Seek and Ye Shall Find

People everywhere are looking for ways and means to make their lives better. They immerse themselves in their work, their hobbies, entertainment of every type, and even the worst kind of habits: drugs, alcohol, or other types of substance abuse.

Real Christian people don't have to turn to harmful habits, because Jesus Christ will satisfy our desires, if we seek Him for those things we need and desire. But, this satisfaction is always conditional.

The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. Proverbs 10:24

Our Holy Bible tells us:

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:31-33

What is God telling us to do here? Seek for His will! That requires work, does it not?

A lot of folks I've met through the years, especially since I've been in the church, have said, "All you have to do is believe, Only believe, All things are possible, Only believe." Well, that's not entirely true or false. We certainly do have to have faith that God will provide. However, we must go further, even as James, the brother of Jesus wrote.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:14-17

We have to do something to make our faith operative. For instance, to have good health, we have to eat right and engage in some amount of exercise. To have a good job, we must look for and attempt to obtain the job and after we get one, we must work diligently. The same applies to other opportunities; when we are given an opportunity, shouldn't we be careful to fulfill it? Our Holy Bible tells us:

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

Did you know that God's promises of good things are only for His people? They only apply to those who seek and do His will. These promises are not for non-believers, because first of all, their faith is in vain if they don't have the first-fruits or works of repentance. However, if men and women will repent and, by faith, receive God's grace, they will also be recipients of God's promises. Praise God!

When we are in God's grace we must seek God always! Let's see what Jesus tells us:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:7-11

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:9-13.

Notice that these passages give us instructions that are words of action: Ask, Seek, Knock. Those are action words. We have to do more than just believe that God will give us what we need. We have to do something, too. These scriptures are not just for salvation, they are also for our daily necessities of life.

CONCLUSION

After we have acquired salvation by grace through repentance and faith, and are seeking God for those things we need in this life (as well as those things we desire), if it is according to God's will, we will have those things we have made request for.

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not [no sin is present], then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:21-22

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. I John 5:14-15

May the God of all the Earth, and Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, grant you all your needs and desires according to His will. Amen.

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Be Encouraged in the Lord

When we look around us and start to see various troubles and sorrows, we tend to dwell more on the negatives than on the things that bring positive thoughts.

In our society, we can certainly see the absolute deterioration of honesty and integrity, and the lack of the fear of God. But, if we are genuinely in the grace of God, we can find encouragement, by faith in His Holy Word that never changes.

The word "encourage" is only used eleven times in our Bible, but God does want us to encourage each other; not only in His Word, but also in the things of this world that are just and right.

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. II Chronicles 31:4.

King Hezekiah told the children of Israel to give the Levites, the priests of the Lord, their portion of food and offerings to encourage them. Why? So the Levites could take care of their priestly duties, without having to be concerned for their own food and upkeep. This allowed them to focus on their primary duty.

What encourages us? We get encouragement from a good job, a good work schedule, good health, a nice place to live, good fellowship, good family life, etc. Many people can encourage us: our spouses, our bosses, our parents, our friends. God uses these things and these people to encourage us; however, most of His encouragement comes from His messenger.

In Deuteronomy 1:38, God told Moses to encourage Joshua:

But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

And again, in Deuteronomy 3:28:

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

God spoke to Joshua and gave him great encouragement. He does the same for us, speaking to us through His Word.

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:1-8.

Also, see Deuteronomy 7:1-15, for encouraging words from the Lord to Moses.

Sometimes we may not get encouragement from others, when we need it. Then, we can encourage ourselves!

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. I Samuel 30:6

How? In the Lord! We can always encourage ourselves, i.e., have greater faith, by doing the right things We can trust that the power that is above all powers in Heaven and earth will help us in everything we need.

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:21-22

Please note that this is conditional; we must keep His commandments in order for this promise to take effect.

