Your Days are Numbered

The Bible compares the brevity (briefness or shortness) of life to:  

1. Wind JOB 7:7
2. Flowers that fade away PSA 103:15, ISA 40:6-8, 1PE 1:24
3. Grass that dies PSA 37:2, 1PE 1:24
4. Nothing PSA 39:5
5. Hired servant JOB 7:1
6. Cloud that vanishes JOB 7:9
7. A passing day JOB 8:9
8. Passing shadow JOB 8:9, 14:2
9. Swift ships passing on the sea JOB 9:26
10. Eagle hurrying to it's prey JOB 9:26
11. Dream JOB 20:8
12. Vision of the night JOB 20:8
13. Handbreadth PSA 39:5
14. Spilt water 2SA 14:14
15. Sleep that’s soon over PSA 90:5
16. Vanity (empty, futile) PSA 144:4
17. Vapor JAM 4:14. 

PSA 89:47  Remember how short my time is.

1CO 7:29   Brethren, the time is short.

PSA 90:12 Teach us to number our days.

You will know them by what they produce - Mat 7:16.

1.  Lazy Christian is idle & does not co-operate because of dislike for work.

PRO 21:25 The desire of the lazy kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.

HEB 6:12 Do not be not lazy, but be followers of them who through faith and   patience inherit the promises.

 

2.  Procrastinating Christian always puts things off until later, makes excuses & moves & acts slowly so that work is delayed

PRO 20:4 The sluggard will not plow because of winter; therefore he will beg in harvest and have nothing. The Christian’s sin is not always what they do wrong - but what they don’t do!

 

3.  Half-hearted Christian lacks force, passion, conviction & commitment

MAT 12:30 He who is not with Me is against Me and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

MAT 15:8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.

 

4.  Indifferent Christian is apathetic; lethargic, unenthusiastic & lacks emotion, concern, or involvement, showing neither interest or dislike

REV 3:15 I know your (the church's) 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.

 

5.  Double-minded Christian is unable to decide and stay with something; they are on again-off again as they fluctuate in their allegiance& beliefs 

JAM 1:6 He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 8  he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

 

6.  Compromising Christian meets half-way or midway because of divided loyalty. They constantly make concessions that weaken their faith.

MAT 6:24 No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

2CO 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

AMO 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are in agreement?

 

7.  Critical, murmuring and complaining Christian causes division and hinders others. 

1CO 10:10 Do not murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

 PHI 2:14 Do all things without murmuring and disputing (Israel constantly murmured against God & Moses!)

 

8.  Fearful, doubting, unbelieving Christian is skeptical & uncertain & lacks confidence in God& the promises in God’s  Word. Their fear, doubt& unbelief also paralyzes the faith others!  

MAR 16:14 Jesus appeared to the eleven…and He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

MAT 21:21 If you have faith, and doubt not....22  all things, what ever you will ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

HEB 3:12 Beware, brethren, that none of you have a sinful heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. The remedy for fear, doubt & unbelief is faith!

 

9.  Lack of zeal/passion

TIT 2:14 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

REV 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

 

Time for judgment in God’s House

1PE 4:17 The time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  18  And If the righteous are scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?

 

Only Remedy for “All” of the above: REV 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. JAM 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 

 

Friends

Friend: an associate; assistant; companion; supporter; buddy; pal; mate; one attached to another by affection & esteem; an intimate associate who encourages & supports; a trustworthy companion you can trust & confide in; a helper in a struggle or cause.

GOD IS ABRAHAM'S FRIEND: JAM 2:20-24  He was called the friend of God. 2CH 20:7 Jehoshaphat quoted God: "Abraham your friend for ever".

HOW TO BECOME GOD'S FRIEND: JOH 15:14  You are my friends, "IF" ye "DO" what I command you. JAM 4:4 Whoever will be a friend of this world is an enemy of God. 

BENEFITS OF HAVING GOD AS YOUR FRIEND: Knowledge of God: JOH 15:15  I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Having you prayers answered - LUK 11:1-13. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT FRIENDS... 

1.  WEALTH AND FRIENDS: PRO 19:4   Wealth makes many friends. 

2.  GOSSIP AND FRIENDS: PRO 16:28  A sinful man sows division: and a whisperer separates close friends. PRO 17:9    He that covers another's sins seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates close friends.  

