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Romans 13:1 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. When Paul speaks of this, there is the recognition of the fact that, if God had not allowed it to be so, then it would not be in place. In the scriptures of the Old Testament, you will find instances where God permitted both good and evil rulers of nations to be in that position of leadership in order to fulfill a certain purpose. Some examples are: ~ Joseph being one who was sold by his brothers as a slave to Egypt. Later after the Pharaoh appointed Joseph as governor of Egypt, he told his brothers (whom he forgave): Genesis 45:5-8 - Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and He hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. ~ Years later another Pharaoh, who was king of Egypt during the time of Moses when God brought Israel out of Egypt, Of this king, God said: Romans 9:17 - For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. ~ Sennacherib, an Assyrian king, who had been preparing to go up against the city of Jerusalem was reproved by God saying to the king: Isaiah 37:26 - Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps. ~ Cyrus, a Persian king, was chosen by God to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem as is found in Ezra 1:1-2 - Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Isaiah 44:24, 28 - Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself; That saith of Cyrus, He is My shepherd, and shall perform all My pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. These were examples of people whom God either placed in positions of power or simply allowed them to be there in order to fulfill His purpose. However, when Paul refers to the higher powers in this chapter, one must look at the scriptures in its context. When we become Christians (Christ followers) we come under God's government, not worldly government. God does not contradict Himself. He would not tell us not to be conformed to the world, to flee from sin in one instance, and in another tell us to obey those who are telling us it is okay to sin, and who make laws commanding people to condone the sin that is committed. God is not contradictory! There is, of course, the understanding that one must obey the basic laws of the land, and not disrespect positions of authority – to a king, one might say Your Majesty, or Mr. President to a president, a judge is addressed as Your Honor and one will stand in their presence because these things show respect for their authority. God is not against human authority, but if a leader of a nation in any capacity is an evil one, then God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11), and He will judge them. However, to keep to the point – of what power Paul is speaking in this chapter... Romans chapter 13 verse 2 states: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. The followers of Christ will not be condemned for rejecting the sin that is being allowed and promoted by these governments For what fellowship hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14) Romans 13 Verse 13 continues: For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: The rulers in a government that serve the will of the sinful flesh, is a government that is contrary to the will of God, they will not reprove the unfruitful works of darkness, nor will they be a terror to evil works, but will eventually come against good and those who do good in full force. It is only a matter of time. Be careful what you teach, be careful what you believe. Read the full context of the scriptures and you will see more clearly what God is saying to us through His servant Paul. The rulers of God are those who rule with a Godly leadership. There is a power and authority ordained and led by man, and there is that which is of God, by God and for God alone – through which God alone will be glorified, because that is a nation whose God is the LORD. This power and authority is one that ought to be feared, because the principles, and morals are set in place by One whose standards never change, but have been established forever. Those who follow in this way are not guided by their own fluctuating feelings, but by the ever-stable Rock who is the Lord God Almighty. A nation / group of people whose god is not the LORD, because they serve only themselves, will be made manifest through their actions as well. This power and authority is not to be feared, for they hold no principles, nor morals. Their god is their belly or other fleshly desires. Because they are guided by these feelings and emotions, there is not a standard to follow, due to the instability of their desire. The thoughts and ideas that come into their minds are unbridled, undisciplined, thus permitting them, in their own minds to live in what they consider to be “freedom” - a life without boundaries. Philippians 3:17-19 - Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Proverbs 16:25 - There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Anything left undisciplined (as is seen in nature) will become a hindrance if not harmful or destructive to the surrounding area. This truth placed by God in our natural surroundings is also true for man. The discipline of man by God in the ways of God, is not bondage, but freedom. Freedom to be prosperous, to bear fruit and multiply, to replenish the earth! Romans 13:1-5 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Let us pay attention to these words, do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. The sword is the Word of God. This person is a minister of God, meaning he ministers God to the people. This minister also has the authority of God to execute wrath (become angry with Godly zeal for the house of God) with the person who does evil [as Jesus did of whom it was written the zeal of Thine House has eaten Me up - Psalm 69:9, John 2:17]. For this reason