 
Now What for Teens and Young Adults

By AT Martinez

Published by Anastacio Martinez at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 ATMartinez

# Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this eBook. You are welcome to share it with your friends. This book may be reproduced, copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes, provided the book remains in its complete original form. If you enjoyed this book, please return to your favorite eBook retailer to discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.

This book is written in conjunction with the Lord Jesus Christ. If you want to copy it, go ahead. If you want to print it out, go ahead. I would hope that you would give me credit when you do, and I definitely hope you give credit to the Lord for everything.

This book is entirely God's. So you cannot steal it. It is out there to be read and I hope you share it with as many people as you can. I give you my permission as the Author

# Dedication

First and foremost, this book is dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Lord, and my Savior. I was inspired by Him to write it. The typo's and mistakes are mine, the inspiration is His. This book is also dedicated to all those who have discovered the Joy that comes from giving your life to Christ. He is indeed worthy.

# Acknowledgements and Credits:

I have to first and foremost acknowledge the inspiration and guidance I received from the Lord. This book as the other books I have written, am writing or may write are inspired by You, Jesus. Thank You.

Second, I have to give credit to my family in general for the support they have given me, the inspiration they give me and the joy they add to my life.

Finally, I have to specifically thank and acknowledge my son, Patrick Xavier for the inspiration to write this edition.

# So you have become a Christian, now what?

So you have become a Christian, and somehow a miracle occurred and you realize that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins. Now you want to follow Him. That makes you a Christian: A follower of Jesus Christ. I am sure you are sitting back and if you are thinking clearly, you are a little blown away. You must have lots of questions and also maybe some fears. All in all, you maybe are sitting there and thinking now what? Now that I have accepted the Lord into my heart and want to follow Him, what do I do now?

This is not an easy question if one looks for specifics. Why? Because each of us is called to the Lord in different ways and at different points in our lives. What now in a lot of ways depends on you. But, I will attempt to help you figure out what now. This book is the second version of this book I am writing. The first one was written more for adults and this one is more for those who are still in school and not adults. Yet they both will say basically the same thing. They are designed to help you see what you should do next.

Before I go any farther I want to stop and say two things. First off, welcome. I am glad you are there. I am glad that the Lord spoke to you and I rejoice with all His creatures that another person has joined Him. You are a wonderful present to the Universe. You are a believer now. Welcome. And congratulations! You have made a very tough choice.

Second, you are not alone. You have whether or not you realize it, joined a rather large family and we are all with you. I am with you and more important, Jesus is with you. You are not alone. You have help. Matter of fact as you read this book, or any other time in your life, if you want someone to talk to don't hesitate to contact me. My email is revivingservent@gmail.com. Write me whenever you want or need to. I really do look forward to hearing from you and helping in any way that I am able to.

# Table of Contents

Smashwords

Dedication

Acknowledgements and Credits

Introduction

Chapter 1- We Are Family

Chapter 2-The Bible

Chapter 3 Prayer

Chapter 4 Church

Chapter 5-Put God First

Chapter 6-GIGO

Chapter 7-Living your New Life

Chapter 8 Conclusion

Appendix One

Music

Fiction Books

About the Author

Appendix Two- Biblical References

# We are family. We are God's Children

So now that you have decided to follow the Lord, the first thing is welcome to the family. You need to realize that you are now part of a large family. There are millions of Christians all over the world. Every day there are more and more and in countries that many of us have never even heard of.

Welcome to the family. Now this is not what you might consider your normal family. Most families aren't several million people large. Nor is this the type of family were somebody named Guido comes up and says hello or makes you an offer you cannot refuse. Also, this is not the type of family as in the Jim Jones family, where someone is going to make you some special Kool-Aid to drink. But, we are family.

If you're looking for the weird uncle that nobody likes, we've got a few of those. If you're looking for that person who always complains about everything, we've got many of those. The Christian family has a lot in common with all the families out there in the world. Why? The Christian family is made up of people from all those families from all over the world. And these people, well they're just not perfect. But then neither are you. The difference is that this family is one headed by Christ.

Now I know that when someone mentions a family, there are a lot of ideas that come to mind. There are some of you reading this that had a great home life: Mom and Dad, maybe a brother or sister or two. Everyone was happy. Others of you may not have such a wonderful picture in mind. Let's face it, in the 21st century, there are not many of those wonderful families around anymore. Mom and dad may have gotten a divorce, or they both work jobs that kept them too busy or both. The nuclear family is fast becoming a myth in this day and age.

Most likely you have a earthly family; A mother and a father who raised you and maybe even brothers and sisters. This is the family you know. Maybe it was a good family, maybe not. Either way it wasn't perfect. As long as it is human it cannot be a perfect family. Imperfection is indeed a human trait.

Now though you have a heavenly father. He is perfect. He knows what we need and what we should do. He is able to give us all we need. Many earthly parents wish they could give their children all they need but can't. The Lord can and will. He tells us in the bible that if he can care for the birds and the fields, then he surely can take care of us. For are not people worth more to God than a bird or a field?

Furthermore now you have brothers and sisters. Even if you were an only child before now you have millions of family. They are there for you. They have a job to do with you; they are to support and help you grow in Christ. It isn't their job to judge you. It is their job to help you.

Another image that some of you may be having in your minds, is that Jim Jones reference. Sadly there are a lot of people out there who take advantage of people. Christianity has had some who claim to be members, who have done some really bad things. The key is that isn't really what Christianity is all about. One of the things I will discuss in this book is how to watch for those types of groups.

Christians have a bad rap. They are seen as sanctimonious and judgmental. This is not what we are supposed to be. We are told not to judge. That job belongs to God, not to us. We are here for you to help you. Not to judge you. But in all families there are those who don't work well for the family. Not because they don't want to, but rather because they forget what is important. The same is true of your new family. Just remember that Christ loves you and is there for you and most of your new brothers and sisters are also there for you, because we do love you.

So what do I mean by family? Well, the simple truth is that we are all brothers and sisters. I am sure you have heard the idea that all mankind is a universal family. We are all connected, etc. Etc. Ect. I don't mean like that. I mean simply first and foremost God made us all to be his people. In the bible the first people made were Adam and Eve. I am sure you have heard this story. Adam and Eve are in the Garden of Eden. Life is great. Then Eve eats the apple and wham, out they go. Right? Well, that is the gist of the story yes. But the key is God made us. We are His creatures, simple concept there.

"Hello. Welcome to the family." I realize that that may sound a little odd to you. Being welcomed into a family when all you did was decide to accept the Lord into your heart. Yet that is what you did. You joined a large family. This family is an old family with lots of members all over the world. There are estimated to be some 2 billion Christians in the world today. That is a large family by anyone's standards.

But "by anyone's standards" is no longer really the defining characteristic of your life. In today's world the family has come to be a word with diminishing standards and meanings. There has been discussion for years about the end of the nuclear family. Father and mother happily married and raising their children together has become almost a myth or at least more rare than any other time in history. Is this the type of family you have joined? Nope!

Our Father is present in our lives and wants to be present in your life too. That is why He called you to join His family. The body of Christ or the Church or your family, is all together and you need to realize that your Father won't divorce Himself from His family. And the church will always be His. You can turn your back on Him, and your family; but He will not turn His back on you.

So as Sister Sledge said, "We are family." Again welcome. I am grateful to the Lord for bringing you into our family. I am grateful and joyous that you have joined. Why? Because that is one more soul that will be in heaven with the rest of us. You are now my brother or sister and I like family. I was raised by my mortal father to believe that family was the most important thing in the world. In that context my mortal father was extremely correct. For your family is all that you can count on.

"One another" is a phrase used often in the bible. It is used to describe a way of working things out, of doing things and how we are supposed to live. And that is together. One large family. Loving "one another." Supporting "one another." To quote a Sister Sledge, we are family.

Unlike your mortal family, that statement is extremely true of your spiritual family. First and foremost is our Father. Our Father is and will always be with you. He will be there when you fall down, when you are standing tall and even when you are doing things He wouldn't like. HE IS WITH YOU ALWAYS. The Lord God is with you. That is an amazing thing if you think about it. The Lord God, who created the Universe and all that is in it, is always with you. Tells you how important you are doesn't it?

After your Father, remember that Jesus Christ who is with our Father, who asked our Father to bring you to Him, is with you and loves you. Jesus Christ, who came to earth and died to pay the price for all our sins, is with you and Loves you. I know I am not worthy of what Jesus did for me, and I am sure you realize that it isn't from out worth but His grace and love that we are saved.

Along with God, you have us. WE the believers, the fellow Christians in this world are with you. If you live alone on a desert island, then we are only with you in spirit and prayer. Otherwise, we are out here waiting for you to join us and worship with us. There is virtually nowhere on this planet that you can go and not find a fellow member of your family. Even if you are shy, we are there. I will admit that I am basically a shy person. I have trouble going up and talking to strangers. Yet your new family isn't a group of strangers. We are family. We are here for you. We want to help and encourage and to worship with you.

## Problem families

Now if you look around you, you may see a lot of people and situation where family may not seem like a wonderful thing. Child abuse, spousal abuse, domestic violence and other examples of problem families are abundant in this day and age. I am adopted. This is a simple fact of life for me. But it illustrates a situation in families. I was originally unwanted and given away. The facts for this bothered me for years as I felt that those facts were irrelevant. I could not understand why my mom and dad didn't want me. What could I have done to be given away? What made this harder was I was adopted at birth. There is nothing that an infant not even born could really do that would justify being given away. I failed to see that there could be other reasons for this besides me. The reasons for the situation in my life are not really important to you. The point here is that I am an example of a problem family. Furthermore, I am a single father. I have been divorced twice. My children, who I raise with the help of my family, are another example of problem families. I have a friend who is going through a divorce as I write this. He is attempting to safeguard his children from an abusive mother, who was in turn abused as a child, more problem families.

Yet your new family is not a problem family. We may have problems. But as a family, your brothers and sisters in Christ are not a problem family. Why? The answer is that we have a perfect father. Unlike mortal families, we have God as the head of our family. When we try to do things, our Father works with us and guides us so that what we do is of His will. This helps keep us on the right path and from becoming a problem family.

Now I am not saying that all those new brothers and sisters you have are perfect, actually there are many who are far from perfect. We are all imperfect. We are all sinners. And, let's be honest, there are many who claim to be Christians who really are not. There are ways to spot the false Christians, and I will go into that a little bit later. Yet, by and large your new family is one that is there to help you when it can.

# The Bible

When President Obama won his election for president, a reporter asked several of those who were celebrating, what was it that President Obama stood for. Many had no real idea. All too often we support things we don't really understand. We do it because we like the way they sound, we like how they look or we do it because someone else we know does. As a Christian it is extremely important that you know what you stand for. Voting for a bad choice for president might mess the country up. But, that is debatable though. Following something you don't believe can harm your soul.

Christian's daily deal in a world filling their minds with images and with ideas. The world tells us many things that are not right. We can easily look around and see people who indulge and enjoy sin. But as a new Christian, do you know what sin is? Sin is knowing something is wrong and doing it anyway. If you don't know it is wrong then it must be ok, right? Wrong. Some things are wrong and doing them knowing they are wrong or not, still bothers the Lord. So how do you learn what is right or wrong? There is a simple answer and that is read the Bible.

In this day and age, the Bible tells us that there will be many false prophets. People join groups and learn to their dismay that those groups are not what they thought. Think of those people who followed Jim Jones. They thought they were joining a "Christian" group. Yet in the end they were so caught up in his lies and evil, they poisoned their own children. Jim Jones would be a great example of a false prophet. Yet there are less obvious false prophets. There are many people in the world who want to tell you how to live. There are many people in the world who want to control others. And, there are many people in the world who don't like Christians and would love to mess with them. All of these people are out to twist what you believe to their advantage.

Even Jesus knew and warned His followers of the dangers of false prophets. So they are not new. Jesus and Paul both wrote about the danger of following false prophets. So if the problem isn't new, how do you protect yourself from following a false prophet? Again the answer is simple, read the Bible.

When you read the Bible you will learn what you are expected by God to do. You will also be helping yourself to learn to spot a false prophet. How you ask? A false prophet will not be teaching or living in accordance with the word of God. He will be seeking glory, not giving the glory to the only one who deserves it; GOD.