If we are doing our best to serve God and to keep His commandments, he will meet all of our needs, and will encourage our hearts.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

This does not only mean material needs, such as food and clothing; Paul said ALL your needs. This includes the need for companionship, the need for security, and the need for encouragement when things are looking bleak, as well as any other need you may have.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:33-34.

When we put serving God first in our life, He will take care of the rest. What things was He talking about? Any of the things that you need. And when our needs are met, we most certainly will be encouraged!

Your Conscience – Is it Reliable?

If all we had to keep us in the grace of God was our conscience, we could perhaps say that our conscience is a reliable source of direction that we can depend on.

However, God knew that our conscience would not be enough to make us perfect, so He gave us His Word.

Never in our Holy Bible does it say that we are to live by our conscience. Moses said the following:

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:3

Jesus said also:

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

We don't live by our conscience alone. God has given us a conscience and His Word, so that with both we can be made in the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. We must have both!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 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. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

EXAMPLES

Those in the Flood – How many people were there, in the days before God flooded the world, who had a conscience sensitized to obey God's Spirit? Only one! Noah! Because of his obedience, he saved himself, his family, and their families, i.e., his son's wives.

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. Genesis 6:17-18

Kind David – Did David (one of the greatest men who ever lived) have enough conviction from his conscience to keep him from taking another man's wife, and subsequently, having her husband murdered? No!

And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. II Samuel 11:3-4

Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. II Samuel 12:9

GUARDING OUR CONSCIENCE

Some can make their conscience inoperative by not obeying it.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. I Timothy 4:1-3

Acquaintances can cause us to override our conscience by telling us things about ourselves that are good, even though they aren't true, and can cause us to make mistakes. Our minds have certain sensibilities that affect our decision-making processes. Sometimes those sensibilities are very strong, sometimes not so strong, sometimes they are weak (a weak conscience), and those are the ones we tend to delegate to the back of our minds. God's Spirit, when He speaks to our minds or conscience, speaks mostly like the Voice Elijah heard – a still, small voice, and through His written Word.

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? I Kings 19:12-13

When we are disobedient, condemnation comes, depending on the spiritual sensitivity we possess.

(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel [i.e., God's Word]. Romans 2:13-16

The ultimate authority is God's Word, rightly divided.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Isaiah 28:9-13

If we don't receive God's word this way, it can lead to utter destruction for us, which can take God's blessing from us.

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. II Peter 3:15-17

Our conscience can work to keep us in the good and right way, but sometimes it is not enough. Our fleshly nature can at times override our conscience, so we need that extra source of strength and power: God's Word!

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The Word of God is more sure than our conscience.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:19-21

IN CONCLUSION:

When we continue obeying God's Word, by what God has revealed to us, we will have a clear conscience.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. I Peter 3:15-16

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:21-22

At times, even our best efforts in serving God can fall short of His perfect will. When we fail, we must pick ourselves up, ask for forgiveness, repent (quit doing the sin that causes us to fail) and go on in the grace of God!

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Hell: The Worst Place to Be

Did you know that originally, God made Hell for the Devil and his angels (demons)? Hell was not made for man until sin entered in through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:41

Hell is also the place where those who are sinners and wicked go after their death on Earth, ( ie. if they don't repent ! ).

Some people say that there is no Hell, there is no place of torment after death, and that we are actually living in Hell now. Some say that Hell is the grave. Others say that hell is a temporary place to go until something happens to make God let you out. If you believe in God's Holy Word (the KJV), you know that these beliefs are completely untrue.

According to God's Word, there is no worse place than Hell, and once there, there is no escape nor comfort anymore!

This is perhaps the best illustration of Hell as a place in eternity for those who die lost and never repent (i.e., quit sinning).

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 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. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Luke 16:19-31

Hell is a place with fire, a place of torment, a place that is very hot. Worst of all, it is a place of Eternity. In this passage of Scripture, we also see the power of God's Word. Abraham, in effect, told the rich man that even a great miracle of someone returning from the dead to witness to the lost is not as effective as those who speak God's words, and at times have miracles following.

