 
# WHAT DOES GOD SAY?

Jack and Judy Hartman

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Jack and Judy Hartman

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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# Read what people are saying about publications from Lamplight Ministries

Jack and Judy Hartman have written over twenty books that have been sold or distributed around the world. You are invited to take a look at the impact Lamplight Ministries has had and continues to have on people who have read the books. Visit lamplight.net to read these incredible testimonies.

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We each began studying the Bible in the King James Version. If we could write this entire book with the King James Version, we would. However, we want to present the reader with the best possible explanation of each verse of Scripture.

We have reviewed each verse of Scripture in this book to prayerfully select the Bible version that we believe will help you to best understand what God is saying to you. In some cases we have used _The New International Version_ (NIV) when we believe the language in this particular passage of Scripture will give you more comprehension. In other cases we have used _The Amplified Bible_ (AMP) when we believe the amplification will explain more to you.

The _King James Version_ (KJV) of the Bible received its name from King James who was the king of England from 1603 to 1625. King James is considered to have been one of the most intellectual and learned kings in the history of Great Britain. He is primarily remembered for authorizing the production of the King James Version of the Bible. This English translation from Greek and Hebrew is the most printed book in the history of the world with more than one billion copies in print.

_The New International Version_ (NIV) is the result of the study of a group of approximately one hundred Hebrew and Greek scholars representing more than twenty denominations. This team of scholars devoted ten years to complete the NIV translation. The goal of this committee was to faithfully translate the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic biblical text into clearly understandable English. The NIV is the most widely purchased contemporary Bible today.

_The Amplified Bible_ is the result of the study of a group of Bible scholars who spent a total of more than twenty thousand hours amplifying the Bible. They believe that traditional word-by-word translation often fails to reveal the shades of meaning that are part of the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic biblical texts.

Any amplification of the original text uses brackets for words that clarify the meaning and parentheses for words that contain additional phrases included in the original language. Through this amplification the reader will gain a better understanding of what Hebrew and Greek listeners instinctively understood.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the _King James Version_ of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from _The Holy Bible, New International Version_ , copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from _The Amplified Bible, Old Testament_ , copyright 1965, 1987 by the Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids Michigan, or _The Amplified Bible, New Testament_ , copyright 1954, 1958, 1987 by the Lockman Foundation, LaHabra, California. Used by permission.

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# Dedication

We dedicate this book to our treasured friend, Bill Keller. Bill's ministry, LivePrayer, reaches almost two and a half million readers each day with the anointed devotionals he has written. Bill also reaches many lost souls with his daily television program on the internet (for more information on this ministry, please visit the LivePrayer website at www.liveprayer.com).

We believe that Bill's insight into world conditions today is unparalleled. Bill gives his readers and television viewers magnificent information that makes a great difference in their lives individually, in the life of our nation and throughout the world. Bill is one of the most loving and caring people we know.

Bill, we love you and thank God for bringing you into our lives.

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# TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

1. Heaven

2. Hell

3. Eternal Salvation

4. Adversity

5. Aging

6. Angels

7. Anger

8. Battles Fought by the Lord

9. Cast Your Cares upon the Lord

10. Childlike Trust

11. Choice

12. Cleansing

13. Close to the Lord

14. Comfort from God

15. Compassion of God

16. Complaining

17. Confession – the Words You Speak

18. Criticism

19. Death

20. Doubt and Unbelief

21. Evangelism

22. Faith in God

23. Family of God

24. Fear

25. Fear of the Lord

26. First Place – the Lord

27. Focus on the Lord

28. Forgiveness

29. Forsake You – God Will Not

30. Fulfillment

31. Grace of God

32. Guidance from the Lord

33. Healing

34. Heart

35. Help Others

36. Help You –God Will

37. Holy Spirit

38. Hope

39. Humility

40. In You – God Lives in Your Heart

41. Inadequacy of Human Abilities

42. Joy

43. Last Days

44. Light and Darkness

45. Logic and Intellect

46. Long Life

47. Love of God

48. Love for God

49. Love for Others

50. Meditation on Scripture

51. Mercy of God

52. Morning Time with the Lord

53. Name of the Lord

54. Needs Met by God

55. Obedience

56. Omnipotent God

57. Omnipresent God

58. Omniscient God

59. One Day at a Time

60. Patience

61. Peace of God

62. Perseverance

63. Praise and Worship

64. Prayer

65. Presence of the Lord

66. Pride

67. Prosperity

68. Protection from God

69. Quiet Confidence in the Lord

70. Quiet Time with the Lord

71. Reliability of Scriptural Promises

72. Renewed Mind

73. Rest of God

74. Revenge

75. Satan

76. Second Coming of Jesus Christ

77. Security Comes from God

78. Self-confidence

79. Spiritual Growth

80. Strength from God

81. Teacher – God Will Teach You

82. Thank God

83. Tradition

84. Truth – Not Lies

85. Understanding

86. Victory of Jesus Christ

87. Voice of God

88. Wait for the Lord

89. Will of God for Your Life

90. Wisdom of God

91. Word of God – the Bible

92. World – Turn Away From

93. Worry and Anxiety

94. Yield Control to the Lord

Conclusion

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# Introduction

We have spent thousands of hours studying the Bible. The Bible says that all Scripture is inspired by God (see II Timothy 3:16). We can attest to the absolute truth of this statement.

How can anyone spend thousands of hours reading and studying the same book unless this Book was divinely inspired? We have more hunger for the holy Scriptures today than we did when we first started studying the Bible many years ago.

We have taught many classes on the Bible throughout the United States and Canada. After talking with many people who attended these classes, we have come to the conclusion that a simple and easy-to-understand book explaining the Bible will bless people abundantly. We pray that this book will cause God's instructions and promises to come alive for each person who will prayerfully read this book.

This book is extremely comprehensive. We have invested extensive time in research and study. We believe you will find that the following pages contain an incredible number of facts from the Word of God that will enrich your life.

The Bible does not have topics categorized alphabetically. God has interspersed thousands of instructions and promises throughout the Bible. We have spent many hours gathering these promises and instructions from God and categorizing this Scripture by topic. This book is the result of more than thirty years of work.

Even though this book is very comprehensive, we believe that a fifteen-year-old child can easily understand the contents. We make this statement because of the simple and easy-to-understand paragraph of explanation that precedes each passage of Scripture used in this book.

We recommend that you read this book with a highlighter or a pen. Whenever you see anything in any of the verses of Scripture or our explanation that is important to you, we recommend that you highlight or underline this material. We suggest that you write notes for future reference in the white space on each page.

You will be able to locate this information easily when you read What Does God Say? a second time. We believe that anyone who truly wants to learn what God says will read, study and meditate on the Scripture in this book two or more times.

We have arranged almost all of the topics in this book alphabetically. However, we have taken three topics and put them ahead of the alphabetical listing. If you are not absolutely certain where you will go after you die, we recommend that you prayerfully study the following three topical presentations of Scripture that have been grouped together under the subtitle, The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make.

We all make important decisions throughout our lives. However, we believe that every other decision is completely insignificant compared to the most important decision – where you will spend eternity.

The following three scriptural topics pertaining to heaven, hell and eternal salvation contain vitally important facts from God. These facts will enable you to make the most important decision you will ever make – where you will go after you die.

We each began studying the King James Version of the Bible when we were saved. If we could write this entire book with the King James Version, we would. However, we want to present the reader with the best possible explanation of each verse of Scripture.

We have carefully reviewed each verse of Scripture in this book to prayerfully select the version of the Bible that we believe will help you to best understand what God is saying to you. In some cases we have used The New International Version (NIV) when we believe the language in this particular passage of Scripture will give you more comprehension. In other cases we have used The Amplified Bible (AMP) when we believe the amplification will explain more to you.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible received its name from King James who was the king of England from 1603 to 1625. King James is considered to have been one of the most intellectual and learned kings in the history of Great Britain. He is primarily remembered for authorizing the production of the King James Version of the Bible. This English translation from Greek and Hebrew is the most printed book in the history of the world with over one billion copies in print.

The New International Version is the result of the study of a group of approximately one hundred Hebrew and Greek scholars representing more than twenty denominations. This team of scholars devoted ten years to complete the NIV translation. The goal of this committee was to faithfully translate the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic biblical text into clearly understandable English. The NIV is the most widely purchased contemporary Bible today.

The Amplified Bible is the result of the study of a group of Bible scholars who spent a total of more than twenty thousand hours amplifying the Bible. They believe that traditional word-by-word translation often fails to reveal the shades of meaning that are part of the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic biblical texts.

Any amplification of the original text utilizes brackets for words that clarify the meaning and parentheses for words that contain additional phrases included in the original language. Through this amplification the reader will gain a better understanding of what Hebrew and Greek listeners instinctively understood.

Several passages of Scripture are quoted in more than one topic. We have eliminated scriptural duplication as much as possible, but the content of some passages of Scripture necessitates this passage of Scripture being included in more than one topic. We believe you will see why we have done this in the passages of Scripture that have been categorized under more than one topic.

Father, we begin this book with a prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. We thank You for the magnificent Bible You have given to us. We pray that each reader will be absolutely certain that he or she will live eternally in the glory of heaven. We pray that each person reading this book will be greatly enlightened by the topical arrangement and explanation of Scripture in this book. We pray that many lives will be changed as the readers of this book carefully study the divinely inspired instructions and promises You have given to us in the Bible. Thank you, Father.

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# THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION YOU WILL EVER MAKE

Are you absolutely certain where you will go when you die? What will the place where you will live throughout eternity be like?

# Heaven

## Heaven is much more magnificent than you can possibly comprehend.

No one has ever seen or heard anything that can even remotely compare with the glory, beauty and magnificence of heaven. Our limited human vocabulary does not contain words that can even begin to describe the glory of heaven. Think of the most beautiful sight you have ever seen. The beauty of heaven far exceeds it. God Himself has prepared heaven for you. Heaven is the epitome of your Father's love for you. You will be in awe throughout eternity of the wonderful place your Father has created for you.

"...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Corinthians 2:9 KJV)

Everything in heaven is pure, wholesome, positive and uplifting. Nothing in heaven is evil or negative in any way. The influence of Satan that has been so predominant in the world in recent years will be completely absent in heaven. The presence of Jesus Christ brings purity and peace. Everyone and everything in heaven is perfectly clean, pure, positive and uplifting. Anything that was negative in any way during your life on earth will not go with you to heaven. After living in this increasingly evil world, you will be overwhelmed at the absolute purity that pervades heaven.

"There shall no longer exist there anything that is accursed (detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful, or horrible)..." (Revelation 22:3 AMP)

## Every person in heaven is completely selfless, kind and loving.

You will enjoy rich fellowship with the other inhabitants of heaven. No one in heaven is proud or self-centered. All of the misery caused by self-centeredness on earth will have disappeared. No one in heaven is lonely. You will enjoy a glorious reunion with all of your Christian loved ones and friends who preceded you to heaven. You will never be separated again. You cannot even begin to comprehend the glorious relationships that you will enjoy with other believers in heaven. All of the earthly imperfections that any of us have will be instantly cleansed when we arrive in heaven. The Bible explains this wonderful atmosphere when it speaks of the

"...spirits of just men made perfect," (Hebrews 12:23 KJV)

## You are a citizen of heaven. You will live there throughout eternity.

Every Christian is a citizen of heaven. Your home on earth is only temporary. When you arrive in heaven, you will have arrived at your real home. You will come home to a beautiful eternal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. You should eagerly look forward to living in the glory of heaven for all eternity. You will be living in a beautiful place with wonderful people. Jesus Christ will be there with you at all times. Everything in heaven is absolutely perfect.

"...we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven..." (Philippians 3:20 AMP)

## Jesus Christ has personally prepared your heavenly home for you.

Heaven is filled with beautiful homes. Your home will be more magnificent than you can possibly comprehend. Jesus has personally supervised the construction of the home where you will live throughout eternity. You can be assured that your heavenly home will be wonderful. No home on earth can even begin to compare with the home that Jesus has prepared for you in heaven. The following words that Jesus spoke to his disciples apply to you and your heavenly home. Jesus said,

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2 KJV)

## You will receive a glorious new body that is completely healthy.

Your earthly body is only temporary. The Bible refers to this body as a "tent." A tent is a temporary dwelling place. Your present body was designed for life on earth which is a temporary dwelling place. Your earthly body will be destroyed when you die. God has a permanent body for you in heaven. Any sickness that was in your body on earth will not go with you to heaven. Everyone in heaven will receive a body that is completely healthy. Your heavenly body will be like the resurrected body of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:20-21).

"...we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling" (II Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV)

## There will not be any death, sorrow, tears or pain in heaven.

The following verse of Scripture promises that God will "wipe away all tears." There is nothing in heaven to cry about. Death will have disappeared completely. None of the burdens of your life on earth will go with you to heaven. There will be no pain of any kind. Your life in heaven will be problem-free. You will never anguish or grieve over anything. Satan and his demons and the darkness that pervades the world will not be in heaven. Your happiest day on earth cannot begin to compare with the magnificent joy you will experience throughout eternity in heaven.

"...God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4 KJV)

## You will never struggle again. You will enjoy magnificent eternal rest.

When you go on vacation, you look forward to a quiet rest. When you are in heaven, you will enjoy a rest that is completely incomprehensible to the limitations of your understanding. Everyone in heaven will enjoy a supernaturally restful and relaxed life throughout eternity. Any struggles that you endured on earth will be completely behind you. Jesus has provided you with an eternal rest from the cares of the world. Everyone in heaven is filled with supernatural peace and joy at all times.

"...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." (Revelation 14:13 KJV)

## All of the questions you have ever had will be answered in heaven.

Every unanswered question that you had on earth will be answered in heaven. You will know and understand everything. Nothing will be withheld from you. You will have the same insight and knowledge that God has. Everyone in heaven lives in the awesome presence of God. When you are in God's presence, you will instantly understand everything that was a puzzle to you when you were on earth. The questions that you thought you would ask God will be answered immediately. You won't even have to ask them.

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (I Corinthians 13:12 NIV)

## You will join all inhabitants of heaven in continual praise to God.

Your heart will overflow with gratitude when you experience the awesome glory of living in heaven. You will thank the Lord and praise Him continually. You will not be able to repress the continual outpouring of praise and thanksgiving that will flow out of your grateful heart. Everyone in heaven is so exhilarated that they praise the Lord continually. The apostle John was supernaturally taken to heaven. Among the things that John described was the mighty and powerful worship he heard. You cannot begin to comprehend the magnitude of praise welling up from millions of people that will be so loud that it will sound like thunder.

"...a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." (Revelation 19:5-6 KJV)

## God will illuminate heaven with glorious and radiant light.

There is no darkness in heaven. Night does not exist. There are no cloudy or stormy days. There is no need for the sun or the moon. The glory of God will illuminate heaven at all times. Heaven glows with the radiance of God's glory. You will be continually aware of this luminous light from the moment you arrive in heaven. No matter where you live on earth or how wonderful your life may be, you can be absolutely certain that your best days are ahead of you.

"There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light..." (Revelation 22:5 niv)

For additional information, please see our book titled _What Will Heaven Be Like?_.

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Return to Table of Contents

# HELL

## Hell is a real place where people will suffer horribly throughout eternity.

You have just read many glorious facts about heaven. Heaven is a real place. Hell also is real. God prepared a place of eternal damnation and suffering for Satan and his fallen angels. The Bible refers to this place as hell, Gehenna, Hades, the lake of fire and Sheol. If you do not receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will suffer throughout eternity with Satan and his demons in hell. Can you even begin to comprehend how long eternity is? You must not suffer in this horrible place forever and ever. Jesus said,

"...Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41 KJV)

## Satan wants you to join him as he suffers in hell throughout eternity.

There will never be a release from the torment that the people in hell experience. Satan and his demons know that they will suffer in continual torment throughout eternity. Satan and his demons will do everything they can to deceive you so that you will join them in their eternal suffering. They will try to cloud your mind against the great scriptural truths that are presented in this book. They want you to think from a worldly perspective. They do not want you to even begin to comprehend the ways of God. You must not allow Satan to deceive you.

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

## The inhabitants of hell will suffer eternally in scorching heat.

Hell is excruciatingly hot and extremely unpleasant. The following verse of Scripture describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. This verse also is a picture of the eternal torment that awaits those who do not choose to trust Jesus Christ for eternal salvation. God never sends anyone to hell. You send yourself to hell. You will learn in the next topic titled ETERNAL SALVATION exactly what God requires of you so that you will not suffer eternally in this terrible place.

"On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot." (Psalm 11:6 NIV)

## The inhabitants of hell will live in darkness throughout eternity.

You have read in the topic titled HEAVEN that the glory of God illuminates heaven with beautiful light at all times. Hell is the opposite of heaven in every way. Everything in hell is pitch black except for the reflection of flames. Can you even begin to comprehend the horror of living throughout eternity in total darkness? Think how uncomfortable you are in a pitch-black room where you cannot see anything. Can you imagine being in an atmosphere like this throughout eternity? The Bible describes the inhabitants of hell as people

"...to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 13 KJV)

## People in hell would give anything for just one drink of water.

The following passage of Scripture explains the horrible anguish that a man named Lazarus suffered in the eternal flames of hell. Lazarus would have given anything for just one sip of water. You must not experience the constant torment of unbearable thirst throughout eternity. How can anyone deny the existence of hell when all of these specific facts are in the Bible? Hell is a real place. Jesus said,

"In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'" (Luke 16:23-24 NIV)

## The inhabitants of hell will suffer and be tormented forever.

These people will not receive any relief from their suffering. You have seen that everyone in heaven enjoys magnificent eternal rest. The inhabitants of hell will never rest. Jesus Christ has paid the price to set you free from this horrible existence. The following verse of Scripture uses the words "for ever and ever" when it refers to the endless torment that people in hell will experience. We pray that you will take these facts seriously so that you will not suffer eternally in hell.

"...the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name...." (Revelation 14:11 KJV)

## The inhabitants of hell will weep, wail and grind their teeth continually.

When Christians die, they go immediately to glory in heaven. When unbelievers die, they do not go to hell immediately. They remain in the grave or wherever they died until the day of judgment after Jesus Christ returns. They then will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (see the topic titled SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST). Angels then will transport all sinners to the fiery furnace where people who have not received eternal salvation through Jesus Christ will suffer throughout eternity. This furnace will be so hot that these people will continually weep and wail and grind their teeth. Jesus said,

"The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of offense [persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do iniquity and act wickedly, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42 AMP)

## You must understand that God actually sends angels to hell.

If you do not believe that human beings will suffer eternally in hell, you must understand that God actually will send angels who have sinned against Him to hell. This sentencing also will take place at the Great White Throne Judgment after the return of Jesus Christ. Satan once was an archangel in heaven. His demons once were angels in heaven. If God will send angels to hell, you must conclude that it is logical that human beings who have rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior will join these fallen angels in eternal torment in hell.

"...God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of gloom till the judgment and their doom." (II Peter 2:4 AMP)

## What exactly decides who will live eternally in heaven or hell?

Every person whose name is not recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life will suffer eternally in hell. You must make a decision for your name to be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. If you make no decision, you have made the decision to go to hell. If you are not absolutely certain where you will go after you die, you should carefully study the Scripture in the next topic pertaining to eternal salvation. Learn and obey these scriptural instructions so that you will live eternally in the glory of heaven instead of suffering throughout eternity in the lake of fire.

"If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15 NIV)

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Return to Table of Contents

# ETERNAL SALVATION

## Jesus Christ died so that you can live eternally with Him in heaven.

God loves you so much that He gave His beloved Son to die an agonizing death to pay the full price for all of your sins. Jesus Christ is your Redeemer. He shed His precious blood to pay in full the debt that you owe to God for your sins. You will live eternally in the glory of heaven if you admit that you are a sinner, and if you genuinely repent of your sins. You must believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the price for your sins. You must trust Jesus completely for your eternal salvation.

"...God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16 KJV)

## A good life is not sufficient to enable you to live eternally in heaven.

You have just read many facts from the Bible about the eternal glory of heaven and the eternal horror of hell. You must not make the major mistake of believing that you have lived a good life and that this good life will get you to heaven. This thought is a lie from Satan and his demons. Just the opposite is true. With the exception of Jesus Christ, no person has ever lived a life that is good enough to qualify for eternal life in heaven. Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following verse of Scripture. This word includes you.

"...all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23 KJV)

## If you sin once, you are just as guilty as someone who has sinned often.

You may have lived a clean and moral life that is primarily devoted to helping others. These good deeds are not enough to get you to heaven. Everyone has sinned. You must understand that God treats a person who has sinned just one time the same way that He treats someone who has sinned thousands of times. You are an imperfect human being who was born with a sin nature. Your life cannot possibly be good enough to enable you to live eternally in heaven. Jesus Christ is the only person who has ever lived a perfect life.

"...whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10 KJV)

## Jesus Christ paid an enormous price for you to live eternally in heaven.

Jesus Christ is the Messiah – the Savior of all mankind. The perfect Son of God Who never sinned has willingly paid the full price for all of your sins. The work of Jesus is complete. He does not need to do anything else. The heavy burden of all sin has been lifted from you. Jesus has done His part. You must do your part and receive by faith the enormous blessing from the tremendous price that Jesus has paid for you. Make the quality decision now to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. Live eternally in the glory of heaven instead of suffering eternally in the horror of hell.

"...Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18 AMP)

## Jesus became sin when He took all of the sins of the world upon Himself.

Jesus Christ actually became sin to pay the full price for your sins. Death by crucifixion was a horrible and agonizing way to die, but Jesus paid an additional price far over and above the physical price that He paid from dying by crucifixion. He paid this price so that you can live eternally with Him in heaven. The Bible explains that Jesus Who had never sinned took your sins and the sins of every other person upon Himself so that you can be saved from the price of your sins. Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. Live eternally with Him in the glory of heaven.

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:21 NIV)

## God was forced to turn away from His Son when He became sin.

God actually turned away from His beloved Son because Jesus had taken upon Himself the sins of the entire human race. While Jesus was dying on the cross, He was fully aware in the spiritual realm that His Father had abandoned Him. As Jesus took the full impact of the sins of the world upon Himself, His Father could not bear to look at the enormity of the price His son was paying. Jesus cried out asking why His Father had abandoned Him. The answer is that, because Jesus had become black with the sins of all mankind, God had no recourse except to turn away from Him.

"And about the ninth hour (three o'clock) Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?—that is, My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me [leaving Me helpless, forsaking and failing Me in My need]?" (Matthew 27:46 AMP)

## You did not earn and do not deserve to live eternally in heaven.

You did not earn and you do not deserve the magnificent eternal salvation that Jesus has provided for you. God gave His son as a gift. A gift is free – you do not earn it. Receive by faith the magnificent gift that Jesus has offered to you. God is perfect. No sin or darkness can exist in His presence. God made a way for you, a sinner, to come to Him. By His grace God has enabled you to receive the wonderful gift of eternal salvation if you have absolute faith that Jesus Christ has paid the full price for every sin you have ever committed.

"...by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

## There is no other way to heaven except through Jesus Christ.

In the following passage of Scripture, Jesus Christ clearly indicates that the only way to eternal life in heaven is through Him. If you trust in anyone or anything except Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, you will not live eternally in heaven. You will suffer horribly throughout eternity in hell. Do not buy into any of the lies that permeate the world today about any other way to get to heaven. Please highlight or underline the words "no man" in the following verse of Scripture. These words apply to you.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6 KJV)

## You must repent of your sins and completely change your ways.

Repentance means to turn away from sin and to be extremely sorry for your behavior. God will treat you as if you had never sinned if you repent of your sins and turn to Him with absolute faith that Jesus Christ has paid the price for all of your sins. You must admit that you are a sinner. You must be genuinely sorry for the sins you have committed. You must do your very best to change your ways. You will live eternally in hell if you do not admit that you are a sinner and if you do not repent for the sins you have committed. You must not pay this price. Jesus said,

"...unless you repent (change your mind for the better and heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), you will all likewise perish and be lost eternally." (Luke 13:5 AMP)

## Do not have a hard heart and look at the sacrifice of Jesus as foolishness.

The message of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ seems absurd to some people. These people do not understand that their minds have been blinded by Satan's demons. Satan's demons will do everything they can to deceive you so that you will suffer with them throughout eternity in hell. You must change any predetermined opinions that are opposed to these facts from God that you are reading about. What more can God do? He sent His beloved Son to die for you. He gave you all of these facts in the Bible. You must do your part. Make the quality decision to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior today.

"...the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (I Corinthians 1:18 NIV)

## Can you even begin to comprehend the gift that God is offering to you?

God made an enormous sacrifice by sending His only beloved Son to die on the cross and to become sin to pay the full price for all of your sins. If you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will not be judged for your sins. You will not live in eternal damnation in hell. If you refuse to trust Jesus completely for your eternal salvation, you sentence yourself to suffer eternally in hell. If you refuse to believe in the sacrifice that Jesus made for you, God will be very displeased with your rejection of His Son. Your hard heart will cause you to pay a horrible eternal penalty.

"...do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed." (Romans 2:4-5 NIV)

## Satan blinds unbelievers with a spiritual veil that obscures the truth.

The gospel of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ is hidden by a spiritual veil that Satan's demons attempt to draw across the minds of people who are lost. When the following passage of Scripture speaks of the "god of this age," these words refer to Satan. We pray that the scriptural facts in this book will penetrate the veil that blinds many people from understanding the good news of the gospel and receiving eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. You are reading glorious words of truth from God now. Believe this truth will all of your heart.

"...if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (II Corinthians 4:3-4 NIV)

## Satan's veil is removed when you turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.

The spiritual veil that has blocked you from understanding the things of God will be removed if you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. You then will be able to understand the truth about the magnificent price that Jesus has paid so that you can live eternally with Him in heaven. You will be able to understand the Bible. You will understand all of the scriptural truths in this book and much, much more. Satan and his demons no longer will be able to deceive you so that you will join them to be tormented eternally in hell.

"...whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." (II Corinthians 3:16 NIV)

## Almighty God actually is drawing you to Himself through Jesus Christ.

If you are considering receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior, you must understand that God Himself actually is drawing you to Himself. God knows everything about you. He knows what you believe. He knows how successful Satan and his demons have been at deceiving you. God knows everything about every person in the world (see the topic titled OMNISCIENT GOD). He knows all of your faults and shortcomings. He knows every sin you have ever committed. God is touching your heart right now as you read these glorious truths from His Word. Jesus said,

"No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me..." (John 6:44 AMP)

## Jesus will not reject anyone from living eternally with Him in heaven.

Jesus will accept you for eternal salvation regardless of the number of and magnitude of the sins you have committed. You can be absolutely certain that Jesus will not reject you. He says that He will never reject any person who comes to Him for eternal salvation. The worst sinner who has ever lived can live eternally in heaven through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Do not believe that you are such a sinner that you cannot live eternally in heaven. All of your sins have been cleansed by the precious blood that Jesus shed for you on the cross at Calvary. Jesus said,

"All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out [I will never, no never, reject one of them who comes to Me]." (John 7:37 AMP)

## Jesus said that you must be born again to live eternally in heaven.

What did Jesus mean when He said you "must be born again?" You were born once from your mother's womb. When you are born physically, you are a body and a mind. Your spirit has not yet become activated – it is dormant within you. When God draws you to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit activates your spirit and it becomes alive. In order to live eternally in heaven, you must be born spiritually by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior. The Scripture in the remainder of this topic will show you exactly what to do to live eternally in the glory of heaven. Jesus said,

"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:4-7 KJV)

## What exactly should you do to live eternally in heaven?

You must open your mouth and confess that you are a sinner. You must say that you repent of your sins and that you trust completely in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation. Some people believe in Jesus Christ in their minds, but not in their hearts. You must believe in your heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead and that He is your Savior. If you completely believe these facts in your heart and tell others of this belief, you are saved. You will not suffer eternally in hell. You will live eternally with Jesus in the awesome glory of heaven.

"...if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10 KJV)

## Today is the day for you to be saved and escape eternal suffering in hell.

You must not delay. You have just read all of the facts you need to know to escape the eternal horrors of hell and to live eternally in the glory of heaven. Do not procrastinate. Refuse to give Satan's demons more opportunities to deceive you. There is nothing more that you need to know. Please highlight or underline the words "now is the day of salvation" in the following verse of Scripture. Receive God's gift of salvation now. Today is the day of your salvation.

"...now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (II Corinthians 6:2 NIV)

## Everything will become new when Jesus Christ becomes your Savior.

Something very wonderful happens when you receive Jesus Christ into your life. You are not the person you were a moment before Jesus entered into your heart. You are a completely forgiven child of God. God takes who you were and touches you with His presence. He fills you with His Holy Spirit. This experience is the most exciting experience that anyone on earth can have. Your life will be transformed. You now are given the ability to understand the Bible that you could not understand before. You are able to enjoy a close and personal relationship with Jesus. Everything in your life is beautifully changed.

"...if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

If you have opened your heart to God at this time, please contact us and let us know so that we can welcome you into the family of God.

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# ADVERSITY

## God knows exactly what to do to bring you safely through adversity.

Do not despair when you face difficult problems that seem to have no solution. Jesus Christ already has paid the price to provide you with a solution to every problem you will ever face. Turn to your loving Father with absolute faith that He knows exactly what to do to bring you safely through all adversity. Believe that He will do whatever must be done, according to your faith in Him. Trust completely in God's knowledge, His ability and the absolute reliability of His promises.

"...the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials..." (II Peter 2:9 NIV)

## Severe adversity often will motivate you to increase your Bible study.

God knows that many people are not motivated to fervently study and meditate on His Word because everything is going well in their lives. Adversity often is required to give you the motivation to immerse yourself in God's Word. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you were given the ability to understand the great spiritual truths from the Bible that you could not understand before you were saved. Turn to the Word of God with great expectation. Follow the example of the psalmist who developed a deep love for and strong commitment to the Word of God as a result of being afflicted. He said,

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now Your word do I keep [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]." (Psalm 119:67 AMP)

## Seek God's power in the Bible whenever you face difficult problems.

Turn to the Word of God for help whenever you face difficult problems. God has given you the opportunity to receive help from His Word. He has provided supernatural power, strength, encouragement and clear direction. Study and meditate continually on God's Word. The psalmist repeatedly tells you how much the Word of God helped him when he was afflicted. God does not play favorites. He also will help you if you consistently study and meditate on His Word (see the topic titled WORD OF GOD). The psalmist said,

"I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word." (Psalm 119:107 KJV)

## Your Father instructs you to rejoice whenever you face difficult problems.

God's ways are very different from the ways of the world (see Isaiah 55:8-9). Your Father actually instructs you to rejoice and praise Him when you face adversity. He knows that everything will work out well if you obey His specific instructions and know and believe wholeheartedly in His promises. He knows that your patience and perseverance will increase significantly. He knows that you will mature and that your character will develop and be strengthened. The apostle Paul learned this important lesson. He shared this principle with the saints in Rome when he said,

"...let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity)..." (Romans 5:3-4 AMP)

## Strong faith in God will sustain you when you face severe adversity.

Your faith in God will not suddenly become strong when you face severe problems. When your heart feels crushed, you will have great difficulty rising above the adversity you face. You must develop a spirit that is fully exercised in prayer, in the Bible and in the fellowship and nurturing of other believers. Then you will stand strong. You should obey your Father's specific instructions to strengthen your faith in Him by staying close to Him and constantly studying and meditating on His Word. If you do this, you will develop a "strong spirit" that will "sustain you in bodily pain or trouble."

"The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble..." (Proverbs 18:14 AMP)

## Adversity can cleanse you and change you deep within yourself.

Your Father knows everything about you. He knows exactly what changes must take place for you to become what He desires you to become. His Word says that adversity can work in such a way that reacting to adversity according to His instructions can cleanse you from the evil influence of Satan and his demons. You should not fear adversity. You should believe that everything will work for your good if you react to adversity in completely obedience to the Word of God and with deep, strong and unwavering faith in God and the reliability of His promises.

"Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being." (Proverbs 20:30 NIV)

## God says that sorrow actually is better for you than laughter.

Most people know that laughter is healthy and good for them. Your Father says that "sorrow is better than laughter." Sorrow will help you to grow and mature if you react to adversity according to God's instructions. We all like to experience circumstances that cause us to laugh. God's perspective is much different from ours. Your Father tells you that sorrow can be better for you than laughter because, if you react to problems the way He instructs you to react, you will grow and mature. Your heart will rejoice.

"Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better." (Ecclesiastes 7:3 KJV)

## God wants your heart to sing with joy whenever you face adversity.

Your Father instructs you to look at all difficult problems with a high spirit of expectation. He wants you to react with joy because you can see past the immediacy of the problem. In any trial, your patience can be strengthened. You may have to wait much longer than you thought you could. You will see yourself becoming more like God. You will grow in godly character right in the midst of your trial. The goal is for you to become so complete in and through Christ Jesus that you are equipped and ready for anything you will ever face.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4 NIV)

## You can be certain that your Father is always with you in adversity.

Your Father wants you to be absolutely certain that you are not alone when you face difficult circumstances. If you react to this adversity the way He instructs you to react, He will bring you safely through the ordeal. Please highlight or underline the three times the word "through" is used in the following passage of Scripture. Meditate on this extremely important word. You can be certain that your Father is with you and that He will bring you safely through adversity if you persevere because of your deep and unwavering faith in Him.

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour..." (Isaiah 43:2-3 KJV)

## God provides a place of refuge and strength when you are in trouble.

Your loving Father repeatedly assures you that He is with you whenever you are in trouble. He will provide you with a spiritual place of refuge. He makes His mighty supernatural strength available to you according to your faith in Him. God has proven again and again that He is with you and that He will help you when you are in trouble. He has been with many people who were in trouble. He has proven that He knows exactly what to do. Refuse to be perplexed by the seeming severity of the problems you face. Trust God completely.

"God is our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 AMP)

## Thank God continually whenever you face difficult problems.

Your Father instructs you to bring to Him the "sacrifice" of thanksgiving even though you undoubtedly do not feel like thanking Him and praising Him when you face difficult problems. If your heart is breaking, you should thank God. Why wouldn't you thank Him if you are absolutely certain that He will bring you safely through whatever trouble you face? Make the sacrifice of thanking your Father when you face adversity instead of waiting to thank Him after He has brought you safely through the problems you face. God responds magnificently when you continually offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to Him.

"Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High, and call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me." (Psalm 50:14-15 AMP)

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# Aging

## You should offset the aging of your body by renewing your mind.

The following passage of Scripture explains how to overcome discouragement, physical fatigue and fear. You also are told how to offset the "progressive decay and wasting away" of your body. You are instructed to renew your mind in God's Word "day after day." The Bible is God's tool for maintaining health and fitness. As you age, the Word of God imparts life to every living cell in your body. God's Word feeds your spirit, your soul and your body. Do not miss one day of progressively renewing your mind with God's instructions and promises.

"...we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day." (II Corinthians 4:16 AMP)

## You can be tranquil and calm within yourself as you grow older.

If you want to live a long life, you should constantly learn from God's Word and do what God has instructed you to do. Bible study, Scripture meditation, obedience to God's instructions and steadily increasing your faith in God become vitally important as you grow older. If you consistently write God's instructions on your heart, you will be creating a long and peaceful life for yourself. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that continual Bible study and Scripture meditation will help you to enjoy a "life worth living." If you faithfully obey these instructions, you will be quiet and calm within yourself throughout the remainder of your life until you die.

"My son, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you." (Proverbs 3:1-2 AMP)

## You can learn how to continue to bear fruit in your life during old age.

You will continue to bring forth fruit in old age if you live a righteous life. If you do your very best to live in complete obedience to the Word of God, you will "flourish" as you grow older. You will be fruitful in everything you do. Your life will be vibrant. Christians who maintain a close and intimate relationship with the Lord throughout their lives are able to think clearly as they age. These Christians are much more likely to live a long, full and healthy life.

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green" (Psalm 92:12-14 NIV)

## You should teach younger people the great truths that God has given you.

As you grow older and the color of your hair turns to gray or white, you should pray continually asking your Father to guide you and help you to complete the assignment He has given to you. Ask Him to help you to pass on to the next generation the great truths you have learned during your life. Ask your Father to help you to show other Christians how they can utilize His spiritual strength and power in their lives. Show God's power through your yielded life. You should follow the example of the psalmist who said,

"...when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come." (Psalm 71:18 KJV)

## Your Father will carry you throughout the final years of life.

The same God Who has carried you from birth will carry you throughout the final years of your life. Is your hair white? If so, this promise from God definitely speaks to you. You can be certain that your Father will bring you safely through the final years of your life. Turn to Him with absolute faith that He will do what He has promised to do in this passage of Scripture. This promise that God made to aging Israelites also applies to every one of God's children today.

"...you who have been borne by Me from your birth, carried from the womb: Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you." (Isaiah 46:3-4 AMP)

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# ANGELS

## God has provided mighty angels to minister to His beloved children.

Have you asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior? If you have, you can be certain that your loving Father has provided mighty and powerful angels to minister to you. You can be assured that these angels are with you whenever you face difficult circumstances. Step out in faith because of your absolute certainty that God's angels will minister to you just as your Father has promised. Angels are spirits. You cannot see them with your natural eyesight, but you should know that they are in the atmosphere around you waiting to serve you and help you.

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14 NIV)

## Have faith that God's angels will guard you and protect you at all times.

You will receive protection from angels in direct proportion to your faith that God's angels will help you. Your Father has promised that angels will guard you and protect you in everything you do. These angels will protect you and help you according to your knowledge of God's Word, your faith in God and your words and actions when you face adversity. When you are in danger and you have faith in God, these angels will lift you up. They will protect you from danger. Personalize this promise from God. Know that angels are protecting you at all times. Speak and act accordingly.

"...he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11-12 NIV)

## What are you instructed to do to activate angels to minister to you?

Your Father has given you specific instructions telling you how to activate angels in your life. God's angels will be activated to help you when you consistently speak the Word of God because you have unwavering faith in God. If your heart is filled with God's Word as a result of consistent Bible study and Scripture meditation, the overflow of God's Word in your heart will continually pour out of your mouth (see Matthew 12:34) to activate angels to work on your behalf. If you obey these instructions, angels will immediately go to work to do whatever must be done to bring God's promises into manifestation in your life.

"...you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word." (Psalm 103:20 AMP)

## Believe that angels will react to your words just as they reacted to Daniel.

You have just seen that God's angels will work for you when you speak faith-filled words that line up with God's Word. Refuse to give in to fear. The Bible gives you an example of how angels will come to help you. You can see that angels helped Daniel who was an anointed prophet of God. Daniel prayed to God. The words that he spoke were heard in heaven. The angel who came to help Daniel told him that he came as a result of Daniel speaking the Word of God. Believe that God's angels will come to help you when you pray to Him with absolute faith in Him.

"Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words." (Daniel 10:12 KJV)

## If you truly fear God, a special angel will be with you and help you.

This book contains many promises of the blessings that you will receive if you truly fear God (see the category titled Fear of the lord). If you fear God, you revere Him and worship Him continually. Every aspect of your life revolves around your reverent awe for Him. If you truly fear God, a mighty and powerful angel will be with you at all times. This powerful angel will bring you safely through whatever challenges you face according to your knowledge of God's Word and your faith in God. Your words and actions should clearly indicate that you have absolute faith that angels are with you at all times to help you.

"The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." (Psalm 34:7 KJV)

## Angels are activated to help you when you pray with great faith in God.

Angels are activated by your personal prayers of faith and by the prayers of other people who are praying for you with deep, strong and unwavering faith in God. Believe that God will honor these prayers of faith and send one or more mighty angels to help you. Believe that your loving Father will help you when you face severe problems just as He sent an angel to help the apostle Peter when he was in prison and other people prayed fervently for him.

"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him." (Acts 12:5-10 KJV)

## God's angels will protect you as they protected Daniel in the lions' den.

The same God Who sent an angel to protect Daniel in a lions' den will send an angel to protect you according to your faith in Him. Daniel was imprisoned for violating a decree not to pray to any god except the King of Persia. King Darius imprisoned Daniel even though the king was sympathetic to him. God sent an angel to close the mouths of the lions in the lions' den where Daniel was imprisoned. You can see the mighty power of angels by noting that only one angel was sent to stop an entire den of lions from devouring Daniel.

"Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God." (Daniel 6:19-23 KJV)

## The mighty power of God's angels is beyond your human comprehension.

You must not underestimate the enormous power of angels. They are not little babies with a bow and arrow as they often have been depicted. Angels are awesome, mighty and powerful. The following passage of Scripture tells you of an angel who was so powerful that he caused a mighty earthquake to remove the boulder that sealed the tomb of Jesus. The soldiers who guarded the tomb were terrified when they saw the enormous power of this angel. Have absolute faith that your loving Father can and will send mighty angels to help you whenever you have reached the limitations of your human abilities and you need assistance from Him.

"And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men." (Matthew 28:2-4 KJV)

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# ANGER

## Mature Christians refuse to allow angry emotions to control them.

Mature Christians refuse to allow the temptation to become angry to dominate their minds and their hearts. They are able to remain calm and quiet when someone offends them. Your Father does not want you to be angry. He instructs you to overlook all seemingly unfair treatment that you receive from others. One of God's great secrets is the joy of passing over being angry even though you are certain that the other person is wrong. This glorious secret should be written on the heart of every Christian.

"The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression." (Proverbs 19:11 KJV)

## Listen carefully to what people say without responding angrily.

Please highlight or underline the word "everyone" in the following passage of Scripture. God is speaking to you. Do not become angry quickly. Listen carefully to what other people say to you even if you disagree with them. You should never respond quickly with anger. Your Father is pleased when you remain calm and quiet. Very few people listen carefully to others to hear what they really believe. You can only learn to listen to others if you remain quiet and really think about what the other person is saying. You can learn to not allow the emotion of anger to control you.

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19-20 NIV)

## When you are tempted to reply angrily, you should respond quietly.

Always speak softly when someone is angry at you. A soft response often will stop a quarrel that could escalate rapidly if you raise your voice. A heated response makes the problem worse. Many times you should agree to disagree with the understanding that true friends can disagree. You should learn to be the one who stops an argument before it starts. Not everyone can have a discussion where two people disagree. Only friends with deep trust that already has been established can enjoy this experience, each learning from the other and respecting the other without a trace of anger involved.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1 KJV)

## Remaining angry from one day to the next is a sin against God.

Becoming angry is not necessarily a sin, but remaining angry over a sustained period of time is a sin. You will give Satan a foothold if you remain angry. Rid yourself of all continuing anger before the end of the day. Anger can be a healthy emotion. Everyone should be angry at evil. Anger can lead to action which leads to change. However, anger that takes over the whole body is harmful to the person who is angry and possibly to other people.

"'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV)

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# BATTLES FOUGHT BY THE LORD

## You cannot fight difficult battles with your limited human abilities.

Your Father never intended for you to fight every battle with your limited human abilities. Sometimes you will face overwhelming odds. You must not give up. You can be certain that He is with you and that He will help you to fight the battles you cannot fight yourself. The same Lord God Who fought a very difficult battle for King Hezekiah will fight for you according to your faith in Him. Our God is faithful. Rest in your faith in Him.

"With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." (II Chronicles 32:8 KJV)

## You will not be afraid if you really believe that God will help you.

You can receive great encouragement from the following promise that God made to the Israelites. Believe that God will fight for you to win the battles you cannot win yourself. God never loses. If God is fighting for you, you win. The following promise that God made to the Israelites applies to you. You are a child of God. Your Father loves you very much. You must believe that He will do for you what He has done for people in the Bible who trusted Him to fight battles they could not fight themselves.

"When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." (Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NIV)

## Do not be afraid. Do not attempt to fight God's battles for Him.

When King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites faced armies that were overwhelmingly superior in size, God did not want them to give in to fear. God told them that He would fight the battle for them. The following words that God spoke to King Jehoshaphat apply to you today. You must not be afraid of whatever you face. Why would you ever be afraid if you are absolutely certain that God is with you and that He will fight for you? Trust God completely. Know that the battle is His battle, not your battle.

"And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's" (II Chronicles 20:15 KJV)

## Do you really believe that God will fight your battles for you?

Please highlight or underline the words "the Lord will fight for you" in the following verse of Scripture. Personalize this magnificent promise. Believe that the word "you" in this verse of Scripture applies to you personally. You must not make the mistake of thinking that you have to fight every battle yourself. This belief is a lie from Satan. Refuse to give up your peace because of the circumstances you face. Be calm, quiet and confident. Believe that God means exactly what He says. Rest in God, trusting Him completely to do for you what you cannot possibly do for yourself.

"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest." (Exodus 14:14 AMP)

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# CAST YOUR CARES ON THE LORD

## Give all of your troubles to God. absolutely refuse to take them back.

Your Father instructs you to be humble. He does not want you to think you have to solve every problem yourself. Your Father wants you to trust Him so much that you will cast all of your concerns on Him. Please highlight or underline the four times the words "all" is used in the amplification of the following passage of Scripture. There is no question that your Father instructs you to give all of your problems to Him and to leave them with Him. Absolutely refuse to take them back. Trust your loving Father to do what you cannot do yourself.

"...humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (I Peter 5:6-7 AMP)

## Your Father did not intend for you to carry heavy burdens by yourself.

Your Father consistently instructs you to give all of your burdens to Him. He wants you to trust Him completely to do what you cannot do yourself. He will bring you safely through whatever problems you face to the degree that you trust Him enough to give these problems to Him and refuse to take them back. As you develop more and more experience over the years of God seeing you through difficult times, you will trust Him much more to carry the loads that you cannot carry. You will gladly surrender your cares to Him. Trust God completely. Know that "He will bring it to pass."

"Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5 AMP)

## Seek God's will for your life. Trust your loving Father to help you.

The following verse of Scripture instructs you to "roll your works upon the Lord." Give the Lord the problems you cannot solve with your limited human abilities. Trust Him completely. Believe that He will cause your problems to come into alignment with His thoughts and plans for your life. As you immerse yourself in the Bible, your thoughts will be God's thoughts. Your thinking will line up with His plan for your life. Believe that what you are doing is in agreement with Him and that your thoughts, words and actions are part of His will for your life.

"Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed." (Proverbs 16:3 AMP)

## Refuse to hang on to problems. Release these burdens to the Lord.

The Lord will sustain you if you trust Him totally, completely and absolutely. He will not allow you to fail if you trust Him completely and refuse to give up. God planned for you to give your burdens to Him. He wants to take your crises and bring you through them. If you feel the weight of a problem that is too much for your limited abilities, you are attempting to carry what God will carry for you. Admitting that you need God indicates spiritual maturity. God will not allow you to fail if you have absolute faith and trust that He will sustain you.

"Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)." (Psalm 55:22 AMP)

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# ChildliKe Trust

## Children who are brought up as Christians learn to trust the Lord.

Children who are brought up in a Christian home learn the principles of trusting God from infancy. This is the way God has planned for each of us to live. If you have not been brought up in a Christian home and taught to trust the Lord since childhood, you have to make up for lost time. You should work diligently to learn and obey your Father's specific instructions to increase your faith in Him until you can trust Him with the simple faith of a little child (see the topic titled FAITH IN GOD). The psalmist said,

"For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you." (Psalm 71:5-6 NIV)

## You should learn to lean on God with simple childlike trust in Him.

The apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy spoke of being "acquainted with the sacred Writings" since childhood. Once again you can see God's plan for you to learn to trust Him from the time you are a little child. Children who are brought up to study the Bible will develop a solid foundation that will enable them to trust God completely. Please note the definition of faith in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture The Word of God will enable you to "lean" on God, trusting Him completely to meet every need.

"...from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]." (II Timothy 3:15 AMP)

## You can only enter God's kingdom through simple childlike trust.

You must have the faith of a little child to trust God completely. You cannot possibly understand God and His ways with the limitation of your human intellect and understanding (see I Corinthians 3:20 and Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith in God comes from your heart, not your mind (see Proverbs 23:7). This faith needs to develop steadily. If you have not had the opportunity to develop your faith in God since childhood, now is the time for you to work diligently to do what your Father has instructed you to do so that you will be able to trust Him with simple childlike trust. Jesus said,

"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." (Mark 10:15 KJV)

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# CHOICE

## Do not misuse the freedom of choice that god has given you.

God gave freedom of choice to every person He created. If God did not do this, we all would be robots. Unfortunately, many people use the freedom of choice they have been given to make decisions that bring problems into their lives. The following verse of Scripture speaks of "becoming a slave." Many people are enslaved by various forms of bondage because of the unwise choices they have made over the years. You should pray whenever you have to make a decision. Ask your Father to help you and to guide you to make the choice He wants you to make.

"Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power." (I Corinthians 6:12 AMP)

## The power of choice that you have been given should be an asset.

Once again, the apostle Paul stressed to the Corinthians that they could make any choice they wanted to make. You must be careful that this great freedom that God gave you when He created you is not misused. This passage of Scripture talks about how your choices can affect other people. You will pay a significant penalty if you consistently make wrong choices in regard to yourself and your relationship with others. You will be blessed by God if you prayerfully make choices that obey His instructions and if you are guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul said,

"...be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance..." (I Corinthians 8:9 AMP)

## God guides His children who fear Him to make the best choices.

Your Father knows if you fear Him. If you truly fear God, you stand in constant awe of Him. You revere Him and adore Him. You worship Him and focus every aspect of your life around Him. Your Father knows exactly what choices you should make. Throughout this book you will learn about the many benefits that are promised to you if you fear the Lord. God promises many different blessings to His children who fear Him. One of these blessings is guidance whenever you need to make a choice. God Himself will instruct you and guide you.

"What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose." (Psalm 25:12 KJV)

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# CLEANSING

## Purify yourself with a daily spiritual bath in the Word of God.

You undoubtedly cleanse your body each day by taking a bath or a shower. Your Father instructs you to cleanse yourself spiritually in His Word. Christians need to cleanse themselves of the "filthiness" that prevails in the world today. Paul teaches all believers to turn away from the world. You are God's child. Your Father lives in you and walks with you. Turn constantly away from evil. Turn toward God. Cleanse yourself by constantly focusing on your loving Father's instructions and promises. You will be perfected in holiness if you focus continually on God, fearing Him, revering Him and holding Him in constant awe.

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

## Will you be cleansed by God's Word or by going through adversity?

Jesus Christ is the Vine. You are part of the Vine. If you are not producing spiritual fruit in your life, God often will be required to cleanse you by cutting away and pruning you so that your life will produce more fruit for Him. Jesus teaches that every branch should bear fruit. You will find instructions in the Bible for every area of life. The Bible is a cleansing agent. If you constantly immerse yourself in God's Word, you will be like the disciples of Jesus who heard Him speaking each day – you will be "cleansed already." Jesus said,

"I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit. You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you]." (John 15:1-3 AMP)

## The Bible tells you what you should do to be cleansed spiritually.

The Bible is God's Book of Instructions for you. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that you will be cleansed by conforming your life to God's Word. You should yearn to constantly learn more from the Word of God. Each day of your life you should approach the Word of God with awe and wonder. The Word of God will cleanse you beautifully if you will get into it constantly and do your very best at all times to live in obedience to your Father's instructions.

"How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]." (Psalm 119:9 AMP)

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# CLOSE TO THE LORD

## God desires a close and intimate personal relationship with you.

Personalize the word "you" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father definitely wants to have a close personal relationship with you. If you do your very best to come close to God, the most beautiful experience on earth will take place. God will come closer to you. How do you come close to God? You come close to God by learning your Father's instructions each day and by doing your very best to obey these instructions. If you humble yourself before God each day, He will come closer to you.

"Come close to God and He will come close to you..." (James 4:8 AMP)

## God desires to come close to you in spite of your shortcomings.

Does the same God Who created the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars really want a close and intimate relationship with you? Does He desire a close relationship with you with all of your faults and shortcomings? The psalmist asked this question in the following verse of Scripture. All of the Scripture references in this topic will give you a resounding answer of "Yes" to this question. You are valuable and precious to God. If you are not certain that your Father desires a close and intimate relationship with you, meditate continually on the passages of Scripture in this topic until they fill your heart.

"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:4 NIV)

## God wants a close relationship with you if your heart is breaking.

Your Father wants to have a close relationship with each of His children. He especially desires to have a close relationship with His children who have a broken heart. If you are going through difficult times when everything that can go wrong seems to be going wrong, you should learn and obey all of the instructions in this topic. When your heart is breaking, your Father is faithful. You can experience joy in the midst of deep sorrow. Your loving Father yearns to hold you close.

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

## Some Christians do not enjoy an intimate relationship with God.

Even though God definitely wants to have a close and intimate relationship with each of His children, some Christians go day after day, week after week and month after month without yearning for a close relationship with God. Some people go through the motions of worship, but their hearts are not fixed on God. Their lives show that they neglect to learn and obey God's instructions. Religious activity may be entirely empty of a heart for God. You should place your precious daily quiet time with Him ahead of everyone and everything else. Your heart should yearn for a closer relationship with Jesus Who said,

"...This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." (Mark 7:6 KJV)

## You must understand that God is not far away. He is always with you.

Do not make the mistake that some Christians make when they think of God as a distant God Who is sitting on His throne in heaven. God is omnipresent – He can be on His throne in heaven and also be very close to you at the same time (see the topic titled OMNIPRESENT GOD). You can be absolutely certain that your loving Father is with you at all times – twenty-four hours a day, throughout every day of your life. No one is as close to you as God is.

"Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?" (Jeremiah 23:23 KJV)

## Your Father instructs you to seek Him ahead of everything else.

You will not find God unless you seek Him constantly. You must not be passive about your desire for a close relationship with the Lord. Study and consistently meditate on all of the Scripture in this topic. The following passage of Scripture says that God "is not far from each of us." You can be certain that you will "find Him" if you seek Him continually. Your Father wants you to "live and move and have your being" in Him. He wants every aspect of your life to revolve around your fervent desire for a closer and more intimate relationship with Him.

"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' ..." (Acts 17:27-28 NIV)

## Jesus Christ shed His blood so that you can draw close to God.

The fall of Adam separated every person who was born after that time (except Jesus Christ) from God. Even though you were far away from God before you received Jesus as your Savior, you do not have to stay that way. The shed blood of Jesus Christ has given you the precious privilege of drawing close to God. You must not take this privilege lightly. Be determined to obey all of the specific instructions your Father has given you so that you will enjoy a close and intimate relationship with Him.

"...now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13 NIV)

## Jesus gives insight progressively to help you know God more intimately.

Jesus Christ left the glory of heaven, came to earth and paid an enormous price on the cross at Calvary so that you can enjoy a close, personal and intimate relationship with God. The amplification of the following verse of Scripture instructs you to "progressively" draw closer to God. Meditate continually on the holy Scriptures. As you dig deeply into the Bible, God will progressively reveal Himself to you. Do not allow your relationship with God to stagnate. Constantly make a conscious effort to draw closer to Him.

"...the Son of God has [actually] come to this world and has given us understanding and insight [progressively] to perceive (recognize) and come to know better and more clearly Him Who is true..." (I John 5:20 AMP)

## A close relationship with God is an absolute necessity.

Some Christians do not have a close and intimate relationship with God. They either have a distant relationship or no relationship at all. Please highlight or underline the words "vital necessity" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture. You must understand the vital importance of a close relationship with God. Nothing else in your life is more important. You should not allow anything to come ahead of your fervent desire to continually draw closer to God. If you search for God "with all your heart," you will find Him.

"...you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP)

## Nothing should compare with your desire to draw closer to the Lord.

The Book of Acts contains several examples of the apostle Paul's commitment to Jesus. Carefully read Paul's words in the following verse of Scripture. Does your desire for a closer relationship with Jesus even begin to compare with Paul's desire? Paul understood that the ability to draw closer to Jesus is a "priceless privilege." Paul placed a high priority on knowing Jesus intimately and of progressively drawing closer to Him. Meditate on what Paul said. Paul had many accomplishments in his life. He considered all of these accomplishments as "mere rubbish" in comparison to his desire to know Jesus intimately. Paul said,

"...I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)" (Philippians 3:8 AMP)

## You should be determined to know Jesus more intimately.

You will make time for whatever is truly important to you. Is knowing Jesus more intimately more important to you than anything else? Spend time in prayer and in the Bible when you first awaken. Be still and listen to God. Praise Him and worship Him continually. The amplification in the following passage of Scripture says that Paul was "determined to progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted" with the Lord. Nothing came ahead of Paul's desire to draw closer to Jesus. Do you have a similar fervent desire to know Jesus more intimately?

"[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]..." (Philippians 3:10 AMP)

## Understand the absolute necessity of drawing closer to Jesus.

You must understand how inadequate you are in the spiritual realm if you do not have a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Please highlight or underline the words "vital union" in the amplification of the following passage of Scripture. Do not allow anyone or anything in the world to come ahead of your #1 priority of drawing closer to Jesus. Please highlight or underline the word "nothing" at the end of this verse of Scripture. This word tells you exactly what you can accomplish in the spiritual realm if you have not developed an intimate relationship with Jesus. Jesus said,

"...apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing." (John 15:5 AMP)

## What exactly are you instructed to do to draw closer to the Lord?

Please highlight or underline the words "obey His commands" in the following verse of Scripture. You must obey your Father's instructions if you truly desire a closer relationship with Him. You cannot obey God's instructions if you do not know exactly what your Father has instructed you to do. There is a definite relationship between studying, learning and meditating on God's instructions in His Word, obeying these specific instructions and constantly drawing closer to Him. Dig deeply into God's Word. Learn everything you can about your Father's instructions to you. Do what He instructs you to do.

"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands." (I John 2:3 NIV)

## You cannot have unwavering faith in God if you are not close to Him.

The longer you walk with God, the more assured you will be that He is working in your life. The entire nature of God is inside of you. The more you release of yourself to God, the more His nature is expressed in you and through you. Your faith in God will grow each day as you come to know Him more intimately. You do not trust people in the world wholeheartedly unless you have a close relationship with them. This same principle applies to your relationship with God.

"Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness)..." (Hebrews 10:22 AMP)

## Do you love Jesus with all your heart even though you have never seen Him?

Some Christians are blocked from trusting Jesus because they have never seen Him. Intimate love for someone you have never seen makes no sense at all in the natural sensory realm. You can only trust Jesus completely if you have learned how to come into the spiritual realm each day to constantly draw closer to Him. You can continually draw closer to Jesus without being able to see Him with your physical eyesight. Your heart will sing with joy regardless of the circumstances you face if you love Jesus totally, know Him intimately and trust Him completely.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" (I Peter 1:8 NIV)

## Do you know the secret of enjoying a close relationship with the Lord?

Throughout this book you will read several statements from the Bible that explain the many blessings you will receive if you fear the Lord. When you fear the Lord, you revere Him and worship Him constantly. You hold Him in absolute awe. Every aspect of your life revolves around His indwelling presence. If you adore God, you will know Him as your dearest friend. God reveals His secrets to His children who love Him and deeply desire to draw close to Him. The following verse of Scripture tells you that fearing the Lord is the secret of enjoying a close and intimate relationship with Him.

