelity. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ desires for us to be dedicated to Him and His cause; redeeming the lost from sin. Dedication is by the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. In our relationship with Christ it is holding fast to His truth, His way, His Life. It is often seen as a willingness to pay a great personal price.

The Hebrew word kaw-dash’ means to cause, or pronounce as clean (ceremonially or morally). It is associated with the word kaw-ram’ meaning to consecrate, or dedicate for religious purposes. Both have the thought of sanctifying ones self and to be wholly dedicated.

Joshua 14:14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

 2Chronicles 7:5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

 Psalm 30:1     A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

Hebrews 9:18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take your crown.

Desiring His Best Whatever we do, is to be done to His glory, for His benefit, to please Him. We want all that we are and all that is to be the best it can be so it will bring Him Glory!

2Samauel 7:29 Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever

2Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

1Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Dying to self          As human beings, we prefer to pleasure, pamper and please ourselves. Each feels we are worthy of great consideration and comfort. Yet our Lord has a different view of His disciples. To be like Him means doing as He did; dying to that which should have been His. When He deserved to be worshipped and adored he chose to despised and abhorred. He willingly gave up His life so we might have life. 

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

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

Luke 22:42     Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but your, be done.

Effort       Try it out. Experience it. Test whether or not these things are so. Not just a cursory once over but earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something. Using physical or mental energy; in other words, hard work. Making a real and concerted effort. Be as the Bereans and search the scriptures diligently.

Psalm 26:2      Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

Act 17:11        These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Exposing Sin         Too much of our relationship with God is clouded with sin. Too much of our relationship with each other is in covering our sin. We do each other no favor when we pretend not to see the sin which hauls our brothers and sisters into the accusers’ presence. God would rather have us do some honest confrontation and be accountable to each other. Help a fellow believer, confront the sin in love.

2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. …

Malachi 2:17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if your brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained your brother.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Acts 5: 9         Then Peter said unto her, How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?

James 5:16     Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Effectual Prayer  Is there any ministry in which there is greater potential reward? What joy to have someone else to lift your burden before the throne of grace when you cannot muster the courage to stand on the promises because you can hardly get past the confession?      We are told when we have done all we can to stand, putting on truth and righteousness and to pray. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Not just for some but for all saints. Not only is it a command to pray for each other but is sin to not pray.

1Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:      

1Chronicles 4:10  And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Colossians 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

James 5:16     Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much

Exalting Christ    For the true believer there is no joy more pressing than keeping the rocks and stones from crying out. Often the emotional outpouring of our souls to the One who created us is the closest we get to touching the hem of His garment. He is to be lifted with hearts and hands and voices made Holy by His own Blood.

1Samuel 2:1   And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoices in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation.

Isaiah 5:16      But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Isaiah 33:10    Now will I rise, says the LORD; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself.

Psalm 18:46    The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Act 5:31          Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Revelation 4:11 You art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.

Faithfulness  Missing an appointment not returning a phone call; making a promise or commitment of lesser importance without following through are all certainly considered undesirable actions. So when God the Father gives us much greater responsibilities, we must strive at all costs to be true to His dear Word. His faithfulness is our example and the mark which we must strive to achieve. To be unfaithful is to dishonor Him. To be unfaithful to His church, His children, His commandments is to sin against the almighty sovereign Lord of All!

Faithful is he who does his Lord’s will.

Psalm 36:5      Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and your faithfulness reaches unto the clouds.

Proverbs 20:6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

1Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1Timothy 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

2Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Fear of God  Reverence and consequences are different issues. When dealing with such an overwhelming awesome force as the creator of the universe, reverence is expressed when you are living right and fear when you are not. The wicked do not fear God for they are willingly deceived. We know this, that He who made it all, knows it all and cares for it all and will one day destroy and remake it all. Therefore we fear the consequences of not being right with Him. Revel in the joy of being able to reverence Him when you are in right relationship with Him.

Genesis 22:12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, nor do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only one, from Me.

Psalm 66:16    Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Psalm 130:4    But there is forgiveness with thee, that you may be feared.

Ecclesiastes 8:12  Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days be made longer, yet surely I know that it shall be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Luke 23:40     But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

2Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Revelation 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Forsaking Sin      Oh to be like him! He who knew no sin and was made sin for us. The very thought of being freed from the weight of the sin which does so easily beset us brings joy beyond words. If only I could truly say, “I would rather lose my eye than have it cause me to sin”.   Each day the goal must be to turn from that which is evil and walk in His Holy presence.

