

Your Preparation Towards Eternity!

### Prepare To Meet Your God!!!

D K OKINE
Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Prepare To Meet Your God by D K OKINE

Published by David K Okine at Smashwords.

Copyright 2020 D K OKINE

Smashwords Edition.

First Edition published D K Okine at Smashwords 2020

Find out more about D K Okine at:

United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC)

Durban, South Africa

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Synopsis

"Prepare To Meet Your God" is an outstanding and a much needed literature for both Christians and non-Christians alike.

The journey towards eternity is a reality that every one of us must and will face soon enough. It is therefore only prudent on our side to prepare ourselves regardless of our colour or race; for death does not consider your race or the colour of your skin.

"Prepare To Meet Your God" will show you how to adequately prepare yourself for the obvious fate of all men "Meeting your Creator". It is only wise to know what will happen to you on the other side after your time on earth has elapsed.

It is time for you to "Prepare To Meet Your God".

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my friend Lady Pastor Dr Thuli Magagula.

It is with much honour I dedicate this work to you.

Thank you for believing in me and the many years of your commitment and unwavering support.
Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Prepare To Meet Your God

Chapter 2 Who Then Is God That I Should Prepare To Meet Him?

Chapter 3 Why Is It So Important To Prepare To Meet God?

Chapter 4 How Can A Christian Prepare Himself To Meet God?

Chapter 5 How Can An Unbeliever Prepare Himself To Meet God?

Chapter 6 The Different Seasons You Can Prepare To Meet God

Chapter 7 Be Prepare To Present Your Labours.

Chapter 8. Fifteen Ordinary People And How Their Efforts Were Noticed

Chapter 9 Be Prepare To Present Your Works.

Chapter 10 Fulfill Your Ministry By Doing The Works of God

Chapter 11 Ten Powerful Reasons Why You Must Get Involved In The Work Of God

Chapter 12 The Day Is The Only Opportunity You Can And Must Work For God

Chapter 13 The Night Is The Only Season You Cannot Work For God Even If You Wanted To

Chapter 14 The Wisdom Key Of Acceptance

About D K OKINE

Other Titles By D K OKINE
Chapter 1

Prepare To Meet Your God

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

Amos 4:12

This is a prophecy God gave to the prophet Amos concerning his people Israel and this prophecy carried a very specific instruction "prepare to meet your God".

The aim of this book is to help every reader clearly understand the purpose of this instruction, what it means to prepare to meet God, what are the things needed in our preparation to meet God and how every individual can get himself ready to meet God.

What Does It Mean To Prepare?

1. To set up yourself correctly.

2. To establish yourself in certain things in anticipation.

3. To render sure services necessary to help you achieve.

4. To make necessary provision.

5. To be ready.

6. To aright yourself.

7. To make yourself ready to encounter.

In the following examples, we are going to see how certain individuals in biblical history were "prepared" or "not prepared" to meet God. We would see how some people had to "set themselves up correctly" and how others could not "get themselves ready", not forgetting those who did not even bother or believe in "preparing to meet God".

Our aim here is to glean wisdom from their way of life to correct our lives if we have to, make a U-turn concerning certain decisions, goals and aspirations we have and to set ourselves up properly to meet God.

15 Examples of How Certain Individuals Prepared Themselves To Meet God

1. The Foolish Rich Man- Eating, Drinking and Building More Houses

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully and he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, this will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Luke 12:15-21

This is a clear example of our modern day era, many are working tirelessly in every effort to build for themselves and their families "barns" and "greater barns" and to store up much treasure for the future not taking into account the need to acknowledge God nor the opportunity to prepare to meet God.

What was the outcome of the life of this rich man who doubtless was a very diligent and resourceful man but without God in his life?

Those who do not prepare to meet God will only end up in hell, being rejected and condemned just like this rich man. Be wise!

2. The Rich Ruler Who Lacked Only One Thing In His Preparation.

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:18-25

As in this example, in our preparation to meet God, there might be only one thing that will disqualify us or keep us from being justified before God. This "very rich ruler" qualified on all accounts in his preparation but one; his unwillingness to pay the ultimate price to become a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For him to be able to follow Jesus Christ as a true disciple, he had to let go of the dominion that his riches and wealth had over him. This was the final test he had to pass, the final prince he had to pay.

What is holding you back? Sometimes it may be a relationship, a boyfriend, an old girlfriend, the pursuit of wealth or your relentless and obsessive desire to attain a particular status in worldly things. God is talking to you now as you read this book.

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.

Mathew 6:19-21

Preparing to meet God is having the ability to sacrifice and give up certain things for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Preparing to meet God is akin to becoming rich towards God.

3. The Life of Ten Virgins and Their Lamps

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mathew 25:1-13

This story depicts these few lessons;

a. Christians and our readiness in preparation to meet the Lord Jesus Christ one day.

b. Different ministers and their levels of preparation and readiness to meet the Lord Jesus Christ our bridegroom.

c. The missing ingredient which is needed to keep us ready in our preparation to meet God.

d. The importance of wisdom and the time factor in our preparation to meet God.

e. It is only those who are found ready and prepared to meet God will go into the marriage.

f. The importance of being prudent as a Christian.

g. How necessary and important is it to stay focused and know how to keep yourself ready for God.

The lamps as indicated from the scripture above can be described as that which gives you direction and guidance in your life in this dark world.

There are things that gives us direction;

a. The Word of God is described as that which gives us a clear vision to our destinies.

b. The ministry that God has given you can be described as the lamp God has given you. Therefore take up your ministry and run with it.

c. The gifts and talents that God has manifested in your life can also be described as the lamps that God has given you. You have to make your light shine!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

Furthermore, some of the virgins were described as foolish because they did not carry extra oil in their lamps to last them while they waited to meet God. In our preparation to meet God, carrying our lamps may not enough; we need something extra which is the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lamps.

The oil which makes our lamps burn brighter and last longer as we wait for our Lord Jesus Christ is the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Without the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit as the extra oil in your lamp, you would not last long as a Christian, you would not last long as a minister in your preparation to meet God.

This is the reason why you cannot be a good Christian without a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Isaiah 58:11

Preparing to meet God is becoming a wise and prudent Christian whose aim is to make it to heaven.

4. The King of Israel prepared to meet God.

Throughout scripture, there is only one man who was ever described as a "man after God's own heart". King David was also described as the man who fulfilled all the will of God for his life. King David is a perfect example of a man who was full of flaws and weaknesses but he determined to obey God and fulfill ALL the will of God for his life.

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

Act 13:22

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: with whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

Psalm 89:20-21

King David is a very good example of an ordinary man who used his life to prepare to meet his creator. No wonder he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor and has been given an everlasting name both on earth and in heaven. We can follow his good example!

Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead.

1Chronicles 29:26 -28

Preparing to meet God is akin to living your life for God and fulfilling the will of God for your life.

5. The Rich Man Clothed In Purple and Fine Linen

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Luke 16:19-25

This is yet another example of a rich man who only wore the finest clothes, fed sumptuously every day and blindly forgot about the needs of others especially the less fortunate whom he could help. This rich man was only concerned about his wellbeing and cared less for others especially the beggar who permanently lived right in front of his gate, hungry and full of sores.