"The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him..." (Psalm 25:14 AMP)

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# COMFORT FROM GOD

## Receive comfort and encouragement from God through deep faith in Him.

When everything seems to be going wrong, you can reach out by faith to receive the comfort and encouragement that your Father promises to give you. Do you feel as though everything in your life is falling apart? Are you depressed? If these words describe you, turn to your Father with absolute faith in Him. He is with you at all times (see Isaiah 43:2). Trust Him completely. Know that He will comfort you. Meditate continually on encouraging promises from the holy Scriptures. Receive the help you need from

"...God, Who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed and the sinking..." (II Corinthians 7:6 AMP)

## Your Father will comfort you as a mother comforts her children.

Little children often turn to their mother for comfort when they face a problem. Children who are close to their mother receive great comfort from her. They are secure in their mother's love. Your Father wants you to know that He will comfort you just as mothers comfort their children. Your Father's love for you is much greater than any mother's love for her child. Instead of dwelling on whatever problem you face, focus on your Father's love for you (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD). Receive God's love and comfort with absolute faith that your Father always does exactly what He promises to do.

"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you..." (Isaiah 66:13 KJV)

## The Holy Spirit who lives in your heart is your comforter.

Jesus Christ comforted His disciples throughout His earthly ministry. When Jesus knew that the time was drawing near for Him to be crucified, He assured His disciples that God would send another Comforter to them in the form of the Holy Spirit. This same Comforter lives in your heart if Jesus Christ is your Savior. Carefully study the two topics titled HOLY SPIRIT and IN YOU – GOD LIVES IN YOUR HEART. Learn everything you can about the great comfort that is available from within yourself. Jesus said,

"...I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" (John 14:16 KJV)

## Learn how to receive the comfort your Father has provided for you.

The Word of God is filled with promises from God that will comfort you when you face severe adversity. You should study and meditate constantly on God's comforting promises. Spend quality time every day in the Bible. You will experience supernatural refreshing from the awesome power of the holy Scriptures. Refuse to focus on the problems you face. Focus instead on God and the many promises He has given to you. If you do this, you will be comforted and consoled in the midst of whatever adversity you face. Your Father will give you the same comfort the psalmist received from the Word of God. The psalmist said,

"This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life." (Psalm 119:50 AMP)

## Comfort and strengthen yourself with the Word of God.

When you cannot comfort yourself, you should turn to God for the supernatural comfort He has provided for you. Personalize the promises in this topic. Meditate on them again and again. Your faith in the comfort that God has provided for you will increase. You will be encouraged if you do this. God has provided supernatural comfort for you. You must do your part. You must continually pour comfort and encouragement from God's Word into your heart through consistent Scripture meditation. Reach out to God with faith to receive the comfort He has promised to you.

"Comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word." (II Thessalonians 2:17 AMP)

## Your loving Father will comfort you so you can comfort others.

Your Father knows exactly what you are going through. He is sympathetic. He has promised to comfort you. Reach out into the spiritual realm to receive the comfort God has promised to you with deep, strong and unwavering faith in God. As you receive your Father's comfort, you then are instructed to comfort others as God has comforted you. God often uses people to pour out His comfort to needy people who do not know how to receive comfort directly from Him. The more experience you have over the years of receiving comfort from God, the better you will be able to reach out and comfort others.

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV)

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# COMPASSION OF GOD

## God's compassion for you exceeds the limits of your comprehension.

The English word "compassion" comes from a Latin word meaning "to suffer with." Your Father knows exactly what you are going through. He has not forgotten you. He has tremendous compassion for you. A new mother has great love and compassion for the baby she is nursing. Your Father has even greater compassion for you. He is with you throughout every minute of every hour of every day of your life. Receive your Father's compassion and love through faith in Him.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15 NIV)

## Your loving Father continually releases His compassion to you.

God's mercy, love and kindness are much greater than you can begin to comprehend. Refuse to give up. Trust completely in the great love and compassion your Father has for you. Receive by faith the great stability that is available to you from God to help you go through difficult times. Your Father wants you to trust completely in His great mercy, love, kindness and compassion. God's love and compassion for you never fail. God promises to give you fresh compassion every morning of your life.

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV)

## Your Father's heart is filled with great love and compassion for you.

If you face difficult problems, you should meditate continually on Scripture pertaining to your Father's great love, compassion, kindness, grace and mercy. He does not become angry with you when you make a mistake. Please highlight or underline the two times the word "all" is used in the following passage of Scripture. God has great love and compassion for every person (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD). You should have a continual consciousness of your Father's great love and compassion. Trust Him completely to help you when you face seemingly difficult problems.

"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." (Psalm 145:8-9 NIV)

## Jesus understands and sympathizes with what you are going through.

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. He is alive. He lives in your heart. No matter what you face, Jesus knows exactly what you are facing. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus chose to use His humanity to receive the same power of God that is available to you. He could have used His power as the Son of God, but He set it aside so that you can learn the power of the Father that is available to you. Receive the compassion of God through absolute faith in God.

"...we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning." (Hebrews 4:15 AMP)

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# COMPLAINING

## When you complain, you actually are complaining against the Lord.

God knows exactly what you say whenever you gripe, grumble and complain. Please highlight or underline the words "against Him" in the following verse of Scripture. These words refer to the complaints of the Israelites against God when they were in the wilderness. If you complain, you must understand that you actually are complaining against the Lord. You weaken your faith in God if you complain. Instead of complaining, you should praise God and thank Him continually. Complaining displeases God. Praise and thanksgiving give Him great joy.

"...he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD." (Exodus 16:8 NIV)

## Your Father is not pleased with you if you complain against Him.

Please highlight or underline the word "displeased" in the following verse of Scripture. God was not pleased when the Israelites complained in the wilderness. You can be certain that your loving Father is not pleased if He hears you complain. Some people complain about the very circumstances that God has allowed to take place in their lives to teach them what He knows they need to learn. Many people complain because they are repeating what Satan's demons are whispering into their ears. You must not give Satan's demons a foothold to influence you to complain.

"...when the people complained, it displeased the Lord..." (Numbers 11:1 KJV)

## Do you like to be around people who grumble, gripe and complain?

Please highlight or underline the words "all things" in the following passage of Scripture. These words include whatever you are tempted to complain about, no matter how justified you might feel about your reason for complaining. Refuse to question God, no matter what challenges you face. Complaining comes between you and your relationship with God. Do you like to be around a person who grumbles and complains? God feels the same way.

"Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God]..." (Philippians 2:14 AMP)

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# CONFESSION – THE WORDS YOU SPEAK

## You must understand the immense power of the words that you speak.

Your tongue is very small compared to the size of your body, but this small tongue can wield immense spiritual power. God compares the great power of a small bit in the mouth of a horse to the power of your tongue. He compares the ability of a small rudder that controls a large ship to the power of your tongue. He explains how powerful forest fires are started by a small spark. You must not underestimate the immense power of the words that you allow to come out of your mouth.

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (James 3:3-5 NIV)

## You must not weaken your faith in God by the words you speak.

Many seemingly religious people harm themselves by the words that they consistently speak. Many pious people who believe they are very religious have no comprehension whatsoever that their religious beliefs are completely ineffective because of the words they speak. Carefully study and meditate on the facts from the Word of God in this topic. Learn about the immense spiritual power of the words that you allow to come out of your mouth. You soon will learn the only way that you can control these words in the face of severe adversity.

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26 KJV)

## Many people are trapped by Satan because of the words they speak.

The following verse of Scripture uses the word "snared." A snare is a trap that is used to catch small animals. In the spiritual realm, a snare is a trap that Satan and his demons set for you by attempting to influence you to speak words that are contrary to God's Word. Do not allow Satan and his demons to trap you with their lies and deceitfulness. Be determined that the instructions and promises in God's Word and the words that continually flow out of your mouth will be the same.

"Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth." (Proverbs 6:2 KJV)

## Do not speak superficial words that have no eternal significance.

Some people continually speak "godless chatter." They constantly talk about the weather, other people and things that are happening in the world. If you continually speak words that are spiritually insignificant, the cumulative effect of these words will be detrimental to you. The Scripture references in this topic clearly explain the eternal significance of the words that you consistently speak. You must not allow the precious God-given gift of speaking words to be wasted. Do not continually speak words that deny God and have no eternal value whatsoever.

"Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly." (II Timothy 2:16 NIV)

## You will be judged on Judgment Day for the words you have spoken.

You will be judged for the "idle words" that you consistently allow to come out of your mouth. The following words that Jesus spoke explain to you how important God considers every word that comes out of your mouth. You can be spiritually imprisoned by the words you speak. You also can be set free spiritually by the words you speak. If you can even begin to comprehend the immense power of the words you speak, you will study and meditate continually on the extremely important Scripture references that are contained in this topic. Jesus said,

"...I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV)

## Do not allow destructive words to come out of your mouth.

Human beings are the only species created by God that have been given the privilege of expressing their thoughts, emotions and desires through spoken words. You must not negate this precious privilege. Choose your words carefully. Thoroughly study all of the passages of Scripture in this topic. Carefully learn and completely obey all of the instructions your Father has given you pertaining to the words you speak. Program yourself with these instructions much as a computer is programmed. Fill your mind and your heart with these vitally important instructions from God. Choose to speak only words that will bring blessings to other people and yourself.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)

## Your words can save your life. They also can bring destruction on you.

The words that you consistently speak will directly affect the quality of your life. If you can even begin to comprehend the immense spiritual power of the words you speak, you will carefully study and completely obey all of these instructions from God. If you consistently speak words that do not line up with God's Word, you ultimately will bring severe problems into your life. Please highlight or underline the word "destruction" in the following verse of Scripture. If you "open wide your lips" to consistently speak words that do not line up with God's Word, you ultimately will bring "destruction" on yourself.

"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3 KJV)

## God tells you exactly what to do so that you will enjoy your life.

The following verse of Scripture explains the relationship between "enjoying life and seeing good days" and the cumulative flow of words that come out of your mouth. If you want to enjoy your life, you must "refrain your tongue from evil." You cannot allow Satan's demons whispering in your ear to have any influence over the words you speak. People who consistently speak words that do not line up with God's Word will not enjoy their lives. If you learn how to control your tongue, you will greatly improve the quality of your life.

"...he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile" (I Peter 3:10 KJV)

## Keep yourself out of trouble by obeying God's specific instructions.

Some Christians get into trouble because they do not know or do not obey the specific instructions their Father has given to them. One of the most common areas where Christians bring trouble upon themselves is by the words they speak. Please highlight or underline the words "keepeth his soul from troubles" in the following verse of Scripture. If you sincerely desire to achieve this goal, you must keep your mouth and your tongue. As you will see in the next verse of Scripture, controlling your tongue is not easy.

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." (Proverbs 21:23 KJV)

## You cannot control your words through sheer willpower.

Controlling the words that you speak, particularly when you face severe adversity, can be much more difficult than you may think. Please highlight or underline the words "can no man tame" in the following verse of Scripture. The words "no man" include you. No person can control his or her tongue through willpower. You must learn exactly what your Father instructs you to do to control the words you speak. You must obey these instructions. You must understand that the tongue you were born with "is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." You must learn how to avoid speaking words that are spiritually poisonous.

"...the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8 KJV)

## How can you control the words that flow out of your mouth?

How can you control the words you speak? Jesus explains that the words you speak actually are controlled by the amount of God's Word you have stored up in your heart. If you have faithfully studied and meditated on God's Word over a period of months and years, you will have a great deal of Scripture stored up in your heart. The words that you speak will be directly influenced by the abundance of God's Word in your heart. If you have not obeyed your Father's instructions to fill your heart with His Word, the words that you speak will be words that your Father does not want you to speak. Jesus said,

"...out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him." (Matthew 12:34-35 NIV)

## You must continually speak of your deep and heartfelt trust in God.

You have seen that there is a direct relationship between whatever you truly believe in your heart and the words that consistently flow out of your mouth. You cannot speak powerful words when you are under pressure if the Word of God is only in your mind. You must learn how to get the Word of God from your mind down into your heart. This goal can be accomplished through consistent Scripture meditation (see the two topics titled MEDITATION ON SCRIPTURE and HEART). You must believe that what you are saying will take place. The psalmist said,

"I believed (trusted in, relied on, and clung to my God), and therefore have I spoken..." (Psalm 116:10 AMP)

## Speak faithfully out of a heart that is filled with God's Word.

Your heart should be so full of God's Word that you will constantly speak words of faith regardless of the circumstances you face. This cumulative flow of faith-filled words from your mouth will have an enormous impact on your life. Increased faith in God comes from faithfully obeying your Father's instructions to consistently meditate on His Word. Studying the holy Scriptures gets the Word of God into your mind. Meditating continually on the holy Scriptures gets the Word into your heart. We pray that your heart will be filled to overflowing with God's Word and that the supernatural power of the living Word of God will continually pour out of your mouth.

"...he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully...." (Jeremiah 23:28 KJV)

## Boldly speak vibrant words of deep faith to every problem you face.

Jesus Christ instructs you to have absolute faith that He already has given you victory over every problem you will ever face (see the topic titled VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST). Jesus wants you to learn how to walk in victory over every challenge. He instructs you to speak directly to whatever problem you face with absolute faith that He has won a total victory for you. If you have consistently filled your heart with God's Word, you will not doubt for one moment that what you are saying will come to pass. Jesus said,

"...Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." (Mark 11:22-23 KJV)

## The words you speak should express your deep faith in Jesus Christ.

The words that continually flow out of your mouth should indicate the absolute faith that you have in the victory that Jesus won for you. When Jesus died on the cross, He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Jesus was given total power and authority over everything on earth (see Matthew 28:18). He gave this victory to you. Jesus has instructed you to learn facts from His Word that will guide you to continually speak in conformity to His Word. You then must do exactly what the Word of God instructs you to do to bring His victory into manifestation in your life.

"...we have a great High Priest Who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]." (Hebrews 4:14 amp)

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# CRITICISM

## Mature Christians do not make the mistake of criticizing other people.

God instructs you to not criticize other people. If you are critical of another person, you are judging that person. You are attempting to do God's job for Him. God judges people, not us. The word "derides" in the following passage of Scripture means to ridicule another person – to put that person down. If you do this, you "lack judgment." Instead of criticizing and judging others, your Father instructs you to "hold your tongue." If you do not have anything good to say about someone, you should not say anything. You should pray for this person.

"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue." (Proverbs 11:12 NIV)

## Jesus Christ warns you against being judgmental and critical.

God's laws of sowing and reaping apply to every area of your life (see Galatians 6:7-8). The laws of cause and affect are universal. If you consistently judge or criticize other people, this continued judgment and criticism will bring God's judgment on you. You decide the amount of judgment and condemnation you will receive by your judgment and condemnation of others. Mature Christians do not bring God's judgment on themselves. You must resist any temptation to judge and criticize others. Jesus said,

"Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you." (Matthew 7:1-2 AMP)

## Critical people often criticize their own shortcomings in others.

People who are critical often criticize others in the same areas where they feel inferior and inadequate themselves. People with low self-esteem often have a tendency to be critical. When they criticize others, they feel good because this criticism allows them to temporarily exalt themselves in their own estimation. Criticism allows Satan's spirits of fear to obtain a foothold in your life. Critical people always experience fear in their lives. Your Father instructs you to have faith in Him. Faith works by love (see Galatians 5:6). Criticism weakens your faith in God.

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." (Romans 2:1 NIV)

## Your Father instructs you to consistently lift other people up.

God instructs you to encourage others. Satan wants you to tear other people down. You continually decide whether you will obey God's instructions or give in to the influence of Satan's demons. You play right into Satan's hands whenever you criticize others. The Bible refers to Satan as an accuser (see Revelation 12:10). Criticism has its roots in pride. Satan's demons definitely want you to be critical. Your Father instructs you to stop being critical and judgmental. Your Father instructs you to help other people and to lift them up instead of blocking them through criticism.

"...let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother." (Romans 14:13 AMP)

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# DEATH

## You must understand that your death is important to God.

The following verse of Scripture says that your death is "precious" to God. Your Father places a high priority on the death of His children. The amplification in this verse says that death is "important and no light matter" to God. How can something that seems so bad to so many people actually be precious to God? All Christians should learn to look at death from God's perspective instead of looking at death from a limited worldly perspective. The remaining passages of Scripture in this topic explain why you should look at death with anticipation, not dread.

"Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones)." (Psalm 116:15 AMP)

## Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would win a glorious victory over death.

Isaiah prophesied more than seven hundred years before Jesus Christ rose from the dead about the great victory that Jesus would win over death. Isaiah said that Jesus would "swallow up" death. When something is swallowed, it is destroyed. Jesus destroyed death with the marvelous victory He won at Calvary. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that Jesus has "abolished death forever." Are you afraid of death? If you are, carefully study and continually meditate on the Scripture references in this topic. If you do, you will see death more and more from God's perspective.

"He will swallow up death [in victory; He will abolish death forever]." (Isaiah 25:8 AMP)

## Jesus Christ won a total and absolute victory over death.

The following passage of Scripture confirms the prophecy from Isaiah that you have just read. The words "swallowed up" also are used in this New Testament verse. The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that death was "utterly vanquished forever" when the victorious Jesus Christ rose from the dead. When something is vanquished, it is overcome. Jesus annihilated death. He took the "sting" out of death. Satan no longer has "victory" over you in the area of death. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you share in the total victory that He won over death.

"...Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished forever) in and unto victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (I Corinthians 15:54-55 AMP)

## The death of Jesus on the cross was a glorious triumph, not a defeat.

The following verse of Scripture enables you to look at death as God looks at death. Please highlight or underline the word "annulled" in this verse. When something is annulled, it is canceled – it is eradicated and done away with. Jesus canceled any power that death could have over you with His magnificent victory at Calvary. You must understand that death has "no effect" on you. Do not fear death. Look forward to your death. Continually study and meditate on the passages of Scripture in this topic so that you will be able to look at death from God's perspective (also see the topic titled HEAVEN). The Bible speaks of,

"...our Savior Christ Jesus, Who annulled death and made it of no effect..." (II Timothy 1:10 AMP)

## Jesus took away the power that Satan had over you through death.

Jesus went through death ahead of you. Because He did, He stripped death of the power that it once had over you. You must not allow Satan and his demons to influence you with the "haunting fear of death" that is mentioned in the following passage of Scripture. Satan holds many people in bondage to the fear of death throughout their lives on earth. Christians have been set free from the bondage of fear of death. If you will consistently study and meditate on these passages of Scripture pertaining to death and the Scripture pertaining to eternal life in heaven, you will have no fear of death.

"Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death – that is, the devil – and also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives." (Hebrews 2:14-15 AMP)

## Jesus took possession of the keys of death when He rose from the dead.

Many people are afraid of the unknown and the complete change that will take place when they die. Satan's demons prey upon this fear. They continually torment many people with constant thoughts of death. Are you afraid of death? Jesus spoke to you when He said, "Do not be afraid." Jesus "took the keys of death and Hades" away from Satan. Jesus went into Hades which was the place where dead people went before He rose from the dead. Jesus took control of death there. If you have been afraid of death, you should continually study and meditate on the Scripture in this topic. You will be encouraged. Jesus said,

"...Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Revelation 1:17-18 NIV)

## Your Father wants you to look at death from His unique perspective.

Please highlight or underline the word "gain" in the following verse of Scripture. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, death is gain. Your death will be a plus, not a minus. When Christians die, they immediately go to heaven which is much greater than anything you have ever experienced on earth. If you are sick and your body is wracked with pain, this pain will disappear. You will be completely healthy in both your mind and your body. Death seems bad to people in the world. From God's perspective, death is the best thing that can ever happen to a person. The apostle Paul said,

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21 NIV)

## Your life in heaven will be much better than your life on earth.

The apostle Paul, writing under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, said that dying and leaving this world to be with Christ is "better by far" than remaining on earth. Paul had a strong desire to leave the world, but he was totally committed to finishing the assignment that God had given to him. Death is not the end. Death is the beginning. You should look forward to living eternally in the glory of heaven. If you are drawing closer to the age when you are more likely to die, meditate continually on the Scripture in this topic and the Scripture in the topic titled HEAVEN. Paul said,

"I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Philippians 1:23-24 NIV)

## The day after you die will be the best day you have ever experienced.

Parents of a new baby are excited over the birth of their child and rightfully so. However, the Bible teaches that the day of your death is better than the day of your birth. If you are a believer, that day will be the last day of all sin, sickness, pain and sorrow that you will ever experience. You have much more to look forward to in heaven than you ever experienced throughout your life on earth. You should look at death with positive expectancy. The day that a Christian dies is the beginning of a glorious new life.

"...the day of death better than the day of birth." (Ecclesiastes 7:1 NIV)

## Death is a merely a shadow that has absolutely no substance.

The following passage of Scripture explains that death is a "shadow." A shadow under a tree has no substance. Death has no substance in the eternal realm. God emphasizes through repetition. The words "shadow of death" are used seventeen times in the Bible. Death is compared to a "valley" that you walk through. Jesus will be with you when you experience death. Jesus is your Shepherd (see John 10:11). He will comfort you. He will bring you safely through the valley of the shadow of death. The psalmist David said,

"...though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 KJV)

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# DOUBT AND UNBELIEF

## Unbelief turned an eleven day journey into a forty year ordeal.

Deuteronomy 1:2 confirms that the Israelites wandered around in a big circle in the wilderness for forty years when this trip should have taken only eleven days. Why did the Israelites go through such a prolonged ordeal? They suffered tremendously because they did not believe God. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that the Israelites did not "trust, rely on and remain steadfast" to God. Your Father instructs you to learn what His Word says, to obey all of His instructions and to trust completely in Him and all of His promises. Unbelief will make your life much more difficult just as it did for the Israelites. Moses said,

"...in spite of this word you did not believe (trust, rely on, and remain steadfast to) the Lord your God..." (Deuteronomy 1:32 AMP)

## You must not overestimate how much faith you have in Jesus Christ.

Can you imagine the disciples of Jesus Christ who had watched Him perform one miracle after another not having faith in Him? The following verse of Scripture says that they "believed not on Him." You must not allow your faith in Jesus to waver. If your faith in God is not increasing, it is decreasing – your faith in God never stays the same. Continually study and meditate on the scriptural facts in the topic titled FAITH IN GOD. Obey your Father's instructions for increasing your faith in Him. Do not allow unbelief to obtain a foothold in your life.

"...though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him..." (John 12:37 KJV)

## Do not be a "Doubting Thomas" who has to see before he believes.

The disciple Thomas often has been referred to over the years as "Doubting Thomas" because he doubted Jesus Christ. When Thomas was told that Jesus had been raised from the dead, he refused to believe this news unless he could see Jesus with his own eyes. Jesus appeared to Thomas and told him to see for himself. The words "stop doubting and believe" also apply to you today if Satan's spirits of doubt and unbelief have obtained a foothold in your life. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Would your faith in Jesus qualify to enable you to receive this blessing (see II Corinthians 5:7)?

"...he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."" (John 20:27-29 NIV)

## Unbelief is so powerful that it blocked the mighty power of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was blocked from performing healing miracles by the doubt and unbelief of the people in His home town of Nazareth. The doubt and unbelief of people who had known Him for many years blocked them from receiving great blessings from Jesus. Please highlight or underline the words "could not" in the following passage of Scripture. These words will show you how powerful unbelief can be. Jesus was "amazed" at the unbelief of the citizens of Nazareth. You must not make the same mistake and block Jesus in your life because of doubt and unbelief in your heart.

"Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith." (Mark 6:1-6 NIV)

## God has specifically warned you against the sin of unbelief.

There is no question that many of God's children block their loving Father from blessing them because of doubt and unbelief in their hearts. The words "Take heed, brethren" in the following verse of Scripture are a warning from God to you. Your Father warns you that you must not have "an evil heart of unbelief" that will cause you to move away from Him. The word "evil" refers to the influence of Satan. Do not allow Satan's demons to put thoughts of unbelief into your mind. Obey God's specific instructions to steadily increase your faith in Him (see the topic titled FAITH IN GOD).

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." (Hebrews 3:12 KJV)

## Christians who do not believe God actually call Him a liar.

No Christian would actually call God a liar, but you actually are calling your Father a liar if you do not believe that He will do exactly what the Bible says He will do. Study and meditate on the Scripture references in the topic titled RELIABILITY OF SCRIPTURAL PROMISES. Your Father wants you to know exactly what He has promised to do. God is not a liar. He wants you to be absolutely certain that He always does exactly what He says He will do. The only variable is on your part. Believe that God will do what He says. Do not doubt God or the reliability of His promises.

"...He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar..." (I John 5:10 KJV)

## You will not receive blessings from your Father if you doubt Him.

Your Father loves you unconditionally. He wants to bless you abundantly. Please highlight or underline the words "you must believe and not doubt" in the following passage of Scripture. These words refer to the way you should pray. Christians who doubt are double-minded. They are like a wave in the ocean that is blown by a strong wind. They go back and forth. They believe for awhile. Then they doubt for awhile. Double-minded Christians are "unstable." They will not receive an answer from God when they pray. Your Father does not want you to doubt Him at any time. He wants you to be constant in your faith in Him.

"...when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:6-8 NIV)

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# EVANGELISM

## You must understand the vital importance of sharing Jesus Christ.

Please highlight or underline the word "strive" in the following verse of Scripture. When you strive to do something, you work diligently at the task at hand. You know people who are unbelievers. Go back and read the Scripture in the topic titled HELL at the beginning of this book. Do these unbelievers really understand the eternal torment they will experience if they do not receive Jesus Christ as their Savior? Do not be timid about sharing Jesus. Give each of these unbelievers a copy of this book. Encourage them to read pages 25 to 49. Pray consistently that God will draw them to come to Jesus.

"[Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the] fire..." (Jude 23 AMP)

## Pray that God Himself will draw these unbelievers to Jesus Christ.

Ask God to help you to share Jesus with your unbelieving friends and loved ones. No one comes to Jesus Christ for eternal salvation unless God Himself draws that person to Jesus. You can talk until you are blue in the face to no avail unless God is moving on the heart of the person you are sharing Jesus with. We recommend a daily prayer list that contains the name of every person you know who is an unbeliever. Pray consistently, asking God to draw each of these unbelievers to Jesus for eternal salvation. Jesus said,

"No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me..." (John 6:44 AMP)

## Jesus is coming soon. Share Jesus with every unbeliever you know.

Meditate on the Scripture contained in the topic titled LAST DAYS. There is no question that we are living the last days before the return of Jesus Christ. Study and meditate on the Scripture in the topic titled SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST. Focus on the enormous penalty that unbelievers will pay if they do not repent and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. The stakes are huge. Do you have a sense of urgency that time is short? Now is the time for you to turn away from all timidity to share Jesus boldly with every unbeliever you know. Jesus said,

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35 KJV)

## You will be honored in heaven if you lead many people to Christ.

You cannot do anything in your life that is more important than to consistently share Jesus Christ with others. If you love God with all of your heart, you cannot help but share Him with others. Is evangelizing high on your priority list? If you are completely committed to sharing Jesus with as many people as possible, your priorities are exactly what your Father wants – you are "wise." You are not spending your time and energy on projects that have little or no eternal significance. If you "lead many to righteousness," you will shine like a star in heaven throughout eternity.

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever." (Daniel 12:3 KJV)

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# FAITH IN GOD

## You cannot please God if you do not have deeply rooted faith in Him.

Please highlight or underline the word "impossible" in the following verse of Scripture. You can do your best to please God by many things you do, but all of these attempts are of no consequence if you do not trust God completely. Are you a parent? Think how you would feel if your children did not trust you. Your Father feels the same way. He has instructed you to study His Word consistently to learn what He has promised to do. He then wants you to have absolute faith that He will do exactly what He has promised.

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

## Lean on God, trust Him and put all of your confidence in Him.

Your Father instructs you to trust Him so much that you will lean on Him. You should trust Him completely to hold you up and to bring you through whenever your human abilities are insufficient to overcome a difficult problem. If you consistently learn and obey the specific instructions in the Bible that tell you how to increase your faith in God, you will be blessed. This topic contains numerous scriptural instructions pertaining to faith in God. If you continually study and meditate on these facts from God, your faith in God will steadily increase.

"...whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord – happy, blessed, and fortunate is he." (Proverbs 16:20 AMP)

## Your Father wants your life to revolve around your faith in Him.

The word "just" in the following verse of Scripture applies to you if Jesus Christ is your Savior. Your Father instructs you to "live by faith." He does not want your words or actions to ever indicate that you do not trust Him completely. If you really trust God, you will live by faith. Your faith in God will be deep, strong, absolute and unwavering. You will never "draw back." If you do draw back, this action clearly indicates that you do not trust God. This lack of faith disappoints God. Whatever the circumstances, you should always keep moving forward, trusting completely in God.

"...the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38 KJV)

## Faith in God is completely independent of circumstances.

If you trust completely in God, the circumstances you face will not deter you. You must not live "by sight." Your Father has instructed you to always react based upon your knowledge of and faith in Him and His promises instead of reacting to the circumstances you face. Your Father does not want you to focus on the problems you face. He consistently instructs you to focus on Him at all times, trusting Him completely.

"We live by faith, not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7 NIV)

## Begin by trusting God for the small everyday needs in your life.

If you will persevere in faith for little things, your faith in God will increase to the degree where you will be able to trust Him completely to meet major needs. Faith in God grows progressively. If you consistently obey your Father's instructions to increase your faith in Him, your faith will grow steadily. Each time you trust God to meet relatively small everyday needs in your life and He honors this faith in Him, your faith in God will increase incrementally. As this process continues over a period of months and years, your faith in God will steadily increase. Jesus said,

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much..." (Luke 16:10 KJV)

## What has God provided as the solid foundation to build your faith on?

The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that the Word of God should be "the basis and object of your faith." Your faith in God will increase steadily if your eyes, your ears, your mind, your heart and your mouth are consistently filled with the supernatural living Word of God. Your Father instructs you to study His Word daily and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures. If you faithfully obey these instructions, your heart will be filled with God's Word. The overflow of God's Word in your heart will pour out of your mouth continually. You will take action based upon your faith in God.

"...The Word (God's message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith..." (Romans 10:8 AMP)

## Your faith in God will increase from hearing the Word of God.

Please highlight or underline the word "hearing" in the following verse of Scripture. Your faith in God will increase if you hear anointed preachers and teachers preaching and teaching from God's Word. However, we can tell you from many years of experience that your faith in God will increase much more when your ears consistently hear your mouth boldly speaking the Word of God. When you meditate on the holy Scriptures, you should speak God's Word. Your Father has instructed you to meditate day and night on His Word (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3). If you obey these instructions, your ears will consistently hear your mouth speaking God's Word.

"...faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17 NIV)

## Your faith in God should be deeply rooted and continually increasing.

Hurricanes and other severe storms often rip up trees with shallow roots. Only trees that have deep roots are able to withstand a ferocious storm. This same principle applies to your faith in God. Shallow faith will not withstand severe adversity. Deeply rooted faith in God is required to withstand the most difficult storms in your life. Some Christians spend too much time in worldly activities when they should spend much more time steadily increasing their faith in God through continual Scripture meditation. You should consistently learn and obey your Father's specific instructions to increase your faith in Him.

"As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith..." (Colossians 2:6-7 AMP)

## Will your faith in God pass the tests caused by severe adversity?

The following passage of Scripture instructs you to "greatly rejoice" when trials and tribulations come upon you. Sometimes God allows adversity to come into your life to show you that you need to increase your faith in Him. Your faith in God is more precious to your Father than pure gold is here on earth. Why should God do what He promises to do for Christians who do not know His promises and do not believe that He will do exactly what He promises to do? You will be blessed at the judgment seat of Christ.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (I Peter 1:6-7 NIV)

## You should have unwavering faith in your loving Father at all times.

Your faith in God should be so strong that it will not waver, regardless of the circumstances you face. When Abraham was one hundred years old and his wife Sarah was ninety, God told Abraham that Sarah would give birth to a son. Even though what God told Abraham seemed to be completely impossible, Abraham's faith in God did not waver in the slightest. Abraham praised God, thanked Him and believed that Sarah would give birth to a baby boy. Your Father wants you to spend so much quality time with Him that you will trust Him completely.

"...being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." (Romans 4:19-21 KJV)

## You should be absolutely certain that your Father will help you.

The following verse of Scripture consists of words spoken by Jesus Christ prophetically through the prophet Isaiah. Jesus knew that God would help Him throughout His earthly ministry. He refused to waver in His faith in His Father. Jesus "set His face like a flint." A flint is an extremely hard and unyielding rock. Your Father will help you (see the topic titled HELP YOU – GOD WILL). He wants your faith in Him to be unyielding and unwavering because of your absolute certainty that He will bring you safely through every ordeal, according to your faith in Him.

"...the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed." (Isaiah 50:7 KJV)

## You should trust God completely. Do not be afraid of anything.

You should not be afraid when you face circumstances that would cause many people to be paralyzed with fear. When Jesus spoke to a man named Jairus who had just been told that his daughter had died, He gave this man advice that applies to you whenever you face problems that seem overwhelming. Instead of giving in to fear, Jesus has instructed you to believe completely in Him. Your heart should be so full of God's supernatural Word that you will trust Him completely. Jesus said,

"...Be not afraid, only believe." (Mark 5:36 KJV)

## Focus on the great things God has done in your life in the past.

One of the best ways to persevere with unwavering faith in God is to remember the times in the past when your Father has brought you safely through difficult problems. If you have not been a Christian long enough to have received these blessings from God, meditate on factual stories from the Bible that explain how God has brought other people through problems that seemed to have no solution. The same God Who has brought you safely through adversity in the past and has helped many people in the Bible will bring you safely through whatever you face today. Trust God completely.

"Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced" (I Chronicles 16:12 NIV)

## Why did a boy named David defeat the mighty giant goliath?

You should follow the example of a young boy named David who did not waver in his faith in God when he faced the mighty giant Goliath. David had absolute faith that the same God Who previously had delivered him from a fierce lion and from a powerful bear would give him victory in this seemingly impossible situation. Each time that God brings you through a difficult problem, you, like David, will have a reservoir of past success to draw upon. Study and meditate on the great story of David and Goliath. Read the entire fifteenth chapter of I Samuel. You will be encouraged to be like David who said,

"The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine..." (I Samuel 17:37 NIV)

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# FAMILY OF GOD

## You are either a member of the family of God or the family of Satan.

Every person is born separated from God. You came into the world as a member of the family of Satan. Jesus Christ has made it possible for you to be a member of the family of God. If you choose to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and receive Him as your Savior, you become a member of the family of God. People who do evil things and have no desire to yield their lives to God are not members of the family of God. You decide which family you will be a member of.

"...it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children..." (I John 3:10 AMP)

## Every father receives the title of father because of Father God.

The father of every family on earth receives his title of father from the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each day of your life you should follow the example of the apostle Paul and submit your life to your loving Father. No human father has ever loved his children the way your Father loves you (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD). Christians have been given the opportunity for a close and intimate relationship with their Father (see the topic titled CLOSE TO THE LORD). Each day of your life, your first priority should be to draw closer to your Father. Paul said,

"...I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name]." (Ephesians 3:14-15 AMP)

## You become a child of God when you receive Jesus as your Savior.

Every person who receives Jesus Christ as his or her Savior and believes in His name becomes a child of God. You were not a child of God when you were born from human parents. You have been given the opportunity to become a child of God because of the enormous sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for you at Calvary. You were born into the world when your mother gave birth to you. You receive a supernatural spiritual birth when Jesus becomes your Savior and you are born of God. Your spirit is made alive through Jesus Christ.

"...to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." (John 1:12-13 NIV)

## Your faith determines whether you are a member of the family of God.

The Bible contains many facts pertaining to the family of God. God's grace enables you to become a member of His family. If you truly believe that Jesus Christ paid the full price for your sins, you must tell others that He is your Savior (see Romans 10:9-10). You then become a member of the family of God. If you have any doubt, meditate often on these passages of Scripture pertaining to the family of God. You must be absolutely certain at all times that Almighty God truly is your loving Father and that you actually are His beloved child.

"...ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26 KJV)

## Your Father's love for you is much greater than you can comprehend.

God loves you so much that He has made it possible for you to become His beloved child. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you should always be conscious of the undeniable fact that you are a beloved child of Almighty God. Every aspect of your life should revolve around your absolute certainty that God Himself is your loving Father and that you are His beloved child. You should be completely secure in your Father's love for you (see the topic titled SECURITY COMES FROM GOD). If you have any doubt, focus continually on Scripture pertaining to your Father's great love for you (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD).

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him" (I John 3:1 NIV)

## Do you understand why Jesus Christ had to be born of a virgin?

Jesus had to be born of a human woman who was a virgin so that He would not be a descendant of Adam. All descendants of Adam inherit his sin nature. Jesus did not inherit the sins of Adam because he was born of the virgin Mary (see Matthew 1:18-25). He therefore was able to purchase your freedom by becoming a sacrifice to atone for all of your sins so that you can become a son or daughter of God. Jesus has made it possible for you to be fully recognized in the spiritual realm as a member of the family of God.

"...when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)

## You have been changed from a foreigner to a child of God.

Every person originally was a "stranger and foreigner" who was born separated from God because of the sin of Adam. God has made it possible for you to become a member of His family. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you are not an outsider any more. You are a beloved member of the family of God. As you study and meditate on this Scripture pertaining to the family of God, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you that you really are a beloved child of God. He will help you to understand that you have been given the ability to approach God and to come into His presence.

"...through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:18-19 KJV)

## Deep love and reverence will fill you as you cry "Abba, Father."

If you have asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior, the Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your heart. Some people have a difficult time understanding that they really are a child of God. The Holy Spirit will help you to understand that God really is your loving Father. The Hebrew word "Abba" in the following passage of Scripture is similar to the English word "Daddy." Your Father wants you to continually reach out to Him with love and trust just as children reach out to trust their daddy who has consistently shown his love for them.

"...ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

## God wants to be your Father. He wants you to be His beloved child.

Some people have never had a loving relationship with their human father. Every person has been given the opportunity to have a loving Father. The following verse of Scripture explains that God is your Father and that you are His child. You should not have any pride whatsoever because God is your Father. You should be very humble because this privilege has been given to you by God's grace. When you are absolutely certain that Almighty God really is your loving Father, you will be much more inclined to turn to Him. Meditate often on the Scripture in this topic so that you will be completely secure in your Father's love.

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (II Corinthians 6:18 NIV)

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# FEAR

## Your Father does not want you to be afraid of anyone or anything.

God uses repetition for the purpose of emphasis. He has told you more than three hundred times in the Bible that He does not want you to be afraid. Fear has a spiritual source because the Bible speaks of "the spirit of fear." A significant amount of fear comes from Satan. Satan and his demons will do everything they can to attempt to influence you to be afraid. Your Father has given you spiritual authority over Satan (see Luke 10:19). Refuse to accept fearful thoughts. Center your life instead around the "power, love and sound mind" that God has given you.

"...God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7 KJV)

## you must understand that fear is as contagious as a contagious disease.

Sometimes you cannot avoid contact with fearful people. However, if you do have a choice, you should do your best not to consistently expose yourself to people who tend to be afraid. The following verse of Scripture says that a fearful man should go back to his house so that other people will not be afraid as he is. Fear is contagious. Faith also is contagious. Instead of exposing yourself to fear, you should expose yourself as often as possible to other Christians who have deep, strong and unwavering faith in God. Do your best to consistently increase your faith in God (see the topic titled FAITH IN GOD).

"...What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart." (Deuteronomy 20:8 KJV)

## Whatever you are consistently afraid of will come into your life.

Job, who did an excellent job in most instances of dealing with adversity, explained that he sometimes experienced fearful thoughts because he focused on what he was afraid of. Fear is like a magnet. If you are consistently afraid, you will bring whatever you are afraid of into manifestation in your life. You will not live in the supernatural peace that Jesus Christ has provided for you. You will not rest in God. You will not give in to fear if you will meditate on Scripture from the topics titled PEACE OF GOD, QUIET CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD and REST OF GOD. Job said.

"What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil." (Job 3:25-26 NIV)

## Why would you ever be afraid if you are certain that God is with you?

God spoke directly to Joshua telling him that he should not be afraid because He was with him at all times. God gave this message to Joshua because he was young and relatively inexperienced when he replaced Moses as the leader of Israel. God knew that Joshua believed he was unprepared for this awesome responsibility. This instruction that God gave to Joshua many years ago applies to you today. Why would you ever be afraid of anything if you are absolutely certain that God lives in your heart (see the topic titled IN YOU – GOD LIVES IN YOUR HEART).

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9 KJV)

## God is always with you and will strengthen and help you.

Your loving Father has told you that you should not be afraid of anyone or anything because He is always with you. If your human abilities are insufficient to solve a difficult problem, you should trust God to strengthen you (see the topic titled STRENGTH FROM GOD). Your Father has promised that He will help you (see the topic titled HELP YOU – GOD WILL). God's promises are completely reliable. You should be absolutely certain that God is with you at all times. He will strengthen you and help you according to your faith in Him. Do not be afraid.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10 KJV)

## Your Father does not want you to be afraid of other human beings.

If you are absolutely certain that the same God Who created all human beings is with you at all times, why would you ever be afraid of any person? You should rely continually on God instead of allowing another human being who was created by God to cause you to be afraid. Focus continually on God. Meditate day and night on His Word. Praise Him and thank Him. Trust God completely. Draw closer to Him during your daily quiet time with Him. If you do these things that God has instructed you to do, you will be like the psalmist David who said,

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4 NIV)

## Your Father instructs you to laugh at the problems you face.

Eliphaz was a friend of Job who was mature in his faith in God. Eliphaz instructed Job to laugh at the difficult problems he faced. He told Job that he should not be afraid of any human being. These same instructions apply to you today. Jesus Christ has given you a total, complete and absolute victory over every problem you will face (see the topic titled VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST). Meditate continually on these great spiritual truths. Trust completely in Jesus to give you manifestation of the victory He won for you. Laugh at the problems you face.

"At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the living creatures of the earth." (Job 5:22 AMP)

## Focus on God and His Word. Absolutely refuse to give in to fear.

Please highlight or underline the words "everlasting remembrance" in the following passage of Scripture. Your Father instructs you to focus on Him at all times. You will not be afraid of bad news if "your heart is fixed." The words "evil tidings" imply that Satan's evil spirits will attempt to get into your mind and your heart with a spirit of fear. Refuse to listen to them. Your heart should be so full of God's Word that you will trust God completely. You will be like the psalmist who said,

"...the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid..." (Psalm 112:6-8 KJV)

## Perfect love will enable you to be completely free from fear.

Difficult times lie ahead of us. Jesus said that fear will run rampant throughout the earth as the day of His return draws closer (see Luke 21:26). The following verse of Scripture tells you that you can live without fear and dread of the future. Perfect love is the key to completely overcoming fear in your life. As you grow and mature in God's love, fear will not dominate your life. We now are ready to study what the Bible says about love being perfected in your life.

"There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]." (I John 4:18 AMP)

## Obey your Father's instructions pertaining to perfect love.

The following passage of Scripture tells you that "God is love." The words "God" and "love" are interchangeable. Your Father wants you to place all of your faith in Him and His supernatural love for you. Study and meditate on the Scripture in the topic titled LOVE OF GOD. Your Father instructs you to "dwell and continue" in absolute certainty of His great love for you. The amplification in the following passage of Scripture speaks of "union and communion" with God. If you continually draw closer to God, His love will be perfected in you. Fear cannot exist in an atmosphere of perfect love.

"...God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him. In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us..." (I John 4:16-17 AMP)

## Love also is perfected by complete obedience to God's instructions.

The following verse of Scripture says that God's love will be perfected in you if you keep His Word. Obedience to God's instructions is absolutely necessary for God's love to be perfected in your life. You cannot obey God's instructions if you do not know what they are. Are you obeying your Father's specific instructions to renew your mind in His Word each day (see II Corinthians 4:16 and Ephesians 4:23) and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3)? If you do not know and obey your Father's instructions, you give satanic spirits of fear the opportunity to dominate your life.

"...he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). ..." (I John 2:5 AMP)

## You will not be afraid if you continually meditate on God's love.

Fear will not be able to enter your mind and your heart if you consistently meditate on Scripture pertaining to your Father's love (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD). If you continually abide in an atmosphere of God's love, you will live in God's supernatural peace. You will appropriate God's supernatural strength by faith. You will experience God's supernatural love, peace, and strength when you focus completely on Him instead of focusing on the problems you face. You will not allow fear to dominate your life.

"...O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong..." (Daniel 10:19 KJV)

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# FEAR OF THE LORD

## You were created to fear God. Nothing is more important.

The fear that we have just studied is negative and comes from Satan. We now are ready to study positive fear – the fear of the Lord. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that the fear of the Lord is the "full original purpose of your creation." When you fear the Lord, you revere Him and worship Him. If you truly fear the Lord, you will never be afraid of other people or any circumstance you face. The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that fearing God is your "whole duty" – nothing else in your life is more important than continual reverent awe of God.

"...Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God's providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMP)

## Your confidence in the Lord is determined by your fear of Him.

As you grow and mature in the Lord, your fear of Him will increase. You will see Him more and more as He truly is. Immature Christians do not hold the Lord in constant and reverent awe. Mature Christians fear the Lord as they focus on His majesty and grandeur. They observe God with a continually increasing sense of wonder and amazement. They turn to Him with absolute faith that He has provided a place of refuge when they face severe storms in their lives. If you truly fear the Lord, you will not fear anything or anyone else.

"In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge." (Proverbs 14:26 KJV)

## You will be blessed if you fear the Lord and obey His instructions.

Please highlight or underline the words "every one" in the following verse of Scripture. These words include you. You will be blessed if you fear the Lord and obey His instructions. If you truly fear the Lord, you will delight in the holy Scriptures. You will not be able to get enough of His supernatural living Word. Your Father will bless you abundantly if you fear Him and delight in His Word (see Psalm 112:1). If you learn and obey your Father's instructions, you will be very secure because you will be living your life the way He has instructed you to live.

"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways." (Psalm 128:1 KJV)

## Satan will not be able to influence Christians who truly fear the Lord.

Satan and his demons do not experience any difficulty influencing unbelievers and many immature Christians. The following verse of Scripture says that you "shall not be visited with evil" if you fear and revere the Lord. Fearing the Lord brings you into His presence. Evil cannot exist in the presence of God. If you truly fear the Lord, you will keep Him in first place in your life at all times. When you fear the Lord, you come alive in the spiritual realm. You are able to comprehend great spiritual truths that you could not otherwise understand. Your life will be meaningful and fulfilling because the Lord will be the absolute center of your life.

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

## Your Father helps His children who fear Him and revere Him.

Your Father promises to help you and protect you if you fear Him, revere Him and trust Him completely. If you are in constant awe of the Lord, your faith in Him will steadily increase. You will "lean" on the Lord if you truly revere Him. You will understand that you do not have to carry every burden yourself. You will trust the Lord completely to do what you cannot do with your limited human abilities. You will trust Him to help you and to protect you.

"You who [reverently] fear the Lord, trust in and lean on the Lord! He is their Help and their Shield." (Psalm 115:11 AMP)

## Jesus Christ will protect you if you fear Him and worship Him with awe.

Please note the capitalization of the letter A in the word "the Angel of the Lord" in the following verse of Scripture. We believe that the words "the Angel of the Lord" refer to Jesus Christ. Please highlight or underline the words "encamps around." The word "encamp" in this context is similar to a place where soldiers set up their camp. Jesus will establish a spiritual place of residence around you if you fear Him, revere Him and worship Him. He will deliver you from whatever difficulties you face.

"The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers." (Psalm 34:7 AMP)

## If you truly fear the Lord, He will deliver you from all your enemies.

The following passage of Scripture refers to the Israelites who placed other gods ahead of the Lord. He promised to deliver them from their enemies if they feared Him and revered Him. The Israelites did not obey God. They rebelled against Him. Their disobedience blocked God from delivering them from their enemies. This same principle applies to you today. You decide whether God will deliver you from whatever enemies you face. Do you truly fear Him? Do you revere Him and magnify Him? Do you trust Him completely? He will bring you safely through whatever your enemies are attempting to do to you.

"...neither shall ye fear other gods. But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner." (II Kings 17:38-40 KJV)

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# FIRST PLACE – THE LORD

## Do not put yourself, your desires and personal goals in first place.

The very best place you can be in the spiritual realm is to be in second place, because you have put the Lord where He belongs – in first place. Why should anyone or anything ever come ahead of the Lord Who created you, everyone else, the world you live in and the heaven you will go to? He is worthy of preeminence in your life. He deserves to be glorified. You were created to please Him. Your thoughts, words and actions should always give Him glory and honor. When you come into oneness with the Lord, your desires will be His desires.

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11 KJV)

## Do you have one foot in the kingdom of God and one foot in the world?

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of keeping God in first place in your life. Some Christians think that God is in first place, but their words and actions indicate that this is not the case. You should not allow anything or anyone to come ahead of the Lord. Some Christians have one foot in the kingdom of God and one foot in the world. They do not live consecrated lives that are completely focused on the Lord. Anything that consistently occupies your attention ahead of the Lord is your own little god. You should not have any gods ahead of your loving Father (see Psalm 73:25).

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3 KJV)

## How can you trust Jesus completely if He is not in first place in your life?

The following verse of Scripture says that "He alone in everything and in every respect" should "occupy the chief place" in your life. Jesus Christ has earned the right to be in first place in the life of every Christian. He has paid an enormous price so that you can live eternally with Him in heaven. Do not allow the things of the world or any personal goals to come ahead of Jesus. Going to church once or twice a week and praying for a few minutes each day is not enough. Every aspect of your life should revolve around the Lord Jesus Christ

"...so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent]." (Colossians 1:18 AMP)

## Serve the lord with all your heart. Do not pursue worthless goals.

Please highlight or underline the words "vain and worthless things" in the following passage of Scripture. Some Christians are more focused on selfish goals that have no eternal value than they are on the Lord. These Christians are not sold out to Jesus. This passage of Scripture speaks of "empty and futile" things that "cannot profit or deliver you." Nothing in this world, no matter how interesting it may be to you, can even remotely compare to the magnificence of the Lord.

"...turn not aside from following the Lord, but serve Him with all your heart. And turn not aside after vain and worthless things which cannot profit or deliver you, for they are empty and futile." (I Samuel 12:20-21 AMP)

## Abide in Jesus Christ at all times. Always stay close to Him.

Please highlight or underline the word "abide" in the following verse of Scripture. You abide in Jesus when you put Him in first place in your life at all times. The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that you should "live in and never depart from" Him. The next amplification says that you should be "rooted in Him, knit to Him." Do these words describe your personal relationship with Jesus? Is He the solid foundation of your life? Does every aspect of your life revolve around Him?

"...you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him]..." (I John 2:27 AMP)

## All of your needs will be met if you consistently keep God in first place.

You will never want for anything if you devote your entire life to God and keep Him first at all times. You must not place God last after television, hobbies, your friends and other things the world focuses on. Your Father instructs you to center every area of your life on Him throughout every day of your life. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His disciples that they should put God's kingdom first and live righteous lives in obedience to God's instructions. Jesus promised that everything they needed would be given to them. This same principle applies to you today if you will keep God in first place. Jesus said,

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

## Is Jesus the Lord of your life in addition to being your Savior?

Jesus Christ should be more than your Savior Who will keep you from hell. He should be the Lord of every day of your life. You will make a major mistake if you allow anyone or anything to come ahead of Jesus. The more your life is centered around Jesus, the less effect the crises you face will have on you. Jesus should become more and more important with every passing month and year of your life. Is Jesus more important to you today than He was a year ago? Are you following the instructions from John the Baptist who said,

"He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.]" (John 3:30 AMP)

## Do you love Jesus more than you love the members of your family?

Do you really love Jesus more than you love your husband or wife, your children, your parents and other members of your family? Your life should be focused more on Jesus than on any person. Your life should be Christ-centered, not people-centered. If you truly love the members of your family, these instructions may seem incorrect. If you truly keep Jesus first and keep Him first, you will be a better father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister than you possibly could be if He was not first. Jesus said,

"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37 KJV)

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# FOCUS ON THE LORD

## You will not give up hope if you continually focus on the Lord.

You should focus continually on the Lord during good times so that you will be able to trust Him completely during bad times. Some Christians become complacent when everything is going well in their lives. They continue to attend church and pray each day, but they are not anywhere near as focused on the Lord as they would be if they faced severe adversity. You should "not be moved" by the circumstances you face, no matter how difficult they may seem. If you focus continually on the Lord, you will have a "glad" heart, regardless of circumstances. You will be like the psalmist David who said,

"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." (Psalm 16:8-9 KJV)

## Keep your eyes on the Lord when you do not know what to do.

When King Jehoshaphat faced a mighty army that was far superior to his forces, he focused continually on the Lord. He refused on focus on the tremendous superiority of the enemy. He did not know what to do – he could not see any way out. King Jehoshaphat did what you should do whenever you face severe problems that seem to have no solution – He focused continually on God. The more you focus on a seemingly impossible problem, the more powerful that problem will seem. Turn your back on seemingly unsolvable problems to focus instead on the Lord. Follow the example of King Jehoshaphat who said,

"...we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (II Chronicles 20:12 NIV)

## You are instructed to continually imprint the Lord on your mind.

Why would you be afraid of anything if you are absolutely certain that God is with you every minute of every hour of every day of your life (see the topic titled IN YOU – GOD LIVES IN YOUR HEART)? Focus continually on the Lord Who is much greater and much more powerful than any problem you will ever face. Select several encouraging passages of Scripture. Meditate continually on this Scripture. "Imprint" the Lord on your mind through consistent Bible study and Scripture meditation. If you do this, you will receive the strength and courage you have to have to overcome the obstacles you face.

"...Do not be afraid of the enemy; [earnestly] remember the Lord and imprint Him [on your minds], great and terrible, and [take from Him courage to] fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." (Nehemiah 4:14 AMP)

## Do not allow anything to distract you from focusing on the Lord.

Christians who are double-minded go back and forth from faith in God to worry, anxiety and fear. Your Father consistently instructs you to be single-minded. Keep looking straight ahead. Refuse to look to the left or the right. Keep moving forward. Focus continually on going down whatever path the Lord is leading you. Do exactly what He tells you to do. Do not give Satan and his demons a foothold in your mind and your heart. Continually fill your mind and your heart with the supernatural power of the living Word of God.

"Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:25-27 KJV)

## Focus on the Lord instead of focusing on the problems you face.

The following passage of Scripture describes the extraordinary single-minded focus of Moses as he approached the Red Sea with a large Egyptian army behind him, high mountains to his right and left and the Red Sea ahead of him. Moses refused to focus on the seemingly impossible problem he faced. He focused instead on the Lord. God honored the magnificent focus of Moses. He parted the waves of the Red Sea so that the Israelites could pass safely through on dry ground. Then, when Pharaoh and his army came, the water returned to destroy them (see the fourteenth chapter of Exodus). God will honor your faith if you focus on Him continually.

"...he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on Him Who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27 AMP)

## Focus continually on Jesus Christ Who can overcome every storm you face.

You must not focus on the circumstances you face, no matter how difficult they seem. You should focus on Jesus at all times. Jesus walked on the water to His disciples who were in a boat. Peter got out of the boat and, by focusing on Jesus, he also walked on the water. Peter was doing fine until he took his attention off Jesus and focused on the circumstances – the strong wind and the waves. Peter immediately became afraid and began to sink. Do not make this mistake. Trust Jesus completely. You must not allow the circumstances you face to cause you to doubt Him.

"...the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" (Matthew 14:24-31 KJV)

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# FORGIVENESS

## Learn from the greatest act of forgiveness that has ever occurred.

Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of forgiveness. Jesus hung on the cross at Mount Calvary, suffering horribly for crimes that He never committed. The soldiers who had beaten Him, whipped Him and nailed Him to the cross gambled for His clothing. Onlookers ridiculed Him. Did Jesus react with righteous indignation because of the unfair treatment and the horrible suffering He was experiencing? Jesus looked at these people the way that God instructs you to look at people who have treated you unfairly. Jesus, Who is your example in every area of life, looked down at these people from the cross and said,

"...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34 KJV)

## You should continue to ask for forgiveness of your sins.

If you asked Jesus Christ to forgive you for your sins when He became your Savior, you were forgiven for all of your sins up until that time. How do you deal with subsequent sin that you commit after your salvation? Everyone sins. No one except Jesus is perfect. Whenever you are aware of a sin, you should acknowledge this sin, repent and ask God to forgive you. If you continually confess your sins, repent and ask forgiveness, God will forgive you and cleanse you continually. There is no limit to the number of times your loving Father will forgive you.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:8-9 KJV)

## Forgive every person who wrongs you just as you have been forgiven.

As you begin to comprehend the magnitude of the forgiveness you have received for all of the sins you have ever committed, you should be much more inclined to readily forgive other people who sin against you. Forgive these people, regardless what they have done, just as your Father has forgiven and continues to forgive you. Do your very best to look at these people from the Lord's perspective. Do not look at them from the emotional perspective of a person who has been wronged and is upset by what has happened.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13 NIV)

## Do not be bitter because of what other people have done to you.

You should turn away from all feelings of righteous indignation, anger and resentment if you feel you have been treated unfairly. The Bible instructs you to "get rid of" these feelings. Do not allow your emotions to control you. Meditate continually on all of this Scripture pertaining to forgiveness. Program yourself with this Scripture. React based upon the Word of God in your heart instead of reacting emotionally when you believe someone has treated you unfairly. You should react the way your Father has instructed you to react. He instructs you to "be kind and compassionate." You are instructed to forgive every person just as Jesus Christ has forgiven you.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV)

## Forgive others instead of judging them and condemning them.

Some Christians fail the test of forgiveness. They judge and condemn other people. They believe they are justified in judging these people who treated them unfairly. These Christians do not realize that they might be blocking God from blessing them because of their judgment and condemnation of others. If this is a problem for you, please study the Scripture references in the topic titled CRITICISM. There is no question that your Father does not want you to judge others. Judgment is His job, not yours. Instead of judging and condemning others, forgive them as your Father has forgiven you. Jesus said,

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" (Luke 6:37 KJV)

## Your unforgiveness can block God from answering your prayers.

The Bible teaches that sin separates you from God. Unforgiveness is a sin. Unforgiveness separates you from God. The sin of unforgiveness often will block your loving Father from pouring out the blessings He wants to give you. If you are praying to God for a specific need and you are not receiving an answer, always check to see if unforgiveness could be the reason. Unforgiveness can negate strong faith in God. Always forgive as your Father has instructed you to do. Jesus said,

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25-26 KJV)

## When your Father forgives you, He forgets any sin you have committed.

If you repent of a sin and ask God for forgiveness, He will forgive you. He also will completely forget your sin. He looks at you as if you had never sinned. If God forgets your forgiven sins, you should forget them too. Satan is able to get into the minds of many Christians by continually bringing past sins they have committed to their attention. You must not allow Satan's demons to agitate you with mistakes you have made in the past. Refuse to torment yourself with what you have done wrong. If you have been forgiven, forget your mistake just as God does.