2Chronicles 7:14  if My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land

 Psalm 37:8     Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil.

Psalm 101:3    I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Proverbs 9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

Isaiah 55:7      Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Mark 9:47      And if your eye offend you, pluck it out: it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

Forgiveness           If the Church is to ever experience the revival we claim to desire, if the Church is to ever be the cleansed loving Bride of Christ, if the Church is to ever know the agape love of our Savior, then we must forgive each other as He has forgiven us and as we desire and need to be forgiven ourselves. Consider first the man in scripture asked to forgive others who had purposed him evil, Jacob’s son Joseph. Forgiveness is a gift we both need to give and receive.

Genesis 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of your brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father. And Joseph wept when they spoke unto him.

Psalm 32:1      Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered

 Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Ephesians 4:32 And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Fasting         When the belly is full, the intimate desires of the body are satiated even unto perversion and yet we still wonder how He can be so distant. What shall we give up in order to draw close to the Lord? How can we in spirit draw near when the flesh is so satisfied with the luxuries it knows?  How can we know the presence of Him who must be worshipped in Spirit and Truth when we do not deny the flesh?

Isaiah 58:6      Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Ezra 8:21        Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Ester 4:16       Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and do not eat nor drink three days, night or day. My maidservants and I will also fast in the same way. And so I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish.

Acts 14:23      And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Godliness as Great Gain       There was a time when being satisfied with who you are in Christ was more rewarding than all the riches of this world. There is still a need to know His love, forgiveness and blessings as the greatest treasures achievable to mankind. All other trophies pale into nothingness when compared to one minute, no, one moment of the glory of His fellowship. There can be no higher commendation than to be  known as a Godly person

1Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1Timothy 6:11  But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

2Peter 3:11     Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Gratitude   Can I truly be grateful to a Holy God? Every human being desires to receive the gratitude of those they have affected for good. How is it possible that we can project that gratitude toward the One who is truly worthy? Gratitude is not the same thing as glad attitude. Anyone can be glad when circumstances are pleasant. True heart felt, depth of your soul, gratefulness is our due to Him.

Leviticus 22:29 And when you will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Jehovah, offer it at your own will.

1Chronicles 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 50:14    Offer to God thanksgiving; and pay your vows to the Most High;

Psalm 100:4    Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Psalm 147:7    Sing to Jehovah with thanksgiving; sing praise on the harp to our God,

Jonah 2:9        but I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will fulfill that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to Jehovah!

2Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Revelation 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Grateful for the blood   What expression can you give to show what the shedding of the Blood of His only Son means to your existence? Thank You for the Blood!

2Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His unspeakable free gift.

Colossians 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven

1Peter 1:19     But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

God’s Pre-imminence     Whatever is most important is always first. In thought, in time, in resources expended, that which matters most receives the first fruits. Is it your possessions, your money, your good looks? Or is it perhaps the one who died for you?

Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the first-fruits of them which they shall offer to Jehovah, I have given them to you.

Deuteronomy 10:17  For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward:

1Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you art exalted as head above all.

Psalm 135:5    For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Colossians 1:18   And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Titus 2:13       Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Grace            God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. Getting what you don’t deserve. It is the gift of God. The special measure of the relationship which gives itself as the value upon which the relationship is based. Being called His child in spite of whose child you act like…Nurtured by His Spirit and growing in His grace to become the full measure of what He has intended us to be, Children of Grace and Servants of the Most High God.

Exodus 33:17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that you hast spoken: for you have found grace in my sight, and I know you by name.

Psalm 84:11    For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

John 1:14       And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:17       For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

2Peter 3:18     But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Goodness    By what measure do we stand? Not in your own righteousness, but in His. How can we despise the Lord in thoughts and deeds when He daily draws us back to Him? In the Goodness of God is the goodness of God; in His goodness He is still God.

Exodus 34:6  And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Psalm 23:6      Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Romans 2:4    Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?

Gal 5:22          But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

2Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

Holiness     The state of belonging to or derived from or associated with a divine power. There is only one divine power. How is your state with Him?

