Index
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |
| I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P |
| R | S | T | W | Y | Z | ||
| ALL STUDIES | |||||||
H
HE NEVER CHANGES
| I | What Is Your Gift? |
| II | Forty Years |
| III | The Page In Front Of Us |
| IV | All I Need To Know |
| V | Not Again! |
| VI | Answers Equal Blessings |
| VII | It’s All About Praise |
| VIII | The Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow |
Chapter One
What Is Your Gift?
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us... (Romans 12:6). There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4). And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Romans 8:28-31 says, 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. Morever whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
What are the precious contents in our alabaster box? How do we discover the great treasure God has stored in it for us? What is our purpose in this life and why did God select us to be a part of His ministry? How do we recognize a special gift from God? How soon will we hear His call? A gift from God is a thought out treasure. Where we find our treasure we also find our heart (Luke 12:34).
What is an alabaster box? Webster’s Dictionary defines alabaster as: 1: a compact fine-textured usually white and translucent gypsum often carved into vases and ornaments 2: a hard compact calcite or aragonite that is translucent and sometimes banded.
This is a beautiful, delicate, hand carved box for something very special to be put inside for protection.
We know the different shapes and sizes of a box. We can picture in our minds an alabaster box. Our box can be any size we imagine. Regardless of its size the contents can be immeasurable or innumerable. Everyone has a gift and it needs to be taken from the box and given to others. God has a plan for your precious talents and wants to use you. I picture my alabaster box as a small decorative box just large enough for a hand to reach into the interior to pull out the contents. This website is our ministry to the world. All you have to do is open this site and take whatever you want for free so you can learn more about Jesus Christ.
Mary had an expensive perfume in her alabaster box. Her gift to her Lord was very appreciated. The people around her were jealous but she ignored the unkind remarks. She opened the gift and gave it her Master. The seal of the alabaster box was broken and the contents revealed. What will others see and say when you open your box? Will you do as Mary did and humbly ignore the negative remarks? Will you find spectacular secrets in there to share with others?
1 Peter 4:10 says we are to minister with our gifts to each other. We need to bless each other, encourage one another, be happy in our trials because we know Satan hates what we are doing therefore we know we are doing the right thing, know the teachings of the Bible and continually praise God for everything.
From age ten, I knew there was something God wanted from me. Young in life I trusted Him completely and talked to Him constantly with childlike wisdom. He comforted me and led me through a very stressful childhood and through difficult teen years. God was planning my life work for Him and stayed very close to me because He was all I had for love and nurturing. He started His influence on me early and has never abandoned me. I would have been a victim of Satan long ago if God had not influenced my every step from childhood through adult life.
I wasn’t sure of my calling and struggled with this for many years. Knowing He wanted something but unable to figure it out was a mystery I had no way of unlocking until He was ready for it to be revealed. At age nineteen I started compiling Biblical topics and corresponding verses in a notebook. I discovered profound satisfaction in studying to gain knowledge. I was learning the Word of God not realizing this very project would be the calling on my life He would eventually reveal. He had to teach me to completely trust Him before I was ready to do His bidding. He allowed certain events in my life to teach me to go to Him for everything.
I received a phone call on November 1, 1992, that changed my life forever. My mother was on the other end of the line delivering devastating news. She had cancer and was going to have surgery in four days. My mother was a Christian author. She wrote Christian children’s books for varied publishers and a line of Christian romance books for Heartsong Presents Reader’s Service. From the correspondence received the family knew this was a wonderful ministry. Family, friends and those we didn’t know were asking God for the miracle of healing to rest upon her spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. She was so sad that evil had attacked her putting the brakes on her ministry for Jesus. I couldn’t understand why this had come upon her unless it was for her to write about her healing so she could share her faith by shouting it to the world through her books. She received her healing when she went to heaven to be with her Creator.
At this time my faith was shattered. I had prayed and believed for her to be healed. Then God showed me the verses in the Bible that say our days are numbered. He reminded me this world has a beginning and an ending. He proved when we die we are at home with Him. Our lives are just a vapor compared to the whole scheme in His plan. He opened up the Bible giving me understanding I did not have until this time. I knew God would guide me in researching questions I had and give me understanding to grasp this knowledge I was so desperately seeking. After much prayer the decision was made to put the studies on a website for people to read at no cost. We wanted to help as many people as possible making the information readily available for those wanting answers about the subjects in the Bible.
We started this ministry by putting the information together from the notebook onto the computer. Together with God we have been witnessing for Him through this website. We knew our calling then and know it now and follow every step of His lead in this ministry.
Life is a marathon and if we don’t hang on tight to the wisdom of God we will find ourselves in the clutches of Satan. When we do aerobic exercise endorphins release in our brain giving us a high during the peak of the training that makes us feel invincible. Studying and learning God’s Word is exactly the same exciting, fun, enjoyable, rewarding, educational and euphoric experience.