you must be under subjection to them, not because they might be angered, but also for the sake of having a clean conscience before God. There are not many ministers today (and I don't know if there are any really) who become truly angered by sin in their congregations. The majority of church leaders are so focused on preaching a “good sermon” that the people would love, or one of encouragement and advice for living, among other topics, that they forget that the reproof of instruction is the way of life (Proverbs 6:23). There are times, like now, when this reproof becomes of absolute necessity in order to yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). The message of repentance unto salvation has become lost amid the inspirational speeches and applause. In the process, because the vision and purpose of the cross life is no longer the center of attention, though in a subtle manner, it has become easier to be yielding to the way of the world instead of wielding the Sword of the Word to bring everything (including our thoughts) under submission to Christ. The lack of correct focus has led many astray and continues to do so causing many to be led by a false light. The Lord God tells us it is because of subtly false teaching that many will be led to worship the beast and take its mark. It is through teachers who appear to be on the side of the sheep, that very many will be led astray and souls will be lost. Revelation 13:11-18 - And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. Be careful to read the words of the Lord for yourselves. Do not look to signs and wonders alone in order to believe, for Jesus has told us, Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe (John 20:29). Become a true believer and live by faith in God and in His word, not by sight or other senses or feelings. If you are in Christ, and you seek Him with sincerity and with all of your heart, He will lead you into all Truth by His Holy Spirit so you will not be deceived, but discerning. Follow and submit to the government of the Kingdom of God that He may be glorified.

Start the fire, light the lamps and the torches, keep them burning until the coming of our LORD. This is a call to duty, brethren in Christ. We do not have the time to be playing around, only to get busy for our LORD and to stay at our posts until our LORD comes. Begin to be on fire for GOD. When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8 Will HE find us patiently abstaining from sin, patiently preaching HIS Word, patiently waiting for HIS return not deviating from it no matter how many people don't want to hear it? no matter who calls you crazy for not going out and living the “good life” to be free to do whatever your heart desires? No matter how many people hate you and call you a hater for telling them the TRUTH of GOD and not what they want to hear? When HE comes, will HE find you walking in faith on the earth? Will HE find you walking in the faith and assurance that your LORD will look on you with favor and will uphold you and sustain you with HIS right hand, that HE will lead you beside still waters, restoring your soul, leading you in the path of RIGHTEOUSNESS for HIS name's sake (whose name is RIGHTEOUS)? Will HE be able to see you faithfully abiding and therefore say when HE comes, “Come up with ME thou good and faithful servant to enter into the JOY of thy LORD”? HE said, Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 Will you patiently abide in HIM each and every day of your life until the day when our LORD shall return? That is the question? We must decide now. GOD willing this will encourage you to make the right decision. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Originally shared in October 2017, this message is ever more important today as it was then. The LORD GOD is warning the U.S. and even all the countries of the world that HIS coming is close, very close; HE is not playing around. Though many are playing games with HIM, HE will not be toyed with. GOD is VERY serious. The whole earth trembles at HIS presence, and many of HIS own people don't recognize the times in which we are living. The whole world is in turmoil, the earth shakes and trembles, the sea roars and tempests are all over the place – is not this the hand of GOD? HE is trying to wake people up – this is not global warming, this is GOD'S warning! The U.S. will see dangerous days ahead, for their hearts have long since turned against the LORD GOD, therefore, HE has turned HIS face away from them. HE will hear the cry of the humble heart who comes to HIM sincerely, but a proud heart will HE not suffer (HE will not put up with it). So many decisions have been made on the earth to further the agenda of sin, allowing it to permeate each and every part of life. It's a stench in the nose of GOD that is at the very least 100 times worse than that of a skunk, and HE is not in the least bit pleased with it. Now, the people of GOD are faced with a decision: Are they going to silently go along with whatever the people of this world have to say and not 'stir things up'? Or will they begin walking in the full newness of Life, as is required of the children of GOD, thus provoking others to good works as well? What will you do? Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth:... And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:14a, 15). May GOD grant the grace (power), the Wisdom and patient continuance to remain in HIM till the end of time. GOD bless and may HIS name continually be glorified from this time forth and even forevermore. AMEN