Reading the Bible is like putting on armor which will protect you from the evil of society. It will show you how to live, it will show you what is right and wrong, it will show you who is right and wrong. The Bible is the only way you can find out the real truth.

Many people have particular beliefs: some believe it is wrong to eat meat, some think it is wrong to dance. There are many groups of people out there who will try to tell you what to do. Is what they tell you what God wants you to do? There is only one way for you to know. Yep, you got it, READ THE BIBLE.

If I were to tell you that, "IT is a sin to show too much skin." Does it make it right? Is it wrong? Well if you read your bible and don't see anything in it to back up what I said, then am I wrong? The question needs to be changed just a little bit.

The Bible will give you the guide. It tells you what is right and wrong in most areas. But, it also leaves some things up to you. You may feel that eating meat is wrong. It is killing of God's creatures when you feel it is no longer needed. You may be right, but you are right only for you and those who agree with you. It is not a sin to eat meat.

The key here is the difference between sin and right and wrong. Something can be wrong to do and not be a sin. If it is wrong to do, how can it not be a sin? Let's take that concept of not eating meat. You feel it is wrong to eat meat. I do not. If I eat meat, I am not sinning. If you eat meat, and feel it is wrong to do so, then you are sinning. The difference is who does it and what they feel is wrong. Since I love a nice juicy steak, eating meat is not a sin to me. It isn't wrong, to me. If you feel it is wrong, then eating meat would be a sin for you. Why? Because you would be doing something you know to be wrong.

Some things are sins for everyone; some are "optional." How do you know which are which? Read the Bible. In the Bible, God tells us what He expects from us. He tells us what a sin is. God will also tell you things that are wrong. God talks to us. No I am not saying He will call us on the phone and say, "Hey Anastacio, I don't like you eating meat." But, He does let you know. So you are sitting here reading this and you know inside you that eating meat is wrong. Yet, that view is not biblical. Does that make it wrong for you? Yes. You and God work out the optional things in your life. Does that give you the right to tell another person not to eat meat? No. It does give you the right to not eat meat. It gives you the right to tell me that you think eating meat is wrong. But you don't have the right to tell me not to. I don't have the right to tell you to eat a steak.

Reading your Bible will help you see what is optional, and what is mandatory. For example not praying to a false god is mandatory. No one is supposed to do that who is a Christian. God is a jealous God and doesn't like sharing our affection with other beings. As you read your Bible you will learn what is mandatory and that will help you see what is optional. I pointed out that some people think dancing is a sin. That is not a biblical view though. The 80's movie "Footloose" was about a town whose minister had helped the town place a ban on dancing. Does that make it wrong? Not if it isn't a sin to you it isn't wrong. Although dancing in a town that has a law against it is wrong. It is illegal. But like the kids in the movie, you can go to the next town over and dance there.

This understanding will help you see through a false prophet. You should test what anyone and everyone says with the Bible. If I tell you something is wrong, or right, does the Bible agree? If it doesn't, then you need to look a bit more closely at what I am saying. Some people will try to tell you that something they feel is wrong is wrong. Activists are a good example. The problem is when they try to tell you it is a sin. If what they are saying isn't in the Bible, then they are either being overzealous or maybe they are trying to deceive. Look at all of what they say. Examine all of their beliefs with the Bible. A false prophet will have many areas where they conflict with the Bible. If you see that, then you will know they are not who you should be listening to. If there is the only the one issue or very few issues, then you may see that they are simply overly zealous of their opinion. You don't have to follow their opinion; you don't have to follow them. It just doesn't make them evil.

A false prophet is someone who wants to take you away from God. He doesn't want you to put God first in your life. He wants to place a barrier between you and God. Often these people are simply evil, power hungry people who don't believe in God. They are not to be followed and you should avoid them whenever possible.

Finally, when you read your Bible you will see ways to live your life better. The Bible is a guide book on how to get along with people and live according to God's will. Doing what it says will help you in many aspects of your life. You will learn to be more forgiving, kinder and more loving by following the Bible. Well as long as you actually follow what it says versus what others tell you it says.

The Bible never tells a person to hate, to condemn, or to judge others. It doesn't tell you to be mean to anyone even those who disagree with the Bible. There is a common question that is asked, does God love Satan? The answer is yes. Does God want us to be mean to Satan? Nope. He wants us to be good and loving to everyone. This as He says in John, pours hot coal on to our enemies. Remember being loving doesn't mean following. Not judging a person is not the same as condoning what they are doing. It means not treating them bad for what they do. There is another phrase, hate the sin, not the sinner. Meaning although a Satanist is not someone we should be best friends with, you shouldn't treat them bad. You are not supposed to ridicule them, harass them or offer them insults or evil. You are supposed to pray for them and treat them with love. This doesn't mean you sit back and ignore the fact they are Satanists. It doesn't mean you go to their church, or go out parting with them. It does mean you pray for them and show them through your life, that God loves them.

Discern how people live, pay attention to what they say and check everything with the Bible. That is how you avoid false prophets. That is how you will end up living a happier life and that is how you follow God in your life.

## God's Word

God's word is in the Bible. Reading the Bible is how you learn what God has had to say. As you read your Bible you will notice something. First off, the Bible mentions God's word a lot. There are over 675 mentions in the Bible of God's Word. The Bible tells us to keep His words close to our heart for example.

Now you may be sitting there saying but it is old. Does it really apply to us today? Yes it does. God tells us that He is unchanging. He doesn't evolve into a new being. God didn't think that something was evil 2000 years ago but is ok today. He doesn't change. Times may change and the reasons why some things are wrong may change, but God doesn't change.

That is a Great thing if you think about it. It means His promises still apply. What He said before He means today. He said if you believe in Christ and follow Him, you will be saved. It still applies today. And it will apply always. God doesn't change. His promises always apply and they will always be honored by God.

Next, even though the times have changed, the lessons from the Bible still apply today. You can learn from them even now. One of the reasons that the Bible is still the most printed book in history is the stories in it provide lessons that apply always. Not cheating someone is a good lesson in any time.

Also, when we examine the writing that have been found from long ago, we see that there has been very little change in the meaning of what God has said. When scholars examined the Dead Sea Scrolls, which are presently some of the oldest examples found of the Old Testament texts, they found very little difference between these texts and the modern versions of them. In over two thousand years the meanings were not changed. If you think about that, that is amazing. Very little else in this world can be said to be so steadfast in retaining its meaning and intent.

These lessons are there for you to learn and they can be applied to today as easily as they applied back then. Just read them and then see what God was trying to say to you. He wants you to learn. He wants you to grow. He gave you the ability to read what He said and to learn from them. Now it is up to you to do so.

The Bible is also a letter from God to you. God the creator of the universe sat down and wrote you a letter. It's a love letter to be exact. He wrote you and told you all the ways He loves you. He told you in this letter of all the things He has done for you. At times it is an extremely beautiful letter. Other parts of the letter are extremely deep and serious. God tells us truth; He doesn't lie to us about things.

When someone gets a new electronic device, one of the first things that many people do is read the manual. It is always smart to make sure you know what you are doing before you use things. Instruction manuals are there to help you make sure you know what you are doing. The Bible is your instruction manual from God, on how to live your life according to His Will. If you want to know if something is wrong, read the manual. If you want to know if you should do something, read the manual. If you want to know if you are doing things right, read the manual. Now this manual will also tell you what happens if you do everything the way you are supposed to. It tells you about the future. But I will cover that later.

## Learn about Him.

So you have become a Christian, isn't the full title of this book, there is another part. There is a reason I put the next part in there. That next part, "Now what?" was put in to show you the next steps or what it means to you. The next step as a New Christian is to Learn about God and Christ.

As a new Christian or even an old Christian it is really important to know about Christ. He is the one we want to be like. One of the meanings of Christian is to be Christ like. In order to be Christ like we must know what Christ was like. We need to see what he believed; we need to see how he lived, how he acted and what he did in his life.

There are lots of groups in this world. There are those who following the ideals of lots of people. When I was in college I learned there is a group who follow Aristotle and those who prefer a more Socratic way of life. Divisions abound and people take sides. You took a side. You chose to follow Christ. To do so it would help if you knew a bit about Him.

The way He lived will show you how to live. What He did is also important, not so that you can go to the cross yourself, but rather to show you how He did it. That act of His going to the Cross is what paid your entrance into heaven. It is that act that allows you to be part of His family. It is therefore important to know how He went. Furthermore, it will give you even more perspective on how wonderful He is to read how He suffered and died for us.

Christian. It's a simple word. But what does it mean. Well if you look at the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, you will see the following:

1Chris•tian noun \ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\

: A person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ

So I will ask you another simple question, how can you believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ if you don't know them? You need to know what He taught to follow them. You can't be like the US Congress and pass a bill to know what's in. You need to know what it says to go along with it. So you read the Bible to learn what God said and what Jesus Believed in.

Jesus Christ went to the cross and died for you. At this point you already know this, but in reading the story of Christ you will see how amazing it was that He did this. You will learn even more about how wonderful He truly is. As you read the whole Bible, you will see even more clearly how awesome God is and how much He loves us. You will learn about the numerous times He tried to get mankind to listen, to live right. You will see how powerful He is and that will make the idea of Christ coming to the earth to die for us even more of a miracle in your life.

Finally reading the Bible will allow you to learn from Christ what is important. You will be able to answer all sorts of questions from the life of Christ. For example here are some questions for you to think about:

Christ gave only one commandment; do you know what it was?

Christ violated the technical aspects of the old Jewish law? How?

What did Christ say about the Law and the old Jewish Tradition? Do they still apply?

Keep in mind as you read the Bible it is up to you to make sense of it. You are your own priest. If you allow anyone else to help you, you are still responsible for the results as it is your life. Trust in God, and He will make your path straight.

## Understanding the bible.

## And which bible?

In the last part of this chapter I want to talk about the Bible itself. I am sure you have already realized there are lots of translations of the Bible. Some churches have their own translation or a translation that they support. Is there a right or wrong translation? Over all the answer is no. Some translations are a bit less hard to understand and some are more formal. So how do you choose?

I was raised in a Southern Baptist Church. My mom was a firm believer in the Old King James Bible. As I grew up I realized that many verses in the KJV were extremely beautiful because of the language used in that version. Is that the best version? Not really. It really depends on what you like. There is no right or proper answer to what version of the Bible you should read.

So here is my quick and easy guide to how to pick a translation of the Bible.

Step one,

look at several translations.

Step two

compares them.

Step three,

pick the one that you like the best.

Step four;

make sure that as you read it that you pray to God for guidance and understanding.

The end.

Not too difficult right? Good. Now go read the Bible. There is an old children's song I knew when I was a kid, "The B, I, B, L, E, that's the book for me." Now it can be the book for you too.

# Prayer

The Lord's Prayer Words

(traditional)

Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

Amen.

## What the Bible Says on Prayer.

If you look in Appendix Two you will see a list of verses under the topic Prayer. Thirty plus verses from the Bible. What is their point? Simple. Pray. Prayer is your second answer besides the Bible. In all things, you should pray. If you are confused, pray. If you are in doubt, pray. If you are sad, pray. If you are happy, pray. This section is on prayer. Again, there is not a whole lot of do's and don'ts here.

### Ask and Get

If you look at the verses I listed, I generally break them up into different categories. The first category I see, it is "the ask and get." It's a straight forward category. IF you need something, ask. In the thirty versus there are fourteen that revolve around this theme. Here they are:

1 Psalm 34:17 ESV When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

2 Psalm 145:18-19 ESV The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

3 Jeremiah 29:12 ESV Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

4 Jeremiah 33:3 ESV Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

5 Matthew 07:7 ESV "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

6 Matthew 18:19-20 ESV Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

7 Matthew 21:22 ESV And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

8 Mark 11:24 ESV Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

9 Luke 11:9-13 ESV And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

10 John 15:7 ESV If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

11 John 16:23-24 ESV In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

12 James 4:2 ESV You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

13 1 John 3:22 ESV And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

14 1 John 5:14-15 ESV And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

You really can't be plainer. God wants you to pray and tell Him what you need. He will provide for your needs. If you trust Him, your needs will be met. God not only knows your needs, but allows the Holy Spirit to intercede for you when you can't even say what you need. That is frankly an awesome God.

