Bible Trivia Answers to "THE LAST WORD" and "A LOOK AT 1ST THESSALONIANS"

Good Evening To All!

The answers to last night's Bible Trivia Quiz are as follows:



1.  Stephen  (Acts 7:59-60)
2.  Jacob      (Genesis 49:31)
3.  Elisha     (2 Kings 13:19)
4.  Saul        (1 Samuel 31:4)
5.  Joseph    ( Genesis 50:25)
6.  Moses    (Deuteronomy 33:29)
7.  Joshua    (24:27)
8.  Samson  (Judges 16:28)
9.  Jesus      (Matthew 28:19-20)
10.  The repentant thief on the cross    (Luke 23:42)
11.  David    (1 Kings 2:9)
12.  Eli         (1 Samuel 4:16)
13.  Jesus     (Acts 1:8)
14.  Elijah    (2 Kings 2:10)
15.  Jezebel  (2 Kings 9:31)
16.  Goliath  (1 Samuel 17:44)
17.  Ahab     (1 Kings 22:34)
18.  Jesus     (Mark 16:18)

I hope you did well or learned a lot from this little Trivia Quiz.  Be sure and let me know.

Now, for the "meat" of this post.

There are many books in the Bible that I favor. Proverbs, because of its lessons, but I took another look at 1 Thessalonians. It concerns itself with the "return of Christ" and what we should do to make ourselves ready to meet Him up in the air.   

At this date and time, I think we should all take heed to what this book, along with other books in the Bible such as Proverbs say because they are excellent teachings that if followed will enable us to join our Savior in the heavens.

It teaches guidelines for growing in Godliness.  Godly believers live unto God and for God.  They seek to honor and reflect God in everything they think, say, or do.  Godliness lives quietly, is absorbed in doing good for others and works productively.  Godliness has a good reputation with unbelievers, and last but not least, Godliness is knowing the commands of Scripture and doing them

• Understand that successful Christian living consists of 1) work that flows from faith, 2) labor that flows from love, and 3) patient endurance that is born of living hope.  Insure that your life is characterized in this manner.  (1:3)
• Be faithful to intercede for other believers and other congregations.  (3:10)
• Live your life in order to please God, not yourself (for if you truly have the Holy Ghost within you, your desires will change to be what God wants as well).  my emphesis  (4:1)
• Live a quiet , peaceful life,  Never gossip.  Be diligent in whatever work you have chosen to do.  Earn a good reputation with unbelievers.  (411-12)
• Conduct your life, being alert and self-controlled.  (5:6)
• Practice the commands of Scripture.   (5:16-22)

It has Key Lessons in Faith--The person of faith prays that God will demonstrate His power in the church today.  Faith is able to receive God's Word through human beings, believing God's ability to use human vessels, and faith looks forward to the promise that the Lord will appear a second time for salvation's consummation.

• Pray that your preaching of the gospel will be attended by the power of signs, wonders, and miracles.  (1:5)
• Receive the preaching and teaching as God's Word!  Refuse to receive the Scripture as merely human opinion, and avoid negating its authority or nullifying its effectiveness for growth in your life.  (2:13)
• Encourage brothers and sisters in Christ often, giving hope through expecting Jesus Christ's return.  (4:17)

1 Thessalonians also has Lessons for Leaders.  Although righteous spiritual leaders speak the truth of God boldly, they do so gently.  The are unmoved by flattery or praise from humankind.  They only seek praise from God.  They are diligent workers who never take advantage of those they serve.

• Leaders, seek to please God, rather than cater to humans.  Never employ flattery; rather speak the truth forthrightly.  Look only to God for praise.  (2:5-6)
• Leaders, practice gentleness in your ministry.  (2:7)
• Leaders, understand that ministry means hard work and long hours.  (2:9)

It tells us the Keys to Moral Purity.  The church must sustain a biblical commitment to sexual purity.  The worldly attitude that produces sexually immoral behavior rejects God and His ways.

• Recognize that sanctification includes sexual purity and moral self-control.  Never defraud others; that is, do not cheat brothers through wrongful sexual liaisons.  (4:3-6)
• Understand that living in sexual impurity is a rejection of God as well as His Word.  (4:7-8)

Last but not least, I has the Keys to Relating to Authority--Pastoral leadership is a gift from God.  We must treat God's appointed leaders and teachers with appropriate respect. 

• Honor church leadership.  Recognize that their Bible-based instruction comes with Jesus' own authority.   (5:23)

Good Night, and MAY GOD BLESS!