Hebrews 5:1-3 For every high priest taken from man is ordained for men in things pertaining to God that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought as for the people so also for himself to offer for sins. The priest received his ordaining and authority from God Alone, not from men, therefore the empowerment to take care of the duties in this office also came from God. The position was given by God alone and no mere man had the power to tell him otherwise. Hebrews 5:4-5 - And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto Him, Thou art My Son, to day have I begotten Thee. No man has the right to take this honor on himself, one can only be called by God to this position. Christ did not glorify Himself to be a high priest, but God who said to Jesus, You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Now, let's see where we come into the picture: John 1:12-13 - But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Again, by the will of God and by their being born of God, He gave them that believe the Power (meaning- legal or official authority, capacity, or right), to become sons of God. Revelation 1:4-6 - John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne; and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Jesus is the prince of the kings of the earth - as He is the Son of God who is King over heaven and earth and all that is in them. If we are of Christ we are made new, born again, sons of the Most High God, and are made joint heirs of the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - If any man be in Christ he is a new creature... We are become kings and priests to God. Kings, because He made us to govern on earth (see Psalm 8:6), and now being born again through Christ, we are able to take our rightful place and govern as He intended for us to do since the foundation of the earth. Priests, because now through Christ, we have access to the Father as did the priests of old which were ordained by God to live and serve in His house to offer sacrifices to God daily and care for the house of God. We see in Romans 12:1 that we are instructed: 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. The service of the priest is to be an example of dedicating one's life wholly, completely to the Lord, to live in holiness to God, consecrated by and for Him. As we see here in Romans 12:2, 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. The priest's job was to take care of the house of the Lord and the altar that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel (Numbers 18:5). Their inheritance was the Lord God. They relied on what the Lord had appointed to be their daily bread, their portion of land, and more. (You can read more on this in Numbers chapter 18). The priest was not to be dissuaded by the manner of thinking among the people or opinions of the nations who lived around them, as this would turn their hearts away from serving the Lord. We also who are born of God, are to be transformed to His likeness in word and in deed, to be a living example of what the good, and perfect will of God is for man. Jesus taught as much when He said: Luke 12:24-32 - Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? 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. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. The Lord teaches us that He wants His people to take care of the house of God and His altar when He said seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Lord will be our inheritance; as He is our Father and knows every one of our needs, He will supply it. Do not follow in the ways of the nations surround us, but follow in the ways of the Lord our God, and do not doubt Him, and do not be of little faith. All these same things that the same Lord told His people, Israel, when He saved them from captivity and brought them into the land He promised to them, He also instructs and teaches us. 1 Timothy 1:9-10 - [God] who hath saved us, ... called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel Ephesians 4:1 - I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Live as Christ did. The meaning of vocation is: a summons or strong inclination to a particular state or course of action...our occupation to which we are called: to be KINGS AND PRIESTS. It is a calling of humility, being servants of the Lord, yet it is also of the highest honor. Philippians 3:13-15 - 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.

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die:" - Revelation 3:2 "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." - Revelation 3:11 "To him that overcometh: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." Revelation 2:11b "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." - Revelation 2:17b "And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:" - Revelation 2:26 "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels". - Revelation 3:5 “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name.” - Revelation 3:12 “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 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. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” - Revelation 3:18-22 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:” - I Timothy 6:12, 14 Overcome sin, be washed and made clean and abstain from sin which is abomination in the sight of GOD. HE is not asking us to do this alone, everything we need can be found in HIM, if only we ask believing in faith that HE is GOD who supplies every one of our needs according to HIS riches in Glory (James 1:5). IF WE COME TO CHRIST, WE HAVE EVERYTHING. Blessed is he that overcomes sin and keeps his garment unstained, unspotted from the world. Blessed is he who overcomes for he will obtain all things promised to him as is stated in these scriptures from the Word of GOD. Blessed are all they who put their trust in the LORD GOD Almighty. Blessed is he who hope is in GOD. They will not be ashamed who put their trust in HIM. To GOD be the Glory, great things HE hath done; so loved HE the world that HE gave us to provide us the Way of Salvation and the Hope of eternal Life. May GOD be praised and HIS name glorified forever and ever. AMEN May GOD bless you all.