The rich man who probably had the best medical aid and the best health care eventually died and to his surprise, he ended up in Hell. This rich man as is the case of most rich and affluent people did not believe in God neither did he give a hoot about the reality of heaven or hell.

Preparing to meet God is preparing to end up either in Heaven of Hell. Learn from this self-centered rich man and advice yourself!

6. The Poor Man Named Lazarus

Both the rich and the poor alike will meet their creator eventually. Affluence or depravity in this world does not secure eternal benefits or condemnation. Poor people will also end up in Hell if they don't believe in the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ. From the story below, we are going to see how Brother Lazarus though he was a pauper, believed in God and prepared himself to meet his creator.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried.

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Luke 16:19-25

As is the lot of many people, Lazarus barely had enough to eat, he could only desire the crumbs which fell of this rich man's table every day. Lazarus though being poor and deprived believed in God and prepared to meet God in his lack and deprivation.

What was even worse for Lazarus was that this wicked and heartless rich man probably allowed his dogs to have their fill of blood from Lazarus's sores which might have eventually led to his death.

Though this man was deprived of good things in his lifetime, he made sure to receive comfort in eternity by preparing his heart to meet God. Preparing to meet God is preparing to receive comfort or torment. Prepare wisely!

7. The Thief Who Made A Very Wise Choice At His Death

This is an awesome testimony. This is yet another clear example teaching us about not wasting the opportunities we have in our preparation to meet God. This young man who was a condemned thief had the opportunity to believe in Jesus Christ at the last hour. This thief knew he deserved the punishment of death and was condemned to hell but in his final moments on earth, he made a very quick and a very wise decision that rescued him from Hell into the Kingdom of God. Glory be to God.

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, if thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Luke 23:39-43

This thief who was crucified alongside our Lord Jesus Christ had little time to prepare before his death. He was wise enough to know that the only way he could prepare to meet God was to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and to accept the Kingdom of God at that very moment. Preparing to meet God involves making a wise choice before your death.

8. The Disciples of Jesus Christ

By paying the highest price in Christianity which is the price of true discipleship, the followers of Jesus Christ obtained the access to eternal life.

Then Peter began to say unto him, lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Mark 10:28-30

For the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, their preparation was in taking up the opportunity and the responsibility to place all else second to the highest calling of God in Christ Jesus. You can be well prepared to meet God by being paying the highest price in Christianity; the cost of discipleship.

9. The Woman With Her Alabaster Box

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. And there were some that had indignation within themselves, and said, why was this waste of the ointment made? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor.

And they murmured against her. And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

Mark 14:3-9

This woman's preparation was to value the Son of God and offer her best and most precious treasure to Jesus Christ at the right time. As the scripture reference says "she has done what she could" and that was good enough for heaven to take note of her and for her to become a memorial before God.

What do you have to offer to the Lord Jesus Christ or to his body which is the church? What good work must you perform for Jesus Christ and his body which is the church? What good works has God asked you to do?

Preparing to meet God is equivalent to attempting and accomplishing the great things for God. Get to it!

10. The Woman who had Five Husbands and One boyfriend

Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.

Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.

Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? Or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.

John 4:16-30

A well-known prostitute had her destiny changed in a day and became a city-wide revivalist only because she believed that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; and said unto the woman, now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

John 4:39-42

Her preparation was to believe in Jesus Christ and share her personal testimony of her encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

11. The Young Man called Stephen

Stephen was a young man who died for what he believed. He prepared to meet God by doing the following things.

a. Serving as an usher in the early church. Acts 6:2-5

b. By being full of the faith and power. Acts 6:8

c. By being full of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6:5

d. By being full of wisdom. Acts 6:10

e. By being full of the anointing. Acts 6:10

f. By being a faithful witness. Acts 7:1-54

g. By being connected to heaven. Acts 7:56

h. By fulfilling his ministry. Acts 7:55

i. By having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 7:59

j. By dying to fulfil his ministry. Acts 7:60

Preparing to meet God is getting yourself actively involved in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ and becoming a major asset to the Kingdom of God. Become an asset to God.

12. The Three Special Women.

The Apostle Luke had to make mention of these women who were very special to the Lord Jesus Christ. These three sisters were Magdalene, Susanna and Joanna Chuza the wife of a famous politician.

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him. And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils. And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Luke 8:1-3

These ladies prepared to meet God by ministering to the Lord Jesus Christ out of their own substance. A special significance was given to Joanna the wife of Mr. Chuza, a man who held the office of commissioner in King Herod's regime.

Contrary to what most politicians and their families do, Joanna Chuza, the wife of an influential politician was wise enough to use her influence and her riches to support the evangelistic ministry of Jesus Christ. This was enough for her to gain access to the Kingdom of God.

Preparing to meet God is using your wealth and influence to help accomplish the things of God.

13. The Ethiopian Minister of Finance and Treasury

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, how can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? Of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Act 8:27-39

Preparing to meet God is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Preparing to meet God is practicing the Word of God.

14. The Prison Warden

And 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. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.

Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Act 16:25-34

This is one of the most amazing testimonies outlined in the Scriptures. This prison warden met the true and living God at the midnight hour. In his line of duty he came across two strange men so confident about their belief and their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ so much that although these two fanatics were in jail, bound in chains they still praised and worshiped God to the hearing of the other prisoners.

Can you imagine yourself in a similar situation? How would you react? The prison warden met God through at a very odd hour and acted quickly to get his entire family saved before the break of dawn, lest the opportunity would have been lost.

Preparing to meet God is acknowledging the people God sends into your life for wisdom, direction, guidance and finding the will of God for yourself and your family.

15. Saul The Religious Zealot

And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:1-6

Isn't it astonishing reading all these different accounts of individuals just like you and me and how they met God through and their decisions thereafter? My heart burns within me to see millions of souls saved through my ministry.

Saul, a dignified political and religious murderer, who all along thought he was on the right path and was "carrying out the will of God" by killing infidels and those who were tarnishing the name of the one he wrongly believed as God. He met his match when he met the true and living God through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ the Son of God.

I know there are millions of people just like Saul of Tarsus carrying all forms of atrocious acts all in the name of religion. And just like Saul of Tarsus, all they need is an undeniable personal encounter with God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit which would turn them into the right direction to fight the good fight of faith.

And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Acts 9:5

A personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit would have the same effect on millions of souls today who have believed in a false God as it had on Saul of Tarsus. An encounter like that would cause them to;

a. Tremble (the fear of God)

b. Be astonished (self-realization)

c. Be born-again (totally transformed)

d. Be able to hear the voice of God personally (the beginning of a relationship with God)

e. Be willing and ready to obey and follow the Lord and his ways.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:6

In summary;

1. Preparing to meet God is being strong in the convictions God has given you.

2. Preparing to meet God is akin to taking up the mission of God for your life first.

3. You preparedness to meet God is dependent on your ability to listen to and receive the different directions and instructions God gives you through his servants.