3.  ANGER & FRIENDS: PRO 22:24  Do not make friends with an angry man; and do not associate with someone who gets angry easily or else you may learn his ways, and get yourself ensnared. 

4.  FRIENDS & CORRECTION: PRO 27:5-6   Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

PSA 141:5  Let the righteous smite me; it will be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it will be an excellent oil, which will not break my head.                          

5.  ADVERSITY & FRIENDS: PRO 17:17  A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity. PRO 18:24  There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. "A true friend is one who walks in when others walk out." 

6.  FRIENDS & ADVICE: PRO 27:9   Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 

7.  MAKING FRIENDS: PRO 18:24  A man that has friends must show himself friendly. "There's nothing in the world I wouldn't do for my friend" a man said, "and there's nothing my friend wouldn't do for me.  That's the way our friendship is.  We go through life doing nothing for each other!" "You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.  Which is just another way of saying that the best way to make a friend is to be one." 

8.  TREAT FRIENDS WELL: PRO 27:14  He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it will be counted a curse to him. PRO 25:17  Withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house; so he does not grow weary of you, and hate you. PRO 27:10  Do not go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off. 

9.  FRIENDS & INSPIRATION: PRO 27:17  As iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. "A friend is one who knows you as you are, understands where you've been, accepts who you've become and still encourages you to grow." 

10.  FRIENDS & BETRAYAL: PSA 41:9   Mine own familiar friend (Judas MAT 26:50; JOH 13:18), in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. 

11.  FRIENDS & FAITHFULNESS: PRO 27:10  Do not forsake your own friend and the friend of your father.

12.  PRAY FOR YOUR FRIENDS: JOB 42:10 The Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Purpose of the 8 Tongues of Spirit-Filled Christians

1. The Tongue of Baptism: Acts 2:4, 10:45-47

This tongue is the evidence that you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit... It is the first tongue that you receive... It is a sign that you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit... It is the initial physical evidence that you have been filled with the Holy Spirit. (It is never interpreted.)

2. The Gift of Tongues: I Cor. 12:10, 14:13-21, 14:26-27, Is. 28:11-12

This tongue is a message from God. It should be interpreted and should be used only when a member of the body of Christ is present that has the gift of interpretation. Tongues is not "confusion" in a service but complements, and many times confirms the preaching or teaching. The gift is always to be used with love and wisdom and never condemns. The Holy Spirit is to be in full charge of a meeting and never interrupts Himself.

3. The Unknown Tongue: I Cor. 14:2

This tongue is the language of divine communication between man and God, "Praying in the Spirit." No man can understand or interpret this tongue. When there are no words left to express your love to God the unknown tongue can speak for you. "Howbeit in the Spirit he speaks mysteries."

4. The Tongue of Self-Edification: I Cor. 14:4, Jude 20

This tongue edifies and builds up the faith of the believer.

5. The Tongue of Intercession: I Cor. 14:14

This tongue is when the Holy Spirit prays through us and intercedes on behalf of someone or something. Our understanding of this prayer is unfruitful.

6. The Tongue of Song: I Cor. 14:15

"I will sing with the Spirit and I will sing with the understanding also." If we desire, we can sing in tongues and we can sing with the understanding also. (Our own language)

7. The Tongue for a Sign to the Unbelievers: I Cor. 14:22

All tongues are a sign to the unbeliever and one of the main purposes of the manifestation of tongues is that sinners might see the supernatural in operation and bring them to a place of repentance.

8. The Tongue of Angels: I Cor. 13:1

This is when the Holy Spirit calls angels to Himself. The angels understand this tongue and usually it is manifested when protection is needed in an emergency.

Caution: Sickness Is Hazardous To Your Health!

Everyone must accept the responsibility to take care of their own health. To take care is to be careful, cautious, responsible, efficient, watchful, attentive, alert and diligent. Many people like to place the responsibility for their health on someone else. Responsibility is defined as having important duties to fulfill, accepting accountability to fulfill obligations, subject to an authority which may administer retribution in the event of failure, neglect or error. No one enjoys sickness, therefore each of us must use caution and accept the responsibility for our health. Sickness is hazardous to your health. A hazard is a source of danger or harm and sickness can often be a life-threatening hazard. If while driving a car you see a road sign informing you of hazards ahead you proceed with caution or take another route. Likewise, you should avoid health hazards and maybe look at taking another route. Some Christian's want their doctor, pastor, family or friend to take the responsibility for their health. God says you are responsible for your body. “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor. Every one of us will give an account of ourselves to God” 1TH 4:4; ROM 14:12. You do not own yourself, God does. “Do you not know that you are not your own? for you are bought with a price” 1CO 6:19-20. You do not own your body, God does. “For all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” COL 1:16-17. You were created by God and for God.  You were created for the sole purpose of glorifying God and giving Him pleasure. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” REV 4:11; PHI 2:13; 1CO 6:20. Show your love for God by taking care of your self by eating healthy foods, exercise, and proper rest. A disciple of Jesus Christ must be disciplined in every area of their life. 