This is the evidence of His control. For His command is that we be as He is. If He is in us, working through us, conveying our most intimate thoughts to the throne room in heaven by His indwelling Holy Spirit, then how can we be otherwise?

Leviticus 11:45 For I am the LORD that brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

Leviticus 20:7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be you holy: for I am the LORD your God.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

1 Peter 1:15    But as he which hath called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation;

Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Humility      Christ humbled Himself to the cross for our benefit. What should our response be? Certainly it is not to lift ourselves as proud possessors of our own doings. Humility is not appearing debased or poverty stricken so that others might take notice of you. Rather it is forsaking the glory and praise which might well be rightly yours in order that all glory goes to the one who truly deserves all praise.

2Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

1 Peter 5:5      Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:6      Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time

Heavenly Minded           is desiring the things of His presence. We seem to be so focused on ourselves, our needs, our wants and our accomplishments that the Lord must wonder if we will ever gaze heavenward in anticipation of our great homecoming day when we leave all of “OURs” behind.

Psalm 139:8    If I ascend up into heaven, you are there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there.

 Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Colossians 3:1 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.

 :2        Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

2Peter 3:11     Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Hell             Reserved for the Devil and his angels, enlarged to receive fallen man.  No single word in the languages of the world evokes such painful and dreadful thoughts. Its torments are promised to be devastating, intense and everlasting.

Psalm 9:17      The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

 Isaiah 5:14     Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoices, shall descend into it.

 Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 16:23-24 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

:24       And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Honor           Men identify with that which agrees with their ideal of highest worth. It is a thing held in high esteem, which they honor. Is it your good name; A women’s discreetness? Is it giving to the one who deserves it that which is rightly theirs?  Is it one who has earned a place by sacrifice, obedience and hard work?

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God gives you.

 1Samuel 2:30  Wherefore the LORD God of Israel says, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD says, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed

Psalm 49:20    Man that is in honor, and understands not, is like the beasts that perish.

Psalm 66:2      Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious.

 Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

1Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.

1Peter 3:7       Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

I AM     I am HE; I am Bread; I am Light; I am Door; I am Good Shepherd; I am Resurrection & Life; I am Vine; I am Truth Way; I am Life. We say it because he said it, should we not believe it and live like we believe it because He said it? Without Him there is not, before Him there was not. He is all that is.

Exodus 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, I AM has sent me unto you.

Isaiah 43:10    You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

John 6:35       And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 8:24       I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

John 9:5         As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

John 10:9       I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

John 10:14     I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

John 11:25     Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

John 15:1       I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

John 14:6       Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Investing in God’s work         What can we as mere mortals give to be part of the great rewards promised to the faithful? Time? Talents? Treasure? Our very own selves? Yes, every bit of those and anything else we can apply. We would delight our Lord if we would give so that we had to be held back from giving because too much was given.

Exodus 36:6   And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing

2Chronicles 31:5  And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the first fruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Luke 6:38       Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2Timothy 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

Innocence   This is the state of bliss enjoyed by Adam and Eve in the garden before sin entered in. It is the desire of God that we live in such a way that others will see us as innocent in relationship to evil. The Scriptures speak often of innocent blood, referring to those who were not deserving of the evil or judgment which befell them. Our children have been deprived of this gift and will pay dearly for it.

Daniel 6:22     My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: for as much as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Job 4:7            Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?

Job 33:9          I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.

Psalm 19:13    Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

 Psalm 101:3   I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Instruction in righteousness    Who instructs you on what is right and wrong? Whom do you instruct and from where do you draw your moral compass? When was the last time you heard someone say “Whatever the Lord or the Word of God says is right!”? We willingly receive instruction from those who will bring us fun, fame, and fortune. Do we give and receive the instruction that does spiritual surgery that cuts away the sin even though it hurts?

Genesis 15:6  And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Deuteronomy 6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

2Samuel 22:21 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

Psalms 19:9    The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Psalms 119:11 Your word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:172 My tongue shall speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness.

Isaiah 56:1      Thus says the LORD, Keep you judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

1John 3:7       Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

Justice –      “When a man’s ways please God” so the scripture says. Our ways will not be pleasing in His sight if there is not a healthy, nay an overriding expectation and practice of God honoring justice in our every breath. How we deal with others matters to God. The question has been rightly asked: “Does the Lord want us to do right in Justice, or does the Lord want ‘just us’ to do right?”.