4. Preparing to meet God is having the ability to do the things you are told to do according to the will of God.

These are just a few examples of ordinary people like you and me from different backgrounds whose lives were totally transformed after the realizing that they had to meet God, though some were too late for change.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

Hebrews 9:27

It is worth mentioning that all these people whose cases we have just analyzed were ordinary people like you and me. Some took their preparation seriously, others were totally ignorant, some decided to ignore the warnings of God and yet still others were transformed at the point of their death. The decision is yours today! Choose wisely....

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Corinthians 10:11
Chapter 2

Who Then Is God That I Should Prepare To Meet Him?

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

Different people from different cultures describe God the Creator in so many ways but for the Christian, God the Creator is our Heavenly Father and it is possible to know Him by having a relationship with his Holy Spirit, through fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ and through the revelations of His holy word the Bible.

Preparing to meet God is very different from preparing to meet your husband, wife, uncle or any other person for that matter.

In this chapter, we will discover who God is and in the next chapter we would seek to understand why it is so important for every individual to prepare adequately to meet Him.

1. God Is The Source And The Beginning Of All Life.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

Our very first knowledge and reference to the existence of God as found in the scriptural reference Genesis chapter 1 is the Hebrew phrase "el-o-heem' " which is translated as;

a. The God-head

b. The Supreme God

c. The Mighty deity

Now we understand that this "el-o-heem'" is the source of creation, not only of the human race but for the entire existence referred to as "the heavens and the earths". I make reference to "the heavens and the earth" because the original Hebrew word translated as "heaven" is the word "shâmayim shâmeh" which literally means;

a. The skies (the visible arch in which the clouds move)

b. The skies (the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve)

From the scripture reference Genesis 1 verses 1, the word translated as "the earth" is the original Hebrew word "'erets" which is literally translated as "the firm". The phrase "the firm" has also been understood and translated as;

a. Lands

b. Earth

c. Fields

d. Grounds

e. Wilderness

f. Worlds

This discovery enables us to clearly see and understand that "el-o-heem'" who is God brought into existence the entire creation (the universe) made up of the heavens and the earths. It is no wonder that scientists are still discovering various planets, various celestial bodies, and various amazing and awesome existence in the universe.

2. God Created and Formed Man-Kind and All Living Things.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Genesis 2:7

The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Job 33:4

And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

And God said, let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and everything that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:21-25

As against recent and popular beliefs that man evolved from apes and the earth as we know it came into existence as a result of a "big bang" several billions of years ago, we as Christians understand from scriptures the origin of every form and type of life and the origin of the human race. Man was formed, molded, designed into shape and made into a living being by the Lord God.

"El-o-heem'" can also be described as the Lord who is God (yeh-ho-vaw' el-o-heem') literally translated as the self-existing and eternal God.

3. God Who Created Man Also Placed Man Upon The Earth.

And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Genesis 2:8

It is interesting to know how much God cares for mankind his creation from the beginning. God actually created man and made a beautiful country upon the earth called "'êden" for the first man.

Preparing to meet God is preparing to meet your creator, the one who formed you, created you, gave you life and placed you on earth. One day, it will be time to meet Him again. One day, we will all meet the creator and this is a reality humanity must face. Is God going to be happy with you or not? Remember He created you and has every power to judge you.

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelations 20:12

4. God Is Man's Very First Friend, The First Person Man Ever Had A Relationship With.

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.

Genesis 2:16

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

After man was created and became a living soul, God was the first person man ever had a relationship with. And the first people alive on earth had a relationship with the voice and the presence of God.

The word "commanded" as indicated from the scriptural reference above is the original Hebrew word "tsâvâh " which is translated as;

a. To appoint

b. To send a message

c. To give a charge

d. To communicate

e. To instruct

This means that the very first relationship ever to be recorded in existence is the relationship between God and man. The same way a child's first ever relationship is with its mother at birth, so is mankind's first ever relationship is with his creator.

Preparing to meet God is preparing to meet the first person you ever had a relationship with. I am definitely sure we can all recollect the very first person we fell in-love with or had a genuine relationship with. It's time to return to our first-love. Prepare to meet God.

5. God Is The First And Only Person Who Is Able And Capable To Meet All The Needs Of Mankind.

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat.

Genesis 2:16

Man had been created and formed as a living soul and there was a need to satisfy the hunger of that soul with food. In the same way God satisfied the hunger of the first man for free by providing him with food, so our heavenly father supplies the needs of mankind daily.

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth (supplies) us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Psalm 68:19

10 Provisions God Supplies To All His Creation

A. The Breath Of Life.

And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Genesis 2:7

B. The Supply Of Continuous Life.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me (kept me alive).

Psalm 3:5

C. The Sun To Give Light By The Day And The Moon To Give Light At Night.

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:14-18

D. The Supply Of Food For The Sustenance Of Every Form Of Life.

And God said, behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in there is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Genesis 1:29-30

E. The Blessing Of Procreation And Multiplication.

And God said, Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. And God created the great sea-monsters, and every living creature that moveth, wherewith the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind: and God saw that it was good.

And God blessed them, saying, be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth. And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

And God said, let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind: and it was so.

Genesis 1:20-24

F. The Daily Supply Of Cold And Heat.

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22

G. The Supply Of Different Seasons For All Living Things.

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Genesis 8:22

H. The Daily Provision Of Time For All Living Things.

For everything there is a season, and a time for very purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastics 3:1-8

I. The Blessing Of Having Different Generations.

One generation goeth, and another generation cometh; but the earth abideth forever.

Ecclesiastics 1:4

J. The Blessing Of The Power Of Choices.

God has allowed and given every living thing the power of choice. One day it will be time to meet the one who supplies you with all the necessities of your life. One day it will be time to meet the God who has been supplying you with breath, life, and sustenance since you existed. Are you prepared to meet this God?

6. God Is The One Who Placed Man On Earth With A Purpose And For A Purpose.

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

Genesis 2:15

God gave the first man the responsibility of dressing and keeping the Garden of Eden and God has also placed you on earth to fulfill a specific purpose. Have you discovered your purpose on earth? Will you will fulfill your purpose before you exit this earth?

Preparing to meet God is fulfilling the purpose for which God placed you in this world before you meet Him.

It is also a great error to discover your purpose and in fulfilling your purpose, you neglect your relationship with God. Although the first man was up to his task of dressing and keeping the Garden of Eden, he still maintained a very good relationship with his creator.

This is one of the grievous mistakes some Christians make and they would only realize it after it is too late.

7. God Is The One Who Placed Man On The Earth, And has Given Mankind The Liberty Of Choice And Stipulated The Consequences Of Our Choices.

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 2:15 -17

God who put you upon this earth, freely given you sustenance for you to live on earth, given your life a specific purpose has also allowed you to make choices with your life and live with the consequences of your choice.

God gave the first man on earth the free choice to obey or disobey the word of God his creator; the instruction was very clear and the consequences of faltering it was also distinctively stipulated.

Preparing to meet God is obeying the word of God that pertains to the different aspects for your life on earth.

8. God Is The One Who Provides You With The Necessary Help You Need To Fulfill Your Purpose.

And the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Genesis 2:18

The phrase "an help meet" is the Hebrew "'êzer" which is literally expressed as "the necessary help needed". God can send you the required and necessary help you need to fulfill your God given task. The creator provided from the first man the necessary help he needed to fulfill his God-given task.