Healing & Health is always God's will

If God is the same and hasn't changed then His will to heal the sick is the same and hasn't changed.  “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. For I am the Lord, I change not” HEB 13:8; MAL 3:6. There is not one recorded case where Jesus or His follower’s had to seek God's will before healing the sick. This is because healing and health, not sickness, is always God's will. On two occasions Jesus said “I will” when asked to heal. The leper came to Jesus saying “Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean, Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.  And immediately his leprosy was cleansed” MAT 8:2-3. When the centurion came to Jesus and asked Him to heal his paralyzed servant Jesus said “I will come and heal him” MAT 8:5-7. Jesus expressed God's will by saying “I will” heal. “God is no respecter of persons” ACT 10:34; ROM 2:11. He shows no favoritism, partiality or discrimination. If He healed the leper and the Centurion's paralyzed servant, He will heal all who come to Him today. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” JOH 6:37.  God is obligated to confirm His Word by healing those who come to Him. God's will is found in His Word, “I am the Lord that healeth thee.  Who healeth all thy diseases” EXO 15:26; PSA 103:3. Health is normal. The word “sick” is defined as: to be unwell, the condition of being ill, to suffer from or affected with physical illness. The word “disease” is defined as: a physical impairment that interferes with normal bodily function, the quality or state of being enfeebled and weakened in health. Both sickness and disease are abnormal. At Jesus' birth the angels revealed that God's will for man is only good. “Behold, I bring you good tidings (good news) of great joy, which shall be to all people. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will (good purpose) toward men” LUK 2:10; 2:14. Good news and good will or purpose for man surely cannot include sickness. Nothing evil or bad ever comes from God. Only good things come from God. “The Lord is good. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” LAM 3:25; JAM 1:17. God has given His greatest gift to all men, eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” ROM 6:23. Good health is a good thing from a good God! 

Blessings of Jesus’ death on the Cross

1. Cross defeated and disarmed satan: COL 2:14  Having cancelled the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was opposed to us, He took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross 15  And having disarmed principalities  and powers, He made a spectacle of them openly, triumphing over them by the Cross.    

2. Cross destroyed the power of sin: 1PE 2:24 He Himself did carry our sins in His own body on the Cross, that we, being dead to sins, should live for righteousness. ROM 6:6 We know our old self was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that from now on we should not serve sin. 7 For he who is dead is freed from sin. 

3. Cross imparts healing: 1PE 2:24 By whose stripes you were healed.  MAT 8:17 Himself took our infirmities and carried our sicknesses. 

4. Cross redeemed (rescued at a price) us from the curse: GAL 3:13  Christ has redeemed us from the curse (cause of suffering & harm) of the law, by becoming a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is every one that hangs on a Cross. 

5. Cross brings peace and reconciliation (restored fellowship) with God: COL 1:20 Having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things to Himself. 2CO 5:18   God has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

25 Blessings of the Upright

Upright: perfect, complete, entire, without blemish, undefiled.
1. Salvation (Psalm 7:10; Proverbs 28:18)

2. Favor or grace (Psalm 11:7)
3. Rewards (Psalm 18:23-24)
4. Manifestation of God (Psalm 18:25)
5. Preservation (Psalm 25:21)
6. Joy (Psalm 32:11; Psalm 64:10; Psalm 97:11)
7. Loving kindness (Psalm 36:10)
8. Eternal inheritance (Psalm 37:18)
9. Peace (Psalm 37:37)
10. Victory over enemies (Psalm 49:14)
11. All good things (Psalm 84:11)
12. Justice (Psalm 94:15)
13. Prosperity (Psalm 112:2; Proverbs 14:11 & 28:10)
14. Light (Psalm 112:4)
15. Goodness (Psalm 125:4; Micah 2:7)
16. Eternal home with God (Psalm 15:1-2 & 140:13)
17. Contentment (Proverbs 28:6)
18. An earthly home (Proverbs 2:21)
19. Protection (Proverbs 2:7)
20. Strength (Proverbs 10:29)
21. Guidance (Proverbs 11:3; Proverbs 21:29)
22. Deliverance (Proverbs 11:6)
23. A blessing to others (Proverbs 11:11)
24. God's delight (Proverbs 11:20)
25. Answers to prayer (Proverbs 15:8)