"PROVERBS--WORDS TO LIVE BY"

Good Morning to All!

I was reading one of my favorite blogs  (Rob Barkman's   "Settled in Heaven"and felt in my spirit that what he was posting needed to get out to more than just "his audience", so I decided to re-post what he had to say (with his permission).

The reason I did this is because in my heart I feel that Christianity today is being "watered down" or "mellowed out" as some would call it.  They "beat around the bush" because they are afraid if they say something people don't agree with, or don't like, then the people would leave and not come back.  The preachers don't understand that by not telling the WHOLE TRUTH" that they are stumbling blocks to their flocks.    Rob and I are from different faiths, so I don't know if he agrees with what God put on my heart, but here it is. 
 
This post spoke to me. In it, He told me that it is possible to fall from grace.  Therefore, we cannot read God's Word, and then take out the parts we don't like and add parts in to suit ourselves.  This is a sin, and there are drastic measures which HE will go to to chastize or punish us.  It says plainly that our names will be taken out of the "book of life".  That means we will not get into heaven if we do this.  Anyway, Rob explains it much better than I can.  I hope you enjoy his post.

****************************************************************

He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)

 The Proverbs Of Agur: The Word Is Impeccable: Proverbs 30:5-6

5) Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

In this chapter we may have a new author, a man by the name of Agur. Very little is known about this man but, from the context of our text, it seems as if he is a teacher who is instructing his two students Ithiel and Ucal.

As Agur begins to share God’s Word with us, he reminds us of the exclusivity of the Word… it is perfect, all-encompassing and is exclusively backed by Divine authority. No other teaching whether in written or verbal form can begin to compare to it. This is why we should listen to his message very carefully…

EXPOSITION:

5) Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Agur now shares two motivations for us to follow the Word of God that he is revealing to us.
1. The speech of God is perfectly refined (with no error)
2. God is a protector of those who put their confidence in him

We are to follow his teachings (and all the Word of God) because:
a. it is a perfect message that proceeds from the One that deserves all of our worship. Why do we owe Him our undivided devotion? Because we owe our physical and spiritual life to Him (He is our Creator and Redeemer).
In other words, we are to follow His Word because WE OWE IT TO HIM.

b. God is the One that meets our every need as we look to Him in faith. One of the greatest tools He uses to supply our needs is through the teachings found in His Word.
In other words, we are to follow His Word because IT IS OF GREAT SPIRITUAL BENEFIT TO US.

6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Agur continues to explain the sanctity of the Word. When this sanctity is violated there are two devastating results.
1. Do not expand to His Word or attempt to improve it in any way
2. He will convict, chasten and correct us
3. We will be revealed as a deceiver

Folks, we should take great heed to this warning from Agur. There are many dangers that await those who attempt to in any way change or augment the Word of God. This principle is declared throughout both the Old and New Testament portions of the Word…

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)

Moses warned the children of Israel of the need to be certain to not change the Word in any way. This includes adding to it or diminishing it (taking away from it or changing it).

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)

As John penned the final book of the Bible, he brought the revelation of God to an end and gives the fateful warning to not add, nor take away from Divine revelation in its entirety.

We should never think that Agur, Moses or John’s warnings only apply to their own individual writings. This warning is found throughout the Scriptures helping us to understand that the entire, inspired Word is included in this grave warning.

Think of it this way, if we limit this warning to the writings of the individuals who are giving the warning, we are by implication, saying that the others parts of the Bible can be added to, taken away, or changed. These warnings are not found in every book of the Bible, therefore do we have the right to change those books? Absolutely not.

And yet there are those who claim that the Word can be added to today. Their reasoning is that the warnings we have looked at only apply to the books of Deuteronomy, Revelation and the Proverb that Agur wrote. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable for them to add their own “revelation” to the mix. How sad.

Please do not fall for their message of deceit. When they say “God has given me a new message” or “God has revealed to me a new truth”, just rack it up to Satan, turn from the messenger of error, and turn back to the Word for Godly instruction.

Why is this warning given, and why is it such a “big deal” if we purposely change His Word?

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)

In this text, we are to look to the Word is the God-given tool that would perfectly, thoroughly gives us all we need to serve the Lord in a way pleasing to Him. From this text we can learn several different truths:

a. The Word is a completed revelation.
If there were still portions to be revealed to man it could never result in men being described as “perfect (complete)” and “throughly (fully equipped or finished being equipped)”. If we were waiting for the final pieces of revelation to come to us, it would be as if we are waiting for the last pieces of equipment to be supplied to us as we prepare for spiritual warfare.