9. God Is The One Who Instituted Woman For Man And Established The Institution Of Marriage.

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Genesis 2:22-25

The creator himself established the pattern and created a woman for a man and not a man for man or a woman for woman or animals for mankind. Any persons who have changed this order or encourage others to change the order that God the creator in his wisdom has established should prepare themselves to meet God.

10. God Is The One Who Has Power To Drive Man Out Or Restore Man Into Eternal Life.

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Genesis 3:23 -24

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God sent not the Son into the world to judge the world; but that the world should be saved through him.

John 3:16-17
Chapter 3

Why Is It So Important To Prepare To Meet God?

Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

Amos 4:12

7 Powerful Reasons Why You Must Prepare To Meet God

1. It is important to prepare to meet God because He is judge of all; the one who will expose all hidden secrets, real truths, the real motives and intentions of our actions.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1Corinthians 4:5

2. It is important to prepare to meet God because He is the only one who is able to destroy both the soul and body of men into Hell.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mathew 10:28

3. It is important to prepare to meet God because everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give account of himself to God.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Romans 14:10-12

4. It is important to prepare to meet God because you would not want to experience the terror of the Lord.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:10-11

5. It is important to prepare to meet God because whether we like it nor not, we will all stand before the ultimate judge of all and acknowledge Him as God.

But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Romans 14:10-12

6. It is important to prepare to meet God because God is a rewarded of those who seek and serve him.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

Then Peter began to say unto him, lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Mark 10:28-31

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:17

7. It is important to prepare to meet God because God is the one who will determine where you would spend eternity; Heaven or Hell.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Mathew 25:31-34; 41
Chapter 4

How Can A Christian Prepare Himself To Meet God?

For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Romans 11:21-22

From this scripture, we can clearly see the two sides of God;

1. The goodness of God

2. The severity of God.

Secondly, this scripture also tells us that God did not spared some people but took a firm decision to completely cut them off. Is this God? I thought God was a loving Heavenly Father and a good God! Can He be so heartless and so barbaric?

Yes, preparing to meet God is preparing to either experience His goodness or His severity. Be wise!!!

Understanding the scripture above, I believe every Christian would like to experience only the goodness of God and not the severity of God. There are certain important requirements necessary to make us ready enough to meet our God. Join me on the journey to uncover these 7 important keys.

7 Practical Ways A Christian Can Prepare To Meet God.

1. Put On The Right Garments.

2. To Have Extra Oil In Your Vessel.

3. Have A Personal Relationship With The Lord Jesus Christ (Mathew 7:23)

4. Do The Will of The Father In Heaven (Mathew 7:21)

5. Bear Good Fruits (Mathew 7:20)

6. Be A Good And A Faithful Servant Of God (Mathew 25:21)

7. Have Your Labours And Your Works Ready (Revelations 14:13)

What It Means To Put On The Right Garments

The 10 Types of Garments Every Christian Must Put On

There are different types of garments a Christian must put on in his readiness to meet God. Below are a few outline throughout scriptures;

i. The Garments of Holiness.

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14

ii. The Garments of Salvation.

I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

iii. The Robes of Righteousness.

I will greatly rejoice in Jehovah, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with a garland, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

iv. The Garments of the Anointing.

Let thy garments be always white; and let not thy head lack oil.

Ecclesiastics 9:8

v. The Overcomers Clothes.

He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and be-fore his angels.

Revelations 3:5

vi. The Wedding Garment for the marriage feast.

Then saith he to his servants, the wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore unto the partings of the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage feast. And those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless.

Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few chosen.

Mathew 22:7-13

vii. Robes made white in the blood of the Lamb.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, these that are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and whence came they? And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelations 7:13-14

viii. Put on the Garment Jesus Christ

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

Romans 13:14

ix. The Garment of Baptism that enables you to put on Christ.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.

Galatians 3:27

x. The Garment of Humility.

Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life.

Proverbs 22:4

What It Means To Take Extra Oil In Your Vessel

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight there was a cry made, behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Mathew 25:1-13

a. To take extra oil in your vessel is to have the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

b. To take extra oil is to acquire additional knowledge.

c. To take extra oil is to possess extra qualities that would make you last longer as a Christian.

d. To take extra oil is to prepare for any delays and any form of emergencies as you wait.

e. To take extra oil is to be prudent, wise and prepare for the future.

f. To take extra oil is to have that which does not cause you to burn-out your lamp.

g. To take extra oil is to understand the principle to taking heed to yourself first. Acts 20:28.

What It Means To Have A Personal Relationship With The Lord Jesus Christ

i. To have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is to have the grace to do the will of God for your life.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mathew 7:21

ii. To have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is to be a servant of God who fears God and avoids all forms of evil.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:21-23

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Job 1:8

iii. To have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is to have the ability to hear and to do what the Lord Jesus Christ tells you to do.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.

Mathew 7:24

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Mathew 15:8

iv. To have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is to have a Shepherd-Sheep relationship with him.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

John 10:14

v. To have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is to invite him into your life.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Revelations 3:20

What It Means To Do The Will Of The Father In Heaven

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:21-23

a. To do the will of God is to be obedient to the Heavenly vision God has given you.

And I said, who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

Act 26:15-19

b. To do the will of God is to perform all that God has put in your heart to do for His Kingdom.

That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains. And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying, go and tell my servant David, thus saith the LORD, shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?

2Samuel 7:2-5

c. To do the will of God is to make sure you fulfill your ministry and your calling.

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.

1Corinthians 1:26-27

What It Means To Bear Good Fruits

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mathew 7:16-20

i. To bear good fruits to yield excellent results in your Christian life.

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Mathew 12:35

ii. To bear good fruits is exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

iii. To bear good fruits is to bear the fruits of righteousness which is soul winning.

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:30

iv. To bear good fruit is to shine through the wisdom of God.

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Daniel 12:3

v. To bear good fruits is to let the light that God has given you shine before men.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mathew 5:16

vi. To bear good fruits is to produce good works.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Mathew 5:16

vii. To bear good fruits is to be filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:11

What It Means To Become A Good And A Faithful Servant

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:19-21

a. To be a good and faithful servant is to have the ability to use your talents to serve God for a long time.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

Mathew 25:19

b. To be a good and faithful servant is to have the ability to remain a servant of God for a long time.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

Mathew 25:19

c. To be a good and faithful servant is to have the ability to have a relationship with the Lord for a very long time.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents...

Mathew 25:19-20

d. To be a good and faithful servant is to still acknowledge after a long time that the gifts and talents you have you received from the Lord.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents.

Mathew 25:19-20

e. To be a good and faithful servant is to have the ability to develop more gifts and more talents.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents

Mathew 25:19-20

f. To be a good and faithful servant is to be profitable in the ministry that God has given you.

His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faith-ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:21

g. To be a good and faithful servant is to be able to oversee and take care of the few responsibilities that you have been given for a long time.

His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:21

You Can Be Prepared To Meet God Through Your Labors And Your Works

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.

Revelations 14:13

And I intreat thee also, true yoke fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:3
Chapter 5

How Can An Unbeliever Prepare Himself To Meet God?