Here is another vivid description of Hell, where its occupants are tormented all day and all night.

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10

Hell is a very bad place to wind up when life on Earth is over! The worst place!

Who will go to Hell?

Anyone who dies unsaved will go to Hell. All who are not believers in Christ Jesus when they die will go to Hell.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

All who are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life will end up in Hell.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:11-15.

All of us will be judged by God. Some will enter into everlasting life; some will enter into everlasting damnation.

All who live wickedly will be sent to Hell.

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

Paradise

There are some doctrines that teach that there is a place of rest in the center of the Earth, and that some people who don't go straight to Heaven when they die go there to be made worthy of being transferred to Heaven at a later time (Purgatory).

At one time in our Bible history, there was such a place, called Paradise, where all who were righteous, and even some who the Bible calls "sometime disobedient", went after death. (Refer back to the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus went to Abraham's bosom; Abraham was in Paradise.) Jesus Himself went to Paradise to preach to the people there and afterwards He took them to Heaven.

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43 ( Jesus during his crucifixion speaking to one of the thieves next to him )

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:8-10

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. I Peter 3:18-20

King David even prophesied that Christ would descend when He died.

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Psalm 16:10

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Acts 2:29-31

Just in case someone is not sure that David was speaking prophetically of Christ, the Apostle Peter just cleared it up for us.

In Conclusion

Who has the power to send people to Hell? Only One, God Almighty, our Father!

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: II Peter 2:4-9

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke 12:5

It is imperative that we fear God, which will keep us from sinning, so that we can enter into Heaven instead of Hell, when we die. May God help us to do the things necessary to receive eternal life with Him, in Jesus' name. Amen!

God’s Love – Unconditional?

As a young man, I was told by most of the Christian people I knew, "God's love is unconditional." Now that I'm no longer a young man, I still hear this from most well-meaning Christian folks.

It would really be nice if that were the truth, from God's Holy Word, but unfortunately, according to scriptural authority this is completely untrue. I know this subject is not going to set well with most Christians, and even with some non-Christian people, but isn't it better to know the truth about God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ?

By the grace of Jesus my Lord, I will tell you the truth and nothing but the whole truth, from the only true Word of God, the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

The Bible tells us in many places that not only is His love conditional, but so is everything else we receive from God. The argument made about this subject is based on some Scriptures, but we know that no one verse of Scripture stands alone. Not even two or three, in this case.

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Peter 1:20-21

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Isaiah 28:9-13

Some people use Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

But what you rarely hear is verse 10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Do you see that? We must bring forth good works! I know that when we are saved initially, there is nothing we can boast about, no works of righteousness that led us to salvation. However, as we progress in our Christian walk we certainly have a lot of work to do, with the help of Jesus Christ. This is a little off the subject, so let's get back to seeing whether or not God's love is unconditional.

Let's look at the words of Jesus Christ, Himself.

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him…Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:15-21, 23

Note the underlined portion. Does that look like Jesus put a condition on His love? Yes, He said that to love Him, we must keep His commandments and His words, and then we would be loved. Let's look further into the scriptures.

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:9-10

Jesus said for us to continue, or abide, in His love. To do it, we have to keep His commandments and His words. Sounds like a condition, yes?

Using John 3:16, many people say that God just loves everybody in the world. God does love the world as a whole, enough to make a way of salvation for us. But God does not love everyone in the world individually. If He did, why did He create a lake of fire where people are tormented day and night? Why is there so much suffering and loss in this world if God loves everybody? Jesus spoke about the world in John 17:6-9:

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

Jesus said He prayed for those who keep His word, who are separated to Him, apart from the world and the sin and lust of it. Also, read John 17:14-17 for more about those who God loves in the world. Another good place to read is I John 2:15-17. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the truth!