We are pilgrims in this world: only travelers on our way to our eternal home. Genesis 47:9 - And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage. We, who are in Christ, are now no longer aliens or strangers of Christ, but aliens and strangers to the world. Ephesians 2:12, 19 - That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Verse 19 - Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; We who serve Christ look forward to a place not of this world, and we continue on in faith until the end. Hebrews 11:13 - These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. We also must do this in order to obtain the promise. We must no longer hold onto the things of this world as though they are what really matter, but we must hold onto that which is of Christ at all times because it is for our very life. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) if that is true, then this also must be true for us and we must hold on to the treasure of the word of our Lord as the most valuable treasure we own. Psalm 119:54 - Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 1 Chronicles 29:14-15 - But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. Peter instructs us: 2 Peter 2:11-12 - Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Anybody who has begun to walk with Christ, will know that this new life is not anything like the one they lived before. It is not a life in which one can choose to do that which is right in their own eyes – this would be living falsely (or living a lie). Be honest, if you say you are of Christ, then live the way Christ has called us to live. The desire of the LORD is this, as the apostle John said in 3rd John chapter 1 verse 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” May God bless you all as we learn what it is to worship the LORD in Spirit and in Truth. Amen and amen.

Scripture says that Christ was made perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 5:7-8, 9 [Christ] Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared; though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him What is this perfection? Many say no one is perfect only Christ is perfect, as if it were impossible for us to come into perfection being destined to remain subject to sin. However, that is not the case. Let us review some of the definitions of perfect as found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary: being entirely without fault or defect satisfying all requirements : accurate legally valid pure, total lacking in no essential detail : complete [obsolete definition] mature [obsolete definition] certain, sure : contented, [verb]: to bring to final form: to make perfect : improve, refine Synonyms: absolute, faultless, flawless, ideal, immaculate, impeccable, indefectible, irreproachable, unblemished Now let us look at the scriptures to see what God tells us about coming to perfection, because if it were impossible for the people of God to come to Perfection, He would not have put in His word things like: Ephesians 4:11-13 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: When we look back at the definition of perfect, we see these words: accurate, mature, refined, lacking in no essential detail. When applied to the scripture it will read: for the maturing,or refining of the saints, till we all come in the unity of the faith...unto a total, complete, sure man - one who is stable and not carried about with every wind of doctrine. Ephesians 4:14-16 - that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. The instruction to be perfect was not a new concept in the New Testament, but was also given in the Old Testament where it states that there were people who walked with a perfect heart before the Lord. That is to say, before the Lord, their heart satisfied all His requirements of how their heart should be towards Him, they were sure, and contented before Him. (See the example of David, Asa and Hezekiah) God instructed Abraham: Genesis 17:1 - And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect. Hebrews 6:11-15 - And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no greater, He sware by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Perfection has much to do with being patient. In order to attain perfection in any given area, one must patiently continue to become better in their given talent or responsibility. In today's world of instant this or there's an app for that, many are accustomed to getting things quickly without putting forth much effort in the field of patience. So patience in itself may be a strange concept, however there is much to be gained from patience. Christ teaches us: In your patience possess ye your souls (Luke 21:19). As we read in the beginning, Christ learned obedience and through the practice of obedience, He was made perfect, complete, entire, lacking nothing. He practiced obedience to his earthly parents which trained Him in obedience to His Heavenly Father. Revelation 14:12 - Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus Philippians 1:3, 6 - I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 6 being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [till Christ's coming] Christ is the One who makes us complete, He perfects us as we allow Him to work in us: by His teaching us and our learning to submit to Him in obedience as He left an example for us to do. James 1:4 - But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. In Him we are complete, legally valid, IF we continue to abide in Him. In Him we are taught how to avoid sin and He gives us the power to do so in order to keep our heart (spiritual garments) clean. Colossians 2:9-11 - For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 - And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. Being Patiently obedient, we come into Perfection and Holiness through Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory Hallelujah! Hebrews 10:35-39 - Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in Him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. May the name of Jesus be praised both now and forever more. Amen and amen

