Saturday, December 30, 2017

Get Behind Me Satan!




And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, 
hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 
 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, 
which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, 
triumphing over them in it.  
Colossians 2:13-15


God calls us to be holy even as He is Holy.  

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.  Leviticus 20:26

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.  1 Peter 1:16

He requires that we love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength.  

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  Deuteronomy 6:5

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.  Mark 12:30

You may wonder how we can do this when there are so many ungodly influences around us, Satan is constantly attacking us and our self-nature just does not want to do that which is right.  Well, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we gain not only the power but the desire to resist all that is ungodly,

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  Galatians 5:16-17

The world, the flesh, and the Devil with his demons combine their evil forces to war against believers. Each force can operate independently against the believer, but these forces of evil are most often combined in their attack upon believers.

Satan uses the world, with all of its influences; its illusions, charms, philosophies, and ungodly standards and systems, to gain access to the flesh. He uses the flesh to gain access to the heart, mind, and spirit. Then he tries to conform you to himself rather than to God.

The world, the flesh, and the Devil certainly create a threatening combat zone! The good news is that God equips us with counter strategies to overcome the wiles of the devil.  

          PRESENT YOUR BODY AS A SACRIFICE

In the military forces of the natural world, a person who enlists for service comes under the complete control of their superiors. They are given training and instructions on how to conduct themselves, how to dress, and how to combat the enemy. To be effective in spiritual warfare the same type of control must be put into action:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.    Romans 12:1-2

You must present yourself to God as an act of your own will.  In the Old Testament when a sacrifice was given to God, the person who offered it had no further control over it. It was given totally to the Lord. Instead of conforming to the world and the flesh, you must be transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind.

           ARM YOURSELF WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST:  

The renewing of your mind is done by "arming" yourself with the same mind as Jesus.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  1 Peter 4:1-2

           DEVELOP THE PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARDS YOUR FLESH:  

We are told that we should

". . . hate even the garment spotted by the flesh"  Jude 23

You should understand that the lust of the flesh is not of the Father but of the world:

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.
   1 John 2:16

You should have no confidence in the flesh:

. . . and have no confidence in the flesh . . .   Philippians 3:3

You must also understand that life in the flesh brings corruption, while life in the spirit brings life:

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  Galatians 6:8

          REALIZE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE IN BONDAGE TO THE FLESH:  

In times past, we were in bondage to the flesh when we were a sinner:

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

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.   Romans 7:5-6


Study Ephesians 2 and Romans 8. You will discover you no longer have to be in bondage to the flesh. Your freedom comes through Jesus Christ:

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;   Ephesians 2:19 

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.   Romans 8:2

          TRAIN YOUR FLESH TO OBEY:  

In the military world, the soldier must obey all orders. He goes through basic training to learn the rules of warfare. He is given trial situations where he must put these strategies into action and he learns through failure and success. He is in training for war.

This is also true in the spiritual world. You must train your flesh to obey. You must learn God's rules. Through trials God permits in your life, you will have opportunity to put these rules into action:

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.
   1 Peter 4:12

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold all that he hath is in thy power. . .  
Job 1:12


In the natural world, a soldier learns the right and wrong responses in military strategy through repeated troop exercises. You can train through study of your warfare manual, the Bible. As you exercise or train your spiritual senses, you will learn to discern between good and evil:

For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. For strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.   Hebrews 5:13-14

You must train your flesh to obey God's Word. You do not conquer your flesh by giving in to it. As God reveals fleshly areas of your life, you must take godly action:

. . . abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.  1 Peter 2:11

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.  2 Corinthians 7:1

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


Satan tried his wiles on Jesus who told him:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan:. . .   Luke 4:8a

He used His warfare manual against the enemy:

. . . for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  Luke 4:8b

Note that: 


YOU must take action. 
YOU must abstain from fleshly lusts. 
YOU must cleanse yourself of filthiness of the flesh. 
YOU must not make provisions for the flesh.