Genesis 18:19  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Micah 6:8       He hath showed you, O man, what [is] good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

1Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Luke 12:57     Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

John 7:24       Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Joy                 What is real joy? Knowing the Father; Knowing the Word; Knowing you belong to Him and are living for Him. It is Joy now and Joy later. Someone has aptly said that in order to find real joy you must have correct priorities. If you put Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last, you can have JOY.

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

John 15:11     These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

1Peter 1:8       Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1John 1:4       And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

3John 1:4       I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Jesus the same forever He hasn’t changed, He hasn’t left you, He hasn’t discovered anything new. He is as He has always been. Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever just occurred to God? We say that God is immutable, unchangeable. What He is, He is, always has been, always will be.

Malachi 3:6    For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Psalm 136:1    Oh give thanks to Jehovah; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.

Hebrews 5:9  And being perfected, He became the Author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him,

2Timothy 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the eternal times.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever

Judgment   Man’s judgment is clouded by his personal desires and affections. The scriptures warn against our perverting judgment. It is devilish wickedness to accuse another so you may escape the consequences of your own sin or to achieve self goals. God judges right judgment every time. Our only hope is to judge as He judges; use His Holy Word as the standard for determining what is right and wrong.

Deuteronomy 16:19 You shall not pervert judgment; you shall not respect persons, nor take a gift. For a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous.

Deuteronomy 17:11 According to the sentence of the law which they shall teach you and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do. You shall not turn aside from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand or the left.

Psalm 111:7    The works of His hands are truth and judgment; all His commands are true,

Zechariah 7:9 Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

John 7:24       Do not judge according to sight, but judge righteous judgment.

John 8:16       And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent Me.

2Thessalonians 1:5 For this is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you also suffer,

Judgment-Seat    The Scripture speaks of the seats man’s judgment as dubious examples of Godly justice. The Bible also speaks of God’s Judgment seat. This is the place where the believers will have their efforts in this mortal life reviewed for motive and effect. Then the other we often speak of, God’s Great White Throne of Judgment where those whose names are not written down in the Lamb’s book of Life from before the foundation of the world shall stand. Then they shall kneel, then confess that Jesus is Lord. Then they too, just as the Beast and the False Prophet and the Devil himself, will be cast, along with death and hell, into the Second death.

Psalm 9:7         But Jehovah shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment.

Isaiah 45:23    I have sworn by Myself, the word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Romans 14:10 But why do you judge your brother? Or also why do you despise your brother? For all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

2Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive the things done through the body, according to that which he has done, whether good or bad.

Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under the earth;

Revelation 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and Him sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And a place was not found for them.

Kingship   Who is your Lord, your master, your sovereign? We have replaced the throne of God with the Lazy Boy recliner in our lives. Few people fast, pray on calloused knees, sacrificially give to the Lord’s ministries, or deprive themselves for His glory. No, we are much more like Solomon who denied himself no pleasure.  We are our own king.

1Samuel 8:7   And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Psalm 5:2        Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.

Psalm 74:12    For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

1Timothy 6:15 Which in his times he shall show, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Revelation 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Keeping your Word (promises)         “A man’s word is his bond” used to be the proud cry of a generation long gone and of which we seem to know so little. “I’ll pray for you” is probably the most broken promise in Christendom. Even the creator God of the universe testifies against all such. What a sense of Godliness is there reserved for the one who keeps all his promises.

Deuteronomy 4:2 You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Psalm 17:4      Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

2Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not.

1Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Kindness     God’s is declared to be everlasting along with His mercy. There is a clue we should look into. Without mercy kindness is seldom displayed. Good will; benevolence; that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses. Kindness ever accompanies love. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 17:7  Set out Your wonderful loving-kindness, O Savior of those seeking refuge in You, by Your right hand, from those who rise up against me.

If a person was required to enumerate all the good qualities and accomplishments of another before they could voice a critical opinion, I wonder how little criticism there might be time for?

2Samuel 2:6  And now the LORD show kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.

Psalm 40:11    Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Jehovah; let Your loving-kindness and Your truth always watch over me.