(The Word was completed around 100 AD with the writing of the last Biblical book, The Revelation Of Jesus Christ which was given to the Apostle John. From that point forward we have had the complete revelation of God given to man. As such, we now have the ability to be thoroughly furnished for spiritual warfare.

b. Since the Word is our source of “equipment” for spiritual battle we dare not add to it, take from it, or change it in any way.
If we do, we are making the equipment God has given to us less effective for our spiritual warfare. After all, there is NO WAY we can be improving what God has given to us, therefore our “changes” must deteriorate its effectiveness.

c. Finally, by changing His inspired Word we are, by our actions, stating that we know better than the Lord.
If we add to it, we are saying that He didn’t give us all that we need.
If we take away from it, we are saying he gave us what we did not need.
If we change it, we are calling Him a liar and we need to correct Him.

In all three of these changes, we are calling Him imperfect, sinful and beneath us.

SUMMARY:

In these verses, Agur helps us to understand the importance of his teachings (as the very Word of God) and the importance to not change God’s Word in any way. God’s Word is the perfect Word of the Lord given to equip us for spiritual warfare.

If we present untruth under the guise of the Truth, we are hindering His service and blaspheming His person and Word. Therefore, we all must labor to come to a proper understanding of the Word and then clearly present it to others. In doing so, we are equipping ourselves and others to be fully equipped to do the work of the Lord.

This is what Agur was doing for his students and for each one of us.

By God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value that they deserve.

May the Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.

SIH Homepage: http://www.settledinheaven.org
SIH Text Blog: http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/all-about-salvation/
SIH Video Blog: http://youtube.com/settledinheaven/
SIH Email: settledinheaven@gmail.com

Thank you Rob for your WONDERFUL post and bringing the importance of God's Word into our lives.

Have a Wonderful day, and May God Bless you ALL!

"DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART"

Good Afternoon to All!

I wanted to make sure that I got this post written today, as tomorrow my husband and I will be starting our journey back home to Texas.

I started this trip with hesitation because I am not good with change, and I didn't want to leave the comfort of my church, and my friends for ANY length of time. You would have thought I was a child going on my first sleepover away from the comforting arms of my mother.

I have to admit though, I have embraced it and really enjoyed my time here in Arizona. I have made several friends who I hope to stay in touch with through the next year, until we meet again here in sunny Arizona. That being said, I should get to the "EYE OPENING" experience which has occurred in this place and why I have decided that it has to be God that brought me here.

A couple of weeks after arriving, I started attending a Bible Study at the Chapel here on the Proving Ground. It was titled "David - Seeking a Heart Like His" by Beth Moore. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend having it.

Have you EVER thought to yourself, "Oh! How I would love to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, but I'm not good enough. I've done too many things wrong. I am too unworthy!" I know I have. I went to Sunday school and church when I was a child, but it didn't have that profound effect on me that my present relationship with HIM does. What's strange is that I really thought I was "a woman of God". Boy! Was this trip an eye-opener.

I figured out that there is definitely a difference in a "relationship with God" and an "INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP with God". All this time I have thought mine was an intimate one, but the Bible Study I attended while here showed me differently.

It woke me up to the fact that to have an Intimate Relationship, I had to give more. Just like in my marriage, I need to be open to my husband's needs and wants, and be willing to sacrifice some of my own. Our relationship with God should be no different. We should be willing to sacrifice our needs and wants for Him. After all, we as Children of God are the "Bride of Christ". He gives to us, and we should give to Him. We can never outgive God in money, time, or anything else. He supplies ALL our need. David understood this.

Since becoming a "true Christian", (I use that term because I used to attend church sometimes, but didn't really have a relationship with Christ), I have been fascinated with David. I am always saying about my worship and "dancing before the Lord", if KING David did it, what gives me the right to worry about what other people think about it? After all, Michal, David's wife actually despised him for doing it. It embarrassed her.

This Bible Study has not only enforced that feeling that much more, but now, I not only want to Praise God like David, but as he was a "man" after God's own heart, I want to be "a WOMAN after God's own heart.

I know, it's hard to think in terms like that because it is our nature to bring up things of our past, to think "What am I thinking?" I'm not Good enough! I don't pray as often as I should, I don't read His Word as much as I should!" Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. David was no perfect angel either. He was not sinless. He was a murderer, an adulterer, he did things that God was not happy about quite a bit, yet GOD SAID David was a man after His own heart.