Isaiah 6:8 says, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. When God calls us to do His work, we are to answer with a resounding YES! It is a privilege. If a divine calling comes from the One who leads us and guides each step in our path, He will reveal to us His desire. It will be against all rationale and reason to the human way of thinking. It will require deep faith. It will be in accordance with the Bible. It will give you peace from God. Anything important always takes time and effort. We put many hours into the studies on the web but never regret the missed events this work causes. The time spent on research, study and promotion for this website is the most exciting, rewarding and peaceful part of our life. He blesses our life in so many ways we marvel and praise Him every day. We never want to lose the connection with Jesus, our out-of-the-ordinary Friend.
We want to be called, “My servant, Job” and follow His every lead. What a compliment to be called God’s servant. This should be the focus of our life. John 3:17 says God sent His Son to save us. God is not pointing out our mistakes but simply wants us to want Him to be the focal point of our life. God is calling us to give us rest and peace so we can learn about Him. We will be extremely stressed out and unable to concentrate on anything if we don’t have His peace. We will find rest and peace because He will teach us to depend on Him. The trials we face every day will seem less burdensome when we ask Him to take our burden so we can concentrate on Him. When we are eaten up with anxiety we have no time for sleep, food, family and sadly Jesus. When we finally learn to give up trying by ourselves to solve the issues of life He carries us through the good and bad times (Isaiah 63:9, Matthew 11:28-30). We have to learn to give Him every problem we face so we will be happy with an attitude of praise on our lips.
God wants us to live our life practicing a personal relationship with Him. This personal relationship establishes a commitment that will lead to a powerful testimony. Mark 1:17-20 and Mark 2:14 tell us Jesus called the apostles by telling them to follow Him. God doesn’t care about our gender (Acts 2:17-18). He wants our heart. When He has our heart He knows he has our service because when He is in our heart we shout His love from the rooftops (Matthew 5:16). We know we can trust Him to lead us because He doesn’t change His mind from moment to moment. He will reveal the calling on our life and allow the contents of our alabaster box to be shared with others. When we become committed He will show us our gift.
Chapter Two
Forty Years
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness. After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. (Numbers 14:33-34). For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing (Deuteronomy 2:7). And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no (Deuteronomy 8:2).
At twenty we often said, “When I am sixty I am going to own a home, two vehicles, a boat, a cabin in the mountains, a house at the beach, money stashed away for retirement and good health.” Maybe some of us are optimists but some of us are greedy and our heart hasn’t been in heaven. When we reach sixty we are scratching our head wondering what happened to our plan. We begin to realize it takes a lifetime to gain wisdom and no time to understand folly. God doesn’t care about worldly riches or rewards (Matthew 6:24, Mark 8:36, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 John 2:15). He wants our thoughts to be in heaven (Luke 12:34). We have high aspirations when we are young but the road is too rugged to reach the goals on our time schedule. Without a great deal of fortitude we would never attain earthly goals. Are the goals we set going to make a difference in our life? At forty we are just beginning to mature and realize what is important. At sixty we may still be chasing rainbows but continuity with Jesus will keep our feet on a Christ centered path. We need to remember He is our Shepherd. With Him in our life, everything will be much easier to conquer.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way (Psalm 37:23). And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper (2 Chronicles 26:5). The trials Christians have in everyday life can lead to a very rugged road. Exactly what is this rugged road we travel throughout our lifetime? What are the daily trials that cause such a struggle for us? Is there such a thing as a narrow path we have to follow to be a Christian? The rugged road is the life of a Christian constantly facing adversity. We all have daily trials and tribulations that make life very difficult. We don’t always realize what is going on but when we ask Jesus to help us the narrow road gets easier. It is our duty as Christians to help others realize our daily trials are Satan’s method for discouraging us. We are able to rise above this struggle but not get away from it. Each level we gain in our Christian walk we also gain a new level of evil. You have heard the saying, “new level, new devil”. We simply ask Jesus to make the evil leave in His name. We have power over these hideous demons and they are afraid of the people of God who know their power (James 4:7). We can make our lives easier knowing we can have Jesus on our side. Remember, there are only two sides to choose from: 1) God or 2) Satan. When we have doubts we are on Satan’s side. When we think positive we are on Jesus’ side. There is no gray area. One side or the other, which will it be? When we understand this, our Christian experience will always be a rewarding adventure with Jesus.
Perhaps the life journey of Moses will help us understand the reason strange coincidences happen to us. He was obedient through faith and God exalted him. He killed an Egyptian then fearing for his life fled to the desert. There he became a shepherd. The story of Moses is fascinating when you understand what God did for him. He was a shepherd for forty years herding sheep for his father-in-law. Moses acquired patience, kindness, empathy and love toward his flock.