The servants of Christ, serve Him in humility because they know I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Philippians 3:13-14 - 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. Jesus taught that we are to keep our focus on doing what is right before God and not on making a name for ourselves or having a title. We have one Master, that is Christ from whom we are to learn, who we are to exemplify, be representatives of Him; and one Father which is God. Matthew 23:8-9 - But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Matthew 23:23 - And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. All the righteous acts (good works), most elaborate praises (whether in song or in speech), the most scripture memorized and/or copied by a person are like the tithes of the best spices offered by one who is blind to one's own actions behind closed doors. It is for this reason that Christ said to cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter (clean out your own vessel – this is you) in order to become a vessel that truly honors GOD, not only in word but in deed also. Galatians 2:16-17 - 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. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. We are to show that we are walking in the faith of the Lord Jesus, by our testimony of daily conduct. I recall the Lord rebuking me because of things I was allowing to be out of order in my house. I say allowing, because I knew to do it, but I was procrastinating and not getting it done. What He showed me through this experience was fearful, and made me to realize even more: In order for God to be honored through my life, I have to give every part of my life over to His order. Everything must be brought under the order of God. My life has to be lived as an example of the Order of God. What I have (whether it is house, land, belongings, etc) is not mine, but God's and I am just taking care of it. I must take this responsibility, not as a joke or something to be taken lightly, but VERY SERIOUSLY. 1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Once I repented of this, and began to be obedient to Him, I had to persevere, be strong and courageous – nothing was ever gained by one who gave up. GOD made me know that He was with me, He strengthened me all the way, and that is how I can be here today sharing this with you. All Glory to GOD!!! In taking this action, I am sealing myself within and without for the Lord's work by obedience and being a keeper of the house that God intended me to be since the beginning of time. During this process, I have had several encounters where Satan has tried to hinder me in a dream, or tried to wear me down physically by bothering my children, through dreams or ailments in the night. Through these situations, I knew that it was not what it may appear to be on the outside (just organizing the home), it was for me spiritual warfare. He showed me also, that each one of us have to seal ourselves and our homes, our families both inside and outside – just as He instructed Noah to do when he was preparing the Ark of Safety. We will not be safe unless we come under full obedience to God. He placed it on my heart to share Noah's experience. Genesis 6:12-14 - 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. Here we see God's vexation with the wickedness on the earth. Noah was in that day, the man who kept himself and his family from evil. By adding action to his faith through his obedience to God, he destined himself for Salvation on the Ark. God's instructions to Noah for the Ark in sealing it inside and outside serves as an example to us. Genesis 7:1 - And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Genesis 7:5 - And Noah did according unto all that the Lord commanded him. Genesis 7:16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in. Here we see the Salvation of the Lord in the life of Noah's family. What he did was because of his faith and loyalty to GOD. Hebrews 11:7 - 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. He moved in the fear of God, knowing that God is true to His word. What He says is what He will do. In all things He is faithful that promised. 1 John 3:1-3 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. As children of God, though we do not know the end result of the work God is doing in us, we will see it in the end. In the mean time, because of the hope in us we purify ourselves because as He is pure, so we also must be pure. As He brings to mind things of which we need to be aware to stop or start doing, we do this, knowing that the end result is for our good. Praise be to God! 1 John 3:6 - Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him. When we have seen and know the Lord, we see and know that He is holy, then we are impulsed, because we are His children, to be as He is, that is: holy, pure. (Just as natural children, many of them, want to be like their parents). 1 John 3:8 - He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. We will not want to be disobedient to God, because in doing so we would not be like God, but would be as the devil who lives in complete rebellion to anything that is of God. So these scriptures should be encouraging to us, prodding us on to do what is of God that we may be children of God not only in word but in actions that resemble those words. For example: If someone says 'I am a student' then you would expect their actions to back up that statement. The student would be faithfully studying to achieve a degree in whatever it is that they are studying - or otherwise, if it is taken lightly, all their time would have been in vain. So also this applies to us. 1 John 3:18-21 - My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. Let us not love God in word only, but in actions as well. 1 Samuel 2:3 - ... for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. We must be pure from sin, abstain from sin, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh (see Jude. Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of the Lord Jesus said this: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. The Son of man came not to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved (see John 3:17). See and know the Salvation of the Lord. Cleanse your heart from sin and be sealed for the Kingdom of Heaven !! We have so much to look forward to. Ordering the heart and home has to do with discipline. When learn discipline in the physical, it helps us understand and learn discipline in the spiritual. We can learn much through this daily practice. May God's name be praised for ever and ever, who alone does wondrous things!! AMEN.