The Old Testament gives us a more detailed and forceful look at God's love in Isaiah 63:8-10.

For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

God speaks of loving and saving His people; however, when they rebelled (conditional) He turned to be their enemy and fought against them. Here is another sobering example of God's love and favor being conditional.

All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb. Hosea 9:15-16

God says in Verse 15, "I will love them no more." It doesn't get much plainer than that. The word "unconditional" means: Not limited in any way. In other words, people make the argument that no matter what we do, God will always love us. Not true, according to the Bible.

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

God does not change! He is still the same today (New Testament) as He was yesterday (Old Testament), and will be the same tomorrow (Eternity).

His love was, is, and always will be conditional, based on whether or not we keep His commandments and His words.

There are many more scriptures which prove that God's love is conditional. I hope that you will take heed to His Word as the truth and that God will love you and keep you in His love always.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Romans 11:22

Conditional! Not Unconditional!

Seeking for God’s Favor

As Christians, we should always do our best to live for Jesus. People who don't know the Lord also seek to do their best. They do it, not to please God, but rather, to find favor in the eyes of their boss, their friends, their family, etc. People who fear God and keep His commandments should seek to find favor with Him, who loved us and gave Himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord.

When we do find favor with God, not only will we be blessed above most other Christians, we will also find favor with the boss, with our friends and family, and with virtually everyone that can be favorable towards us.

How do we find favor with God?

We know that only through Jesus Christ can we even attempt to start to make headway in a favorable direction. In any quest, it is vital that we have knowledge of where to start. Let's see what the Bible says about finding favor with God.

A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. Proverbs 12:2

A person must be good to obtain favor with God. How do we go about being good? How good do we have to be? Let's look further into God's Word for the answer.

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1-4

This passage tells us several things we must do. First, we have to remember God's law and keep His commandments. Then we have to be merciful to others; we must also speak the truth and be honest.

Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. Proverbs 8:32-36

We must listen to what the Lord tells us in His Word and seek God.

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

We must be righteous. What does that mean? It means doing the right thing, no matter what.

Examples

Here are a few examples of people in the Bible who found favor with God. We can look at their stories, and follow their example, so we can find favor, too.

King David:

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. Acts 7:44-46

The prophet Samuel:

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men. I Samuel 2:26

Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness… 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: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. I Samuel 12:3-5, 23-24

Samuel found favor both as a child and as a grown man.

Mary, the mother of Jesus:

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. Luke 1:28-30

And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. Luke 1:45-55

Why was Mary favored? Because she was faithful, she had a humble spirit, and she feared God, i.e., she feared what God can and will do to those who disobey Him.

Blessings

Here are some of the ways God blesses those who find His favor.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22

Are you looking for a good wife or husband? Find favor with God!

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. Psalm 128:1-4

The absolute greatest of all blessings will be our admittance to Heaven!

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:1-5

A Warning

And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God? Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the LORD, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me: Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour. Jeremiah 16:10-13

We must listen to God and do His will. If we go about life walking in our own way, not God's way, He will reject us and we will not have His favor.

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27

Despite popular opinion, if we live in sin everyday and die in that condition, we cannot make it to that blessed home, which is Heaven.

If we harden our hearts and walk in our own imaginations, not doing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ's will, it will be impossible to find favor with God. May the Lord our Savior and God the Father help us to do His will and find favor, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Safety is of the Lord!

As I was putting this message from the Lord together, I said to myself, "Are we doing all that we can, my wife and I, to have God's safety, for us and for our children?" As I prayed and sought God about this, II Peter 1:2 came to mind:

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

After the word from God's Holy Bible spoke to me, I understood more perfectly. We must know how to have God's safety and the only way to get it. First, we must know what God requires of us. We must have knowledge from His Word.

I began seeking the knowledge of God about safety, grace and peace.