And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush (Acts 7:30). One day God called to Moses while he was attending his flock in the wilderness. God spoke from the burning bush to Moses displaying His mighty power. God had difficulty convincing Moses he was capable of leading the children of Israel out of captivity from the land of Egypt. Moses had a speech problem and knew he couldn’t communicate appropriately with other people. God told him Aaron would be his mouth. Finally, Moses acquiesced after God turned his staff into a snake then back to his staff and his clean hand was covered with leprosy then cleansed (Exodus 3, 4; Acts 7).
Moses led Israel for forty years. His love for Israel saved their lives many times. God said they were a stubborn and stiff-necked people. God could not tolerate their disobedience and would be ready to destroy them but Moses intervened and God repented (Exodus 32:14). Moses displayed great patience, kindness, empathy and love for Israel, his flock. Moses disobeyed God only one time while leading the children of Israel. He was told by God to speak to the rock when producing water for Israel but in anger he hit it twice with his rod (Numbers 20:7-13). God told Moses and Aaron because of this sin they could not lead Israel into the promised land (Deuteronomy 32:52). God gave Moses a very special gift before he died. He saw the future of Israel. God told him how they would refuse to follow Him and how they would be scattered through the regions around them (Deuteronomy 31,32,33,34).
Isaiah 59:2 says our sins separate us from God. Verses 7-9 tell us we will have no peace because we only do evil. Verses 10-14 say we stumble and grope our way in darkness because we refuse to follow God. We need to get rid of the criticism, hatred, complaining, gossip, negative thoughts, addictions, lies, envy and most of all whatever it is making us unhappy in our lives. We need to be active Christian participants in learning the Bible. It is our responsibility to let others know about Jesus Christ. We want our lives to be embers for truth. These are the training years of life God intended for our education through Him. 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).
Life can be happy, full of faith, trusting God for everything or full of doubt allowing an opening for evil to creep in to destroy our faith in God. We don’t want to spend forty years wandering in the desert with hearts full of poison and doubt. Give God your life and keep the prayer line busy. He wants your heart with love, hope, trust and most of all faith. He will refresh us and fulfill our hopes and give us peace. His promises never change!
Chapter Three
The Page In Front Of Us
But if any man love God, the same is known of him (1 Corinthians 8:3). But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men (Acts 24:16). A man named Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). 2 Peter 2:5 says Noah was a preacher of righteousness. I am sure Noah preached patiently with humble dedication before the flood killed the evil people. Noah was the only hope for human and animal survival. Noah took human and animal life across the brink of disaster and survived through God’s loving grace. Noah did everything God commanded him to do and God saved the lives of each species of the animal kingdom and the lives of his family. And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation (Genesis 7:1).
Are we filling our mind with good or evil? What is the focal point in our life? Are we rich in Jesus Christ as the church of Smyrna or are we the church of Laodicea sailing along holding onto a self-destructive attitude (Revelation 2, 3)? We need to rethink which road our path leads to in the end. Does the page in front of us make a difference in the world or are we just kidding ourselves while obsessed with our own desires? Do you pray for your will or His will to be done? You are either following Jesus or Satan. It is not difficult to grasp this concept. Our faith has to be in Jesus because we certainly know Satan and his gang will try to deceive us in every situation we face. Don’t think about “what if” because Satan is only interfering and wants you discouraged. Never open the door even a crack or it will give Satan a stronghold.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). This verse tells us clearly that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He is the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God. It is God breathed and we are not to change one word or the meaning of one word (2 Timothy 3:16, Revelation 22:18-19). We may not literally change the Bible, but how do we read the passages? Are we careless in stating Bible interpretation is only the reader’s opinion? Do we listen to speakers who give opinion rather than Biblical fact? Do we study the Bible thoroughly so we know truth? If we don’t know what the Bible says, we simply don’t make incorrect assumptions of passages as fact. We need to be listening closely and constantly studying so we know Biblical truth. We have a responsibility to ourselves and those around us to know what the Bible teaches. People who give opinion rather than studying to gain understanding of the Scriptures are responsible for the message they give others. We are told people who give false testimony will be held accountable to God (Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13, 2 Peter 2, 1 John 4).
It is fun and exciting to discuss the Bible with people who study and have understanding. There are so many mysteries in the Bible for us to unlock. We will not find these truths unless we are constantly searching and diligently studying the Bible and only the Bible. Other sources give us better understanding of Bible history but our focus must be the Bible.
And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not (Isaiah 58:11). We have all the information we need in the Bible to understand God’s prophetic plan for His creation. We must study and ask Him for understanding. After we have read the Bible many times then we can have more than “opinion”. We will begin to retain knowledge and understanding after we study for hours and hours. It takes dedication on our part to spend time with our Holy Bible. After reading the Bible through many times, He will then open our heart and give us understanding. I have heard many people say there is a lot of opinion among Christians because everyone understands the Bible differently. There is only one way to understand the scriptures and that is by studying. God reveals the meaning to us when we diligently study and ask for understanding.