6 things God knows about you

1. Your imaginations (Deu 31:21; 1 Chr 28:9; Pro 6:18; Rom 1:21; 2Co. 10:5)
2. Your heart (1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 8:39; Jer 17:9; Luk 16:15; Act 1:24; Act 15:8)
3. All your ways (Job 31:4; Psa 1:6; Pro 5:21; Mar 7:19-21; Heb 4:12)
4. Your secrets (Psa 44:21)
5. Your thoughts (Psa 94:11; 139:2; Isa 66:18; Psa 139:2; Heb 4:12)
6. Every word before you speak it (Psa 139:4)

Characteristics of a good pastor

1.   Personal knowledge: no stranger to God or gospel experiences (John 10:5; 2 Cor. 5:17; John 3:5; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 Cor. 12)

2.   Divine call: not from greed, personal ambition, respect, honor, self-interests, or love of ease (John 10:2; Acts 13:3; 1 Cor. 12:28; Ephes. 4:11; Romans 11:29)

3.   Consecrated motives: God's will and glory, salvation of lost souls, and the best interests of the church and all people (John 10:9-13; Luke 19:10; Acts 10:28; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Ephes. 4:12)

4.   Divine anointing: not human education, wisdom, polish, and effort only, but divine leading and help (Luke 11:13; Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; John 14:12-17,26; John 15:26; Acts 1:4-8; Acts 5:32; 1 Cor. 2:1-10; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; 2 Cor. 3)

5.   Personal interest: acquaintance with his flock, private and public instruction, and helpfulness in all problems (John 10:3,9; Acts 20:26-35; Ephes. 1:15-19; Ephes. 3:13-21; 1 Thes. 2:4-13; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; Hebrews 13:7,17)

6.   Good example: lead, not drive; feed, not destroy; and live what is preached (John 10:3-4; 1 Cor. 4:9-13; 2 Cor. 4:8-18; 2 Cor. 6:1-10; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Tim. 4:11-16; 2 Tim. 2; Titus 1)

7.   Divine success: be zealous and fearless to protect, heal, preserve, increase, visit, and sacrifice for the flock (John 10:9-18; Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14-16; Luke 19:10; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Ezekiel 13:1-9; Ezekiel 34)

Healing and health (not sickness) gives God glory!

INDIVIDUALS GLORIFIED GOD FOR THEIR HEALING:

ZACHARIAS: LUK 1:64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, and praised God.

LAME MAN: LUK 5:25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up that whereon he lay, departed to his own house, glorifying God.

CRIPPLED WOMAN: LUK 13:13 He laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

LEPER: LUK 17:15 One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.

BLIND MAN AT JERICHO: LUK 18:43  Immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God.

BLIND MAN IN TEMPLE: JOH 9:38 He said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

LAZARUS: JOH 11:4 This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

LAME MAN: ACT 3:8 He leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the emple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

 

MULTITUDES GLORIFIED GOD FOR HEALINGS:

PARALYZED MAN: MAT 9:8 The multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

DUMB-MAIM-LAME-BLIND: MAT 15:31  The multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

MOTHERS SON RESURRECTED: LUK 7:16 There came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and that God hath visited his people.

CRIPPLED WOMAN: LUK 13:17 All the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

BLIND MAN AT JERICHO: LUK 18:43 All the people when they saw it, gave praise to God.

LAME MAN (ACTS): ACT 3:9 All the people saw him walking and praising God. 4:21 All men glorified God for that which was done.

 

SEVERAL PEOPLE GLORIFIED GOD BEFORE THEY RECEIVED THEIR HEALING:

LEPER: MAT 8:2 There came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if you are willing, thou can make me clean.

JAIRUS' DAUGHTER: MAT 9:18 There came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.

WOMAN WITH DEMON POSSESSED DAUGHTER: MAT 15:25 She came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

DEMON POSSESSED MAN IN TOMBS: MAR 5:6 When he saw Jesus afar off he ran and worshipped him.