### Why's and How's

The next grouping to me is the why's and how's. There are many reasons to pray. The first group says to pray for your needs. But there are other reasons to pray.

1. Matthew 06:1-34 ESV "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

2. Matthew 26:41 ESV Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

3. Romans 8:26 ESV Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

4. Philippians 4:6 ESV Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

5. Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Let's look at these real quick. The first one explains how to pray. It says don't pray for others to see you. Do it in private. That also explains what to pray for. If you were praying for others to see, you want something from them. God says pray to him in private so you will only be getting from him. Next you should pray not to enter into temptation. You should pray in supplication and thanksgiving. And you pray to receive mercy and grace. According to the Free Online Dictionary,

"supplication (ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃən) n 1. the act of supplicating 2. a humble entreaty or petition; prayer." Thanksgiving is defined as, "(thăngks-gĭv′ĭng) n. 1. An act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude, especially to God: a hymn of thanksgiving." So we are to pray humbly and with an expression of gratitude or thanks.

How often in life have you done things for people and they act like they are doing you a favor to let you help them? In my life I have seen this attitude many times and frankly, it bothers me. I get annoyed that they think I owe them anything. Yet often when people pray they don't do so humbly or thankfully. They list their troubles and go on. It's almost like my kids with their "Christmas list." Fill this for me. No thanks, no respect, no real love is shown. Why should God answer our prayers that are like that?

### Hope and Always

The next grouping in the list is a hope we pray and pray always. We are to pray for others and for ourselves. Pray in the Spirit. Meaning in the will of God. Not simply in our limited ways.

1. Luke 18:1 ESV And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

2. Ephesians 6:18 ESV Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

3. Colossians 4:2 ESV Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

4. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV Pray without ceasing,

5. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

6. 1 Timothy 2:8 ESV I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

7. 1 Samuel 12:23 ESV Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

8. 2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

9. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 ESV Brothers, pray for us.

10. James 5:13-18 ESV Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

## Talking to God is easy.

In the Bible, if you look at the Old Testament, you will see originally people just spoke to God. And in the here and now, you can do this too. Speaking to God is easy.

First off God already knows you. He knows your problems; He knows what you are good at, weak at. He knows it all. He is the best friend you wish you had. God won't tattle on you to someone else, He will not betray your confidence. All you have to do is talk to Him. I have a best friend. I am sure most of you do also. My best friend is a person I can talk to about almost anything. Key words there are almost anything. There are things that I would be uncomfortable talking to him about. I am sure there are things you have been uncomfortable talking to someone about. With God, there is no reason for that discomfort. He already knows your problems. He knows your sins and has forgiven you for them already. All you have to do is ask for forgiveness and it's done. So there is no reason to be uncomfortable when talking to God.

Second, there are no magic words needed. You don't have to recite a particular prayer. You can if it helps you focus, or feel better; but it is not necessary. All that is necessary is for you to talk to god. Furthermore, you don't need to be on your knees, be standing, be still, or anything special. All you have to do is talk to him. I have prayed many times in my life as I was driving down the highway. No not like some people do where they are afraid of getting into an accident or being late. I used to drive a charter bus. There were times I would have to drive for several hours straight. I would spend my time talking to God. Seeking His wisdom and telling God what my life was like. Sometimes, I pray to God versus going to a "shrink." I get more help from God than many people do from a psychologist. Am I saying psychologists are not helpful? Not in the least. I am saying God is more helpful. Unlike a psychologist, God can change the world, change me, change the way others see me.

Finally, God already knows it all. It isn't like you have to figure out what to ask for. He already understands what you need. He knows it better than you do. He is just waiting for you to ask. In those moments in my life when everything was just Chaos, GOD knew what I needed. I didn't. I didn't even have the words to ask. Yet He already knew and was prepared to answer and to help. Even when you can't say anything meaningful, God understands.

Talking to God is talking to the best friend, father and mentor you will ever have in your life. HE is there for you. Just talk.

## When should you talk to God?

The simple answer to this is always. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV Pray without ceasing. Pretty straight answer. But how do you pray without stopping. Well most of us cant. Yet the more you learn to turn to God, the more you allow Him to direct your life, the more you will be able to pray. I am learning in my life that the more often I pray, the better I feel. The smoother my life runs. Not that my life is in anyway easier in some senses. It is just smoother because I know that no matter what is happening; God is in charge. I am not. I leave things to Him. I generally only have problems when I don't. I know it sounds silly but it is true.

Matter of fact I recently lost my job. I had been a charter bus driver for around 20 years, with different companies all over the US. My New Year's present from the Company was to be terminated. It should have really bothered me. It should have scared me. Yet I knew one simple fact. God was in charge. He provided direction for me. I prayed and felt relief when I left that office in January. Why because God was with me.

The more you pray the more you will pray. At first it is difficult to start turning to God. It is easier for most of us to pretend to be in charge. It is hard to ask for help. It is even harder to turn control over to others. Yet the more we do this, the easier it will get. The more you talk to God the easier it will get. The easier it gets to talk to God, the more often you will do it. It sounds simple or silly, yet it is wonderfully true.

## How do you talk to God?

If you are sitting there right now as you read or hear this and wondering how I talk to God, there are several possible answers. It depends on what you are meaning. If you don't know what to say; well, if you remember the first versus I posted in this section was a selection called the Lord's Prayer. That is a basic outline for you of what you should say and how your prayers should go. Let's break that apart to give you the basics.

Our Father, which art in heaven,

First and foremost say Hi. When you call your friend on the phone, how do you start? DO you just jump into whatever you were calling about? Most people at least start with Hello and how are you. My mother lives with me and my kids at this moment. My brothers and my sister call to talk to my mother. When they do, often they will simply say, "Is mom there?" When they do I generally say, "Hello. How are you? I am fine. Thanks for asking. Mom? Yes, she is here. Did you want to speak with her?" Sometimes they get the hint. Other times, it doesn't matter. The point is we say hello or at least that is the way my mother raised me to behave.

Hallowed be thy Name.

Hallowed, or holy, be thy name. This is the part where we acknowledge God is AWESOME. He is holy. When we speak with God, we get to tell Him that he is Great. When you speak to your friends and they have done something wonderful for you, you tell them they are great. You're the man is a common phrase. Another reason is have you ever met a celebrity you really liked? Didn't you tell them that you did? God deserves this too.

Thy Kingdom come.

This is the acknowledgement of His Plan. This is where we tell God we know he is in charge. That His plan is taking place in our lives. That He will eventually rule directly.

Thy will be done in earth,

That we follow His will. Obey His rules. That is His will. That as we live on this earth we will try to do all He wants of us. Notice there is not statement that we are needed for His will to be done? We are not. God's will, like His plan, doesn't require us to happen. He allows us to be part of it.

As it is in heaven.

In Heaven God is King. He is the Most High. If He is acknowledging here as He is there, the we must acknowledge Him as King, Lord of Lord and the Most High. And let's face it; it is only fair we at least acknowledge this. He is the alpha, the omega, the beginning and the end, Immanuel, Christ and Glorious.

Taken together these versus tell us to acknowledge God's place in our life and to worship Him. Tell Him we love him and wonderful God truly is. This is the first and most important part of this prayer. It is also the part that so often we forget. We come to God with our problems, not with or praise. We forget to worship Him. We forget to thank Him for all He has done for us.

Give us this day our daily bread.

This is the first part of the asking section. This is where we ask for what we need. God said we have not because we ask not. If God can clothe the fields and take care of a sparrow, He can and will take care of us. He promises to do so. Ask.

And forgive us our trespasses,

The second part of asking is asking God to forgive us when we fail to meet His standards. We all sin. When we do we need to come to our father and ask for forgiveness. He promises to forgive us. Psalm 103:12, King James Version (KJV), states, "12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."

As we forgive them that trespass against us.

This is the part that gets a lot of us. We all know that often we have trouble forgiving others when they do us wrong. Often we say we will "forgive," but never forget. Yet we are supposed to put that transgression away from us the way we want God to forgive us. It is the standard He will use with us. I generally have to ask God's help in this part. Especially at first. Yet with time God shows me that even those who do me wrong have not really hurt me. God takes care of everything and all things will work out for the best for us. Give it to God and forgive them.

And lead us not into temptation,

God never leads us into temptation. He generally sits there and tells us not to go towards temptation. It is up to us to listen to Him. That is what this section means to me. God remind me where the temptations are and help me listen to you.

But deliver us from evil.

And when we don't listen to God, we need to be delivered from evil. Not only when we don't listen but there is a war going on. Evil is everywhere and it is growing in this world. Only with God's help are we able to stay out of evil. We need Him. So again we ask.

For thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory,

For ever and ever.

I put these three lines together. In my head they are almost inseparable. For His is the Kingdom, the power and the Glory. For now and forever. Again it is time to praise the Lord. Great is His name, great is His faithfulness, glorious is His majesty and power.

Amen.

Good bye. A way to end it all. Now this is my interpretation in a simple quick view of the Lord's prayer. Is this by any means the only interpretation out there? Nope. It is up to you to interpret it how the Lord leads you to.

Finally, remember God is with you and he cares for you. He is your loving father and granted you the right to call on him. Call Him. Always and forever. Open yourself to His will and pray often. Pray with passion and with love and humbleness.

## A Special Note

There is a growing group of people in the world who feel they can pray themselves to prosperity. They tend to believe or act like they believe that if you want to be rich, all you need to do is pray. At first, the idea makes sense biblically. For example if you ask the bible says you should receive. Yet look at those asking verses again. Every one of them has a qualifier. You have to ask in His name and according to His will. Others have the phrase if you keep my commandments with it.

There is no pray to prosperity. There is prayer for our needs. There is prayer for growth in Christ. You didn't join a new banking system. You joined a war and a new way of life. You need to adjust the way you look at things to receive what you ask for. God is faithful that He will take care of your needs. You pray to ask Him to fulfill those needs. If you are praying to get rich, then are you really praying for your needs? Or are you allowing greed to interfere with what Christ wants you to do and how you are supposed to act.

# Church

Church is a hard topic for many people in the world today. There is a debate going on in the United States concerning church. There is a belief among many concerning which church should I go to and whether or not it is needed to even go to church.

I recently read two different articles concerning this very topic. One was out of the Huffington Post and the second was from a Christian magazine. The authors definitely seemed to disagree. The Huffington Post article implied that a) the church was dying. Then the author went on to say why it was dying. That it didn't get enough technology in its sermons and other rather good points on how to improve the "church" experience. Yet the author also seemed to imply that not going to church was perfectly acceptable.

The second article, the one from the Christian article said it was not really acceptable to not go to church. This author felt that there were several reasons why church was required. This author lists a few reasons why it is mandatory to go to church. Whereas I agree with his sentiments, I am not in agreement with his reasoning.

I know a lot of people in my life who felt "church" wasn't for them. Recently I tried to accept a challenge made by my minister and church to find someone to attend a Franklin Graham Crusade with me. Franklin Graham's Crusades are a place where the Lord works wonders in people's lives and brings lots of people to the Lord. The problem I faced was I couldn't find anyone to go. First off, I don't know a lot of people. Those I do know are already Christians. I felt a bit disheartened because I couldn't invite a friend. The people I did invite all turned me down. Several who were not Christians, immediately said no because they didn't do church things.

So before I go farther into it and why you should go to church, I want to explain something. As a believer in Christ you are already part of His Church. Those who believe and follow Christ are His Church. In the New Testament, his church is described as his bride. It is the way he loves us. This fact which you will learn also for yourself by reading the bible, will only make the discussion of do I need to go to church even harder. Church isn't a building. So I can be in church and not be in the building right? Yes and No.

## Do you need to go to Church?

Do you need to go to Church? Yes and No. Do you need to go to Church to be a Christian? No. The thief on the cross was part of Christ's Church and he died right next to Christ. He never went to "church." On the other side, when the end comes there will be many who go to church every week who will be turned away from heaven. Why? Because they were not Christians.