Biblical Studies




10/21/13
05/06/15
07/23/16
03/05/19
12/22/20



Friday, December 29, 2017

Think on These Things






For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 
For the weapons of our
 warfare are not carnal, 
but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that 
exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God, and 
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 
2 Corinthians 10:3-5


When Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians not to be ignorant of the Devil's "devices," it is translated from the greek word  'noemata', a form of the word nous. The Greek word nous describes the mind or the intellect. Thus, in one sense Paul is saying, “…we are not ignorant of the way Satan schemes and thinks.”  The Greek word for wiles which Apostle Paul admonishes the Ephesians, means "schemes" and is from the same word that is used for "mind."   

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11


Satan is constantly plotting ways to assault our thought life. 

The mind is the main battlefield in spiritual warfare

Every attack of Satan involves the human mind.

The battle for the mind is easily summarized:

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity (hostility or hatred) against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  Romans 8:6-7

Satan wants to make your mind carnal (sinful, worldly, fleshly). God wants you to be spiritually minded.

The greatest commandment includes loving God with all your mind. This is one of the main reasons why Satan battles for your mind:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy MIND; This is the first and great commandment.  Matthew 22:37-38

Satan battles for your mind because it is closely tied spiritually to your heart and mouth:

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts . . .  Matthew 15:18-19

Satan battles for the mind because the way you think affects the way you act:

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he . . .
  Proverbs 23:7


Satan knows if he can control your mind, he can control your body, your actions, and, if left unchallenged, your spirit.

In Old Testament times, fiery darts were used as weapons of warfare.   Apostle Paul explains the spiritual battle with Satan to the Ephesians. He speaks of "the fiery darts of the wicked." 

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.   Ephesians 6:16

The enemy continuously hurls "fiery darts" at you in the spirit world. Most of these "darts" are aimed at the mind.

Apostle Paul warns that you should not be "soon shaken in mind

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
  2 Thessalonians 2:2

In the Greek translation, "shake" means to "agitate, disturb, to destroy." If you can take hold of something and shake it, you have control over it. Satan wants to "shake" or exert control over your mind.

The mind is one of the most complex and least understood parts of the human body. Because it is so complex, Satan has many subtle methods of attacking the mind. But if we keep our mind focused on God, if we guard our mind and protect it through monitoring that which we are consciously aware of, we will not be so easily defeated in our mind.

Just think of all of the ungodly influences we allow to enter our mind via television, internet, music and the environments in which we willingly put ourselves. To a large degree, we can and we should control what we allow our minds to entertain. If we stop and considerate it, often times we build our bad situation up in our mind and take that situation and make it much worse that what it is - we do this in our mind. When undue influences and thoughts take hold in our mind, we should do as Apostle Paul instructs:


For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We do well to keep our minds occupied with the things of God. Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing, 

Pray without ceasing.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 


Stay encouraged in God by meditating on his word day and night  - 


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

- and thinking on those things that are pure 


Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)



(Biblical Studies)




10/12/13
09/20/14
09/10/15
10/27/16
03/24/19
12/21/20

Thursday, December 28, 2017

No Worries





Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, 
That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 
Matthew 6:27-29




As always, I’m thanking God for the donning of a new day. And so even on today, this day that the Lord has made and allowed us to participate in, I’m rejoicing in it and I’m glad! I can say: Just another day that the Lord has kept me. I still have my desire to be a living epistle; sharing the word of God wherever I may be.

Today, lets focus on the love and consistency that God has for us. I never would have made it; would not be who I am in Him today, without his infinite grace and mercy. He called me with tender mercies and loving kindness. I truly rejoice in that this morning. Part of my reflection this morning focuses on how God kept me even in my mess and didn't allow my opportunity to slip by. 

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.  Psalm 36:7

Apostle Paul admonishes us to be thankful and to give thanks unto the one who is able to keep us in all of our ways, to the one who sustains us.  It doesn't matter what opposition we are going through, what trouble we see lying in wait or the struggles we currently are facing, give thanks to God.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

I am reminded of something Apostle Paul said to the church at Colossi:  

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;  Colossians 1:21-23

When God called me into His fold, He didn't leave me to fight on my own. He equipped me with everything I need to live a victorious life in Him. All I have to do is avail myself to God. I praise God this morning because He is every single thing I need; everything I need is found in Him. 