Firstly, I need to establish the fact that as we go through these teachings, we have one aim; to get ourselves adequately prepared for the day we would meet our creator.

Who Then Is An Unbeliever?

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

Revelations 21:8

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?

2Corinthians 6:15

The word "unbeliever" is from the Greek word "apistos" which is translated as;

a. An infidel

b. A person without the Christian faith

c. A heathen

d. A faithless person

e. A person who does not believe in God

This clearly states that an unbeliever is a person who does not believe if Jesus Christ as the Son of God, nor in the salvation in God which comes only through believing and accepting him as your Lord and personal saviour.

The scriptures clearly indicates that both Christians and unbelievers alike will stand before God and everyone will account for their lives. You and I will stand before God, the creator of the whole universe to be judged whether you believe it or not.

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.

Mathew 25:32

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelations 20:12

There will be a day, the day when the whole human creation will appear before God. That is the day when there will be a clear distinction, there will be two groups; the sheep or the goats, believers or unbelievers, those who will experience salvation or those who will be damned. The choice is yours so choose wisely! So then, how can an infidel and an unbeliever prepare for the day when he would appear before God?

How Can An Unbeliever Prepare To Meet God?

1. By Believing In The Way Of Salvation That God Has Provided.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 5:24

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

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

Hebrews 2:3

2. By Repenting Of Their Sins And Believing The Gospel In Time.

And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 1:15

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:3

3. By Repenting, Converting, Turning To God And Doing Works Meet For Repentance.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Acts 3:19

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Acts 26:18-20

4. By Believing In Jesus Christ And Being Baptized In His Name.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mark 16:16

5. By Confessing With Your Mouth Your Faith In Jesus Christ And Believing In Your Heart That Salvation Only Comes From The Son Of God.

That 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.

Romans 10:9

6. Having A Personal Relationship With Jesus Christ Through The Holy Spirit.

Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:21-23

7. By Giving Up The Hold That Money And Wealth Has Over Them.

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is, God.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, honour thy father and thy mother.

And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, how hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:18-25
Chapter 6

The Different Seasons You Can Prepare To Meet God

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastics 3:1-8

God, the creator has in his own wisdom set time limits to everything under the sun. Interestingly enough the statement "a time to be born and a time to die" is the first scriptural reference to time.

King Solomon, the writer of the book of Ecclesiastics clearly indicated that because God shall judge the righteous and the wicked therefore there is a time to prepare for every purpose and for every work including our works for eternity.

I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.

Ecclesiastics 3:17

The Different Seasons of your Preparation

a. Preparing to meet God as a child

b. Preparing to meet God as a youth

c. Preparing to meet God as an adult

Preparing To Meet God As A Child

3 Major Ways A Child Can Prepare To Meet God.

1. By knowing about God by learning and memorizing the Holy Scriptures.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:15

Children are able to learn, understand and get to know the Lord through the Holy Scriptures and therefore are eligible for salvation in Christ Jesus. The children must be intentionally taught about God, salvation and the need to have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit.

In our modern era, children are taught to sing all sorts of profane songs, taught to be bi-sexually minded and to have a transgender nature, so why not bring up your own children and the children under your care in the knowledge and in the fear of the Lord?

2. By being taught and trained in the ways of God.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Proper training must be provided for children. I always remember my Sunday school teacher "teacher Edna" who not only taught us the word of God but trained us in the memorizing of the scriptures.

I was trained in knowing all the names of the 66 books in the bible by heard and where to find them. We use to have scripture games like "quote-and-i-quote", sword-drill, and bible quizzes. All of these in-depth training churned me out to be a Christina with a deeper knowledge of the word of God.

3. By allowing and enforcing Children to be engaged in Kingdom activities.

Our Lord Jesus Christ also taught through examples the urgent need for children to be welcomed and allowed not only into the Kingdom of God and the things of God but to have a very personal relationship with himself Jesus Christ.

But Jesus said, allow little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Mathew 19:14

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, allow the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:14

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, allow the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Luke 18:16

God expect children to also prepare to meet Him. The preparation of children greatly depends on their parents, guardians or caretakers. How a child would turn up as a youth and as an adult mostly depends on the type of training and exposure he or she received as a child.

This is the reason why God instructs parents, guardians or caretakers to allow and train up children in the way they should go; having a vision, a purpose and the knowledge of God their lives.

Preparing To Meet God As A Young Person

Youth represents adolescence, it also represents the years of your maximum strength, fitness, intelligence and the height of the expression of your desires and ambitions. As such, it is the best season of your life to be alive to God.

Unfortunately, many young people have disregarded the knowledge of God and the will of God for their lives and have been blinded by the god of this world.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2Corinthians 4:4

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

I John 2: 14

How Can A Young Person Prepare To Meet God?

1. By remembering his creator in his youth.

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low.

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Ecclesiastics 12:1-5

2. By making a decisive choice not loving the things of this world

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

1John 2:15-17

3. By separating himself from ungodly company

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

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psalm 1:1 -6

4. By understanding that beauty is vain and charm is deceitful.

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

Proverbs 31:30

5. By setting our affections on spiritual goals, aims and ambitions.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:2

6. By seeking the wisdom of the Word of God early enough.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

Proverbs 8:17-21

7. By searching for God and obeying His word.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.

With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.

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 119:9-16

8. Be being a good example of a believer

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1Timothy 4:12

9. By Loving the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind

And Jesus answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

Mark 12:29-34

10. By being active in the service of God as young person.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

Luke 2:46-49

Preparing To Meet God As An Adult

Preparing to meet God as an adult is also very important. By the time you have experienced the earlier stages of development, you should have discovered God by now and must have gained some form of wisdom.

The Apostle John in his letters to the different demographics of the church, addressed the matured Christians as fathers who have known the father.

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

1John 2:13

This therefore implies that older and matured Christians ought;

a. To have known and had a relationship with the Heavenly Father by the time they are old.

b. To have known what God requires of them by this season of their life.

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

As a mature Christian, these are the questions you should ask yourself. An honest and sincere answer to each of these questions should indicate to you if you are prepared and ready to meet your God or not.

1. Have you done all the good things God told you when you were younger?

2. Have you accomplished all what God requires of you?

3. Have you been able to fulfill your life's work and your ministry?

4. Have you done and performed the work of Godin your life?

5. Have you done your portion of the "works of righteousness"?

6. Have you demonstrated for love for God and extended His mercy towards your generation?

7. Can you say confidently and boldly that you have walked humbly with God?

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from an-other, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.

Mathew 25:32

May the Lord help us to prepare and to be ready to meet Him.
Chapter 7

Be Prepared To Present Your Labours

My Unique Vision

One day the Lord gave me a very disturbing vision, this really frightened me and made me aware of the reality of what happens to Christians in the after-life. In this vision, it was like the whole world were gathered in a queue.

People from different nationalities and different cultures were all lined up, ready to meet their God. I could see that these were Christians because they had made it through the first judgment. The first judgment separated the Christians from unbelievers. You could see the expression of mixed-feelings on the faces of the people. Many were not sure what God would say to them, whether He would be happy with them or not. We had made it to heaven but it wasn't over yet.