Opinion comes only when we have not read and studied our subject matter. We need to study a subject thoroughly knowing all related verses in the Bible to prove our statements. While reading we need to be asking God for understanding and wisdom (Proverbs 4). Once we have committed our study to God He will give us understanding. There will always be a few subjects we won’t understand until we talk to Jesus but for most of the questions I hear the answers are in front of us. We simply need to open the Book and read over and over the words until we understand it clearly. God gives understanding to those who are diligently seeking truth (Proverbs 25:2, Jeremiah 29:13, Daniel 12:10, Matthew 13:12, John 5:39, John 8:32, 2 Timothy 3:14-15). Expect to be excited, surprised, full of the Holy Spirit, awed by the revelation of scripture and very hungry for more heavenly meat (Hebrews 5:12-14). Once you have had a taste you can never get enough.
Romans 10:14 says, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Romans 10:17 says, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. If our faith is in Christ we will not be wondering where our hope comes from. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16).
Those around us need to believe and have a relationship with our Lord. We can’t believe for anyone else. This is a spiritual war which some are going to win and some are going to lose. Will the winner in our life be Jesus Christ who took all our sins then buried them with His blood or will it be Satan who hates us with a desperate passion wanting to see us sentenced to death at the second resurrection? Are you sharing Jesus with those who don’t know Him? Isaiah 58:7 says we are not to neglect our own families who are needing our assistance. Take care of the needs of others then they will be willing to listen to God’s Word. They may be the most difficult to lead but they are our own flesh and blood.
Romans 12:2 says, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We need Jesus Christ more at this time in history than ever before. Make sure you remember to think about what you are putting into your brain. Don’t let pornography, witchcraft, violent video games, violent movies or TV programs get in the way of your Father in Heaven. Christ will not be in your thoughts if you allow the devil to creep into your soul.
The page in front of us should be God’s Holy Word, the Bible. Sometimes we may feel very alone in this life. But remember our caring Jesus is waiting for us to call on Him. We need to devour His Word daily praying constantly to be filled with His understanding so we can help others with their Christian experience. Jesus said He came to bring division not peace on earth (Luke 12:51). He is telling us there will always be two sides from which to choose.
We have the ability to control our shallow thinking process by letting Him possess our mind and soul. He will always be the only true desire in our life because we know we can trust Him to be consistent from day to day. The page in front of us is our link to Jesus or Satan, it’s our choice. ...choose you this day whom ye will serve; ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).
Chapter Four
All I Need To Know
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). For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour (Proverbs 14:9). A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).
Psalm 14:1 tells us the fool says there is no God. Psalm 107 clearly states the wise have understanding. Often we hear people say, “All I need to know is....” or “If you are a good person isn’t that enough?” Luke 18:19 says only one is good and that one is God. The excuses people come up with to avoid the work of learning about Jesus is amazing. Are we getting so lazy our lack of want for learning has dimmed our intellect? It is sad people don’t care about their quality of life. How much time do we need to finally come around and realize we need more than what we have when it comes to knowledge about God? I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him (Hosea 14:4). And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).
Many churches have their own book(s) of doctrine not wanting to discuss Biblical facts. We were told recently by an individual, “I’m a _________, that’s all I need”. Many churches are classed as cults because they have their own books written by their own self-proclaimed prophets. They teach the people they should read only material provided by the church which limits peoples knowledge.
Acts 17:30 says God winked at their ignorance. Psalm 2:4 says, He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. God laughed at their ignorance! Do we understand the severity of this intense situation? We had better because there is no gray area. We need to be on the side of our Lord and Master. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked (Psalm 37:12-16).
We are accountable for what we do, do not do, say and do not say (Luke 12:2-3). Matthew 12:36 says, But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Think about what we have done lately to help or offend someone. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way (Romans 14:11-13). Jesus said there is a lot of rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof (Proverbs 18:21). 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: (1 Peter 3:15). Revelation 20:14-15 tells us whoever is not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire. We need to be studying and learning so we know how to help those around us. We all want to be saved and live forever with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:30-31).
We were going through a construction site one warm, bright, sunny afternoon. The traffic was confused not knowing which lane to be in to go under the overpass due to the cones being carelessly set on the road. Usually the flag person is out directing and pointing to the correct lane for the oncoming vehicles. A truck was trying to figure out which lane to be in and started moving into the left lane when an SUV came flying down the shoulder of the road cutting off the truck nearly causing an accident. Everyone lined up at the last minute with insufficient knowledge and did their best to go through the construction site. When we went under the bridge we saw the flag person waving a little flag back and forth not worried about anything but staying cool in the shade of the overpass. Had the flag person been in the light where everyone could have seen him, he could have guided the confused drivers through the maze in a safe manner. It made me wonder how many ministers are hiding the light from their little flocks and leaving them in outer darkness and confusion.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (John 5:24). Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Jesus says His followers hear His voice and follow Him and He gives them eternal life. He follows up by saying that no man can take them away from Him (John 10:27-28).