Notes taken: December 17, 2019 Psalm 106 Verses 1-12 – Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all His praise? 3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. 4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that Thou bearest unto Thy people: O visit me with Thy Salvation; 5 That I may see the good of Thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine inheritance. 6 We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers understood not Thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of Thy mercies; but provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name's sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up: so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. 12 Then believed they His words; they sang His praise. God delivered with a powerful hands and brought them safely out of Egypt and through the Red Sea on dry land. Then they believed His Words and sang His praise. This is the same as our salvation. Verses 13-18 – They soon forgat His works; they waited not for His counsel: 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. 15 And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. 16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord. 17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram. 18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. How quickly they forgot His salvation!! How soon the salvation of our God is forgotten. 1- They did not wait on the counsel from the Lord, they were hasty 2- Because of this, they gave themselves over to unlawful desires in the desert (the time of temptation, trying their faith) (see also Galatians 1:6-7, Romans 1:21-32) 3- They also became envious of Moses and Aaron – God's leadership through them, their connection with God Don't be partakers of their sin. (Ephesians 5:5-12) Verses 19-23 – They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten image. 20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. 21 They forgat God their Saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; 22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red Sea. 23 Therefore He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them. Moses stood in the breach, meaning he asked God to have mercy on them, and then rebuked the people and made them to know their sin before the Lord so they would repent, and instead of yielding to the weakness of sin they would be strong in the Lord and overcome by keeping the commandments of God. The only way God would turn from His wrath is if the people turned away from their sin. We also, who are made living stones (in Christ Jesus) in the spiritual house must not have any breaches (because of sin). If there are breaches/ spaces in the building, it will break apart because of weakness (1 Peter 2:5). Psalm 106:24-31 – Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not His word: 25 But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. 26 Therefore He lifted up His hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness: 27 To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 28 They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. 30 Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. 31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. What is the sin of Baal-Peor? When I looked into the history of this idol this is what I found: The word Baalpeor is named in the Bible five times (three times in reference to incidents, twice in remembrance of the incidents). It is the name of a god of the Moabites (Numbers 25:3) worshiped by obscene rites. So called from Mount Peor, where this worship was celebrated, the Baal of Peor meaning: lord of the opening. —In Rabbinical Literature: The worship of this idol consisted in exposing that part of the body which all persons usually take the utmost care to conceal. Baal Peor is a Moabite god, which service specifically included sexual acts.- The name Baal Peor consists of two parts: Firstly, the word Baal a common word meaning owner, husband: The second segment is the name of a mountain in Moab: Peor. This name comes from the Hebrew verb פער (pa'ar) meaning open wide: This sheds some insight on this god/idol by which the Lord GOD was provoked to such great anger as to cause a plague to be in the camp of His people the Israelites, bringing about the death of 23,000 people. He said, I, the LORD, AM a jealous GOD (Exodus 34:14, Deuteronomy 32:16) and MY glory will I not give to another (Isaiah 42:8). The name Baal-Peor may not be used today, but these actions are still being done (exposing the parts of the body which should be covered, among other obscene acts) which the Lord wants us to recognize and reject fervently. Sacrificing their sons and daughters to idols, shedding innocent blood – like many have done to this day by abortion and other means, the land has become polluted with the blood of many innocent. This, God sees and is angered. Psalm 106:39-48 - Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. 40 Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against His people, insomuch that He abhorred His own inheritance. 41 And He gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times did He deliver them; but they provoked Him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction, when He heard their cry: 45 And He remembered for them His covenant, and repented according to the multitude of His mercies. 46 He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives. 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto Thy holy name, and to triumph in Thy praise. 48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. Phinehas rose up and executed judgment – not so the people would be condemned, but to cut off sin so they would not be destroyed! This was counted to him for righteousness (see Ps. 106:30-31) and by his doing the work of the Lord that was required, the people would be able to praise God for His holiness and to give Him thanks for His merciful deliverance. Psalm 149:5-9 - Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all His saints. Praise ye the Lord. Hebrews 4:12 - For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Ephesians 6:12-18 - For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of Righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; 16 Above all, taking the Shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 1 Corinthians 10:4-6 - (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 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; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. In other words - we are to use the weapons of our warfare to bring all every thought within us under the obedience of Christ, AND THEN be ready to stand up against all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled - when we have become obedient. (see also Matthew 7:3-5) Take up the SWORD of the Spirit and use it to cut off sin from your life. It will be counted as righteousness to you, and the Lord will bless you and He will keep you and His face will shine upon you and you will have His Salvation. Numbers 6:24-26 - The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Praise ye the Lord!