"...I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12 KJV)

## There is no limit to how many times you should forgive someone.

God places no limits on the number of times He will forgive you. He does not want you to put any limit on the number of times you will forgive another person. The words "seventy times seven" in the following passage of Scripture do not mean that you should forgive another person 490 times and then stop forgiving. This number means that your unforgiveness of another person should be unlimited. If someone you are in continual contact with is a constant source of irritation, meditate continually on this passage of Scripture. Trust the Lord to bring you safely through this repeated temptation to be frustrated.

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22 KJV)

## Freely admit your sins. You should not attempt to cover them up.

If you attempt to hide your sins, you will block your Father from prospering you and blessing you in other ways. You cannot hide anything from God. God is omniscient – He knows everything about every person in the entire world (see the topic titled OMNISCIENT GOD). If you confess your sins and repent of these sins, your Father will have mercy on you. In addition to confessing your sins, you are instructed to stop sinning. If you attempt to cover your sins, you will give Satan and his demons a foothold in your life that they could not obtain in any other way.

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13 KJV)

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# FORSAKE YOU – GOD WILL NOT

## God emphasizes that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Please highlight or underline the nine times the words "not" and "nor" are used in the following verse of Scripture. God uses repetition for the purpose of emphasis. When your Father tells you something nine times in one verse of Scripture, you can be certain that He is emphasizing what He is telling you. Your Father wants you to be absolutely certain that He will never leave you helpless or forsake you. You can be absolutely certain that your loving Father is always with you. You should be conscious of His indwelling presence at all times (see the topic titled IN YOU – GOD LIVES IN YOUR HEART).

"...He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]" (Hebrews 13:5 AMP)

## If you know the Lord intimately, you will have absolute faith in Him.

There is a direct relationship between knowing the Lord intimately and trusting Him completely. If you have a close relationship with the Lord, you will be certain that He is with you at all times regardless of the circumstances you face. If you spend precious quiet time with the Lord each day, you will know that He will never abandon you and leave you on your own. This assurance of His constant presence will encourage you to lean on Him and trust Him completely. The closer you draw to God, the more you will understand that your relationship with Him is forever.

"...they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity]." (Psalm 9:10 AMP)

## God will show you a way out when you cannot see any way out.

When you face difficult problems and you cannot see any possible solution, you should trust the Lord to show you a way out that you cannot even begin to see. Refuse to give up. You can be certain that your loving Father will never forsake you and that He will bring you safely through the problems you face just as He has promised. God has supernatural wisdom. He can see many ways out of seemingly unsolvable problems. Trust your Father completely even when there does not seem to be a solution based upon the limitations of your human comprehension. God will show you the way.

"...I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16 KJV)

## The Lord is always with you. He will never fail you or forsake you.

Refuse to give up regardless of the challenges you face. Meditate continually on verses of Scripture in this topic that assure you that the Lord is with you, that He will not fail you and that He will never forsake you. Stay close to Him. Talk to Him all day long. Listen for His wisdom. Your Father wants you to be assured that He is there and that He will help you. Refuse to give in to fear, worry, discouragement or depression. Select God's promises from Scripture that are especially meaningful to you. Meditate day and night on these wonderful promises from God.

"It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit – depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm]." (Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP)

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# FULFILLMENT

## Is your life enjoyable, meaningful, complete and fulfilling?

Jesus Christ came to earth to provide you with a meaningful and fulfilling life. Jesus wants you to enjoy your life. He wants you to make your life count because you are living the full life that He has made available to you. Jesus paid an enormous price for your life to be everything it possibly can be. Jesus would not have given you the following promise if an abundant, joyful and fulfilling life was not possible. Jesus said,

"...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." (John 10:10 AMP)

## You cannot experience fulfillment from pursuing worldly goals.

The things of the world never provide lasting satisfaction. People who continually pursue worldly goals are doomed to a life of ultimate frustration. The more they get, the more they will want. The true fulfillment that God created for you can only be found in the spiritual realm. You may experience pleasure from the achievement of worldly goals for a short time, but you cannot experience lasting satisfaction in the natural realm (see Proverbs 27:20). True fulfillment can only be experienced as a result of a close and continuing relationship with Jesus Christ.

"...the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8 KJV)

## True fulfillment comes only from goals that have eternal value.

Only God can fill the void that He created within you. God "planted eternity" in your heart and your mind when He created you. He created you in such a way that "nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy." People who attempt to find fulfillment from worldly goals are like a dog chasing its tail. They are doomed to ultimate failure. Make the quality decision to seek, find and carry out God's will for you life (see the topic titled WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE). You can be assured that God's plan for your life has eternal significance.

"...He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy]..." (Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP)

## Are you experiencing the fulfillment God has provided for you?

Complete fulfillment is available to every child of God. Your Father has promised to "satisfy the longing soul." He promises to "fill the hungry soul with good." Ask God to show you exactly what goals He wants you to pursue. Experience satisfaction and meaning in your life. Ask your Father to guide you every step of the way. Ask Him to do in you and through you what you cannot do yourself. You will experience the great fulfillment your Father has provided if you long for a close and intimate relationship with Him and pursue this longing wholeheartedly.

"...He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good." (Psalm 107:9 KJV)

## Your desires and God's desires will be the same if you truly fear Him.

You have seen that fearing God means to revere Him, worship Him and hold Him in constant awe. Your Father has reserved true fulfillment in life for His children who fear Him. God has created you in such a way that you will only experience fulfillment to the degree that your life revolves around Him instead of revolving around yourself and selfish goals and desires. Some people attempt to find satisfaction solely from the pursuit of pleasure. Your Father has a much higher calling on your life. Do you truly fear God? If you do, you can be absolutely certain that He will fulfill your desires.

"He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him..." (Psalm 145:19 KJV)

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# GRACE OF GOD

## God's grace comes to you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

We will begin this topic by comparing God's mercy and God's grace. God is merciful when He holds back from giving you what you deserve. God's grace occurs when He gives you what you do not deserve. To summarize briefly, mercy is not receiving what you deserve and grace is receiving what you do not deserve. Everything in the New Testament is based on God's grace. Everything in the Old Testament is based on the Law. People in the Old Testament earned everything they received. Jesus Christ has made it possible for you to receive blessings that you have not earned and do not deserve.

"From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:16-17 NIV)

## God's grace enables you to receive the blessings of eternal salvation.

The following verse of Scripture says that you were "saved through faith." Faith was required for you to receive eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. Where did this faith come from? God's grace provided you with the faith you needed to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. You have been given the opportunity to live eternally in the glory of heaven because Jesus Christ paid the full price for your sins. You did not earn eternal salvation. You do not deserve eternal salvation. Eternal salvation is God's gift to you that you receive by faith in Him.

"...by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

## Your Father longs to give you His marvelous undeserved grace.

Try to understand God's position and your position based upon the magnificent sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for you at Calvary. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that the Lord "expects, looks and longs" to give His wonderful grace to you. Can you visualize God Himself longing to give you blessings that you have not earned and do not deserve? That is exactly what He does. Learn what the Word of God says about God's requirements for you to receive His grace. Carefully meditate on the Scripture references in this topic. Obey these instructions. Receive God's grace abundantly.

"...the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you..." (Isaiah 30:18 AMP)

## Your talents and abilities were given to you by the grace of God.

God gives each person specific talents and abilities. God gave you these abilities to support your family. He also gave you this talent to serve Him and to help others. You must not make the mistake of cruising through life trusting in your God-given talents to provide for your needs without much effort on your part. You are instructed to employ your talents "for one another." You should realize at all times that you did not earn the talents and abilities that were given to you by God's grace. Dedicate yourself to being a "faithful steward" serving God and serving others.

"As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]." (I Peter 4:10 AMP)

## Always be aware that you are what you are only because of God's grace.

The apostle Paul once was a Roman citizen named Saul who had a strong Jewish upbringing. Saul was strongly opposed to Christianity. Saul was miraculously drawn to Jesus Christ in an amazing experience on the road to the Syrian city of Damascus (see Acts 9:1-9). Paul dedicated the remainder of his life to serving Jesus. This great servant of God was a prolific man who was not at all impressed with himself and his accomplishments for the Lord Jesus. Paul was constantly humble because he knew that everything in his life was given to him by the grace of God. You should follow Paul's example. Paul said,

"...I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (I Corinthians 15:9-10 KJV)

## God will pour out His grace on you if you have a humble servant's heart.

God hates pride. The following verse of Scripture says that God actually "sets Himself against the proud and haughty." Proud people do not receive grace from God. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that God gives grace "continually" to His humble children who dedicate their lives to serving Him and reaching out to help others. Carefully study the Scripture in the topics titled HUMILITY and PRIDE. You must not allow pride to dominate your life. Be determined to spend the remainder of your life as a humble servant of the Lord continually receiving His grace to better serve Him and help others (see Proverbs 3:34 and Isaiah 66:2).

"...God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it)." (James 4:6 AMP)

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# GUIDANCE FROM THE LORD

## The Lord promises that He will guide you throughout your life.

The same God Who guides the sun, the moon, the stars and all of the planets and keeps them in proper orbit lives in your heart if Jesus is your Savior. He will guide you every step of the way throughout your life according to your knowledge of and faith in His promises of guidance. When you do not know what to do or how to do it, He has the answers you have to have. He knows exactly what to do. Turn to Him continually throughout your life believing that He always will give you the guidance you need.

"...the LORD shall guide thee continually..." (Isaiah 58:11 KJV)

## Your Father will guide you until you die and go to heaven.

Guidance from God is a lifetime proposition. God has a specific plan for every day of your life (see Psalm 139:16 and Ephesians 2:10). Your Father will call you to do many things in your service to Him that you cannot possibly do with your limited human abilities. He wants you to be absolutely certain that He will guide you and help you throughout your life to be and to do exactly what He wants you to be and to do. Your Father will never stop guiding you. Expect to receive guidance from Him. Live your life with absolute certainty that He will guide you.

"...this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." (Psalm 48:14 KJV)

## The Holy Spirit will tell you when to turn to the right or turn to the left.

God speaks to you continually. He tells you what to do and how to do it. He will tell you when to turn right and when to turn left. As you learn to hear His voice clearly, you will be delighted with the constant guidance you will receive (see the topic titled VOICE OF GOD). In the Old Testament, the voice of the Lord often is spoken of as being outside of you. The following passage of Scripture says that you will hear His voice "behind" you. If Jesus is your Savior, the Holy Spirit is within you. You will hear His voice from within yourself.

"...thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21 KJV)

## The Holy Spirit will always give you the words you should speak.

Whenever you face a difficult predicament and the words you speak are vitally important, you do not need to plan beforehand. Trust the Holy Spirit to give you the words you need. Do not think that you need to speak these words from the limitations of your human understanding. Do not be anxious about what you are going to say. Step out in faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to speak through you. The Holy Spirit is never perplexed by any problem you face. He will speak through you with anointed words that will accomplish what He wants to accomplish. Jesus said,

"...ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." (Matthew 10:18-20 KJV)

## The Word of God is a spiritual map. The Holy Spirit is your guide.

If you are planning to go on a trip and you have a map, you will study this map carefully. You will choose a specific route based on the information you receive from the map. The Word of God can be compared to a road map. God's directions are clearly laid out for you. The Holy Spirit is your guide. He knows exactly what to do to guide you to follow the instructions in God's Word. He speaks to you continually in His still, small voice. Do you hear Him? Do you do exactly what He instructs you to do?

"...I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." (Ezekiel 36:27 KJV)

## The same Holy Spirit who guided the disciples will guide you today.

The Word of God is the Truth (see John 17:17). Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth (see John 14:17). The Holy Spirit lives in your heart. Your Father wants your heart to be filled with His Word (see Psalm 37:31 and Colossians 3:16). The more your heart is filled with God's Word, the better the Holy Spirit will be able to guide you. The Holy Spirit hears from God. He knows exactly what the future holds. Trust Him with simple childlike trust to guide you throughout every hour of every day of your life. Jesus said,

"...when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]." (John 16:13 AMP)

## God provides guidance through advice from mature Christians.

Please highlight or underline the words "multitude of counselors" in the following verse of Scripture. When you need counsel, sometimes you should make a list of mature Christians you know who definitely hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. Go to as many of these people as possible. Explain your predicament. Ask for their advice. Listen carefully to what they say. God often will give you guidance by speaking to you through your brothers and sisters. You often will find that one or more of these people, speaking under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, will give you the exact advice you need.

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

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# HEALING

## Jesus Christ has paid the full price to heal the sickness in your body.

Every person who has received Jesus Christ as his or her Savior understands that Jesus has paid the full price for his or her eternal salvation. You should have absolute faith that Jesus also has paid the price for the healing of sickness in your body. Meditate carefully on all of the Scripture contained in this topic to see for yourself that God has made full provision to forgive all of your sins and to heal all sickness. Some Christians have little or no knowledge of what the Bible says about divine healing. Do not forget any of the benefits God has provided for you.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:2-3 KJV)

## Jesus Christ was horribly whipped to pay the price for your healing.

You have just seen that Jesus has paid the full price for forgiveness of your sins and also for healing of sickness in your body. Please highlight or underline the word "surely" in the following passage of Scripture. This word is used to emphasize that Jesus definitely has paid the price for both salvation and healing. Isaiah, speaking prophetically about Jesus Christ, tells you that Jesus has paid the price for your sins. He also says that you are healed because of the "stripes" Jesus Christ received as He was mercilessly whipped by Roman soldiers before He went to the cross.

"Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole." (Isaiah 53:4-5 AMP)

## You already have been healed by the severe wounds that Jesus suffered.

After reading two verses from the Old Testament explaining that God has made full provision for forgiveness of all of your sins and healing of sickness, you now can see that the New Testament says the same thing. Jesus paid the price for all of your sins on the cross which is referred to as "the tree" in the following passage of Scripture. If you are sick, meditate continually on the factual statement that says that you have been healed by the wounds that Jesus endured when He was mercilessly whipped by Roman soldiers. Please highlight or underline the words "have been." The price for your healing already has been paid in full.

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (I Peter 2:24 KJV)

## Jesus was whipped as punishment for crimes that He did not commit.

Jesus was sentenced to be whipped by Roman soldiers and then crucified as punishment for crimes that He did not commit. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Palestine during Jesus' earthly ministry. After the Jews condemned Jesus in their own courts, they brought Him to Pilate, asking him to sentence Jesus. Pilate did not find Jesus guilty of any of the trumped up charges the Jews brought against him (see Matthew 27:15-26). Nevertheless, in order to appease a screaming mob of Jewish people, Pilate sentenced the innocent Christ to a horrible whipping that was followed by death by crucifixion.

"...he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified." (Matthew 27:26 NIV)

## Observers were horrified by the mutilation that Jesus received.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, allowed His body to be horribly mutilated and torn to shreds to pay the full price for healing the sickness in your body. The terrible whipping that Jesus received from Roman soldiers enables you to receive healing today according to your knowledge of and faith in these undeniable facts pertaining to divine healing. Please study the Scripture in this topic very carefully. Jesus Christ was disfigured more than any other person. He hardly looked like a human being.

"...his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness" (Isaiah 52:14 NIV)

## The people who witnessed the whipping of Jesus turned away.

The prophet Isaiah prophesied about the horrible beating that Jesus would receive at the whipping post. Many people who observed the mutilation of His body turned their faces away from Him because they could not look any longer at this hideous sight. Jesus paid this enormous price for you. Do not allow this great sacrifice to go in vain. Learn God's specific instructions pertaining to divine healing. Believe that your loving Father has provided healing for your body just as His Word says. Persevere in faith for as long as God requires. Do not give up. Jesus was:

"...despised and rejected and forsaken by men, a Man of sorrows and pains, and acquainted with grief and sickness; and like One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we did not appreciate His worth or have any esteem for Him." (Isaiah 53:3 AMP)

## Roman soldiers whipped Jesus. They spit in the face of the Son of God.

After spitting in His face, the Roman soldiers struck Jesus with their fists and slapped Him. Jesus received this horrible treatment before He was taken to the cross to pay the price for forgiveness of your sins. Can you imagine Jesus Christ, the Son of God, being treated in this way? Jesus could have called down angels to immediately destroy every one of these soldiers and all of the unbelievers who were jeering at Him. He did not do this. Jesus willingly suffered this indignation as part of the price that He paid for healing the sickness in your body.

"...they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands" (Matthew 26:67 KJV)

## God actually made Jesus sick to pay the price for healing in your body.

The same Jesus Christ Who became sin to pay the price for your sins also became sick to pay the price for the sickness in your body. You saw in the section on Eternal Salvation at the beginning of this book that Jesus Christ actually became sin to pay the price for your sins (see II Corinthians 5:21). The following verse of Scripture says that God made Jesus sick to pay the price for sickness in your body. Receive by faith the healing that has been provided for you. Absolutely refuse to give up. Focus on Jesus instead of focusing on the illness in your body. Trust Him completely.

"...it was the will of the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief and made Him sick..." (Isaiah 53:10 AMP)

## You do not have to be sick. Jesus has borne the sickness in your body.

Do you believe with all your heart that you do not have to carry the heavy load of sickness because Jesus already has carried this heavy load for you? The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that Jesus "bore away" the sickness in your body. You do not have to bear this sickness again. If this sickness has been carried away, it no longer exists in the spiritual realm. Get out of the natural realm of the world. Enter into the supernatural spiritual realm. Saturate yourself day and night with these healing facts from the holy Scriptures.

"...thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took [in order to carry away] our weaknesses and infirmities and bore away our diseases." (Matthew 8:17 AMP)

## Jesus Christ still heals today just as He did during His earthly ministry.

Some individuals and denominations teach that healing is not for today. Carefully read the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Highlight or underline each time that Jesus healed sick people. Jesus has not changed. He still heals today just as He miraculously healed sick people throughout His earthly ministry. We are talking about the sickness in your body. Jesus is Jehovah Rapha, God the Healer. He took sin and sickness upon Himself. His power still works miracles today.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

## God does not place promises in the Bible that are not eternal.

Some people teach that the healing promises in the Bible were only for the next generation of people after Jesus ascended into heaven. We respectfully disagree. Please highlight or underline the words "everlasting" and "to all generations" in the following verse of Scripture. How can there be any question that Jesus still heals today just as He did throughout His earthly ministry? Do not be misled by well-meaning people teaching concepts that have been handed down to them by previous generations. Traditional unscriptural teaching makes the Word of God ineffective (see Mark 7:13). Know the facts from God's Word. Believe these facts. Think, speak and act according to the Word of God.

"...the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations" (Psalm 100:5 KJV)

## The Word of God is your loving Father's spiritual medicine for you.

If you are sick, you should constantly immerse yourself in God's supernatural Word. You should not allow God's Word to depart from your sight. Meditate on these healing promises throughout the day and night (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3). You should fill your heart continually with the Word of God to partake fully of the supernatural healing medicine that your loving Father has provided to bring manifestation of healing to your body. Please highlight or underline the words "healing and health to all their flesh" in the following passage of Scripture. These words that King Solomon spoke to his son are your Father's words to you.

"My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:20-22 AMP)

## The Word of God is filled with God's supernatural healing power.

Meditate continually on these promises pertaining to divine healing. Meditate on additional Scripture from your Bible and from the books, Scripture Meditation Cards and CDs listed at the end of this topic. You may be fighting for your life. Apply the medicine of God's Word to your body and your mind each day. God's prescription for every disease and affliction is His Word, the Bible. We have received several testimonies from people who have been healed by God as a result of daily meditation on the healing Scripture in our book and Scripture cards pertaining to healing.

"He sent his word, and healed them...." (Psalm 107:20 KJV)

## You must not allow the sickness in your body to break your spirit.

If you will meditate continually on these promises from God, your heart will sing with joy, regardless of the symptoms of sickness in your body. Your heart will sing with joy because it is being filled with power from the supernatural living Word of God. Please highlight or underline the words "a happy heart is good medicine" in the following verse of Scripture. Partake throughout the day and night of the marvelous spiritual medicine your Father has provided for you. The amount of medicine in a doctor's prescription usually is limited. There is no limit to the amount of God's medicine that you can receive from His Word.

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22 AMP)

## Do not speak continually about the symptoms of sickness in your body.

You may have to speak occasionally about the symptoms of sickness in your body to answer questions from a doctor or other medical personnel. You may have to speak occasionally about the symptoms of sickness in your body to members of your family so they will know exactly where you are. Outside of these exceptions, you should speak continually of these healing promises from the Word of God. You receive manifestation of God's healing promises by the words that continually flow out of your mouth. Say what God's Word says about the healing He has provided for you instead of talking about the sickness in your body.

"...the tongue of the wise brings healing." (Proverbs 12:18 NIV)

## Continually speak words of faith pertaining to divine healing.

If you are sick and you need to receive manifestation of the healing that Jesus has provided for you, meditate day and night on these passages of Scripture. Personalize them. Put your name in each of these promises. Your health is greatly influenced by what you think and say and by what you see and hear. Negative words are very damaging to your health. Your body may be showing the effect of constant negativity. If you continually fill your mind and your heart with God's Word, the words that come out of your mouth will be "pleasant words" that will bring "healing to the body."

"Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body." (Proverbs 16:24 AMP)

## Pray with absolute faith that God will restore your health.

You have just read many instructions that your Father has given regarding healing. If you are sick, you should know God's promises pertaining to divine healing. You should believe wholeheartedly that your loving Father will do exactly what He says He will do. Pray continually with deep, strong and unwavering faith in God for manifestation of the healing that already has been provided for you. Experience God's supernatural power by thanking Him when you pray for the manifestation of healing that you will receive (see Philippians 4:6-7). Continue to pray prayers of faith for as long as your Father requires you to pray (see James 5:16, Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:9-10 and Colossians 4:2).

"...the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him..." (James 5:15 AMP)

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# HEART

## When the Bible speaks of your heart, it refers to your spiritual heart.

The word "heart" is used many times in the Bible. This word does not refer to the organ in your body that pumps blood through your arteries. The Bible refers to your spiritual heart. We each have an inner person and an outer person. The outer person is what other people see when they look at you. The inner person is the person who is always seen by God and sometimes by other people who know you well. The Bible refers to this person as

"...the hidden person of the heart..." (I Peter 3:4 AMP)

## The Lord focuses on the hidden person of your heart.

We live in a world that often is superficial. External appearance is very important to many people who spend a great deal of time and money in an attempt to improve their appearance. There is nothing wrong with doing your best to look good, but your external appearance should not be your primary focus. The Lord does not focus on your external appearance. He focuses continually on your spiritual heart – what you really are deep down inside of yourself. You should have the same focus.

"...The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (I Samuel 16:7 NIV)

## Your life is determined by what you truly believe in your heart.

The following passage of Scripture does not say "...as he thinks in his mind, so is he..." Your heart is the key to your life. Your deep heartfelt beliefs ultimately determine what will take place in your life. Whenever you face a difficult problem that cannot be solved by human logic and reason, the faith in God that you have in your heart often is the difference. Your Father instructs you to fill your heart with His Word through constant Scripture meditation. Your deep heartfelt beliefs will draw God to help you according to your faith in Him (see Matthew 9:29).

"...as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)

## Guard your heart carefully because your heart is the key to your life.

The following words that King Solomon spoke to his son also are your Father's instructions to you. Your Father instructs you to pay close attention to His Word. The following passage of Scripture says that God's Word should "not depart from your sight." You are instructed to meditate on His Word day and night (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3) to keep His Word in the center of your heart. The Word of God in your heart will directly affect every area of your life, including your health. You must constantly guard what you allow to come into your heart. Nothing is more important.

"My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh. Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:20-23 AMP)

## The home of the Word of God is in your mind and your heart.

The real home for the Bible is not on a desk, a shelf in a bookcase or a table in your home. The Bible is not effective when it sits on a piece of furniture. The Bible is only effective in your life to the degree that it fills your mind and your heart. In this book we will share with you specific scriptural instructions that tell exactly what to do to continually put more and more of God's supernatural living Word into your mind and your heart. Learn, obey and believe in these instructions and promises from God. Your life will be transformed.

"Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness..." (Colossians 3:16 AMP)

## Your heart will sing with joy if you fill it with the Word of God.

You cannot afford to allow worry, anxiety and fear to dominate your heart. Your heart will ache if it is filled with negative emotions. Your spirit will be crushed if you consistently allow negative emotions to determine what you believe in your heart. If you faithfully obey your Father's instructions to fill your heart with encouragement from His Word, your heart will sing with joy. God's Word overflowing your heart will dominate your life. You will be happy, cheerful and optimistic in the face of adversity because constantly focusing on God's Word in your heart will encourage you.

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:13 NIV)

## Adversity cannot overcome a heart that is filled with the Word of God.

The following verse of Scripture says that you can be in a position where "none of your steps shall slide" – where no external circumstances can overcome you. The key to your life is the spiritual condition of your heart. Adversity will not be able to overcome you if you continually fill your heart with God's supernatural living Word. The amazing supernatural power of God's Word (see Hebrews 4:12) will fill your heart and dominate your life. You will walk in manifestation of the glorious victory that Jesus Christ won for you at Calvary.

"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." (Psalm 37:31 KJV)

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# HELP OTHERS

## You must have a servant's heart to be a leader in the kingdom of God.

Leaders in the world usually are important people with great prestige. Other people look up to them. Jesus told you what to do to be a leader in the spiritual realm. He said that leaders must be a "servant" and a "slave of all." Leaders in God's kingdom devote their lives to serving God and to serving other people in every way they can. Jesus left His lofty status in heaven to come to earth as a servant to all mankind. He instructs you to follow His example, committing your life entirely to serving God and serving others. Jesus said,

"...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-45 NIV)

## You are told to look at other people as being better than yourself.

Every sin is caused by selfishness. Can you think of one sin that does not have selfishness at its root? The opposite of selfishness is selflessness. The following passage of Scripture instructs you to "do nothing out of selfish ambition." You should not be "vain" or "conceited." You should always look at other people as being better than yourself. Do not attempt to glorify yourself in any way. Be completely dedicated to serving God and to serving others in every way you can. Use the gifts, skills, talents and abilities that you have been given to enrich others.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)

## You should treat other people the way you would like to be treated.

The following statement by Jesus Christ often is referred to as the Golden Rule. Always put others ahead of yourself. You can be assured that God will bless you if your life is dedicated to serving Him and to helping other people in any way you can. God has given you talents and abilities that you did not earn and do not deserve. Be determined to use your God-given talents to help other people in any way that your talents can assist them. God gave you these talents and abilities to serve others, not to glorify yourself. Jesus said,

"...all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them..." (Matthew 7:12 KJV)

## You are reaching out to Jesus when you reach out to others.

Do not think you are too important to help someone who is a lowly person from the world's perspective. No one is unimportant to Jesus. He said that whatever you do for "one of the least in the estimation of men," you actually are doing for Him. Whenever you see a person who needs your help, reach out to that person just as you would reach out to Jesus if He was in the same position of need. Jesus never thought He was too important to serve seemingly lowly people. He instructs you to do the same (see Proverbs 14:31). He said,

"...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40 KJV)

## If your faith is strong, you should use this faith to help others.

If you are strong in your faith in God, you are instructed to use this strength to "bear with the failings of the weak." People who seem to be weak and inadequate are the very people your Father instructs you to reach out to. Self-centered people are consumed with themselves, their desires and their goals. Christ-centered Christians are consumed with serving Jesus and helping others. If you have followed God's specific instructions to increase your faith in Him, you should reach out to others who do not have strong faith in God. Help them with the problems they face. Devote your life to building up people who need help.

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (Romans 15:1-2 NIV)

## Trust the Lord to give you the right words to help people.

The Bible teaches that God will anoint the words you speak to serve whatever purpose He wants you to achieve. When you come across someone who is weary and needs encouragement, ask God to speak through you with the encouraging words this person needs to hear. Sometimes you will reach out to people whose problems are so severe that you do not know what to say. Do not despair. God is not depending on you to say the right thing. God knows exactly what to say. Trust Him to speak through you to say exactly what this person needs to hear.

"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary..." (Isaiah 50:4 KJV)

## Serve widows as a husband. Serve orphans as a father.

Widows no longer have a husband to look after them. Orphans no longer have parents to help them. If you come across a widow "in distress," God instructs you to help her as her husband would have done. If you come across an orphan who needs help, you should do your best to reach out to that child as his or her parents would have done. You are instructed to "keep yourself from being polluted by the world." Many people in the world are selfish. Your Father wants you to be selfless, continually reaching out to widows and orphans and to other needy people.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27 NIV)

## Take advantage of every opportunity to help as many people as you can.

Your Father instructs you to "do good to all people." You should always be open to help any person at any time in any way you can. Pray each morning for God to use you that day to help others. You are instructed to be especially cognizant of the needs of other Christians. Whenever you see a Christian brother or sister who needs help, you should immediately reach out to that person (see Ephesians 6:18). Your sole purpose for being on earth is to serve God and to help others.

"...as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10 NIV)

## Your Father is very pleased whenever you sacrifice to help others.

You should never miss out on any opportunity to help others. Always put God and others ahead of yourself. Your Father is always pleased when you make a sacrifice to help another person. Sometimes this sacrifice requires you to turn completely away from your personal plans. Other times, this sacrifice entails doing something that you would rather not do. If you face problems of your own, do not turn inward. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to reach out to help others. God will honor this sacrifice. One of the best ways to lighten your heavy load is to help other people carry their loads.

"...do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16 NIV)

## You will be blessed if you consistently reach out to help other people.

If you help people who are not as well off as you are, your Father promises that He will deliver you when you are in trouble. If you consistently reach out to others, God promises that He will preserve you. He promises that He will keep you alive. He will bless you abundantly. He promises to deliver you from your enemies and to strengthen you when you are sick. How can you not do everything you can to help others in every way if you understand the tremendous blessings your Father promises you in return (see Proverbs 28:27)?

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness." (Psalm 41:1-3 KJV)

## Carefully study God's instructions pertaining to helping others.

The Bible contains many specific instructions from God telling you exactly what your Father wants you to do to help others. You are instructed to "give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another." Your Father wants you to study His Word to learn everything you can about His instructions to help others. The passages of Scripture in this topic give you valuable advice from God as to what you should do to serve Him and to help others. Your Father instructs you to learn and obey His specific instructions so that you will be extremely effective in your desire to help others.

"...let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities..." (Hebrews 10:24 AMP)

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# HELP YOU – GOD WILL

## The same Lord Who created heaven and earth will help you.

You may face problems that are so difficult that they cannot be solved by your limited human abilities. You must not give up. This book is filled with hundreds of promises from God promising that He will help you when you face difficult problems. You must know these promises (see Hosea 4:6). Believe wholeheartedly that God will do what He says He will do (see Matthew 9:29 and Hebrews 11:6). The same Lord Who created heaven and earth has the answer to every problem you face. Look to Him for the answers you have to have. He can and will help you just as He helped the psalmist who said,

"My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:2 KJV)

## Jesus knows what you are going through. He wants to help you.

Please highlight or underline the words "in His humanity" in the following verse of Scripture. Jesus did not live His life on earth as the Son of God. He lived as the Son of man. He chose to live as a human with the same limitations that you have. Jesus was tempted, tested and tried just as you are. He fully understands what you are going through. He faced much more difficult problems in His humanity than you are facing now. Jesus wants to help you and He will help you if you will learn God's promises and believe wholeheartedly that God will honor His promises to help you.

"...because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]" (Hebrews 2:18 AMP)

## The Lord is with you at all times. He promises that He will help you.

Little children who are in trouble are secure when their parents hold their hand. Your loving Father promises to hold your hand. He is right there with you whenever you face difficult problems. He does not want you to be afraid, no matter how difficult these problems may seem. Know that your Father will help you just as He repeatedly promises. Receive the manifestation of the following promise through deep, strong and unwavering faith in God (see Romans 9:33).

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." (Isaiah 41:13 KJV)

## Receive encouragement and comfort from the Lord who will help you.

Refuse to be dismayed by problems that seem to be insurmountable. Your problems are not difficult for the Lord to solve (see Matthew 19:26). Your Father instructs you to be comforted and encouraged by His promises to help you. Open your mouth and boldly say again and again, "The Lord is my Helper. I will not be afraid." As you meditate on these magnificent promises, your ears will hear your mouth repeating over and over your faith that God will help you. You will not give in to fear.

"...we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]..." (Hebrews 13:6 AMP)

## Trust your Father completely to help you exactly when you need help.

Little children stay very close to their parents when they face difficult problems. Your loving Father has instructed you to "draw near" to Him. You will not be afraid if you have a close relationship with God. You will trust Him completely because you know how gracious, merciful and loving He is. Confess your failures and receive God's mercy. Ask your Father for help. He will help you with every need. His timing is perfect. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that He will help you "just when you need it."

"Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]." (Hebrews 4:16 AMP)

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# HOLY SPIRIT

## Jesus Christ sent another Comforter to be with His disciples.

Jesus knew when the time for His crucifixion was drawing near. He knew how forlorn His disciples would be after He was crucified and no longer would be with them. At His last meal with the disciples before His crucifixion, Jesus told them that He would send "the Comforter," the Holy Spirit, to be with them after He had gone. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with each of the disciples individually to comfort them, help them and strengthen them just as Jesus did when He was with them. Jesus said,

"...It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." (John 16:7 KJV)

## The same Comforter that Jesus sent to His disciples lives in your heart today.

Unbelievers have not received the Holy Spirit. They do not understand the things of God. They cannot have unwavering faith in God. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, the following words that He spoke to His disciples apply to you. The Holy Spirit will be with you forever. He lives in your heart twenty-four hours a day throughout every day of your life. Focus continually on the absolute fact that the Holy Spirit lives in your heart. He can and will help you with every problem you will ever face according to your faith in Him. He will comfort you, strengthen you and help you just as He did with the disciples.

"...I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:16-17 KJV)

## The Holy Spirit lives in your heart because you are a child of God.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, you are a child of God. You are a member of the royal family of God. You receive the Holy Spirit instantly when you become a child of God. You must believe this great spiritual truth wholeheartedly. You should be absolutely certain that the Holy Spirit lives in your heart. Meditate consistently on the promises pertaining to the Holy Spirit in this topic. Draw strength and encouragement from continual meditation on these great promises from God. Trust the Holy Spirit completely to comfort you, to help you and to strengthen you.

"...if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God]." (Romans 8:9 AMP)

## You receive supernatural power when the Holy Spirit comes into your heart.

Jesus told His disciples that they would receive supernatural power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. The same power has come into your life if you have received Jesus as your Savior. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that you will receive supernatural "ability" from the Holy Spirit. You will be able to do things that you could not do by yourself. You will receive incredible efficiency from the Holy Spirit. You will be able to do great things for the Lord because the Holy Spirit lives in your heart. Trust Him completely. Do not be afraid. Jesus said,

"...you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you..." (Acts 1:8 AMP)

## God gave supernatural strength, ability and power to Jesus Christ.

The following passage of Scripture says that God gave the Holy Spirit to Jesus during His earthly ministry. Jesus received supernatural strength, ability and power from the Holy Spirit. Your Father wants you to steadily increase your faith in Him so that you will receive this same supernatural strength, ability and power from the Holy Spirit. Throughout every day of your life, you should have a continual sense of the mighty strength and power of the Holy Spirit Who is with you at all times. Trust the Holy Spirit completely to do in you, through you and for you what you cannot do yourself.

"...God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power..." (Acts 10:38 AMP)

## The Holy Spirit is so powerful that He was able to raise Jesus from the dead.

Jesus Christ has given you spiritual power that is far beyond the limits of human logic and understanding. The Holy Spirit is so powerful that He actually was able to raise Jesus from the dead after He was crucified. Whenever you face a problem that seems to have no possible solution, meditate continually on the following verse of Scripture. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you can be certain that the same mighty Holy Spirit Who raised Jesus from the dead lives in your heart. Persevere in faith. Refuse to give up. Trust completely in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

"...the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you..." (Romans 8:11 NIV)

## The Holy Spirit is much more powerful than anything in the world.

You must not make the mistake that some Christians make of giving in to fear when you face severe adversity. The Holy Spirit in your heart is much greater and much more powerful than anyone or anything in the world. Why would you ever be concerned about any problem you face if you are absolutely certain that you have in you the Holy Spirit Who is so powerful that He was able to raise Jesus from the dead? You must not allow Satan, any person or anything in the world to intimidate you. Focus continually on the mighty Holy Spirit Who lives in your heart.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4 KJV)

## Everything you will ever need is available through the Holy Spirit.

Please highlight or underline the words "mighty power in the inner man" in the following verse of Scripture. You have learned that the real you is the hidden person in your heart (see I Peter 3:4). The Holy Spirit lives in you with this hidden person of the heart. Receive by faith the supernatural strength that the Holy Spirit makes available to you. You should be conscious throughout every day of your life of the mighty power of the Holy Spirit Who resides within you. Every aspect of your life should revolve around your continual consciousness of His magnificent indwelling presence.

"...be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]." (Ephesians 3:16 AMP)

## The Holy Spirit will give you the Scripture you need when you need it.

Have you done your part? Have you faithfully obeyed your Father's specific instructions to renew your mind in His Word every day (see II Corinthians 4:16 and Ephesians 4:23)? Have you faithfully obeyed your Father's instructions to meditate day and night on His Word (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3)? If you have done your part, your mind and your heart will be filled to overflowing with the supernatural power of the living Word of God. The Holy Spirit is able to refer you to Scripture within yourself that will give you the supernatural promises and instructions from God that you need to meet every situation. Jesus said,

"...he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26 KJV)

## Be very careful that you do not grieve or offend the Holy Spirit.

Can you imagine how the Holy Spirit must feel if you are ignorant of His indwelling presence and His great supernatural power? Can you imagine how He must feel if you only pay mental assent to His presence or do not acknowledge Him at all? Can you imagine how He feels if your words and actions during a season of adversity clearly indicate that you do not trust Him? Jesus Christ has given you a tremendous gift in the form of the Holy Spirit. Do not "grieve" the Holy Spirit by failing to trust Him to do in you and through you what you cannot possibly do yourself.

"...grieve not the holy Spirit of God..." (Ephesians 4:30 KJV)

## You can and should be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit.

Please highlight or underline the words "be filled with the Spirit" in the following passage of Scripture. Refuse to allow yourself to be tempted by Satan's carnal substitutes for the Holy Spirit – drunkenness and the pursuit of worldly pleasure. The Holy Spirit will fill you to the exact degree that you empty yourself of the desire to control your life. He will fill you if you constantly allow Him to control your thoughts, words and actions (see the topic titled YIELD CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE TO THE LORD.) You will be filled with the Spirit if your inner gratitude is so great that you constantly sing songs of praise, worship and thanksgiving.

"...do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit. Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:18-19 AMP)

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# HOPE

## Jesus Christ lives in your heart. Place all of your hope in Him.

The word "hope" in the Bible is much stronger than the way this word is used in the world. When people in the world say "I hope so," they talk about what they wish would happen. The word "hope" from a worldly context usually is soft and wishful. The word "hope" in the Bible means constant expectation of good. You should always have hope, regardless of the circumstances you face, because the victorious Jesus Christ lives in your heart if He is your Savior. The Bible speaks of

"...Christ in you, the hope of glory..." (Colossians 1:27 KJV)

## Jesus will help you if you trust Him completely and refuse to give up hope.

Unbelievers have very little hope during their lives on earth when they face adversity that is much more powerful than their limited human abilities. They have no hope whatsoever after they die. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, your hope is just the opposite. Refuse to give up hope. Focus continually on God and His supernatural Word if you are tempted to give up hope. Do your very best to continually learn from the Word of God and to obey your Father's instructions. Your Father will help you if you continue to trust in Him and refuse to give up hope (see the topic titled HELP YOU – GOD WILL).

"The wicked is overthrown through his wrongdoing and calamity, but the [consistently] righteous has hope and confidence even in death." (Proverbs 14:32 AMP)

## The Word of God will encourage you so that you will not give up hope.

You should immerse yourself in the Word of God whenever you face extremely difficult problems. God anointed the human authors of the Bible many years ago to give you specific instructions and promises that tell you how to persevere in faith in the face of formidable obstacles. Fill your heart with encouragement by continually studying and meditating on the holy Scriptures. Refuse to give in to discouragement. The prefix "dis" in the word discouragement means "lack of." The prefix "en" in the word encouragement means "in." You will not give up hope if you consistently encourage yourself with God's Word.

"...whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope." (Romans 15:4 AMP)

## Constantly open your mouth to speak of your hope for the future.

You have learned that you can only control the words you speak when you face a crisis if your heart is filled to overflowing with the supernatural living Word of God (see Luke 6:45). You will not give up hope if your mind and your heart are filled with God's Word. You will constantly speak words that clearly indicate that you have not given up hope. Please highlight or underline the words "joyful and confident expectation" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture. These words describe the hope that you should have for the future, regardless of the circumstances you face.

"Since we have such [glorious] hope (such joyful and confident expectation), we speak very freely and openly and fearlessly" (II Corinthians 3:12 AMP)

## Do not give up hope just because you do not see what you are hoping for.

Anyone can have hope when they can see whatever they are hoping for. Your Father wants you to persevere without giving up hope when you cannot see what you hope He will do. Your Father wants you to have absolute assurance that He will give you exactly what He has promised. He wants you to know that He is totally reliable and that you can trust every promise He gives you (see the topic titled RELIABILITY OF SCRIPTURAL PROMISES). Your Father wants you to wait patiently and confidently for Him to fulfill the promise or promises you are meditating on.

"...hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:24-25 NIV)

## Praise the Lord continually, absolutely refusing to give up hope.

The psalmist gave himself a pep talk when he faced severe adversity. Please highlight or underline the words "downcast" and "disturbed" in the following verse of Scripture. The psalmist asked himself why he was so discouraged. Discouragement is a luxury that you cannot afford. Refuse to allow discouragement to obtain a foothold in your life. Instead, you are instructed to "put your hope in God." Focus continually on your loving Father and His Word. Release your faith that God will bring you safely through whatever adversity you face. Praise Him and thank Him continually.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:11 NIV)

## You will "bubble over" with hope if you focus on the Holy Spirit.

Please highlight or underline the words "the God of your hope" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father refers to Himself in this way to clearly indicate that He is the source of your hope. You will not give up hope if you focus continually on Him. If the Holy Spirit truly is in control of your life, His peace and joy will fill your heart (see Galatians 5:22). His power in you and through you will enable your heart to be filled with hope. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that the Holy Spirit will cause your heart to overflow and "bubble over with hope."

"May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." (Romans 15:13 AMP)

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# HUMILITY

## You should be more concerned with others than you are for yourself.

You should be so humble that you will look at other people as being superior to yourself. If you are truly humble, you will put God in first place, other people in second place and yourself in last place. Your life should revolve around God and other people instead of revolving solely around yourself, your interests, your desires and your goals. Your Father instructs you to follow the example of the great humility of His beloved Son Jesus Christ.

"...in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others. Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]..." (Philippians 2:3-5 AMP)

## Jesus Christ Who is equal to God willingly became a servant of others.

Jesus is so humble that He willingly gave up His status of being equal to God. Jesus chose not use the power of God that was His to use because He was equal to God. Jesus lived as a man on earth in order to be the sinless sacrifice that God required to pay for the sins of mankind. Jesus lived as a humble servant to others so that He could overcome death for those who choose to believe. Jesus obeyed God at all times, even in His final humiliation when He gave his life for you on the cross. His humility paid the price for your sin and your sickness. Jesus

"...did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!" (Philippians 2:6-8 AMP)

## Your Father will exalt you and lift you up if you are truly humble.

Your loving Father wants to exalt you and lift you up. He will exalt you if you turn away from selfish goals to seek and to do what He instructs you to do. Do not be concerned with promoting yourself and trying to make yourself look good to other people. You should be totally dedicated to serving the Lord and to serving others. The more you try to lift yourself up, the more you will be brought down. If you are consistently humble, you will be lifted up. Jesus said,

"...everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11 NIV)

## God instructs you to cover yourself with humility at all times.

The word "clothe" in the following verse of Scripture is extremely important. What does God mean when He instructs you to "clothe yourself with humility?" When you put clothing on your body, you cover what otherwise would be your naked body. Your Father instructs you to cover yourself with humility at all times. He instructs you to have a servant's attitude in every aspect of your life. You should be so humble that your humility "cannot possibly be stripped from you." You should be completely free from pride. Pride always brings problems into your life. When you have a servant's heart, no one can place you in a lower position. You are already there.

"...Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another..." (I Peter 5:5 AMP)

## If you are wise in the Lord, you will humble yourself before others.

The topic titled WISDOM OF GOD contains many scriptural facts pertaining to wisdom, knowledge, understanding and guidance. If you follow the scriptural advice in this topic, you will show your godly wisdom and understanding by your humility. The less you know of God's instructions, the more proud you are likely to be. The more you understand God's instructions, the more humble you will be. If you have a deep and sincere desire to help others, your life will indicate that God's wisdom is moving in you and through you.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13 NIV)

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# In You – God Lives in Your Heart

## Jesus Christ performed great miracles because His Father lived in His heart.

Jesus was conscious throughout His earthly ministry that His Father lived in His heart. Jesus knew that the mighty miracles He performed were done through Him, not by Him. The same Father God Who lived in the heart of Jesus at that time lives in your heart today if Jesus Christ is your Savior. God's mighty power can and will work in you and through you just as it did in the life of His beloved Son. Trust God completely to use you to do what He has called you to do with your life. Jesus said,

"...the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). (John 14:10 AMP)

## You should be continually conscious that God lives in your heart.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you have supernatural power in your heart that is much more powerful than anything on earth, no matter how powerful it may seem. Why would you ever cower in fear before anyone or anything on earth if you are absolutely certain that Almighty God lives in your heart? You will never be discouraged if you are absolutely certain that God lives in you. Your Father wants you to rest in the certainty of His indwelling presence. He wants your heart to rejoice. You should always sing with joy because you know beyond any doubt that He lives in your heart.

"The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty..." (Zephaniah 3:17 KJV)

## You are instructed to abide in Jesus Christ as He abides in you.

The Bible tells you exactly what to do to "abide" in Jesus and to be absolutely certain that He makes His home in your heart. Please highlight or underline the words "All who keep His commandments" in the following verse of Scripture. The word "all" includes you. If you are deeply motivated to learn and obey your Father's instructions and to seek and carry out His will for your life, you will abide in Jesus Christ and He will abide in you. Your interests and goals will be the same as His interests and goals. Your obedience and dedication will make you one with Him.

"All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.]..." (I John 3:24 AMP)

## Your life should be rooted in the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ.

Please highlight or underline the words "through your faith" in the following verse of Scripture. You must have more than intellectual knowledge that Jesus Christ lives in your heart. You must have deep, strong and unwavering faith that the same Jesus Christ Who died for your sins lives in your heart throughout every minute of every hour of every day. The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that Jesus will "make His permanent home" in your heart if you believe He will. Your life should be deeply rooted in His supernatural love for you (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD).

"May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love," (Ephesians 3:17 AMP)

## Is your awareness of the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ increasing?

Is your awareness of the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ much greater today than it was one year ago?...two years ago?...three years ago? This book contains many scriptural facts that instruct you how to develop a closer relationship with Jesus. If you learn and obey these specific instructions from God, you will develop a closer relationship with Jesus. You will become more and more aware that Jesus lives in your heart. Every aspect of your life will revolve around your Lord and Savior Who is with you throughout every minute of every hour of every day of your life.

"...Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you..." (II Corinthians 13:5 AMP)

## The Holy Spirit makes His permanent residence in your heart.

Please highlight or underline the words "permanent dwelling" in the following verse of Scripture. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in your heart when you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior. He will never leave you. You should not have any doubt about the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. He can and will guide you continually and do great things in you and through you according to your faith in Him. The Holy Spirit is omnipresent (see the topic titled OMNIPRESENT GOD). The same Holy Spirit Who lives in your heart also lives in the heart of every other person who has received Jesus Christ as his or her Savior.

"...God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]?" (I Corinthians 3:16 AMP)

## God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit live in your heart.

Please highlight or underline the words "the Godhead" in the following verse of Scripture. These words refer to Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit live in your heart if Jesus Christ is your Savior. You are a spiritual powerhouse. Are you continually conscious throughout every day of your life of the immense power that lives in your heart? If so, why would you ever worry about anything or be afraid of anything? You can and will be everything your Father has called you to be if you are continually conscious that "the Godhead" permanently resides in your heart.

"...you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and reach full spiritual stature]..." (Colossians 2:10 AMP)

## Do not look outside of yourself. The kingdom of God is within you.

Please highlight or underline the words "within you" in the following verse of Scripture. If the kingdom of God is within you, why would you ever look to the world for anything? The world does not have anything you need. When you received Jesus Christ as your Savior, God placed everything you will ever need within you. Turn within yourself for every need to be met. Turn within yourself for wisdom, guidance, love, peace, joy and strength. Jesus speaks directly to you when He says,

"...behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21 KJV)

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# INADEQUACY OF HUMAN ABILITIES

## Depend on the Holy Spirit instead of depending on your human ability.

You have seen that, when Jesus Christ became your Savior, the Holy Spirit took up residence in your heart. You begin your life with the Holy Spirit at this time. Why would you ever "depend on the flesh" if you are absolutely certain that the Holy Spirit lives in your heart? Doing this makes no sense whatsoever, but this is exactly what some Christians do. Anyone who makes this mistake is "foolish, senseless and silly." The Holy Spirit wants you to trust completely in His mighty power to do in you and through you what you cannot do yourself.

"Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3 AMP)

## Jesus knew that He was completely inadequate to do what must be done.

Please highlight or underline the word "nothing" in the following verse of Scripture. The greatest man Who ever lived was unable to do anything of eternal consequence with His human abilities. Jesus came to earth as a human being. He knew how inadequate He was. Jesus placed complete trust in God to do in Him and through Him what He knew He could not do Himself. If the greatest man Who ever lived said that He could "do nothing of Himself," why would you ever think that God is relying on you to solve difficult problem with your limited abilities? Jesus said,

"...the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord)..." (John 5:19 AMP)

## Adversity often is required to stop you from trying to trust yourself.

The apostle Paul faced severe adversity on many occasions. He speaks of "great pressure" that is "far beyond his ability to endure." The pressure that Paul faced was so great that it threatened his life. Paul knew how inadequate he was. He did not give up when he faced severe pressure. Paul learned through many difficult problems that God, Whose mighty power can raise the dead, would help him according to his faith in Him. Your Father instructs you to have this total, complete and absolute faith in Him at all times. Paul said,

"...We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." (II Corinthians 1:8-9 NIV)

## You must understand that you do not have what is necessary.

The world says, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." This statement sounds good, but it is completely unscriptural. When the going gets tough, you must turn to God. Give every problem to Him. You are not qualified to "count anything as coming from you." The "power and ability and sufficiency" that you must have is only available to you through your faith in God. Your knowledge of and faith in God's promises of sufficiency determine how much help you will receive from God.

"Not that we are fit (qualified and sufficient in ability) of ourselves to form personal judgments or to claim or count anything as coming from us, but our power and ability and sufficiency are from God." (II Corinthians 3:5 AMP)

## Your Father has given you a supernatural treasure to help you.

Please highlight or underline the words "precious treasure" in the following verse of Scripture. These words refer to the holy Bible. The words "frail, human vessels of earth" in the amplification indicate that your human abilities are completely inadequate. The "grandeur and exceeding greatness" of God's power is available to you through the holy Scriptures. The Word of God is filled to overflowing with the supernatural power of God (see Hebrews 4:12). Are you receiving the blessings of this supernatural treasure that your loving Father has provided for you?

"...we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves." (II Corinthians 4:7 AMP)

## Everything is not lost when you come to the end of your human ability.

What did the psalmist do when his "flesh and his heart failed?" He did not give up. He turned to the strength of God in His heart. Your Father instructs you to do the same. He tells you that you can do all things through the strength of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 4:13). The strength of Jesus is available to you when you come to the end of your human strength. Meditate on the promises of strength and sufficiency in the topic titled STRENGTH FROM GOD. Do not give up when you come to the end of yourself. The psalmist said,

"My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." (Psalm 73:26 KJV)

## You must understand that you are "weak, frail and dying."

Please highlight or underline the words "cease to trust in weak, frail, and dying" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture. These words apply to you. You are instructed to cease trusting in your inadequate human abilities. Please highlight or underline the words "intrinsic worth." The word "intrinsic" refers to internal qualities that are not dependent on anything external. You are weak in the natural realm, but strong in the spiritual realm. Your Father instructs you not to trust in yourself. He wants you to place all of your trust in Him.

"Cease to trust in [weak, frail, and dying] man, whose breath is in his nostrils [for so short a time]; in what sense can he be counted as having intrinsic worth?" (Isaiah 2:22 AMP)

## You must not depend on your "empty and futile" thinking.

The Lord knows that you do not have what it takes to overcome severe problems. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that your thoughts are "vain, empty and futile." You must understand this basic truth. Do not attempt to trust in yourself in severe adversity when the Lord has clearly instructed you not to do this. Do not disobey God. Turn away from your human inadequacy. Place all of your trust and confidence in God to do in you and through you what you cannot possibly do yourself.

"The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain (empty and futile – only a breath)." (Psalm 94:11 AMP)

## God repeatedly instructs you to turn away from your human abilities.

The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says "not in your own strength." Focus on the word "not" whenever you face difficult problems. Your Father has clearly told you that you will make a big mistake if you believe that you have to trust in your human abilities. Place your trust in God Who "is all the while effectually at work in you." You have learned that God lives in your heart. He will give you the "power and desire" to do what He has called you to do with your life. Trust Him completely every step of the way.

"[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." (Philippians 2:13 AMP)

## Human strength and ability are insignificant in the spiritual realm.

The following passage of Scripture speaks of "a mighty man," referring to a person with a great deal of human ability. This person will not be delivered from difficult problems by human strength and ability. No matter how strong and talented you may be, your human abilities are insufficient. God is not looking for your ability. He is looking for your availability. Your Father instructs you to turn away from your human ability, no matter how great it is, to place all of your trust in Him to do what you cannot do yourself.

"...a mighty man is not delivered by much strength." (Psalm 33:16 KJV)

## No matter how much ability you have, you do not have enough.

You and your abilities are not the key to success. God and His ability are the key. You must get out of God's way. Stop struggling to do yourself what only God can do. Do the best you can. Then rest in God. Sometimes the worst thing you can have is a lot of human talent and ability. The fact that your human abilities were sufficient in the past is not important. You definitely will face challenges that you cannot solve even when you are at your very best. Self-confidence is not the answer (see the topic titled SELF-CONFIDENCE). Christ-confidence is the only answer.

"...[the determination of] the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man [even in a strong man or in a man at his best] to direct his [own] steps." (Jeremiah 10:23 AMP)

## The kingdom of God works from the inside out, not from the outside in.

God instructs you to "put no confidence or dependence" in your human ability or in anything external. Turn away from yourself. Turn away from anything in the world. Place all of your confidence in the victorious Jesus Christ Who lives in your heart. You should follow the example of Abraham Lincoln, who was one of the greatest presidents of the United States. President Lincoln said, "Without the assistance of that divine being who attends me I cannot succeed; with that assistance I cannot fail." Please note the words "outward" and "external" in the following verse of Scripture. You are instructed to "put no confidence" in anything external.

"...exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances" (Philippians 3:3 AMP)

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# JOY

## Your Father wants your heart to be filled with joy at all times.

Most people are happy when everything is going well in their lives. God has created the good times in your life. He also allows difficult times to come into your life. God in His wisdom often allows adversity to come upon you to motivate you to grow and mature spiritually. Your joy should be constant during good times and bad times. Joy is not dependent on circumstances. Joy comes from the inside out, not from the outside in. Your roots in the Lord should be so deep that you will not lose your joy regardless of what happens to you.

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other..." (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV)

## Refuse to give up your joy when you face severe problems.

The prophet Habakkuk refused to allow extremely difficult circumstances to affect his joy. All of his crops failed. His sheep and his cattle had disappeared. How did Habakkuk react to the failure that surrounded him? He "rejoiced in the Lord." He was "joyful in God His Savior." He refused to react negatively. He had absolute faith that God would work everything out for the best (see Romans 8:28). How does Habakkuk's attitude compare with your attitude when you face extremely difficult problems? Do you give up your joy?

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior." (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV)

## Be encouraged and filled with joy whenever you face adversity.

The following words that the apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians apply to you today. Please highlight or underline the words "my joy knows no bounds." Paul's joy was not limited by the problems he faced. Paul actually said that he was "encouraged" by all of the troubles he faced. Paul reacted with joy to every problem. The joy of the Lord is independent of circumstances. Joy does not come from the absence of problems. Joy comes from a close and intimate relationship with the Lord. Are you so close to the Lord that you trust Him completely, absolutely refusing to give up your joy?

"...I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds." (II Corinthians 7:4 NIV)

## Rejoice because of your certainty that you will live eternally in heaven.

Is Jesus Christ your Savior? If He is, you will live eternally in the glory of heaven. Carefully study and meditate on the Scripture in the topic titled HEAVEN at the beginning of this book. Your heart will sing with joy as you meditate on these glorious truths. You will enjoy all of the blessings of heaven throughout eternity. You must not allow temporary problems on earth to steal the joy that you will experience in heaven. Focus continually on heaven when you face severe adversity (see Colossians 3:2). A mature eternal perspective will help you to keep your joy throughout your life on earth. Jesus said,

"...rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:20 KJV)

## Refuse to allow criticism and condemnation to steal your joy.

Some people actually will "hate" you because of your commitment to Christ. They will turn their backs on you and speak critically of you. Some unbelievers will become angry when they see your total commitment to Jesus Christ. If you are right, they are wrong. They do not want to consider this possibility. Jesus said that this critical treatment actually is a blessing. He said that you should "rejoice and leap for joy" when you are treated this way for His sake. You should rejoice because you are certain that you will receive great rewards in heaven if you receive this criticism with joy. Jesus said,

"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven..." (Luke 6:22-23 KJV)

## Your heart will sing with joy if it is filled with the Word of God.

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of "eating" the Word of God. The Bible is magnificent spiritual food that your Father has provided for you. Your Father instructs you to eat this food every day by continually studying and meditating on His Word. The Word of God also is a spiritual seed (see Luke 8:11). You plant seeds of joy in your mind and your heart when you continually study and meditate on God's Word. Your heart will overflow with joy if you constantly learn and obey your Father's instructions and believe wholeheartedly in Him and in all of His promises. Jeremiah said,

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart..." (Jeremiah 15:16 KJV)

## Rejoice at all times because you are certain that the Lord reigns.

Would you allow the problems you face to overwhelm you if you are absolutely certain that the Lord is in complete control? Please study the scriptural facts in the topics titled OMNIPOTENT GOD and VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST. Focus on these encouraging truths instead of identifying with the problems you face. Jesus did not promise you an easy, pleasure-filled life. He did promise you a victorious life. Satan wants you to be miserable. Jesus wants your heart to sing with joy because you are absolutely certain that He has paid the full price to give you victory over every challenge you face.