Do you need to go to Church? The simple answer is Yes. Why? Because the bible tells us to. Hebrews 10:24-25

New International Version (NIV)

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

In this set of verses we are told we need to spur each other on towards love and good deeds. This is one of many verses in the bible concerning the idea of joining together. Christianity is not a solitary religion. If you are by yourself and not interacting with others, you are not doing as Christ wanted.

Let me state that again, Christianity is not a solitary religion. It isn't designed for a person who truly believes in the teachings of the bible to go live alone on a mountain top. That is not what we are supposed to be doing. You need to be around others to do the work of Christianity.

I believe there are four reasons to go to Church. Actually five, but let's be honest, I don't really need to discuss the fact the bible tells you to. It does and you should, but there are four other reasons. These reasons are the why the bible tells you to go to church. Those reasons are:

1. One Another

2. Fellowship

3. Learning

4. Worship

We are to be together and support one another: To serve one another and to admonish one another. We cannot do this if we are separated. We cannot do this if we do not join together. By meeting together we are able to do this. Is Church the only way we can be together? No. But it is the way that most people have available to them to do this. If you have other ways to meet and accomplish this, that's great. You still need to go to Church though.

## Fellowship

One of the biggest reasons to go to Church is to have fellowship with other believers. Looking at that verse from Hebrews, we need to do this. Many times in the New Testament we are instructed to admonish and support each other, to be supportive of other believers. This is something that can only be done by being together.

Often as Christians we need moral support. We need cheerleaders and shoulders to cry on. We need to know that we are not alone. It is vital to our spiritual wellbeing to join with others. To have that fellowship with other believers is what will help you stay focused and on the right track.

I will admit that for many years I didn't go to church. As a matter of fact it is going and not going to church that more or less lead me to be a Christian in the first place. Yet, even after becoming a Christian there were many years that I only went to Church when I felt I had to because of family obligations. I preferred to sleep in.

When I didn't have to go to work, I wanted to sleep in and relax. I would make up excuses not to have to join my mother and my kids at church. The problem with this was I was missing that fellowship. I was being mired in my own condition and ignoring what God wanted me to do.

As Christians, there is something extremely powerful in coming together as believers. In the book of Acts, there is a wonderful example this:

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

Acts Chapter 2: Verse 2

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" New International Version (NIV)

When they were gathered together in one place and in one accord that is when God poured His spirit out on them. There is power in being together. Yet that

## Learning

As a new Christian this will be a really important part of why you go to Church. That is simply to learn. In Church you will find others who are interested in learning and those who are blessed with the calling to teach others of Christ. By going to Church you will allow yourself the opportunity to learn of Christ.

When you want to learn about something there is really only two ways to learn. You can either study on your own or go get instruction. The problem with learning purely on your own is that sometimes we simply don't fully understand.

Christianity is the same way. You are learning now what it means to be a Christian. It is both really easy and really complicated. To follow the teachings of Christ, you need to know what they were. To follow Christ, you have to learn what He taught.

As you grow as a Christian what you will learn will change. At first you will learn to see what Christ said, later you will learn new ways to apply what He said in your life. You will never fully learn all there is to learn about being a Christian. No matter how smart and intelligent you are, there will always be new aspects to it that you will be able to learn.

Every week I go to church, I learn new things. The minister or someone else in the church will explain something in a way I never heard before and a light bulb will go off in my head. I will see things from a whole new perspective.

Furthermore, every week that I am in Church, God teaches me other things. I see things that have no relation to what is being taught. Yet, God opens my eyes and I learn even more.

It is that learning, that opportunity that makes going to church such a necessity in every Christian's life. None of us know it all, and none of us are in a condition that we cannot benefit from the knowledge and wisdom of others.

Can you learn elsewhere? Can you learn a lot of this on your own? Yes, by why should you have to? God placed these methods and opportunities there for you to use. You need fellowship anyway, so you might as well combine these in one place. This is an example of Holy one shop shopping.

## Worship

The next reason is a really important one: Worship. We go to church to worship with others the wonderful King. We join with others to tell the Lord how great and wonderful He is.

When we join together we can hear testimony of others that will show how great and wonderful God it. We can as a group, praise His glorious name. It is a special feeling to share worship with others. It lifts the soul in ways that private worship doesn't. Just as private worship lifts the soul in ways that group praise doesn't.

Personally I get the majority of my worship connected with the music. I love music. My personal playlists are various and many. I listen to all kinds of music from classical to heavy metal both Christian and secular music. I remember listening to Klaus Mainz discuss singing "Winds of Change" in Russia once. He was talking about how it was moving listening to thousands of Russians singing with a German band in Russia right after the fall of the Soviet Union.

As everyone who loves concerts will tell you there is something truly moving and powerful in joining others to sing a song. In church it is the same way. I listen to a lot of the music that my church sings at home. My personal church sings contemporary Christian music as our hymns. And as much as I love the music when I am at home, like right now as I am writing this, it is even more moving when I join with the congregation at church to raise my voice to the Lord in praise of His wonderful name.

That is the way it is with worship. You can do it alone and should. Yet it is even better with others. The 2013 Texas STAAR test for 7th grade writing had as a prompt to describe something that was more fun done with others. Worship is one of the things that comes to my mind when I think about things more fun with others.

## Some Common Complaints or Arguments

In one of the articles I mentioned earlier, the author mentioned that he had read that someone made the claim that he didn't learn by going to church. That articles author also agreed that he really didn't learn when going to church being an ex-preacher.

First off, if you go to church and don't learn anything then there is one of two problems. Either you are not going in the right state of mind or you are going to the wrong church. If you are open to God, He will give you new insight. He will instruct you and teach you daily. If you are open to God and to others it should be really hard to go to church and not learn something new. If you don't and don't consistently, then I question if that is the right church for you.

Besides that, learning is not the only reason to go to church. As I said you should go for learning, but also for fellowship and worship. It is as part of the group that we can do some wonderful things.

But I don't want to go to church, it's dull. I would rather sleep. Again, I fully understand this argument. I made it to myself for years. Yet just like me, you will be wrong in making it. As a Christian we need others. We need to be involved with other Christians in order to be doing what God commands us to do.

Yeah, but church is for old people. I can see it on TV or on the internet. Yes but you can't interact as well online as in person. It is harder to join together in song online. As for old people, more and more younger people are involved in church. If you seek a church that has people your age you will find one. If not, find others your age and start a new church. Remember a church is just a group of believers who come together to worship the Lord and to serve Him. Look around and you will find a group that fits your needs.

The church is old fashioned. They don't even know what twitter is. That may actually be a good thing. Let's face it; modern social networks are not always the best thing on earth. Yet even that statement is in error. More and more churches are gaining grounds in technology. My preacher now has a twitter account. My church is on the web and Facebook too.

The church has all those leaders who get in trouble with hookers and pedophilia. I don't want to support something like that. Well first off, the church is all the believers. The only leader we really have is Christ. Are some of those who are supposed to be Christians getting into trouble? Yes, but just as many pedophiles are atheists. It doesn't mean all pedophiles are atheists nor are all atheists pedophiles any more than all Christians are.

It is a shame that so many Christians are getting into trouble. Yet don't blame the actions of a few on the many. There are more Christian ministers who are not in the news then there are that are in the news.

There are better things I can do with my Sunday than to go to church. The game is on. First off, you are wrong. Nothing is more important or better than to follow God. Everything else is secondary. It's your soul.

A complaint I read recently said that the church was guilty of false advertising. Claiming that if a church says it welcomes all, and when people show up there are only white people then it shouldn't lie and say all are welcome. This one to me is a bit bewildering. Christianity does indeed welcome all. Christ welcomes all. That doesn't mean every nationality or creed can be found at the church I go to. There is to my knowledge no one there from Japan. Does that mean that we don't welcome Japanese people at my church? No. It means that someone from Japan has not shown up at my church in El Paso, Texas.

If you find a church that actually discourages people of a particular color, creed or nationality from attending; then I would say not to go to that church. Not all churches are alike. Just as not all Christians are the same. Some may indeed may be bigots. But saying all is welcome doesn't mean that all have to be present. It depends on who shows up and how they are made to feel when they do.

If this is a reason you don't like church then you are part of the problem you are complaining about. If everyone sits back and won't go to a church because it lacks diversity, then of course it won't have diversity. You chose to keep it that way.

If a church truly doesn't welcome a particular group, then find one that does and pray for the other. They are making a mistake. There are bigots in all walks of life, including the church. I am sorry but it is true. But again not all Christians are bigots and all you have to do is look around and you will find a church to your liking.

Churches are too judgmental. They condemn the gays, they condemn the Muslims, churches just like to judge. This one is a bit tougher. Yet it still boils down to one simple thing. Yes some churches condemn gays and other religions. Many churches will tell you that if you don't believe what they believe you are going to hell. They are wrong.

If you don't believe the bible you are going to hell. That is not me judging, that is the bible saying the truth. But I cannot say that if you are gay that you are going to hell. It isn't my place to judge. Nor is it the place of any Christian to judge if you are going to hell. That is only up to God. I won't judge your souls disposition and I am extremely saddened by all those who feel they have the right to do so. Remember the bible tells you not to judge for no one can know what is in another's heart but God. Don't fall into that trap and if you go to a church that does practice that view, find another.

## What church to go to?

With all the denominations out there, how do I choose what church to go to? The answer is try them til you find one that you like.

I mentioned earlier that going to church is what lead me to becoming a Christian. When I was younger my parents took me to Southern Baptist churches. Usually there were significantly more old people at these churches than young people. And often all those churches talked about was be good so you can go to heaven. As a young teenager I didn't want to hear about heaven. That was like forever away and felt that this whole chuch thing was a waste.

This made me wonder what the point of religion was entirely. So I decided to do some research and reading. I started with the holy books of the other religions. I liked what some of them said, especially the ideas of Buddhism. Yet Buddhism didn't seem like a religion to me. It was more of a philosophy to me. So I kept reading until I had covered all the other major religions. And none of them really appealed to my soul. They all lacked something.

So, I decided to read the New Testament; In particular the gospels. Why; Because the Gospels were the story of Christ and what He taught. I started with John and realized what Christ talked about made sense. It was pretty solid. The more I read of the Gospels the more I realized this is what my soul was lacking. Not only a goal for after I was dead, but for now.

This was not just a philosophy but much more. This was a story of Love that even then I didn't fully get, but I knew it was for me. So I became a Christian. I agreed to follow Christ.

Years later after I went through a stage of rebellion, like I said, I didn't like going to church. Why? Because it was dull. I wanted to sleep. My mother was attending a church and although I like the messages the preacher delivered, the music was really dull. And as I figured I could get that knowledge elsewhere. So why go.

Why? Because inside I knew I was lacking something. I had let my Christianity get old and dull. It was a title almost; Nothing more. Then one day I heard a song. It was a song by Hillsong United entitled "Awesome God." My soul jumped. I realized what I was missing in my life finally. I was missing God.

I had walked away from God, His plan, His will as I walked away from church. So I went back to my mother's church. This didn't last long. I knew that I couldn't revive my soul at that church. It wasn't for me.

So I looked around. I tried other churches. Praise God I was able to find a church that not only appealed to me musically, but helped revive my soul. Years back in my early part of high school, I went to a Christian camp. This camp had a great message and a really cute girl there. I remembered this all those years later. And I remembered not the girls' name, but rather the name of her church. So I looked that church organization up on the internet and found an associated church in my area.

So in that sense one of my greatest weaknesses women, lead to me find a church that helped revive my soul. Is that how you should do it? You don't have to. All you have to do is go out and try some churches. Pray and let God guide your steps. Find a church that brings your soul to life.

## Are all churches the same?

In general all churches are the same and all churches are different. There are all those denominations after all. They will each do something a little different. For example the church my mom attends only holds the Lords supper once a year; my church does it every month. Her church only allows members to partake of the Lord's Supper. Mine allows anyone to partake.

Each church is different. Some churches use contemporary music, some the same hymns have been sung in their walls for a hundred years. You need to find the one that does things the way that feels right for you.

Yet as each church is different there are some things they should have in common. They should all give glory to God. They should worship the risen Christ. And they should teach from the bible.