Everything we need to know is in the Holy Bible. We just need to open its pages to learn about a facisnating journey through time about history. The Bible holds within its pages wisdom, stories of Jesus, history, mysteries, prophecy and how to live a happy Christian life full of praise, prayer, blessings and answered prayer. We have a privilege in knowing Him personally and we have a responsibility to profess this knowledge to those who don’t know Him. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10). He will deliver the fulfillment of our desire leaving us lacking nothing because His love for us is a commitment.
Chapter Five
Not Again!
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8). “Oh no, not again!” is what we hear ourselves saying when something happens that causes distress and problems. “Will it ever stop?” is the next thing we say when these things just keep happening. “Just once I would like to go the distance!” is what we say when we hope to finish something started but get interrupted by huge problems. Satan’s vices are our problems. He wants to load problems on us to keep us from concentrating on Jesus.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all (Psalm 34:19). Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). What an awesome promise. Our Lord has made it possible for us to get rid of the evil when it comes our way. We have power over evil through Jesus Christ. There are many comforting verses telling us about our weapons against evil attacks. This enemy cannot be seen but we hear it in our minds and observe it in our daily lives. This is war! We fight to the end for a win!
Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not (Psalm 17:4-5). Man’s goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way (Proverbs 20:24)? O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps (Jeremiah 10:23). And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good (1 Peter 3:13). Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape (Psalm 141:9-10).
Job 1 describes the story of Satan appearing before God and accusing Him of putting a hedge around Job. God knew Job would stand up to the test he was about to go through. Job 2:1-7 describes the second scene of Satan appearing before God accusing Him again of protecting Job. This story depicts the ongoing war between God and Satan. Satan accuses God of protecting those who trust and love Him. Job 2:10 says Job did not sin with his lips. Job 1:22 says through all his problems he did not charge God foolishly. We must never make accusations against God for the problems in our life. We have problems to gain spiritual growth.
Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict (Job 37:23). And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before (Job 42:10). This verse says God stopped the evil against Job when he started praying for Elihu, Bildad and Zophar because of their unbelief. Are we praying for those who doubt? Are we giving our problems to Jesus never letting go of our faith? James 5:11 says, Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Proverbs 2:8 says, He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Proverbs 3:6 says, In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 12:28 says, In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death. Proverbs 10:22 tells us, The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Every time we are working on a study for the web, life gets extremely intense. Satan puts many obstacles in our path from the beginning to the completion of a study. We pray more often during this time for God to remove the evil. He hears and answers our numerous requests through communication with Him. When a study is ready to be put on the website, many things often happen. Since the first day we started this Satan has been working hard to discourage and defeat us. When we first began this project strange things would happen. One of the computers would quit working for three days and then start working again. The same thing happened with the printers. The web master checked the equipment to see if anything was needing repaired but everything always checked out to be alright. Often the programs quit working. The programs were reinstalled several times. We always knew when the demons were preparing an attack. Little incidents would happen to slow down our progress then something devastating would happen and bring everything to a grinding halt. We finally knew we had to pray harder than ever before. We put prayer first and foremost in our daily lives praying many times throughout the day for His protection from evil. After we began this daily regimen our projects went much smoother. Our progress is steady and progressive as our website helps many people. We constantly pray for it to be blessed and praise Him constantly for keeping evil away. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).
I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman (John 15:1). For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9). We go through difficulties in life to help us understand we need to be closer to God. Everything that happens has a purpose and we need to understand this world has more demons than we care to count. We need to quit listening to the negative, incorrect, frustrating advice around us and start listening to God. He will lead our steps and guide us in the right direction. He will wrap us in His love and protection.
Protection is ours when we trust Jesus. He will cover us with His truth (Psalm 91). Believing Jesus will come to our aid when we call is the first step to fighting off these Satanic attacks. Believing is overcoming. We have to realize there is no middle ground, no gray area. These attacks are real and every time something negative happens it is Satan trying to beat us down to the depths of despair. We just have to remember Satan is powerful and wants us discouraged and sad and will do whatever it takes to bring us to the depths of discouragement. Luke 21:15 says God will give us wisdom and when we speak our enemies will not be able to stand against us.
Satan puts lies in our head trying to put us on guilt trips when we are in the right. John 8:44 says Satan is the father of lies. Satan will put obstacles in our path to distract us when we are doing God’s work. When we start to study and learn God’s Word the attacks will come more frequent. When problems arise we need to go to Jesus in fervent prayer. We need to give Him the problem so we are not agonizing over something we have no control over in the first place. He will take care of our every need if we truly believe in Him. To be protected we must put on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:11). We need a close relationship with Jesus so we will know in our mind that we are not crazy and there is an attacker out there and His name is Satan. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:11-18).