"The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice..." (Psalm 97:1 KJV)

## The joy of the Lord will strengthen you and encourage you.

Discouragement and depression weaken you. The Lord does not want you to be "grieved and depressed." He does not want you to give up the joy you have in Him. Joy remains constant under pressure. You will receive strength from the Lord if you persevere in faith without giving up your joy. Satan's demons will do everything they can to try to steal your joy. They know that they can block you from receiving the strength of the Lord if you give up your joy. Your strength is in the Lord.

"...be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold." (Nehemiah 8:10 AMP)

## No one can steal your joy from you without your consent.

You decide whether you will allow any person or any circumstance to steal your joy. If every aspect of your life is centered around Jesus Christ Who lives in your heart, nothing will be able to steal His joy from you. Jesus is not at all concerned about His ability to solve whatever problems you face. He already has won a victory over every problem. Jesus wants you to trust Him completely. He wants you to identify with Him and the magnificent victory He won instead of focusing on the problems you face. Trust Jesus completely. Refuse to give up your joy.

"...your joy no man taketh from you." (John 16:22 KJV)

## The Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of joy when He is in control.

Galatians 5:22-23 explains all of the spiritual fruit that the Holy Spirit will produce in your life if you yield control of your life to Him and trust Him completely. In this topic we are discussing the fruit of joy. Joy and gladness will be produced in your life by the Holy Spirit to the degree that you trust Him and yield control of your life to Him. Proud, self-confident and self-centered people cannot experience the joy of the Lord. Turn away from selfishness. Selfless people experience the joy of the Lord because they gladly yield control of their lives to the Holy Spirit.

"...the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness)..." (Galatians 5:22 AMP)

## The Lord instructs you to rejoice in Him continually.

The Lord does not want you to rejoice in Him some of the time or most of the time. He instructs you to rejoice in Him "always" (see Ecclesiastes 11:8). The amplification in the following verse of Scripture instructs you to "delight" in the Lord and to "gladden" yourself in Him. If every area of your life revolves around the Lord, your heart will sing with joy. God uses repetition for the purpose of emphasis. This short verse of Scripture emphasizes the word "rejoice" which is the first and last word in this verse. Rejoice in the Lord always, regardless of the circumstances you face.

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 AMP)

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# Last Days

## A move of Satan and a move of the Holy Spirit are taking place today.

Most mature Christians believe that we live in the last days before Jesus Christ returns to earth. Two mighty spiritual movements are sweeping the earth in these last days. Satan and his demons know that their time is short. Never in history has there been so much sin in the world. Our daily newspapers are filled with stories about sin, crime and violence. At the same time, a great move of the Holy Spirit is taking place. God is moving His Spirit into the lives of men, women and children who are surrendered to Him. God now is revealing Himself more through visions and dreams as He promised.

"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." (Acts 2:17 NIV)

## God's grace will surpass the move of Satan during these last days.

Your loving Father is moving powerfully during these last days before Jesus Christ returns. The mighty move of the Holy Spirit is much greater and much more powerful than the influence that Satan and his demons are exerting on the world today. In these last days, the degree of God's grace will far surpass the move of Satan that has increased greatly during recent years. Do not be discouraged by the evil move of Satan that is sweeping the world today. Focus instead on this mighty move of God that "has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded."

"...where sin increased and abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded..." (Romans 5:20 AMP)

## Extremely difficult times will be coming upon the world.

The time appears to be relatively short before Jesus will return to earth. God repeatedly tells you in His Word what will happen, but He never tells you when what it will happen. You can expect very difficult times to come upon the world in the foreseeable future. This book is filled with Scripture telling you how to deal with the "perilous times of great stress and trouble" that surely will be coming upon us in the not too distant future. If you have not been faithfully studying and meditating on God's Word, start now and continue your daily Bible study and Scripture meditation.

"...in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear]." (II Timothy 3:1 AMP)

## Severe adversity will occur during the last days before Jesus returns.

Jesus said that powerful earthquakes will occur during the last days before He returns. The number of earthquakes in the world has steadily increased in recent years. AIDS and other diseases have increased rapidly. There has been a great increase in famine in Third World countries. The following passage of Scripture says that "sights of terror" will take place. Could these words describe the terrorist attacks that are taking place throughout the world? You should be fully aware of the warning that Jesus gave to this generation when He said,

"There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11 AMP)

## The Bible teaches that war will increase during the last days.

Wars and rumors of wars will escalate in the last days before Jesus returns. We are seeing this as this book is written. Terrorist attacks have increased greatly. War in the Middle East has escalated and shows no signs of ceasing. You must not allow yourself to be alarmed. Prepare yourself now by meditating on the scriptural facts that are contained in this book and other Scripture that is especially meaningful to you. You can learn how to overcome the fear that many people will experience when they see these wars and all of the other things that are taking place throughout the world. Jesus said,

"...ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass..." (Matthew 24:6 KJV)

## People are becoming increasingly selfish, greedy, proud and arrogant.

The following passage of Scripture explains exactly what people will be like during the last days before Jesus returns. Everyone does not fit this description. However, as you read these words, ask yourself if this passage accurately describes our generation on the whole compared to what most people were like when your parents and your grandparents were your age. Isn't it interesting to see how accurately the following words describe the callous selfishness and pride that we see in many people today?

"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." (II Timothy 3:2-4 NIV)

## The world will be in chaos in the final days before Jesus returns.

Many of the sources of worldly security that people have placed great trust in will disappear during the difficult times that lie ahead of us. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that people will be left "without resources." There will be so much trouble in the world that people will "not know which way to turn." Complacency and apathy reign in the United States as this book is written. Most people are unaware of what is coming. They are not doing what God instructs them to do to steadily increase their faith in Him to prepare for the difficult times that are coming. Jesus said,

"...there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth [there will be] distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity [without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn]..." (Luke 21:25 AMP)

## Fear and dread will sweep through the world during the last days.

Jesus Christ, speaking prophetically of the last days before His return, spoke of how fearful people will be. This fear will be much worse than the fear that swept through our nation during the economic depression that began in 1929. Many people will be paralyzed with fear because of the signs they will see of what is coming on the world. Some people actually will die from "fear, dread and apprehension." Many people who do not know what God's Word says will be destroyed because of their scriptural ignorance (see Hosea 4:6). Jesus spoke of:

"...men swooning away or expiring with fear and dread and apprehension and expectation of the things that are coming on the world..." (Luke 21:26 AMP)

## The time is here for many Christians to learn more from God's Word.

We have written this comprehensive and easy-to-understand book to help people prepare for the difficult times that surely are coming upon us. The only question is when, not if. Many of the topics in this book contain factual information from God that you need to learn and apply in your life. Many people who now know very little about the Bible will want to learn everything they can from God's supernatural living Word as circumstances in the world grow steadily worse. We believe that the following prophetic words from the book of Daniel were written for our generation.

"...O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and knowledge [of God's purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great." (Daniel 12:4 AMP)

## Many people will be highly motivated to learn more from God.

Many Christians are woefully unprepared at the time this book is written. The economy has been good in recent years. Most people seek security from external sources. Many people do not even begin to understand the enormity of the difficult times that will be coming upon us in the not-too-distant future. Many sources of security that people have depended upon no longer will be secure. Many people will ask God to teach them His ways. You must learn to live in complete obedience to God's instructions and with absolute faith in the reliability of His promises.

"...it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths..." (Isaiah 2:2-3 KJV)

## Your Father has told you exactly what to do in the last days.

You must turn to God consistently when everything you have been reading about actually takes place. You must "be obedient to His voice." This book is filled with hundreds of specific instructions from God that will help you when the problems of the last days directly affect your life. Your Father is merciful. He will not let you down. He will not fail you or destroy you. You must learn and obey the specific instructions He has given to you. If you pay the price of learning God's instructions and obey them, your Father will help you through these difficult times.

"When you are in tribulation and all these things come upon you, in the latter days you will turn to the Lord your God and be obedient to His voice. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not fail you or destroy you..." (Deuteronomy 4:30-31 AMP)

## You must obey the specific instructions God has given to you.

Unbelievers will have good reason to be afraid when the difficult times you have been reading about come upon us. Christians can learn exactly what to do. The holy Scriptures "were written to admonish and fit you for right action" during the last days. Some Christians have been very negligent in the areas of Bible study and Scripture meditation. Now is the time for you to learn exactly what your Father has instructed you to do during the perilous times that soon will be upon us. Your loving Father has provided you with everything you will need. The holy Scriptures

"...were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction..." (I Corinthians 10:11 AMP)

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# LIGHT AND DARKNESS

## Jesus has enabled you to come out of spiritual darkness into God's light.

All unbelievers walk in darkness. They do not understand that they are walking in darkness, but they are nevertheless. Unfortunately, some Christians live primarily in spiritual darkness. They do not know what the Bible instructs them to do to walk in light. Jesus has made it possible for all Christians to experience spiritual enlightenment, but you must do what Jesus instructs you to do. The world is becoming darker and darker in these last days before Jesus returns. The Scripture in this topic will guide you to turn from spiritual death and spiritual darkness to spiritual life by walking in God's light. Jesus said,

"...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12 KJV)

## God has called all Christians to come out of darkness into light.

You have learned that you become a member of the family of God when Jesus becomes your Savior (see the topic titled FAMILY OF GOD). You are a chosen person who belongs to God. Members of God's family do not have to live in the constant deception of Satan's darkness. You can and should come out of spiritual darkness into the spiritual light that Jesus has provided for you. If you can even begin to comprehend the freedom from darkness you have received, your heart will sing with joy. You will praise God and thank Him continually.

"...you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (I Peter 2:9 NIV)

## You can and should live every day of your life in the light of God.

All unbelievers are influenced by the darkness of Satan. They are under the influence of Satan whether they realize it or not. Spiritual darkness is escalating during these final days before the return of Jesus Christ. Legions of demon spirits who know that their time is short are doing everything they can to engulf the world in darkness. Everyone in heaven has been set free from darkness, but freedom from darkness is not automatic here on earth. You must turn away from the world each day to constantly draw closer to Jesus.

"...you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8 NIV)

## Christians with a clean conscience will walk continually in God's light.

If you have a guilty conscience, Satan and his demons have a much better opportunity to influence your thoughts, words and actions. If you stay close to Jesus and you have a clean conscience, Satan and his demons cannot penetrate the presence of God. Faithfully obey your Father's instructions to renew your mind in His Word each and every day. Obey God's instructions to meditate day and night on His Word. Draw closer to Jesus throughout every day of your life. Walk habitually in the marvelous light that He has provided for you. Jesus has warned you to "be careful" that you are not walking in darkness. He said,

"Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (your conscience) is sound and fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound and is not fulfilling its office, your body is full of darkness. Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness." (Luke 11:34-35 AMP)

## What exactly should you do to walk constantly in spiritual light?

Continual study and meditation on the holy Scriptures will bring you out of Satan's darkness into God's light. Some Christians are groping in spiritual darkness because they do not obey their Father's instructions to continually study and meditate on His Word. The Word of God is a spiritual lamp that will show you how to walk on the path your Father has instructed you to walk on. Turn on the light of God's Word throughout every day and night of your life. This verse of Scripture is so important to us that Lamplight Ministries derives its name from Psalm 119:105.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

## Satan and his demons do not want to be exposed by spiritual light.

If you are in a dark room, you cannot see what is in that room. When you turn on a light, you are able to see the contents of the room that were there all along. You turn on the light in the spiritual realm by effective daily Bible study and Scripture meditation. Satan does not want to be exposed by light. Have you ever lifted a rock and found insects scurrying to get out of the light they suddenly have been exposed to? This is what happens to Satan and his demons in their spiritual darkness when you consistently study and meditate on God's Word.

"...when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light." (Ephesians 5:13 AMP)

## Your loving Father tells you exactly what to do to come into His light.

The Word of God is the truth (see John 17:17). Please highlight or underline the words "whoever lives by the truth comes into the light" in the following verse of Scripture. If you obey your Father's instructions to continually study and meditate on His Word, you will come out of Satan's darkness into God's magnificent light. You will clearly see what God can and will do in you, through you and for you if you continually walk in the supernatural light of His Word. You should be determined to live your life according to the truth of God's Word. Jesus said,

"...whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (John 3:21 NIV)

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# LOGIC AND INTELLECT

## God's thoughts and ways are higher than your thoughts and ways.

Your Father's thoughts and His ways are far above and very different from your thoughts and your ways. God's ways are so vastly different from the ways of the world that many unbelievers who hear just a little of what the Bible says turn completely away from the Bible. They do this because what little they have heard makes absolutely no sense to their carnal, unrenewed minds. Unbelievers cannot understand the Bible. The Holy Spirit enters the heart of every believer. Once you believe, you have constant access to God and His thoughts.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV)

## Recognize your human limitations. Trust completely in God.

Your Father warns you against trying to figure things out with the limitations of your human understanding. Please highlight or underline the words "lean not on thine own understanding" in the following passage of Scripture. You do not trust God with your mind – you trust Him with your heart. Your heart should be so full of God's Word that your heart will be predominant over rational, logical and carnal worldly thinking. Do not give up when you are at the end of your human understanding. Faith is able to trust God when human logic says there is no answer.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV)

## Do not do anything just because what you are doing seems right to you.

Satan's demons will continually whisper into your ears telling you to make decisions based upon what "seems right" to you. Many unbelievers will suffer eternally in the lake of fire for making decisions based upon what seems right to them. Some Christians who will live eternally in heaven will make major errors by making spiritually incorrect decisions based primarily on what seems right to them. Turn away from the limitations of human logic. Doing what seems right can cause you to be spiritually dead and even lead to premature physical death.

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12 KJV)

## Logical thinking without the Holy Spirit results in spiritual death.

Please highlight or underline the amplification in the following verse of Scripture that describes a carnal mind as "sense and reason without the Holy Spirit." If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit has come into your life. Your thinking should be submitted to the Word of God and yielded to the Holy Spirit. You must grow and mature to the place where God's Word in your heart overcomes logical worldly thoughts in your mind. You must grow and mature to the degree where you gladly surrender control of your life to the Holy Spirit (see the topic titled YIELD CONTROL TO THE LORD).

"...the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death..." (Romans 8:6 AMP)

## Instead of planning intellectually, allow the Lord to direct your steps.

You always should do the very best you can with the limitations of your human understanding. Once you have done this, you then should turn to the Lord with absolute faith in Him. Ask Him to guide you every step of the way to do what He wants you to do instead of making the mistake of doing what seems right to you. God can see so much that you cannot see and cannot understand. He can and will guide you and direct you every step of the way according to your faith in Him.

"A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure." (Proverbs 16:9 AMP)

## Intellectual understanding cannot succeed in the spiritual realm.

You must comprehend the limitations of human understanding. Human logic says that a virgin cannot give birth to a child, but the Word of God says that the Savior of the world was born of a virgin (see Matthew 1:23). Human logic says that five thousand people cannot be fed with a few loaves of bread and two fish, but this is exactly what Jesus did (see Luke 9:13-17). The Bible is filled with similar instances that make no sense whatsoever to logical, intellectual thinking. The Lord can see much more than you can see. Trust Him completely to guide your steps.

"A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" (Proverbs 20:24 NIV)

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# Long Life

## God created you to live a long, full and productive life.

God has a definite and specific plan for your life (see the topic titled WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE). He wants you to successfully complete the assignment He has given to you. If you are carrying out God's will for your life, Satan wants you to die prematurely. Your Father wants you to live a long life to successfully complete this assignment. He tells you that you will "come to your grave in ripe old age" at the end of a productive life where you have successfully completed His assignment.

"You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, and as a shock of grain goes up [to the threshing floor] in its season." (Job 5:26 AMP)

## Your Father wants you to be productive throughout old age.

Doing what God has called you to do with your life keeps you young. You will become more goal-oriented as you grow older. Instead of focusing primarily on the pursuit of pleasure as many retired people do, you will focus on successfully completing God's assignment for your life. Your thoughts will be focused on the future, not on the past. You will keep moving forward, always focused on what your Father has called you to do. Many biblical leaders served God effectively well into old age. The life of Moses was a good example of this principle.

"...Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." (Deuteronomy 34:7 KJV)

## Children who obey their parents are more likely to live a long life.

The foundation for a long, full and healthy life should be established during childhood. Children who are obedient to their parents are much more likely to continue a lifestyle in their adult years that will lead to long life. When these children become adults, the habit of obedience that was developed during childhood will increase the likelihood that they will obey God. These people will be much less likely to turn their backs on God as many self-centered and headstrong people do. Christians who faithfully obey God's instructions will, on the whole, live much longer than people who do know or obey God's instructions.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV)

## Christians who fear the Lord are much more likely to live a long life.

When you fear the Lord, you revere Him. You hold Him in absolute awe. Every aspect of your life revolves around Him. The lifestyle of Christians who truly fear the Lord lends itself to good health and a long, full and productive life. Unbelievers and Christians who do not truly fear the Lord are much more likely to die prematurely. These people are in control of their lives instead of continually yielding control of their lives to God (see the topic titled YIELD CONTROL TO THE LORD). They will constantly make decisions with their unrenewed minds that will cut their life short.

"The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short." (Proverbs 10:27 NIV)

## Christians who live a moral life are much less likely to die prematurely.

The amplification in the following passage of Scripture explains your righteousness as "moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation." The word "rectitude" means to conduct your life according to moral principles. Common sense and personal observation will show you that most people who live immoral lives die prematurely. Their lives deviate considerably from God's instructions. They are unable to live the long, full and productive lives that God desires. Believers in Jesus Christ who live for Him and live to serve others are much more likely to live a long and a holy life.

"...righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) delivers from death." (Proverbs 10:2 AMP)

## Learn and obey your Father's instructions. Live a long and full life.

Please highlight or underline the word "hear" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father wants you to continually hear His Word and to receive His Word with a humble and teachable heart. In addition to hearing anointed pastors and teachers who preach and teach from God's Word, your Father wants your ears to hear your mouth boldly speaking His Word as you faithfully obey His instructions to meditate day and night on His Word. Christians who consistently meditate on God's Word will live longer lives because they will consistently be programming themselves to obey God's specific instructions.

"Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many." (Proverbs 4:10 KJV)

## Christians who give freely and cheerfully will live longer.

Greedy people who covet the things of the world store up money as the primary source of their security. These people are much less likely to live a long, healthy and fruitful life. Most people who attempt to become wealthy through dishonest means will die prematurely. You are much more likely to live a long life if you turn away from greed and dishonesty. Giving Christians who continually give freely to the Lord and to others are much more likely to live a long and full life (see the topic titled PROSPERITY).

"...he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life." (Proverbs 28:16 NIV)

## You must not allow Satan's demons to influence the words you speak.

Do you "love life?" Do you desire to see "many good days?" If these words describe your attitude toward life, you must understand the importance of not allowing the evil thoughts that Satan's demons will attempt to put into your mind to affect the words you speak. All lies originate with Satan (see John 6:44). You must not accept lying thoughts from Satan's demons. People whose minds, hearts and actions are consistently influenced by Satan's demons seldom "see many good days." Christians whose minds, hearts and actions are programmed by God's Word will be much more likely to live a long, full and productive life.

"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." (Psalm 34:12-13 NIV)

## God's wisdom will enable you to live a long, full and productive life.

The Bible teaches that the likelihood of living a long and full life will increase if you consistently seek God's wisdom (see the topic titled WISDOM OF GOD). The same God Who created you knows exactly how He wants you to live your life. You should be determined to turn away from the wisdom of the world which is "foolishness" to God (see I Corinthians 3:19-20). If you seek God's wisdom continually and do what He instructs you to do, your days will be "multiplied" and your life expectancy will "be increased."

"...by me [Wisdom from God] your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased." (Proverbs 9:11 AMP)

## Christians who love God and trust Him completely will live long lives.

If you have a close relationship with God and trust Him completely, your Father will deliver you from many problems. The topic titled LOVE OF GOD explains that you show your love for God by obeying His instructions just as children who love their parents obey their parents' instructions. If you are loving and obedient, your Father will honor your faith in Him. He will guard you and protect you. He will answer your prayers. He will help you when you are in trouble. He will give you a long and a full life.

"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." (Psalm 91:14-16 KJV)

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# LOVE OF GOD

## God showed His love by sending His beloved son to die for you.

Would you give your beloved child to die for someone else? Would you give your child to die for large numbers of people who did not even care about this enormous sacrifice? God did this for you. He loves you so much that He made this sacrifice for you and for every other person. The following verse of Scripture says that "Christ died for the ungodly." Jesus died for every unbeliever who was on the earth at that time and for every unbeliever who would live in the future. If you believe in Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for you, you will live eternally in the glory of heaven.

"...God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16 KJV)

## Your Father loves you in spite of your faults and shortcomings.

You cannot possibly understand God's love with the limitations of worldly comprehension. Many people in the world love conditionally. They withhold their love if they disapprove of another person's actions. God knows everything about you (see Psalm 139:1-4). He knows all of your faults and shortcomings. He still loves you totally, completely and unconditionally. You cannot earn God's love. God's unconditional love for you is a gift. Please read the parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11-32) for a specific example of God's love for you. Your Father does not condemn you for your imperfections and shortcomings.

"...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1 NIV)

## Jesus loves you so much that He was ranked lower than angels.

Jesus loves you so much that He actually became lower than the angels He created. Jesus stripped Himself of the royalty that was His as the Son of God. He came to earth as a mere human being to willingly die a horrible death to pay the price for all of your sins. Jesus paid the price that you should pay. He was "crowned with glory and honor" because of the supreme sacrifice He made for you because He loves you with an incomprehensible love.

"...we are able to see Jesus, Who was ranked lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory and honor because of His having suffered death, in order that by the grace (unmerited favor) of God [to us sinners] He might experience death for every individual person." (Hebrews 2:9 KJV)

## God clearly demonstrated His love for you by the death of His Son.

Please highlight or underline the words "the ungodly" in the following passage of Scripture. Jesus did not die only for people who do their best to live a moral life. Jesus died for the most evil sinners who had lived up to that time. He died for the worst sinners who would live in the future. Jesus loves everyone in the world so much that He paid this enormous price for all sinners. Jesus died for you long before you were born. Thank Jesus for His incomprehensible love for you.

"...at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8 NIV)

## Jesus Christ loves you just as much as His Father loves Him.

Stop and think for a moment about how much God must love His beloved Son. Jesus tells you that He loves you just as much as God loves Him. Open your mouth and say, "With all of my faults and shortcomings, Jesus loves me just as much as God loves Him." Jesus wants you to be completely secure in your awareness of His supernatural love for you. Your awareness of His love is the greatest security you could possibly have – much greater than any earthly form of security. Jesus instructs you to "continue" in His love – to focus constantly on His great love for you. He said,

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love." (John 15:9 KJV)

## Jesus told you exactly what you should do to abide in His love.

When you abide in the love of Jesus, you remain in His love. Every aspect of your life is anchored on your certainty of His love for you. You abide in the Word of God by doing what God's Word instruct you to do. You must obey your Father's instructions to consistently study and meditate on His Word and then do what you are instructed to do. Jesus was secure in His Father's love throughout His earthly ministry. Your heart will be filled with the joy of the Lord if you obey God's instructions and abide in the love of Jesus.

"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:10-11 KJV)

## Your loving Father cares about every little detail in your life.

Some people think that God is too busy to help them with little things in their lives. Do not attempt to understand your Father with the limitations of your human comprehension. God cares about the little things in your life, just as loving parents are very interested in every aspect of their children's lives. Your Father knows exactly what is going on in the life of every person on earth. Your Father knows how many hairs are on your head. If He cares about everything that pertains to a little sparrow, you can be certain that He cares about every little detail in your life. Jesus said,

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31 KJV)

## The love that Jesus has for you is far beyond human comprehension.

The apostle Paul told the Ephesians that they should be deeply rooted in their awareness of Jesus Christ's love for them. The following passage of Scripture explains that the love of Christ is so great that it "surpasses knowledge." Paul prayed that the Ephesians would be able to grasp the magnitude of the love of Christ. If you will consistently meditate on the scriptural facts in this topic, you will be very secure in the enormity of Christ's love for you. The more you meditate on facts about Christ's love for you, the more deeply rooted your faith in Jesus will be.

"...I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV)

## Nothing can separate you from the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

No problem you face can separate you from the love of Jesus Christ. Please highlight or underline the words "in all these things we are more than conquerors" in the following passage of Scripture. The word "all" includes every problem you will ever face. You are more than a conqueror over every one of these problems because of the love that Jesus Christ has for you. Jesus won a total, complete and absolute victory over every problem you will ever face. You will never be afraid of anything if you really believe that nothing can "separate you from the love of Christ."

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39 KJV)

## God's love for you is much greater than any problem you will ever face.

You will face very difficult times during the last days before Jesus Christ returns. The severity of these problems can be seen by the explanation in the following verse of Scripture of large mountains actually disappearing. No matter how difficult the problems you face may seem, God's great love for you is more than sufficient. Your loving Father has made provision for you to live in absolute peace, no matter what obstacles you will face. He knows exactly what you will go through. He has great love and compassion for you. Trust your loving Father completely.

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)

## Stay in God's love at all times. Continually draw closer to Him.

The following verse of Scripture instructs you to "keep yourself in God's love" – to focus continually on your Father's supernatural love for you. Your Father wants you to have absolute faith that His great love for you is more than sufficient to bring you safely through any problem you will ever face. Meditate continually on these scriptural facts pertaining to God's love. To stay in God's love, you must know Him. You must spend quality time with Him. You must talk to Him and listen to Him. Share your heart with God. Live in God's love today, tomorrow and forever. Trust your loving Father completely.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 21 KJV)

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# LOVE FOR GOD

## You should not allow anything to come ahead of your love for God.

God should be in first place in your life. Many people today have brought problems into their lives because they have allowed something or someone else to come ahead of God. Loving God is the first of the ten commandments. He is your Father. You owe everything you have and everything you are to Him. Do not make the mistake of using the freedom of choice He has given you to allow anything or anyone to come ahead of your love, reverence for and awe of Him. Jesus said,

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38 KJV)

## The more you understand God's love, the more you will love Him.

God loves you so much that He sent His beloved Son to earth to die a horrible death to pay the full price for all of your sins. You have just studied several passages of Scripture pertaining to your Father's unconditional love for you. His love for you is beyond the limits of your comprehension and understanding. Your Father loves you just as much as He loves Jesus. His love for you is the greatest possible security you can have. Because He first loved you, you should love Him with all your heart.

"We love him, because he first loved us." (I John 4:19 KJV)

## What exactly are you instructed to do to show your love for God?

All Christians will say that they love God. However, if you ask Christians exactly what the Bible instructs them to do to show their Father that they love Him, many of these Christians would not know the answer. You show how much you love God by the emphasis you place on continually learning and consistently obeying the specific instructions He has given to you. Some people think that doing what God has asked us to do makes life more difficult – just the opposite is true – "His commandments are not grievous." Your life will be full, balanced and complete if you consistently learn and obey your Father's instructions.

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." (I John 5:3 KJV)

## Some Christians actually tell their Father that they do not love Him.

You wouldn't think of opening your mouth and saying, "Father, I do not love You," but this is exactly what some Christians do without realizing it. You have just seen that you show your love for God by doing what His Word instructs you to do. Jesus also said that anyone, and that word includes you, who does not "observe and obey" God's teaching does not really love Him. You "observe" His teaching by consistently learning what your Father instructs you to do. Are you constantly showing your love for God by doing your very best at all times to learn and obey His instructions? Jesus said,

"He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings..." (John 14:24 KJV)

## Your love for God will be perfected if you obey His instructions.

You learned in the topic titled FEAR that perfect love casts out fear. There is a direct relationship between obeying God's instructions and being unafraid. You should look at the Word of God as the great treasure it is. You should have a deep yearning to learn everything you can from the holy Scriptures. You should do your best to learn and obey all of God's instructions. If you do this, "the love of and for God" will be "perfected" in you. You will show your love for your Father and you will be certain of His great and supernatural love for you.

"...he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him" (I John 2:5 amp)

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# LOVE FOR OTHERS

## Reach out with unconditional love to all Christians who are in need.

Now that we have studied what the Bible teaches about God's love for you and your love for God, we are ready to learn what the Bible teaches about loving others, particularly your Christian brothers and sisters. All Christians will say that they love God. Can you honestly say that you love all of your Christian brothers and sisters unconditionally regardless of how they act or what they have done to you? If you dislike any Christian, you are not telling the truth if you say that you love God. If you love God, you should love every believer.

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." (I John 4:20-21 KJV)

## God instructs you to love other people, no matter how they treat you.

You have learned that God's ways are vastly different from the ways of the world (see Isaiah 55:8-9). From God's perspective, there is no such thing as righteous indignation. How does your Father instruct you to treat people who hate you and mistreat you? Jesus instructs you to love these people. Your love for other people should not be conditional based upon how they treat you. You should do your best to help these people. Pray for them. You should give to others, regardless of how they treat you. Always do to other people as you would like them to do to you. Jesus said,

"...Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Luke 6:27-31 KJV)

## If someone curses you, you should pray asking God to bless that person.

Once again, God's ways are completely different from the ways of the world. The Word of God consistently instructs you to respond with love when you perceive that you are treated unfairly. When someone "curses" you, you are instructed to "bless" that person. Patiently "endure" all persecution from others – trust God to work everything out. When someone speaks ill of you, you should respond with kindness. One of the best ways to share the gospel with unbelievers is by the way they see you react when you are treated unfairly. When you respond in the power of God's love, you are doing exactly what your Father instructs you to do.

"...When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly..." (I Corinthians 4:12-13 NIV)

## Your Father instructs you to be patient, loving and kind at all times.

The following verse of Scripture is God's definition of your love for others. If you love others, you are patient and kind. You do not envy them. You are not proud and boastful. You are polite. You put God and others ahead of yourself. You do not become angry easily. You do not seek revenge when you perceive that you have been treated unfairly. You consistently turn away from Satan and turn toward God. One of the best ways to learn how your Father wants you to live is to turn 180 degrees from the selfishness, greed and jealousy that is so predominant in the world today.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." (I Corinthians 13:4-6 NIV)

## Love looks for the best in others. Love endures everything patiently.

Immature Christians love conditionally. They treat other people based on how these people treat them. Mature Christians love unconditionally just as God loves them. Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of others, you are instructed to look for good qualities in these people. You are instructed to react with love, no matter how these people treat you. Do not give up on other people. Keep loving them and believing in them. Your Father will honor and bless this unconditional love on your part. He says that "love never fails." Trust God to work everything out.

"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]..." (I Corinthians 13:7-8 AMP)

## If another person falls in sin, you should be gentle to him or her.

You should never have a sense of superiority toward another person. You should not condemn others. If the Holy Spirit truly does control your life (see Galatians 5:25 and Romans 8:9), you will do everything you can to help a person who has fallen to be restored. Be gentle in your treatment of this person with the full realization that you could fall too. Be guided by the Holy Spirit to be what each hurting person needs. You may be the only representative of God in this person's life. Listen to God and obey Him as you reach out to this person.

"...If any person is overtaken in misconduct or sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right and restore and reinstate him, without any sense of superiority and with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also." (Galatians 6:1 AMP)

## Your love for God and your love for others should dominate your life.

The holy Scriptures place a very high priority on loving God and loving others. Please highlight or underline the words "above all" in the following passage of Scripture. You are instructed to love others "deeply." Your love for others who, from a worldly perspective, do not deserve to be loved will "cover over a multitude of sins" in their lives. You are instructed to "offer hospitality" to others – receive them as your guest in every area of life "without grumbling." Never complain about how others treat you – always reach out to them with unconditional love.

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (I Peter 4:8-9 NIV)

## Jesus has commanded you to love others just as He has loved you.

Think about how much Jesus loves you. He left the splendor of heaven to come to earth to die an agonizing death on the cross to pay the full price for all of your sins. Can you possibly love other people with the same great love that Jesus has for you? Jesus has "commanded" you to do this. He would not have told you to do this if loving all other people, particularly those people who are very difficult to love, is impossible. Your love for all men will witness that you truly are a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35 KJV)

## There is no greater love than to willingly suffer death for others.

The above headline describes the love that Jesus has for you. Jesus willingly died for you. God often emphasizes through repetition. Shortly after His statement in John 13:34-35, Jesus once again commanded you to love others as He has loved you. No one has ever shown greater love for another person than Jesus showed when He gave up His life for you. Jesus sets high standards in His instructions on loving others. Are you doing your very best at all times to reach out to other people with love just as Jesus has reached out to you with His love? Jesus said,

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:12-13 KJV)

## Loving others unconditionally fulfills all of the Ten Commandments.

The Old Testament contained ten commandments. The New Testament contains one commandment that includes all of the other nine commandments in the Jewish Law. Every one of the ten commandments in the Old Testament will be met if you love other people unconditionally at all times. You owe only one thing to other people – unconditional love for them. Jesus instructs you to love other people just as you love yourself. If you forgive yourself when you are less than perfect, you also should forgive other people when you perceive that they have treated you unfairly.

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Romans 13:8-9 KJV)

## Love your enemies unconditionally. Pray for people who persecute you.

Once again, God's ways are very different from the ways of the world. Jesus told you exactly how to treat people who would be your enemies. He instructs you to love these people and pray for them. Loving people who love you is not difficult. Many unbelievers do this. Show that you are a child of God by obeying the specific instructions Jesus has given to you. Aim toward spiritual perfection at all times by doing your very best to love others and to forgive them, regardless of what they have done to you. Jesus said,

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)

## You cannot be close to God if you do not love others unconditionally.

Unconditional love comes from God. If you love other people unconditionally, regardless of how they treat you, your love clearly indicates that you know God. You can only love people who are difficult to love if you are close to God. You can recognize when someone knows God. The love of God flows through that person to others. As you come to know God more intimately, you will be infused with His love. To Christians who are committed to Jesus Christ, loving others is as natural as breathing. If you do not love unconditionally, you cannot draw close to God because "God is love."

"...let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (I John 4:7-8 KJV)

## The love of God will be perfected in you if you consistently love others.

You have learned that perfect love is essential to overcoming fear. We now are ready to study a passage of Scripture that adds to what we studied previously when we studied the topic of FEAR. We will examine the relationship between loving others unconditionally, God's love being perfected in you and your ability to love others. God gave the ultimate expression of love when He sent His beloved Son to take all of your sin upon Himself. Because God loves you in this way, you should love others unconditionally. God's love will be perfected in you if you consistently reach out to others in love.

"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." (I John 4:9-12 KJV)

## Satan cannot pull you into his spiritual darkness if you love others.

Your Father repeatedly instructs you to love your Christian brothers and sisters. If you fail to love other Christians, you are proud. Pride always gives Satan and his demons an opportunity to pull you into spiritual darkness. If you love all of your Christian brothers and sisters unconditionally, you will remain in God's light. You will be able to clearly see and understand how your Father instructs you to live your life. You no longer will make the mistakes you made when you lived in spiritual darkness. If you carry a grudge, your entire life and even your health will be affected.

"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." (I John 2:9-11 KJV)

## You are not living in God's love if you do not help other believers.

You are not operating in God's love if you have been blessed by God financially and fail to help another believer with financial challenges. God will test you in many different areas. You will not pass this test from God if you hold tightly on to financial assets in a misguided attempt to provide excess security for yourself instead of consistently reaching out to others who need your help. Your love for others must be practical, not theoretical. You will come into God's presence and remain there if you consistently help other Christians who are in need. You will experience great fulfillment if you obey God in this area.

"...whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him." (I John 3:17-19 KJV)

## Giving without love is no different to God than not giving at all.

If you gave all of your money to poor people and if you actually gave up your life for others, your seemingly worthwhile acts would mean nothing in God's sight unless these actions were done out of love. You have seen that loving God wholeheartedly is the first and greatest commandment. You have learned that loving others also is a top priority with God. Your priorities and God's priorities should be the same. You will show that loving God and loving others is your top priority if you consistently reach out to others with love.

"Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing." (I Corinthians 13:3 AMP)

## Sometimes you will entertain angels when you love unconditionally.

Have you ever seen an unhappy loving person? Have you ever seen a happy person who never reaches out in love? God's principles of loving the unlovely work beautifully. Christian love is loving those who do not love back. God created you in His image (see Genesis 1:26-27). God is love (see I John 4:8). When God created you in His image, He created you to love others. Loving your Christian brothers and sisters should be a constant in your life. Often, when you reach out generously to other Christians, you may be interacting with angels without being aware of them.

"Let love for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:1-2 AMP)

## How can you love other people who seem to be impossible to love?

You have just read several passages of Scripture that may seem impossible for you to fulfill. You must understand that your human love is insufficient to love others the way you have been instructed to love. The Bible tells you that God's supernatural unconditional love has been placed in your heart by the Holy Spirit. When you find it difficult to love another person with your human love, pray to God. Your prayer should acknowledge that you know that God's love has been planted in your heart. Ask God to love this person through you. The Holy Spirit will show you what to do and how to do it.

"...the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5 KJV)

## Have absolute faith that the Holy Spirit will love people through you.

The Bible teaches you to yield control of your life to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has no problem loving other people, no matter how difficult loving them may seem. You must not struggle and strain trying to love people who are difficult to love with your imperfect human love. Let go. Allow the Holy Spirit to love these people through you with His perfect unconditional love. If the Holy Spirit truly is in control of your life, He will produce spiritual fruit in you that will enable you to love people that you cannot possibly love with your human love.

"...the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love..." (Galatians 5:22 AMP)

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# MEDITATION ON SCRIPTURE

## God tells you exactly what to do to be prosperous and successful.

God has told every Christian exactly what to do to be prosperous and successful. Ironically, many Christians do not even know what God says to do to be prosperous and successful. Your Father has instructed you to speak His Word continually, to meditate on His Word day and night and to learn and then to do everything that His Word instructs you to do. If you obey these specific instructions, God promises that you "will be prosperous and successful." Are you faithfully obeying these specific instructions from your Father?

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8 NIV)

## Are you absolutely delighted with the supernatural Word of God?

If you are so delighted with God's Word that you meditate on it day and night, you will be like a tree that is planted next to a stream. This tree always will bring forth fruit. When other trees experience a drought, a tree that is next to a stream can reach its roots down into the water to bring up water when no water is coming down from the sky. If you consistently meditate on the Word of God, you will prosper in every area of your life, not just financially.

"...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, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:2-3 NIV)

## If you delight in the Word of God, you will meditate on it consistently.

Your Father has instructed you to fill your heart to overflowing with His supernatural living Word (see the topic titled HEART). Your Father wants you to constantly learn more from His Word. He wants you be so excited about His Word that you will meditate on it day and night. He wants you to hunger and thirst for His Word so much that you cannot get enough of it. The more difficult the problems you face might seem, the more you should immerse yourself in the Word of God. You should be like the psalmist who said,

"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." (Psalm 119:15-16 KJV)

## Are you meditating on God's Word during the early morning hours?

You can build a solid foundation for each upcoming day by spending precious time with the Lord in the early morning hours (see the topic titled MORNING TIME WITH THE LORD). The psalmist was so excited about God's Word that he began meditating on it early in the morning. When you meditate on the Word of God, you personalize it. Repeat Scripture over and over, putting your name into the Scripture you are meditating on. Treat the Scripture you are meditating on as a personal message from God to you. As you consistently meditate on God's Word, your faith that your Father will do whatever He promises to do will increase steadily. The psalmist said,

"...I am awake before the cry of the watchman, that I may meditate on Your word." (Psalm 119:148 AMP)

## Do you continue to meditate on the Word of God throughout the day?

Once you begin to comprehend the vital importance of Scripture meditation, you will yearn to meditate more and more on God's Word. The more you learn, the more you will want to learn. You will love the Word of God. You will consistently immerse yourself in the holy Scriptures. You have just seen that the psalmist meditated on God's Word in the early morning hours. The following verse of Scripture tells you that he continued this meditation throughout the day. Carry passages of Scripture with you each day (you can carry our Scripture Meditation Cards). Meditate on Scripture at every possible opportunity.

"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97 KJV)

## You are instructed to continue your Scripture meditation at night.

You have seen that the psalmist began meditating on God's Word early in the morning. He continued to meditate on the holy Scriptures throughout the day. He also meditated on God's Word when he was in bed at night and when he was awake during the night. If you understand the vital importance of meditating on God's Word, you will meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures. You will meditate during the day and night in good times and throughout the day and night when you face severe adversity. Continual Scripture meditation will be a way of life to you. The psalmist said,

"...I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches." (Psalm 63:6 KJV)

## You also are instructed to meditate on the mighty things God has done.

If you have been a Christian for several years, you should think back to the times when God has brought you safely through difficult problems. Meditate often on what God has done for you. You also can look into the Bible to meditate on numerous true stories that tell you how God brought many people through seemingly impossible circumstances. God does not play favorites (see Acts 10:34). Focus on what God has done for these people. Have deep, strong and unwavering faith that He will do the same for you. Follow the example of the psalmist who said,

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV)

## You should meditate continually on God's majestic power.

Your Father is majestic. Nothing in the world can even begin to compare with His awesome majesty and grandeur (see the topics titled OMNIPOTENT GOD, OMNIPRESENT GOD and OMNISCIENT GOD). You should meditate on the magnificent splendor of God. God will progressively reveal Himself to you as you continue to meditate on His supernatural living Word. As you meditate on His "wondrous works," you will have even more desire to meditate on His Word. You will be absolutely convinced that your loving Father can and will do great things in your life. The psalmist understood this great spiritual truth. He said,

"On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wondrous works I will meditate." (Psalm 145:5 AMP)

## Meditate on God's Word instead of meditating on the problems you face.

Many people focus on what is going wrong. They continually think about the problems they face. The more they think about the problems, the more they blow them out of proportion. When powerful rulers spoke against the psalmist, he did not focus on the negative words these men spoke against him. Instead, he meditated continually on the Word of God. You should follow his example whenever you face difficult challenges. Refuse to focus on the adversity you face. Instead, meditate continually on God's supernatural living Word (see the topic titled FOCUS ON THE LORD).

"Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees." (Psalm 119:23 NIV)

## The more you understand the Word of God, the more you will love it.

Like the psalmist, you will learn that the Word of God can and will revive you and lift you up when you are going through difficult times. The Word of God is so mighty and so powerful that you should immerse yourself in it constantly. The worse the challenges you face, the more you should saturate yourself in the holy Scriptures. Your loving Father continually encourages His children who love His Word so much that they cannot get enough of it. He wants you to be like the psalmist who said,

"Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me and give life to me, O Lord, according to Your loving-kindness!" (Psalm 119:159 AMP)

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# MERCY OF GOD

## Your Father's heart is filled with mercy and compassion for you.

You have read many facts from the Bible about God's incomprehensible love for you. Part of this love is His great mercy and compassion for you. As we look into the Word of God at Scripture pertaining to mercy, we will begin by defining what the word mercy means. Mercy means that you do not receive what you deserve. God's grace is different. Grace means that you receive what you do not deserve. Do you need mercy from the Lord? You can be assured that your Father does care about what you are going through and that He is filled with compassion and mercy for you.

"...The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5:11 NIV)

## The Word of God repeatedly emphasizes that God is very merciful.

Do you need to receive God's mercy? Go to your Father in prayer. Tell Him that you know you do not deserve His mercy. Repent of anything you might have done to cause the situation you are praying about. Ask your Father to forgive you. Ask Him to give you what you do not deserve instead of giving you what you do deserve. Meditate continually on these passages of Scripture pertaining to God's mercy. Believe that your Father will be merciful to you. Persevere in faith for as long as He requires you to persevere.

"...thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." (Psalm 86:15 KJV)

## God tells you twenty-six times in one psalm that His mercy endures forever.

We have explained many times that God uses repetition for the purpose of emphasis. The following verse of Scripture tells you that the Lord "is good and that His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever." God does not stop there. All of the first twenty-six verses of Psalm 136 tell you that God's mercy and loving-kindness endure forever. How could your Father place more emphasis on the fact that He has mercy for you? No one deserves God's mercy, but everyone can ask for it and receive it. Turn away from your sin. Know that your loving Father will forgive you and that He will give you mercy.

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever" (Psalm 136:1 AMP)

## God's mercy and goodness will follow you throughout your life.

The beloved twenty-third psalm assures you that God's goodness and mercy are available to you throughout your life on earth. The twenty-third psalm is a psalm of David. David knew that God's goodness and mercy would be with him every day of his life. Believe that this same statement applies to you. Know that your loving Father will give you His goodness and mercy every day of your life. Spend time thinking of how good God is. Thank your Father for His goodness. Thank Him for His mercy and faithfulness to you. David said,

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..." (Psalm 23:6 KJV)

## God decides who will receive His mercy and His compassion.

Your Father decides who will receive His mercy and compassion. You have learned that God gives grace to the humble (see James 4:6). Humble yourself before God. Tell your Father that you know that you did not earn and do not deserve His mercy. Ask Him to give you His mercy based upon all of the promises from His Word that you are studying in this topic and all of His other promises in the Bible. God's nature is to be merciful. Know that your loving and compassionate Father will do exactly what He promises. Receive by faith His mercy that you do not deserve.

"...'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." (Romans 9:15-16 NIV)

## Your loving Father is merciful to His children who truly fear Him.

You have learned that fearing God means to hold your Father in reverent awe at all times. When you fear God, you exalt Him. You magnify Him. Every aspect of your life revolves around Him. Do these words describe you? Do you revere God? Are you constantly grateful for Who He is and for everything He has done for you, in you and through you? God responds to reverence for Him. He provides whatever is needed. If you truly fear God, your Father will be merciful to you.

"...His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence..." (Luke 1:50 AMP)

## Believe that your Father will give you mercy that you do not deserve.

Please read the last part of the following verse of Scripture first. What does God mean when He says that you will be "compassed about with mercy and loving-kindness?" The words "compassed about" mean that you will surrounded by God's mercy and kindness. The first part of this verse of Scripture explains that you will be surrounded with your Father's mercy if you trust Him completely. Study and meditate on these scriptural facts pertaining to God's mercy. Believe with all your heart that your Father will forgive you and give you mercy that you did not earn and do not deserve.

"...he who trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on the Lord shall be compassed about with mercy and with loving-kindness." (Psalm 32:10 AMP)

## Wait patiently, hopefully and expectantly for your Father's mercy.

Do not give up if you do not receive manifestation of your Father's mercy soon after you ask Him. Please highlight or underline the words "in proportion to" in the following verse of Scripture. You can be certain that your Father's mercy and loving-kindness will be given to you if you humbly wait for as long as He requires you to wait, absolutely refusing to give up. Call upon God. He will answer you with love and mercy. Know that your Father will give you the mercy that you do not deserve in His way and in His good timing.

"Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You." (Psalm 33:22 AMP)

## God will be merciful to you as you are merciful toward others.

How do you treat other people who have mistreated you? Do you become angry? Do you refuse to forgive these people for what they have done to you? Swallow your pride. Be kind, merciful and forgiving. The degree of mercy you have given to others definitely will affect the mercy your Father will give to you. Whatever you desire to receive from God, you first of all must give to others whenever possible (see Galatians 6:7). Do not block your loving Father from giving you the mercy that He deeply desires to give you. Jesus said,

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7 KJV)

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# MORNING TIME WITH THE LORD

## Your Father instructs you to seek Him in the early morning hours.

The Bible explains the importance of giving the "firstfruits" (the first part of your income) to the Lord (see the topic titled PROSPERITY). This same principle applies to giving your time to the Lord. The early morning hours are vitally important. You should be at your best after being refreshed by a good night's sleep. Your Father instructs you to "seek Him early." What a glorious thought that the God of the universe is waiting to meet with you each morning. You can have an appointment with Him every morning of your life. He will always be there waiting for you.

"...those who seek me early and diligently shall find me." (Proverbs 8:17 AMP)

## God emphasizes the importance of being a morning person.

Many unbelievers are night people who do not go to sleep until late at night. When people lose control through drinking alcohol, taking drugs or other unhealthy behavior, they usually do these things at night. God's children "belong to the day." Your Father wants you ready in the morning so that faith will rise in your heart. He wants you to be so close to Him that His love will flow through you to others. His desire is that the solid foundation of your early morning hours will reveal to many people the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.

"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." (I Thessalonians 5:5-8 NIV)

## Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be taught by God early in the morning.

The fiftieth chapter of the Book of Isaiah prophesies about the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Please note the capital "M" in the words "Me" and "My" in the following verse of Scripture. Isaiah knew many years before Jesus was born of the virgin Mary that Jesus would arise early each morning to listen to His Father and to be taught by Him. Jesus was eager to learn from His Father in these early morning hours. Talking with God is the highest experience you can have on earth. Are you eager to learn from your Father during the early morning hours? Jesus said,

"...He wakens Me morning by morning, He wakens My ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught]." (Isaiah 50:4 AMP)

## Follow the example of Jesus Christ in the early morning hours.

Genesis 22:3 says that Abraham was an early riser. Other mature Christians are depicted in the Bible as being morning people. Jesus Christ is your example in every area of your life. The following passage of Scripture says that Jesus awakened "a great while before day." Jesus habitually awakened long before daylight to spend precious quiet time alone with His Father. He would talk to His Father. He would listen to His Father. This verse of Scripture says that Jesus went off to a solitary place. God's desire for you is to rise early to go to a private place to spend precious quality time with Him.

"...in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." (Mark 1:35 KJV)

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# NAME OF THE LORD

## The name of Jesus Christ was given to Joseph and Mary by an angel.

In this section we will look into the Bible to learn valuable information about the name of the Lord and the name of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament refers to the name of the Lord. The New Testament refers to the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus was not a name that Mary and Joseph decided to name their baby. His name was ordained in heaven. An angel appeared to Joseph, who later would become Mary's husband, and told him that the child's name should be Jesus. The name Jesus has the same meaning as the name Joshua – it means "He will save His people from their sins."

"...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'" (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV)

## Your Father commands you to deeply believe in the name of Jesus Christ.

As you learn more and more facts from the Bible pertaining to the name of Jesus Christ, your faith in the supernatural power of His name will increase. Your Father has done more than just suggest that you have great faith in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. He has ordered you to do this. Your mouth should open often to speak the name of Jesus with absolute faith in His name which is mighty and powerful. The name of Jesus Christ contains supernatural power. His name works miracles in the spiritual realm.

"...this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah)..." (I John 3:23 AMP)

## The disciples of Jesus Christ performed mighty miracles in His name.

Study and meditate on the following passage of Scripture. Understand the mighty spiritual power that was released when a fisherman named Peter dared to speak the name of Jesus Christ with bold faith. The power of His name has not diminished. The name of Jesus Christ works miracles in the spiritual realm. His name contains supernatural power. You should speak the name of Jesus Christ with bold faith throughout each day and night of your life. Open your mouth many times each day to reverently speak the supernatural name of Jesus Christ.

"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (Acts 3:6-8 KJV)

## Whatever you do should be done in the name of Jesus Christ.

The name of Jesus Christ represents Jesus Himself. Your Father instructs you to depend completely on Jesus Christ. The following verse of Scripture instructs you to not do anything apart from His name which shows that you should depend on Him completely. Many Christians have little or no understanding of the immense spiritual power of the name of Jesus Christ. Pray that God will help you to understand the enormous power of the name of Jesus Christ. You should place absolute trust in the power of the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Continually speak the greatest name of all, praising God in His name.

"...whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17 AMP)

## The name of Jesus Christ is far above every other name.

When God created Jesus Christ, He gave Him a name that is far above every other name in heaven, on earth and beneath the earth. One day, at the Great White Throne Judgment, every person will bow before the name of Jesus Christ and confess that He is Lord. If you are ever faced with a sudden crisis, when an automobile or plane is about to crash or any similar emergency comes upon you, open our mouth and boldly speak the name that is above every other name. God honors the name of His Son Jesus when you speak His precious name with absolute faith.

"...Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV)

## Jesus Christ is with you whenever you meet with others in His name.

You bring Jesus on the scene whenever you meet with other believers and this meeting is convened in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself actually comes to be with you (see the topic titled OMNIPRESENT GOD). The presence of Jesus Christ will operate among this group of believers in direct proportion to their faith in Jesus and the mighty supernatural power of His glorious name. Develop the habit of speaking His precious name again and again – "Jesus ... Jesus ... Jesus ... Jesus ... Jesus." Allow His mighty and powerful name to flow out of your mouth continually to energize you and revive you. Jesus said,

"...where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20 KJV)

## God has exalted two things over everything else in the spiritual realm.

The following verse of Scripture says that God has exalted His name and His Word above everything else in the spiritual realm. This verse of Scripture goes on to say that God has magnified His Word above His name. You cannot do anything that will be more beneficial to you than to continually speak both the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ with absolute reverence and awe. If God places this high of a priority on His name and His Word, you should have the same priority.

"...You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!" (Psalm 138:2 AMP)

## You must not speak the sacred name of the Lord frivolously or profanely.

Please highlight or underline the words "in vain" in the following verse of Scripture. When you do something in vain, your efforts are fruitless. You must not use the name of the Lord in vain. One common example is the worldly abbreviation of "Xmas" for the word "Christmas." You must not speak the name of the Lord profanely. No one who loves the Lord should use His name in any way that condemns Him. You should always speak the name of the Lord with reverence and awe. Do not make the major mistake of allowing your lips to speak His precious name carelessly.

"You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7 AMP)

## Your heart will sing with joy if you trust the name of the Lord.

Many believers fail to receive blessings from the mighty power of the name that is above all names. Believers can speak the name of Jesus Christ, but if you do not have absolute faith in the mighty power of His name, nothing will happen in the spiritual realm. The power of this majestic name is activated by faith in your heart and releasing this faith with your mouth. If you speak the name of the Lord as an extension of the Holy Spirit, the Lord will help you and protect you. Your heart will rejoice because of your total confidence in and reliance on His holy name.

"Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name." (Psalm 33:20-21 AMP)

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# NEEDS MET BY GOD

## Your loving Father has promised to supply everything you need.

Focus continually on the following verse of Scripture if you have needs in any area of your life. Refuse to focus on whatever you lack. Instead, focus on this magnificent promise from Almighty God Who promises to fully supply everything you need. Please highlight or underline the words "God shall supply all your need." There is no question that your Father has guaranteed to meet every need that you have, according to your faith in Him. Meditate continually on each of the promises in this topic. Refuse to give up. Thank God for supplying your every need in His good timing.

"...God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19 KJV)

## God has provided your greatest need. Trust Him to meet every other need.

God gave His own Son so that you could live eternally with Him in heaven. If you have trusted God to meet your need for eternal salvation, can you not also have absolute faith that He will meet every other need you have? Please highlight or underline the words "all things" in the following verse of Scripture. These words include whatever need you have at this time. Persevere in faith based upon all of the promises you will read in this category. All of these promises clearly indicate that your loving Father will meet all of your needs.

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32 KJV)

## Know what God has promised. Believe completely in His provision.

You must understand that God already has made provision for every need you will ever have. Please highlight or underline the words "through our knowledge of Him" in the following verse of Scripture. These words explain the key to receiving manifestation of God's promises to meet all of your needs. To receive manifestation of this provision that already has been provided for you, you should constantly draw closer to God. The key to receiving manifestation of this promise is to continually develop an intimate relationship with God so that you will trust Him completely, regardless of the circumstances you face.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (II Peter 1:3 NIV)

## Go to the Lord with every need. Trust Him completely to meet every need.

Do not wonder if God will meet every need. You can be certain that your loving Father will meet all of your needs if you know exactly what He has promised and if you trust Him and His promises completely. The amplification of the following verse of Scripture instructs you to seek God for your needs "on the authority of His Word." Know exactly what God says. Trust Him completely and you will not "lack any beneficial thing." When God speaks of any beneficial thing, He is speaking of whatever you need at this time. Have absolute faith that this need has been provided.

"...they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing." (Psalm 34:10 AMP)

## God has done His part. you must do exactly what He instructs you to do.

The words "no good thing" in the following passage of Scripture include whatever you need. When you are instructed to "walk uprightly," these words mean that you should do your very best to live every area of your life in obedience to the instructions in the Word of God. Believe this promise wholeheartedly. Be absolutely certain deep in your heart that your loving Father will not withhold anything from you that you need. Believe that God will meet your every need. All of your thoughts, words and actions should clearly indicate this deep inner certainty.

"...no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11 KJV)

## You will not want for anything if you truly fear and revere the Lord.

You have learned that fearing the Lord means to revere Him and to hold Him in reverent awe at all times. Worship Him continually because your heart is filled with gratitude for Who He is and what He does. When you fear the Lord, He is everything to you. Do you yearn for a closer relationship with the Lord? If these words describe you, you will have "no want." There is no lack in the lives of God's children who worship Him continually and trust Him completely. The joy of worshiping God is reward in itself, but God adds His complete provision to this joy.

"O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear." (Psalm 34:9 AMP)

## God holds Himself to a higher standard than any human parent.

The Bible tells you exactly what God thinks about parents who do not provide for their families. In the following verse of Scripture, God says that any person who fails to provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever who does not believe in God but still provides for his children. If God feels this strongly about anyone on earth who does not take care of his or her family, how much importance do you think He places on His responsibility to provide whatever any member of His family needs? God is a model parent Who provides for His children. Trust your loving Father to meet every need.

"If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits] and is worse than an unbeliever [who performs his obligation in these matters]." (I Timothy 5:8 AMP)

## Trust the Lord with the trust that sheep have for their shepherd.

Sheep instinctively trust their shepherd. God created sheep in such a way that trusting completely in their shepherd is natural for them. Sheep keep their eyes on their shepherd. Jesus Christ is your Shepherd (see John 10:11-16). Jesus wants you to keep your eyes on Him. Seek to draw closer to Jesus throughout every day of your life. You can trust completely in your loving and caring Shepherd to provide everything you need. You must not block Him through doubt and unbelief. You should be like the psalmist David who said,

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1 KJV)

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# OBEDIENCE

## Learn your Father's instructions. Do your best to obey each instruction.

You cannot be an obedient child of God without first learning exactly what your Father has instructed you to do. Many Christians put themselves in a position where they are unable to obey God's instructions because they have not renewed their minds each day and meditated day and night on the holy Scriptures. If you consistently study God's Word and meditate on it, you will learn exactly how your Father instructs you to live. You then are instructed to be an obedient child living in conformity to your Father's instructions instead of giving Satan and his demons a foothold in your life.