Do you know Jesus promised us the comforter through our heavenly father, which is the Holy spirit?

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  John 16:7

God promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He said that we can cast our cares on Him and just as He takes care of the lilies in the field, He'll take care of us. 

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  Luke 12:27 

All we have to do is trust and believe.  This is what Jesus said:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.    And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am , there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
  John 14:1-6

One truth that we should know is that God is unchanging. He is the immovable mover and His will and His ways are trustworthy, flawless and unfailing and as long as we’re in His will, we are guaranteed some promises God has made to those who belong to Him:


"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 8:38-39

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

For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   Jeremiah 29:11

These are promises that God made to us that we can bank on because:

     God is not a respecter of persons as Apostle Paul points out to us in Romans:

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.  Romans 2:10-11  

Since I believe in the infallible word of God, I believe there are some promises of God in store for me!
√     God speaks to us and lets us know that He does not change

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

His word lets us know that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

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

 √     He lets us know that He is not a man that He should lie

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.   1 Samuel 15:29

We all know people who have reneged on their word, but it’s a wonderful thing to know that we have a God who does not go back on His word. If He said it, that’s it and that settles it. 

His word is already settled in heaven.

For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
  Psalms 119:89




So today, we want to reach up to God and 
embrace Him in His sovereignty!




Biblical Studies




10/11/13
02/20/15
03/07/16
03/02/19
12/19/20

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

God sees SOULS, not PEOPLE




And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: 
for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8




Millions of believers throughout the world do not have a Biblical world view. Their concern 
focuses on their own family, community, and church. Because they have not understood God's plan for the world, they are not actively fulfilling their part in God's plan.  Some do and say despicable things to people of other races, creeds, denominations and cultures without giving a second thought to the fact that God loves all souls.  He does not look at people in their natural state.  He is far more interested in that portion of man that will live on forever and it is for that reason He sent His son as a propitiation for all men.

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  John 3:15-17

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  Romans 3:25


John explains it in a nutshell when he says God would not have the world, [us], perish.  Jesus explains how we accomplish this:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (Matthew 28:19)


And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  (Luke 24:47)

Isn't this what we should be doing instead of spreading hate messages which go directly against God's perspective?  A key to effective communication of the Biblical world view is to select faithful men and women for ministry (service):   

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.             (2 Timothy 2:2)

The word "faithful" means active, reliable, and trustworthy.

In the beginning of the church dispensation, 7 men were chosen to help serve in the church.  Among them were Stephen and Philip.  It was noted of Stephen:

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, . . .  (Acts 6:5)

Unlike Stephen, not everyone will be receptive to the Biblical world view. But like Stephen, in sharing the vision, we must have the qualities of an active, reliable, and trustworthy response to God. Those with whom you share the "Biblical World View" must be faithful to teach others also.

As we share what we have learned with others, remember we are not called to share our own cultural views. We are to share the Biblical world view.

Culture is the acquired pattern of how things are done in a particular environment. It involves customs, traditions, language. . . actually all of lifestyle and behavior.

We are greatly affected by the culture in which we live. We come to think that our way of doing things is best. But we need to realize that no one culture is superior to another. Our call is not to change the culture or share our own way of doing things which we might perceive as superior.

Peter received this revelation when he had this vision:  


And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.  (Acts 10:10-15)

What is interesting is this, Peter was getting ready to have his first born again experience with a Gentile.  God expected Peter to receive him with open arms. 

Our only concern with culture is when practices are in direct violation of God's written Word  . . . Then we must confront and deal with them as sin. We are not called to take civilization to other cultures.   Our purpose is not to save society, but to save souls.  

Focus on the major task at hand: The teaching of faithful men and women.

First, we must embrace the biblical world view our self. When we have recognized our responsibility to the Great Commission and our heart has been touched with concern for the nations of the world, then we can become a model of the vision; we learn to love what God loves - which is all souls and to hate what He hates - which is sin.