If we are kept safe, how does safety come to us? It's not through fences, watchmen, houses, cars or trucks, weaponry, or military might, but it is by God Almighty, through Jesus Christ.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. Proverbs 21:31

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Proverbs 4:8

Let's look at seven ways the Holy Scriptures tell us how to have the safety of the Lord:

1. Keeping and doing God's Word will keep us safe!

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Proverbs 1:33

Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. Leviticus 25:18-19

Also, see Leviticus 26:2-5.

We can see that God is telling us that if do the things He has commanded us to do, in His Word, He will not only meet all of our needs, but will keep us safe too. If we're doing our best to please Him, we can live without dread and fear.

2. The fear of God will keep us safe!

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:16-20

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. Proverbs 19:23

Also see Jeremiah 32:37-40.

Here the Lord is telling us that if we fear Him, i.e., be afraid of what He can do to us if we sin against Him, He will help us, deliver us, keep evil away from us, and never turn from us.

3. Keeping ourselves in the love of God will keep us safe!

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:21

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. I John 2:5

And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12

4. Being sanctified or separated to the Lord will keep us safe!

Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God. Ezekiel 28:25-26

How do the heathen, those who are unsaved, know or see that we are sanctified in the Lord? By us not doing the things the heathens do!

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. II Corinthians 6:17-18

5. Getting the right counsel or advice will help keep us safe!

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 24:6

6. Getting the wisdom of God will keep us safe!

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3:21-24

7. After we have done our best, trust God for safety!

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:25

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Also please see Psalm 33:21.

Things that will cause us to have that hedge of safety taken from us:

Sometimes, even with our best efforts, we can find ourselves in a very bad and unsafe condition. In the first chapter of Job, we read the story of Job, who was a perfect man. The devil accused him before God, and that safety barrier, or hedge, as Satan referred to it in Job 1:10, was taken away from Job and all that he had. In the next two chapters, we see what happens to a perfect man when God takes that safety away from him. After much affliction, loss, suffering, ultimate humility and repentance, we see the end of the matter with Job. Job 42:12-17.

If we commit iniquity and become wicked God will take His hedge away from us.

If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: … And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Job 11:14, 15 & 18

Lack of knowledge can cause our children to lose safety!

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

If we forget God, God will forget our children, and they will no longer have His protection and safety.

Foolishness can cause us to lose our safety!

For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation. His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them. Job 5:2-4

What does foolish mean? It means "showing folly or lack of judgment, absurd, ridiculous, lacking good sense".

The most serious warning from the Old Covenant:

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Deuteronomy 28:15-68.

In Conclusion: When we do the will of God, we will be safe.

Psalm 91.

The Book of Life

Are all inhabitants written in the book of life to start with? Well, it says there is a book of the living in Psalm 69:28: Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Is it the same? I don't believe so. We see that in this book of the living, those written therein are righteous. We know that all inhabitants of the world are not righteous.

About the Book of Life

The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Rev. 17:8

The book of life is the book of eternal life, not of the present-day life on earth. In order for a person to be in the book of life:

1. They must first be saved.

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev. 21:24-27

2. They must be laborers, by taking the yoke of Jesus Christ

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11:28-30

And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Phil. 4:3

3. They must overcome

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. 3:5

What must we overcome?

1. The world and the lusts thereof

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. 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2:15-17

2 The flesh

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom. 13:14

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Eph. 2:3

3. Sin

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. I John 3:4-9

4. The devil

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Rev. 12:10-11

After a person is written in the book of life, can they be removed? Yes!

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Ex. 32:32-33

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ezek. 18:4

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Rev. 22:19

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. 3:5

What happens to those who are not written in, or are blotted out of, the book of life?

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:12-15

In other words, they will go to hell. See Rev. 20:12-15 for more information.

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Rev. 21:27

Those who are not written in the Book of Life cannot enter into Heaven.