If you go to a church that doesn't teach or preach from the bible, leave. If you go to a church that doesn't mention Christ or only mentions him as a teacher, leave. If you go to a church that has a holy book besides the bible, again leave.

The bible says nothing should be added or taken away from it. If you go to a church that adds to it; it is not a Christian church. SO leave. Find another. If you go to a church that doesn't use the bible, or discounts parts of the bible, leave. Again, it isn't a Christian church.

Let me clarify something real quick. If the church has a set of rules they live by along with the bible that is their choice. Listen to the rules they list and if you agree with them that is fine. But there is a difference between agreed upon rules and preaching those rules. I may not think women should wear mini-skirts and crop tops to church, yet that doesn't mean I would say that if a women did she was a sinner and going to hell for it.

There is a difference between thinking something is wrong or improper and preaching from something besides the bible. The difference is when my opinions are raised to the level of the bible, or higher. When a church does that, you should leave. They have blown it.

## False Prophets and False Churches.

I have said a few times I will show you how to avoid the Jim Jones' and others like him. The key is to understand that for as many Christian Churches are out there may be just as many who serve false prophets and a false doctrine.

Doctrine is simply a fancy word meaning beliefs. In this case many churches will follow corrupted views of Christianity. Some of the more popular forms of false beliefs are those who preach that being good will get you into heaven. It sounds nice. But this is a false belief. If being good would be all that is needed to get into heaven, then why did Christ have to die for us? The simple reality is that there is only one way to get into heaven; that is to believe in Jesus Christ.

The bible tells us that there will be false prophets. Even in the days of the apostles, there already were false prophets. Jesus tells us this also in the Olivet discourse. Now the Olivet Discourse is simply a fancy name for a section of the Gospels. Right before Jesus was to go to the Cross, He was asked about the end of times. His answers are what people call the Olivet Discourse.

He tells us that one of the ways to see that we are nearing the end of times, is there will be many false prophets and many will be led astray by them. Matthew 24: 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.

So how do you know if you are seeing a false prophet? The answer is to look at what they say and what they give glory to. These Churches that preach a false doctrine, will fail the same tests.

What do they say. Anyone who preaches another way into heaven other than Jesus' death on the Cross, is a false prophet teaching a false doctrine. The way to catch these false views is to examine what they say against what the bible says. This is one of the reasons you need to read and know your bible. If they tell you that you can do good deeds, or serve them, or any number of things that can get you into heaven, then they are wrong.

1 John 4New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that[a] Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

Examine all churches and everyone who tells you how to live your life. Take what they say and compare it to the bible. If what they say is contradicted by the bible then they are false. If they are false, leave. Don't go back.

The second thing to examine is who do they give the glory to. If you are in a Church and they never mention the name of Jesus, it isn't giving Him the glory then are they? Jesus and God are the only ones who deserve glory. Not the preacher, not the teacher, not the bishop or anyone else on earth; Only Jesus and God. In todays world, it is growing more common to see humanity being given the glory, that or Allah. Allah is not the name of God. Mohamed was not a prophet. You can tell that this religion is false by looking at the second aspect. Who do they give the glory to? They give the glory to Mohamed and Allah. They want to tell you that Jesus was just a man or a prophet. Yet if he were a prophet as they see Mohamed being also, then why do they raise Mohamed to such a high degree over Jesus? It is because they give the glory to Mohamed. Therefore this is a false religion and a false prophet.

If they pray to anyone but the Lord, then you need to be very, very careful. Many people pray to those who are in heaven as they don't feel they are worthy to pray to God. If they are praying, for example, to Mary the mother of Christ and asking her to intercede with them to God, they are at least saying Jesus is God. I personally don't think one needs to pray to Mary or any other human. I pray to the Lord Jesus and to the Father. So be careful of who a group prays to.

These two ways are the tests of a Church. Do they preach the bible and only the bible. Is what they are telling you to do biblical? If the answer is yes then ok. If not, then you should leave and not go back. Second, do they give the Glory to God?

So go find a church. Go find one that appeals to your soul and that God tells you is right. Then get involved. Don't sit on the sideline.

# Put God First

The World vs God or Secular versus Spiritual

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

There are two worlds now. There is the spiritual world and the secular world. If you want to think of it as two ways of looking at the world or life, that is even better. As a Christian, your job is to look at the world and your life in a new manor. You need to look at it the way God looks at it.

As you live your daily life there are numerous inputs and choices that you can make. Do you choose oatmeal or cereal for breakfast? Should you take the highway to work or surface streets? Some of these choices will be minor and some will have a great impact on your day and maybe even your life. Choosing to have oatmeal for breakfast is not generally going to change your life. Yet, choosing to quit your job will have a great impact on your life.

It is these daily choices that help define who you are. How will you make your choices? What will be your meter stick in deciding what to do? There really are only two ways to make choices. You can make your choices based on what God would want you to do or you can make your choices based on the world.

The world and others will give you guidelines and goals. These include riches, fame and pleasure. These are the yardsticks by which the world measures success. Do you have a nice car, an expensive house, a great paying job and the hot Trophy Spouse? If not, then the world seems to look down on us. Society as a general rule places more importance on monetary concerns than on any other issue.

God on the other hand, doesn't look at the paycheck that comes with the job; He looks at what is the job, why are you doing it? Does the job help people or hurt people? Does your life give glory to Him or to something or someone else?

Recently in church we were shown a video that seemed to imply the American Dream was a bit flawed in relation to God's will. I have done some thinking on this and I have to admit there is a danger to the American Dream.

The American Dream in and of itself is not evil or bad. It is the idea of doing well for you. It is the idea that if you work hard, you can make something of yourself in this life. This in of itself is not a bad thing. Christ doesn't want you to be a failure either. The danger is twofold. What is it you are defining as success and how you plan to get there?

Too often in today's world success is seen as only riches and fame. There is another part of life that this ignores. How often do you hear about a rich person who is unhappy and frankly miserable? Why? It is because there is more to life than riches and fame.

Matter of fact, the New Testament seems to be highly critical of rich people. From saying it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle to telling them to weep and wail because of the misery that is coming to them. It is not that God doesn't like rich people, or that you have to be poor to be a Christian. It comes down to the motivations and priorities of people.

The average person who seeks after wealth and fame allows that to become a priority in their lives. Being rich and making money becomes all that some people think about. The bottom line is they only care about the bottom line. They have raised this goal to a level approaching godhood. And that is when God gets angry.

Yours is a jealous God. He doesn't share and won't take back seat to another god. If your life is about greed and money, you serve another god. "But I don't worship money; I just want to be comfortable." Being comfortable isn't a sin. Making it a priority is.

"But I am not rich." Well I guess that is what a lot of people think and feel when they read passages like James 5. I am not rich, this doesn't apply to me. Well guess what, it does apply to you. It applies to anyone who places money above other things. Just as it applies to anyone who places fame above other things. The bottom line is that you serve another god when you place things above god. And the definition of rich is a relative definition. You may not be rich compared to your neighbor but all of us are rich when compared to some people in the world.

Priorities are what matter. If your priority is anything other than pleasing God, then your priorities are wrong and God will eventually show you your folly. God wants to be first in your life.

Does that mean I can't make money? No, it means that making money should not be your first priority. When I wrote the first version of this book, I put it on sale at a price that was rather inexpensive. The idea was to keep the price cheap and yet to make enough money to eat. With this version, I have been led to put it out for free. It is not really my book anyway. So for this book and for the next versions of most of my books I will put them out free. If a person gets benefit from them that is great. That is what they were written for. If you liked this book and want to say thanks, go to my website and say thank you. If you are motivated to donate some money, you may do so on the website. So the key is to place God first in your life. Making your life pleasing to God is your first priority, and all other things will come after that. Make sure at all times your priority is God.

## How do you do that?

Matthew 6: 19-34

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

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

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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

34 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.

Well making God your first priority is not always easy. It is easier to get your life wrapped up in all the things around you. Daily you will be bombarded with issues, troubles and drama that is designed to distract you from your true purpose of serving God. It is easy to be distracted.

How do you not let the world distract you? Pray and keep God always in mind. I know some people who wear a cross to mark their allegiance. This is ok, but I wear a cross to remind me to think of God. Do you need a cross? No. As always, you will need to do what helps you the most.

If you spend your day reminded of God and thinking of God it will be easier to keep God as a priority. It will also be easier to deal with those distractions that the world sends to you. You may even find it will help you with those issues. It is hard to do the wrong thing when your mind is upon God. Another thing to remember is GIGO. See chapter nine.

Think of God and pray always. This will help you seek His will and help you make Him your priority. It isn't easy, but it is worth it. If not for any other reason than it will make God happy it is worth it. But it will also grant you some inner peace.

## Seek God's will

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 6:33

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

Christ said that pretty clearly. Seek His will first. And then the rest shall be added to you. Make His will and seek His ways. Don't worry about the rest; He will take care of it for you.

## God has a plan for you.

The bible says:

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

God knows what He is doing and He has a plan for your life. If you follow that plan, your life will be better. You will serve a purpose that is higher and more rewarding than what you could do on your own. Will His plan be easy? Not necessarily. Yet He doesn't promise us easy; only that all things will work together for our good.

Following God's plan and putting God first will lead you to be happier. God rewards His faithful servants. Look in the bible read what God does for those who follow Him. He made Solomon rich, made David a king and will make your life richer and fuller. He will give you joy.

## God will show you what to do.

Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall make straight your paths.

There is a musical artist from the 60's by the name of Dion DiMucci. I am sure some of you all may remember him by simply the name Dion. He is best remembered for songs like "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer." What many of you may not know is Dion turned his life over to Christ after being a teen heartthrob. In the 80's I heard an album by Dion with a song based on that very concept, of trusting the Lord. This song has become one of the songs that keep my head straight. When the world is pushing at me, I think of that song. I hear it in my head and I remember to "Trust in the Lord, with all of my heart, to lean not on my own understanding." It helps.

By reminding myself of God I am able to open my heart to hear his direction. I see more clearly and able to seek what he wants me to do. Another song I like is called "seek ye first." Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. (Matthew 6:33).

If you seek Him and trust in Him, he will make your path straight and all things will be added to you. Alleluia.

# GIGO

GIGO means Garbage in Garbage out. It is an old programmer's statement and it is true for more than programing. What you take inside you, is what you will give out. What you give power to will be the power in your life.

As you live your daily life look at what you are exposed to. When I was a kid, certain thing were not allowed on television. If a woman showed too much of her body is was censored. Then with the rise of cable television this has changed. More often shows either blatantly show sexual situations or in some cases they simply allude to these situations.

I was watching the ads for some of the new shows on one of the major networks and I noticed one day of the week, they might as well call raunchy TV night. All the shows they were advertising were based on the ideas of sex and of envy of others.

Now look at even the basic television ads. Ads normally depict some woman in a skimpy or provocative outfit. It has long been a normal thing to see sexy women in car commercials. Now sex is everywhere in commercials. Even burger commercials seem to be capitalizing on sex.

Sex is everywhere. Along with sex profanity is abundant. I remember as a kid, the radio stations used to bleep the word Bull Sh(( from the song Money by Pink Floyd. Now I wish that was the worst word found in music today. Sadly radio stations are also no longer the main source for kids to hear music. Mp3 and internet music abound. With these mediums comes a vocabulary that makes my mom to this day uncomfortable.

If you allow yourself to eat of this diet and take no steps to alter what you bring into your body, you will be causing yourself harm. It is hard to think of God when you are thinking of the woman down the street. Anything that interferes with your dedication to God is not a good thing.

It is up to you to make sure what you bring into you is in accord with the new life you want to live. There are alternatives to all the moral decay in the world.

One of my biggest loves is music as I have said. I have learned that there is a lot of wonderful Christian music. It comes in all types of music from Rap to Metal. All you have to do is look around. Most of the internet radio stations have options to allow you to listen to a variety of Christian music.

I grew up listening to bands like RUSH, Styx, Queen, Boston and even a lot of heavy metal. I have found many bands to enjoy. The great part about the church I attend right now is that almost every week I learn a new artist to enjoy.

My church plays contemporary Christian music. It is one of the reasons I attend there. The music lifts my soul and helps put me in a worshipful mood. Learning new songs almost weekly is fantastic. I learn a new song and often learn of a new artist. I will attach my playlist at the end of this book in an appendix.