"[Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel]." (I Peter 1:14 AMP)

## Fill your mind, your heart and your mouth with the Word of God.

You fill your mind with the Word of God by studying the holy Scriptures each day. You fill your heart with the Word of God by consistently meditating on God's Word. You fill your mouth with God's Word by having so much Scripture in your heart that the abundance of God's Word continually flows out of your mouth (see Matthew 12:34-35). If you faithfully fill your mind, your heart and your mouth with the Word of God, you then are ready to take the next step – to consistently do what your Father instructs you to do.

"...the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it. (Deuteronomy 30:14 AMP)

## The Word of God is a treasure. Guard it carefully.

You are instructed to "hold on to" the instructions your Father has given you. You must not let go. You should fill your mind, your heart and your mouth with God's Word every day. Guard the Word of God as the precious treasure that it is. Do not allow anything to stop you from your commitment to continually learn and obey the instructions your Father has given you. You should program yourself consistently with the supernatural Word of God so that every aspect of your life will be governed by a heart that is filled to overflowing with God's Word.

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." (Proverbs 4:13 NIV)

## Do not listen to God's Word and then fail to do what it says to do.

Most Christians attend a church one or more times a week where they are taught from the Bible. Other Christians do more than attending church and hearing God's instructions. They consistently study and meditate on the holy Scriptures. Church attendance is very important in these last days before Jesus Christ returns (see Hebrews 10:25), but you must not stop there. Hearing God's instructions is not enough if you do not do what your Father instructs you to do. You must not give Satan and his demons the opportunity to deceive you because you do not know and do not do what the holy Scriptures instruct you to do.

"...be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]." (James 1:22 AMP)

## You will pay a price if you do not learn and obey God's instructions.

Tears flowed down the cheeks of the psalmist when he thought of the severe penalty that many people pay for ignoring or disobeying God's instructions. You should love the Word of God so much that you cannot get enough of it. You should yearn to continually learn more and more from your Father's supernatural Book of Instructions. You should be humble and teachable, receiving everything your Father instructs you to do. You should soak up God's instructions day after day, week after week and month after month. You then will be highly motivated to obey your Father's instructions. The psalmist said,

"Streams of water run down my eyes, because men do not keep Your law [they hear it not, nor receive it, love it, or obey it]." (Psalm 119:136 AMP)

## Anchor your life on a foundation that will withstand every storm.

Jesus said that, if you do what His Word instructs you to do, you will be spiritually wise because your life will be anchored on a foundation of solid rock. The storms in your life will not be able to overcome you. However, if you learn what Jesus instructs you to do and do not obey these instructions, your life will be anchored on a shaky foundation of sand. When difficult times come, this foundation of sand will not sustain you. You will fall because you have not done what your Father has instructed you to do. Build your life on the solid rock of Jesus Christ and God's Word. Jesus said,

"...whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:24-27 KJV)

## You will be set free if you consistently abide in God's Word.

You will be "set free" from whatever hinders you if you hold tightly to the teaching of Jesus Christ and do your very best to obey His instructions. Jesus instructs you to "abide" in His Word. He wants your mind and your heart to be filled to overflowing with His instructions. He wants you to immerse yourself in His Word. He wants you to consistently program the hidden person of your heart with instructions from His supernatural living Word. God's Word is the Truth (see John 17:17). You will be set free if you know the Truth and you consistently obey your Father's instructions.

"...Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, if you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32 AMP)

## God will bless you if you consistently study and meditate on His Word.

Are you "looking intently" into the Word of God every day of your life? The word "intent" has the same root as the word "intense." When you do something intently, you are very serious about what you are doing. Your daily Bible study and Scripture meditation should be very consistent. You should not allow anything to deter you from your commitment to God's Word. God "gives freedom" to His children who continually immerse themselves in His Word. These committed Christians will be blessed in every area of their lives because they will not forget God's instructions.

"...the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25 NIV)

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# OMNIPOTENT GOD

## The problems that seem so difficult to you are not difficult for God.

The same God Who created heaven and earth is not concerned in the least with His ability to solve the problems that seem impossible to you. You must not look at the problems you face from the limitations of your human perspective and your limited human abilities. Instead, focus continually on Almighty God Who lives in your heart. Your Father is with you throughout every minute of every hour of every day of your life. He will never leave you or forsake you (see Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5). No problem is too difficult for Him to solve.

"...Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17 NIV)

## You may be tired and fatigued, but your Father is never weary.

The Bible instructs you not to rely on the limitations of your human understanding (see Proverbs 3:5-6). God's understanding is far beyond the limits of your human comprehension. He can easily find a solution to problems that seem to have no solution. God will never become weary even though you may be exhausted and at the end of your human abilities. You must not make the mistake of thinking that you have to do everything with your human abilities. Instead, trust completely in Almighty God. Persevere in your faith in Him. Focus on Him and His mighty power at all times. Absolutely refuse to give up.

"...The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." (Isaiah 40:28 NIV)

## God will never face any problem that is impossible for Him to solve.

If you face a situation that seems to be impossible, you should refuse to focus on this seemingly difficult problem. Focus continually on God. You can be absolutely certain that "nothing is ever impossible" to Him. God's Word is filled with His mighty supernatural power. Meditate continually on Scripture that assures you that your Father can and will do what you cannot do with your limited human abilities. Trust God completely to do what you cannot possibly do yourself. You must not block the mighty power of God throughout doubt and unbelief (see Mark 6:1-6).

"...with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment." (Luke 1:37 AMP)

## God is in complete control of everything in heaven and on earth.

Your Father always is in complete control even though circumstances in the world might seem to dictate otherwise. He is Almighty God, not part-mighty God. He is great, powerful and majestic. God is "exalted as head over all." The word "all" definitely includes whatever seemingly difficult problem you may face. God is "the ruler of all things," including whatever challenges you face. God gives strength to all – this word includes you. Trust your loving Father completely. Focus constantly on the scriptural facts in this topic whenever you face a problem that seems to have no solution.

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." (I Chronicles 29:11-12 NIV)

## Government officials only have the authority that God gives them.

Some people think that government leaders are more powerful than they actually are. Instead of exalting human beings who were created by God, exalt the God Who created these people and heaven and earth. You are instructed to consistently pray for government leaders (see I Timothy 2:1-2). Pray that God will give them supernatural wisdom when their human wisdom is completely inadequate. You must understand that Almighty God has the answer to all problems in the world when government officials have no answer (see Job 28:12-13). They need His help. God says,

"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth." (Proverbs 8:15-16 KJV)

## Your Father has absolute knowledge, wisdom, power and understanding.

God decrees when winter will become spring, when spring will become summer, when summer will become fall and when fall will turn into winter. He instructs the birds when they should fly north and when they should fly south. Nothing on earth is insignificant to God. He is fully aware of everything that is taking place. He has all wisdom and all power. He will provide the wisdom and knowledge that you have to have if you will turn to Him with absolute faith (see James 1:5). Place all of your trust in Almighty God.

"...Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding" (Daniel 2:20-21 KJV)

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# OMNIPRESENT GOD

## God's presence fills heaven. He also is present everywhere on earth.

God is not limited to being in one place. The Bible says that God sits on His throne in heaven. This statement is true, but God is not limited to His throne. He can be and is in an infinite number of places at the same time. The same God Who sits on His throne in heaven "fills heaven and earth." He lives in your heart if Jesus Christ is your Savior (see Zephaniah 3:17). At the same time that God is on His throne in heaven, He is with you throughout every minute of every hour of every day (see Isaiah 41:10).

"...Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:24 KJV)

## Do not limit God by the limitations of human logic and understanding.

God is "above all." He is the sovereign ruler over everyone and everything on earth. Even though God is far above you, you must understand that He also lives in your heart if Jesus Christ is your Savior. Please highlight or underline the five times the word "all" is used in the following short verse of Scripture. God always uses repetition for the purpose of emphasis. Your Father definitely wants to emphasize that He is above all and living in us all. Almighty God is with you today. He will never leave you (see Deuteronomy 31:8). Trust Him completely.

"One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all." (Ephesians 4:6 AMP)

## You cannot go anywhere in the universe where God is not present.

God is in heaven. God oversees hell. God is on the earth. God is in the ocean. God observes everything that every person on earth says or does. He can clearly see what takes place in the darkness. Everything is light to Him. Wherever anyone on earth is, God is there. Wherever anyone goes after death, God is there. You should always be conscious of the omnipresence of Almighty God. He is with you today. He is holding your hand. He watches over you throughout the day and night. The psalmist said,

"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee." (Psalm 139:7-12 KJV)

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# OMNISCIENT GOD

## There is no limit to the awesome wisdom and knowledge of God.

God knows every minute detail about every one of the more than six and a half billion people on earth. Think about this great truth. God knows exactly what you are thinking at this moment. At the same time, He knows what every person in China, India, Brazil, Norway and every other town, city or country on earth is thinking. Nothing is hidden from God. His ways are far above our ways. His understanding is infinitely above our understanding. We cannot even begin to comprehend everything that God knows.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33 KJV)

## God's infinite understanding is much greater than your understanding.

If you face perplexing problems that seem to have no solution, you should meditate on the verses of Scripture in this topic. God knows everything. He completely understands everything that you cannot even begin to comprehend. Whenever you face a situation that seems too difficult to solve with your limited human understanding, you can trust omniscient God to guide you (see the topic titled GUIDANCE FROM GOD). Your loving Father is not limited in the slightest by the most perplexing problem that any person on earth has ever experienced.

"Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5 KJV)

## You cannot hide anything from God. He will judge you for everything.

No one can hide from God. He knows everything that takes place in the lives of every person on earth. You cannot even begin to comprehend the vastness of God's understanding. He knows everything about you and everything about every other person on earth, in heaven and in hell. Live every day of your life with the knowledge that God knows everything you think, say and do. Every person will give an account of his or her life to God. Unbelievers will give account at the Great White Throne Judgment (see Revelation 20:11-15). Believers will give account at the judgment seat of Christ (see II Corinthians 5:10).

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13 NIV)

## God is able to see everything that is taking place in the world.

Nothing escapes God's attention. His eyes can see everything that takes place throughout the world. He knows exactly what Satan and his demons are attempting to do in the lives of every person on earth. He knows how each person responds as Satan's demons attempt to influence their lives. God knows your every disappointment and sorrow. He knows your joys as well. He knows every good deed that you perform. He will reward you for every good deed, even if no other person on earth knows what you are doing.

"The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." (Proverbs 15:3 KJV)

## God knows exactly what you are thinking about at this very minute.

Please highlight or underline both times that the word "every" is used in the following verse of Scripture. This word includes each detail pertaining to your life. God knows every thought that takes place in the mind of every person on earth. He is able to instantly search each person's heart to know exactly what he or she believes. Your Father searches your heart constantly. He knows exactly what motivates you. He knows exactly why you do everything you do. He knows everything there is to know about your goals, your thoughts and your desires.

"...the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts...." (I Chronicles 28:9 NIV)

## God knows everything you think and everything you say and do.

There is nothing about you that God does not fully understand. He knows every time you sit down. He knows when you stand up. He knows every place you go. He knows everything you think, say and do. The most intricate computer on earth cannot even remotely compare to the immensity of God's knowledge. He knows every word that you will speak before you speak it. He understands the meaning of every word in every language and dialect. The psalmist David said,

"O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD." (Psalm 139:1-4 NIV)

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# ONE DAY AT A TIME

## Jesus emphatically tells you that you should not worry about the future.

Satan's demons will do everything they can to get into your mind in an attempt to influence you to worry about the future. They often will whisper such thoughts in your ear as, "What if this happens?" or "What if that happens?" You should immediately cast down all thoughts that do not line up with the Word of God (see II Corinthians 10:5). Worry about the future is a waste of the energy that God has given you to deal with today's problems. Refuse to worry about possible future problems that probably will never happen. Jesus said,

"...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

## Trust everything to God Who knows exactly what the future holds.

You have just seen that God is omniscient – He knows everything about your past, present and future. He will help you if you do not get ahead of Him by worrying about the future that Jesus has told you not to be concerned about. You do not know what will happen in the future. God does know what the future holds for you and for everyone else. Your Father has instructed you to give the future to Him. Trust Him completely to bring you safely through today instead of worrying about the future.

"...you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" (James 4:14-15 NIV)

## Do not be afraid of anything that might take place in the future.

Abraham Lincoln who was a devout Christian was one of the greatest presidents of the United States. President Lincoln once said, "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time." Please highlight or underline the words "fear nothing that you are about to suffer" in the following verse of Scripture. We live in uncertain times. The temptation to worry about the future is great. You must not give in to this temptation. Continually draw closer to the Lord Who knows every twist and turn in the road ahead. Trust Him completely to guide you during these uncertain times (see Isaiah 58:11).

"Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!]..." (Revelation 2:10 AMP)

## Your Father also has instructed you not to dwell on the past.

You should learn from the past, but you should not dwell on the past. Some older people talk continually about "the good old days." Other people ruin their lives because they focus on bad things that happened in the past. Wipe the slate clean. The past is gone. Focus instead on the Lord and what He is doing in your life today. See His hand at work, molding you, shaping you and changing your life. Believe that He will bring you safely through whatever obstacles you face.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)

## Forget the past. Focus on doing what God has called you to do today.

The apostle Paul learned what he could from the past. Then he let the past go. He focused entirely on successfully completing God's plan for his life. Let go of the past. Forget problems you have had. Learn what you can from them and move on. You should be single-minded as Paul was when he said, "one thing I do." Focus on the task at hand. Do not allow anything to distract you. Follow Paul's example and "press on" toward whatever goal God has given to you. God will reward you in heaven if you obey these instructions. Paul said,

"...one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV)

## God gives you the precious gift of a fresh new start every day of your life.

Regardless of what happened in the past or what might happen in the future, you should treat each new day in your life as a precious gift from God. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Be thankful for each new day. Make the best of it. Rejoice and praise the Lord throughout the day. Why should you rejoice and be glad about this day? You should rejoice and be glad because you know that God is in complete control. Your Father can and will do in you and through you what you cannot possibly do yourself if you trust Him completely.

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24 KJV)

## Do not attempt to carry heavy burdens with your human strength.

God created you to live in twenty-four hour increments. You will make a major mistake if you attempt to carry the burdens of the past and the anticipated burdens of the future. God promises to carry your burdens for you one day at a time if you will give them to Him because you trust Him completely (see the topics titled CAST YOUR CARES ON THE LORD and HELP YOU – GOD WILL). God promises to carry you as well as your burdens. Focus on getting through to tonight. Do not worry about tomorrow, next week, next month or next year. Trust God completely to bring you through today.

"Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day..." (Psalm 68:19 AMP)

## Jesus did not instruct you to pray for food for the future.

The Bible does not teach that God provides food for a week or a month. Jesus instructs you to pray for your "daily bread." Jesus prayed this prayer in what we call The Lord's Prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13). One purpose of this prayer is to teach you to live one day at a time. Again and again the Word of God instructs you to trust the Lord completely to provide what you need today. Focus entirely on today, trusting the Lord completely to bring you through today and to take care of the future when it comes. Jesus said,

"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11 KJV)

## Your Father will give you strength, rest and security one day at a time.

Trust God completely to give you the supernatural strength you need when your human inadequacies are insufficient to bring you through the day. Rest in God each day, trusting Him completely to bring you safely through that day. Look to your Father to provide whatever security you need one day at a time. According to your faith, your Father will give you whatever you need on a daily basis. Rest in Him in regard to next week, next month or next year (see the topic titled REST OF GOD). Pray to your Father with absolute faith asking Him to meet your needs today.

"...as your day, so shall your strength, your rest and security, be." (Deuteronomy 33:25 AMP)

## Sometimes you will need to focus on living one hour at a time.

Sometimes the one day at a time principle that we have been studying needs to be moved back to one hour at a time. When you face a seemingly difficult predicament, pray and ask your loving Father to give you the strength you need to get through the next hour. The Bible explains this process by teaching you to take one step at a time. Sometimes your Father will only reveal to you the next step He wants you to take. Trust God to bring you along one step at a time. Know that He is with you every step of the way.

"Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? (Job 31:4 KJV)

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# PATIENCE

## God instructs you to be patient just as farmers have to be patient.

Farmers understand that different crops have different germination periods. They wait patiently for the seeds they have planted to produce a harvest. The Word of God is a spiritual seed (see Luke 8:11). You plant spiritual seeds when you meditate day and night on God's Word. You plant spiritual seeds when you pray to God with faith. You should wait patiently for your Father to answer just as farmers wait patiently for their crop to come in. The following passage of Scripture that refers to waiting patiently for the second coming of the Lord also applies to waiting patiently for the Lord in every other area.

"...See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm..." (James 5:7-8 NIV)

## Continually plant the seed of God's Word in your heart. Wait patiently.

You have seen that the Word of God is a spiritual seed. If you faithfully obey God's instructions to renew your mind in His Word each day and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures, you will continually plant spiritual seeds into the fertile spiritual soil of your mind and your heart. Please highlight or underline the words "hearing the Word" in the following verse of Scripture. Your ears should hear your mouth boldly speaking the Word of God in your daily Scripture meditation. This process will help you to wait patiently for God. Jesus said,

"...as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15 AMP)

## Be calm if the Lord does not answer as soon as you think He should.

The Lord wants you to understand that His timing is very different from your timing. Instead of reacting emotionally when you face difficult problems, you should rest in the Lord at all times. You are instructed to be still, quiet and calm as you rest in Him (see the topics titled QUIET CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD and REST OF GOD). Your Father instructs you to wait for Him for as long as He requires you to wait. The following verse of Scripture instructs you to be patient and to lean on God. When you lean on God, you allow Him to carry the burdens.

"Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him..." (Psalm 37:7 AMP)

## Your Father instructs you to add patience to your faith in Him.

The following verse of Scripture speaks of "inheriting the promises" of God – receiving manifestation in your life what God has promised. How do you do this? God tells you throughout His Word what He will do, but He never tells you when He will do what He says He will do. Faith by itself often is insufficient. You are required to add patience to your faith while you wait for God to fulfill His promises. Faith and patience go together. Doubt and impatience go together. The Bible speaks of

"...them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:12 KJV)

## God promises to give you the patience and encouragement you need.

Your human patience often will be insufficient for you to wait as long as your Father requires you to wait. You can and should trust God to give you His supernatural patience when your human patience is insufficient. You also should trust God to give you encouragement whenever you are tempted to be discouraged. Faithfully obey your Father's instructions to fill your mind and your heart with encouragement from His Word throughout each day and night. Receive by faith the patience and encouragement your Father has promised to give you. The Bible speaks of

"...God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement..." (Romans 15:5 AMP)

## The Holy Spirit will produce the spiritual fruit of patience in you.

The Holy Spirit took up residence in your heart when Jesus Christ became your Savior. The Holy Spirit is incredibly patient. If you yield control of your life to the Holy Spirit and trust Him completely, He will produce the fruit of patience in your life (see the topic titled YIELD CONTROL TO THE LORD). Impatience clearly indicates that you are in control of your life. Strong patience in the face of trying circumstances indicates that the Holy Spirit is in control of your life.

"...the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience ..." (Galatians 5:22 AMP)

## There is a direct relationship between being proud and being impatient.

God's timing is very different from your timing. Your Father can see and understand many things that you cannot see and understand. He wants you to be humble and trust completely in Him and His supernatural timing. People who are proud and self-centered inevitably attempt to control their lives when they do not receive results as soon as they think they should. They try to make things happen. Your Father wants you to be humble and trusting as you patiently wait for Him to answer your prayers. You will make a big mistake if you attempt to persuade God to adhere to your timetable.

"...the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." (Ecclesiastes 7:8 KJV)

## God's delay is not necessarily His denial. Continue to be patient.

God's silence does not necessarily mean that He will not answer your prayer. Many times your Father delays for reasons that He alone can understand. God's timing is perfect. He is never late. He is never early. He knows exactly what He wants to do and when He wants to do it. You must not try to impose your imperfect timing on God's perfect timing. Your Father often delays His answer because He wants you to draw closer to Him. He knows that you often will not learn what He wants you to learn if He answers immediately. Do not question His timing.

"...beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (II Peter 3:8 KJV)

## Your Father has a very specific and exact time for everything He does.

Your Father seldom does things when you think He should. He knows when it is in your best interest to receive a prompt answer to your prayer of faith. He also knows when you are better served if He requires you to continue to trust Him for a longer period of time. Your Father wants you to have absolute confidence that He knows exactly what He is doing and that He will never be late. Turn away from self-imposed deadlines. The following words that God spoke through the angel Gabriel to the high priest Zechariah apply to you today.

"...my words are of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed and proper time." (Luke 1:20 AMP)

## Your Father repeatedly emphasizes that His timing is very specific.

Please highlight or underline the words "everything" and "every" in the following verse of Scripture. Everything has a specific season and time. A season always has a beginning and an end. The words "everything" and "every" in the following verse of Scripture include whatever challenge you face at this time. You can see how specific God is by observing how summer always follows spring, autumn always follows summer and winter always follows autumn. Your Father knows exactly how long He wants you to wait while He fulfills the promise you are trusting Him to fulfill.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV)

## You cannot understand God's timing with your human understanding.

The Bible instructs you to place your trust in God whenever you cannot understand something (see Proverbs 3:5-6). You must not expect Almighty God to change His perfect timing to fit your imperfect timing. Your Father does not expect you to understand His timing. He does expect you to trust His timing with simple childlike trust just as He expects you to trust Him in every other area. Keep on waiting patiently. Trust your Father to answer your prayers in His way and in His good timing.

"...It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." (Acts 1:7 NIV)

## God's perfect timing is incredibly specific and very precise.

The sun rises exactly on schedule each morning. The sun goes down on schedule each night. The ocean tides come in and go out according to a definite schedule. The moon changes four times each month according to a specific schedule. These events clearly illustrate how perfect God's timing is. This same perfect timing applies to you when you are waiting for your Father to answer your prayers.

"The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down." (Psalm 104:19 NIV)

## The life of Jesus Christ provides an excellent example of God's timing.

When Jesus was twelve years old, He was in Jerusalem with His parents for the Passover feast. The following passage of Scripture tells you that Jesus knew at the age of twelve that He was the Son of God. Consider how patient Jesus was. His earthly ministry did not begin until the age of thirty. His father was a carpenter. Most Bible scholars believe that Jesus also was a carpenter. Jesus performed menial tasks for at least eighteen years while He patiently waited to begin His earthly ministry. Jesus said,

"...Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:49 AMP)

## You will pay a price if you make the mistake of rushing ahead of God.

Please highlight or underline the word "everyone" in the following verse of Scripture. If you are impatient and you always try to rush, this word applies to you. You will always cause problems for yourself if you rush ahead of the Lord. Hurry has reached epidemic proportions in the United States today. You can easily see examples of impatience on our highways. The speed limit is meaningless to many people. Some impatient drivers weave in and out of traffic lanes just to get one car length ahead at the next traffic light. Christians should not succumb to the fast pace of the world. You will pay a price if you do.

"...everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want." (Proverbs 21:5 AMP)

## You sin against Jesus Christ whenever you attempt to rush ahead of Him.

Jesus has instructed you to follow Him, not to rush ahead of Him. There is no more insecure place to be than to rush ahead of Jesus. There is no more secure place to be than to wait on Jesus, trusting Him completely to accomplish His goals in your life in His way and in His perfect timing. Allow Jesus to set the pace. Mature Christians wait on Jesus. They do not "sin and miss the mark" by rushing ahead of the Lord.

"...to be overhasty is to sin and miss the mark." (Proverbs 19:2 AMP)

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# PEACE OF GOD

## Unbelievers cannot experience the supernatural peace of God.

Please highlight or underline the words "no peace" and "the wicked" in the following verse of Scripture. When the Bible speaks of "the wicked," it refers to unbelievers. These people cannot possibly experience the supernatural peace of God. The only peace they can experience is the world's peace. The world's peace is based on external circumstances. People in the world are at peace when everything is going well in their lives. When the circumstances in their lives are not good, they search for an escape from the problems they face. There is no real peace from any external source – only from God.

"There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked" (Isaiah 48:22 KJV)

## You cannot experience the peace of God until you are at peace with God.

With the exception of Jesus Christ, every person who has ever lived on earth was born separated from God. People who are separated from God cannot possibly experience the peace of God. Jesus Christ paid the full price to give you peace with God. You must understand that reconciliation with God has been provided for you by the enormous sacrifice that Jesus made for you when He was crucified on the cross at Calvary. If you receive Jesus as your Savior, you are given the opportunity to receive the supernatural peace of God because you are at peace with God. You no longer are separated from Him.

"...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1 KJV)

## The supernatural peace of the Lord Jesus Christ is available to you today.

On one occasion Jesus and His disciples were crossing a lake in a boat when a very strong storm arose. The disciples were afraid. They awakened Jesus Who was sleeping in the back of the boat. Jesus was not at all concerned by the severity of the storm. He spoke boldly to the storm and it immediately stopped. If Jesus is your Savior, He lives in your heart. Trust Him whenever you face storms in your life. Jesus wanted His disciples to trust Him completely. He wants you to trust Him completely to give you manifestation of His supernatural peace in your life.

"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, 'Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'" (Mark 4:35-41 NIV)

## Do not allow any problems you face to steal the peace of Jesus from you.

Jesus told His disciples during the Last Supper that He gave His peace to them. Jesus wanted His disciples to know that His own supernatural peace would be available to them after He died on the cross. This same promise applies to you today. No circumstance can rob you of the peace that Jesus has given to you. Please highlight or underline the words "let," "allowing" and "permit" in the following verse of Scripture. You decide throughout every day of your life whether you will allow the peace of Jesus Christ to be taken from you. Jesus said,

"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" (John 14:27 AMP)

## You will experience God's peace if you have great love for the Word of God.

Do you love God's Word so much that you cannot get enough of it? Do you have a deep yearning to renew your mind in God's Word each day and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures? Your Father has promised that He will give you great peace if you will continually immerse yourself in His Word. If you obey these instructions, you will not be offended by what people say and do. You will experience God's supernatural peace regardless of circumstances. Nothing will be able to overcome you.

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." (Psalm 119:165 KJV)

## You will receive God's peace if you consistently obey His instructions.

There is only one way for Christians to live – God's way. Your Father instructs you to pay close attention to His Word. God and His Word are the same. You must learn what your Father instructs you to do and then do your very best to obey all of the specific instructions He has given to you. If you do what your Father instructs you to do, He promises that His supernatural peace will flow through you like a river. The more you fill your mind and your heart with God's Word, the more your life will be filled by God and His magnificent supernatural peace.

"If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river..." (Isaiah 48:18 NIV)

## Do you know and obey God's instructions to receive perfect peace?

Your Father tells you exactly what to do to live in His perfect peace at all times. He instructs you to focus your mind on Him at all times, regardless of the circumstances you face. You will focus on God continually if you trust Him completely. You should obey your Father's specific instructions to steadily increase your faith in Him (see the topic titled FAITH IN GOD). Maintain your focus on God at all times (see the topic titled FOCUS ON THE LORD). If you obey these instructions, your Father promises to keep you in perfect peace.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)

## Are you experiencing God's peace that surpasses human understanding?

Your Father says that His peace which is so great that it "transcends all understanding" is available to you. This great peace will guard your heart and your mind. How do you receive this wonderful blessing? First, you are told that you should never worry about anything. Instead of worrying, you are instructed to take every need to God in prayer. Thank God when you pray. If you are paying the price of increasing your faith in God, you will be certain that He will do exactly what He promises to do. Show your faith in God by sincerely thanking Him before He answers your prayer.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

## The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit when He controls your life.

Peace is one fruit of the Holy Spirit. Love, joy, patience, kindness and humility are among the other fruit of the Spirit. When you face seemingly unsolvable problems, you will lose your peace if you are in control of your life. You should say something like, "Holy Spirit, I know that I cannot possibly solve this problem. I give this problem to You and I leave it with You because I trust You completely." You will experience the peace of the Holy Spirit if you give your problems to Him and leave them with Him because He is in control of your life (see the topic titled YIELD CONTROL TO THE LORD).

"...the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace..." (Galatians 5:22 AMP)

## Humble Christians consistently experience the peace of God.

Proud people cannot experience the supernatural peace of God. God gives His peace only to His children who are meek and humble and trust Him completely. You will always block God from operating in you and through you if you are proud. God reserves His grace for His humble children (see James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5). Please highlight or underline the word "abundance" in the following verse of Scripture. Christians who trust God completely will consistently experience His supernatural peace. Your Father promises to pour out His peace on you abundantly if you are humble and if you trust Him completely.

"...the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11 KJV)

## Your Father has instructed you to seek and crave His supernatural peace.

You have just read several scriptural facts pertaining to the supernatural peace of God. You should not seek God's peace passively. You are instructed to crave God's peace. When you crave something, you have an intense desire for whatever it is you crave. You should pursue God's peace – you should go after it. You must turn away from the world to constantly draw closer to God. God's peace is a precious commodity. Do you yearn to live in God's peace continually? Your Father's supernatural peace is available to you if you will consistently learn and obey His instructions.

"...seek, inquire for, and crave peace and pursue (go after) it!" (Psalm 34:14 AMP)

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# PERSEVERANCE

## Jesus Christ refused to give up. You should follow His example

If you are weary and tired, do not focus on your fatigue. Focus on Jesus. Compare what He went through for you with what you are going through. Jesus knew the ordeal that He was about to face. He looked at the cross as a runner looks at the finish line. Jesus was determined to persevere, no matter what He had to go through. Jesus is your example in every area of your life. You will never experience anything that is even close to what Jesus experienced on the cross at Calvary. Absolutely refuse to give up. You can do all things through His strength (see Philippians 4:13).

"Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds." (Hebrews 12:3 AMP)

## Jesus agonized over His impending crucifixion, but He did not quit.

Jesus knew that He would go through agonizing spiritual and physical torture when He was crucified. Jesus prayed asking His Father if there was any way He could be spared from this ordeal. Can you visualize Jesus Christ throwing Himself on the ground praying to His Father to be spared? His agony was so great that God sent an angel to strengthen Him. Jesus agonized so much that His perspiration was like great clots of blood. Think what your eternal future would be if Jesus had given up. Be determined to persevere as Jesus persevered.

"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.' An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." (Luke 22:39-44 NIV)

## You should follow the example of the apostle Paul's perseverance.

Paul was noted for his perseverance. Several passages of Scripture explain how Paul persevered in the face of severe adversity. Paul was absolutely determined to complete the assignment God had given to him. Please notice that Paul used the words "not" and "never" four times in the following passage of Scripture. These words will show you how determined Paul was to persevere, regardless of the obstacles he faced. Your Father wants you to exhibit similar persevering faith in Him. Read carefully the following words that were spoken by Paul. Do you have the same determination to persevere? Paul said,

"We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed." (II Corinthians 4:8-9 AMP)

## Jesus honored the perseverance of a group of men who did not give up.

Several men were carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher to receive healing from Jesus. When these men arrived at the place where Jesus was, they were unable to get close to Him. They refused to focus on the crowds of people and the seeming impossibility of getting to Jesus. They went up on the roof of the house where Jesus was and lowered the man on the stretcher through the roof. Jesus admired the perseverance of these men. He honored their perseverance by healing this man and forgiving his sins. Jesus will honor your faith and perseverance if you trust Him completely, absolutely refusing to give up.

"Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven.'" (Luke 5:18-20 NIV)

## Job lost everything he had. Job persevered. He did not give up.

Job lost his family, his home and all of his possessions. Job continued to trust God. He persevered through all of these losses. Job praised God and worshiped Him continually. He never gave up hope. God blessed Job in the end with much more than he had lost (see Job 42:10-17). God was filled with pity and compassion for Job. Your Father is filled with love and compassion for you (see the topics titled MERCY OF GOD and COMPASSION OF GOD). He is saying, "Do not give up, My child. I will bless you if you trust Me completely and if you persevere as Job persevered."

"...we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." (James 5:11 NIV)

## Learn and obey the instructions from Jesus in the following parable.

Jesus often used parables to explain a spiritual principle. Carefully study the following parable. Jesus gave this parable to His disciples to encourage them to persevere. Friendship was not sufficient for one man to get his friend out of bed in the middle of the night. This man refused to be denied. He continued to ask his friend for bread. Finally the man got up from his bed and gave his friend three loaves of bread because of his perseverance. Jesus has given this parable to you to encourage you to persevere boldly with absolute faith in Him.

"Then he said to them, 'Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.' Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs." (Luke 11:5-8 NIV)

## Jesus used another parable to explain the importance of perseverance.

Shortly after this, Jesus told His disciples another parable that also was designed to encourage them to persevere. Jesus wants you to persevere. Carefully study the following parable. The only reason the unjust judge gave in to the widow's request was because of her continued perseverance. You have been given this parable to show you to keep on praying without giving up. No matter what circumstances you face, you should always go to God in prayer (see James 5:13). You can be certain that God hears your prayer (see I Peter 3:12). God will answer your prayer if you continue to persevere in faith (see Luke 11:9-10).

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" (Luke 18:1-5 NIV)

## Obey God's instructions. Do not lose heart and become weary and give up.

Your Father instructs you to "do right" – to do your very best to live your life in accordance with the instructions He has given you. You must not give up if you have faithfully obeyed God's instructions and nothing seems to be happening. Please highlight or underline the word "if" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father promises to reward your faith in Him if you do not give up. Your job is to do exactly what God has instructed you to do, regardless of external circumstances. Continue to be courageous. You will reap God's harvest in His perfect timing if you do not give up.

"...let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." (Galatians 6:9 AMP)

## God will not allow more than you can bear. He will provide an escape.

When you face severe adversity, you should stand firmly against these problems with specific promises from the Word of God. Your Father has great compassion for you. He knows exactly what you are going through. You can trust Him to never allow you to face any problem that you cannot cope with. You can do all things through the strength of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 4:13). Your Father tells you that He will always provide you with a way of escape from whatever predicament you face. Constantly look for the way out that you are certain your Father has provided for you. Meditate continually on the facts contained in the following verse of Scripture. Trust your Father completely.

"...God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently." (I Corinthians 10:13 AMP)

## Some Christians give up because they do not have deeply rooted faith.

Ideally, you should strengthen your faith in God through daily Bible study and Scripture meditation before you face a difficult ordeal. Unfortunately, many Christians have not paid this price. They have not seen any penalty from their failure to consistently study and meditate on God's Word. They do not understand that their neglect ultimately will catch up with them. When these Christians face difficult circumstances, they often start out with good intentions of trusting God, but their faith is shallow. They give up rapidly. You must not make this mistake. Steadily increase your faith in God. Jesus said,

"...they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away" (Luke 8:13 NIV)

## Believe that the suffering you are experiencing will turn into a blessing.

Please highlight or underline the words "suffered a little while" in the following verse of Scripture. Trust God that any suffering you are going through will not last indefinitely. Your Father's grace is more than sufficient. He loves you. He cares about you. Believe that God is speaking directly to you when He says that He will "complete and make you what you ought to be." Believe that any suffering you are experiencing now will provide long term blessings if you will react to adversity the way your Father instructs you to react.

"...after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you." (I Peter 5:10 AMP)

## Believe that God is testing you and purifying you through adversity.

Job suffered greatly, but he knew that the Lord was with him every step of the way. Job knew that the Lord would bring him safely out on the other side "as refined gold." At the time Job spoke these words, gold was put into large furnaces to be refined and purified by excessive heat. A similar process will take place in your life if you react to adversity the way God's Word instructs you to react. Believe that there is an end to the suffering you are going through and that you will come out on the other side as a better person.

"...He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous]. My foot has held fast to His steps; His ways have I kept and not turned aside. (Job 23:10-11 AMP)

## Rejoice and pray constantly when you go through a season of adversity.

Please highlight or underline the word "exult" at the beginning of the following verse of Scripture. This word means that you should leap for joy as you rejoice in God. You must not give up hope. Do not waver in your faith that Jesus Christ has given you a total, complete and absolute victory over whatever you are going through (see the topic titled VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST). God instructs you to "be steadfast." Your Father is telling you that your faith in Him should be steady and unwavering. He instructs you to pray constantly with absolute faith that He will answer your prayers.

"Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12 AMP)

## Giving up is not an option. Trust completely in Jesus Christ.

What alternative will you have if you give up? Total defeat is not an alternative. There is no way that giving up is preferable to keeping on. Your Father instructs you to "hold fast and firm to the end" because of the tremendous victory Jesus won for you. Anchor your prayers on scriptural facts pertaining to the greatest victory that has ever been won. Jesus promises you a safe landing, but He does not promise an easy voyage. Armies that win wars often lose battles along the way. Do not expect to come through adversity unscathed. Trust Jesus completely. Refuse to give up. We should

"...hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ]." (Hebrews 3:6 AMP)

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# PRAISE AND WORSHIP

## You show your appreciation of God's greatness by praising Him continually.

Please highlight or underline the words "no one can fathom" in the following verse of Scripture. God is much greater and much more powerful than you can possibly comprehend with the limitations of your human understanding. He loves you so much that He willingly sacrificed His only Son so that you can live eternally with Him in heaven. If you can even begin to comprehend the enormity of the price that Jesus paid for you on the cross at Calvary, deep gratitude will fill your heart. Jesus is "worthy of praise." You cannot praise Him and thank Him enough.

"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom." (Psalm 145:3 NIV)

## You bring an offering to God when you praise Him and thank Him.

Learning to worship God is the most glorious experience on earth. You bring glory to God when you praise Him and thank Him. Praise and thanksgiving are an offering to God just as much as any financial offering you put into a collection plate at your church. You give your Father what is due Him when you consistently give Him an offering of praise and thanksgiving. You are blessed to have the opportunity to give back to God Who has given so much to you. You also will find that continual praise and worship will draw you closer to God and that He will progressively reveal Himself to you.

"He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me..." (Psalm 50:23 AMP)

## Your praise is important to God because He created you to praise Him.

Continual praise and worship should be a way of life for you. Your heart should be so filled with gratitude to God that praise and thanksgiving will constantly pour out of your mouth. You should not just worship God when you go to church. You should praise Him and worship Him throughout every day and night of your life. You cannot experience the fullness of the victory that Jesus Christ won for you unless you praise Him continually because your heart is filled with gratitude for the enormous price He paid for you. Praise Him and thank Him throughout the day and night. God says,

"This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise." (Isaiah 43:21 KJV)

## Praise God continually because He is loving, merciful and kind.

Unbelievers and immature Christians do not have a deep desire to praise the Lord and thank Him. If you are beginning to comprehend how much the Lord has done for you, in you and through you, you will praise Him and thank Him continually. You will not be able to thank Him enough. You will thank your Father from the bottom of your heart. Your heart will overflow with gratitude as you begin to understand that everything you are and everything you have has come to you because of your Father's incomprehensible love for you (see the topic titled LOVE OF GOD).

"...Give praise and thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good; for His mercy and kindness and steadfast love endure forever!..." (Jeremiah 33:11 AMP)

## Praise the Lord instead of allowing yourself to become discouraged.

Please highlight or underline the words "cast down" and "disquieted" in the following verse of Scripture. Do you sometimes feel that you have been cast aside and that no one cares about what you are going through? Are you agitated within yourself because of the difficult circumstances you face? The psalmist asked himself why he felt this way. He knew he should not give up hope. He said that he would praise God because of his faith that God would help him. Minimize the problems you face. Magnify God. Praise Him continually.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." (Psalm 42:5 KJV)

## Offer a sacrifice of praise when you do not feel like praising God.

Praising God is easy when everything is going well. Your Father instructs you to praise Him continually, regardless of the circumstances you face. You must understand the importance of praising God when you face adversity. Please highlight or underline the words "the sacrifice of praise" in the following verse of Scripture. If you deeply believe that God will do everything His Word says He will do, why wouldn't you praise Him in the face of adversity? You can and should praise your way from the temptation to be discouraged to the supernatural joy of the Lord.

"...let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Hebrews 13:15 KJV)

## God instructs you five times in two verses of Scripture to sing praises.

When you see the emphasis that God places on singing praise to Him, you can be absolutely certain that your loving Father wants you to consistently sing your praise to Him. Your heart should be so filled with gratitude toward God that songs of praise will spontaneously pour out of your mouth. You will come into the safest place in the entire universe if you continually sing praises to God. The safest place in the universe is the presence of God. God's Word says that you come into His presence through singing songs of praise (see Psalm 95:2 and Psalm 100:1-2). Praise God continually and your heart will soar.

"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise." (Psalm 47:6-7 NIV)

## Your loving Father deserves to hear you constantly sing praise to Him.

Your Father has given you many blessings that you did not earn and do not deserve. The more you learn what His marvelous grace, love and compassion have provided for you, the more desire you will have to praise Him. If your heart sings with joy because of all He has done for you, the joy in your heart will constantly be expressed by songs of praise to God. This passage of Scripture says that "it is good to sing praises." When you consistently sing praise to God, you are doing exactly what your Father wants you to do.

"Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God, for He is gracious and lovely; praise is becoming and appropriate." (Psalm 147:1 AMP)

## Do you sing praise to God because you are so grateful to Him?

Are you deeply grateful to God for Who He is and for all He has done for you? Are you overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what your Father did by sending His only Son to die for you? If you have this deep gratitude, your heart will sing with joy. Express the joy that fills your heart by constantly singing praise to God. If you are deeply grateful, your mouth will open continually to sing spontaneous songs of praise to God.

"...Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God]." (James 5:13 AMP)

## Praise God, thank Him and magnify Him whenever you face adversity.

The psalmist said that he was "poor and sorrowful." Did he feel sorry for himself? Did he grumble, gripe and complain? No, he didn't. He sang praises to the Lord. Your Father wants you to have this same attitude whenever you face adversity. He wants you to exhibit your faith in Him. Instead of focusing on the problems you face, He instructs you to praise Him and thank Him because you trust Him completely. Your attitude is vitally important when you are in a season of adversity. You should follow the example of the psalmist who said,

"...I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:29-30 KJV)

## If you truly trust the Lord, you will praise Him and thank Him in adversity.

Do you truly believe that you can do all things through the strength of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 4:13)? Do you believe that the Lord provides you with a constant shield of protection (see Psalm 115:9-11)? If you deeply believe these great spiritual truths, you will not be overwhelmed by any adversity you face. You will trust the Lord completely because you are certain that He will help you (see the topic titled HELP YOU – GOD WILL). Your heart will sing with joy. You will praise Him continually. You will be like the psalmist David who said,

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." (Psalm 28:7 KJV)

## If God has helped you in the past, praise Him for what He has done.

If God has helped you during a season of adversity in the past, you will praise Him and thank Him when you face adversity in the future. You will trust Him to do again what He has done for you in the past. You will boldly praise Him and thank Him for His past blessings and because of your certainty that He will help you again. As you boldly express your faith in God, the joy in your heart will pour out of your mouth in an abundant outpouring of praise. You will be like the psalmist who said,

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High" (Psalm 9:1-2 NIV)

## You will praise God continually if your heart is focused on Him.

Please highlight or underline the two times the words "my heart is fixed" are used in the following verse of Scripture. Once again, God emphasizes through repetition. When more than fifty percent of one short verse of Scripture consists of the same words repeated twice, you can be certain that your Father is emphasizing the importance of a heart that is fixed. A fixed heart is filled with God's Word. Christians whose hearts are filled with the Word of God will praise God continually in the face of severe adversity. If you have a fixed heart, you will be like the psalmist who said,

"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." (Psalm 57:7 KJV)

## You will praise the Lord loudly if you are constantly grateful to Him.

Your heart will sing with joy if you can even begin to comprehend Who God is and everything He has done for you. You will be uninhibited in your praise. The word "noise" is used twice for the purpose of emphasis in the following verse of Scripture. Do not be inhibited. Praise the Lord joyfully and loudly. Sing constantly, praising the Lord with all your heart. The more fervently you worship the Lord, the more conscious you will be of His mighty power and the less concerned you will be with the problems you face. Hallelujah!

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise." (Psalm 98:4 KJV)

## The Lord is delighted when you continually sing your praise to Him.

The amplification in the following verse of Scripture instructs you to sing praises to the Lord with musical accompaniment. We often play recorded worship music in our home and in our cars. We sing along with this music. We have found that constantly singing praise to the Lord programs us so that an undercurrent of praise flows through us at all times even when we are not consciously praising the Lord. This subliminal praise is magnificent. Signing praise to the Lord will energize you and refresh you. We have found that an excellent source for praise and worship music is Gaither Music, www.gaither.com – 1-800-955-8746.

"It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises [with musical accompaniment] to Your name, O Most High" (Psalm 92:1 AMP)

## Praise the name of the Lord from early morning until late at night.

Most Christians praise the Lord when they are in church. Do not limit your praise. The Bible instructs you to praise the Lord from morning until night every day of your life. All of the inhabitants of heaven praise the Lord continually. If you praise the Lord continually, you will not worry because you cannot praise the Lord and worry at the same time. If you truly have a close relationship with the Lord, you will praise Him continually regardless of the circumstances you face. The more you praise Him, the closer you will draw to Him.

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised." (Psalm 113:3 KJV)

## Your Father promises to bless you when you praise Him continually.

Your Father is very pleased when you consistently praise Him and thank Him. If you worship God in the face of severe adversity, your praise and thanks give clear indication of your absolute faith in Him. You show that you believe He is in complete control and that He will cause everything to work out for the best regardless of what the situation looks like (see Romans 8:28). There is a definite relationship between sincere and joyous praise and receiving God's blessings. The following passage of Scripture says that the earth will "yield an increase" when you praise God continually.

"Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us." (Psalm 67:5-6 KJV)

## Refuse to accept the heaviness that Satan will try to put on you.

When you are tempted to be discouraged because of the problems you face, Satan's demons will try to influence you to have a "heavy, burdened and failing spirit." Your Father instructs you to praise Him whenever this happens. He compares praise to a "garment." A garment covers your body. You are instructed to cover yourself with praise at all times just as you are covered by the clothing you wear. If you obey these instructions, God will give you His "beauty" and His "joy" instead of the "ashes" that Satan's demons will try to put on you. You will experience

"...beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit..." (Isaiah 61:3 AMP)

## Continual praise will purify your soul and cleanse you from impurities.

Impurities in silver and gold are removed by severe heat. This same principle applies to you when you face severe adversity. How do you react? If you praise God continually in the face of difficult problems, your reaction will show that you trust God completely. Your reaction shows where your values are. Continual praise shows that God is vitally important to you. Continual praise causes you to draw closer to God. Anything that separates you from God will not be beneficial. Continual praise will cleanse you and purify you. Continual praise lightens the load.

"As the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold [bring forth all the impurities of the metal], so let a man be in his trial of praise [ridding himself of all that is base or insincere; for a man is judged by what he praises and of what he boasts]." (Proverbs 27:21 AMP)

## Fervent praise connects you with the supernatural power of Almighty God.

The following passage of Scripture explains a miracle of God that took place with the apostle Paul and a missionary named Silas. These men were imprisoned by Roman soldiers in a damp and dark prison cell. How did Paul and Silas react? They did not feel sorry for themselves. They repeatedly prayed and sang praise to God. God "suddenly" performed a mighty miracle. A powerful earthquake unfastened the chains that bound Paul and Silas. They were able to walk out of the prison as free men. This same principle applies to you today. Praise God continually. Believe that He will do great things in your life.

"...at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." (Acts 16:25-26 KJV)

## Continual praise will bring you into the magnificent presence of God.

Please highlight or underline the words "dwell in" in the following verse of Scripture. When the Israelites praised God, the Bible says that their praise brought them into the holy place where God dwells. This same spiritual phenomenon applies to you today. Continual praise will bring you more and more into God's presence. There is no better place to be when you face severe adversity than to be in the presence of God. Your faith in God will soar when you are in the holy place where you meet with God. You can live there all day long.

"...You are holy, O You Who dwell in [the holy place where] the praises of Israel [are offered]." (Psalm 22:3 AMP)

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# PRAYER

## God already knows all of your needs. Pray the answer, not the problem.

You must not emphasize the problem you face when you pray to God. Your Father already knows the problem. Your prayers should not be filled with detail about whatever you face. Simply state the problem and then base the remainder of your prayer expressing your faith that God will answer this prayer. Your Father wants you to come to Him with deep, strong and unwavering faith in Him based on a close and intimate relationship with Him and specific promises in His Word. Pray with absolute faith that your Father will do exactly what He has promised to do. Jesus said,

"...your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8 KJV)

## God instructs you to come to Him in prayer when you are in trouble.

Whenever you face a problem, you should do your best to solve the problem with your human abilities. Do not give up if your human abilities are insufficient. God is just a prayer away. The help that you need to solve the problem is available. Your Father instructs you to give every problem to Him when you pray (see the topic titled CAST YOUR CARES ON THE LORD). He wants you to know that He has the problem and that He is working on it. Continue in prayer, thanking Him with faith for answering your prayer.

"Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray...." (James 5:13 AMP)

## Your Father is delighted whenever you come to Him in prayer.

Your Father loves you with a great and incomprehensible love. He knows exactly what you are going through. He is delighted whenever you come to Him in prayer with absolute faith that He will answer. Your Father does not want you to worry. He wants you to turn away from every temptation to worry as you pray to Him with faith that He will answer. This topic contains many specific instructions pertaining to prayer. Learn and obey each of these instructions. Your Father will be very pleased if you do this.

"...the prayer of the upright is his delight." (Proverbs 15:8 KJV)

## Is prayer as important to you as it was to Jesus during His earthly ministry?

Please read the following passage of Scripture carefully. Jesus had been performing great healing miracles throughout the land. When people heard about these miracles, large crowds came to hear Jesus preach and to receive healing from sickness in their bodies. Jesus knew that He needed to spend precious quiet time with His Father before He attempted to minister to these people. He turned away from these needy people and went into the desert to pray to God. Prayer obviously was very important to Jesus. You should follow His example. Consistent prayer should be a top priority in your life.

"...great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed." (Luke 5:15-16 KJV)

## Do not pray seeking recognition from other people when you pray.

Prayer is intimacy between you and God. Sometimes you should pray in front of a group of people or with other people. However, in addition to praying in public, you must pray in private. If possible, you should have a specific room where you go for your prayer time each day. Go into that room and close the door to be alone with your Father. Pray to Him with absolute faith that He will answer your prayers. God will reward you in extraordinary ways for your personal prayer time with Him each day. Jesus said,

"...when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:5-6 KJV)

## Pray spontaneously from your heart instead of praying repetitive prayers.

You always should treat God with reverence. However, your Father does not require King James Elizabethan language when you pray. You do not have to pray formally with a lot of "thees" and "thous." Do not pray the same words day after day. Your Father wants you to talk intimately with Him each day. He wants you to pray with simple faith just as little children go to their parents with simple childlike trust that their parents will help them. Pray simple prayers from a heart that is filled with faith in God.

"...when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking." (Matthew 6:7 AMP)

## Give top priority to continual prayer for government officials.

Are you praying each day for the President of the United States and other government leaders throughout the world? Are these prayers at the top of your prayer list? The word "admonish" in the following passage of Scripture means to urge. Your Father urges you to pray for all leaders in government throughout the world. If there ever was a time when these elected officials need prayer, we live in that time. Many government leaders are not Christians. They are limited to their human wisdom and abilities. Pray for God to give them the wisdom they must have.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority..." (I Timothy 2:1-2 KJV)

## God does not listen to the prayers of unbelievers. He listens to you.

People who reject the enormous sacrifice that Jesus made for them are wasting their time when they pray to God – "God does not listen." If Jesus Christ is your Savior and you revere God and worship Him and seek His will at all times, your Father definitely pays close attention when you pray. If Jesus is your Savior, you should pray continually with absolute assurance that your loving Father is listening to your prayer. Go to God often in prayer, especially for the needs of others.

"We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and a worshiper of Him and does His will, He listens to him." (John 9:31 AMP)

## Jesus promises to answer your prayers if you meet specific conditions.

Please highlight or underline the words "ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you" in the following verse of Scripture. Jesus promises to answer your prayers, but this promise is conditional. You must do your part. First you must abide continually in Jesus. Every aspect of your life should revolve around Him. This relationship is vital. Second, your heart should be filled to overflowing with the Word of God. When you pray to God, you should anchor your prayer requests on specific promises from His Word. If you do your part, God will answer your prayers. Jesus said,

"If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you." (John 15:7 AMP)

## Your Father gives you additional requirements for answered prayer.

The following verse of Scripture again promises that you will receive whatever you ask your Father for. Please highlight or underline the word "because." The remainder of this verse explains God's condition for answered prayer. God says that you should do what He has instructed you to do. You cannot know what God has instructed you to do if you ignore His instructions to study His Word daily and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures. You must learn what your Father instructs you to do and then do what He instructs you to do.

"...whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." (I John 3:22 KJV)

## Your Father will answer your prayers if you pray according to His will.

Another specific condition for answered prayer is to pray according to God's will. Your Father hears every one of your prayers that is prayed in His will. The Word of God is God's general will for all of His children. Your prayers should be based on specific instructions and/or promises from God. In addition to His general instructions, your Father has a specific plan for your life (see the topic titled WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE). If you obey these specific instructions, you can be certain that your prayers of faith will be answered.

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

## You should unite in a prayer of agreement with other believers.

Synergistic spiritual power is released when you join in a prayer of agreement with other Christians who have deep, strong and unwavering faith in God. If you obey your Father's instructions to participate in the church He has called you to be a member of (see Hebrews 10:25), you will develop relationships with other believers who have strong faith in God. When you have a need, you often should go to one or more of these believers and ask them to persevere in faith with you in prayer. God will answer these prayers. Jesus said,

"...if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 18:19 KJV)

## You should consistently pray to God in the name of His son Jesus Christ.

You have learned many interesting facts about the supernatural power of the name of Jesus Christ. You have learned that you should have absolute faith in the mighty power of His name (see I John 3:23) and that God will bless you when you come to Him in the name of Jesus. You should include the supernatural power of the name of Jesus Christ when you pray. When you come to God with a prayer of faith in the name of His beloved Son, your prayer has the same significance in the spiritual realm that it would have if Jesus Himself prayed. Jesus said,

"...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." (John 16:23 KJV)

## What does the Bible say about the reasons for unanswered prayers?

Some people do not have their needs met because they do not ask God to help them. You should not expect your Father to help you if you will not take time to go to Him in prayer. Other people pray to God, but they do not receive what they ask for because they pray selfish prayers for their own pleasure. You have learned that you should pray according to God's will. If you consistently pray selfish prayers for personal pleasure, you can be certain that you are not praying in God's will.

"...You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (James 4:2-3 NIV)

## The power of God is released when you pray earnestly from your heart.

The following verse of Scripture uses the word "earnest" in regard to your prayers. When you pray earnestly, you are serious, sincere and determined. Your prayers are vigorous, concentrated and focused. The amplification of this verse of Scripture uses the word "continued." You must persevere in faith in your earnest prayers. If you do, these continued prayers release the supernatural power of God. You have learned in the topic titled OMNIPOTENT GOD that the power of God is far beyond the limits of your human comprehension. Know that this dynamic power is released when you pray earnestly from your heart and persevere in your prayers.

"...The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]." (James 5:16 AMP)

## You must not give up. persevere with faith in God when you pray.

Please highlight or underline the six times the words "keep on" or "keeps on" are used in the following passage of Scripture. If Jesus used the same words six times, you can be certain that He does not want you to give up when you pray. Each time that Jesus used these words, He promised a positive result. Keep on praying, thanking God each time that you pray for the answer you know you will receive. Jesus said,

"...I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened." (Luke 11:9-10 amp)

## Your Father will bless you when you consistently pray for other people.

There is nothing wrong with praying for yourself, but you will find that your prayer life will be much more effective if you constantly are aware of the needs of others and pray faithfully for them. Anyone who has read the book of Job knows that Job had great personal needs. If anyone would seem to be justified in praying for himself, Job would qualify. Job prayed for his friends. God honored Job's selflessness. He restored the prosperity that Job previously had enjoyed by giving him "twice as much as he had before."

"...the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10 KJV)

## You should be alert for the needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Carefully observe people in your church and other Christians you know. You should pray for unbelievers as well, but the following verse of Scripture specifically instructs you to pray for other Christians. We recommend a daily prayer list where you consistently add names of people who need prayer. Persevere in your prayers of faith for your Christian brothers and sisters. You should be sensitive to their needs and intercede for them for as long as God requires. Also, carefully observe what happens each day. Pray immediately for people whose problems come to your awareness during that day.

"...keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)." (Ephesians 6:18 AMP)

## Be encouraged because you know that Jesus is interceding for you.

Do you think that God pays special attention when Jesus comes to Him in prayer? When you pray to your Father with faith in obedience to His specific instructions pertaining to prayer, you can be confident that Jesus is interceding with God on your behalf. You have learned that Jesus is omniscient – He knows everything that is taking place throughout the world. Jesus knows exactly what you need and when you need to receive an answer to your prayers. Please highlight or underline the word "always" in the following verse of Scripture. Know that Jesus continually intercedes for you with God.

"...He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them." (Hebrews 7:25 AMP)

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# PRESENCE OF GOD

## The magnitude of entering into God's presence is beyond comprehension.

The following verse of Scripture tells you that God's presence is so powerful that on one occasion it caused the earth to tremble, the heavens to pour down rain and an earthquake to erupt on Mount Sinai. If God's presence is this powerful, you must not take lightly the wonderful privilege that you have been given of entering into His presence. You should be in absolute awe of this great opportunity. You should be highly motivated to learn the facts that your Father has given you in His Word so that you can continually enter into His presence.

"The earth trembled, the heavens also poured down [rain] at the presence of God; yonder Sinai quaked at the presence of God, the God of Israel." (Psalm 68:8 AMP)

## Adam and Eve forfeited the privilege of coming into God's presence.

Adam and Eve enjoyed the privilege of being in God's presence before they sinned against God. Their sin of disobedience to God blocked them from the opportunity to enjoy God's presence as they did before they sinned. Adam and Eve actually tried to hide from the presence of God after they fell as a result of sin. You should be in absolute awe that you, with all of your faults and shortcomings, actually have been given the precious privilege of coming into the presence of Almighty God.