CONCLUSION:

God knows who is going to be written in the book of life, and He knew it before the foundation of the world. However, there is no way that we know for sure who is written in it. We should always do our best by the direction God has given us to make it into that great book. If a Christian man or woman is backslidden or committing sin regularly, they need to repent, so they will not be removed from eternal life.

Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. Ezek. 33:14-16

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19

Also, see I John 2:1-2.

Jesus will restore the sinner and backslider if they repent. That is the will of God for us.

See Hosea 2:19-20, Isa. 57:17-19, and Jer. 31:3.

Be Encouraged In the Lord

When we look around us and start to see various troubles and sorrows, we tend to dwell more on the negatives than on the things that bring positive thoughts.

In our society, we can certainly see the absolute deterioration of honesty and integrity, and the lack of the fear of God. But, if we are genuinely in the grace of God, we can find encouragement, by faith in His Holy Word that never changes.

The word "encourage" is only used eleven times in our Bible, but God does want us to encourage each other; not only in His Word, but also in the things of this world that are just and right.

Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. II Chronicles 31:4.

King Hezekiah told the children of Israel to give the Levites, the priests of the Lord, their portion of food and offerings to encourage them. Why? So the Levites could take care of their priestly duties, without having to be concerned for their own food and upkeep. This allowed them to focus on their primary duty.

What encourages us? We get encouragement from a good job, a good work schedule, good health, a nice place to live, good fellowship, good family life, etc. Many people can encourage us: our spouses, our bosses, our parents, our friends. God uses these things and these people to encourage us; however, most of His encouragement comes from His messenger.

In Deuteronomy 1:38, God told Moses to encourage Joshua:

But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

And again, in Deuteronomy 3:28:

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

God spoke to Joshua and gave him great encouragement. He does the same for us, speaking to us through His Word.

Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:1-8.

Also, see Deuteronomy 7:1-15, for encouraging words from the Lord to Moses.

Sometimes we may not get encouragement from others, when we need it. Then, we can encourage ourselves!

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. I Samuel 30:6

How? In the Lord! We can always encourage ourselves, i.e., have greater faith, by doing the right things We can trust that the power that is above all powers in Heaven and earth will help us in everything we need.

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:21-22

Please note that this is conditional; we must keep His commandments in order for this promise to take effect.

If we are doing our best to serve God and to keep His commandments, he will meet all of our needs, and will encourage our hearts.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

This does not only mean material needs, such as food and clothing; Paul said ALL your needs. This includes the need for companionship, the need for security, and the need for encouragement when things are looking bleak, as well as any other need you may have.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:33-34.

When we put serving God first in our life, He will take care of the rest. What things was He talking about? Any of the things that you need. And when our needs are met, we most certainly will be encouraged!

The Devil

Second Most Powerful Force in our World

There are many references to the Devil in the Bible. They are: the Devil, Lucifer, Satan, Serpent, Wicked One, Tempter, and fifteen other names and descriptive names associated to the Devil.

The Devil is called a liar and the father of all lies, by Jesus, the Son of God.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44.

He is called Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-17: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

In the book of Job, he is called Satan, and we can see how he went before God and accused Job.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:6-12.

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. Job 2:1-7.

Notice in that last passage that Satan "smote Job". Notice this also: God let him do it! God basically told Satan, do your worst but don't kill him. God could have prevented Satan from afflicting Job's body, but He didn't. He was letting Job get tested and tried, to prove to Satan and to us, that Job would not turn His back on God and lose his integrity. He was using Job for our example.

In Revelation 12:9 the devil is called the serpent: And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

There are many other names of the devil, throughout the Bible, but it would take too much time and space to list them all.

In the previous scripture passages, we are able to see some of the devil's power. We also see that he is so powerful that he even has access to stand before the throne of God Almighty. This comes as a shocking surprise to many people. He is able to create much harm and evil for unsuspecting Christian men and women. However, we also see that to create evil among us, he must first have permission from the most powerful of all, Almighty God!