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10). For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee (Isaiah 41:13). Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:6-7).
John 12:31 says there is a time coming when Satan will be gone never hurting us again. Until that time Satan will never leave us alone. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season (Luke 4:13). Everytime we get rid of Satan it will be only for a short moment. We can expect it to happen over and over again. We have to tell ourselves not to give up but to endure each trial. We have to do the best we know how to do by submitting our lives to Jesus Christ. We will always be resisting the devils around us but we have Jesus to help us get through these times. Luke 4 tells of the temptation of Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (Luke 4:8).
We can do the same exact thing when we are being tempted. Luke 10:19 says we have power over the enemy and nothing will hurt us. Psalm 121 says our help comes from Jesus who won’t allow evil to hurt us because He is our caretaker. We need to get in God’s grace and know our name is written in the books of heaven. Satan will never have a chance to be with our Lord and Creator again. He is doomed to eternal death. We have power over the unseen enemy through Jesus Christ. Praise His wonderful name and thank Him constantly for this gift. Darkness (Satan) will never overpower Light (Jesus) (John 1:5). John 14:13-14 says if we believe asking in His name we will have our request answered. Jesus promises the things that are impossible to us are posssible through Him (Luke 18:27). Trust Him!
We need to dress ourselves in the armour of God to defeat doubt, fear, abuse, disease, sadness, unfairness and any other blatant attacks. Don’t look back just keep heading forward with all your strength (Philippians 3:13). We have to get in the habit of taking these problems to God every time a stronghold is acknowledged. We have to put the blood of Jesus over everything in our life. God will set us free when we ask Him believing in Him. We will not be saying Not Again! any longer. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil (1 Peter 3:12). Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Praise God!
Chapter Six
Answers Equal Blessings
For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth (1 Kings 17: 14). But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
Have you ever received an answer to a prayer? I believe all of us at one time or another have received answers to our prayers. Christians close to God recognize the many blessings received from Him. The prayer of a righteous man gets answers (James 5:16). Are we careful what we ask for when praying to our Heavenly Father? Do we leave the decisions to God regarding our needs?
Has your life been spared sometime throughout your journey here on earth? When have you last thanked God and praised Him for each day you have to enjoy? Many people have had experiences that led them to believe in God. Presented in this chapter are some true stories that are very unusual. As you read these stories I am sure you will be able to remember a time in your life when divine intervention helped you through a very difficult time.
The year was 1952 when the world wasn’t too complicated with restrictive laws. Andy, eight years old, was selling doughnuts door to door with his two brothers. The boys were helping with the family expenses because their father had injured his back and had been out of work for three years recovering from two back surgeries. One beautiful, sunny morning the boys were on their usual morning rounds running from door to door selling their fresh hot pastries. It was Andy’s turn to take the bag and go to the next house. He grabbed the bag from his mother and shot out the back left side car door. He ran to the front of the car and started to dart out onto the road. He didn’t look before crossing the road as instructed. His parents were horrified as he started to run across the roadway in front of an oncoming car. Suddenly Andy ran into a hard, flat, invisible wall knocking him down in front of his parents car. As he was falling down the car sped by never realizing an angel saved them from running over a small child. After the car passed by Andy realized the wall was gone. Today Andy is in the Lord’s work with a testimony of God’s love.
Tom and Sandy went on their honeymoon to the Olympic National Park in Washington. These mountains are rugged and very steep. They spent the first day in the mountains sight seeing and taking pictures of the terrain. They were at an elevation of 8,000 feet driving along enjoying the beauty. The road had some curves and steep sections to traverse. They came to an unmarked curve in the road. The car was traveling too fast to make the ninety (90) degree corner leaving Tom in a state of panic. He lost control of the vehicle knowing they were heading into a deep canyon. He was not able to steer around the curve. Suddenly the car was around the curve and back on the roadway as though nothing happened. Tom and Sandy found a place to pull the car off the road so they could thank their heavenly Father for saving their lives. They knew divine intervention was the reason they were alive. They vowed to do all they could to help in the ministry spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Today they are ministers for God.