It was like we were all in a queue waiting to see God. I was somehow taken to see what was happening to those who were at the fore front of the queue. Making my way towards the front, I realized the one-lined queue was being divided into two groups;

a. Those who had their labors or their works to present

b. Those who were empty and had nothing to present

I believe this group were a group of Christians who had initially passed through the first phase of judgment. This wasn't about who was going to heaven or who was going to hell, this was about the judgment seat of Christ.

Wherefore also we (Christians) make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him. For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10

This was a very unique vision, once you appear towards the front, you were asked to present your either your labors or your works. There were questions like;

a. What have you done for God since you were saved?

b. What fruits you have to present for yourself as a Christian?

c. How did you live your life after you were saved?

d. What did you put your energy and efforts towards within the timeframe you were given on during your time on earth?"

The intriguing thing was that they had all the records there, all sorts of records were at their disposal; every man's life work and how we lived our lives were on record but interestingly everyone was still given an opportunity to express themselves and answer for themselves.

And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelations 20:12

In fact this was an experience worth seeing, some were weeping profusely, others had nothing to present for the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed for the forgiveness of their sins.

None the less, there were others who very happy to tell their tale and give account what they did with their lives while on earth. In fact, some had been serving God from their childhood, others who were saved and had a short life time on earth recounted the efforts they put in to doing the will of God while on earth.

Like I mentioned earlier, this was the judgment for the saved ones. Remember our Lord Jesus Christ recounts a similar scenario in his parable from Mathew 25.

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man ac-cording to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faith-ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

His lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.

And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from an-other, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mathew 25:14-34

Furthermore, in this vision I saw something that drew my attention to the scriptures. At the fore front, those who did not have any measurable works were actually asked about the "efforts" they had put in achieving certain works.

To my surprise, I realized that the Lord was also very much interested in the efforts and the energy his servants were putting into achieving certain results for the kingdom of God and not only about mighty works or great achievements.

I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil.

Revelations 2:2

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them.

Revelations 14:13

From these scriptures above, we can clearly see two things that will follow every Christian to the after-life. These are also very important to God with regards to a Christian's life.

a. Your labors (efforts)

b. Your works (achievements)

The word "labors" as indicated in the scriptures above is the Greek word "kopos" which can be translated as;

a. Your toils

b. Your pains

c. Your troubles

d. Your weariness

e. Your efforts

Your labors also means the toils, the pains and the various things you suffered and survived as a Christian for the Kingdom of God. You are being watched!

My Christian friends, God is watching every effort you put in to achieving certain results for him within the time frame you have on earth. The Apostle Paul makes mention of certain individuals who put in much efforts for him to achieve certain results.
Chapter 8

Fifteen Ordinary People And How Their Efforts Were Noticed.

1. The Prophetess Anna – Serving God with Fasting's and Prayers

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Luke 2:37

2. Epaphras – Laboring much in Prayer

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Colossians 4:12

3. Mary the mother of Jesus- Serving God with her body

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26-38

I have always wondered why it was Mary who was chosen to bear the Christ. From her encounter with the Angel Gabriel, we can understand why God would choose her.

a. She might have been one of the few young ladies who was still a virgin although she was espoused to be married to Joseph.

b. She respected and honored her body as the vessel and temple of God.

c. She was a very spiritual young lady who believed the word of God, believed in supernatural visitations and the fulfillment of prophecies.

d. She was so dedicated to serving God that she referred to herself as a personal "hand maiden" of the Lord.

f. She was a virtuous woman and this was demonstrated by her dedicated service to God throughout the ministry of Jesus Christ and a leader in the early church supporting the work of God.

4. The Rich man of Arimathaea called Joseph. – Serving God with his riches and his influence.

When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who al-so himself was Jesus' disciple. He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pi-late commanded the body to be delivered.

And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Mathew 27:57-60

5. A Fashion designer Called Lydia- Hosting the servants of God

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

Acts 16:14-15

And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Acts 16:39-40

6. Sister Phebe- A Church Worker

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Romans 16:1-2

7. Mr. Aquila and his wife Priscilla – Personal Helpers of the Apostle Paul

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Romans 16:3-4

8. Sister Mary in Apostle Paul's Ministry.

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us.

Romans 16:6

9. Urbane in Apostle Paul's Ministry

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ.

Romans 16:9

10. Two Spiritual Christian Sisters Tryphena and Tryphosa

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord.

Romans 16:12

11. Lady Persis in Apostle Paul's Ministry

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord.

Romans 16:12

12. Mrs. Joana Chuza – Laboring with their substance.

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance

Luke 8:3

13. Mary Magdalene, Susanna and Certain Women in Jesus's Ministry.

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's stew-ard, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Luke 8:2-3

14. Mr. Onesiphorus and his family- Laboring in Apostle Paul's ministry.

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

2Timothy 1:16-18

15. You are next – God will not forget your labor of love.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Hebrews 6:10
Chapter 9

Be Prepare To Present Your Works

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelations 22:12

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done (works), whether it be good or bad.

2Corinthians 5:10

The noun "work" can be defined as;

1. A task you perform

2. A duty or responsibility to perform

3. Your achievements

4. The result of your efforts

5. An obligation you have to meet

Just as the whole world remembers men like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Emperor Nero, and other mass murderers for the evil results which their efforts produced. The world also acknowledges people like Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Julius Ceaser, and many more for the good results which their achievements attained.

But as a Christian, how can you determine what type of achievements God would require from you? How can you please God? And how would you know if what you are doing is pleasing, acceptable and presentable before God who is the ultimate judge?

Salvation Is The Gift Of God

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them

Ephesians 2:8-10

Firstly, I would like to lay this foundation, then we will build upon it. You must clearly understand that there are "no good works" that anyone could do to secure his or her salvation as the scriptures clearly indicates. Salvation is free and attained only by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 2:16

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our saviour;

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Titus 3:5-8

Presenting your works before God is akin to showcasing the efforts, labors and the achievements you have made in Christ after you have been saved.

After you have been born-again, you have to be careful to maintain "good works" as Paul the Apostle clearly states in his letter to Titus in the scripture above. God expects you to be given to good works after you have been saved.

7 Powerful Reasons Why Every Christian Must be Ready To Present His Works

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1Corinthians 3:13-15

From the scripture above, we can glen these facts;

1. Every Christian must have some works to present before God.

2. There will be a day when you would have to present your achievements you have in Christ as a Christian.

3. Every Christian's work will be scrutinized and accessed by God's standards.

4. The quality and quantity of every Christian's work will be assessed.

5. God expects every Christian to build something upon Christ who is the foundation after you are saved.

6. God will reward the quality of every Christian's achievements in Christ.

7. Christians whose achievements do not pass the assessment will suffer loss even in heaven.

Every Christian must have some "good works" to present to God as we prepare to meet God. In the earlier Chapter, I was relating a vision the Lord gave me. This clearly showed that every Christian would have to present either his labours or his works or both before God.

Having this in-mind, every Christian ought to live our lives wisely, in anticipation to meeting God. Are you ready to meet God?

Are you prepared to present your works?

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:14-17
Chapter 10

Fulfill Your Ministry By Doing The Works of God

Then said they unto him, what shall we do that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God....