What we haven't seen yet, and what we are going to discuss further, is how Satan not only uses the power given to him, but also how he is used (by God Almighty) to do God's will among the inhabitants of the earth, both Christian and non-Christian alike.

In the passage where the name Satan is first used in the Bible, we can clearly see that God our Father turned Satan loose on King David to bring evil on some of the Israelite people.

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. II Samuel 24:1. See, God was angry with the people of Israel. He moved David. How did He do it?

And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. I Chronicles 21:1. God made Satan provoke David!

Does God still work this way? Yes. A thousand times, Yes. Here is New Testament passage that shows the devil's power.

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption [in bondage of the devil]: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. II Peter 2:19-22.

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. Proverbs 26:11.

The devil gets into preachers that corrupt themselves and he overcomes them, as well as the people that follow them. When Christian men and women turn away from the way of righteousness, they become worse than they were before they were saved. Let's see what happens when a Christian turns from God and returns to sin.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Luke 11:24-26.

How can this be? How can the evil spirits come back in, after the person is washed clean? Look at the next passage.

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. Matthew 12:43-45.

Matthew's account says that in addition to being swept and garnished, the person is also empty. If the Spirit of God was dwelling in that person, as would have been the case were they serving the Lord, they would not be empty.

Paul spoke of turning a man over to the devil, in I Timothy 1:20, to punish him for blasphemy. Paul had power over the devil, and we can have it too.

We can have that power through a man of God, teaching us by instruction, and also through our own efforts, by the grace of God.

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. II Timothy 2:24-26

Also, read Ephesians 6:11-18, for more detail.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:20.

Praise God! May God help us to put on the full armor of God, as in Ephesians 6:11-18, so we can overcome the devil and "bruise Satan under our feet". Amen.

Love Not the World

To a lot of Christians, this title would be a difficult thing to comprehend. Why? Because people, both Christian and non-Christian, love the world and the things of the world.

It is hard to let go of anything we love, even if it means hardship, or even our life. But, if we are going to love God and live the lifestyle God accepts, we must separate ourselves from those weakening and detrimental aspects of the world.

The Bible speaks plainly: 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. 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2 15-17.

One of the hang-ups that Christians have is John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If we were to stop right there, without studying all the scriptures about this great subject, we would say that God loves the world. However, when we read all of God's Word, cover to cover, we see that this just can't be true, i.e., that God loves everyone in the world. When referring to the world in John 3:16, it means humanity as a whole. The verse is saying that God loved humanity enough to offer us all a chance at salvation, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Whether or not we each accept that salvation is dependent on us. Let's look at verse 17: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Does the world get saved? Let's see what the Holy Scriptures say about the world.

Jesus made a difference between those in the world and those who believe on Him, in John 17:6-14:

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

He said, "I pray not for the world", (that is, for their good); He prayed for His disciples.

It appears that God was making a difference between good and evil; therefore, doesn't He make a difference in His worldview?

Let's look at some other examples in God's Holy Word.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:18-19.

We must separate ourselves from the world. If we are serving Jesus Christ, the world will hate us even as it hated Jesus.

Does God Love Everybody?

Does God love everyone in the world as some people believe when they read John 3:16? Let's see. If God's love is unconditional and God loves every one in the world, then we would have to conclude that a large portion of the Holy Bible given to us is in error. I don't believe that the King James Version of the Holy Bible is in error. I believe it is the only true version of God's Word to English-speaking people. With that said, we will see if our Bible shows that God loves everyone.

I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. Malachi 1:2-3.

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9:13.

These scriptures show that Almighty God hated Esau. Why? Because Esau was profane. (See Hebrews 12:16.)

For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. Psalm 5:4-5.

Iniquity is gross immorality or injustice; wickedness. Are there not many workers of iniquity in the world? Does God love them?

The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Psalm 11:5.

God hates the person that is wicked and who loves violence.

These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Prov. 6:16-19.

This is not referring to just the acts of sin, but also to the person who does these things.