1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Paul was careful not to preach with the words of wisdom that were pleasing to man, but he preached only the powerful words of the Holy Spirit, in order that their faith would be founded on the Rock Christ Jesus who is the Wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23 -24 - but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Paul preached of the mysteries of God as they were made known / understandable to him by God through the testimony of Jesus Christ the Son of God. The more he sought the Lord, the more the Lord made him understand the mystery of God, so that it was no longer a mystery (something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain), but an assurance (a positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise / certainty about something). Like the song says, Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine, heir of Salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit washed in His blood. This is my story this is my song praising my Savior all the day long. (See also Ephesians chapter 3:1-12) 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. This anointing was the anointing of the Holy Spirit of God. Paul continues on to say that it was given so we can know what has been freely given to us by God. Again, he confirms, the apostles did not use words of the wisdom taught by man, but the wisdom which is taught by the Holy Spirit of God, because man in his nature cannot receive the things that are of God, because they are only discerned by the Spirit of God. Sadly, many today are using the “wisdom” of man try to discern or define the things of God. Grace as described by Paul is not the “merciful favor of God” as many have determined it to be. As I looked further into the definition of grace as defined in Merriam-Webster's dictionary, I come to this definition: virtue. What is virtue? I find the definition for virtue is (in the 3rd definition) manly courage or strength. This is more in line with what was needed for Paul to fulfill the work God had given him to do – STRENGTH; it also makes much more sense when we read God's reply to Paul when he asked Him three times to take away the “thorn in the flesh”. God said to him: My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul goes on to say, Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. How can grace defined be “undeserved favor” when God, not Paul used it in the context of strength? We must look into words as God defines them, not as man sees it. Words such as Love, Virtue, Grace, Faith, and Wisdom, have such greater value to them once they have been researched through God's manner of thinking rather than man. You have no need that man teach you (1 John 2:27)... How was John the apostle assured of that? Because Christ (the Anointed One) told them this: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26). Jesus who is the Son of God, was True and Faithful, and thus made them sure of this anointing that would come upon them to supply them with all they would need (including and especially the Strength / Power) to fulfill the work He had called them to do. Paul told Timothy: But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 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 3:14-15). Timothy was taught by Paul, whose wisdom and understanding came from the Lord Himself, and he was assured of these things because he saw that everything he learned was confirmed in the life of Jesus and through the holy scriptures – this would be the law and the prophets – which he knew being taught from childhood, not to mention his own salvation experience. He was one of those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was saved. Glory to God! May the Lord raise up more such teachers who, like Paul are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and will boldly teach people to walk in what they know from reading and studying the Bible and HAVE BEEN ASSURED OF – not through doctrines of men in place of truth, but in Christ the Wisdom of God and Power of God unto Salvation. Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. May the Lord be praised and His name glorified both now and forever. Amen Psalm 51:6 Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Psalm 8:2 – Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. Jesus spoke to those who wanted to stop the people, the children, from offering praises to Him – in response He said, “And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? Matthew 21:16 The Lord has said these things because of the simple fact that it is true. The truest form of praise will come from a child because little children are honest in their opinion and innocent in their intentions. They have no ulterior motives in their natural state, and this is how GOD created them. There is much to be learned from this simple fact. Matthew 11:25-26 - At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. In these scriptures, Jesus is speaking of those who had heard the message of repentance preached by John the Baptist in those days and had refused to listen and take heed (do something about it). He said if the presence of the mighty works done in those places had been done in Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom (cities where the people were highly esteemed for their skill and were always focused on Self.) they would have repented. However, to everything there is a purpose and a time to every season. All these things were done in order that we may learn from the lessons of times before us and take heed to the message of the LORD. The Word of the LORD is today, even as it was before, repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make His paths straight; the coming of the LORD draws nigh, yea, He is even standing at the door. 