Samuel is speaking to Saul and says: But now your kingdom shall not continue; the Lord has sought out [David] a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince and ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded
(1 Samuel 13:14 Amp.Vers.)

This is because he sincerely repented. He cried out to God for forgiveness, and according to His Word says: "And when he had removed him (Saul), he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I (God) have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (Acts 13:22)

I have heard that phrase often, but for some reason this time, it hit me like a ton of bricks. In this Bible Study, it shows the parallel of David to Christ. It is amazing! It has put a fire in me to strive much harder to be the Woman of God that God wants me to be.

After developing my relationship with Christ, I have always said I wanted a closer walk, and I try, but evidently I haven't tried hard enough. It is one thing to pray a little bit, and to read the Bible sometimes, and go to church every chance I get. ALL of these are good things, only instead of sometimes, it should be constantly instead of a little bit, it should be without ceasing No, this does not mean constantly be praying and nothing else. It means to have a prayerful attitude about EVERYTHING.

As David said, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer". (Psalm 19:14)

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10)

This Bible Study has caused me to really open my eyes to my own faults and want to work on them. It has caused me to examine my own heart, and fall down before God and ask Him to help me to be more like David,to strive to be more like Christ, to be a Woman after God's Own Heart.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"DO YOU SOMETIMES FEEL IGNORED BY GOD?"

 Good Afternoon to All!

It seems as though I have found a "snag" in my new blogging routine.  I was going to post everything 3 days, thinking that it would give more people a chance to check out my posts, but I have decided that, that is not such a good idea if I am going to include Bible Quizzes.  By the time I post the answers, y'all might have forgotten the questions!  LOL!  Anyway, I apologize and will try to do a better job from now on, and post more frequently.

My post today was inspired by my Bible Study which I am attending while here in Yuma.  We are studying Beth Moore's "A Study of David - Seeking a Heart Like His".  I was doing my lesson when the Scripture text of Isaiah 59:1-3 was brought up:

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:  (2)  But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.   (3)  For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

This text was written of Saul as he was still after David.  He was terrorized by the idea of going up against the Philistines because he had prayed to God, yet God had not answered him, so he inquired of the "witch of Endor".  

My topic is about why we don't always hear God's answer to our prayers.

Many, many years ago when I was a child, I attended church regularly.  I even sang in the choir on Wednesday nights.  I thought I was doing everything right.  I had "told' Jesus that I accepted Him as my Savior, and "tried to be a good person."  As I grew older, I continued to adhere to the Ten Commandments as much as possible (or so I thought), you know, the ones that didn't take too much effort and that didn't interfere with my lifestyle.  All the while thinking I was still being a good Christian, because I believed in God and had accepted Jesus.  

The problem was, the older I got, it seemed the farther away from God I got.  I quit going to church all together, and of course after I got married, my lifestyle changed, unfortunately not for the better. I won't go into details, but I was definitely NO ANGEL.  All this while I still considered myself a "good Christian" even if I wasn't following Christ's lead. 

The thing is, during all of this, I still prayed when I needed His help.   Sometimes He listened and answered my prayer, and sometimes He didn't.  I don't think it is that He didn't hear me,  I have always gone on the premise that He hears our prayers and that He answers them, it is just sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, and sometimes, not yet. I am so thankful that I have developed an intimate relationship with Him and hunger more and more for His teaching, so that I have no doubts about my eternity being with Him. 

It of course is a continual journey and I will ALWAYS be learning something new from Him just as I have within this Bible Study.

After doing this Bible Study, I am finding that I have been wrong.  Of course it isn't that He CAN'T hear, it is that He chooses to disregard our petition until we realize that we have done wrong in His eyes and right our wrongs.

This is why I am looking at things in a "whole new light".  From now on, I won't look at it as yes, no or not yet.  I will pray, wait a little while, then search my heart as to why He hadn't answered my prayer yet.  Then I will REPENT, ask His forgiveness and pray my prayer again.  When I do this, it seems as though I hear or see the answer He gives me so clearly.

As I continue to grow, He shows me more.  He has definitely made me realize that if I expect to spend eternity with Him, I need to obey Him, respect Him and His wishes for my life.  Let Him have the reins to guide me.  I also need to acknowledge to Him and accept responsibility when I have sinned against Him according to His Word (whether I see anything wrong in it or not) and REPENT.  Turn TOWARD Him.  As long as I have sins which I have not repented from, or even if I am at odds with Him (sulking because I didn't get my way) I need to give myself an Attitude Adjustment.  If I want Him to respect me and answer my prayers, then I have to give Him the same treatment by respecting Him by Obeying Him.  The best way to do that is to read His Word so that we will know exactly what is expected of us.