Another way you can help keep your eyes on God and off the world is by movies. There are many Christian movies out there. This year is a wonderful year as two big movies have opened which put God first. The first is "Son of God." The second I recommend is "God's Not Dead." Along with these movies which are still at the theaters as I am writing this there are many that can be found on video. Take some time and look for them. If you remember Kirk Cameron from "Growing Pains," he is a born again Christian and makes Christian movies now. Do a Google search and look for a listing of his movies.

Finally, I recommend that you read any of the wonderful books out there that are Christian. There are thousands of Christian books out there. Some are like this book, designed to help. Others are fiction books with a story that is designed to lift God and hopefully your spirits. I will also list at the end of this book a quick synopsis of some of my favorite Christian fiction.

Now I am not saying as a Christian you cannot listen to Secular music, or read secular books. Nor am I telling you as a Christian you cannot watch secular TV or movies. That is not my point.

My children and I watch very little TV, yet we do watch TV. Our favorite shows range from Big Bang Theory to NCIS. We also love regular movies. My son Sean is already planning for his birthday in 2015, because the day before his birthday is the scheduled release date of Avengers Two. I listen to a wide range of secular music and read a whole lot of secular books. I am an avid reader and a voracious music lover.

So what am I saying? I am saying basically two things. First you have a choice of what you listen to, watch and read. There are many options out there. You need to be careful what choices you make and what you allow inside yourself. Be careful about what you are giving glory to. If your music or books is all about sex, drugs and violence, then that is what you are giving your money and time to. That is what you are giving the glory to.

Second, as a Christian you do have choices. There are other options besides the secular options. If you find that the secular music, books and TV/movies you were watching before either isn't what you want to give the glory to, or they don't give you what you need anymore, you have choices. There is a wide range of Christian music, movies and reading material out there. I am sure you can find something that will be acceptable to you.

# Living your New Life and the Pitfalls.

So, you have gone out and found yourself a bible. Ok, maybe you can't afford one and want to find on. Many churches will simply give you a bible if you ask. So, get yourself a bible. Electronic Bibles are available and many of those are also free. So, again, now you have yourself a bible, and you are starting to read God's word. You have accomplished step one. You are praying to the Lord daily and making communication with the Lord a priority and a regular part of your life. This is a good step two.

You have been looking for or have already found a church you like. This is a great step three. So what now? Well now there are two areas to look at: The internal and the external.

Internally, well if you have been reading your bible, and praying to the Lord; it is highly likely that there are parts of your life that are off. As you read your bible, God will show you parts of your life that He doesn't like. There are things that you did before becoming a Christian and maybe even continue to do that are simply not right to do. Lies, cheating, stealing, and other things like this that you need to admit you did and stop doing. The bible calls on you to repent of your sins and to do them no more.

What is a sin? That is not always an easy thing to say. Yet, something's are obvious sins. The thing you need to realize is that I am not here to tell you what is a sin. That is between you and the Lord. He will tell you when what you are doing is wrong. If you feel something is wrong for you to do, and if you do it anyway you are living in sin. Simply put, stop.

As a Christian you are not supposed to live in sin. You are not expected to be perfect. You are expected to correct your behavior. When a Christian sins, he or she, is expected to repent. What does that mean? To repent is to turn away. It means more than simply to stop a certain behavior. It means to turn away from that behavior. Turning away means to fix the behavior and do it no more. You are not supposed to continue in the way you were going. If you are lead to believe that, for example, having sex with someone is wrong. Then you are not supposed to continue having sex with them. But in repenting you are to stop the way you were behaving. That means explaining to the person you were having sex with, why it is now wrong for you to continue your actions. You need to then seek the correct behavior. This doesn't mean to go sleep with another person. It means to understand who you are supposed to be having sex with. Generally, I will tell you that the bible says that is supposed to be your spouse, your husband or your wife. To repent means not to live in the same way. This means to stop sleeping not just with the person you are sleeping with now, but with anyone but who you are supposed to be sleeping with.

You also need to ask God forgiveness. You broke His law, you know it. Now be a good son or daughter of the Lord and ask Him to forgive you. He is faithful that He will forgive. But you have to ask. If you are sincere in your repentance He will forgive you. The sin will be as if it never happened. Your slate will be clean.

As you live your new life there will be things that happen that you will wonder if they are wrong to do. You read the bible and don't really get a sense of right or wrong. The problem may be that you are not reading it with the right spirit or thoughts. It is easy for us to want to justify our behavior. Then when we read the bible we don't find anything because we really are not looking whole heartedly. Seek input from a trusted believer and you will find your answers.

There is a guideline for your behavior. It is in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. This is called by some the Love Chapter.

1 Corinthians 13 (New King James Version)

## The Greatest Gift

13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

So let's look at what it says. These verses can be broken up into two types. Those that show the value of love and those that show how love acts. Those that show the value show you just how important Paul thought that Love was.

The value verses:

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned,[a] but have not love, it profits me nothing.

8 continuedBut whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

That leaves:

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails.

So how are you supposed to act? Let's see:

Love suffers long and is kind; As a Christian, you are supposed to endure. You will suffer and when you do, you are supposed to respond to that with kindness. Love is kindness. It doesn't respond with an eye for an eye.

love does not envy; Love doesn't covet. It doesn't steal either. If you neighbor or friend receives something, as a Christian you are not supposed to want to take it, or to rush out and get one for yourself. Envy is a vicious emotion. It ends up justifying other sins like theft.

love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; Boasting and bragging are not the ways of love. You may have pride in what the Lord has allowed you to accomplish, but remember it was Him that actually did the work. If you are bragging, you are putting the glory on you and not Him. Love is not a bragger.

does not behave rudely, At first, this one seems like a "duh" moment. Of course a person who lives in Love won't be rude. Yet often we do see people who are supposedly Christians being rude to others. Especially to those who do not believe the same as the Christian. Yet, that is not love. As such, we are supposed to remember, that even to those who disagree with us, those who are mean to us, those that hurt us, we are not supposed to be rude to them.

does not seek its own, The word that is missing is glory. Yet there is more than just not seeking your own glory. You shouldn't be seeking your own glory or power. These things are the Lords. He deserves all Glory and Honor and all power is His already. If you are seeking your own, then you are trying to take from Him. That is not the way of love.

is not provoked, Face it, people will go out of their way to provoke you. Especially if they realize you claim to be a Christian. They will want to lower you down. Push you into being angry and rude so that they don't feel as bad about being a non-Christian. If you give into them, you have allowed your Lord to be lowered. Don't give in. Keep in mind that even if they are being a jerk, Jesus loves them and He loves you. Blow off their attempts to make you into a jerk too.

Thinks no evil; This one is hard. It is so easy to think evil. Especially to those who want to provoke you. That person who insults you, is rude to you, it is so easy to want them to get what they deserve. Keep in mind that they are simply you without Christ inside them. As for other aspects of evil, if you dwell in evil, you will turn to evil. You will ignore the will of God.

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Do not rejoice in evil or when evil happens to other. Only rejoice in the truth. This one is hard when we think about those who do evil and get what they deserve. It is not easy to not want to celebrate their getting punished. Yet was it punishment? It is not our place to call something a punishment from God unless that punishment was given to us. Only in the end of times will we be able to say what is a punishment. The rest of the time it could simply be evil. Never rejoice in evil, regardless who receives it. Rejoice in the truth and the ways of the Lord.

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. As a Christian you will put up with a lot of crap. You will have to put up with a lot of people who will call you stupid, who will persecute you, who will want you to be harmed. They do this because they serve he who is in the world and not the Lord. You are their enemy. You make them feel wrong. But if you put up with what they do, do not respond as they would, you will show them hope. Hope in the Lord is never misplaced. He can and will do miracles in your life.

Love never fails. This one sums it up pretty good. Love won't fail. It won't fail you and if you are living a life of love you won't fail others either.

Remember 1 John 4: 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

## Relationships.

There are several types of relationships in your life. There is the relationship you have with God. The relationship you have with other believers, the relationship you have with those you "love", with your friends, family and finally with the world. Life is all about relationships. The bible is a guide to how to have healthy relationships.

Your relationship with the Lord is of the most importance to you. It should be at least. In several ways God has made this plain to us in the bible. IT is the first commandment. It is the basis of many of the laws in the Old Testament and even Jesus said that it is the greatest of commandments.

The second set of relationships that should be of importance to you is your family. First off, is your mortal family. As a Christian, you are supposed to honor your mother and father. That is one of the Ten Commandments. Give them the honor and respect they deserve. "But my parents are abusive." They still deserve your love and respect. Do you have to sit back and let them hurt you? Not at all. You need to pray for them. Give them the Love and respect they deserve by praying that the Lord will show them their errors and help them get better. Pray for them to become a Christian if they are not. If they are, then pray they will fix their lives. They are living in sin if they are abusing you. That is not an opinion. That is simply fact. You have seen in the Love Chapter how they are supposed to act. If they are not, then pray for them. Even if they are living the way they are supposed to pray for them. Everyone needs prayer.

Your parents and family need your prayers. You also need to look at the way you treat them. Do you live according to the Love Chapter? If you are not, then you need to fix that. If you fix that, the Lord will work on fixing them. Between your prayers, the Lord and the way you treat them, miracles can and will occur. Get your family to the Lord and then grow together. Work for the betterment of your family, and they will work toward your betterment.

Your Christian family is next. Even Christians make mistakes and need help. Pray for them. Look at your relationship with them. Are they and you both working for the betterment of each other? This is one of the benefits of a Christian family. You will have others to help you improve your life. Yet, you are supposed to be helping them. Look at your church. Every church has some problems. Maybe you see one. If you do, first and foremost take it to the Lord. Tell Him what you see and pray that it will be fixed. God will tell you if you are wrong about it. If he doesn't, then He will show you what can be done about it. Regardless, pray and work with your brothers and sisters in Christ, for the betterment of your Christian Family.

Moving out is your friends. At first, some of your friends may be skeptical of your new belief in Christ. They may think that you are simply the same person. It is up to you to show them you are different. Live the way the Lord wants you to and pray for your friends too. If they are not Christians, are you talking to them about it? Remember this is the greatest gift that a person is ever given. You were called by Jesus to be part of His family. Why wouldn't you want your friends to be in that family? Of course you do. Pray and witness to them and for them. God will open the doors and hopefully they will soon come to the Lord if they haven't already done so.

Next is your boyfriend/girlfriend or spouse. This is a tough one, especially if your spouse is not a Christian. A Christian should not date a non-Christian. It is dangerous for you. Soloman was one of the wisest men in history, yet he married non-believers and in the end they turned him from God. A house divided cannot stand. One of you must change. If you are dating a non-Christian, then pray for them. Witness to them and talk to them. You need to get them to come to the Lord. If they don't, you need to be prepared to leave. Talk always to God about your relationship. If the Lord tells you that you need to leave them. Then break up with them and only date those who are Christians.

If you are already married, you have a problem. You need to pray and pray. You need to keep ahold of the Lord and pray that He will strengthen you daily. You are in danger and you cannot simply walk away. You are married and the Lord does not approve of divorce. Pray and then pray some more. God will help you. He will show you what to do.

All of these relationships are important. They are the basis of your life. Relationships are important as they are in reality us. They make us who we are. If you are living according to your Christian values, then you will have to be prepared to end some relationships. If they are detrimental to your wellbeing, then you need to end them. If they are healthy relationships, then you as a Christian need to keep them that way. Pray and be willing to admit your mistakes. That is the key to a healthy relationship.

In all relationships, people make mistakes. We sin against God, we sin against others. We make mistakes. When you do, admit your mistakes. Pray to God for forgiveness and ask the others in your relationship to forgive you. They are supposed to forgive you as the Lord does. And remember it works both ways. When they make mistakes, it is your place to forgive them too.

Relationships are one of the main ways that Satan will attack you. He will give you options that will be harmful to your relationships. He will try to split your relationships up. He will encourage your pride and ego and tell you it's the other parties fault when it is yours. He wants you to be alone. Then you are too weak to stop his will. Satan always has worked against relationships. He always will. Be prepared.