Psalm 63:3      Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith,

Colossians 3:12  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender feelings of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering,

Ephesians4:32 And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

2Peter 1:7       And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity

Love without Lust  The word love has been so attached to the lusts of the flesh and eyes and body that it is hardly recognizable as the agape relationship Jesus speaks of. Whenever love is used as an adjective to a thing, it has fallen from the lofty place of Christ. True love is ever giving, ever selfless, ever purposeful to the benefit of others. Will it ever be said of us, how the love wherewith we loved fell from the throne of grace, through our heart, to the need?

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.

John 3:16       For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 11:36     Then the Jews said, Behold how He loved him!

John 21:15     So when they had dined, Jesus says to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me more than these? He says unto him, Yea, Lord; you know that I love thee. He says unto him, Feed my lambs.

1John 2:15     Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2:16     For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Living like you’re heaven bound     Are we so attached to the things we own that they own us? What would we not be willing to dispense with if it would bring us home to heaven? What holds greatest esteem of the stuff of this world? Lot’s wife looked back after her stuff. Remember “We ARE going Home!”

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2Peter 3:11     Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Revelation 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Liberty         I can choose to be wrapped up in a system of legal dos and don’ts but it will not make Christ shine in my life. What it will do is allow me to glorify myself because I can accomplish a list of actions. Nothing could be further from Christianity. Nothing is a poorer witness. It is liberty and not a license to sin. It is both opportunity and command to walk in step with the Lord.

Psalms 119:45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek your precepts.

Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

1Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.

1Corinthians 10:29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

2Corinthians 3:17 And the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

James 1:25     But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

James 2:12     So speak and do as those who shall be judged by the Law of liberty.

Mercy        The Old Testament writers often said God’s Mercy was everlasting. They used the term merciful kindness. Mercy has been described as not getting what we deserve.  Mercy is inserted where judgment would have been appropriate. We need to example this grace to others as well as receive it for ourselves. Forgiveness is an expression of mercy. Do you desire this mercy of God? He desires to see you express to others as well.

Psalms 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalms 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.

Mark 11:26    But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

James 2:13     For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.

James 3:17     But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Mind of Christ     Can we really think like Christ? If it were not so, He would have told us. Not only can we, but we are commanded to have a Christ like mind set. He knows our thoughts and allows us to borrow His.

Romans 12:2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.

1Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Philippians2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1Peter 3:8       And finally, all be of one mind, having compassion on one another, loving the brothers, tenderhearted, friendly.

2Peter 3:1       Beloved, I now write this second letter to you, in which I stir up your pure mind by reminder

Ministering If you want to be great in God’s kingdom you must learn to be the Servant of all. Ministering means to be Jesus for someone. It is exampling the answer to the popular question “What would Jesus Do?”. That question is answered in John 8:29. There are only two types of people who need to be ministered to; those who know Christ and those who do not.

Matthew 10:42  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Mark 9:35      And he sat down, and called the twelve, and says unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

2Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

James 1:27     Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Majesty of God  Define God’s Glory and Majesty. To do so would limit Him. He is greater than our thoughts and words can avail. He is more than the sum of all the accumulation which can be gathered in fact or imagination. His beauty is limitless. He shares His glory and majesty with no other.

1Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.

Job 37:22        Golden splendor comes out of the north; God is awesome in His majesty.

Psalms 29:4    The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

Psalms 93:1    The LORD reigns, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.

Habakkuk 1:7 He is terrible and fearful; his judgment and his majesty comes forth from Himself.

Hebrews 1:3  Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

2Peter 1:16     For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Not being Ashamed  It is puzzling why people who seem to be kindly intended towards the Savior would be embarrassed or reluctant to proclaim Him from the housetops.  Yet there would seem to be those who are reluctant to divulge their relationship as a joint heir with Christ.

Daniel 6:10     And when he had learned that the document was signed, Daniel went to his house. And his windows were open in his roof room toward Jerusalem; and he kneeled on his knees three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1John 2:28     And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming

Needy people We live in the richest nation in all the world and yet are surrounded by needy people. Physically in need of food, shelter, clothing, health care and spiritually in need of the truth which we hold in ourselves. Whatever happened to reaching out to needy people?

2Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Mark 14:7      For ye have the poor with you always, and whenever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always.

Revelation 3:17  Because thou say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

New Life in Christ – the New creation is not an ethereal concept for debate. It is the passing away of the one who was and the recreation of a new person with a desire and bent to avoid sin, please God and live every moment to His glory.