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8 KJV)

## You do not have to be a high priest to come into the presence of God.

Moses built a special tabernacle following specific instructions that were given to him by God. This tabernacle consisted of two rooms. The outer room was called the holy place. The inner room was called the Holy of Holies. A thick veil separated these two rooms to protect the Holy of Holies. One day each year after the Day of Atonement, a selected high priest was able to enter the tabernacle to come into the presence of God. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the curtain was ripped from top to bottom. This phenomenon clearly indicates your ability to enter into God's presence because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

"...Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." (Mark 15:37-38 KJV)

## The shed blood of Jesus has enabled you to come into God's presence.

No one is able to enter into the presence of God based on his or her own worthiness. You are made worthy by the shed blood of Jesus Christ that cleansed you from all sin. Coming into God's presence is no longer limited to a high priest coming into God's presence one day a year. If Jesus is your Savior, you do not have to go through a priest, a minister or any other person. You have been given the magnificent opportunity to enter into God's presence twenty-four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year.

"...we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh." (Hebrews 10:19-20 AMP)

## You should yearn to come into God's presence and remain there.

Please highlight or underline the two words "yearn" and "continually" in the following verse of Scripture. Would your Father have instructed you to be in His presence continually if this were not possible? Very few Christians are in God's presence continually, but this should be your goal. The more you come into God's presence, the more you will yearn to be in His presence. When you yearn for something, you have a deep desire for it. Your desire to be in God's presence should be a very high priority in your life. Begin each day with precious quiet time with God to come into His presence.

"Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!" (I Chronicles 16:11 AMP)

## You can Enter into God's presence by immersing yourself in His Word.

The Word of God is supernaturally alive and filled with the power of God (see Hebrews 4:12). If you continually study and meditate on God's Word, you will find that this faithfulness to God's instructions will bring you more and more into God's presence. God instructed David to "seek My face." The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that this is a "vital need." David replied that he would seek God and His presence "of necessity and on the authority of His Word." Seeking God should be the greatest and deepest need in your life.

"You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word]." (Psalm 27:8 AMP)

## Enter into God's presence by constantly praising Him and thanking Him.

Your heart should overflow with gratitude for Who God is and for everything He has done for you. This deep inner gratitude should fill your heart so much that praise spontaneously pours out of your mouth. You should thank God continually. You should worship Him continually. You should constantly sing "songs of praise" to Him. Praise and worship should be a way of life to you. As you spontaneously praise and worship God day after day, week after week and month after month, you will come more and more into His presence with a joyous heart of gratitude.

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!" (Psalm 95:2 AMP)

## Come into God's presence by continually singing praise to Him.

If you will look at Psalm 47:6, you will see that this verse consists solely of God instructing you four times to sing praise to Him. When God repeats these instructions four times in one short verse of Scripture, you can be certain that He is emphasizing the importance of singing praise to Him. The following passage of Scripture expands on these instructions. If your heart is filled with gratitude to God, express your joy by continually singing your praise and worship to Him. As you express your gratitude to Him in song, you will come more and more into His presence.

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:1-2 KJV)

## Enter into God's presence through continual praise and thanksgiving.

The following verse of Scripture says that you "enter into God's gates with thanksgiving." If your heart is filled with gratitude, you will constantly thank God for all that He has done. You then are told that you enter "into His courts with praise." You thank God for all He has done. You praise Him for Who He is. A constant outpouring of praise and thanksgiving will bring you into God's glorious presence and keep you there. Is your heart filled with gratitude to God? Do you consistently praise God and thank Him? If you do, you will continually come into His presence.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." (Psalm 100:4 KJV)

## You will experience great joy when you are in the presence of the Lord.

Your Father will guide you into the center of His will for your life when you are in His presence. You will experience "fullness of joy in God's presence" that is unlike anything you have ever experienced in the world. Negative emotions cannot exist in God's presence. Your heart will sing with joy regardless of the circumstances you face. God has absolutely no concern about His ability to solve the problems you face, no matter how difficult they seem. Will you take full advantage of the precious opportunity you have been given to enter into His presence?

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11 KJV)

## Christians who are in the presence of God are extremely humble.

Proud people cannot enter into the presence of God. The Bible says that God resists the proud (see James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5). You cannot enter into God's presence when He is resisting you. Only humble Christians can enter into the presence of God. You will become much more humble when you are in His presence. You will be in absolute awe of God as you observe how magnificent He is and how insignificant you are. Your Father will "exalt you" as you humble yourself before Him. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that "He will lift you up and make your life significant."

"Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]." (James 4:10 AMP)

## Your Father wants you to come into His presence and to remain there.

Please highlight or underline the words "dwell in Your house" in the following verse of Scripture. When you dwell in a place, you live there permanently. Each time you come into God's presence, you will have a deeper yearning to come into His presence even more. Your Father wants you to grow and mature to the point where you will remain in His presence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year. You will be totally blessed if you are a humble child of God who dwells in His presence. You will sing songs of praise to Him continually.

"Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long..." (Psalm 84:4 AMP)

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# PRIDE

## God detests pride. All people who are proud ultimately will be punished.

Please highlight or underline the word "detests" in the following verse of Scripture. God detests all people who are proud. He is strongly opposed to pride. Pride is against everything God is. People who are proud sit on the throne of their lives where God is meant to sit. They are their own little gods. Pride will not go unpunished. You may see a proud person who seems to have everything. God says that all proud people ultimately will be punished. The question is when these proud people will be punished, not if.

"The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." (Proverbs 16:5 NIV)

## Proud people cannot enjoy a close personal relationship with the Lord.

You have learned that God is omniscient. God knows exactly how proud every person on earth is. Proud people distance themselves from God. They cannot fellowship with God because He recognizes proud people "only at a distance." God respects Christians with humble hearts. He will enable these precious children to fellowship with Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to continually reveal to you whenever you do something that is caused by pride. Admit your pride. Repent of this pride. Ask God to forgive you. From that time forward, do your best to humble yourself before God and before others.

"...though the Lord is high, yet has He respect to the lowly [bringing them into fellowship with Him]; but the proud and haughty He knows and recognizes [only] at a distance." (Psalm 138:6 AMP)

## You should not be impressed with your talents, skills and abilities.

Sometimes being a worldly leader can be a detriment, not an advantage. Many leaders are overly impressed with themselves. They do not understand that they did not earn and do not deserve the talents that were given to them by God. Your Father wants you to understand that your talents and abilities are a gift from Him. Instead of being impressed with your God-given talents, you should seek God in a sincere effort to learn how He wants you to use the talents and abilities He has given you to serve Him (see the topic titled WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE).

"...who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (I Corinthians 4:7 NIV)

## You should not look at yourself as being better than other people.

Everyone is equal in the eyes of God. Your Father tells you that you should "not be haughty." He does not want you to look down on others. You are instructed to be adjustable. Proud people are not adjustable to others. Their lives revolve around themselves. Humble Christians put God first, other people second and themselves last. They are ready, willing and able to adjust in any way that God leads them to adjust. Their primary goal is to do what their Father is leading them to do to serve Him and to serve other people.

"...do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give or be wise in your own conceits." (Romans 12:16 AMP)

## You must not think that you are too important to help other people.

Proud people have an exaggerated opinion of their own importance. Many proud people think they are too good to reach down to help people who seem to be inferior. God does not look at any person as being inferior. You must not think that anyone is inferior to you. You should be more than willing to reach out to others to do whatever you can to help them. You are doing what God instructs you to do when you do this. You are doing what Satan wants you to do if you believe you are superior to anyone else and refuse to get involved with others.

"...if any person thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation], he deceives and deludes and cheats himself." (Galatians 6:3 AMP)

## Refuse to boast about yourself. Only boast about the Lord.

You should be tremendously impressed by the Lord and Who He is and what He does. You should not be at all impressed by yourself, with who you are and with what you do. Everything you are and everything you have were given to you by the Lord. If you want to boast, boast about the wonderful privilege you have been given to know the Lord personally and intimately. Your Father is delighted when you boast about Him. He is not pleased when you boast about yourself, your wisdom, your strength or your wealth.

"This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NIV)

## Do not exalt yourself. humble yourself before God and others.

You have been placed on earth to exalt Jesus Christ, not yourself. Jesus is everything. You are nothing. You must not make the mistake of trying to impress other people with how great you are. If you do this, you are in direct opposition to the holy Scriptures that consistently tell you to humble yourself. If you try to exalt yourself, you will be brought down – the only question is when, not if. If you consistently humble yourself before the Lord and before other people, the Lord will lift you up. He will take you places you have not even imagined. Jesus said,

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12 NIV)

## Follow the example of Jesus. He never sought recognition from people.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus never once attempted to receive recognition from human beings. His only goal was to please His Father. You are here on earth to serve God, not to promote yourself or to pursue selfish goals. When you are in heaven, you will be judged by what you did to serve God. Recognition from human beings has no eternal value. If you constantly seek recognition from others, you ultimately will suffer from this prideful desire (see Proverbs 25:27). Jesus said,

"I receive not honour from men." (John 5:41 KJV)

## Pride ultimately leads to destruction. pride will cause you to fall.

God's Word repeatedly says that you will bring severe problems upon yourself if you are proud. If you ignore God's repeated instructions in this area, you are the one who will cause problems to come into your life. You should be determined to turn away from any desire to promote yourself. Refuse to give in to repeated urgings from Satan's demons to be proud, self-centered and selfish. You should be determined to humble yourself before God and before other people.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)

## Satan will do everything he can to influence you to be proud.

Satan and his demons will attempt to influence you to be envious of other people. They will do everything they can to try to influence you to be selfish. They know the horrible eternal price that pride ultimately will cause them to pay. They want to bring you down with them. People who are proud, ambitious, selfish and envious either do not know what the Word of God says about pride or they ignore God's instructions in this area. Every sin is caused by selfishness. Your Father consistently instructs you to be selfless.

"...if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:14-16 NIV)

## Satan was an archangel who was cast out of heaven because of pride.

Satan was an archangel who was so proud that he wanted to be like God (see Isaiah 14:12-17). God cast him out of heaven because of pride (see Ezekiel 28:17). Satan wants you to fall into the same trap. Satan and his demons will try in many subtle ways to influence you to glorify yourself. Proud people are blind to spiritual truths. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that proud people often develop a "beclouded and stupid state of mind." You must be very careful that you do not allow pride to blind you.

"...he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind] as the result of pride [be blinded by conceit, and] fall into the condemnation that the devil [once] did." (I Timothy 3:6 AMP)

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# PROSPERITY

## God repeatedly warns you against loving money and being greedy.

Your Father repeatedly tells you the same truth in both the Old Testament and the New Testament because He wants to make certain that you understand that you must not love money. God wants you to be free from this lustful goal that has trapped so many people. Your Father wants you to prosper. You will prosper if you learn and obey His specific instructions pertaining to prosperity. You must not make the mistake of attempting to prosper by following worldly concepts pertaining to prosperity. You must not be greedy. You must not crave "earthly possessions."

"Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions]..." (Hebrews 13:5 AMP)

## If you are greedy, you ultimately will pay a significant price.

Please highlight or underline the words "makes haste to be rich" in the following verse of Scripture. The amplification adds the words "at any cost." Satan's demons often try to influence people by putting greedy thoughts into their minds. You must understand that you are giving Satan a foothold if you are consumed with accumulating earthly wealth. Your Father will prosper you, but you must put Him and His instructions ahead of any covetous desire to accumulate wealth quickly. You ultimately will be punished if you are greedy. You will prosper without any punishment whatsoever if you follow God's specific instructions.

"...he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished." (Proverbs 28:20 AMP)

## Some Christians love money more than they love God.

Yearning for wealth may seem harmless, but this yearning is a "snare" that has trapped many people. Please highlight or underline the words "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" in the following passage of Scripture. The word "evil" refers to anything that is against God. If you love money more than you love God, you can easily be deceived. You ultimately will bring severe problems on yourself. You must not allow the pursuit of earthly riches to come ahead of your determination to put God first and keep Him first.

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (I Timothy 6:9-10 NIV)

## People who are consumed by greed ultimately will experience problems.

The news media often reports on the severe problems that many wealthy people experience. Many spiritually immature people believe that all of their problems would be solved if they were wealthy. These people do not understand God's instructions pertaining to finances. People who eagerly pursue the world's system of accumulating wealth ultimately will experience "trouble and vexation." Why would you ever make this mistake if you understand that you can have "great priceless treasure" and everything you need on earth if you faithfully obey your Father's specific instructions pertaining to finances?

"In the house of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is great [priceless] treasure, but with the income of the wicked is trouble and vexation." (Proverbs 15:6 AMP)

## You will not pay a penalty if you faithfully obey God's instructions.

Your Father will bless you financially if you faithfully obey His specific instructions pertaining to finances. You will not pay the severe price that people who achieve their wealth from the world's system of prosperity ultimately will pay. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that the world's ways do not work (see the topic titled WORLD – TURN AWAY FROM). God's way is the only way. Sometimes the world's ways work for awhile, but ultimately the world's system will cause severe problems. Your Father will not "add trouble" if you prosper as a result of obeying His specific instructions.

"The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it." (Proverbs 10:22 NIV)

## Do not focus on accumulating large amounts of money.

Please highlight or underline the word "not" in the first sentence of the following passage of Scripture. Jesus emphatically warns you against focusing on accumulating wealth on earth. Jesus instructs you to store up for yourself "treasures in heaven." The scriptural instructions that are contained in this topic will show you exactly what you should do to store up treasure in heaven. Earthly wealth is temporary. Heaven's wealth is eternal. Learn and obey all of these scriptural instructions. Learn and believe with all your heart God's promises pertaining to prosperity. Jesus said,

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 KJV)

## Guard against the greedy longing to accumulate additional wealth.

When you arrive in heaven, your Father will not congratulate you because of how much wealth you accumulated on earth. Your Father has promised to meet all of your needs. Jesus said that He came to the world so that you could have an abundant life (see John 10:10). You must not make the mistake of focusing on accumulating wealth that is "over and above your needs." If you have been blessed financially, you should not yearn for more wealth. You should share any excess you have with others. Jesus said,

"...Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness (the immoderate desire for wealth, the greedy longing to have more); for a man's life does not consist in and is not derived from possessing overflowing abundance or that which is over and above his needs." (Luke 12:15 AMP)

## Wealthy people who love money cannot experience true fulfillment.

Some people have more money than they will ever need and many possessions that they do not need. These people cannot experience any lasting fulfillment. They are never satisfied. Their lives are centered around a continual desire to accumulate more wealth. The wealth they have accumulated becomes their god. Their only joy comes from focusing on the wealth they have accumulated. These people do not understand the error of their ways. They love the wealth they have accumulated. They "feast their eyes" on their accumulated wealth and property. They are consumed with a lustful desire to accumulate more wealth.

"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?" (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 NIV)

## Any wealth that you accumulate on earth is only temporary.

Many wealthy people are immature spiritually. They do not understand that their accumulated wealth is only temporary. The following passage of Scripture says that wealthy people "perish and leave their wealth to others." Some wealthy people have an "inward thought" that their wealth and their property "will continue forever," but this thinking is incorrect. These people may receive a great deal of "honor and pomp" because of their wealth, but this wealth "does not remain." God consistently instructs you to have an eternal perspective, not just a temporal perspective. His Word says that people who focus on their accumulated wealth are to be pitied, not praised (see Revelation 3:17).

"...the [self-confident] fool and the stupid alike perish and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is that their houses will continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands their own [apart from God] and after their own names. But man, with all his honor and pomp, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish." (Psalm 49:10-12 AMP)

## You are foolish if you consistently focus on accumulating wealth.

Jesus often explained spiritual truths in parables. He told His disciples about a wealthy man who had accumulated wealth far over and above his needs. This man had "plenty of good things laid up for many years." He decided to "take life easy, eat, drink and be merry." God called this man a "fool." People who focus on accumulating wealth and pursuing pleasure are foolish from God's perspective. These people have a temporal perspective. You must understand the importance of an eternal perspective pertaining to wealth and every other aspect of your life. You do not know how long you will live. Live for God every moment.

"And he told them this parable: The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said, This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry. But God said to him, You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:16-21 NIV)

## The Lord cannot be first in your life if you focus on accumulating wealth.

You are instructed to keep God in first place in every aspect of your life (see Matthew 6:33). If you really trust the Lord and you honestly believe that He will provide everything you need just as He says (see the topic titled NEEDS MET BY GOD), why would you focus on accumulating wealth far over and above your needs? You will make a big mistake if you are "greedy for gain." Greedy people turn away from the Lord. You must not allow the accumulation of wealth or any other worldly desire to come ahead of your commitment to the Lord. Greed will turn your heart cold toward God.

"...the one greedy for gain curses and spurns, yes, renounces and despises the Lord." (Psalm 10:3 AMP)

## Many wealthy people are so impressed by wealth that they forget God.

Some people cannot emotionally handle the accumulation of wealth. They become so impressed with their wealth that their lives revolve around this wealth. We believe that God is a God of income, not a God of capital. Trust God to meet your income needs just as He says He will (see the topic titled NEEDS MET BY GOD). You must not place the accumulation of wealth ahead of God. You cannot focus on accumulating wealth and serve God at the same time (see Matthew 6:24). You must not "forget the Lord your God."

"...when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God..." (Deuteronomy 8:13-14 KJV)

## The ability that wealthy people have was given to them by God.

Wealthy people usually are talented in one or more areas. They use their talents to achieve wealth. These people did not earn and do not deserve the talents that were given to them by God Who "gives you the ability to produce wealth." If you are wealthy and you are impressed with yourself and your talents, you make a big mistake. You should humbly thank God for the talent and ability He has given to you. You must understand that any wealth you have accumulated has been made possible because of God's mercy and grace.

"You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth..." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NIV)

## If you are wealthy, you should use this wealth to help others.

If you have accumulated wealth over and above your needs, your Father instructs you to use this excess wealth to help other people. You should "not be proud" of the wealth you have accumulated. You should not look down on other people who are not as prosperous as you are. You should not "set your heart on uncertain riches." You should be "generous of heart." If you are generous and consistently help others, you will lay up for yourself "riches that endure forever" instead of accumulating temporary earthly wealth. Your giving will show that you understand this aspect of life from God's perspective.

"As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others], In this way laying up for themselves [the riches that endure forever as] a good foundation for the future, so that they may grasp that which is life indeed" (I Timothy 6:17-19 AMP)

## Give freely and generously to people who are poor and needy.

You "will not want" if you give freely to poor people. You can be assured that your giving heart will cause your Father to meet all of your needs. Give freely to people who are less fortunate than you are. If you "hide your eyes" to the needs of poor people, you will "have many a curse." You will bring troubles on yourself because you are giving Satan and his demons a foothold in your life by turning your back on poor and needy people.

"He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes [from their want] will have many a curse." (Proverbs 28:27 AMP)

## You actually are lending to the Lord when you give money to the poor.

Never turn your back on poor people. If a poor person comes across your path and you have the financial ability to help this person, you actually will be lending this money to the Lord. There is no better credit risk than the Lord. You can be absolutely certain that He will repay everything you have lent Him by giving to poor and needy people. If you understand this spiritual truth, you will give to the poor. Nothing should hold you back. Give when possible in ways that will help to lift the poor out of their crisis way of living.

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." (Proverbs 19:17 KJV)

## God's laws of prosperity require you to give freely to others.

God's ways are very different from the ways of the world (see Isaiah 55:8-9). We live in a world where many people focus on what they want to receive. Many people in the world today have a "me first" mentality (see II Timothy 3:2-4). The Bible consistently teaches that you should put God first, other people second and yourself last. Instead of continually desiring to receive from God and from other people, you should have a consistent desire to give of yourself, your money and your talents to God and to others. Live to give. You will be blessed abundantly if you have a giving heart. Jesus said,

"...It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35 KJV)

## When you give freely to others, your Father will give back to you.

God's instructions for financial prosperity focus on giving, not receiving. The world's system of prosperity focuses on selfishness. God's system of prosperity focuses on selflessness. Your Father will give abundantly back to you if you consistently give to others. The following verse of Scripture compares this principle with someone who purchased a large container of oats and received an extra measure of oats. Your Father will bless you abundantly when you give abundantly. Please highlight or underline the words "the measure" in the following verse of Scripture. If you give freely, your measure of giving will determine the blessing you will receive in return. Jesus said,

"Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38 AMP)

## You will not always be blessed because you give a large amount of money.

Some people are very proud because they have given large amounts of money. Jesus explained that you will be judged by how much you give in relation to your ability to give. From God's perspective, the poor widow that Jesus speaks of in the following passage of Scripture will be blessed much more abundantly than a wealthy person who gave a large amount of money that was much less in relationship to his or her ability to give. The Word of God consistently teaches that you should have a giving mentality in every area of your life.

"...Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." (Mark 12:41-44 KJV)

## Give quietly with no intention of receiving recognition from others.

God never honors pride. Many proud people desire recognition for their giving. Sometimes these people donate large amounts of money and receive a great deal of publicity and fanfare. If you place a high priority on receiving public recognition for your giving, this attitude will block your Father from blessing you. God is very pleased with quiet givers who give unobtrusively with no thought of recognition. Your Father will bless you abundantly if you give quietly and cheerfully with absolutely no desire to receive recognition from other people. Jesus said,

"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." (Matthew 6:1-4 KJV)

## You sow abundant seeds when you give freely to God and to others.

God's laws of sowing and reaping apply to your finances and to every other area of your life. You will always reap in direct proportion to what you consistently sow. Your Father will bless you abundantly if you sow abundant seeds by giving of yourself and your finances to others. No farmer would expect to receive an abundant harvest if he only sowed a few seeds. This same principle of sowing and reaping applies to your finances. If you "sow generously," you will "reap generously." If you "sow sparingly and grudgingly," you will "reap sparingly and grudgingly." Your Father wants to bless you abundantly. You decide if He will.

"...he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings." (II Corinthians 9:6 AMP)

## God instructs you to give cheerfully and willingly, not reluctantly.

Do not hold tightly on to the money that God has given to you. Be willing to let go of this money to help others. Trust God completely to meet every one of your needs. Your Father does not want you to give grudgingly just because you know He has instructed you to give. He wants your heart to sing with joy because you know you are helping needy people. You can be certain that your loving Father is very pleased when you give cheerfully. You can be assured that He will bless you bountifully (see Proverbs 22:9).

"Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]." (II Corinthians 9:7 AMP)

## If you sow abundantly, your Father will provide seeds to give more.

You have seen that God is fully aware of everything that is taking place throughout the earth (see the topic titled OMNISCIENT GOD). God knows to the last penny how much you give. He knows exactly what is in your heart when you give. He also knows if you withhold when you could be giving. If you consistently sow abundantly, you can be certain that God will give back to you abundantly so that you will be able to continue to sow financial seeds. Your Father will make certain that you always have everything you need to give freely to His work and to needy people.

"...God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]." (II Corinthians 9:8 AMP)

## The first ten percent of your income belongs to God, not to you.

Your income is a gift from God. The word "tithe" means one-tenth. You are instructed to give at least ten percent of your income to God's work. You will "rob and defraud God" if you withhold the tithe that actually belongs to Him. You may think that you love God, but your checkbook shows whether you truly love Him. If you turn away from your Father's instructions to give at least the first ten percent of your income to His work, you clearly indicate that He is not in first place in your life. God can bless you more abundantly with ninety percent of your income than you can bless yourself with one hundred percent.

"Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation." (Malachi 3:8-9 AMP)

## Your Father promises to bless you abundantly when you tithe.

The following passage of Scripture instructs you to bring your tithe "into the storehouse." We believe that you should give your tithe to the place where you are fed spiritually. In most cases this will be your local church. Your Father instructs you to "prove" Him when you tithe. He promises to "open the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing" on you. He will bless you in such a way that you will "not have room enough to receive it." If you truly believe this statement, why would you ever withhold your tithe?

"Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10 AMP)

## Your Father promises to rebuke Satan when you tithe faithfully.

Please highlight or underline the words "I will rebuke the devourer" in the following passage of Scripture. Since this verse of Scripture applies to sowing seeds into the ground, the amplification refers to "insects and plagues." The word "devourer" also refers to Satan whose mission in life is to destroy you (see John 10:10). When you faithfully pay your tithes and give freely of offerings, you establish spiritual protection that will result in God actually rebuking Satan in your life. This action by God is very important to you. Satan and his demons are in big trouble when God Himself rebukes them.

"...I will rebuke the devourer [insects and plagues] for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground, neither shall your vine drop its fruit before the time in the field, says the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:11 AMP)

## Pay your tithe to God with the first ten percent of your income.

Please highlight or underline the words "the firstfruits of all your income" in the following passage of Scripture. When you pay your tithe to God, you should give Him the first ten percent of your income. You must not make the mistake of paying your bills and then giving God whatever is left over (if anything is left over). You are instructed to put God first in every area of your life (see Matthew 6:33). This principle definitely applies to your giving and tithing. When you receive income from your hard work, you are instructed to give honor to the Lord by giving to Him first. Your Father promises to bless you abundantly in return.

"Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; so shall your storage places be filled with plenty, and your vats shall be overflowing with new wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10 AMP)

## Understand the importance of always giving God the firstfruits.

Your Father explains the importance of giving the firstfruits in the biblical story of Cain and Abel who were sons of Adam and Eve. Abel was a shepherd. Cain was a farmer. Abel brought an offering to God of the firstborn of his flock. Cain brought an offering to God of what was left over from his fruit. The Lord honored Abel because Abel gave the firstfruit. The Lord did not honor Cain's offering because he did not give the firstfruit. You should put your tithe to God ahead of everything else. Your Father will bless you abundantly as you faithfully obey His instructions in this area.

"...Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect..." (Genesis 4:2-5 KJV)

## God will prosper you if you meditate on His Word continually.

The Bible teaches that you give your way to prosperity and that you meditate your way to prosperity. When Joshua became the leader of Israel, God gave him specific instructions on being prosperous and successful. God instructed Joshua to speak His Word continually, to meditate day and night on His Word and to learn and obey all of His instructions. These same instructions apply to you today. Are you meditating day and night on the Word of God, speaking God's Word continually and doing your very best to learn and obey all of your Father's instructions to you? If you are doing these things, "you will be prosperous and successful."

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8 NIV)

## Prosper abundantly by meditating day and night on the Word of God.

Do you have a great "delight" in the Word of God and a deep "desire" to learn consistently from the holy Scriptures? If you meditate day and night on the Word of God (see the topic titled MEDITATION ON SCRIPTURE), you will be like a tree that is planted next to a stream of water. This tree will never experience drought. This tree is able to reach down into the stream to bring up water when rain does not come down from the sky. This same spiritual principle applies to you today. Are you meditating day and night on the holy Scriptures? If you are, "everything you do shall prosper."

"...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, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." (Psalm 1:2-3 NIV)

## God will bless you abundantly when you faithfully obey His instructions.

Some of the disciples of Jesus Christ were professional fishermen. On one occasion they had been fishing all night without catching anything. Nevertheless, these professional fishermen were willing to obey the specific instructions that Jesus gave them even though they were weary and these instructions made no sense to them. Why should they go back and fish in the same place where they had fished all night with no results? They should do this because Jesus instructed them to do this. These disciples received an abundant return because of their obedience. This same principle applies to you today (see I Kings 2:3).

"...he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink." (Luke 5:4-7 KJV)

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Return to Table of Contents

# PROTECTION OF GOD

## God has provided a secret place of protection for you.

Please highlight or underline the words "the secret place of the Most High" in the following verse of Scripture. The words "Most High" refer to God. You should constantly turn away from the world to enter into God's secret place. You can only enter into God's secret place when you are extremely close to God. You are instructed to "dwell" in this secret place. If you dwell in this place, you will be "stable and fixed" because you are in the presence of Almighty God. You will be absolutely certain that God's power will prevail as you live in the secret place.

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]." (Psalm 91:1 AMP)

## The secret place of the most high actually is the presence of God.

The Word of God explains exactly where this secret place is. The following passage of Scripture speaks of "the secret place of Your presence." Your Father will protect you continually when you remain in His presence. You are instructed to "fear, revere and worship" God at all times. If you truly fear God, you will not fear anyone or anything else. The presence of God will be the only safe refuge during the difficult times that are coming on the world.

"Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear, revere, and worship You, goodness which You have wrought for those who trust and take refuge in You before the sons of men! In the secret place of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; You keep them secretly in Your pavilion from the strife of tongues." (Psalm 31:19-20 AMP)

## God will hide you and protect you when you are in His secret place.

Where can you go "in the day of trouble" when there is no place of refuge in the world? There is one place where you will be completely safe – in "the secret place" that your Father has provided for you. There is no safer place in the universe than to be in the presence of God. Your Father will "hide" you from the severe problems in the world. He will "set you high" and lift you above these problems. He will place you on a solid spiritual foundation that is "a rock" in the spiritual realm. The psalmist said,

"...in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock." (Psalm 27:5 AMP)

## Enter into the safety of the shelter your Father has provided for you.

The psalmist David knew how to enter into the secret place of protection that God has provided. David said that his soul "takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence" in God. If you were suddenly faced with a violent thunderstorm and you knew where a place of shelter existed, wouldn't you enter into it? Your Father wants you to enter into the supernatural shelter He has provided for you. The same word "shadow" is used here that is used in Psalm 91:2. When you are in God's "shadow" in the spiritual realm, you are in His presence. You should remain in His presence during the storms and even after the storms have passed.

"Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed." (Psalm 57:1 AMP)

## Your Father promises to lift you above the troubles you face.

The words "high tower" in the following verse of Scripture indicate that the spiritual refuge God has provided for you is far above the trials you will face in the world. When you are in trouble, you can enter by faith into the marvelous refuge your Father has provided. The amplification in this verse of Scripture specifically refers to "high cost, destitution and desperation." If you know God intimately and trust Him completely and stay close to Him, you can be certain that He will protect you and help you during difficult times in the economic realm or in any other area.

"The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation)." (Psalm 9:9 AMP)

## God has provided His protection for every person who trusts Him.

Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following verse of Scripture. This word includes you. You will be blessed if you trust God completely to protect you. Enter into the refuge in the spiritual realm that your Father has provided for you. Do you "put your trust in Him?" Do you know His promises of protection? Do you believe wholeheartedly that He will protect you just as He promises to do? Do you trust Him completely when there does not seem to be a worldly solution to the problems you face?

"...blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are all those who seek refuge and put their trust in Him!" (Psalm 2:12 AMP)

## God has provided a supernatural fortress for you to enter into.

Please highlight or underline the word "fortress" in the following verse of Scripture. The secret place of the Most High is a magnificent spiritual fortress. You will be continually protected when you are in God's secret place just as people in the world are protected when they are in a large and safe fortress. God's secret place is the strongest fortress in the entire universe. Continually study and meditate on these scriptural facts pertaining to God's protection. Obey your Father's instructions. Believe His promises. Have absolute faith that your Father will protect you. Lean on Him. Trust Him completely.

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalm 91:2 KJV)

## God Himself is an impenetrable spiritual shield of protection.

Your Father has told you in several places in the Bible that He is a spiritual shield (see Psalm 3:3, Psalm 28:7 and Proverbs 30:5). Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father is a shield Who will protect you if you trust Him completely. Your Father instructs you to "take refuge in Him." He wants you to have absolute faith that He is protecting you. Your words and your actions should always show that you have total, complete and absolute faith that your loving Father is protecting you at all times.

"...He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." (II Samuel 22:31 NIV)

## You will be completely safe if you place all of your trust God.

The Word of God repeatedly assures you that your Father will protect you and keep you safe. There is no question about God's protection. Your Father always does exactly what He says He will do (see the topic titled RELIABILITY OF SCRIPTURAL PROMISES). Any variable pertaining to God's protection will come from you. Do you know several promises pertaining to God's protection for you? Do you believe with all your heart that God is protecting you and keeping you safe? If you have answered these questions affirmatively, you can be absolutely certain that you are "safe and set on high" – lifted above every problem you face.

"...whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high." (Proverbs 29:25 AMP)

## If you truly fear the Lord, He promises to protect you and deliver you.

Several places in the Bible explain the relationship between the fear of God and receiving protection from God. When you fear God, you revere Him. You hold Him in complete awe at all times. He is the absolute center of your life. Your Father will watch over you when you revere Him and hold Him in complete awe. If you trust Him completely, you can be certain that He will bring you safely through every problem you will ever face. Your Father wants you to trust in His great and incomprehensible love for you "to deliver you from death and keep you alive in famine."

"...the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:18-19 KJV)

## Your loving Father will hold you up. He will not allow you to fall.

A refuge is a safe place that provides protection from danger. Your Father is your refuge. The following passage of Scripture assures you that His arms are "underneath" you. When the bottom seems to be falling out and everything that can go wrong seems to be going wrong, you can trust your Father to hold you up. Little babies are secure in the mother's arms. They trust their mother completely. They know that she will not drop them. Your loving Father wants you to have the same certainty that His arms are holding you up. He will strengthen and protect you as you trust in Him.

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." (Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV)

## You will not fall even though many people are falling around you.

When you live in the secret place of the Most High, you may see thousands of people falling because they have not entered into the secret place. Have absolute faith that you will not fall because you are abiding in the secret place of the Most High which is the presence of God. You are completely safe if you are in the presence of God. Problems that seem to have no solution cannot enter into the presence of God Who can solve every problem (see the topic titled OMNIPOTENT GOD).

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." (Psalm 91:7 KJV)

## You will be an inaccessible spectator instead of being a participant.

Please highlight or underline the words "only a spectator" in the following verse of Scripture. If you remain in the secret place of God's presence, you will be a spectator. Spectators observe what is taking place. They are not part of what they are watching. The amplification in the following passage of Scripture says that you will be "inaccessible." Whatever is causing large numbers of people to fall cannot get at you if you remain in the total safety of the secret place of God's presence with absolute faith that God is protecting you. Place all of your trust in God.

"Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. (Psalm 91:8 AMP)

## Satan cannot get at you when Almighty God is protecting you.

The following passage of Scripture says that "no evil shall befall you" when you are in the secret place of the Most High. Satan, his demons and problems in the world cannot get at you when you are in God's secret place – no "plague or calamity" can come near you. The key to receiving this supernatural protection from God is found in the word "because" at the beginning of Psalm 91:9. Satan cannot get at you and the problems of the world cannot get at you because the Lord is your "refuge" and because you have made "the Most High your dwelling place."

"Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent." (Psalm 91:9-10 AMP)

## Rejoice as you meditate on these promises of God's protection.

God tells you to be full of joy because you trust Him completely. He invites you to sing and even shout joyfully because He makes a covering of protection over you and defends you. God explains that you should live in triumphant joy because you are so safe in Him. The face of every believer should be totally radiant with the joy of the Lord. You should stand out in a crowd because of the joy that is so clear on your countenance and everything that you do. You live in the joy of the Lord because you are certain that you are completely safe in Him.

"...let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them..." (Psalm 5:11 amp)

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# QUIET CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD

## Jesus Christ has made it possible for you to have quiet confidence in God.

When the following verse of Scripture speaks of "righteousness," it refers to right standing with God. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, He has made you righteous before God by paying the full price for all of your sins. You are at peace with God and you are able to receive the peace of God. If you continually study and meditate on God's Word and do your very best to live according to God's instructions, you will experience "quietness and confidence forever." You will calmly and quietly trust God to solve the problems you cannot solve with your limited human abilities.

"...the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." (Isaiah 32:17 NIV)

## Be still, quiet and confident because you know that God is in control.

Refuse to be agitated and upset when you face a seemingly unsolvable problem. Why would you be upset if you trust God completely? If you have a close and intimate relationship with God, you will trust Him regardless of the circumstances you face. Identify with God, not with the challenge you face. Repeat the words "Be still ... Be still ... Be still ..." over and over again. Continually speaking these two powerful words will quiet you and calm you. God is in complete control. Get out of the driver's seat. Be quiet. Relax. God is on the throne.

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10 KJV)

## Quiet confidence releases the supernatural strength of the Lord.

The following anointed words from the prophet Isaiah to the Israelites when they were in conflict with the Egyptians apply to you today. You will block the supernatural strength of God from being released to help you if you panic and become agitated, worried and fearful. The strength of God is released in you, to you and through you when you are calm, quiet and confident in the face of adversity. If you will meditate on Isaiah 30:15 when you face a seemingly severe problem, you will focus on God instead of focusing on the problem. As this process continues, you will become increasingly quiet and calm within yourself.

"...in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15 KJV)

## Your Father has instructed you to be calm, cool and steady.

Whenever you face seemingly severe adversity, the severity of the problems you face is not as important as your reaction to these problems. Your Father wants you to react to problems based upon the specific instructions and promises He has given you in His Word. He instructs you to be calm and quiet. Please highlight or underline the word "every" in this verse of Scripture. This word includes whatever problem you face at this time. If you focus on God and remain quiet, calm and confident, God will honor your quiet confidence and bless you for your faith in Him.

"...be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship..." (II Timothy 4:5 AMP)

## Quiet confidence in the Lord will help you to enjoy good health.

The Scripture in the topic titled HEALING tells you that continual meditation on God's Word will keep you healthy (see Proverbs 4:20-23). People who consistently react negatively to adversity ultimately will find that their health has been affected. If you learn to obey your Father's instructions to be "calm and undisturbed," you will be much healthier over the years than people who react to adversity with fear, worry and anxiety. The spiritual condition of your mind and your heart has a direct effect on your health. Fill your mind and your heart continually with the supernatural living Word of God.

"A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body..." (Proverbs 14:30 AMP)

## You should be calm and confident when Jesus returns to earth.

You saw in the topic titled LAST DAYS that a spirit of fear will sweep throughout the earth during the last days before Jesus returns. You learned that some people will die as a result of extreme fear (see Luke 21:26). Jesus wants you to do just the opposite. You are instructed to be "eager" for Him to find you with quiet and calm confidence in Him when He returns. You will always exhibit this quiet calmness if you trust Him completely. You will not allow the circumstances you face, no matter how difficult they may seem, to disrupt your quiet confidence in the Lord.

"...be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]." (II Peter 3:14 AMP)

## Learn how to be quiet and calm at all times, regardless of circumstances.

Please highlight or underline the word "content" in the following verse of Scripture. The amplification explains that the apostle Paul said that he would not be "disturbed or disquieted in whatever state I am." Paul said that he had "learned" how to be content in every circumstance he faced. You can learn to be content regardless of the circumstances you face. If you have a close and intimate relationship with the Lord, you will identify with Him instead of identifying with whatever problems you face. Be determined to learn how to react this way just as Paul learned. Consistently study and meditate on God's instructions and promises. Paul said,

"...I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am." (Philippians 4:11 AMP)

## Your Father will teach you how to be quiet and calm in adversity.

The last portion of the following passage of Scripture explains that God will give you the power to remain calm when you face adversity. You are blessed to have God as your teacher. You are blessed to have the Bible as your textbook. You can learn from your teacher and your textbook how to remain calm during a season of adversity. If you will obey your Father's instructions to continually study and meditate on His Word, He will instruct you and teach you. You will learn great spiritual truths that will help you to be calm when you face adversity.

"Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity..." (Psalm 94:12-13 AMP)

## Focus on the great things God has done for you and for others.

Your Father tells you exactly what to do when you face a crisis that is too difficult for you to solve with your limited human abilities. He instructs you to "stand still." Being still and doing nothing requires a great deal of spiritual maturity. When your adrenaline begins to rush, that is the time to quiet down and meditate on God's Word. Bible study and meditation on what God has done in the past and what He promises to do for you today will help you to be calm, quiet and confident.

"...stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." (Job 37:14 KJV)

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# QUIET TIME WITH THE LORD

## Daily quiet time with the Lord is not an option. This time is a necessity.

Your daily quiet time with the Lord will prepare you for the future. Sooner or later you will face a severe crisis in your life. Will you be prepared? Will you have such a close and intimate relationship with the Lord that you will trust Him completely to bring you through whatever challenge you face? How fervently have you sought a close relationship with the Lord by setting aside quiet time each day to draw closer to Him? The amplification in the following verse of Scripture explains that seeking the Lord is a "vital necessity."

"...set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God..." (I Chronicles 22:19 AMP)

## Carefully evaluate how you are spending your precious time.

In the topic titled CLOSE TO THE LORD, you saw several passages of Scripture emphasizing that God Himself definitely wants a close relationship with you. However, you need to initiate this relationship (see James 4:8). Turn away from the natural realm. Make your time count in the spiritual realm. Do not try to find the time. Make the time. Place your relationship with the Lord far ahead of anyone and anything else. We live in the last days before Jesus Christ returns. This daily quiet time is vitally important (see II Timothy 3:1).

"Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 AMP)

## You will be blessed abundantly if you draw close to the Lord each day.

God is speaking to you constantly. You will learn to hear His voice clearly if you continually draw closer to Him (see the topic titled VOICE OF GOD). The following words that King Solomon spoke to his son apply to you today. Please highlight or underline the word "daily" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father emphasizes the importance of precious time with Him every day. Make the quality decision that you will put your quiet time with the Lord in first place every day of your life.

"Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors." (Proverbs 8:34 KJV)

## Jesus Christ is your example in every area of your life. Follow His example.

The Bible gives you several examples of the importance that Jesus placed on daily quiet time with His Father. Jesus never allowed anything, no matter how important it seemed, to take priority over His precious quiet time with His Father. Jesus did more than just spend a few minutes with God. The following passage of Scripture says that He spent the entire night praying to God. Do not just spend token time with God. No appointment on your daily appointment schedule can even remotely approach the importance of your daily time with God.

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

## Learn from Martha and Mary what is really important to Jesus.

Do not make the mistake of being busily engaged in activities that may seem important but have no eternal significance. Martha was busily occupied in serving Jesus when He came to visit. She placed emphasis on worldly values. Martha was upset because her sister Mary did not help her. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus learning everything from Him that she could. When Martha complained, Jesus said, "Mary has chosen what is better." Be determined to choose what is most important to Jesus every day of your life.

"...he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' 'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)

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# RELIABILITY OF SCRIPTURAL PROMISES

## You can believe every promise from God. God cannot possibly lie.

You can be absolutely certain that your Father always tells the truth. He is the epitome of integrity. There is no way that He can make a promise to you and then fail to fulfill His promise. God's reliability is much greater than the reliability of any person He has created. He cannot possibly deceive you. Whenever you read a promise in the Bible, you can be absolutely certain that your loving Father stands completely behind that promise. There is no guarantee from any worldly source that can even approach God standing one hundred percent behind each and every promise.

"...it is impossible for God to lie..." (Hebrews 6:18 NIV)

## You should have total and complete confidence in God's reliability.

Human beings may lie, but God cannot lie. He always does exactly what He says He will do. Mature Christians who have spent many years developing a close and intimate relationship with God know that God always tells the truth. They would never even think about the possibility that any of His promises are unreliable. Your Christian life will be much more effective if you base all of your Bible study and Scripture meditation on your absolute certainty that everything you are studying and meditating on is the absolute and unequivocal truth.

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19 KJV)

## God knows what He has promised to do. He will do it.

You have seen that God is omniscient. He knows every minute detail pertaining to everything that is taking place throughout the world. Your Father is "alert and active." He knows exactly how much quiet time you spend with Him each day. He knows exactly how much trust you have in Him. He is ready, willing and able to do exactly what His Word says He will do. God watches over His Word. He wants to see you carefully studying and meditating on what He has promised to do. He yearns to fulfill His promises in your life. He said,

"...I am alert and active, watching over My word to perform it." (Jeremiah 1:12 AMP)

## God is completely dependable. You can place all of your trust in Him.

If the person on earth who is closest to you makes a promise to you, can you depend completely on this person? No matter how dependable any person on earth may be, you can be assured that God is even more dependable. If your relationship with God is close and intimate, you will never think of doubting any of His promises. Do you believe wholeheartedly that your Father always will do exactly what He says He will do? Will you persevere in faith for as long as you are required to persevere to receive manifestation of His promises?

"God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on)..." (I Corinthians 1:9 AMP)

## God has kept every promise. None of His promises has ever failed.

The following words that Joshua spoke to a group of Israeli leaders apply to you in your life today. Please highlight or underline the four times the words "you" or "your" are used in the following verse of Scripture. Take these words as a personal message from God to you. Be determined to draw closer to God during every day of your life. Christians who are very close to the Lord never wonder if any promise in the Bible is completely dependable. You can be absolutely certain that your loving Father will always do exactly what He has said He will do.

"...You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." (Joshua 23:14 NIV)

## The price that Jesus paid guarantees the absolute reliability of Scripture.

Jesus loves you with a supernatural love that is beyond the limits of your human comprehension. Jesus died for you so that you can live with Him throughout eternity in the glory of heaven. Jesus also died to give you assurance that God will do exactly what He promises to do. The Bible repeatedly instructs you to learn God's promises. Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following verse of Scripture. This word includes whatever promise you are believing God for.

"For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ]..." (II Corinthians 1:20 AMP)

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# RENEWED MIND

## Renew your mind in God's Word to think more and more as God thinks.

God's ways are very different and very much higher than the ways of the world (see Isaiah 55:8-9). As you continually study the Bible, you will strip off layer by layer the way you used to think. You will "clothe yourself" with a new way of thinking. If you consistently renew your mind in God's Word over a period of time, you will become more and more like God. God created you in His image (see Genesis 1:27). As you continually renew your mind in His Word, you will become what He wants you to become.

"...you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, and have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it." (Colossians 3:9-10 AMP)

## Your Father instructs you to constantly renew your mind.

The following passage of Scripture also instructs you to "strip" yourself of the way you used to think. Please highlight or underline the word "constantly." You should renew your mind in God's Word each and every day of your life. The amplification in the following passage of Scripture says that you will "have a fresh mental and spiritual attitude" if you consistently renew your mind in the Word of God. You will progressively "put on the new nature" that should be added to God's image that you originally were created in. Your Father wants you to become more and more like He is.

"Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; and be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24 AMP)

## Your Father instructs you to renew your mind on a daily basis.

You saw in Galatians 4:23 that your Father instructs you to constantly renew your mind in His Word. The following verse of Scripture instructs you to renew your mind "day by day." Please highlight or underline the two times the word "progressive" is used in the amplification in this verse of Scripture. Renewing your mind is "progressive." As you grow older and your body "progressively decays and wastes away," you should continually renew your "inner self." You will help to offset the "decay" in your body if you consistently renew your mind in God's Word. You will not be discouraged and exhausted by fear.

"...we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day." (II Corinthians 4:16 AMP)

## You must not conform to the superficial ways of the world.

The following verse of Scripture says that you should not "conform" your life to the "external, superficial customs" of the world. You will change your innermost self (see I Peter 3:4) if you constantly renew your mind. Your life will be "transformed" if you consistently renew your mind in God's Word. As this process continues over a period of time, you will be able to clearly see and understand God's will for your life. Are you continually renewing your mind in God's Word? Is your life being transformed?

"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]." (Romans 12:2 AMP)

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# REST OF GOD

## Your loving Father has provided you with magnificent eternal rest.

Believers in Jesus Christ will be forever with the Lord after they die. They will be at rest at last from their work on earth. Carefully study and meditate on the Scripture on heaven at the beginning of this book. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you will enjoy wonderful eternal rest in a glorious place that is much more beautiful than you can possibly comprehend. Your eyes have never seen and your ears have never heard anything that is as magnificent as heaven. You should look forward to the great eternal rest that you will enjoy in heaven.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours..." (Revelation 14:13 KJV)

## Many people know nothing of the rest that God has provided on earth.

In addition to the rest that all Christians will enjoy throughout eternity in heaven, the Bible gives specific instructions regarding the rest that God has made available to you throughout your life on earth. Some people are so busy trying to earn a living that they do not rest. Other people are so worried that their minds never rest. Carefully study and meditate on the remaining passages of Scripture in this topic. Learn exactly what to do to enter into and remain in God's rest.

"What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest..." (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 NIV)

## You must understand the vital importance of a well-balanced life.

Some people are highly motivated to successfully carry out God's assignment for their lives. This attitude is commendable, but Jesus has warned you against getting out of balance by being overly consumed with what He has called you to do. When His disciples returned from an extremely productive missionary trip, they were very enthused. Jesus warned them against being too busy. He told them to "rest a while." This same advice applies to you. You should work diligently to do what the Lord has called you to do. At the same time, you should always be conscious of your need for balance and rest.

"...the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately." (Mark 6:30-32 KJV)

## God has given you a perfect example of the importance of rest.

God created the heavens and the earth and every person and everything on earth in six days. God rested on the seventh day. Why did God rest on the seventh day? Did He rest because He was tired? God is never fatigued (see Isaiah 40:28). God rested because His work was finished. God is omnipotent. He did not need to take six days to create the heavens and the earth. He could have created everything in an instant. We believe that God created everything in six days to teach you the importance of the Sabbath rest on the seventh day. Be certain to rest from your labors each week.

"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (Genesis 2:1-3 NIV)

## You are instructed to always keep the Sabbath day holy.

God created your body to rest every seventh day. If you violate the principle of the Sabbath rest, you ultimately will pay a price for disregarding your Father's instructions to rest and maintain balance in your life. Are you resting on the Sabbath each week? Your Father instructs you to "remember the Sabbath day and to keep this day holy." Do you consistently take time to enjoy the fruit of the hard work you have done for the Lord, for other people and for your family? When you truly rest, you are refreshed and renewed. You then are ready to begin a new week with vitality and strength.

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates." (Exodus 20:8-10 KJV)

## You must not make the same mistake that the Israelites made.

Moses was commissioned by God to lead more than two million Israelites through the wilderness from Egypt into the Promised Land. When the Israelites entered into this wilderness, they became very frustrated. God told them to trust Him. Instead of trusting God, they continually complained. As a result of their unbelief, the Israelites went around in circles in the wilderness for forty years. They could have completed this journey in approximately two weeks. Your Father has given you specific information about entering into His rest. Trust God and obey His instructions. Do not make the same mistake the Israelites made.

"To these [complaining Jews the Lord] had said, This is the true rest [the way to true comfort and happiness] that you shall give to the weary, and, This is the [true] refreshing – yet they would not listen [to His teaching]." (Isaiah 28:12 AMP)

## Your Father definitely has provided you with rest from your troubles.

Your Father does not want you to struggle and strain with problems you cannot possibly solve with your limited human abilities. He wants you to learn how to rest in Him by faithfully obeying the specific instructions He has given to you. Please highlight or underline the word "you" in the following verse of Scripture. Know that the Lord has provided rest for you from the problems you face today. Your Father never intended for you to constantly cope with "sorrow, pain, trouble and unrest." You must learn how to enter into His rest.

"...the Lord has given you rest from your sorrow and pain and from your trouble and unrest..." (Isaiah 14:3 AMP)

## Do you know and are you obeying God's instructions to enter His rest?

You have seen that God offered His rest to the Israelites when they were in the wilderness. The Israelites failed to enter into God's rest because they hardened their hearts. You must not make this same mistake. You enter into God's rest through obedience to God's instructions and simple childlike trust in God. You must obey the specific instructions your Father has given you to progressively increase your faith in Him. If you disobey God, you cannot enter His rest. If you do not trust God, your unbelief will stop you from entering His rest.

"And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed [who had not listened to His word and who refused to be compliant or be persuaded]? So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out]." (Hebrews 3:18-19 AMP)

## You can only enter into God's rest if you have absolute faith in Him.

The same supernatural rest of God is available to you that was available to the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. You can only enter into God's rest if you trust God completely whenever you face difficult problems. Jesus has already won whatever battle you are attempting to fight. You can partake of His victory by resting in Him as you trust Him completely to bring you safely through the problems you face. If you are absolutely certain that God has provided supernatural rest for you, your heart should sing with joy regardless of the seeming severity of the problems you face.

"...while the promise of entering His rest still holds and is offered [today], let us be afraid [to distrust it], lest any of you should think he has come too late and has come short of [reaching] it. For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us just as truly as they [the Israelites of old did when the good news of deliverance from bondage came to them]; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it; neither were they united in faith with the ones [Joshua and Caleb] who heard (did believe)." (Hebrews 4:1-2 AMP)

## Rest in God. You do not have to solve every problem by yourself.

How do you enter into God's rest? The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that you enter God's rest when you "cease from the weariness and pain of human labors." Some Christians do not understand this great spiritual truth. They have formed a lifetime habit of trying to do everything themselves. Your Father does not want you to experience the frustration that will always come if you think you have to do everything yourself. He wants you to stop trying to do His job for Him. He wants you to trust Him with simple childlike trust.

"...he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors..." (Hebrews 4:10 AMP)

## Are you determined to pay the price to enter into God's rest?

Are you determined to do exactly what your Father instructs you to do to enter into His rest? You must "be zealous and exert" yourself and "strive diligently" to experience God's rest. You achieve this goal by faithfully obeying your Father's instructions to continually study and meditate on His Word. Your mind and your heart should be so full of God's Word that you are highly motivated to obey your Father at all times and to trust Him completely. You must not "fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience" that caused the Israelites in the wilderness to fail.

"Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell]." (Hebrews 4:11 AMP)

## Jesus told you what to do when you cannot carry a heavy burden.

Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following verse of Scripture. This word definitely includes you. Jesus does not want you to become weary from attempting to carry a burden that is too heavy for you to carry. Believe that Jesus will do exactly what He says He will do when He says, "I will give you rest." Stop trying to carry heavy burdens that Jesus does not want you to carry. Give your burdens to Jesus. Dare to trust Him. Remain calm and quiet because you trust Jesus completely to do what you know you cannot do yourself. Jesus said,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28 KJV)

## Enter into God's rest by taking the yoke of Jesus Christ upon yourself.

The amplification in the following passage of Scripture says that God's rest is "relief, ease, refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet." You can experience these wonderful blessings by taking the yoke of Jesus Christ on yourself. The yoke that Jesus referred to was a wooden frame that fit around the necks of two oxen. These animals were under the control of the person who had control of the yoke. Jesus said, "Learn of Me." He explained that He was "meek, humble and lowly." You can enter into God's rest by humbling submitting to Jesus just as oxen submit to the person in control of the yoke. Jesus said,

"Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne." (Matthew 11:29-30 AMP)

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# REVENGE

## Jesus Christ was treated very unfairly, but He did not seek revenge.

Jesus is your example in every area of your life. No one has ever been treated as unfairly as Jesus was throughout the final days of His earthly ministry up to and including His crucifixion. He was judged guilty when He was completely innocent. Onlookers jeered Him and insulted Him when He was crucified. Did Jesus complain about all of the injustices He suffered? Did He threaten to get even? No, He didn't. Jesus trusted God completely to deal with all of the people who treated Him unfairly. You should follow His example.

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (I Peter 2:23 NIV)

## You should not attempt to get even, no matter what people do to you.

The words "righteous indignation" describe how some people feel when they are treated unfairly. These people think that, because they so obviously have received unfair treatment, they are justified in retaliating. Whether you have been treated unfairly or not, the Bible says that you should not retaliate. Getting even is completely contrary to what the Bible teaches. Do your best to put God first, other people second and yourself last. Trust God completely in every area, including when other people wrong you. You should never make the mistake of attempting to do in any area whatever God's Word says that He will do if you truly trust Him.

"Do not say, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did.'" (Proverbs 24:29 NIV)

## Trust God completely to rectify what other people have done to you.

Please highlight or underline the word "not" in the following verse of Scripture. God makes no exceptions. Your Father emphatically says that He does not want you to seek revenge, no matter how unfairly you have been treated. You should trust God in His infinite wisdom to do whatever is necessary to resolve the way you have been treated. You have learned that God is omniscient. He knows exactly what has been done to you. God is fair and just. You can be certain that God's justice ultimately will prevail.

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath..." (Romans 12:19 KJV)

## You should never attempt to do your Father's job for Him.

God judges people, not you. God's Word tells you what you should do – love other people unconditionally, no matter how they treat you (see the topic titled LOVE FOR OTHERS). Do not allow abuse of any kind. People who are aggressive need to be still and trust the Lord. People who are passive must not allow abusive people to roll over them, but they must not seek vengeance. When you are treated unfairly, you should trust the Lord completely to take care of this wrongdoing. You can be certain that He will do this because He says He will.

"For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." (Hebrews 10:30 KJV)

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Return to Table of Contents

# SATAN

## Jesus Christ was sent to earth to destroy the works of the devil.

Some people deny the existence of Satan. Please read the following verse of Scripture. Why would God have sent His beloved Son to destroy the works of the devil if Satan does not exist? Jesus was successful in His mission to destroy Satan's work. Satan has no power over you except any power that you give him through ignorance, doubt, disobedience of unbelief in the victory that Jesus won over him. You must not allow Satan to deceive you. Learn the facts in this topic about the victory you have been given over Satan and his demons. Walk in this victory at all times.

"...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:8 KJV)

## Satan was an archangel who was cast out of heaven because of pride.

Satan once was an archangel in heaven named Lucifer. Lucifer was proud and selfish. He attempted to elevate himself above God. As a result, Satan was "cut down" from heaven to earth. Even though Satan was very close to God when he was an archangel, God did not hesitate to cast him out of heaven. God hates pride (see the topic titled PRIDE). Pride always goes before a fall (see Proverbs 16:18). Satan and his demons will pay a tremendous price for their pride when they suffer throughout eternity in the lake of fire.

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:12-15 KJV)

## Proud angels who tried to help Lucifer also were cast out of heaven.

Please note the words "his angels were cast out with him" in the following verse of Scripture. Revelation 12:4 indicates that one-third of the angels in heaven were cast out with Satan. Satan and his fallen angels (demon evil spirits) are still in the world today. They are extremely active in these last days before Jesus Christ returns. We do not know how many of these fallen angels there are, but Satan undoubtedly has a large number of assistants. Satan and his demons live in the atmosphere around you. You must learn how to walk in the total victory that Jesus won over Satan and his demons.

"...the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9 KJV)

## Satan's goal is to steal from you, to kill you and to destroy you.

Satan and his demons have no hope for the future. They already have been sentenced. They know that they will suffer eternally in the lake of fire. They do everything they can to make the lives of Christians miserable. Satan and his demons are not worried about unbelievers who will live eternally with them in the lake of fire. Satan and his demons hate Christians because they know that Christians will live eternally in heaven. Satan wants to steal everything he can from Christians. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you can be certain that Satan and his demons want to kill you and destroy you. Jesus said,

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..." (John 10:10 KJV)

## Satan wants as many people as possible to believe that he does not exist.

Several surveys have shown that as many as two-thirds of all adults in the United States do not believe that Satan is real. That is exactly what Satan wants them to believe. Why would there be so many instructions in the Bible telling you how to resist Satan and walk in victory over him if Satan does not even exist? Spirit beings do not die after seventy, eighty or ninety years. You have just seen that Satan wants to destroy you. He is able to destroy Christians who do not know what God's Word says about how to walk in the victory that Jesus won over Satan. God said,

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6 KJV)

## Satan and his demons have an immense amount of power in the world.

The following verse of Scripture tells you that the entire world is under the control of Satan. The Bible refers to Satan as "the god of this world" (see II Corinthians 4:4). Satan has power in the world., but he does not have power and authority over Christians. Your Father consistently instructs you to turn away from the world (see the topic titled WORLD – TURN AWAY FROM). If Jesus Christ is your Savior, the world is not your home. Heaven is your home (see Philippians 3:20). Do not allow Satan to dominate your life because you are worldly in your thoughts, words and actions.