Your Relationship with the world.

The world is not your friend. Anyone who is not a fellow Christian is not really your true friend. They have other goals. Some in the world are actually your enemy. You just don't realize it. Yet even your enemies are supposed to be treated with the same love you give your friends. Love everyone and pray for everyone. The difference is that those who are not your friends and fellow believers are not to be trusted. Be careful of them.

# Conclusion

I rejoice in the Lord that you the new believer is there. I am hopeful that this book helps you in some ways. I hope it answers some questions for you. The reality is the one book that can help the most is the bible. I cannot stress enough that the bible is the book you need. Read it and make it part of your life.

Finding God is a wonderful thing, but only a Start.

The title of this book is "So you have become a Christian, now what?" The reason for this is simple. Many times I have seen people come to the Lord and been left on their own. I am grateful to wonderful God that you have come to know Him. Now what?

Coming to trust Jesus as your personal savior is a start but only a start. This book, hopefully, will help you start on your journey with the Lord. That journey is up to you.

On a daily basis sex, drugs, money power and greed are abundant. Sin and greed are kings of this earth and all too often a major part of the American Dream. The American Dream has been transformed recently into an idea of getting rich and famous. This dream is prevelent in more than just America, I know. Yet as I mentioned earlier it is a trap.

There is a lot more to being a Christian than simply accepting God. I hope this book shows you some of those things. If you wonder what I want the most for you, it is simple. I hope, and pray that you find your days filled with God and with the desire to Worship Him.

## Review

So let's review. You have become a Christian. You are not sure what is supposed to happen now. First you go out and buy yourself a bible. This will help you learn about God and what He had to say. The bible is the first authority you should turn to on all aspects of your new life and on Christianity in general.

Next you need to pray. Not just when in trouble, but as often as you can. You should pray to thank God. Tell Him how wonderful He is for saving you and for everything He does in your life. Pray and get guidance.

You need to find a church. This will help you join in fellowship and group worship of the Lord. A church will help you grow as a Christian. You cannot really be a great Christian all alone. You need others and they need you.

Put God first in everything you do. Not just for Sunday choices but always. Seek Him, His kingdom and His will. He is there for you and you should always keep Him as your priority.

Finally, always remember GIGO. What is it that you are putting inside you and what is it that you are giving the glory to. I recently saw my daughter dressing in a particular manor. I asked her what she was advertising and to what was she giving the glory. Keep those questions in mind always.

## Other things to think of Next

### Discipleship

Here is something for you to think about next. Matthew 28:16-20 (New King James Version)

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

When Christ called you to follow Him, He didn't call you to be on the sidelines. He didn't call you to simply love Him. He called you to:

A) to be a disciple

B) To make disciples of all the nations.

C) Teach all those disciples

D) Observe all He commanded.

For this He promised you all authority and that He will be with you always. Don't sit on the bench. Don't sit around and wait for others to do for the Lord, do it yourself. Go and make the world disciples of the Risen Christ.

I realize that the whole concept of discipleship is not a quick subject. There are wonderful books on how to be a disciple. Read one. Furthermore, if you need more information, let me know. I am inclosing my email address and my website just so that you, my new brother and sister, can contact me.

### The War for your Soul

Keep in mind you are in a war. The bible says in Ephesians 6:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, [a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

There is a war going on, you are in it. Satan will work against you. He will try to distract you. He will try to undermine your efforts and your desire to serve God. Don't let him. Put on the full armor of God and serve Him the way you should.

### What is to come?

Next keep in mind the end of days is approaching. There is a lot happening in the world today. There are many signs that the end is coming soon. I realize that people have been saying this for over 2000 years. But it is always better to believe this than to pretend it isn't going to happen. Read and choose this for yourself. I hope one day to write another book concerning the end of times. What we may face and what it will be like. Granted that is my personal hope and it will be up to the Lord.

You need to keep in mind since we are at war, and the end is approaching the war is going to get tougher. Take your tools, the bible, prayer and the support of your fellow Christians and fight the good fight every day.

In conclusion, you have been chosen. This is a fact. God chose you and it is up to you to follow Him. Becoming a Christian was the first step, now take those next steps. Remember to not be a person who says one thing and does another. Live like you mean it. Live like God is precious to you. And WORSHIP the Lord.

I cannot stress this enough. If you spend your days and don't feel the urge to Worship the Lord then your soul is on the wrong track. You have allowed yourself to be distracted or confuse. God is a wonderful God.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, halleluiah,

Hallelujah! Praise you the Lord!

Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah.

Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah.

Praise ye the Lord, Hallelujah.

Praise ye the Lord!

# Appendix One

## Music

My Playlist

Name Artist Year Track Number Album

Track 01 ArkAngel 1 Warrior

The Lord is a Warrior/March of the Ents ArkAngel 2 Warrior

Dwelling Place ArkAngel 3 Warrior

Listen Children ArkAngel 4 Warrior

Back in the Garden ArkAngel 5 Warrior

The Voice ArkAngel 7 Warrior

Ex Nihino ArkAngel 8 Warrior

Come and Sing ArkAngel 9 Warrior

Track 10 ArkAngel 10 Warrior

Track 11 ArkAngel 11 Warrior

Madly Charlie Hall 2002 6 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

Your Grace Is Enough Chris Tomlin 2004 4 Arriving

King Of Glory Chris Tomlin 2004 10 Arriving

Holy Is The Lord Chris Tomlin 2006 1 The Best Of Passion (So Far)

Sing, Sing, Sing Chris Tomlin 2008 1 Hello Love

God Of This City Chris Tomlin 2008 4 Hello Love

I Will Rise Chris Tomlin 2008 5 Hello Love

Our God Chris Tomlin 2011 2 How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

We Fall Down Chris Tomlin 2011 6 How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

Indescribable Chris Tomlin 2011 7 How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

Holy Is the Lord Chris Tomlin 2011 8 How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

Made to Worship Chris Tomlin 2011 10 How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection

Here I Am to Worship Chris Tomlin 2002 1 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

Enough Chris Tomlin 2002 2 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

Famous One Chris Tomlin 2002 3 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

God of Wonders Chris Tomlin 2002 11 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

My Glorious Chris Tomlin 2002 12 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

Everlasting God Chris Tomlin 2006 4 See The Morning

Rain Down David Crowder Band 5 All I Can Say

Our Love Is Loud David Crowder Band 2002 2 Can You Hear Us

How He Loves David Crowder Band 2009 10 Church Music

Our Love Is Loud David Crowder Band 2002 9 Passion: Our Love Is Loud

Surely We Can Change David Crowder Band 2007 10 Remedy

Here Is My Servant Dion 1984 1 I Put Away My Idols

Trust In the Lord Dion 1984 2 I Put Away My Idols

I Put Away My Idols Dion 1984 4 I Put Away My Idols

Rise And Sing Fee 2009 1 Hope Rising

Glory to God Forever Fee 2009 3 Hope Rising

God Is Alive Fee 2009 4 Hope Rising

Promised Land Fee 2009 8 Hope Rising

Send Me Out Fee 2009 11 Hope Rising

Words Hawk Nelson 2013 1 Words - Single

To The Ends Of The Earth Hillsong 2008 4 Ultimate Collection II

Let Creation Sing Hillsong 2008 6 Ultimate Collection II

For All You've Done Hillsong 2008 12 Ultimate Collection II

For Who You Are Hillsong 2008 13 Ultimate Collection II

Mighty To Save Hillsong 2008 17 Ultimate Collection II

To Be Like You (Live) Hillsong Live 2013 9 Glorious Ruins (Live) [Deluxe Edition]

How Great Is Our God Hillsong London 2006 13 Jesus Is (CD+DVD) Disc 1

Take Heart Hillsong United 2011 1 Aftermath

Go Hillsong United 2011 2 Aftermath

Like An Avalanche Hillsong United 2011 3 Aftermath

Rhythms Of Grace Hillsong United 2011 4 Aftermath

Aftermath Hillsong United 2011 5 Aftermath

B.E. Hillsong United 2011 6 Aftermath

Bones Hillsong United 2011 7 Aftermath

Father Hillsong United 2011 8 Aftermath

Nova Hillsong United 2011 9 Aftermath

Awakening Hillsong United 2011 12 Aftermath

Search My Heart (Radio Version) Hillsong United 2011 13 Aftermath

Point Of Difference Hillsong United 2007 1 Hillsong United - All Of The Above

Lead Me To The Cross Hillsong United 2007 6 Hillsong United - All Of The Above

Hosanna Hillsong United 2007 8 Hillsong United - All Of The Above

Never Let Me Go Hillsong United 2007 12 Hillsong United - All Of The Above

Tell the World Hillsong United 2005 2 Hillsong United - Look to You

All for Love Hillsong United 2005 5 Hillsong United - Look to You

There Is Nothing Like Hillsong United 2005 7 Hillsong United - Look to You

Awesome God Hillsong United 2005 13 Hillsong United - Look to You

From the Inside Out Hillsong United 2005 5 United We Stand

The Stand Hillsong United 2005 15 United We Stand

Relentless Hillsong United 2013 1 Zion (Deluxe Edition)

Scandal of Grace Hillsong United 2013 3 Zion (Deluxe Edition)

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Hillsong United 2013 4 Zion (Deluxe Edition)

Stay and Wait Hillsong United 2013 5 Zion (Deluxe Edition)

Heartbeats Hillsong United 2013 10 Zion (Deluxe Edition)

Tapestry Hillsong United 2013 12 Zion (Deluxe Edition)

Sweetly Broken Jeremy Riddle 2006 1 Sweetly Broken

The More I Seek You Kari Jobe 2009 6 Compilation Project

Revelation Song Kari Jobe 2009 10 Compilation Project

I Wish We'd All Been Ready Larry Norman 1972 5 Only Visiting This Planet (Remastered Bonus Track Version)

Seek Ye First Maranatha! Music 2013 69 Top 100 Modern Hymns and Classic Songs

God With Us (Album Version) MercyMe 2009 3 10

Adonai Petra 1985 10 Beat The System

More Power To Ya Petra 1982 3 More Power To Ya

Road To Zion Petra 1982 9 More Power To Ya

Ancient Of Days Petra My Petra

Lord I lift your name on high Petra My Petra

The Coloring Song Petra 1981 9 Never Say Die

At Your Name (Yahweh, Yahweh) Phil Wickham 2011 4 Response

More Music

You can find a copy of my playlist on my website. I am planning on loading the file format for it to be copied to your ITunes account if you want or to your Windows Media Player.

Also on my website is a list of Christian Performers that I found on Google. Look through it, it is organized by genre. Remember if you are looking for something in particular the easiest way to find it is to ask others. Google and YouTube are also resources you can utilize to find and hear new music. Don't be afraid to let technology help you pursue your Christian lifestyle.

## Fiction Books

There are a lot of great Christian Fiction books out there. There are also a lot of lists of these books that people recommend. The following is my list of recommended reading. It is not all encompassing nor is it to be considered to be the final list you will see. Matter of fact, if you find a book that you think I would like, send me the title. I am always looking for more books to read.

The first book series I recommend is the by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins. This is of course the Left behind Series. I have read this series several times, my mother has read it several times and even my brothers have read it. It is a wonderful series. Granted there are additional series that are related to this one. There are kid's books, there are prequels and others. You don't have to read those. But if you are looking for a wonderful series about the end, this is a must read.

Also from Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is the Babylon Rising Series. This is a bit less of end of the world and more a mixture of archeology and God. It's a fun series.

Tim LaHaye also worked on a series called the End series. This is another look at the End of Times. This series is focused more on the US side of things, yet it is also a wonderful story.

Next author is Joel C. Rosenberg. He has two series that are good reads. The first is what I call the Last Jihad series and the other is the Twelfth Imam series. Both are excellent.

Below is a list of Series names and the books in that series as of this date. Enjoy.

1. Book Series

a) Tim LaHaye.