The Devil’s Elbow State Park on the Oregon coast was a very special place to Susan. Her family spent many weekends there to enjoy the beach, tide pools, seagulls, the beautiful blue sky, the soothing wind and an old man and his mule who both ate the sandwiches her family shared with them. One particular weekend the family went for the sole purpose of enjoying a low tide. It was the lowest tide Susan had ever seen on the coast. The base of Devil’s Elbow and Parrot Rock were always under water. On that day the tide was so far out they could walk to the front base of Devil’s Elbow and Parrot Rock. They could see the seagull nests and the many beautiful creatures usually under water. Susan was twelve years old and knew every path, rock, cave and deep water hole by the cliffs. She had never been out so far and lost sense of where she was. As she was walking on some rocks to get to where her mom and dad were taking pictures she slipped and fell on a moss covered rock only about ten feet from their location. She quickly realized the she was hanging over a deep churning pool. This deep, churning pool was fed with water coming in from behind Devil’s Elbow. The water was only six inches from her face. This was the churning mass of water they often watched from the rocks many feet above where she was now stranded. In her mind flashed the scene of the powerful currents underneath the churning foam. They enjoyed watching the waves from this pool splashing onto the rocks with the spray reaching thirty or more feet into the air. On stormy days her dad said the spray would rise to a height of sixty feet. Her thoughts rushed back to her emergency. She started praying for God to save her life. She tried to push herself backwards but everytime she did she only slipped closer to the churning pool. She had to hold her head up as high as possible so her face would not be in the water She knew she couldn’t move or she knew she would slip beneath the foam into the dark water. She called out to the people above on the rocks witnessing this near tragedy but it was too noisy for them to hear. They watched with horror written on their faces. She called out to God to save her. She called many times to her parents but they couldn’t hear because of the thundering noise from the waves. She felt herself sliding into the water when she felt the hands of a family friend pulling her to safety. She knew God wanted her to do something for His work and vowed to follow His calling on her life. That was many years ago. Now Susan is a minister in her Lord’s work helping teach the love of Jesus Christ.
William was an aviation mechanic working for a company who serviced private airplanes. He was respected by his peers and received several awards for accomplishments and safety. One day William and his coworkers were trying to start the engine of a Cessna 172. After working on it outdoors for several hours they brought the plane into the hanger for the engine timing test. They had the test equipment in place to check the timing by turning the propeller by hand. They were testing the engine by moving the propeller a small distance. The fuel tanks were shut off for these tests leaving no fuel for the engine to start. William gave the signal and moved the propeller the distance needed for the test. The engine started and the propeller was turning with William standing in front of the airplane with no protection. The plane started moving forward. The mechanics tried desperately to hold the airplane in place but to no avail. The hanger doors were closed leaving William no escape. He moved against the hanger doors bracing himself to keep from falling. The spinner was three inches from Williams chest leaving the propeller ten inches away from his body. William called upon God and the engine ran out of fuel and died stopping the propeller from turning. The propeller is so powerful it creates a suction that pulls anything in front of it into itself. After the engine shut down, everyone told William they thought he was going be killed. William knew God had spared his life and told God he would always be in His service. William has always been in God’s service helping others to understand the love of God.
How often do you hear others or yourself say, “Wow! Was I ever lucky!” God is our protector and He loves us. Never refuse to give Him the credit. Praise and give thanks to Him for protecting you throughout your life. When we ask for God’s protection in any situation, we know we have been heard and protection will be provided. Have faith and know He is our only hope in life. Our days are numbered (Psalm 139:13-18). If your life has been spared maybe God is wanting you to do something for Him. Ask Him and He will guide you with loving patience. When we look back on all the protection He has provided for us and know without a doubt He wanted us spared we know He has a calling for us to fulfill. He will always be our strength and the resource for our courage.
The Bible has an abundance of protective promises for us to learn. One of my favorites is Joshua 1:9. It reads: Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest. What a promise! Never stop thanking Him and praising Him! What a wonderful God we have to take care of our needs. The answers to our prayers are the blessings in our lives.
Chapter Seven
It’s All About Praise
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified (Isaiah 61:3). Oh that men would prise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Psalm 107:8-9).
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing (Psalm 100:1-2). This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). O PRAISE the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD (Psalm 117).
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him... (2 Chronicles 16:9). By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15). Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you (Hosea 10:12). Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22). When we allow ourselves to be depressed, discouraged, angry, sad, unhappy or in a state of fear, Satan is delighted. If we want to get even with Satan, all we have to do is let our inner joy and peace bubble from within our soul. That is what Satan hates. We have to work hard to defeat the negative situations evil aggresively and constantly shoves our way. We have to demonstrate and practice our faith daily. Hebrews 11 tells us over and over the people in the Bible moved on faith. Psalm 27 gives us courage to sustain our faith through God’s power. Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved by grace which is God’s gift to us. Hebrews 9:22 says without blood there is no forgiveness of sin. We need to be in constant praise for the sacrifice He made on the cross for sin. Praise Him constantly for the gift of eternal life.