John 6:28-29

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

The Works of God can be defined as the efforts and the various achievements that God would require of you when you finally meet him. They are those duties, responsibilities and the labors that every Christian must be involved in after salvation.

The works of God can also be defined as those specific tasks, or a particular ministry God has given to an individual to fulfill.

In this chapter, it is my aim for you to understand how we can effectively prepare ourselves to meet God by "doing the works required by God".

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1Corinthians 15:58

12 Powerful Examples Of How You Can Fulfill Your Ministry And Your Calling

1. Preaching the Gospel of Salvation

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

Mathew 28:19-20

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

1Corinthians 9:16-17

2. Bearing Good Fruits That Remains Faithful To God

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mathew 7:20-23

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

John 15:16

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

3. Doing the Father's Business by Pastoring and Shepherding

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

Luke 2:46-49

The work of God which Jesus Christ referred to as his "father's business" involved establishing believers through the knowledge and understanding of the word of God.

How A Young Boy Fulfilled His Ministry By Becoming A Pastor At 12 years.

At the age of twelve, the lad Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph got himself involved in doing the Fathers' work; pastoring believers. The recordings of Luke the Apostle shows us clearly that;

a. Jesus Christ submitted himself to the doctors of the Word of God in his day.

b. Jesus Christ devoted himself to hearing what his teachers had to say.

c. Jesus Christ developed himself by asking his teachers questions.

d. After learning from his teachers he was able to gather crowds to hear him.

e. Jesus Christ was able to teach others about the Word of God through his understanding and knowledge of the scriptures.

Becoming a pastor and a shepherd of God's people is a clear manifestation that you are doing the work of God.

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

2 Timothy 2:15

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take some of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

And I will give you pastors (shepherds) according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jeremiah 3:14-15

4. Working with your Gifts, your Talents and your Abilities for God's Purpose.

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man ac-cording to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faith-ful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:14-21

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

1Timothy 4:14

5. Stop Sleeping and Awake to Your Calling.

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Mark 13:34-37

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:4-13

6. Become a Soul winner, a Reaper and a Gatherer of souls into the Kingdom of God.

Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, one soweth, and another reapeth.

John 4:35-37

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Proverbs 11:30

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Daniel 12:3

7. Believing In, Supporting and Becoming A Partner to The One Whom God Has Sent.

Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

John 6:28-29

And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Luke 8:1-3

8. Be Involved In Missionary Work and Apostolic Work.

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 13:2-4

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 16:9-10

9. Do The Work Of An Evangelist

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2Timothy 4:5

10. Express Your Labour Of Love For The Lord

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Hebrews 6:10

Remember this also, that the quality of the minister and the quality of the feed given to the lamb and the sheep will also be assessed. Your labor of love is demonstrated by your ability to feed God's people.

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

2 Timothy 2:15

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

1Timothy 4:16

11. Become Involved With Various Humanitarian Works After Salvation.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, 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.

Mathew 25:31-40

The most obvious question here is "who then qualifies as the brethren Jesus was referring to?" as indicated in the scripture above? Our Lord Jesus Christ himself answers this same interesting question as indicated in the scripture below.

And he answered them, saying, who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Mark 3:33-35

These scriptures clearly tells us that humanitarian works without the gospel of Salvation is indeed not profitable and will not qualify as part of the works of God or the works of righteousness.

Save the soul of the individual first and then provide the needed humanitarian service or vice versa, anyone works perfectly well.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world (all the humanitarian assistance), and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:36-37

12. The First Works, an Expression of Your First Love.

I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Revelations 2:2-5

The Lord is very concerned about the fallen state of his church and of his servants. Although we may have various works or may be involved in various efforts yet these may be the fruits of our backslidden nature.

From the scripture above, God expects his church and his servants to demonstrate the works of their first love. The best way to understand the works of your first love is to see how far you are willing to go and how much you are willing to sacrifice for your first love.

5 Unique Facts About Doing The Works Of God

When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto ever-lasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, what shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

John 6:24-28

Gleaning from the scripture above, we can clearly understand that;

1. Doing the works of God must be with the right motive, you must not give yourself to doing the works of God because you lack bread.

2. Doing the works of God must be with the right motive, you must not give yourself to doing the works of God because of fleshly or earthly gains.

3. Doing the works of God is not the same as working a secular job which will only provide you with food for sustenance.

4. Doing the works of God is not the same as working to obtain perishable things.

5. Doing the works of God is engaging in activities that would yield eternal results.

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully (the right way).

2Timothy 2:5

Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Ephesians 6:6-8
Chapter 11

Ten Powerful Reasons Why You Must Get Involved In The Work of God

1. Because your "works" is what you will be assessed on after your Salvation.

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1Corinthians 3:13-15

2. Because it is a sign of your gratitude to God for the gift of Salvation.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved.

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

Ephesians 2:4-8

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Romans 3:23-24

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:22-23

3. Because God is a rewarder of those who serve him.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mathew 25:21

And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

Mathew 20:4

Then Peter began to say unto him, o, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

Mark 10:28-30

4. Because God will spare those who are involved in his work.

Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Malachi 3:16-18

5. Because there will be a great regret for those who do nothing after they are saved.

Then said the king to the servants, bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mathew 22:13

6. Because it will be the difference between those who are Called and the few who are Chosen.

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Mathew 22:14

Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.

Mathew 9:37

And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mathew 25:30

7. Because the work of God is the only One thing that will not be taken away from you.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:41-42

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be other-wise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Philippians 3:13-15

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.

1 John 2:17

8. Because your background doesn't matter to God as long as you get yourself involved in doing the will of God.

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Mathew 21:28-31

9. Because through the work of God, we will obtain and inherit the promises of God.

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12

For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mathew 6:32-33

10. Because God may only require one act of obedience from you.

Pleasing God is very subjective. God may require one act of obedience from you or he may require much fruits from you. I believe it's our duty to walk by faith and the convictions the Holy Spirit gives us.

Throughout scripture, we have seen how God has used different people with different backgrounds to accomplish great and marvelous things.

i. Abel offered unto God one excellent sacrifice and it was enough to please God.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Hebrews 11:4

ii. The man Enoch chose to walk with God although his ancestors and family lineage abandoned their fellowship with God.

And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Genesis 5:22-24

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Hebrews 11:5

iii. Noah's one act of obedience saved his family and the whole world.

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die.

But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee.

And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.

And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

Genesis 6:11-22

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Hebrews 11:7

iv. Abraham responded to the call of God and became a missionary.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Hebrews 11:8

v. Rahab, a prostitute heard about God, believed in God, acted on her faith by saving and preserving the lives of the servants of God against destruction.

And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.

And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.

And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, there came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall over-take them.

But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.

And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate. And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;

And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there re-main any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kind-ness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token:

And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.

Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.

And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.