You were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's - 1Cor 6:20.

 

 

Between the impossible & possible - stands Jesus Christ!

You do the possible; God will do the impossible.

You do the natural; God will do the supernatural.

You do what you can do, and God will do what you can't do.

Is anything too hard for the Lord? – Gen 18:14.

Has the Lord’s arm been shortened? – Num 11:23.

I know the Lord can do everything. - Job 42:2.

There is nothing too hard for the Lord. – Jer 32:17

Nothing will be impossible for you – Mat 17:20.

With God all things are possible Mat 19:26.

With God nothing will be impossible – Luk 1:37.

All things, whatsoever you  ask in prayer, believing, you will receive – Mat 21:22.

All things are possible to the one who believes – Mar 9:22.

What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them – Mar 11:24.

Whatever you will ask of the Father in the Name of Jesus, He will give to you – John 15:16.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me – Phi 4:13.

Between the impossible and the possible - stands Jesus Christ!

Do you have any troubles?

The Bible tells us:
 
God has promised to deliver you --- when you are in trouble:
Psalm 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me.
Psalm 91:15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.   
 
How to avoid trouble:
Proverbs 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.
 
Others are often helpless to help --- when you are in trouble:
Psalm 22:11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
Psalm 60:11 Give us help from trouble: for vain (useless) is the help of man.
 
What to do --- when you are in trouble:
Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, for You will answer me.
Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 107:13  Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.
 
You must pray --- when you are in trouble:
Psalm 142:2 I poured out my complaint before him; I declared to him my trouble.
Psalm 31:9 Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: my eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
 
You must testify --- about God delivering you from trouble:
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 54:7 For he has delivered me out of all trouble.
 
God testifies about delivering you: Psalm 81:7 You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you.
 
You must exercise faith in God --- when you are in trouble:
Psalm 9:9 The Lord will be a refuge….in times of trouble.
Psalm 138:7 Though I live in the midst of trouble, You will revive me….and Your right hand will save me.
 
Today's the day to be delivered speedily from all your troubles:
Psalm 102:2 Hide not your face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline Your ear to me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

 

Are you a friend of this world?

 

James 4:4 Whoever is a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

 

The Christian must: 

1. Live free from the cares of the world (Matthew 13:22; Luke 21:34-36)
2. Not gain the world at the expense of their soul (Matthew 16:26)
3. Not offend others as the world does (Matthew 18:7)
4. Not be of it (John 15:19; John 17:14,16)
5. Not love their life in the world (John 12:25)
6. Be delivered from the world (Galatians 1:4)
7. Be crucified to the world (Galatians 6:14)
8. Shine as a light in the world (Phil. 2:15)
9. Deny its lusts; live godly in it (Titus 2:12)
10. Be unspotted from the world (James 1:27)
11. Not be friends with the world (James 4:4)
12. Escape the pollution and corruption of the world (2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 2:20)
13. Not love the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15-17)
14. Be like Christ in the world (1 John 4:17)
15. Overcome the world (1 John 5:4-5)
16. Be chosen out of it (John 15:19; John 17:6)
17. Be not conformed to it (Romans 12:2)
18. Be dead to its ways (Col. 2:20)

 

Keep your eyes on Jesus!

1. Look at circumstances  -  and be defeated.
2. Look around  -  and be distracted.     
3. Look within  -  and be afraid.
4. Look back  -  and be discouraged. 
5. Look to others  -  and be disappointed.
6. Look to Jesus  -  and see miracles – Look to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith – Heb 12:2.

Some good things from a good God!

1. Food & drink are “Good Things”

LUK 1:53   He has filled the hungry with good things.

PSA 103:5  Who satisfies your mouth with good things.

 

2. Wife is a “Good Thing”

PRO 18:22  He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains blessing from the Lord.

 

3. Your home, business, income and material blessings are all “Good Things”

DEU 6:10   The Lord your God….will give you….11  houses full of all good things.

 

4. Thanking the Lord & singing praises are “Good Things”

PSA 92:1   It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto your name, O most High.

 

5. To rejoice for what you have is a “Good Thing”

DEU 26:11  Rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given to you and your house.

 

6. Health is a “Good Thing!”

3JO 1:2       Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

ACT 10:38  Jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

 

How to receive good things:

ROM 2:4  The goodness of God leads you to repentance.

PSA 34:10   Those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.