Habakkuk 3:2 O Jehovah, I have heard Your report; I am afraid. O Jehovah, give new life to Your work in the midst of years; in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Obedience              Wherein can we please our earthly parents more than by simply accomplishing what they desire? How much more then with the Lord? The word surrender is not found in the Scriptures. The concept of surrender is derived from a willing obedience to the written Word of God and His known will rather than striking out on a course of your own self indulgence.

Job 36:11        If they obey and serve [him], they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

1Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Hebrews 5:9   And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Owing Christ everything       Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left its crimson stain. He washed it white as snow. Is there anything I am, I own, I desire which is not due Him as an offering of gratitude? What I am become for good is solely by His goodness. The evil which I have done is reason and purpose of His sacrifice.

1Corinthians 4:7  For who makes thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it?

Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Ownership We like to think that we are free to declare our own destiny. However the Scripture is clear, we belong to Him who has paid it all. Or else we are owned by the sin we refuse to reject in order to gain Him. A servant is owned by the master he serves.

1Corinthians 6:20 For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1Corinthians 7:23 You are bought with a price; be not you the servants of men.

John 8:34        Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin.

Purity         What gift can a bride offer her groom more precious and honoring than her purity? What greater trust can be assured than for a bride to know her groom has faithfully denied himself of baser pleasures for the joy of sharing himself with her alone? What greater testimony of our love to the Savior than to deny the desires of the flesh for the treasures of heaven?

Psalm 25:21 Let purity and uprightness keep me; for I wait on You.

1Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise your youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Titus 1:15       Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Power of the resurrection The single truth which troubled the Pharisees the most was that Jesus claimed He would rise from the dead. Only God has that power. If Jesus were able to rise then He would prove Himself very God.  HE DID!!! That power which we proclaim tumbles the walls of sin and restores the throne of God in the hearts of men and women.

Matthew 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Mark 16:6      And he says unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid Him.

Philippians3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death

Priorities – Godly priorities are not a list of things we want to get done before time slips away. They are rather the essence of daily Christian life and fellowship.  We Love him because He first loved us. Every thing which matters to us matters because it matters to Jesus.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mark 9:35      And he sat down, and called the twelve, and says unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Ephesians 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Praying through seems to be a lost art. Seldom do you hear of saints testifying of persevering in prayer until dawn. Few know the victory of crying unto God all night so that Joy cometh in the morning. Prayer, effectual fervent continual prayer is the evidence of the power of God in the Christian.

Psalm 30:5      For his anger [endures but] a moment; in his favor [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning.

Mark 9:29      And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Luke 6:12       And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Colossians 1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

1Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing

James 5:16     Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Preaching    truth to a lost and dying world. There is no other medium to deliver souls from hell than by the utterance of the Word. How shall they believe without hearing and how shall they hear without a preacher?

2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Romans 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 4:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Questioning Sin Whether it’s your own or that of a brother or sister in Christ, we must return to calling sin, sin. Even unbelievers are able to distinguish between that which a Christian aught to do and what they should not. It is a great evil, that would hide its head in the sand and ignore the wickedness among us. If it is questionable, it aught not to be.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

Isaiah 5:20      Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Acts 5:3          But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Romans 14:23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because [he eats] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin

1Corinthins 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

Galatians 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

Quietness    is almost unheard of in our busy lives. Yet the times I receive the most from the Holy Spirit are those in which I have emptied myself of the cares of this life and focus on hearing from the creator of the next life by meditating in His word.

Psalm 46:10    Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

Isaiah 32:17    And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

1Peter 3:4       But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Quickening Spirit   Are we made alive unto Christ? There is the power of God which takes dead dry bones and makes them walk again. It comes from He who breathed into Adam’s nostrils and made him a living being. That same power changes the lifeless corpses of those dead in trespass and sin into mighty warriors in the army of the Living God. In Psalm 119 the writer implores the Lord to make him alive again according to his love, mercy, judgments, and loving kindness.      

Psalm 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; [and] quicken thou me in your way.

Psalm 119:156 Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.

Ezekiel 37:3    And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, you know

Romans 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you.

I come Quickly     Is there a sense of urgency about our Christian life? Or do we allow others to rush headlong into hell with little concern. The LORD is coming, SOON! Great joy accompanies our expectation.

Matthew 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Acts 1:11        Which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

1John 3:2        Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my