Who does God love?

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21

God loves those who keep His commandments.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7.

God loves those who give cheerfully. This includes giving tithes and offerings, as well as giving of their time, talent, etc., to bless others.

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Psalm 45:7.

Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Hebrews 1:9.

God loves righteousness (doing the right thing) and those who love righteousness.

In Conclusion

Any honest-hearted Christian can see, through God's Holy Scriptures, that God Almighty does not love everybody, especially not those who are listed as people He hates. Does that mean that because God hates some people, that they cannot repent and be turned to His love again? No way! We were all hateful and perhaps even hated by God, at some time or other in our lives. If we repent (quit sinning) and become born again through Jesus Christ (unto good works) we certainly can be grafted in to His (God's) love again.

May God help you to have all knowledge and wisdom to do His will for your good. God bless.

How to be a Success!

What does it mean to be successful? In our culture, it usually means "Making Money". However, in a Christian's life, success is not measured by how much money a person makes. A successful Christian is one who serves God to the best of their ability, and God is meeting all of their needs, and maybe even some of their wants. They will still have trouble in this life, but they also have the Lord Jesus to help them through that trouble. In most public schools, Christian values and righteous living are rarely taught. In some Christian schools, they don't teach things much better than in the public schools; however, in some, they do teach the importance of living a Christian lifestyle and when we do live close to the Lord, success will come! Let's look at the Holy Scriptures and see.

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8

This is the only place in the Bible where the word "success" is used. The key to success: Meditate on God's laws (as found in the Bible) and do all that is written therein.

As young people, just getting started in life, if there were only one Scripture to live by, this would be one of the best. However, there are many more than just one, so we will go on to the only true authority that will bring success to you and all who will take heed and obey it.

Remember Jesus

Step one to being a successful Christian: Remember the Lord. That does not mean to have a passing thought of Him on occasion (i.e., "Oh Yeah, God. I remember Him!") It means to do the things He wants you to do, on a daily basis.

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; (i.e., when we grow old.) Ecclesiastes 12:1. Why? Because, if we don't remember God, this will be the outcome:

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Do Good

Another key to success is doing good. When you are faced with the choice of doing what would be the most fun or enjoyable vs. doing something less fun, but right, make the choice to do good. Then give it all you've got, not doing it halfheartedly, and do it for Jesus. The Lord will reward you for this.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:17, 23-24.

When you are on your job, give your employer 100%, not to please the boss, but to please Jesus. Eventually, it will probably be noticed by your boss, and the Lord will give you favor in his or her eyes, too. Isaac Newton said this: "For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction."

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:7-10.

Sowing to the flesh means doing those things that the body enjoys, but that are not pleasing to the Lord. Things like drinking, using drugs, having sex outside of marriage, smoking, etc. These things make a person feel good at the moment, but afterwards that person must reap. What grows out of those actions? Corruption. Things that will rot your body, and ruin your life. Addictions, STD's, cancers, other health and mental problems, broken marriages, loss of jobs, loss of life. Does that sound like a recipe for success? I think not.

The Golden Rule:

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12.

Treat others the way you want to be treated, and more often than not, you will get the best possible result.

Last but not Least: Work! Work! Work!

And work with all your might! Hard work, and lots of it, is necessary to be successful in anything you undertake.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10.

Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured. Proverbs 27:18.

While you are young is the best time to work as much as you can, because when you are old you will not be able to do nearly as much. Hopefully, by that time you will have put back enough to sustain you when you get old.

Never labor to be rich; let God make you rich, if he so desires.

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. I Samuel 2:7.

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 23:4.

Why?

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I Timothy 6:9-12.

Conclusion

In a true Christian's life, the steps to success are

• Serving God
  
• Learning His Word
  
• Being a doer of God's Word (i.e., obedient to His will)
  
• Old-fashioned Hard Work
  

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you in every good work and in every good word.