As a model, we become a living example before our family, friends, church fellowship and even strangers; everyone in whom we come into contact regardless of race, creed, denomination and culture. Let others see our own concern for the cause of Christ and feel our heart felt concern for the nations of the world. Let them see us actively engaged in reaching others with the Gospel. The greatest teaching is not done by words. It is done by example. We see this in the life and ministry of Jesus.

Keep the vision as the central focus of your life and the lives of other faithful men and women.

It is not enough just to develop a biblical world view and communicate it to others. We must act upon what we have learned and now adhere to it:  

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Every principle of Scripture we learn should equip us to do good works. But knowledge without action is like faith without works. If we only learn principles and there is no active response to the knowledge gained, then it is a spiritual dead end. Receiving the vision is not enough. Communicating it to others is not enough. We must also obey the vision.

®     Begin to obey the vision right now, right where you are,   
®     Share the Gospel with others in your own neighborhood, community, and city,  
®     Work within your church in evangelistic outreaches both locally, nationally, and internationally
®     Pray for the nations of the world including your own.  

In the above manner, we can continue the cycle of reproduction of the biblical world view.  Individually and collectively as the body of Christ:
  1.     Become a model of the vision we have received, then we communicate it to others by both example and teaching. 
  2.     Keep the biblical world view as the central focus in our own life and in the lives of those we encounter. 
  3.     As we join those we train in obeying the vision, we all become a model of the vision and the cycle continues as we communicate it to others.
In this manner, not only do we begin to break the cycle of hate and violence against each other, we share God's soul saving perspective!

Lord, I pray today that we keep our focus on You as we fulfill Your will to share the gospel of Jesus, who is our mediator between sinful man and a loving father, everywhere we go.  In Jesus name, we ask for strength, courage and a willingness to be obedient to Your will.  Amen




(Biblical Studies)

10/11/13
08/14/15
07/12/16
04/11/20

Tuesday, December 26, 2017

* Love Desires To Please





As the servant of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.   
 Ephesians 6:6




If you truly love someone, you seek to please that person; to make that person happy.  The same is true with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He confirms this when He said, if you love me you will keep my commandments.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
  John 14:15

Ø  Knowing God's will is important because we are commanded to know and do it:

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  Ephesians 5:17

Ø  God desires our obedience to His will more than He desires our sacrifices or praise:

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.   1 Samuel 15:22-23

Ø  God wants us to stand perfect and complete in His will:  

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.    Colossians 4:12 

Ø  Being obedient to God results in doctrinal soundness.  Jesus said:   

If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  John 7:17 

If we do God's will as it is revealed to us, then we will develop spiritual maturity in judging sound doctrine. This will prevent us from being deceived by false teaching.

When we are obedient to the will of God, it results in answered prayers.  
When we are living in the will of God we can pray with confidence that our requests will be answered:

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.  1 John 3:22

Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth.  John 9:31 

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.   1 John 5:14

Ø  Being obedient to the will of God brings spiritual blessings.  Spiritual blessings are promised if you do God's will:

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  Hebrews 10:36

                         Blessings will actually pursue us:

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to serve and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth; And all these blessing shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.  Deuteronomy 28:1-2

                          According to the word of God, obedience causes us to avoid chastisement.  Chastisement means discipline, reproof, and correction.  Those who deliberately turn away from God's revealed will are chastised:

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

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him; For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?   Hebrews 12:5-9

                          Jesus also warned:

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  Luke 12:47

Knowing God’s will is a serious matter for those who desire to live the abundant life and avoid chastisement.

Ø  Submission to the will of God results in success.  

One of the instructions given to Joshua when he assumed leadership of the nation of Israel was to keep the commandments of God and walk in His ways. If he did this, Joshua had this guarantee:

Then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.  Joshua 1:8

Psalms also records that a man walking in God's way will be successful  

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."  Psalms 1:3

In a world filled with failure and defeat, knowing and doing the will of God is the secret to successful living.

Above all, we should be motivated to do God's will because we love Him. 

Love desires to please the object of that love

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

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.   John 14:23





(Biblical Studies)





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