"...the whole world is under the control of the evil one." (I John 5:19 NIV)

## Satan is looking at you to see if he can find a way to devour you.

The following passage of Scripture says that Satan is "seeking someone to seize upon and devour." If Satan could devour anyone at any time, he would not have to seek someone to devour. Satan is not looking to defeat unbelievers. He knows he can defeat them at any time. Satan and his demons are looking for Christians who do not know how to resist them and walk in the victory that Jesus has won for them. Satan is not a roaring lion. He can only imitate a roaring lion. He has no power in the spiritual realm. You must learn how to stand against Satan.

"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined]..." (I Peter 5:8-9 AMP)

## Jesus Christ has shown you what to do to overcome the devil.

The Holy Spirit actually led Jesus into the wilderness where He was tested by Satan. Jesus had to stand up against Satan, just as you will have to stand against him. Jesus faced this test in the wilderness after going forty days and nights without food. Jesus fought this battle just as you should fight spiritual battles. On three occasions (see Matthew 4:4, 4:6 and 4:7), Jesus responded to Satan with the words "It is written" as He boldly spoke the Word of God to Satan. You should do the same thing whenever Satan's demons try to come at you.

"...Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2 AMP)

## Jesus Christ won a total, complete and absolute victory over Satan.

Jesus survived the forty day test in the wilderness. Shortly after that, He passed the next test to give Him a total victory over Satan. When Jesus died by crucifixion and then rose from the dead, He won a total victory over Satan and all of his demons. Please highlight or underline the words "all" and "every" in the following passage of Scripture. These words clearly indicate the totality of the victory Jesus won for you. You must learn how to walk in this victory that has been given to you because of God's love for you (see the topic titled VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST).

"...He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]." (Colossians 2:10 AMP)

## Meditate continually on facts pertaining to the victory Jesus won.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you must understand that Satan and his demons have no power over you. The words "serpents and scorpions" in the following verse of Scripture refer to Satan and his evil spirits. Jesus has given you the power to "tread" on Satan and his demons. They are under your feet. The words "all" and "nothing" in this verse of Scripture show you the totality of the victory that has been given to you. Speak the powerful words in this verse of Scripture boldly whenever you face difficult problems. Personalize this promise. Jesus said, (95)

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." (Luke 10:19 KJV)

## Satan and his demons are extremely cunning and very clever.

You must not underestimate Satan and his demons. They are extremely effective in the area of deception. You should always be aware of their attempts to deceive you. You must not make the mistake that Eve made in the Garden of Eden when she allowed Satan to turn her away from God. If you know and obey these specific scriptural instructions pertaining to Satan, Satan will not be able to deceive you. The apostle Paul knew how clever Satan is. Paul told the Corinthians that he was afraid that Satan might lead them astray. This same warning applies to you today. Paul said,

"...I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ." (II Corinthians 11:3 NIV)

## The Bible tells you exactly what Satan will do as he attempts to deceive you.

Mature Christians are students of God's Word. They are not ignorant of the techniques that Satan and his demons use in an attempt to deceive them. You should learn everything you can about the methods that Satan and his demons use to deceive you. Satan and his demons often try to deceive you so that you will give up instead of persevering in faith until you receive manifestation of God's promises. Do not allow Satan to steal from you through deception. Fill your mind and your heart continually with the supernatural living Word of God.

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." (II Corinthians 2:11 KJV)

## You cannot be victorious in spiritual warfare with worldly weapons.

Jesus Christ has provided everything you will ever need to walk in complete victory over Satan and his demons. You must know the spiritual weapons that have been provided for you. You must learn how to use these weapons. Many Christians do not even know that they are engaged in spiritual warfare. They do not understand that the problems they face are caused by Satan and his demons. We all are engaged in spiritual warfare at one time or another. You must learn who your opponent is, what weapons you have been given and how to use these weapons effectively against Satan.

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." (II Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV)

## Put on all of your spiritual armor and keep it on continually.

Your Father has provided you with a complete set of spiritual armor. He tells you how to put this armor on to protect yourself against whatever Satan and his demons attempt to do to you. God's armor is sufficient to protect you against anything Satan tries to do to you, but you must put this armor on and keep it on. Putting on your spiritual armor and keeping it on should be a normal part of your everyday life so that you will continually be protected against whatever Satan and his demons try to do to you.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11 NIV)

## Satan's demons often will try to get at you through influencing people.

Many times you will be tempted to be upset by something another person has done to you, without realizing that this person is influenced by Satan. Many Christians are especially vulnerable to the devil because they know little or nothing about how he operates. Therefore they can be easily influenced. Many times when you are struggling with what another person does, your real opponent is one of Satan's demons. Your Father once again instructs you to "put on the full armor of God" to successfully resist Satan and his ability to influence another person.

"...we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:12-13 KJV)

## Put on spiritual armor to protect your waist, your heart and your feet.

The "belt of truth" is the first piece of armor you are instructed to put on. The Word of God is the truth (see John 17:17). Spiritual warfare is a constant battle between the lies of Satan and the truth of God. "The breastplate of righteousness" is a continual consciousness that you are righteous before God because of the blood that Jesus Christ shed for you at Calvary. The "gospel of peace" is the peace that you will have when you are absolutely certain that the Word of God in your heart is much more powerful than any problem you will ever face.

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." (Ephesians 6:14-15 NIV)

## Strong faith in God gives you a spiritual shield to repel Satan.

When the following passage of Scripture was written, Roman soldiers used a large rectangular shield that protected every part of the soldier's body. If you continually increase your faith in God, you will have a "shield of faith" that will be sufficient to protect you from every way that Satan and his demons attempt to get at you. Unfortunately, many Christians do not have a strong shield of faith. These Christians are especially vulnerable to attacks from Satan and his demons. These demons cannot hurt you if you have deep, strong and unwavering faith in God.

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." (Ephesians 6:16 NIV)

## You have been provided with a spiritual helmet and a sword.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you should have a continual consciousness that your eternal salvation enables you to protect your mind from Satan's attacks. Continually renew your mind in the Word of God. God also has provided you with the "sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God." If you have continually filled your heart with the supernatural living Word of God, you can yield control of your life to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to give you the Scripture you need. The sword of the Spirit is an offensive weapon. Boldly speak the Word of God against Satan.

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17 NIV)

## Satan will attempt to get into your mind and your heart.

Have you ever wondered why Judas Iscariot, one of the original disciples of Jesus Christ, betrayed Jesus? The devil put a thought in Judas' heart to betray Jesus Christ. Exactly how Satan puts a thought in someone's heart is hard to tell. Some people have a heart that is a ready nest for Satan to place an egg of deception into. Judas had a heart that was open to the suggestion to betray Jesus Christ, the One he had followed. You must not accept the thoughts that Satan's demons attempt to put into your mind and heart.

"...Satan having already put the thought of betraying Jesus in the heart of Judas Iscariot." (John 13:2 AMP)

## Satan will flee from you if you resist him according to God's instructions.

Please highlight or underline the words "Submit yourselves therefore to God" in the following verse of Scripture. How do you submit to God? You submit to God by obeying your Father's instructions to constantly fill your mind and your heart with His Word. You submit to God by consistently learning and obeying the specific instructions He has given to you. You submit to God by gladly yielding control of your life to the Holy Spirit (see the topic titled YIELD CONTROL TO THE LORD). Satan and his demons will flee if you are submitted to God. They will not flee if you attempt to resist them with your human strength and ability.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 KJV)

## Walk in victory through the blood of Jesus and the spoken Word of God.

You will overcome Satan when your words and actions consistently indicate your certainty that the shed blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed you from all sin. You will walk in victory over Satan when your mouth consistently speaks the Word of God with bold faith. Your heart should be filled with the Word of God as a result of continual Scripture meditation. Your heart is a spiritual arsenal. The spiritual bullets that you fire at Satan should be powerful scriptural words that consistently pour out of your mouth as a result of the spiritual arsenal of God's Word that has been established in your heart.

"...they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony..." (Revelation 12:11 KJV)

## You will walk in victory over Satan if your heart is filled with God's Word.

The holy Scriptures tell you exactly what to do to "overcome the wicked one." You will walk continually in the victory that Jesus Christ won for you if the Word of God abides in you. The key to walking continually in victory over Satan is for your heart to be filled to overflowing with the supernatural living Word of God. The home of the Word of God is in your mind and your heart. If God's Word fills your heart, the abundance of God's Word will continually pour out of your mouth (see Matthew 12:34-35) and you will walk in victory over Satan.

"...the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." (I John 2:14 KJV)

## Satan cannot harm you if you speak the Word of God with faith.

You have learned that Satan's goal is to destroy you (see John 10:10). Satan cannot destroy you or harm you in any way if you consistently speak the Word of God with bold faith. Your mouth should speak the Word of God throughout the day and night. You should have so much of God's Word in your heart that every word you speak consistently lines up with God's Word. Satan and his demons will leave and go elsewhere if you continually speak the Word of God with unwavering faith in God. You will be like the psalmist David who said,

"...by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." (Psalm 17:4 KJV)

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# SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST

## What exactly does the Bible say about the rapture of the church?

The Scripture in this section chronologically follows the Scripture in the topic titled LAST DAYS. Jesus Christ will return in two stages. The following passage of Scripture does not refer to the second coming of Jesus Christ. This passage of Scripture refers to the rapture of the church when Jesus will meet all Christians in the air. When Jesus returns to earth, He will set His feet on the ground. Jesus will come from heaven when the church is raptured. All Christians who have died will rise to meet Him. All Christians who are living on earth also will rise to be with Jesus throughout eternity.

"...the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud cry of summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the blast of the trumpet of God. And those who have departed this life in Christ will rise first. Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) we shall be with the Lord!" (I Thessalonians 4:16-17 AMP)

## There is one generation of Christians that will never experience death.

There is one exception to the fact that everyone must die. The Bible teaches that one group of Christians will not die. Please highlight or underline the words "We shall not all fall asleep in death" in the following passage of Scripture. The Christians who ascend to meet Jesus in the air will join the dead in Christ and go with them to heaven. The amplification says that we will receive a new body that will not decay. Many biblical scholars believe that our generation will be the generation that is raptured. If you are a Christian, you very well could go to heaven without dying.

"Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death)." (I Corinthians 15:51-52 AMP)

## If the rapture is so magnificent, why hasn't it already occurred?

The rapture and the second coming of Jesus Christ will be the greatest events that will ever occur in the life of each person who has received Jesus Christ as his or her Savior. If Jesus is your Savior and you are reading these glorious facts about the rapture of the church and the second coming of Jesus Christ, you may wonder why God has delayed. God has delayed the rapture of the church and the return of His Son so that as many people as possible will have their eyes opened to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (II Peter 3:9 NIV)

## Christians will be raptured before the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

You soon will read about the seven year Great Tribulation which will be a horrible ordeal for the unbelievers who remain on earth after the rapture of the church. We do not believe that Christians will go through the Great Tribulation. The following verse of Scripture says that Jesus will rescue all Christians and set them free from the wrath of God. We believe that every person who has received Jesus Christ as his or her Savior will be safe with Jesus in heaven throughout the seven years of the Great Tribulation.

"And [how you] look forward to and await the coming of His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead – Jesus, Who personally rescues and delivers us out of and from the wrath [bringing punishment] which is coming [upon the impenitent] and draws us to Himself [investing us with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ, the Messiah]." (I Thessalonians 1:10 AMP)

## Jesus has assured all Christians that He will keep them safe.

Jesus Christ loves redeemed Christians too much to have them go through the ordeal that all unbelievers will experience during the Great Tribulation. If Jesus is your Savior, He promises to keep you safe from this horrible event that will take place on earth after all Christians have been raptured and are with Him in heaven. You should be committed to share the facts from the Bible about the last days, the rapture, the second coming of Christ, heaven, hell and eternal salvation with every unbeliever you know. Pray fervently that each of these people will be saved and spared from the ordeal of the seven year Great Tribulation.

"Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth." (Revelation 3:10 NIV)

## All Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

While all of the unbelievers who remain on earth will experience a horrible ordeal for seven years, all of the Christians who are in heaven will stand before God to be judged for what they did during their lives on earth. We will be judged for all unconfessed sin. Confessed sin will not even be remembered by God Who treats confessed sin as if it never existed (see Hebrews 8:12). Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following verse of Scripture. This word includes you. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

"...we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14:10 KJV)

## You will be rewarded for service to the Lord while you were on earth.

The service to God that has been performed by each Christian will be revealed at the judgment seat of Christ. The work that each person did for the Lord during his or her life on earth will be tested by fire. If you built your life on earth on a solid foundation, your faithfulness to Jesus Christ will be acknowledged. Christians whose lives pass this test will be rewarded for their faithfulness to the Lord. Other Christians will not be rewarded, but they still are saved and will live eternally in the glory of heaven.

"...no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames." (I Corinthians 3:11-15 NIV)

## Your heart and your life will be revealed at the judgment seat of Christ.

The judgment seat of Christ will reveal exactly how you spent your life on earth. Did you waste large amounts of precious time indulging in superficial worldly activities? Did you love earthly pleasures more than you loved God? Were you more focused on the things of the world than on the things of God? Did you use your time on earth wisely – seeking, finding and successfully accomplishing God's plan for your life? When you appear before God, you will be presenting to your Father the investment of your life into His kingdom. God will judge you on the desires of your heart.

"...we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing]." (II Corinthians 5:10 AMP)

## You cannot begin to comprehend the horrors of the Great Tribulation.

You have learned that God is gracious and merciful. However, there will come a time when His patience will come to an end. How would you feel if you gave up your only son to suffer and die, yet the people he suffered and died for ignored the sacrifice he made? Hardhearted people who have ignored the sacrifice of Jesus Christ will suffer immensely for their callous attitude. These people still will have one last chance to receive Jesus and enter heaven, but they first must live through seven years of hell on earth. Jesus told you how horrible life on earth will be during the Great Tribulation when He said,

"For then there will be great tribulation (affliction, distress, and oppression) such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now – no, and never will be [again]." (Matthew 24:21 AMP)

## The Great Tribulation will be a time of enormous distress.

No one since the beginning of time has ever experienced anything that was worse than the conditions that will exist on earth during the Great Tribulation. The following verse of Scripture indicates that all people whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life will be delivered from this ordeal. Do you have friends and loved ones who are unbelievers? Tell each of these people what will happen. Show them the scriptural facts in this book. Many people have no concept of the plan of God. Pray that God will draw each of these people in a mighty and powerful way to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ (see John 6:44).

"...There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1 NIV)

## People who ignored the sacrifice of Jesus Christ will pay a huge price.

Unbelievers do not even begin to comprehend how much their hard-hearted attitude has been influenced by Satan. You have learned that Satan is able to blind unbelievers to the truth by pulling a spiritual veil over their eyes (see II Corinthians 4:3-4 and II Corinthians 3:16). Because of the probability of the rapture happening soon, you should lovingly share these facts with your unbelieving friends and loved ones. Many people today do not understand these facts from the Bible. No one would willingly choose to endure this suffering if he or she was aware of these facts. Explain to these people the horrible penalty that they will pay for their spiritual indifference.

"...for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (Romans 2:8-9 NIV)

## Many people will want to die because of the ordeal they are experiencing.

The ordeals that people will go through during the Great Tribulation, especially the final three and a half years, will be so severe that many people will wish to die. This desire will not be granted to them. They must pay the price for ignoring the supreme sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for them. Tell your unbelieving friends and loved ones about this gruesome fact from the Word of God. Pray that they will see the light now and receive Jesus as their Savior instead of paying such a horrible price later.

"...in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them." (Revelation 9:6 KJV)

## Many people will receive Jesus as their Savior during the Great Tribulation.

Many people who will go through the seven years of the Great Tribulation will receive Jesus Christ as their Savior after they realize the terrible mistake they made in not making this decision before going through this horrible ordeal. These people will be cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation. If the Great Tribulation has not yet occurred as you read this book, you can receive Jesus as your Savior now and be spared from this horrible punishment (see the topic at the beginning of this book that is titled ETERNAL SALVATION).

"Then one of the elders asked me, 'These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?' I answered, 'Sir, you know.' And he said, 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'" (Revelation 7:13-14 NIV)

## Many people in the Great Tribulation will be deceived by the Antichrist.

A man who is called the Antichrist (who also is referred to in the Bible as the beast) will receive authority from Satan during the Great Tribulation. People who are on earth during the first three and a half years of the Great Tribulation will mistakenly look at the Antichrist as the person who will deliver them from the ordeal they are experiencing. These people already were deceived by Satan when they did not receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. They will be deceived again into believing that the Antichrist is the solution to their problems.

"...The whole world was astonished and followed the beast. Men worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, 'Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?'" (Revelation 13:3-4 NIV)

## When the antichrist is in power, he will slander and blaspheme God.

The Antichrist will have great power during the first three and a half years of the Great Tribulation. He will speak boldly against God. He will slander the name of God. The Antichrist will openly criticize Christians who are no longer on earth because they are in heaven. People who are spiritually immature will yearn to find relief from the horrible ordeal they are experiencing during the Great Tribulation. They will not understand that the Antichrist who seems to be their only hope cannot possibly deliver them from the hell that has broken loose on earth.

"The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven." (Revelation 13:5-6 NIV)

## All of the unbelievers on earth will worship the Antichrist.

The Antichrist will be given great power and authority over the unbelievers who will be experiencing a preview of hell during the Great Tribulation. Please highlight or underline the word "all" in the following passage of Scripture. You can clearly see the totality of the deception that will occur at that time. These unbelievers who lived by their flesh, their whims and their impulses will look at the Antichrist as their savior. They will place all of their hope in him to deliver them from the ordeal they are experiencing.

"He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." (Revelation 13:7-8 NIV)

## The proud and arrogant Antichrist will speak boldly against God.

The Antichrist knows that he is doomed to ultimate destruction. He understands the horrible price he will have to pay throughout eternity. He will be determined to do everything he can to cause the people in the Great Tribulation to suffer greatly. He will even blatantly claim that he is God. The Antichrist will decree that he is to be worshiped. There is no higher offense against God. There is only one God (see Exodus 20:3). You have learned that all lies have their origin in Satan (see John 8:44). These lies will continue throughout the Great Tribulation.

"...the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (II Thessalonians 2:3-4 NIV)

## The Antichrist will deceive people by performing what seem to be miracles.

Please highlight or underline the words "counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders" in the following passage of Scripture. The lies of Satan that entered the minds of these unbelievers to cause them to live in the Great Tribulation will continue to deceive these people. They refused to learn the spiritual truths from the Bible and missed out on eternal salvation. The same people will continue to be deceived as they suffer in agony during the Great Tribulation. Hopefully, many unbelievers will learn these facts during the Great Tribulation and ultimately make the decision for Christ that they should have made earlier.

"The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved." (II Thessalonians 2:9-10 NIV)

## The Antichrist will order everyone to receive the mark of the beast.

Please highlight or underline the word "forced" in the following passage of Scripture. Jesus Christ never attempts to force any person to do anything. He gives you complete freedom of choice. The Antichrist will be a fierce and evil dictator. He will force all people during the Great Tribulation to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead. Only people with this mark of the beast or the number of the beast which is 666 will be able to buy or sell anything from that time forward.

"He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666." (Revelation 13:16-18 NIV)

## The return of Jesus Christ will be a magnificent spectacle.

You have read of the glorious rapture of the church where Jesus Christ will meet all believers in the air. The second coming of Jesus which will occur seven years after the rapture (at the conclusion of the Great Tribulation) will be entirely different. The return of Jesus Christ will be absolutely spectacular. This return will be similar to extremely bright lightning that lights up the entire sky. We believe that people throughout the world will be able to see the glorious and majestic return of the victorious Jesus Christ to the earth. Jesus said,

"...like the lightning, that flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His [own] day." (Luke 17:24 AMP)

## The return of Jesus Christ will split the Mount of Olives in two.

When Jesus left the earth, He ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives which is approximately one mile east of Jerusalem. When Jesus returns, we believe that His feet will come down on the very same place on the Mount of Olives where they were when He left. The return of Jesus Christ will be so powerful that the Mount of Olives will be split in two. One half of the former mountain will be moved to the north. The other half will be moved to the south. An enormous valley will be formed between the two portions of the mountain by the supernatural power of His return.

"And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south." (Zechariah 14:4 KJV)

## Jesus Christ will return to earth as the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The second coming of Jesus Christ to earth will be much different than the first time He came to earth. When Jesus came the first time, He came to a stable where He was born in the midst of smelly animals. When He comes the second time, He will return to earth with great honor and acclaim. The title "King of kings and Lord of lords" will be inscribed on the robe He will wear. This title will signify that Jesus is much greater than any person who has ever been a king on earth and much greater than any person who has ever had the title of lord.

"On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16 NIV)

## All Christians will return to earth with the Lord Jesus Christ.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you can be assured that you will return to earth with Jesus when He returns. You will return with Him in the air just as you ascended with Him in the air during the rapture. You can look forward to two glorious trips with Jesus in the air from earth to heaven in the rapture and then from heaven to earth during the second coming of Christ. You will have lived for seven glorious years with Jesus in heaven before you return to earth with Him.

"...the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones" (Jude 14 NIV)

## You will be an observer watching Jesus Christ defeat the Antichrist.

The Antichrist who was so powerful during the first three and a half years of the Great Tribulation will be quickly defeated when Jesus returns. You will be an observer watching Jesus overpower the Antichrist and his assistant, the false prophet. Jesus will hurl them alive into the lake of fire where they will suffer eternally for their evil deeds. The greatest of all tragedies will be the agony of all who rejected Jesus Christ as Savior. Share these facts now with unbelievers you know so that they will not join Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet in the lake of fire.

"...I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone." (Revelation 19:19-20 KJV)

## You will reign with Jesus during the one thousand year Millennium.

After this brief one-sided battle against the Antichrist, a one thousand year period will occur that will be called the Millennium. The Millennium will begin with an angel descending from heaven to overpower Satan. We believe that the words "an angel" in the following passage of Scripture refer to Jesus Christ Who holds the key to the lake of fire in His hand. Satan will be hurled into a bottomless pit for one thousand years. For the first time since he was cast out of heaven, Satan will have no influence whatsoever on the earth. His days of deception will be over.

"...I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season." (Revelation 20:1-3 KJV)

## Martyred Christians will reign with Jesus Christ during the Millennium.

You have read from several passages of Scripture how much the unbelievers who are left behind will suffer during the Great Tribulation. Some of these unbelievers will receive Jesus as their Savior during this excruciating seven year period. These new Christians who refused to comply to the Antichrist and were martyred for their faith will experience a happy ending. Some of these people will be beheaded because of the testimony they gave for Jesus. God will miraculously restore these martyred Christians and give them special honor. They will rule and reign with Jesus Christ during the Millennium.

"I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4 NIV)

## Old Testament saints will be miraculously restored to life.

God takes care of every detail. He never forgets anything. In His perfect timing, everything fits together according to His plan. The remaining dead believers who were not resurrected to life before or during the Millennium will be restored to life at this time. Old Testament saints who died long ago will be supernaturally located and resurrected at the end of the Millennium. From that moment on, none of these believers will ever be separated from Christ again. Old Testament saints and New Testament believers will be in harmony throughout eternity.

"(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:5-6 NIV)

## Satan will be released at the end of this one thousand year period.

Satan will make one final effort to do battle against Jesus and His followers. The words "Gog and Magog" in the following verse of Scripture refer to people who will still oppose God. Satan and his followers will lose to Jesus again just as Satan was defeated during the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. After their defeat, Satan and his followers will be hurled into the lake of fire to join the Antichrist and the false prophet. They will suffer horribly throughout eternity in this terrible place that burns with the stifling odor of sulfur.

"When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (Revelation 20:7-10 NIV)

## Unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The great white throne judgment will take place after Satan and his followers are thrown into the lake of fire. The word "great" in the following passage of Scripture is used because of the majesty of God who will judge unrepentant hearts at this time. The word "white" represents the holiness and purity of God Who will judge these people from His throne. The dead bodies of unbelievers will rise from wherever they are to be judged by God for what they did during their lives on earth. Every person whose name is not listed in the Lamb's Book of Life will be judged and then hurled into the lake of fire.

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15 NIV)

## After this judgment, the world as it exists today will disappear.

The holy city of New Jerusalem will descend from heaven. All Christians will live in this magnificent place with God and Jesus throughout eternity. This city which has been prepared by God for His people will be your eternal home if you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior. The earth that we live in today will be destroyed by fire after all of God's people have been transferred to New Jerusalem where love, peace and joy will reign throughout eternity. See our book titled What Will Heaven Be Like? for many interesting facts pertaining to heaven.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'" (Revelation 21:1-3 NIV)

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# SECURITY COMES FROM GOD

## Do not make the mistake of depending on worldly sources of security.

When the following passage of Scripture speaks of going to Egypt for help, the word "Egypt" in this context refers to trusting in worldly sources of security. In these last days before Jesus returns, we believe that sources of security that many people have placed great trust in will fail. This passage of Scripture warns against trusting in external sources of security. True security comes from the inside out – from absolute certainty that God lives in your heart and from a heart that is filled with the Word of God. True security comes from continually drawing closer to God and trusting Him completely to supply all of your needs.

"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!" (Isaiah 31:1 KJV)

## You ultimately will fail if you trust in external sources of security.

When each of the first two verses of Scripture in this topic speaks of trusting in "chariots and horses," they refer to trusting in worldly sources of security. The following passage of Scripture explains that people who place their trust in worldly sources of security ultimately will fail. People who trust completely in God will be lifted up. Continually draw closer to God. Obey your Father's specific instructions that tell you how to steadily increase your faith in Him (see the topic titled FAITH IN GOD). Christians who trust completely in God will be able to survive the difficult times that lie ahead of us.

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright." (Psalm 20:7-8 KJV)

## Place your trust in the Lord instead of worldly sources of security.

God uses repetition for emphasis. The following passage of Scripture tells you two times that "it is better to trust in the Lord" than to trust in worldly sources of security. Many people have more faith in governmental sources of security, in financial institutions and in other people than they do in God. This statement is sad, but true. Your Father wants you to continually draw closer to Him so that He will be your primary source of security far ahead of anyone or anything on earth. He consistently instructs you to turn to Him with absolute trust whenever you have a need.

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes." (Psalm 118:8-9 KJV)

## Experience God's security through faith and obedience.

The following verse of Scripture tells you that you will experience God's security if you "walk uprightly." You will walk uprightly if you do your best to learn and obey God's instructions. Christians who walk closely with the Lord live secure lives. The closer you are to the Lord, the more secure you will be. The farther away you are from the Lord, the more insecure you will be. Time is short. Be determined to draw closer to the Lord every day of your life so that you will know Him intimately and dare to put all of your trust in Him.

"He who walks uprightly walks securely..." (Proverbs 10:9 AMP)

## You will make a big mistake if you trust in accumulated riches for security.

Some people feel very secure because they have accumulated a great deal of wealth. They cannot understand how anything can harm them because they are so wealthy. These people do not understand God's instructions pertaining to finances. The topic titled PROSPERITY contains many Scripture references warning you against storing up large amounts of money over and above your needs. Carefully study these passages of Scripture if you are trusting in accumulated wealth as your primary source of security. You will clearly see that you should not trust in accumulated wealth as your primary source of security.

"Riches provide no security..." (Proverbs 11:4 AMP)

## Security comes from trusting the Lord Who is with you at all times.

Please highlight or underline the words "my secure and happy state" in the following verse of Scripture. How do you enjoy this security and happiness? You will receive this security if you constantly focus on the Lord. Absolutely refuse to focus on whatever problems you face (see the topic titled FOCUS ON THE LORD). You will not lose your inner certainty of God's provision if you are absolutely certain that He is with you at all times and if you focus constantly on His indwelling presence.

"...I saw the Lord constantly before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down [from my secure and happy state]." (Acts 2:25 AMP)

## God created you to trust in His love as your only source of security.

There are no hopeless situations with God (see Matthew 19:26). Little children who are confident in their parents' love for them are completely secure. Children who are not certain that their parents love them are relatively insecure. Your loving Father wants you to have more trust in Him than the most secure child who has ever lived. He wants you to know that His love for you is much greater than you can possibly comprehend. Meditate continually on the Scripture in the topic titled LOVE OF GOD. If you do, you will not give up hope regardless of how insecure the circumstances you face might seem.

"...thou shalt be secure, because there is hope..." (Job 11:18 KJV)

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# SELF-CONFIDENCE

## Worldly teaching on the virtues of self-confidence is unscriptural.

In the world, many training courses extol the virtues of self-confidence. Many people mistakenly think that self-confidence is important because they have been exposed to this concept for many years. The Word of God teaches just the opposite. God did not create you to trust in yourself. He created you to place your trust in Him. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that you are a "fool" if you are self-confident. You are instructed to turn to God for help and wisdom.

"He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a [self-confident] fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered." (Proverbs 28:26 AMP)

## Your Father warns you against placing too much trust in yourself.

Please highlight or underline the word "everyone" in the following verse of Scripture. God obviously is speaking to you. Your Father instructs you to take a good look at yourself. Do your best to accurately appraise your human abilities. Carefully consider the limitations of these abilities. Do not attempt to pump up your confidence in yourself. Instead, work diligently to steadily increase your confidence in God. Follow God's instructions to increase your faith in Him (see the topic titled FAITH IN GOD). You are headed for big problems if you place too much trust in yourself.

"...I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance] but to rate his ability with sober judgment..." (Romans 12:3 AMP)

## You will give Satan a foothold if you trust primarily in yourself.

Please highlight or underline the words "cursed with great evil" in the amplification in the following passage of Scripture. These words refer to Satan. Satan wants you to trust primarily in yourself. He wants you to buy into worldly teaching on self-confidence. You will play right into his hands if you trust yourself instead of trusting the Lord. Satan and his demons know that they can get at you sooner or later if you place your trust in yourself. You ultimately will find that you are like "a person naked and destitute in the desert" if you trust in yourself.

"Thus says the Lord: Cursed [with great evil] is the strong man who trusts in and relies on frail man, making weak [human] flesh his arm, and whose mind and heart turn aside from the Lord. For he shall be like a shrub or a person naked and destitute in the desert; and he shall not see any good come, but shall dwell in the parched places in the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land." (Jeremiah 17:5-6 AMP)

## You make the decision whether you will be blessed or cursed.

The following passage of Scripture says that you will be blessed abundantly if all of your hope and confidence is in the Lord. You decide the cursings and blessings that will come into your life. If you trust God, you will be like a tree that is planted next to a river. This tree is not harmed by drought because it brings water from the river up through its roots. This scriptural analogy teaches that you will continue to produce fruit in your life if you place all of your trust in the Lord instead of trusting primarily in yourself and in external sources.

"[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMP)

## You block your Father from blessing you if you are self-confident.

Please highlight or underline the words "He regards and respects not" in the following verse of Scripture. These words describe God's attitude toward you if you trust primarily in yourself. God has no regard for people who are conceited and confident in themselves. You definitely will face problems in your life that you cannot solve with your limited human abilities. Make the decision now to turn away from self-confidence and to steadily increase your faith in God.

"...He regards and respects not any who are wise in heart [in their own understanding and conceit]." (Job 37:24 AMP)

## Self-confident fools do not search for understanding from God.

Christians who faithfully obey God's instructions to consistently study and meditate on His Word will rejoice as they receive more and more understanding from God as a result of their diligence and obedience. People who are self-confident have no desire to study the Bible continually. These people focus on themselves. They delight in telling others what they think. Many people who have achieved some success in their lives from trusting in their God-given talents make a huge mistake by thinking that they can continue to do whatever has to be done with their human abilities.

"A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself." (Proverbs 18:2 AMP)

## Beware of the self-confidence that ultimately can destroy you.

Many people who have been blessed by God with superior talent and ability are able to get by for quite awhile by trusting in their human talents and abilities. They cannot comprehend the ultimate problems they will experience if they continue to be their own little gods because they have so much confidence in themselves. Self-confident people do not have God as their solid foundation. They ultimately will be destroyed by their self-confidence.

"...the careless ease of [self-confident] fools shall destroy them. (Proverbs 1:32 AMP)

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# SPIRITUAL GROWTH

## Are you learning the great truths that God wants to reveal to you?

If you have asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior, you have been given the marvelous opportunity to learn and understand God's great mysteries that you cannot possibly understand with the limitations of human logic and intellect (see the topic titled LOGIC AND INTELLECT). Unbelievers do not have this opportunity. Unfortunately, many Christians do not consistently pay the price to grow and mature in the Lord. As you study these facts on spiritual growth, we pray that you will make the quality decision to obey your Father's specific instructions to grow and mature spiritually every day of your life. Jesus said,

"...it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." (Matthew 13:11 KJV)

## You are always growing or receding spiritually. You never stand still.

Spiritual maturity is progressive. As you consistently press in to learn more, God will reveal still more to you. Your Father has an abundance of spiritual knowledge that He will reveal to each of His children who seek Him wholeheartedly. You never stand still in the spiritual realm. If you are not moving forward spiritually, you will gradually lose the spiritual knowledge you have. Unfortunately, some Christians have become complacent. They do not have a deep hunger and thirst to continually grow in the Lord. You must not make this mistake. Jesus said,

"...whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away." (Matthew 13:12 AMP)

## You will change significantly as you grow and mature in the Lord.

You are a baby Christian immediately after you are saved. You need continual instruction in the ways of God. Some Christians remain immature because they do not know or are unwilling to pay the price to grow spiritually. If you do pay this price, you will learn more and more of God's ways. Your words, thoughts and actions will increasingly be in obedience to your Father's instructions. Great new spiritual horizons will continue to be opened to you. There is no limit to the magnificent truths your Father will reveal to you.

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (I Corinthians 13:11 KJV)

## You must learn how to enter into and remain in the spiritual realm.

The natural realm is the realm of the world that you are in contact with each day through your five senses. The spiritual realm is the separate and very real unseen realm that cannot be entered into through your senses. Some Christians focus too much on the natural realm and think of the spiritual realm only in terms of heaven. This book is filled with scriptural instructions that tell you exactly what to do to turn away from the ways of the world to consistently come into the spiritual realm that was opened to you when Jesus Christ became your Savior. You can live in the spiritual realm continually. Jesus said,

"What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:6 AMP)

## Be mature in the ways of God and immature in the ways of Satan.

Your Father wants you to steadily grow and mature. He does not want you to continually think like a child. In the world, children are guided by their parents to grow and mature as they learn at school and learn from their parents. In the spiritual realm, you decide how much you will grow and mature. You have been given the marvelous opportunity for continual spiritual growth. Turn completely away from the evil that darkens the world today to grow continually in the Lord. God says that you should be like a baby regarding evil. You should be detached from the evil ways of the world that are influenced by Satan and his demons.

"...stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults." (I Corinthians 14:20 NIV)

## Some Christians are missing out on consistent spiritual growth.

If you have been a Christian for several years, you should have matured so much that you are teaching what you have learned to others. Take a good look at yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to allow you to see yourself more and more as He sees you. Are you still in spiritual kindergarten? Have you made steady progress in your spiritual growth since you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Are you sharing with others the great spiritual truths you have learned or are you still being taught basic fundamentals by someone else?

"...even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very first principles of God's Word..." (Hebrews 5:12 AMP)

## You cannot understand the things of God if you are a spiritual infant.

Infants are fed milk in the natural realm. They do not grow appreciably until their diet changes from milk to solid food. This same principle applies in the spiritual realm. Christians who are still spiritual infants are dominated by their carnal nature. The apostle Paul explained to the Corinthians why they could not understand the things of God. You must progress to the point where you are feeding yourself each day with spiritual food from the Word of God. Are you highly motivated to grow spiritually? Do you pay the price each day to set aside precious time to draw closer to the Lord? Paul said,

"Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." (I Corinthians 3:1-2 NIV)

## Mature Christians turn away from activities with no eternal value.

Mature Christians have grown to the degree where they are able to clearly discern the temporal things of the world. These Christians are very interested in the eternal things of God. They refuse to waste large amounts of time on activities that have no eternal value. They have matured to the degree where spiritual growth has a very high priority in their lives. These Christians are determined to think what God instructs them to think, to say what He instructs them to say and to do what He instructs them to do. Do the words in the following verse of Scripture describe you?

"...learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences]..." (Philippians 1:10 AMP)

## You should keep climbing higher and higher in the spiritual realm.

Christians who have not grown spiritually can be compared with someone who remains on level ground. These people can only see at the level where they are. Most Christians learn some degree of what they should learn by attending church each week. These Christians are like someone who climbs a hill and can look around to see more than they could see on level ground. Your Father instructs you to continue climbing in your devotion to becoming more spiritually mature. When you climb a mountain, you can see much more than you could see when you were on the ground or on a small hill. Be determined to grow continually in the spiritual realm.

"...let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belong to spiritual maturity..." (Hebrews 6:1 AMP)

## Spiritual fitness is much more important than physical fitness.

The Bible teaches that there is some value to be obtained from physical fitness, but spiritual fitness is much more important. Please highlight or underline the words "everything and in every way" in the following passage of Scripture. Physical fitness is helpful during your life on earth. The spiritual growth that you will experience here on earth will remain with you when you are in heaven throughout eternity. Refuse to allow anything to come ahead of your daily quiet time with the Lord. You will be blessed both in this life and when you are in heaven if you make this quality decision.

"...Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come." (I Timothy 4:7-8 AMP)

## Spiritual growth requires you to do everything you can to imitate God.

God's ways are very different and much higher than the ways of the world (see Isaiah 55:8-9). You should be determined to obey your Father's specific instructions to renew your mind in His Word each day and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures. Learn everything you can about God's ways. Your Father is your role model. You are instructed to imitate Him. You should be like little children who want to be like their parents. Do your very best to constantly shape and mold yourself to become more and more like your Father.

"...be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]." (Ephesians 5:1 AMP)

## Do not stop your daily Bible study and Scripture meditation.

You must not be complacent in the area of spiritual growth. Do not make the mistake of being satisfied because you have reached a certain level of spiritual maturity. Do not coast. Each of the instructions your Father has given to you pertaining to spiritual growth apply to all of the remainder of your life on earth. Your Father has instructed you to constantly pay attention to spiritual truths. You should be very careful that you do not overlook anything He wants you to learn.

"...we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away." (Hebrews 2:1 AMP)

## Continually ask your Father to reveal new spiritual truths to you.

Your Father instructs you to "call unto Him." If you seek Him continually, He promises to answer your requests. Your loving Father deeply desires to reveal great spiritual truths that you do not understand. He wants you to experience vast new spiritual horizons. Will you do your part? Will you seek Him with all your heart? If you do, you will experience great truths that are more wonderful than you can imagine.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." (Jeremiah 33:3 KJV)

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# STRENGTH FROM GOD

## Do not be discouraged by your human weakness and inadequacies.

Instead of being discouraged by your human weakness, you should be glad that you do not have what it takes to solve some difficult problems. When your human abilities are insufficient, God's grace is more than sufficient. The strength of Jesus Christ is perfected in your human weakness. Do not be concerned with your human inadequacies. Instead, focus on the supernatural strength of Jesus Christ Who lives in your heart. Rejoice in your human weakness because of your absolute certainty that the mighty strength of Jesus Christ will be perfected in you as you surrender to Him.

"...he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (II Corinthians 12:9 KJV)

## You should be pleased when you face extremely difficult problems.

God's ways are very different from the ways of human beings. Your Father instructs you to "take pleasure" in the difficult problems you face. From God's perspective, adversity in your life is not necessarily bad. Many times adversity is required to get the attention of people who otherwise are complacent. Please highlight or underline the words "then I am strong" in the following verse of Scripture. The word "then" refers to your acknowledgment of your human weakness. Receive God's strength according to your faith in Him (see Matthew 8:13). Paul said,

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (II Corinthians 12:10 KJV)

## You must not attempt to carry burdens that are too heavy for you.

Your Father wants you to know when you have a burden that is too heavy for you to carry. He never intended for you to do everything yourself. Why would you attempt to carry a burden that is too heavy for you if you are absolutely certain that the mighty supernatural strength of Jesus Christ is available to you according to your faith in Him? Moses was guilty of making this mistake. Receive the following advice that Moses received from his father-in-law as a personal message from God to you.

"Moses' father-in-law said to him, The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out both yourself and this people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself." (Exodus 18:17-18 AMP)

## God's strength is much greater than any problem you will ever face.

Please highlight or underline the words "unyielding and impenetrable" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture. These words describe the enormous supernatural strength of Almighty God Who lives in your heart. God's strength is so great that it will not yield to anything, no matter how difficult this problem may seem to you. Focus on all of the facts in this topic about the supernatural strength of God instead of allowing the seemingly difficult problems you face to penetrate into your mind and your heart. You can be absolutely certain that God's strength is available to you.

"The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people..." (Psalm 29:11 AMP)

## When you are tired and weary, turn to the One Who never becomes weary.

Your Father will provide the strength and power you have to have if you know what His Word says and if you trust Him completely. If you face a situation that is so difficult that even young men who are very strong would become weary and give up, you can trust completely in the Lord to give you the strength you need. The strength, energy and vitality that you must have to persevere is available to you. If you feel weak and inadequate, meditate constantly on the following passage of Scripture. Wait faithfully for the Lord to give you the strength you have to have.

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV)

## Jesus Christ will always give you supernatural inner strength.

Please highlight or underline the words "all things" and the two times the word "anything" is used in the following verse of Scripture. God emphasizes through repetition. Your loving Father makes it very clear that Jesus Christ will give you the strength you need to overcome problems that are too difficult for you. The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that Jesus will "infuse inner strength" into you. All that He asks is for you to know what He promises, believe wholeheartedly that He will do what He says He will do and to persevere for as long as He requires you to persevere.

"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." (Philippians 4:13 AMP)

## The same strength that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is in your heart.

The following passage of Scripture assures you that the strength of God is "immeasurable and unlimited." Your Father can do great things in you, through you and for you that you cannot possibly comprehend with your limited human understanding. Focus consistently on the following words. The mighty strength of God that is so great that He actually was able to raise Jesus Christ from the dead and seat Him at His right hand is in you and will work for you. The key to receiving God's supernatural strength is to have absolute faith that His strength is available to you. Think, speak and act accordingly at all times. The Bible speaks of:

"...the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places]" (Ephesians 1:19-20 AMP)

## Receive the Lord's strength through a close relationship with Him.

Please highlight or underline the words "be empowered through your union with Him" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture. These words show the relationship between being close to the Lord and receiving His strength. Do you set aside a significant amount of time for your daily quiet time with the Lord? Do you revere Him, praise Him and thank Him continually because your heart is filled with gratitude? You cannot receive the Lord's strength by faith if you do not know Him personally or if you have a distant relationship with Him.

"...be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]." (Ephesians 6:10 AMP)

## Receive God's strength by meditating continually on these promises.

The psalmist received supernatural strength from God's Word when he had a heavy burden. The Word of God is supernaturally alive and filled with the mighty power of God (see Hebrews 4:12). If you faithfully obey your Father's instructions to meditate on His Word day and night (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3), you will be empowered by this continual Scripture meditation. When your soul feels like it will "melt" because of "heaviness," you can receive the supernatural strength that you need. Follow the example of the psalmist who said,

"My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word." (Psalm 119:28 KJV)

## Refuse to give in to fear no matter what challenges you face.

Why would you ever be afraid of anything if you are absolutely certain that the strength of Almighty God is fully available to you by faith? Your Father wants you to follow the example of Isaiah who refused to give in to fear. If you are afraid, you do not really trust God. If you truly trust Him, you will not be afraid. Meditate continually on these passages of Scripture pertaining to God's strength. Tell God how grateful you are that He is your strength. Cast fear out of your life because you receive God's strength like the prophet Isaiah who said,

"...I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength..." (Isaiah 12:2 KJV)

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# TEACHER – GOD WILL TEACH YOU

## Do you know what your Father requires for Him to be your teacher?

Please highlight or underline the word "humble" in the following verse of Scripture. People who are humble do not think they have all the answers. These people are teachable. If you can truly grasp the fact that God Himself is willing to teach you, you should be humble and teachable (see the topic titled HUMILITY). You should be in absolute awe of the fact that God has promised to guide you and teach you. Go to God in prayer, thanking Him for His promise to be your Teacher. Receive by faith the instruction that He will give you.

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." (Psalm 25:9 NIV)

## Your Father is extremely pleased when you are humble and teachable.

Think how God must feel. He is willing to teach all of His children, but many of His children are not even aware of this promise or the conditions for this promise to be met. Many unbelievers and some Christians are proud. Proud people are so full of themselves that they do not think they need anyone to teach them. Your Father will be very pleased if you are humble, teachable and very grateful that He will teach you. You should be like the psalmist who came to God in prayer asking Him to teach him from His Word. The psalmist said,

"Make Your face shine [with pleasure] upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes." (Psalm 119:135 AMP)

## Your Father wants you to be an apt pupil who is hungry to learn.

If you truly are teachable, your loving Father will give you whatever knowledge you need (see the topics titled UNDERSTANDING and WISDOM FROM GOD). Your Father will reveal great spiritual truths to you if you are humble and in absolute awe of the privilege you have been given to have Him as your teacher. How can anyone reject the opportunity to have God Himself as his or her teacher? Come to God each day with a yearning to learn. You will be delighted with how much knowledge your Father will give you if you are teachable.

"...but knowledge is easy to him who [being teachable] understands." (Proverbs 14:6 AMP)

## God will teach you from His supernatural Book of Instructions.

You have seen that God is your teacher. The Bible is your Book of Instructions. God is the Author of this Book of Instructions (see II Timothy 3:18). The psalmist praised God and thanked Him for teaching him His Word. If you have faithfully obeyed your Father's instructions to renew your mind in His Word each day and to meditate day and night on His Word, you will have a good understanding of the textbook He has provided for you. Praise Him and thank Him continually for His promise to teach you from His Word. The psalmist said,

"My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes." (Psalm 119:171 KJV)

## Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their Teacher.

The disciples of Jesus Christ continually looked to Him to teach them. Jesus knew that His disciples would experience a great void after He ascended to heaven. He told them that God would send the Holy Spirit to take His place. Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them everything they would need to know. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in your heart. He will teach you all things. If you have constantly studied and meditated on the holy Scriptures, He will "bring all things to your remembrance." He will teach you exactly what you need to learn. Jesus said,

"...the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26 KJV)

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# THANK GOD

## If your heart overflows with gratitude, you will thank God.

Your heart will overflow with gratitude if you can even begin to comprehend the magnitude of the wonderful gift that God has given to you in His Son, Jesus Christ. Please highlight or underline the words "indescribable, inexpressible free Gift" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture. The free gift of Jesus Christ is so magnificent that you cannot even begin to describe or express this wonderful gift. If your heart truly is filled with gratitude, this gratitude will pour out of your mouth. You will spontaneously thank Jesus over and over again. You also will thank God for everything He has done for you.

"...thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]!" (II Corinthians 9:15 AMP)

## Thank Jesus continually for the magnificent victory He won for you.

Your heart will sing with joy if you will carefully study and meditate on the scriptural facts in the topic titled VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST. You will have absolute faith that Jesus won a total and complete victory over every challenge you face now and every challenge you will face in the future. If you are absolutely certain of this great spiritual truth, you will trust Jesus completely, regardless of the circumstances you face. You will thank God continually for the victory you know you have been given. You will rejoice in the face of adversity.

"...thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57 KJV)

## Thank God continually, regardless of the circumstances you face.

How often should you thank God? You are instructed to thank Him "at all times and for everything." Why would you thank God continually regardless of the circumstances you face? Should you thank God if the doctor gives you an extreme diagnosis, if you experience severe problems with a loved one or if you are going through significant financial challenges? Go back to the words "at all times and for everything" and you will have the answer to this question. You will thank God at all times if you have absolute faith that Jesus Christ has given you a total victory in every circumstance.

"At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father." (Ephesians 5:20 AMP)

## Thank God in every circumstance because this is His will for you.

God's ways are very different from your ways. Many times, seemingly bad things that happen to you will turn out to be some of the greatest blessings you have ever received. You are instructed to "thank God in everything no matter what the circumstances may be." There is no question that your Father has instructed you to thank Him in good times and in bad times. God is in complete control of everything. He does not make mistakes. Know and believe that He can and will cause everything to work for good as part of His plan for your life (see Romans 8:28).

"Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]." (I Thessalonians 5:18 AMP)

## Pray continually. thank God when you pray for answering your prayer.

Your Father instructs you to thank Him when you pray. Do not wait until He has answered your prayer. Your Father wants you to thank Him with absolute faith for the answer you are certain He will give you. If you are absolutely certain that your Father will answer your prayer, why wouldn't you thank Him when you pray? Christians with strong faith in God thank Him in the spiritual realm before the answer to their prayers is manifested in the natural realm.

"Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2 AMP)

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# TRADITION

## Jesus Christ has set you free from the limitations of human tradition.

The following verse of Scripture says that tradition is "the useless way of living inherited from your forefathers." Many Christians do not even begin to understand how much their value system is based on traditional thinking that has been handed down from generation to generation. The Word of God says that you "must know" that you have been set free from traditional ways of thinking. The word "must" indicates that knowledge of the redemption from traditional way of thinking is a necessity. Your value system must not be built on useless traditional concepts that do not line up with the Word of God.

"You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers..." (I Peter 1:18 AMP)

## Many Christians unknowingly block the mighty power of God's Word.

Please highlight or underline the stunning statement that "you have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect]" in the following verse of Scripture. You obviously do not want to block the supernatural power of God's living Word from operating in your life. However, this is exactly what some Christians do. They do not understand how different traditional worldly thinking is from the ways of God. Christians who make this mistake desperately need to renew their minds each day in God's Word and meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures. Jesus said,

"...for the sake of your tradition (the rules handed down by your forefathers), you have set aside the Word of God [depriving it of force and authority and making it of no effect]." (Matthew 15:6 AMP)

## Do not allow anyone to influence you through human tradition.

Some Christians are deceived by teaching that sounds good because it lines up with traditional worldly thinking. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture defines human tradition as "men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world." Some preachers and teachers emphasize dogma that is devised by human beings instead of being absolutely certain that what they say lines up with the Word of God. You must be certain that your thinking is programmed by continually renewing your mind and meditating on Scripture so that you will not be "made captive" by the intellectualism of human tradition that "disregards" the teaching of Jesus Christ.

"See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men's ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah)." (Colossians 2:8 AMP)

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# TRUTH – NOT LIES

## Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God are truth.

Please highlight or underline the word "truth" in the following verse of Scripture. You are told that Jesus Christ is "the truth." The Bible also refers to itself as Truth (see John 17:17). The Holy Spirit is referred to in the Bible as the Spirit of truth (see John 14:17). Isn't it interesting to see how clearly and definitively God and truth can be used interchangeably? Jesus Christ never told a lie. If you continually study and meditate on God's Word, you will be cleansed and purified by truth. You will be able to tune into the voice of the Spirit of truth. Jesus said,

"...I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6 KJV)

## Satan and his demons are total, complete and absolute liars.

"There is no truth" in Satan. Lying comes naturally to him. He lies continually. Every lie that has ever been told was influenced by Satan or his demons. Satan is "the father of lies and of all that is false." All truth originates with God. All lies originate with Satan and his demons. Their primary activity is to deceive. They continually try to deceive people all over the world (see Revelation 12:9). Jesus said,

"...there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false." (John 8:44 AMP)

## Every person is born with the inherent tendency to be a liar.

Our ancestor, Adam, was dishonest before God. Adam and Eve always told the truth before they were deceived by Satan. Every person who was been born since then has inherited the tendency to lie from their ancestor Adam. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you have been set free from this tendency to lie. You still can tell lies, but you will not be inclined to lie. If you continually study and meditate on the truth of the Word of God and gladly yield control of your life to the Spirit of truth, you will live a life of truthfulness and integrity. Your heart will be filled with the truth of God's Word and you will be determined to speak and think truth.

"...All men are deceitful and liars." (Psalm 116:11 AMP)

## Your loving Father detests lies. He delights in the truth.

You have just seen that God is absolute truth and that Satan is a total liar. Your Father does not want you to be deceived by Satan. God "detests" lies. He "delights in men who are truthful." Your Father does not want to hear lies coming out of your mouth. He instructs every one of His children to turn completely away from lies (see Ephesians 4:24-25). All Christians have been given the spiritual ability to live a completely truthful life (see Ephesians 4:24-25). If you choose to consistently study and meditate on the Word of Truth, you will live a life of integrity.

"The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful." (Proverbs 12:22 NIV)

## Follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ Who never deceived anyone.

Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. He never sinned. Lying is a sin. No "guile was found in His mouth." The word "guile" means to be sly and cunning. Jesus never deceived anyone. He was open and honest at all times. All of His followers trusted Him completely. They never doubted that whatever He said was the absolute truth. You should follow the example of Jesus Christ. Continually fill your mind and your heart with the truth of God's Word. Yield control of your life to the Spirit of truth. Do your very best at all times to live a life of truthfulness and integrity.

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." (I Peter 2:21-22 KJV)

## Separate yourself from deception by focusing continually on God's Word.

The Word of God is the truth. You will be cleansed if you continually study and meditate on God's Word. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that sanctification is "purification, consecration, separation and holiness." Your life should be separated from the world as much as possible (see the topic titled WORLD – TURN AWAY FROM). Your life should be totally committed to God. You will live a purified and committed life if you are constantly cleansed by immersing yourself in the Word of God. Jesus prayed for you saying,

"Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth." (John 17:17 AMP)

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# UNDERSTANDING

## Your Father is pleased when you yearn to receive understanding from Him.

Do you yearn to receive understanding from God as King Solomon did? God was very pleased when Solomon told Him that he desired spiritual understanding above all else. God's response to Solomon will show you why you also should yearn to receive understanding from God. You will receive tremendous blessings from God if you consistently go to your Father in faith, seeking understanding, discernment and wisdom. God gave Solomon riches, honor and a long and full life. Believe that your Father also will bless you if you constantly seek understanding from Him.

"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days." (I Kings 3:9-14 KJV)

## Receive understanding from studying and meditating on God's Word.

If you want to receive more understanding from God, you should faithfully obey His instructions to continually study and meditate on His Word. Pray to God each day before you begin your Bible study and Scripture meditation. Ask your Father to give you great understanding and discernment as you immerse yourself in His Word. Ask Him to reveal great spiritual truths to you. Approach your daily time in God's Word with eager anticipation. Expect God to answer your prayer when you pray as the psalmist prayed when he said,

"...give me understanding according to thy word." (Psalm 119:169 KJV)

## Ask Jesus Christ to help you understand the Word of God.

The Word of God is a multifaceted supernatural spiritual treasure. If you will carefully study and meditate on the passages of Scripture in the topic titled WORD OF GOD, you will be in great awe of God's Word. Your heart will overflow with gratitude for the supernatural Book of Instructions your loving Father has given to you. The more you learn and understand, the more you will want to learn and understand. Ask Jesus to open your understanding. Ask Him to give you great revelation concerning the holy Scriptures just as He did with His disciples during His earthly ministry.

"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures" (Luke 24:45 KJV)

## Receive understanding by continually feeding yourself spiritually.

The holy Scriptures are supernatural spiritual food that God has provided for you. You eat this spiritual food when you study God's Word. You digest this spiritual food by meditating on God's Word. As you eat this spiritual food more and more, it will become increasingly sweet to your taste. The more spiritual food you eat, the more you will want to eat. You will progressively receive more understanding from God. You will "hate every false way" as your understanding grows. You will be able to clearly see the techniques that Satan's demons use to try to deceive you.

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way." (Psalm 119:103-104 KJV)

## Consistently meditate on Scripture to receive understanding from God.

Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2 instruct you to meditate day and night on the Word of God. Many Christians do not consistently meditate on God's Word during each day and night. You should meditate on Scripture during the day and night in good times. You should meditate on Scripture throughout the day and night whenever you face severe adversity. You will receive understanding and discernment from God if you obey your Father's instructions pertaining to consistent Scripture meditation. You will be like the psalmist who said,

"...the meditation of my heart shall be understanding." (Psalm 49:3 AMP)

## Receive understanding as God's Word unfolds in your mind and your heart.

Please highlight or underline the words "entrance and unfolding" in the following verse of Scripture. God's supernatural instructions and promises must go from the printed pages of the Bible (or the Scripture references in this book) up into your mind and then down into your heart. Consistent Scripture meditation will cause God's Word to fill your heart more and more. As this process continues over a period of months and years, God's Word will "give you life." The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that your Father promises to give you "understanding, discernment and comprehension." The Word of God brings light to every situation. Darkness is vanquished as light shines on it.

"The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple." (Psalm 119:130 AMP)

## Receive understanding from God that is far beyond your experience.

Teachers often have extraordinary understanding in their areas of expertise. Many older people with a great deal of experience and maturity have superior understanding. The Bible says that you can have "better understanding and deeper insight" than these people. The psalmist made the following statement because he meditated consistently on the holy Scriptures and obeyed God's instructions. You also can increase your spiritual understanding if you love God's Word so much that you consistently study it and meditate on it and do your very best to obey God's instructions. The psalmist said,

"I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I keep Your precepts [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]." (Psalm 119:99-100 AMP)

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# VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST

## God created Adam and Eve with dominion, power and authority.

God created human beings in a position of complete superiority over the earth. He created Adam and Eve in His image – they were similar to Him. He gave Adam and Eve authority over all the earth and every living creature on the earth. God intended for you and all other descendants of Adam and Eve to have complete dominion over the earth and all living creatures. Adam and Eve forfeited this dominion, power and authority when they fell because they were deceived by Satan (see the third chapter of Genesis).

"...God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Genesis 1:26-28 KJV)

## Jesus Christ has restored the dominion and authority that Adam and Eve lost.

When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later, He won back the dominion that Adam and Eve forfeited. Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told His disciples that He had received "all authority in heaven and on earth." If Jesus Christ is your Savior, this total power and authority has been given to you. You will automatically receive this victory when you die and go to heaven, but this great victory is not automatic on earth. You must know all of the scriptural facts about the victory of Jesus Christ and walk in His victory with absolute faith. Jesus said,

"...All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." (Matthew 28:18 NIV)

## All Christians sit next to the throne of Jesus Christ in heaven.

Jesus ascended on high as an indication of the enormous victory He won when He was raised from the dead. Jesus sits on a throne next to God's throne in heaven. You have been "raised up with Christ" in the spiritual realm. You sit next to Jesus. You share His position of total authority. At the same time you are living here on earth, you also are seated next to Jesus in the spiritual realm. Refuse to be worried, afraid or upset. Live with unwavering faith that you share the victory of Jesus Christ.