Psalm 105:2 says sing, recite psalms and tell Him how much you love Him because He is what makes our life endurable. When Christ is the center of our life we have to thank Him many times throughout the day for His care and wisdom. Through constant communication with Jesus through prayer and talking to Him like we would a friend, we will defeat Satan. Pray whenever a moment presents itself. Pray whenever we get up in the night and first thing upon rising in the morning. Thank Him and praise Him for all He does for us. Throughout the day every time a discouraging, sad, mean or corruptive thought comes into our head start praising Him. It works making Satan lose the stronghold he thought he had for the moment. Love the people around us unconditionally and watch how God will put love in our heart (1 John 4). Pray for that love and God will bless, protect and help us (Psalm 121:2). Our focus has to be on Jesus Christ.
The story of Nebuchadnezzar is familiar to all of us. The most important part of the story is in Daniel 4:34-37. He looked toward heaven praising God then his understanding returned. The story of Paul and Silas praising God in prison through song and prayer brought about their divine rescue (Acts 16). The story of Daniel praying to God after being thrown in the lions den brought the angel to shut the mouths of the lions (Daniel 6). The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is awesome. When they were thrown into the fiery furnace those who threw them in were killed but God went through the trial with them and all that was burned were the ropes binding them. They didn’t even smell of smoke when they came out of the furnace (Daniel 3). These people loved God and did not have to think about a decision to follow Him. They continually loved and praised Him.
Satan produces the fear within us through his deceit. God produces the faith in us through knowledge of His Word. When we study the Bible and pray we hear the Shepherd’s voice (John 10:27).
What we say affects what we do. When I get up in the night I tell God how wonderful He is and how thankful I am He is in my life. I tell Him thank you for dying on the cross giving all who accept Him eternal life. I tell Him thank you for making us a part of His ministry. Being able to share with others His very special Word puts praise in my heart. When I get up in the morning I praise Him and talk to Him as though He was in the room with me. Why do I do this? The answer is simply to keep out the destructive thoughts of Satan. I work at keeping the love and happiness in knowing Jesus constantly visible. Our words must be positive, powerful and full of praise. We have to stay away from negative thoughts and situations because they only promote and promise sadness and discouragement. Don’t beg God for anything! Ask for your need then constantly praise Him for receiving your request. A smile, a song and praise affects our attitude so quickly we’ll be awed and in wonder realizing the black cloud hanging over us disappeared.
Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me (Isaiah 45:11). Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:17-20).
We need to understand the power given to us through praise and prayer to our Saviour. He wants us to understand this power. The more we praise and pray the closer we get to Jesus giving us power through Him. Evil will always leave us alone while we are in prayer and praise. When evil attacks come for whatever reason, start praising Him. The power of praise is unbelivable as you will find out once you start this type of worship. We need to learn to go only to and depend only on God for everything. His constant refreshing presence in our lives will keep us in praise. Refuse to give up on Him. It is truly all about praise! All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee (Psalm 145:10). For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen (Romans 11:36).
Chapter Eight
The Same Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Hebrews 13:8). I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death (Revelation 1:18). For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known (Luke 12:2). And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17).
We know the story of the birth of Jesus (Matthew, Luke). We know the trials and tribulations He endured throughout His ministry. But do we really know who He is? It is not just a story written long ago. In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:1-4). And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16). This information gives us truth about who He was, is to us now and shall be in the future.
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9). That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: (Hebrews 6:18).
Hebrews 7:22-28 declares Jesus Christ as the high priest, higher than the heavens, who offered himself as the sacrifice, who came to us, who is harmless, holy, undefiled, separate from sinners, who lives forever making intercession for us. Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil (Joel 2:12-13). 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 (Matthew 11:29).
When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not (Luke 8:28). Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble (James 2:19).
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (Revelation 1:5-6).
Today we know He is the same because of what we are told in the Word of God. We are told He fights for us, is faithful, is our refuge, rock, strength with power, love and grace, and most of all He is our Saviour. What an awesome God we have to get us through this life on earth. He casts away the evil when we ask Him, forgives us our many sins, is always there to wrap us in His love and will always carry us through the tough times. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:8-9).
Deuteronomy 4:39 tells us there is no other God. Isaiah 9:6 calls Him Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. What more could we possibly want? He is everything we could ever hope for as a guardian. John 16 tells us He sent the Comforter to be with us while He is away in heaven. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1 Peter 2:25). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:36). And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads (Revelation 22:4). We know end times are upon us. Soon we will hear His voice calling to us from the clouds saying, “Come up hither”. He is our past, our present and our future. Our future is going to be awesome. John sums up our hopes and dreams in Revelation 20, 21 and 22. The heaven we know is found in these chapters. Paul said these things are unspeakable and nothing like anyone could ever imagine. Through His blood Christ has given us the key to a very real place of utopia. It is heaven and it has the perfect environment we all long for and most of all it has our loving Jesus as the King. We must give our heart to Him today and trust Him to take care of us. He died for our sins and it is our responsibility to accept this gift from our Saviour. ...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). He will always be the same yesterday, today and tomorrow because He never changes. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen (Psalm 72:19).