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. Revelation 3:20 He calls to all, the rich and poor, sick, and healthy, young, or old – it does not matter age, race, size. His greatest desire is that all would know Him, the TRUTH, and the Truth will set them free and the blind will see; but not many really care. The LORD wants those who come to Him to really and truly care about their decision they make to join with Him and follow Him in all His ways as does a little child. Paul said, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, 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; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. It is because HE IS GOD ALONE and there is none like Him, that He is worthy of all glory honor and praise, because it is HE that has made us and NOT WE OURSELVES. However, those that are lifted up in themselves want to receive glory and honor for themselves, and therefore will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven for they desired not to receive it as does a little child – with honesty, humility, and the desire to receive the Wisdom that comes from GOD alone. They are rich in themselves. Therefore Jesus said to His disciples, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. One can be rich in many ways and not just in money or property alone, it could be prestige, fame, self-discipline, achievement, etc. - it is when one puts their trust in these things that they go wrong; then it is not “In God we Trust” but 'In [any of the above] I trust'. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:26-27 If any man (or woman) will humble themselves and will follow me, I will teach them my ways. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 1 Chronicles 7:14 And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, they have humbled themselves; therefore, I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; 1 Chronicles 12:7 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:16-17 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Psalm 85:8 So will I make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let them pollute My holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. Ezekiel 39:7 God will not be mocked and will not allow the people – His creation - to make a mockery of Him. We must become as little children, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven – become a sincere, truly repentant people in order to honor God and then honor Him by giving Him glory, honor and majesty in our lives. To show that He alone reigns in us and not we ourselves, for we are HIS creation – not the other way around. Our God is a jealous God, He said to Isaiah, I am the Lord: that is my name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8 Glory be to His Holy name. May His name be praised in Heaven above and on earth beneath. To His name be all Glory, Honor, and Praise from this time forth and even forevermore. AMEN.

Jesus came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17) Abraham believed GOD and it was imputed to him for righteousness. (James 2:23) David described the blessedness of the forgiven man saying: “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD will not impute (to lay the responsibility or blame for) sin” (Psalm 32:1-2) God is not the God of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles – HE is one GOD – both Jews and Gentiles will be justified by faith. (justify: to show to be just, right, or reasonable. To free from blame or guilt). Romans 4:14-25 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: … 15b - for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace [power]; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; … 18 Who against hope believed in hope, … 19 And being not weak in faith, … 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 And THEREFORE [this is why] it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, … 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Righteousness was counted to Abraham because he, not only believed initially, but continued to believe through all the years of waiting for the promise to be accomplished. He was fully convinced that because God promised, He was very capable of doing it. The promises of God will be fulfilled to us IF we believe as Abraham did - completely convinced that God will do what He said He would. Righteousness will be counted to us, as it was to Abraham, if we believe on Him who raised up Jesus Christ from the dead. John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:6-7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:12-13, 16 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:22-23 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. God, in His Wisdom and mercy, made a distinction between two groups of people: those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and those who do not believe on Him. Now, every human being has a choice which is left available for them: to be saved or not. Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. What will you do? Will you be saved? Are you willing to believe? If so, ask Jesus Christ into your heart and to wash you clean from your former sins by His blood that was shed on the cross. Believe on His name, that He was raised from death to life, and that through Him we have life eternal. Glorify God and live for Him in thankfulness for what He has done, looking forward to what He is going to do. Read His word and He will teach you all that you need to know and will lead you in the right path for His name's sake. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. To the Lord's name be praise, glory, honor and power forever. Amen.