(1) The End Series

(a) Edge of Apocalypse

(b) Thunder of Heaven

(c) Brink of Chaos

(d) Mark of Evil

(2) Left Behind

(a) Left Behind Series

(i) Oct. 1995, Left Behind: A Novel of the Earth's Last Days (ISBN 0-8423-2912-9)

(ii) Oct. 1996, Tribulation Force: The Continuing Drama of Those Left Behind (ISBN 0-8423-2921-8)

(iii) Oct. 1997, Nicolae: The Rise of Antichrist (ISBN 0-8423-2924-2)

(iv) Aug. 1998, Soul Harvest: The World Takes Sides (ISBN 0-8423-2925-0)

(v) Feb. 1999, Apollyon: The Destroyer Is Unleashed (ISBN 0-8423-2926-9)

(vi) Aug. 1999, Assassins: Assignment: Jerusalem, Target: Antichrist (ISBN 0-8423-2927-7)

(vii) May. 2000, The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession (ISBN 0-8423-2929-3)

(viii) Nov. 2000, The Mark: The Beast Rules the World (ISBN 0-8423-3228-6)

(ix) Oct. 2001, Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne (ISBN 0-8423-3229-4)

(x) Jul. 2002, The Remnant: On the Brink of Armageddon (ISBN 0-8423-3230-8)

(xi) Apr. 2003, Armageddon: The Cosmic Battle of the Ages (ISBN 0-8423-3236-7)

(xii) Mar. 2004, Glorious Appearing: The End of Days (ISBN 0-8423-3237-5)

(xiii) Apr. 2007, Kingdom Come: The Final Victory (ISBN 0-8423-6061-1)

(b) Left Behind Prequels

(i) March 2005, The Rising: Before They Were Left Behind (ISBN 0-8423-6056-5)

(ii) November 2005, The Regime: Before They Were Left Behind (ISBN 1-4143-0576-1)

(iii) June 6, 2006, The Rapture (ISBN 1-4143-0580-X)

(3) Babylon Rising series:

(a) October 2003, Babylon Rising (ISBN 0-553-80322-0)

(b) August 2004, The Secret on Ararat (ISBN 0-553-80323-9)

(c) September 2005, The Europa Conspiracy (ISBN 0-553-80324-7)

(d) August 29, 2006, The Edge of Darkness (ISBN 0-553-80325-5)

(4) The Jesus Chronicles series:

(a) November 21, 2006, John's Story: The Last Eyewitness (ISBN 0-399-15389-6)

(b) 2007, Mark's Story: The Gospel According to Peter

(c) 2009, Luke's Story: By Faith Alone

(d) 2010, Matthew's Story: From Sinner To Saint

(6) End Times

(a) 1-Thunder of Heaven. Joshua Jordan

(b) 2-Edge of Apcolapse

(c) 3-brink of Chaos

(d) 4-Mark of Evil

(7) Left Behind Kids

(a) The Vanishings

(b) Second Chance

(c) Through the Flames

(d) Facing the Future

(e) Nicolae High

(f) The Underground

(g) Busted!

(h) Death Strike

(i) The Search

(j) On the Run

(k) Into the Storm

(l) Earthquake!

(m) The Showdown

(n) Judgment Day

(o) Battling the Commander

(p) Fire from Heaven

(q) Terror in the Stadium

(r) Darkening Skies

(s) Attack of Apollyon

(t) A Dangerous Plan

(u) Secrets of New Babylon

(v) Escape from New Babylon

(w) Horsemen of Terror

(x) Uplink from the Underground

(y) Death at the Gala

(z) The Beast Arises

(aa) Wildfire!

(bb) The Mark of the Beast

(cc) Breakout!

(dd) Murder in the Holy Place

(ee) Escape to Masada

(ff) War of the Dragon

(gg) Attack on Petra

(hh) Bounty Hunters

(ii) The Rise of False Messiahs

(jj) Ominous Choices

(kk) Heat Wave

(ll) The Perils of Love

(mm) The Road to War

(nn) Triumphant Return

(8) There are also 12 volumes containing a number of these books in each to be more similar to the original series:

(a) Book #1: Taken (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 1-4 with background plots from Left Behind.

(b) Book #2: Pursued (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 5-8 with background plots from Tribulation Force.

(c) Book #3: Hidden (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 9-12 with background plots from Nicolae.

(d) Book #4: Rescued (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 13-16 with background plots from Soul Harvest.

(e) Book #5: Stung (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 17-19 with background plots from Apollyon.

(f) Book #6: Frantic (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 20-22 with background plots from Assassins.

(g) Book #7: Shaken (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 23-25 with background plots from Assassins

(h) Book #8: Unmasked (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 26-28 with background plots from The Indwelling and The Mark.

(i) Book #9: Deceived (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 29-31 with background plots from Desecration.

(j) Book #10: Protected (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 32-34 with background plots from The Remnant.

(k) Book #11: Hunted (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 35-37 with background plots from Armageddon.

(l) Book #12: Arrived (Left Behind: The Kids) covers books 38-40 with background plots from Glorious Appearing.

(9) Also, LaHaye and Jenkins with Chris Fabry in 2000 wrote A Kids Guide to Understanding the End Times, which helps readers of the series to understand the end times events, similar to Are we Living in the End Times? by the original authors.

b) Joel C. Rosenberg

(1) Last jihad

(a) 1-last Jihad

(b) 2-last Days

(c) 3- Ezekiel Option

(d) 4-Copper Scroll

(e) 5-Dead Heat

(2) Twelfth Imam

(a) 1-Twelfth Imam

(b) 2-The Tehran Initiative

(c) 3-Damascus Count down

c) Other Authors

(1) Second Term

(a) 1-Second Term

(b) 2-The Warning

(c) 3-The Day

(2) Until Eternity

(a) 1-Seven Years Until Eternity

(b) 2-Yet

(3) Underground Zealot

(a) 1-Soon

(b) 2-Silenced

(c) 3-Shawdowded

(4) Last Days trilogy

(a) The Coming

(5) The End Series

The Beginning of the End

The End of the Beginning

2. Sources for Christian Books

a) Amazon- Both for EBooks and for paperbacks

b) Christian Book Stores

c) EBay

d) WWW. GOOGLE.COm

## About the Author

Hello, my name is Anastacio Tremain Martinez. I am a Christian. This is my first and foremost claim. I do not claim to be a great Christian; I just have a great Christ inside me. I realize that some people will want to know a bit about me and about how this book got wrote, so here it goes.

First off, as I said I am A.T. Martinez, my friends either call me Pat, Stacy or Anastacio. I am 47 and live in El Paso, Texas. This is not where I wanted to live, but it is where God has me at the moment. I am a single father of five children. Yes, I did say five children. God has blessed me with them, and it is my job to raise them to follow Him.

Presently I am unemployed. I was fired from my last job as a late Christmas gift or New Year's gift this very year. I know some of you are like wow, and he is so calm about that. Why not? Like I wrote in this book, God will provide for me and my kids and I know it.

When I was fired, a peace came over me. As I was driving home an idea formed in my head. Slowly this idea took hold and you are reading it. God, I believe, laid the idea of writing this book on my heart. My town was host to the Franklin Graham festival this year and I kept seeing these ads for it. I kept seeing all these people turning to the Lord. And I kept thinking, now what? What will these people do? So here is my attempt to help you and those who have come to the Lord know the answer to now what.

Is this the only source out there for people who are coming to God? Nope, but I do hope it helps others. I have always known God wanted me to serve Him. When I was a child I felt called to be a minister. I don't know where that will lead now that I am divorced. I don't worry about that. I leave what I am and how He wants me to serve Him up to Him.

When I wrote the first edition, I placed it with Kindle Direct. It has since sat there. I had my children read my book, and they liked it. One of my kids, Patrick, said I should rewrite this book so it was aimed at a younger audience. This is what he asked for.

This book is being marketed hopefully everywhere. It will not be charged for. I am giving this book wholly to the Lord and letting Him make of it what He will. I list my website and hope to hear from my readers. I do take suggestions by the way. Also, if you feel this book or any book that I write has helped you, I would love to hear about it.

Also on my website is the option for you to donate to my cause. The money raised on that website is to be used to pay my existence and to help me with my ministry. I don't seek to be rich. Yet, as I said, I am still unemployed and waiting on the Lord.

I am:

Anastacio Tremain Martinez

revivingservent@gmail.com

or

www.revivingservent.com

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/revivingservent

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I will tell you I already plan to record an audio version of this book real soon. It will hopefully be on my website when I get it done.

So thank you very much for reading this book. I hope it helped you in some way and I pray you walk with the Lord always.

May God grant you wisdom, grace and understanding. May He lead you always to the cool waters and fill you with Joy.

# Appendix Two - Biblical References.

Romans Chapter 8, verse 28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

The Bible

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

1 Thessalonians 5:8 ESV

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

John 14:6 ESV

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Romans 13:12-14 ESV

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

John 3:16 ESV

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 17:17 ESV

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Isaiah 59:17 ESV

He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

James 4:7 ESV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Psalm 119:1-176 ESV

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!

B. A What does the Bible say about Prayer.

1. 1 Samuel 12:23 ESV Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

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

3. Psalm 34:17 ESV When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

4. Psalm 145:18-19 ESV The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

5. Jeremiah 29:12 ESV Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

6. Jeremiah 33:3 ESV Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

7. Matthew 06:1-34 ESV "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. "Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

8. Matthew 07:7 ESV "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

9. Matthew 18:19-20 ESV Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

10. Matthew 21:22 ESV And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

11. Matthew 26:41 ESV Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

12. Mark 11:24 ESV Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

13. Luke 11:9-13 ESV And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

14. Luke 18:1 ESV And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

15. John 15:7 ESV If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

16. John 16:23-24 ESV In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

17. Romans 8:26 ESV Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

18. Ephesians 6:18 ESV Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

19. Philippians 4:6 ESV Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

20. Colossians 4:2 ESV Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

21. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV Pray without ceasing,

22. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 ESV Brothers, pray for us.

23. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

24. 1 Timothy 2:8 ESV I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

25. Hebrews 4:16 ESV Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

26. James 4:2 ESV You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

27. James 5:13-18 ESV Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

28. 1 John 3:22 ESV And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.

29. 1 John 5:14-15 ESV And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

30. Jude 1:20 ESV But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

C. One Another

"One another" is mentioned at least 53 instances in the bible. This is the list of some of the times that it is found in the New Testiment:

John 13:14- If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

John 13:34- A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 15:12- This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

John 15:17- These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Acts 19:38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

Romans 2:15 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;)

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 14:13 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 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

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

D. Put God First.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

2 Corinthians 8:5 ESV And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

2 Peter 3:9 ESV The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Timothy 1:3 ESV I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 3:17 ESV That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Acts 10:35 ESV But in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Acts 4:12 ESV And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Colossians 3:1-4 ESV If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Ephesians 4:27 ESV And give no opportunity to the devil.

Exodus 20:1-26 ESV And God spoke all these words, saying, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me. "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,

Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Genesis 14:12-20 ESV They also took Lot, the son of Abram's brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.

Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Isaiah 42:8 ESV I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.

James 4:4-8 ESV You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

John 10:10 ESV The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 15:5 ESV I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 3:1-16:33 ESV Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:16-17 ESV "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:30 ESV He must increase, but I must decrease."

Leviticus 25:3-5 ESV For six years you shall sow your field, and for six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its fruits, but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard. You shall not reap what grows of itself in your harvest, or gather the grapes of your undressed vine. It shall be a year of solemn rest for the land.

Luke 12:28-31 ESV But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Luke 14:26 ESV "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 20:19-26 ESV The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them,

Matthew 22:37 ESV And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 4:10 ESV Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"

Matthew 6:19-21 ESV "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:24 ESV "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Matthew 6:28-33 ESV And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Matthew 7:1 ESV "Judge not, that you be not judged.

Numbers 20:4 ESV Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle?

Philippians 4:13 ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:19 ESV And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 16:3 ESV Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 24:27 ESV Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.

Proverbs 3:1-35 ESV My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Psalm 1:1-6 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

Psalm 127:1-2 ESV A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

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

Romans 12:1-2 ESV I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 13:1-7 ESV Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Romans 14:1-23 ESV As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

Romans 5:8 ESV But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:4 ESV We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 8:5 ESV For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

God Has a Plan for you.

Psalm 139:16 ESV

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 ESV

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body.

Romans 8:28 ESV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Matthew 6: 19-34

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

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

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

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

34 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.

Resources

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