The devil divides - Jesus unites!

·      How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity - Psalm 133:1.
·      Stand fast in one Spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel - Philippians 1:27.
·      Having the same love, being of one accord - Philippians 2:2.
·      All speak the same thing, have no divisions among you; and be perfectly joined together in the same mind and same judgment - 1 Corinthians 1:10.
·      Be of the same mind in the Lord - Philippians 4:2.
·      Be of the same mind one toward another - Romans 12:16.
·      We desire that every one of you do show the same diligence - Hebrews 6:11.
·      There should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another - 1 Corinthians 12:25.
·      Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - Ephesians 4:3.
·      That they may be one, as We are - John 17:11; 22.
·      Love one another as I have loved you - John 13:34.
·      Love one another as He commanded us - 1 John 3:23.
·      Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all - Ephesians 4:3-6.
·      As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who are of the household of faith - Galatians 6:10.

Take Care of Yourself

Everyone must accept the responsibility to take care of their own health. To take care is to be careful, cautious, responsible, efficient, watchful, attentive, alert and diligent. Many people like to place the responsibility for their health on someone else. Responsibility is defined as having important duties to fulfill, accepting accountability to fulfill obligations, subject to an authority which may administer retribution in the event of failure, neglect or error. No one enjoys sickness, therefore each of us must use caution and accept the responsibility for our health. Sickness is hazardous to your health. A hazard is a source of danger or harm and sickness can often be a life-threatening hazard. If while driving a car you see a road sign informing you of hazards ahead you proceed with caution or take another route. Likewise, you should avoid health hazards and maybe look at taking another route. Some people want their doctor, pastor, family or friend to take the responsibility for their health. God says you are responsible for your body. “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor. So then every one of us will give an account of them self to God” 1TH 4:4; ROM 14:12. You do not own yourself, God does. “Know that you are not your own? for you are bought with a price” 1CO 6:19-20. You do not own your body, God does. “For all things were created by Him and for Him, and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” COL 1:16-17. You were created by God and for God. You were created for the sole purpose of glorifying God and giving Him pleasure. “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” REV 4:11; PHI 2:13; 1CO 6:20. One of the ways you can display your love for God is by taking good care of your body. 

What the Bible Says above Thanksgiving

• Give thanks to God’s Name (HEB 13:15)
• Offer God thanksgiving (PSA 50:14) for it is good to give thanks to the Lord (PSA 92:1)
• Abound with thanksgiving (COL 2:7) 
• In everything give thanks -- that is regardless of circumstances (1TH 5:18)
• Proclaim aloud with the voice of thanksgiving....tell of all God’s wondrous works (PSA 26:7)
• Thank God for always giving us the victory (1CO 15:57; 2CO 2:14)
• Pray with thanksgiving: PHI 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
• There is thanksgiving in heaven - so practice on earth! REV 11:16-17 The 24 elders...worshipped God saying, We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty.

How to Have all Your Desires Granted

Desire the following and God will grant you your desires:

 

1. Desire to put God first

There is none upon earth that I desire beside You - Psalm 73:25.

 

2. Desire the fear of the Lord

He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them – Psalm 145:19.

 

3. Desire God’s Judgments

The judgments of the Lord are...more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold – Psalm 19:9-10.

 

4. Desire to be filled with the knowledge of His will

We....desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will – Colossians 1:9.

 

5. Desire God’s Name

The desire of our soul is to Your Name, and to the remembrance of You. With my soul have I desired You in the night – Isaiah 26:8-9.

 

6. Desire to dwell in God’s house

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple – Psalm 27:4.

 

7. Desire Spiritual gifts (so that you may bless others)

Desire spiritual gifts – 1 Corinthians 14:1.

 

8. Delight yourself in Him

Delight thyself in the Lord: and He will give you the desires of your heart – Psalm 37:4.

 

9. Desire to live humbly

Lord, You has heard the desire of the humble: You will prepare their heart, You will cause Your ear to hear – Psalm 10:17.

 

10. Desire to live Righteously (do what is right)

The desire of the righteous will be granted – Proverbs 10:24.

 

11. Desire good things for yourself and others

The desire of the righteous is only good – Proverbs 11:23.

 

12. Put all your desires before the Lord today

Lord, all my desire is before You – Psalm 38:9.

 

13. Talk with God and have faith for your desires to come to pass

Whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them – Mark 11:24.