Joshua 2:1-16

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Hebrews 11:31
Chapter 12

The Day Is The Only Opportunity You Can And Must Work For God

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Ecclesiastics 12:1

The season called day is the best time for your preparation towards meeting God. "I must work the works of he that sent me while it is day" being passionately declared by our Lord Jesus Christ is very significant and we can glean the following wisdom from it;

1. The vision and focus of Jesus Christ was clear; "I must work", not rest.

2. The urgency in fulfilling the assignment given him

3. His understanding of what was required of him; "I must work the works of He that sent me" and not any other works.

4. His dependency and connection to vision of the Heavenly Father who sent Him.

5. His unique understanding of the time frame given to him to accomplish the will of the Father in Heaven.

Preparing to meet God is akin to performing those tasks, obligations, convictions, duties and responsibilities that God has given you with the time frame called "day".

Our Lord Jesus Christ knew and understood that he had to maximize his efforts to achieve his target while it was "day" and after the "day" season was over, as much as he would have loved to continue, the opportunity would have been lost.

The Season Called Day Can Also Be Described As The Days Of Your Youth

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Ecclesiastics 12:1

14 Descriptions of the Season Called Day

The season called day can be understood as;

1. A particular age range (e.g. between the ages of 20 years to 70 years) Number 1:3

2. A particular time slot divinely allocated to a person to accomplish certain duties or works.

3. A season of your maximum productivity.

4. The season where you can still do the will of God for your life.

5. A season when you can clearly see your way and able to avoid and overcome obstacles.

6. The best season of your life where you can give your energy and efforts to work or to accomplish a goal.

7. The season where you can fulfill the will of God for your life.

8. The season where you can correct your mistakes, make a u-turn and still accomplish your work.

9. The period of time where we can effectively use the wisdom of God to accomplish great things.

10. A season where certain things can work in your life.

11. The best season for you to labor for the Lord and bear much fruits.

12. The season when you can still clearly hear the voice of God and be convicted to do what God wants you to do.

13. A period of time when your heart can be soft enough to hear the voice of God.

14. A season when you can still repent and be saved.

Friends, David the Psalmist rightly said;

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Psalm 95:7-8

So then, what must we do with the season called "day" that the Lord has given us?

How To Maximize The Days Of Your Youth

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, re-deeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:14-17

1. Awake from your sleep, your inactivity, your excuses and every form of laziness. Recognize your current state that you are asleep.

2. Rise from "the dead". Take the necessary steps to rise again, get a friend to help you or your pastor or your spiritual leader.

3. Walk circumspectly. Become diligent in your preparation.

4. Become wise by redeeming the time that you have lost. Take advantage of the grace and opportunity God has given you.

5. Get the right materials that would help you understand what the will of God for your life is.

Therefore Arise and shine, for your light (day) has come. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Chapter 13

The Night Is The Only Season You Cannot Work For God Even If You Wanted To

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Ecclesiastics 12:1

A deeper understanding of these scriptures is a sure guarantee to aiding every individual to prepare effectively for the "night" and the "evil days" that are drawing neigh.

The season called night is also the season called "the evil days". The writer of Ecclesiastics places a very instructive prophecy in his writings; the reality of the evils days approaching.

Every wise Christian must and should take this statement as a warning from our Lord Jesus Christ himself.

14 Powerful Descriptions of the Season Called "Night" From The Gospel of John 9:4

I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

1. The Night is a season when "no man" can work even if he wants to.

2. The Night is the season when it's too late and the opportunities are gone or lost.

3. The Night can be described as a season of your weakness (e.g. old age).

4. The Night season is able to stop all the move of God and the operations of the Holy Spirit of God in your life.

5. The Night season is when the voice of God is quiet in your life.

6. The Night season is when you cannot make use of all or any of the wisdom and revelations of God for your life.

7. The Night season cuts short your ability to prepare to meet your God. If you are not prepared before the night season, then it's too late.

8. The Night season is the period of time when your heart is hard and cold towards the voice of God.

9. The night season is the season when you cannot repent or make U-turns in your life.

10. The night season is the period where you don't have any desire or strength to carry out the will of God.

11. The Night season is when you cannot receive revelations or insights from God.

12. The Night season is when you have passed the flower season of your life and ministry.

13. The Night season is when nothing can be done.

14. The Night season is when there is no vision. You cannot see anything because the darkness had blinded you and you are in great danger of every form of evil in your life and ministry

14 Powerful Descriptions of the Evil Days Described By King Solomon

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;

Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

Ecclesiastics 12:1-8

1. The evil days are not likely to come to you during your youthful days.

2. The evil days also comes with the progression of years.

3. The evil days take away every desire and pleasure you have in finding God, remembering your Creator or doing the works of God

4. .The evil days represent the day of ill health.

5. The evil days represents the years of less interest in the things of God.

6. The evil days represents the years no desire to do or achieve anything.

7. The evil days are the years where you lose faith and you are full of fears

8. The evil days are the days when you have a complete desire failure.

9. The evil days are the days where everything becomes a burden to you.

10. The evil days are equivalent to the years of mourning's.

11. The evil days are the years ahead where you cannot control things in your life anymore, things get out of your control.

12. The evil days are the years when you realize that man is dust and must return to dust.

13. The evil days are the days when you are preparing for your death.

14. The evil days are the days when you see the uselessness of worldliness and you see everything as vain.

Chapter 14

The Wisdom Key Of Acceptance

In the season called Night, NO MAN CAN WORK regardless of who you are!

....the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 9:4

The only season you can be fruitful, productive and work for the Lord are THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH.

What Must You Do Now That You Have This Knowledge?

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, re-deeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:14-17

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Romans 12:11

1. Awake from your sleep which means you must gain consciousness from your inactivity.

2. Arise from the dead; this means separate yourself from those who are dead to the will of God.

3. A personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way you can gain wisdom, understanding and direction for your life.

4. Make a conscious effort to live a purposeful life understanding that your earthly life is just a season of your preparation for your eternal life.

5. Separate yourself from foolishness; not taking the word of God seriously.

6. Redeem the time that you have lost.

7. Acknowledge that there are evil days ahead, the night season where you cannot work.

8. Find resources and material that would help you understand what the will of God for your life is and align yourself to do His will for your life.

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Thank you for reading my book. To me, it is a ministry that the Lord has given me to write and share with the world what He has taught and shared with me personally and through my fathers in ministry.

If you enjoyed reading this book, share it with as many people as possible and kindly take a moment to leave me a review at your favourite retailer.

Thanks a million!

D K Okine: Author

Reaching out to millions of souls worldwide!

About D K OKINE

Through the anointed ministry spanning over many years, pastor, teacher, healing evangelist, and the author of several books including the best seller "I Went To Hell", D K Okine has served in the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ from his teenage years and has helped millions of people experience a victorious and purpose driven life through God's Word and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

D K Okine is a proud protégé of Dag Heward-Mills and continues to serve under the world wide ministry of Dag Heward-Mills through the United Denomination of Churches Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches www.udolg.org .

D K Okine is currently serving as a missionary and a pastor in Durban, South Africa with his lovely wife Ezer and their wonderful son Kenneth-David Nii Djormor.
Other Titles By D K OKINE

I Went To Hell

21 Functions Of the Holy Spirit In The Life Of Every Christian

Transform Your Christian Life

Go Ye Therefore And Preach To All Nations

What Must I Do To Inherit Eternal Life

Your Labours And Your Works

Let My People Go That They May Serve Me

What Does God Want From Me?