"...God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6 NIV)

## Every problem that you face has been placed under your feet.

Please highlight or underline the words "all things" in the following verse of Scripture. These words apply to every problem you will ever face. If these problems are under the feet of Jesus in the spiritual realm, they also are under your feet. The feet of Jesus are part of His body. Your problems are under your feet because all Christians are part of the body of Christ. Have absolute faith in this great spiritual truth. Persevere in faith for as long as God requires you to persevere to bring the victory of Jesus Christ into manifestation in your life.

"...He has put all things under His feet..." (Ephesians 1:22 AMP)

## Jesus Christ has overcome the world and its power to harm you.

Jesus has instructed you to react to adversity with total peace because of your faith in Him. He told you to react with joy whenever you face trials and tribulations. Jesus has overcome the world and everything in the world. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that He has "deprived it of power to harm you." These are not just nice sounding words. These words are powerful spiritual truths that apply to you today. Will you identify with the problems you face or with the total victory that Jesus has won over these problems? Jesus said,

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33 AMP)

## You overcome the world by knowing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

You were born from your mother's womb when you experienced physical birth. You were "born of God" when you experienced spiritual birth by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior. You received His victory when you were born of God. God emphasizes through repetition. Please note the three times the words "overcome" or "overcomes" are used in the following passage of Scripture. Many Christians do not comprehend the magnitude of the victory that has been given to them by Jesus Christ. Why would you ever give up if you are absolutely certain that the victory of Jesus Christ has been given to you?

"...everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (I John 5:4-5 NIV)

## Thank God that you triumph because of the victory that Jesus won.

Know that Jesus Christ has given you a total victory over every problem you face. Praise God continually whenever you face adversity. Please highlight or underline the word "always" in the following verse of Scripture. Meditate continually on the words "thanks," "always" and "triumph" when you face severe problems. Believe what God says. Do what your Father has instructed you to do. Speak this promise boldly again and again. As you continually speak these magnificent truths, increased faith in God will rise up inside of you.

"...thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory]..." (II Corinthians 2:14 AMP)

## You have been given a total victory over every problem you face.

Please highlight or underline the words "in all these things" in the following passage of Scripture. The word "all" includes every problem you will ever face (see Philippians 4:13). You are not just a conqueror over the problems you face. You are "more than a conqueror." The victory that Jesus Christ has given you is "a surpassing victory." The victory that Jesus won far surpasses any other victory that has been won at any time. You should have total security in your Father's love for you. Meditate on the Scripture that is explained in the topic titled LOVE OF GOD. No problem can separate you from the love of God.

"...amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39 AMP)

## Your Father promises that you will come out on top every time.

Please highlight or underline the words "always be at the top, never at the bottom" in the following verse of Scripture. Your Father tells you that you can come out on top every time. The word "if" makes this promise conditional. You will come out on top every time if you pay close attention to God's instructions and if you faithfully obey these instructions. These words that Moses spoke to the Israelites many years ago apply to your life today. Continually study and meditate on the Word of God. Do exactly what your Father has instructed you to do.

"The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." (Deuteronomy 28:13 KJV)

## You should reign as a king throughout your life on earth.

Jesus Christ won an enormous victory over Adam's sin. Christians are no longer bound by Adam's sin. Please highlight or underline the words "reign as a king in life" in the following verse of Scripture. Are you reigning as a king? You have just read several passages of Scripture pertaining to the victory of Jesus Christ. Refuse to focus on the circumstances you face. You cannot walk in victory with last month's faith or last year's faith. Strengthen your faith in God continually. Meditate on these glorious promises from God. Speak them boldly. Personalize them. Hang on with bulldog tenacity. Refuse to give up.

"For if because of one man's trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God's] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." (Romans 5:17 AMP)

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# VOICE OF GOD

## If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you have the ability to hear the voice of God.

Unbelievers cannot hear the voice of God because they are not in harmony with God. All Christians have been given the ability to hear the voice of God. Many Christians do not hear God's voice because they are so preoccupied with the things of the world that they do not hear God speaking to them. You cannot hear God's voice unless you have an intimate relationship with Him. Listen to what your Father is saying to you. Believe that God speaks to you because His Word says He does. Stay close to Him. Expect to hear His voice. Jesus said,

"Whoever is of God listens to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.] This is the reason that you do not listen [to those words, to Me]: because you do not belong to God and are not of God or in harmony with Him." (John 8:47 AMP)

## God speaks very quietly. Satan and his demons speak forcefully.

Only Christians are able to hear the voice of God. Everyone is able to hear the lies of Satan (see John 8:44 and John 13:2). God Who is omnipotent and filled with enormous power speaks softly and quietly. Satan's demons who have no spiritual power (see Luke 10:19) can and often do speak to you emphatically as they attempt to get into your mind with their lies and deceitfulness. You cannot hear the voice of God when you are agitated and upset. You must be quiet and still within yourself to hear

"...[a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice." (I Kings 19:12 AMP)

## Consistent meditation on God's Word enables you to hear God's voice.

Christians who hear the voice of God love His Word. They cannot get enough of God's Word. They faithfully obey their Father's instructions to renew their minds in His Word each day and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures. There is a definite relationship between how consistently you study and meditate on the Word of God and how clearly you can hear the voice of Jesus Christ. In John 17:17 Jesus explained that the Word of God is Truth. You will hear Jesus speaking to you if you consistently study and meditate on the Truth of God's Word. Jesus said,

"...Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice." (John 18:37 AMP)

## You can know the voice of Jesus just as sheep know their shepherd's voice.

Jesus compared the relationship between sheep hearing the voice of their shepherd with your ability to hear His voice speaking to you. If Jesus is your Savior, He is your Shepherd. Sheep have a sense of their own inadequacy. They trust their shepherd completely. They know his voice and they do what he tells them to do. Jesus is speaking to you continually. He wants you to know His voice just as sheep know the voice of their shepherd. Jesus wants you to trust Him completely and to obey the instructions He gives you when He speaks to you. He said,

"The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." (John 10:2-5 niv)

## You often must face adversity to learn how to hear the voice of God.

Sometimes adversity causes you to change your focus from the things of the world to the things of God. Know that your Father will open your ears so that you can hear Him speaking to you. God is right there with you whenever you are going through difficult times. He speaks to you continually. Listen to Him. Trust Him. Do what He says. Your Father will bring you through adversity (see Psalm 91:15).

"He delivers the afflicted in their affliction and opens their ears [to His voice] in adversity." (Job 36:15 AMP)

For additional information, please see our books titled _Exchange Your Worries for God's Perfect Peace, How to Study the Bible, Quiet Confidence in the Lord_ and _Unshakable Faith in Almighty God_. Also please see our Scripture Meditation Cards and our CDs titled _A Closer Relationship with the Lord, Continually Increasing Faith in God, Enjoy God's Wonderful Peace, Freedom from Worry and Fear, God Is Always with You, Our Father's Wonderful Love_ and _Receive God's Blessings in Adversity._

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# Wait for the Lord

## If you wait earnestly for the Lord, He will work actively to help you.

You must not race ahead of God. If you trust God completely and wait for Him, your Father will honor your faith, patience and perseverance. He will do great things in you, through you and for you. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture instructs you to wait for the Lord "earnestly." When you do something earnestly, you are very serious, sincere and determined. Pay the price of learning more promises from God every day of your life. Have absolute faith that your loving Father will take action in your life in His way and in His good timing.

"...God ... works and shows Himself active on behalf of him who [earnestly] waits for Him.." (Isaiah 64:4 AMP)

## The Lord will bless you if you wait hopefully and expectantly for Him.

Your Father tells you exactly what He wants you to do to receive the blessings He desires to give to you. He instructs you to wait "hopefully and expectantly for Him." You must not give up hope. Regardless of the circumstances you face, you should expect Him to do exactly what His Word says He will do in His timing, not yours. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture instructs you to seek God "by right of necessity and on the authority of His Word." Refuse to give up hope. Believe that your Father will meet your every need just as He promises to do in His Word.

"The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God's word]." (Lamentations 3:25 AMP)

## The Holy Spirit will help you if you patiently wait for God's blessing.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you are never alone. The Holy Spirit is with you at all times. You can trust Him to help you. Persevere in your faith in God as you wait expectantly for Him to do what He has promised to do. God has done His part. He has given you the Holy Spirit. He has given you the holy Scriptures. You must do your part. You must know and believe the instructions and promises in the Word of God. Trust completely in the Lord to do what you cannot do with your limited human abilities.

"...through the [Holy] Spirit's [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope." (Galatians 5:5 AMP)

## Wait expectantly and continually for your loving Father to help you.

God always expects you to do the very best you can with your human abilities. Once you have done everything you can do, the time has come for you to wait for Him to do His part. The amplification in the following verse of Scripture instructs you to wait "expectantly." You should have complete confidence in God. Your faith in Him should be deep, constant and unwavering. Expect God to do what He says He will do. Wait patiently for as long as He requires you to wait.

"...wait [expectantly] for your God continually!" (Hosea 12:6 AMP)

## Gladly wait for the Lord because you know He will not let you down.

You will be blessed if you wait patiently and faithfully for God based on specific promises in His Word. Your Father promises that you "shall not be put to shame" if you wait for Him. You are instructed to "look for" Him to do exactly what He says He will do. God is reliable. Fully expect Him to do exactly what He has promised. Refuse to waver in your faith in Him. Your Father never tells you when He will do what He promises to do. That is why you are instructed to wait patiently for Him.

"...they shall not be put to shame who wait for, look for, hope for, and expect Me." (Isaiah 49:23 AMP)

## Wait and hope for and expect that your Father will help you.

Any time you see the same instruction repeated more than once in one verse of Scripture, you can be certain that God is emphasizing this specific instruction. Your Father begins and ends this one verse of Scripture with the same eight words. He instructs you to wait patiently for Him without giving up hope. Continually fill your eyes, your ears, your mind, your heart and your mouth with encouragement from God's supernatural living Word. Refuse to give in to discouragement. Do not miss out on receiving what your Father has promised because you did not wait long enough.

"Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord." (Psalm 27:14 AMP)

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# Will of God for Your Life

## God had a specific plan for every day of your life before you were born.

You have seen that God is omniscient. He knew every person on earth intimately before He formed this person in his or her mother's womb. The psalmist David knew that God had a specific plan for every day of his life before he was born. God made a similar statement regarding the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5. Do you believe that God had a specific plan for your life before He created you? Are you eagerly searching for God's plan for each day of your life? David said,

"...your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:16 NIV)

## Eternal salvation enables you to find and fulfill God's plan for your life.

Know that God has a specific plan for your life just as He did for the lives of David and Jeremiah. The decision you made when you received Jesus Christ as your Savior brought you into a spiritual position where you are able to seek, discern, find and carry out God's will for your life. You can see that every person is completely unique by the fact that no two people have the same fingerprints. Each person has a unique DNA. God has a specific plan for your life. Pray continually seeking God's will for your life.

"...we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." (Ephesians 2:10 AMP)

## Use your God-given talents and abilities to serve God and others.

When God created you, He gave you specific talents and abilities that you will need to carry out His assignment for your life. You did not earn these talents. God has given them to you by His grace. Carefully read the list of talents in the following passage of Scripture. Do any of these talents describe you? If so, you may clearly see what God wants you to do with your life. Pray continually, asking your Father to reveal each detail of His plan for your life. Be determined to use the talents God has given you to serve Him and to help others.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8 NIV)

## Jesus Christ was totally committed to carrying out God's will.

Jesus Christ is your example in every area of your life. Throughout His earthly ministry Jesus was consistently focused on carrying out His Father's will. Jesus placed great emphasis on the spiritual nourishment He received from doing what God called Him to do. You will not waste large amounts of time and energy pursuing selfish goals if you are in the center of God's will for your life. You will never experience complete fulfillment using your God-given talents to focus entirely on pursuing personal goals. You will experience great meaning and fulfillment in your life when you are doing what God created you to do.

"...the disciples urged Him saying, Rabbi, eat something. But He assured them, I have food (nourishment) to eat of which you know nothing and have no idea. So the disciples said one to another, Has someone brought Him something to eat? Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work." (John 4:31-34 AMP)

## Jesus Christ had no desire to accomplish selfish personal goals.

Jesus was totally committed throughout His earthly ministry to do exactly what His Father sent Him to earth to do. The primary goal of many people in the world today is the pursuit of pleasure. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your life, but your primary goal should not be to pursue pleasure. You are here to seek, find and carry out the specific assignment your Father has given to you. Jesus paid an enormous price to do what God called Him to do. Be determined to pay whatever price God has called you to pay to do what He has called you to do with your life. Jesus said,

"...I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me." (John 5:30 AMP)

## There was one time when Jesus was tempted not to do God's will.

As Jesus approached His crucifixion, He knew the excruciating suffering He would experience at the whipping post and on the cross at Calvary. Jesus knew the horror that He would experience by taking upon Himself all of the sins of the entire human race. Jesus faced this ordeal as the Son of man, not as the Son of God. Jesus threw Himself on the ground asking His Father if there was any way He could escape this ordeal. Then He affirmed that He was willing to pursue God's will, regardless of the price He had to pay.

"And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire." (Matthew 26:39 AMP)

## Jesus died so that you would live for Him instead of living for yourself.

Jesus paid an enormous price on the cross so that you could devote your life to doing what He has called you to do. Your life does not belong to you – it belongs to Jesus Christ. Commit yourself to His will for your life just as He made the supreme commitment that has enabled you to live eternally with Him in heaven. Only God's will will stand the test of time. Do not waste the precious time you have remaining on earth by focusing primarily on personal goals. Be determined to seek, find and carry out God's will for your life.

"...He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake." (II Corinthians 5:15 AMP)

## True success is knowing what God has called you to do and doing it.

Many Christians look at success from a worldly perspective. Your Father instructs you to look at everything from an eternal perspective. True success has nothing to do with the accumulation of wealth or worldly fame. If you sincerely desire to be a success from God's perspective, you should continually live for Jesus. Turn away from the motivation many people have to pursue selfish goals to completely devote your life to serving Jesus. You should follow the advice that the apostle Paul gave to the church in Macedonia when he said:

"...first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]" (II Corinthians 8:5 AMP)

## Do God's will by continually filling your heart with His Word.

The psalmist David explained the correlation between doing what God had called him to do and God's Word living in his heart. The holy Scriptures give us God's general will for all of our lives. If you continually fill your heart with God's Word, you will learn and be highly motivated to carry out God's specific plan for your life. You cannot successfully complete God's will for your life without consistently saturating yourself in the holy Scriptures. If you continually meditate on the Word of God, you will program yourself to seek, find and carry out God's assignment for your life (see Romans 12:2). David said,

"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:8 KJV)

## God will progressively reveal the details of His plan for your life.

Please highlight or underline the word "progressively" in the following verse of Scripture. When you do something progressively, you do this task in stages. God unfolds His will for your life a little at a time. When you fervently pursue God's will, He may show you the big picture of what He wants you to do early on, but He reveals the details a little at a time. As time goes by and you persevere in faith, you will understand more and more about God's plan for your life.

"And he said, The God of our forefathers has destined and appointed you to come progressively to know His will [to perceive, to recognize more strongly and clearly, and to become better and more intimately acquainted with His will]..." (Acts 22:14 AMP)

## You must have a close relationship with God to carry out His will.

Please highlight or underline the words "acquaint yourself with Him" in the following verse of Scripture. These words give you an important clue to successfully "being conformed to God's will." You cannot accomplish what your Father has called you to accomplish if you have a distant relationship with Him or no relationship at all. God may reveal His will for your life, but He does not want you to just step out in the general direction of what He has called you to do. He wants you to continually draw closer to Him. He wants to guide you through each of the intricate decisions you must make throughout your life.

"Acquaint now yourself with Him [agree with God and show yourself to be conformed to His will]..." (Job 22:21 AMP)

## God will give you the wisdom and understanding to carry out His will.

You will not be able to accomplish much of what your Father has called you to accomplish with your limited human abilities, wisdom and understanding. You often will face challenges that cannot be solved with your limited human ability (see the topic titled INADEQUACY OF HUMAN ABILITIES). God will provide whatever you need, but you must do your part. You must immerse yourself in His Word daily. You must yield control of your life to the Holy Spirit, trusting Him completely to give you the wisdom and understanding you need.

"...He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence), making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose)..." (Ephesians 1:8-9 AMP)

## Nothing can stop God if you will persevere with deep faith in Him.

If you are trusting God to help you to accomplish personal goals that He has not given you, you very well may fail. If you are trusting God to accomplish His purpose for your life, nothing will be able to stop God's assignment from being carried out. Your Father is looking for two things – your commitment to Him and your faith in Him. God will not be swayed in the least by the problems you will face in carrying out His will for your life. Keep looking straight ahead. God thinks big. Think big right along with Him. Do not block God with doubt and unbelief.

"...if this doctrine or purpose or undertaking or movement is of human origin, it will fail (be overthrown and come to nothing); but if it is of God, you will not be able to stop or overthrow or destroy them..." (Acts 5:38-39 AMP)

## Strong faith and perseverance will be required to accomplish God's will.

Please highlight or underline the words "Do not fling away your fearless confidence" in the following passage of Scripture. You can be certain that your faith in God will be challenged on many occasions as you pursue God's will for your life. Great patience and perseverance will be required to do what God has called you to do with your life. If you refuse to give up, you can be assured that your Father will reward you for your persevering faith in accomplishing His plan for your life.

"Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36 AMP)

## Stand firm. refuse to waver in your absolute trust in the Lord.

You must not waver in your work for the Lord if you know that you are doing what He has called you to do with your life. Jesus Christ has given you victory over whatever obstacles you will face. Stay close to Jesus. Keep moving forward one step at a time. Your faith in God must not waver when you are doing what He has called you to do. Persevere in faith with absolute certainty that God will bring you safely through because you are doing what He has called you to do.

"...my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (I Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

## You should emulate the absolute determination of the apostle paul.

The life of the apostle Paul is an excellent example of a man who was totally committed to carrying out the assignment God had given him. Paul refused to give up, no matter what obstacles he faced. He was absolutely determined to successfully complete God's plan for his life. You should follow Paul's example. If you are in the will of God, your activities have eternal significance. You must now allow temporal earthly problems to deter you. Keep moving forward. Meditate carefully on the following words of the apostle Paul who said,

"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me..." (Acts 20:23-24 NIV)

## God will cause everything to work out if you love Him and obey Him.

The amplification in the following verse of Scripture says that you can "be assured and know" that God is your "partner" when you are doing what He has called you to do with your life. Please highlight or underline the words "all things." These words include whatever obstacles you face as you focus on God's will for your life. This promise is conditional. You must "love God" and be "called according to His design and purpose." Do you love God? Are you doing what God has called you to do with your life? If so, you can be certain that He will cause everything to work for good.

"We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose." (Romans 8:28 AMP)

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# Wisdom of God

## Do you look at the wisdom of the world the same way that God does?

Christians who have a great need for wisdom and turn to worldly sources of wisdom make a big mistake. You must understand that the Bible says that the wisdom of the world is "foolishness." The amplification in the following passage of Scripture says that the world's wisdom is "absurdity and stupidity" from God's perspective. God looks at the thinking of worldly people who are acknowledged to be wise as being "futile." If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you do not have to turn to worldly sources for wisdom. You have the supernatural wisdom of God available to you.

"...this world's wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness; and again, The Lord knows the thoughts and reasonings of the [humanly] wise and recognizes how futile they are." (I Corinthians 3:19-20 AMP)

## God will give you His wisdom according to your faith in Him.

The following passage of Scripture promises that God will give you wisdom when your human wisdom is insufficient. Please highlight or underline the word "but" in this passage of Scripture. This promise from God is a conditional promise. You must do your part to receive supernatural wisdom from God. You must not doubt that God will give His wisdom to you. If your words and actions show any doubt, you are "double-minded." You must have absolute faith that your Father will give you the wisdom you need.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:5-8 NIV)

## God's wisdom and knowledge are hidden from unbelievers.

Unbelievers have no alternative except to trust in the world's wisdom. God's wisdom and knowledge were hidden from you before you received Jesus Christ as your Savior. God's wisdom and knowledge are supernatural spiritual treasures. Unfortunately, many Christians who have access to the supernatural wisdom of God do not receive this magnificent treasure. They have not learned and do not obey God's specific instructions that explain exactly what they should do to receive supernatural wisdom and knowledge from Him. You must turn to

"...Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3 NIV)

## If Jesus Christ is your Savior, God's wisdom is not hidden from you.

You are righteous before God if Jesus Christ is your Savior. You have been made righteous because of the blood that Jesus shed to pay the price for all of your sins. You are a privileged and beloved child of God. Receive by faith God's magnificent supernatural wisdom, knowledge and understanding that are hidden from every unbeliever. If Jesus is your Savior, your Father has stored up His wisdom for you. Learn and obey your Father's specific instructions that tell you exactly what to do to receive His wisdom.

"...the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him)..." (Proverbs 2:6-7 AMP)

## If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you have the mind of Christ.

Please highlight or underline the words "we have the mind of Christ" in the following verse of Scripture. The most precious possession any Christian has is the mind of Christ. If Jesus Christ is your Savior, you have the mind of Christ living within you. The "thoughts, feelings and purposes of His heart" are within you. Know and believe this magnificent spiritual truth. Turn within yourself to receive by faith the answer to every problem you will ever face. Do your words and actions consistently indicate that you know and believe that you have the mind of Christ?

"...we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart." (I Corinthians 2:16 AMP)

## What does your Father instruct you to do to receive His wisdom?

Please highlight or underline the words "the man who pleases Him" in the following verse of Scripture. One of the ways to receive wisdom, knowledge and happiness from God is to please Him. How do you please God? You please God by living a godly life. You please Him by continually learning and consistently obeying the instructions He has given you in the Bible. You will be successful from God's perspective if you consistently study and meditate on His Word, speak His Word with faith and do your very best at all times to learn and obey His instructions (see Joshua 1:8).

"To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness..." (Ecclesiastes 2:26 NIV)

## Receive God's wisdom by revering Him and holding Him in constant awe.

Is the Lord in absolute first place in your life? Does every aspect of your life revolve around Him? Do you revere Him? Are in awe of Him? The topic titled FEAR OF THE LORD contains several Scripture references pertaining to the fear of the Lord. These Scripture references explain that to fear the Lord is to revere Him and to hold Him in constant awe. If you sincerely desire to receive God's wisdom, you should learn everything you can about the fear of the Lord. Living in the fear of the Lord is absolutely essential to receiving His wisdom.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..." (Proverbs 9:10 KJV)

## God's wisdom will enable you to prosper and to live a long life.

Some Christians invest a great deal of time and effort in an attempt to attain worldly wealth. They place little or no emphasis on receiving wisdom and understanding from God. Just the opposite should be true. If you receive wisdom and understanding from God, you will have everything you need. Your Father says that "nothing you desire" can compare with His wisdom. He promises that you will live a long, successful and prosperous life if you put your desire for His wisdom in first place ahead of everything else.

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." (Proverbs 3:13-16 NIV)

## You will prosper if you receive wisdom and understanding from God.

Your soul consists of your mind, your emotions and your will. Your thoughts, your feelings and the decisions you make will be much more productive if you are operating in God's wisdom. You will be prosperous in every area of your life if you continually yearn to receive wisdom and understanding from God. You should have a deep and constant desire to receive wisdom and understanding from God. Be determined to follow all of the instructions your Father has given to you pertaining to His wisdom and understanding. You will be glad that you did.

"He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers." (Proverbs 19:8 NIV)

## Do not miss out on receiving the tremendous gift of God's wisdom.

Please highlight or underline the words "do not forget" and "do not forsake" in the following passage of Scripture. Some Christians are missing out on receiving the wisdom that God has made available to them. They do not know the scriptural facts about God's wisdom that you are reading here. Your Father instructs you to "get" the wisdom and understanding that He has made available to you. There is a definite relationship between learning and obeying God's instructions and receiving God's wisdom. Your Father instructs you to love His wisdom. You will be protected by God when you operate in His wisdom.

"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you." (Proverbs 4:5-6 NIV)

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# Word of God – the Bible

## Every word in the Bible was given to you by the inspiration of God.

Your Father has given you thousands of specific instructions and promises to guide you to live your life exactly the way He wants you to live. God has done His part. He has provided you with everything you will need. Will you do your part? Will you continually study and meditate on the instructions and promises your Father has given to you? Will you learn and faithfully obey His instructions? Will you believe His promises with deep and unwavering faith in Him? Will you persevere in faith for as long as He requires you to persevere?

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)

## The apostle Paul affirmed that the Bible is divinely inspired.

Paul and all of the other human authors of the Bible were anointed by God. Paul said that the words in his letter to the Corinthians were "words not taught by human wisdom." Paul knew that these words were being written through him, not by him. He explained that the words he was writing were "taught by the Holy Spirit." The amplification in this verse of Scripture says that he was writing "to those who possess the Holy Spirit." If Jesus Christ is your Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in your heart. The Holy Spirit will enable you to understand the Bible.

"...we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. (I Corinthians 2:13 AMP)

## The Word of God is so powerful that it will penetrate your soul and spirit.

Please highlight or underline the words "alive and full of power" in the following verse of Scripture. The Word of God is spiritually alive to those who believe in Jesus Christ and live with unwavering faith in God. The Word of God is filled with the supernatural power of God. The supernatural Word of God is able to penetrate into your soul and your spirit. The amplification in this passage of Scripture says that God's Word is able to penetrate into "the deepest part of your nature" to show you what you really are like deep down within yourself.

"...the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 AMP)

## The Word of God is much more powerful than severe adversity.

Some Christians dwell too much on the problems they face. The Bible can seem very insignificant in the face of a severe problem. Your Father compares the power of His Word with the power of a raging fire. The Word of God is much more powerful than white hot heat in the center of the hottest fire that has ever existed on earth. God compares the power of His Word with a hammer that is so powerful that it can break any rock into pieces. Instead of being discouraged by the seemingly severe problems you face, your Father has instructed you to constantly meditate on His supernatural living Word.

"Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?" (Jeremiah 23:29 AMP)

## God's Word will work in your life to the degree that you believe it will.

Please highlight or underline the words "who believe" in the following verse of Scripture. These two words are the conditional part of this verse of Scripture. Your Father has assured you that His Word will work in you. The amplification in this verse of Scripture explains your part. The "superhuman power" of God's Word will be released in your life to the degree that you believe God's promises and obey God's instructions. Your Father has done His part. Will you do your part?

"...the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]." (I Thessalonians 2:13 AMP)

## Do not trust your human ability more than you trust God's Word.

The words "everything human" in the amplification of the following verse of Scripture include you. There is no question that you have limitations to what you can accomplish with your human abilities. The Word of God has no limitations. God's Word is so powerful that it "extends without limits into eternity." You must not magnify the seeming power of the problems you face and minimize the supernatural power of the living Word of God. You are a child of God. You have been given the ability to live in excellence. You can overcome severe problems if the Word of God fills your heart.

"...everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]." (Psalm 119:96 AMP)

## You will take the truth of God's Word with you when you go to heaven.

You have learned that God's Word is the Truth (see John 17:17). The following verse of Scripture says that your Father wants you to get this Truth into your heart. God's Word will fill your heart to the degree that you faithfully obey your Father's instructions to meditate day and night on His Word (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3). Fill your heart to overflowing with God's supernatural living Word. Do not allow one day to go by where you do not deposit large amounts of God's Word into your heart. The Word of God in your heart "will be with you forever."

"...the Truth which lives and stays on in our hearts and will be with us forever" (II John 2 AMP)

## Do you give the Word of God the same high priority that God does?

God places two things above everything else – His name and His Word. From God's perspective, His Word even ranks above His name. Carefully study and meditate on the scriptural facts in the topic titled THE NAME OF THE LORD. Carefully study and meditate on the scriptural facts in this topic. If you do this, you can be assured that your focus on the name of the Lord and the Word of God carries the same priority that God has.

"...You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!" (Psalm 138:2 AMP)

## The purity of the Word of God is beyond the limits of human comprehension.

The Word of God is so pure, so great and so powerful that we cannot describe it with the limitations of our human vocabulary. The only way you can even begin to understand the purity of the supernatural Word of God is to obey your Father's instructions to constantly fill your heart with His Word. If you do this, you will love the Word of God more than anything in the world. The psalmist explained this principle when he compared God's Word with "fine gold." Do you love God's Word the way the psalmist did? He said,

"...I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold." (Psalm 119:127 KJV)

## The Word of God is filled with the supernatural wisdom of God.

God's Word is able to "convert" your soul. Your soul consists of your mind, your emotions and your will. The Word of God can and will completely convert the way you think (see Romans 12:2). If your heart is filled with the Word of God, you will be able to control your emotions. The abundance of God's Word in your heart will transcend any circumstance in your life, no matter how difficult the problems you face may seem. If your heart is filled with the Word of God, you will continually make wise decisions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." (Psalm 19:7 KJV)

## Do not allow anything to seem more powerful than God's Word.

Many people cannot comprehend how words printed on paper in the Bible can possibly be much more powerful than seemingly severe problems in the world. The psalmist explained that "princes" (powerful government officials) persecuted him, but he put God's Word ahead of these powerful people. He said that his heart was in awe of God's Word. He dreaded violating the instructions in God's Word much more than he was concerned with the power of the government leaders who were persecuting him. Does the Word of God have this same priority in your life? The psalmist said,

"Princes pursue and persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your words [dreading violation of them far more than the force of prince or potentate]." (Psalm 119:161 AMP)

## God has created a home for His Word in your heart and your mind.

The home of the Bible is not on a desk or a bookshelf. Your Father says that His Word should "have its home in your heart and mind." Be determined to do everything you can to get more and more of the words of the Bible up from the printed pages into your mind and then down into your heart. God's Word should "dwell in you in all its richness." If you obey your Father's instructions to constantly fill your mind and your heart with His supernatural living Word, you will be filled with the power of God.

"Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness..." (Colossians 3:16 AMP)

## Store up the Word of God within yourself to supply every need.

Some people store up money and provisions for use in an emergency. The urge to store up is strong. Be careful what you are storing up. Your Father instructs you to store up His Word within yourself. You program yourself with God's Word when you do this. This programming is similar to programming a computer. If you continually store up God's Word in your mind and your heart, you will obey His instructions and have absolute faith in the reliability of His promises. The following words that King Solomon spoke to his son apply to you today.

"My son, keep my words; lay up within you my commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them." (Proverbs 7:1 AMP)

## The Word of God is God's supernatural spiritual food for you.

Many healthy people focus on eating wholesome and nutritious food. This is good, but you must understand that the food you feed your spirit and your soul is much more important than the food you feed your body. Your Father has provided you with supernatural spiritual food in His Word. You do not have to diet and limit your eating with this food. You should do just the opposite. Feed yourself as much of God's supernatural food as you can throughout every day and night of your life. Job understood this great spiritual truth. He said,

"...I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." (Job 23:12 KJV)

## Jesus emphasized the importance of partaking of spiritual food.

The words "by bread alone" in the following passage of Scripture are very important. When Jesus spoke these words to the devil as He was being tempted in the wilderness, He had been forty days and forty nights without food. Referring to an Old Testament verse of Scripture (Deuteronomy 8:3), Jesus told Satan that the Word of God was more important than feeding His body even though He had been without food for forty days. Jesus wants you to have the same priority in your determination to continually feed the spiritual food of His Word into your mind and your heart. He said,

"...Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4 AMP)

## Your heart will sing with joy if you continually eat spiritual food.

The Bible teaches that your joy should not be affected by the circumstances you face (see the topic titled JOY). The joy of the Lord is deep, constant and unwavering. His joy is independent of circumstances. Your heart will sing with joy if it is filled with God's Word. You have learned that God's supernatural living Word is much more powerful than anything that will ever happen to you. If you continually feed the supernatural Word of God into your heart, you will be like the prophet Jeremiah who said,

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart..." (Jeremiah 15:16 KJV)

## Build yourself up spiritually by continually partaking of God's Word.

Please highlight or underline the words "the word of His grace" in the following verse of Scripture. You did not earn the magnificent spiritual treasure of God's Word. Your Father gave you this treasure by His grace. God's Word is so powerful that it is able to "build you up" spiritually to the degree where you will have enough of God's supernatural power in your heart to stand successfully against anything that is taking place in the world. Do not allow one day to go by where you do not deposit large amounts of God's supernatural Word into your mind and your heart.

"...I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." (Acts 20:32 KJV)

## Your Father tells you how to escape from the moral decay in the world.

Please highlight or underline the words "escape" and "moral decay" in the following verse of Scripture. The moral condition of the world is steadily deteriorating. You must not allow the depravity of the world to influence who you are in Christ. Your loving Father has given you "His precious and exceedingly great promises" so that you will not be influenced by the "rottenness and corruption" that is in the world today. Instead, you can "become a partaker of the divine nature" of God. If you consistently fill your heart with God's Word, the nature of God will come alive in you.

"...He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature." (II Peter 1:4 AMP)

## People who ignore the Bible ultimately will pay a severe price.

Unbelievers do not accept the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As a result, they ignore the Bible because they cannot possibly understand it. Unfortunately, some Christians make a similar mistake. They have been given the ability to understand God's Word, but this precious gift will not do them any good if they disobey their Father's instructions to consistently study and meditate on His Word. Satan wants to destroy you (see John 10:10). Your Father wants to reward you. You will be blessed abundantly if you love God's Word and constantly immerse yourself in it.

"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded." (Proverbs 13:13 KJV)

## The power of the Word of God far exceeds anything in the world.

The psalmist said that God's Word is "wonderful." The amplification in the following passage of Scripture says that the Word of God "far exceeds anything conceived by man." Turn away from the world and turn toward God by continually filling your mind and your heart with the holy Scriptures. You should follow the example of the psalmist in "hearing, receiving, loving and obeying" the supernatural instructions your loving Father has provided for you. The psalmist said

"Your testimonies are wonderful [far exceeding anything conceived by man]; therefore my [penitent] self keeps them [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]." (Psalm 119:129 AMP)

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# World – Turn Away From

## Jesus Christ died to set you free from the evil ways of the world.

You should not make the mistake of turning toward the world that Jesus has set you free from. You can see that the world is becoming more immoral and evil with each passing year. Unbelievers have no choice except to focus their lives on the world. Christians have a choice. Your Father's will is for you to be set free from the ways of the world. If you have a fervent desire to become what your Father wants you to become and to accomplish what He has called you to accomplish, you should be determined to continually turn away from the world and turn toward God.

"...our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father" (Galatians 1:3-4 KJV)

## You are not a citizen of the world. You are a citizen of heaven.

If Jesus Christ is your Savior, the world is no longer your home. You are a citizen of heaven. You are only a temporary citizen of the city, town, state, province or country where you live. You are passing through the world on the way to heaven. Instead of focusing continually on this evil world, you should be in preparation for your arrival at your true home in heaven. Continually seek God's will for your life until you leave your temporary home here on earth to live continually with God in your eternal home in heaven.

"...our citizenship is in heaven ..." (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

## If you are a friend of the world, you actually are an enemy of God.

No Christian wants to be an enemy of God, but that is exactly what you are if your life primarily revolves around the things of the world. Some Christians go to church once or twice a week and pray for a few minutes each day. They may even study the Bible occasionally. The remainder of the time they live according to the ways of the world. These Christians are not living the way God has instructed them to live. Your Father wants every aspect of your life to be centered around Him, not around the ways of the world.

"...Do you not know that being the world's friend is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God." (James 4:4 AMP)

## You do not love God if you love the ways of the world.

Please highlight or underline the words "Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world" in the following passage of Scripture. You cannot love the world and love your Father at the same time. You must make a constant and distinct choice – love for God or love for the ways of the world. If you choose the world, you must understand that you are choosing Satan who is the god of the world (see II Corinthians 4:4 and I John 5:19). The world today is driven primarily by selfishness and greed. You must not focus your life around the world.

"Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things] – these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]." (I John 2:15-16 AMP)

## Speak the language of God instead of speaking the language of the world.

A glorious new spiritual realm is opened up to you when Jesus Christ becomes your Savior (see II Corinthians 5:17). At that time, you were given the opportunity to live far above the ways of the world. You were given the ability to understand the Bible. If you faithfully obey your Father's instructions to continually study and meditate on His Word, you will consistently learn great spiritual truths from heaven. You are no longer bound to the ways of the world. You belong to heaven, not to the world. Think, talk and act according to God's instructions instead of conforming to the ways of the world.

"He Who comes from above (heaven) is [far] above all [others]; he who comes from the earth belongs to the earth, and talks the language of earth [his words are from an earthly standpoint]..." (John 3:31 AMP)

## Some people will oppose you if you are a deeply committed Christian.

God's ways are very different and much higher than the ways of the world (see Isaiah 55:8-9). If you spend precious quiet time with the Lord each day and continually study and meditate on His Word, your thoughts, words and actions will be much different than before you were saved. You will find that some friends, acquaintances and family members will oppose you (see Matthew 10:36). You are a threat to these people. If the things you are saying and doing are right, then they are wrong. Jesus said,

"...the world has hated them, because they are not of the world [do not belong to the world], just as I am not of the world." (John 17:14 AMP)

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# Worry and Anxiety

## Your Father is pleased when you do not give in to worry and anxiety.

The words "gentle and peaceful spirit" in the following verse of Scripture describe how your Father wants you to be deep within yourself. The words "anxious" and "wrought up" in the amplification describe how Satan wants you to be. You decide whether you will be the way your Father wants you to be or the way Satan wants you to be. If you live in God's peace, you will not worry about the problems you face. You will live in God's perfect peace if you focus continually on Him and trust Him completely (see Isaiah 26:3). This type of spirit is "precious in the sight of God."

"...a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God." (I Peter 3:4 AMP)

## Jesus gives specific advice to people who are chronic worriers.

Some people are chronic worriers. They are constantly worried and uptight about something. If you are a Christian and these words describe you, Jesus has one word for you – stop. The Word of God is filled with many specific instructions from God that tell you not to be worried, anxious or fearful. Learn to obey these instructions from your Father. Do not allow Satan's demons to get into your mind with their deceiving, worried, anxious and fearful thoughts. When an anxious thought comes, replace it with solid and totally dependable promises from the Word of God. Jesus said,

"...stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life..." (Matthew 6:25 AMP)

## Worry is nonfunctional. Worry is an absolute waste of time and effort.

Worry does not have any redeeming value. If you worry, you are spinning your wheels and going nowhere. When Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount, He explained that worry and anxiety are counterproductive. Jesus explained that worry accomplishes nothing when He said that worry and anxiety cannot add one inch to your height or one day to your life. You must not waste precious time and energy on worry and anxiety which are directly opposed to all teaching in the Word of God. Instead of worrying, your Father instructs you to focus continually on Him (see the topic titled FOCUS ON THE LORD). Jesus said,

"...who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?" (Matthew 6:27 AMP)

## Some people worry continually about the uncertainty of the future.

The world today is very unsettled. Unbelievers have good reason to be concerned about the very uncertain future. They have "no assurance" pertaining to the future. Many people are filled with doubt, dread and apprehension concerning the future. You must not worry about the uncertain future. Christians have many guarantees from the Word of God. Immerse yourself continually in God's Word.

"Your life shall hang in doubt before you; day and night you shall be worried, and have no assurance of your life. In the morning you shall say, Would that it were evening! and at evening you shall say, Would that it were morning! – because of the anxiety and dread of your [minds and] hearts and the sights which you shall see with your [own] eyes." (Deuteronomy 28:66-67 AMP)

## Continually fill your heart with encouragement from God's Word.

People who are worried have a heavy heart. Anxiety causes them to be discouraged. Your Father does not want you to allow the circumstances you face to take the courage out of you, but this is exactly what happens to people who are discouraged. The prefix "dis" means lack of. People who are discouraged lack courage. Instead of a heavy heart, your Father instructs you to have a glad heart because you constantly fill your heart with encouragement from the Word of God. The prefix "en" means in. You will be encouraged if you constantly put courage from God's supernatural living Word into your heart.

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad." (Proverbs 12:25 AMP)

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# Yield control to the Lord

## Jesus Christ has set you free from the selfish nature you were born with.

Please highlight or underline the words "all seek their own" in the following verse of Scripture. Every person is born with a desire to want to control his or her life. Obviously no one is born with a desire to do what Jesus Christ desires. The desire to live for Jesus is acquired, not inherited. As Christians grow and mature, they should have a constantly increasing desire to turn away from selfish desires to live as Jesus wants them to live. Jesus wants you to become more and more selfless to yield control of your life to the Holy Spirit Who lives in your heart.

"...all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." (Philippians 2:21 KJV)

## Your life belongs to Jesus Christ because of the price He paid for you.

Please highlight or underline the words "you are not your own" in the following passage of Scripture. Your life does not belong to you. Your life was "bought with a price" – the supreme sacrifice that Jesus made for you when He shed His precious blood at Calvary to pay the price for your sins. You are instructed to honor God by yielding control of your life to Him. Jesus will never attempt to force you to yield control of your life to Him, but He will bless you abundantly if you consistently allow Him to control your life.

"...know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV)

## Your life on earth should belong to Jesus just as your life in heaven will.

Please highlight or underline the words "none of us liveth to himself" in the following passage of Scripture. Jesus does not want anyone to pursue selfish desires. Mature Christians deny their own importance. You should gladly surrender control of your life to Jesus. He can do a much better job with your life than you can. There is no limit to what Jesus can do through yielded Christians who surrender totally to Him and trust Him completely with simple childlike trust. When you die and go to heaven, you should leave behind you a legacy of devoted service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." (Romans 14:7-8 KJV)

## You should willingly commit yourself to spiritual imprisonment.

The apostle Paul understood that his life no longer belonged to him. People on earth who are in prison are not there willingly. They were sent to prison for their crimes. Paul willingly became a "prisoner of Jesus Christ." He gladly relinquished control of his life to Jesus. You should have a constant awareness that the victorious Jesus Christ lives in your heart. You should have a deep and sincere desire to yield control of your life to Him. Great things will happen in you and through you if you get out of the way and allow Jesus to control your life. Paul referred to himself as,

"...I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ..." (Ephesians 3:1 KJV)

## Crucify your life to Jesus Christ as He willingly was crucified for you.

The apostle Paul shared in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when he died to his selfish desires. You should do the same. Jesus wants you to trust Him as your Savior. He also wants you to trust Him as the Lord of your life. You should be like Paul who said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me." The same Jesus Christ Who won the greatest victory in the history of the world lives in your heart. He will help you to live a disciplined life to serve Him effectively. Paul said,

"I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20 AMP)

## Willingly turn away from your God-given right to control your life.

Get out of the driver's seat. Trust Jesus completely to guide you every step of the way. You must understand that you often will be unable to do what must be done during seasons of severe adversity. You do not have the ability that is required. Jesus does have this ability. Begin each morning by giving your life to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you during the upcoming day whenever you take back control of your life. If you realize that you have taken control, admit your error, repent and yield your life to Jesus again. Jesus said,

"...If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]." (Luke 9:23 AMP)

## You should continually turn from the lower life to the higher life.

Unbelievers have no choice except to live entirely in the natural realm. Unfortunately, some Christians live all or most of their lives in the natural realm. Jesus instructs you to lose this "lower life" that He set you free from with His shed blood at Calvary. Jesus instructs you to "find the higher life." The lower life occurs when you are in control. The higher life occurs when Jesus is in control. The lower life comes easily to everyone. The higher life requires continual discipline on your part. Satan wants you to be self-centered. God wants you to be Christ-centered. You decide. Jesus said,

"...whoever loses his [lower] life on My account will find it [the higher life]." (Matthew 10:39 AMP)

## You will produce an abundant harvest if you consistently die to yourself.

Jesus compared dying to selfish desires to planting seeds. The greatest seed of all time was planted when Jesus died for your sins. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ ultimately will produce an enormous harvest of souls of Christians who will live eternally in heaven. If you continually die to yourself and your selfish desires and yield control of your life to Jesus, you will constantly plant potent spiritual seeds. You should turn away from the superficial ways of the world. Yield your life continually to Jesus Christ to produce an abundant harvest through you. Your Father will honor you in heaven for doing this. Jesus said,

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." (John 12:24-26 NIV)

## Surrender control of your life to Jesus Christ throughout each day.

Please highlight or underline the words "I die daily" in the following verse of Scripture. The apostle Paul emphasized that he died to his selfish desires continually throughout every day of his life. Throughout every morning, afternoon and evening, focus on willingly giving up control of your life to Jesus. As you grow and mature as a Christian, you will learn that many problems in your life occurred because you were in control. Crucify your self-centeredness constantly throughout each day and night of your life. Follow the example of the apostle Paul who said,

"...I die daily [I face death every day and die to self]." (I Corinthians 15:31 AMP)

## God is the potter. You are the clay. Allow Him to shape and mold you.

God created you exactly the way He wanted you to be. You have seen that He had a specific plan for every day of your life before He formed you in your mother's womb (see Psalm 139:16 and Ephesians 2:10). God created you with a will to choose. He gave you the right to control your own life. If He did not do this, every person would be a robot. The Bible teaches that God is the potter and you are the clay. Allow Him to shape you and mold you throughout every day of your life.

"...O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand." (Isaiah 64:8 KJV)

## The Holy Spirit wants to do more than just live in your heart.

All Christians receive the Holy Spirit when they receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Holy Spirit does not want to just be inside of you throughout your life on earth - He wants to direct and control your life. He can only do this to the degree that you turn away from selfish desires to gladly relinquish control to Him. You cannot become holy through human effort. Invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to do great things for God. You will live a holy life to the degree that He is in control because everything He does is holy.

"...walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God)." (Galatians 5:16 AMP)

## Some Christians think they are living a godly life when they are in control.

Many Christians live moral lives. They think they are living the way that God wants them to live. They do not understand or obey God's specific instructions about dying to self. They are doing their best to live what they perceive to be a good life. You must not make this mistake. You can only live a godly life to the degree that your life is controlled by the Holy Spirit. You should "walk by the Spirit" throughout every day of your life. Every aspect of your life should be "controlled by the Spirit."

"If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]" (Galatians 5:25 AMP)

## Gratify the Holy Spirit instead of gratifying your flesh.

You should have a continual consciousness of yielding control of your life to the Holy Spirit. You are an imperfect human being. You will take back control from time to time. If you are sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, you will hear Him telling you that you have taken control. Repent and yield control to Him. You should have a continual desire to gratify the Holy Spirit. Gladly relinquish control of your life to Him. Thank God for giving you the Holy Spirit to do in you, through you and for you what you cannot do yourself.

"...live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit]. For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit." (Romans 8:4-5 AMP)

## Do you allow the Holy Spirit to direct you and control you?

Please highlight or underline the words "direct and control you" in the following verse of Scripture. Nothing on earth is more meaningful, fulfilling and exciting than to have your life directed and controlled by the Holy Spirit. Most Christians at best yield control of their lives to the Holy Spirit some of the time. Study and meditate on the Scripture in this topic. If you meditate continually on these wonderful spiritual truths, you will steadily yield more and more control of your life to the Holy Spirit. You cannot make a better decision.

"...you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]..." (Romans 8:9 AMP)

## Freedom in the spiritual realm comes from complete surrender.

Freedom in the spiritual realm comes from the last place that unbelievers and immature Christians think that freedom comes from. Unbelievers think that freedom comes from doing what they want to do. Many people live by the words of the worldly song, "I'll Do It My Way." Christians should continually think and say, "I'll do it Your way, Lord." Many of the problems we face come from self-centered lives. The solution to these problems comes from your life being controlled by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will set you free to the degree that you yield control of your life to Him.

"...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (II Corinthians 3:17 NIV)

## You must not make the mistake of quenching the Holy Spirit.

The word "quench" means to subdue. You actually can subdue the mighty power of the Holy Spirit that is so great that He was able to raise Jesus Christ from the dead. How can you do this? You do this by insisting on your God-given right to control your own life and refusing to allow the Holy Spirit to control your life. The Holy Spirit can and will do great things in you, through you and for you only to the degree that you willingly yield control of your life to Him because you trust Him completely. Give the Holy Spirit the reins of your life.

"Quench not the Spirit" (I Thessalonians 5:19 KJV)

## You do not have the power and ability to control your life.

Please highlight or underline the words "not by might, nor by power" in the following verse of Scripture. Study and meditate on the Scripture in the topics titled HOLY SPIRIT and OMNIPOTENT GOD. The Holy Spirit can do a much better job than you can. You will not attempt to control your life if you truly appreciate the supernatural power and ability of the Holy Spirit. Prepare yourself in advance so you are ready when you suddenly are faced with seemingly unsolvable problems. Hopefully the Holy Spirit has been in control of your life throughout that day so that you will spontaneously turn to Him just as you have been doing.

"...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6 KJV)

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Return to Table of Contents

# Conclusion

We have written this book to help you to know your Father more intimately. The Bible is not just God's history. It is not just instructions and promises from God. The Bible is God's letter to His children.

Our goal is to help you walk with God and listen to Him and talk with Him. Our goal is for you to know God more intimately than you know anyone on earth.

Every verse of Scripture is alive with God's breath, with the blood of Jesus and with the Spirit of wisdom, might and power. Every verse contains the resurrection power of Jesus Christ Who overcame death for you.

We have given you a lot of scriptural information that has been presented to you in a simple and easy-to-understand conversational style. Hopefully you have followed the suggestion we gave you in the Introduction to read this book with a pen or a highlighter.

If you did, you now have a book that is completely personalized for you. You have highlighted or underlined facts from the holy Scriptures that are important to you. Hopefully you have put asterisks (*) next to the ones you really want to focus on. We hope you have written notes to yourself in the margins.

You have studied the Word of God if you have followed these suggestions during your first reading of this book. You now are ready to meditate on the specific Scripture that you have chosen by what you wrote or highlighted the first time you read this book.

We believe that the topics of heaven, hell and eternal salvation are by far the most important topics in this book. The facts about where you will live throughout eternity are vitally important. We believe that the scriptural facts on the topics titled THE LOVE OF GOD and MEDITATION ON SCRIPTURE contain information that will provide you with a solid scriptural foundation for your life.

We believe that learning everything you can about your Father's love for you should be the foundation of your life as a Christian. Once you have selected the specific passages of Scripture that you want to learn more about, we believe that Scripture meditation is vitally important.

Studying the Bible gets God's Word up from the printed pages of the Bible into your mind. Consistent Scripture meditation will cause this Scripture to drop from your mind down into your heart which is the key to your life (see Proverbs 4:20-23).

How do you meditate on the Word of God? Although other people can teach the Word of God to you, no one else can meditate on God's Word for you. We recommend that you begin by carefully studying all of the scriptural information in the topic titled MEDITATION ON SCRIPTURE. The best way to learn how to meditate on God's Word is to carefully study what the Bible tells you about Scripture meditation.

Whenever you meditate on any passage of Scripture, you should personalize this passage of Scripture. Treat the Scripture as a promise or instruction from God directly to you. When you meditate, visualize God speaking to you personally regarding this specific promise or instruction. Refuse to be blocked by the limitations of your human understanding.

There is no one way to meditate on Scripture. We believe that our Scripture Meditation Cards are a very effective way to meditate on Scripture. In the back of this book you will see a listing of our Scripture Meditation Cards.

You also can make up your own Scripture cards by taking Scripture from whatever topics in this book you want to study and putting them on your own personalized file cards. You can tailor-make your meditation to fit your personal goals. You can take these cards with you for daily meditation.

Please note that your Father has instructed you to meditate "day and night" on His Word in two key passages of Scripture – Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3. We believe that you should meditate during the day and night when things are going well in your life. We believe that you should meditate throughout the day and night whenever you have a severe problem. If you have a problem with your health, your finances or any of the other topics in this book, you should immerse yourself in Scripture pertaining to this specific topic throughout each day and night.

Open your mouth and boldly speak the Scripture you are meditating on. Put your name in it. Speak God's promises again and again. Apply these promises to the specific area(s) where you have a need. Speak specific promises from God in the first person. Do this again ... and again ... and again.

The Bible says that faith comes from hearing the Word of God (see Romans 10:17). We have learned that one of the most important aspects to increasing your faith in God is for your ears to hear your mouth continually speaking God's Word pertaining to whatever topic you have chosen.

Day after day, night after night, week after week and, if necessary, month after month and year after year, you should meditate on whatever Scripture you have chosen. You will release the supernatural power of Almighty God if you continually personalize Scripture and speak it boldly. As this Scripture meditation continues over a period of time, the Scripture you are meditating on will rise up inside of you.

Speak with conviction and expectancy when you meditate on Scripture. When you meditate on the Word of God, you actually are programming yourself similar to the way a computer is programmed. You are programming yourself with the supernatural power of God. You must not neglect the precious opportunity you have been given to program yourself each day and night with the Word of God.

Instead of using file cards, sometimes you might choose to carry this book with you. At an instant's notice, you can turn to any one of the ninety-four topics for immediate access to instructions and promises from God in whatever area you need. This book can assist you in specific areas of Bible study and Scripture meditation throughout the remainder of your life. You now have an unlimited opportunity to continually study and meditate on the supernatural living Word of God.

You will learn through trial and error what system of Bible study and Scripture meditation works best for you. You should use whatever method you choose to faithfully obey your Father's specific instructions to meditate day and night on His Word.

Continually immerse yourself in the Word of God. Take a daily spiritual bath in the cleansing power of God's Word. The cumulative effect of Scripture meditation over a period of months and years is enormous.

Take full advantage of our liberal quantity discount of fifty percent when you purchase more than ten books, Scripture Meditation Cards or CDs, or forty percent for five to nine books, Scripture Meditation Cards or CDs to share this book with people who are in your sphere of influence. See the order form in the back of this book for specific prices and discount information.

Pray about giving this book to every person you know who is an unbeliever. You cannot do anything that is more important to these people than to present them with factual information about where they will live throughout eternity. Urge them to carefully read pages 25 to 49. Pray continually that God will break through and draw each of these people to make the decision that will enable them to live eternally with Him in heaven (see John 6:44).

We pray that this book will be a tremendous blessing to you, your loved ones and to other people in your life. We invite you to be part of a team who receives our monthly newsletter and prays for us as we reach out to share God's Word with people all over the world. Please see our website www.lamplight.net for comments from people in many countries.

***~~~***

# A Few Words About Lamplight Ministries

Lamplight Ministries, Inc. originally began in 1983 as Lamplight Publications. After ten years as a publishing firm with a goal of selling Christian books Lamplight Ministries was founded in 1993. Jack and Judy Hartman founded Lamplight Ministries with a mission of continuing to sell their publications and also to give large numbers of these publications free of charge to needy people all over the world.

Lamplight Ministries was created to allow people who have been blessed by our publications to share in financing the translation, printing and distribution of our books into other languages and also to distribute our publications free of charge to jails and prisons. Over the years many partners of Lamplight Ministries have shared Jack and Judy's vision. As the years have gone by Lamplight Ministries' giving has increased with each passing year. Thousands of people in jails and prisons and in Third World countries have received our publications free of charge.

Our books and Scripture Meditation Cards have been translated into eleven foreign languages – Armenian, Danish, Greek, Hebrew, German, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and the Tamil dialect in India. The translations in these languages are not available from Lamplight Ministries in the United States. These translations can only be obtained in the countries where they have been printed.

The pastors of many churches in Third World countries have written to say that they consistently preach sermons in their churches based on the scriptural contents of our publications. We believe that people in several churches in many different countries consistently hear sermons that are based on the scriptural contents of our publications. Praise the Lord!

Jack Hartman was the sole author of twelve Christian books. After co-authoring one book with Judy, Jack and Judy co-authored ten sets of Scripture Meditation Cards. Judy's contributions to _God's Wisdom Is Available To You, Exchange Your Worries for God's Perfect Peace, Unshakable Faith in Almighty God, Receive Healing from the Lord, What Does God Say?, Victory over Adversity_ and _God's Joy Regardless of Circumstances_ were so significant that she is the co-author of these books. Jack and Judy currently are working on other books that they believe the Lord is leading them to write as co-authors.

We invite you to request our newsletters to stay in touch with us, to learn of our latest publications and to read comments from people all over the world. Please write, fax, call or email us. You are very special to us. We love you and thank God for you. Our heart is to take the gospel to the world and for our books to be available in every known language. Hallelujah!

Lamplight Ministries, Inc.,

PO Box 1307 - Dunedin, Florida, 34697. USA

Phone: 1-800-540-1597 • Fax: 1-727-784-2980

website: lamplight.net • email: lamplight@lamplight.net

# A request to our readers

If this book has helped you, we would like to receive your comments so that we can share them with others. Your comments can encourage other people to study our publications to learn from the scriptural contents of these publications.

When we receive a letter containing comments on any of our books, cassette tapes or Scripture Meditation Cards, we prayerfully take out excerpts from these letters. These selected excerpts are included in our newsletters and occasionally in our advertising and promotional materials.

If any of our publications have been a blessing to you, please share your comments with us so that we can share them with others. Tell us in your own words what a specific publication has meant to you and why you would recommend it to others. Please give as much specific information as possible. We prefer three or four paragraphs so that we can condense this into one paragraph.

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to encourage other people to learn from the scripture references in our publications.

# Books written by Jack Hartman

_Trust God for Your Finances_

What Will Heaven Be Like?

Never, Never Give Up

How to Study the Bible

Quiet Confidence in the Lord

One Hundred Years from Today

Nuggets of Faith

God's Will for Your Life

# Books co-authored by Jack and Judy Hartman

You Can Hear the Voice of God

Effective Prayer

Overcoming Fear

A Close and Intimate Relationship with God

God's Joy Regardless of Circumstances

Victory Over Adversity

What Does God Say?

Receive Healing from the Lord

Unshakable Faith in Almighty God

Exchange Your Worries for God's Perfect Peace

God's Wisdom Is Available to You

Increased Energy and Vitality

# Scripture Meditation Cards co-authored by Jack and Judy Hartman

Receive Healing from the Lord

Freedom from Worry and Fear

Enjoy God's Wonderful Peace

God Is Always with You

Continually Increasing Faith in God

Receive God's Blessings in Adversity

Financial Instructions from God

Find God's Will for Your Life

A Closer Relationship with the Lord

Our Father's Wonderful Love

Effective Prayer

We invite you to visit our website: http://www.lamplight.net. You also can see all of our other Bible-based books with the first chapter of each book free for you to read. You can sign up to receive our free monthly newsletter either by mail or by email, to receive a daily Devotional from one of our Scripture Meditation Cards or a free weekly download of a Bible teaching.

Jack and Judy Hartman

Lamplight Ministries Inc

PO Box 1307

Dunedin, Florida 34697-2921

Telephone: 1-800-540-1597

FAX: 1-727-784-2980

Website: lamplight.net

Email: lamplight@lamplight.net