In the end, THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSES.  God will not accept excuses for our actions because if we love Him we will read His Word and make sure we do what He wants.

Bottom Line:  If you EXPECT ANSWERS to your prayers, then DO WHAT GOD EXPECTS OF YOU.  Repent, and ask forgiveness for what you do wrong, so there will be NO wall between your prayers and God's ears.  

I had a friend ask the other day, "what if I don't know if I have committed any sins?"  All I could tell her is what I have started doing.  I pray and ask God to "search my heart".  He can see things there that I may not know even exist.  I ask Him to search my heart and remove anything that is contrary to what is of Him and to please forgive me for these sins.


I hope this helps to answer some of y'all's questions as well.  

 The Answers to the Bible Quiz we had on Tuesday will be posted below.

1.  c--Saul  (1 Sam. 10:21-22 NLT)
2.  a--He fell out of his chair and died  (1 Samuel 4:18)
3.  c--He performed a prebattle sacrifice himself, which only a priest should do. 
(1 Samuel 15:20)
4.  b--David (They were his older brothers)  (1 Samuel 16:12)
 5.  a--Delivering bread and cheese to the army  (1 Samuel 17:17-18)
6.  b--A tax exemption and his daughter's hand in marriage  (1 Samuel 17:24)
 7.  b--He wasn't used to it.   
(1 Sam. 17:39)
8.  c--and David his ten thousands!  (1 Samuel 18:6)
9.  b--David jumped aside and apparently kept playing the harp for Saul. 
(1 Samuel 18:11)
10. b--She put a dummy in bed and said David was too sick to be arrested.
(1 Samuel19:13-14)

 Have a Wonderful Day!

May God Bless

"WATER BAPTISM - IMPORTANT TO SALVATION"

Good Evening to All!

Tonight, I hope I'm not "diving" in too deep of water, because even in certain circumstances, even experienced swimmers drown. The subject I have chosen to talk about tonight is Water Baptism.

The reason I bring this up, is because in the present society, it is becoming more and more common place to hear people say that getting baptized with water is not necessary anymore, that it is "just symbolic".

The thing is, there is a lot of "typology" in the Bible. There is quite a bit of symbolism, but that doesn't mean that it's not necessary. We look at the Cross, the first thing that pops into our heads is Salvation. It is a symbol. The dove as symbol of the Holy Spirit, and on and on.

WATER BAPTISM IS NECESSARY

NOTE: An asterisk (*) denotes the most important scriptural references under a certain topic (in addition to the verses actually quoted).

1. Significance and Necessity-- "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved"
(Mark 16:16).
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". (John 3:5)
Repent, and be baptized every one of your in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . ." (Acts 2:38).
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48).
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

Numbers 19:1-4, 9 ;*Acts 22:16; *Romans 6:3-4; *1 Corinthians 6:11; *Colossians 2:11-13; *Titus 3:5; *1 Peter 3:20-21; *1 John 5:6, 8.

2. For Repentant Believers--"Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him . . . Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance" (Luke 3:7-8). In case you aren't quite sure what that meant, I looked it up in the Message Bible, and this is what it said: When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: "Brood of snakes (vipers)! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskin is going to deflect God's judgment? It's your life that must change, not your skin.
"Repent and be baptized every one of you..." (Acts 2:38)
"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized" (Acts 2:41)

*Matthew 3:6-8; Mark 1:5; *Mark 16:16; *Acts 8:12, 36-37; Acts 10:47-48; Acts 16:14-15; *Acts 18:8; *Acts 19:5

As you can see, God put a lot of thought about baptism into His Word. He would not have put it in there if it wasn't important. God is definitely a NO-Nonsense God. Everything He says has an important meaning to it. He says it and we are to abide by His wishes if we expect to be saved and enter into His kingdom.

For those of you out there who have been in the train of thought that you don't need to be baptized, I hope you will read this post, then read the scriptures provided about the subject. I took them right from the King James Version of the Bible. After that I hope you will reconsider and be baptized.

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge " Creation" are as follows:

1. b) earth and sky (Genesis 1:1)
2. c) "Let there be light." (Genesis 1:3)
3. a) third (Genesis 1:9-13)
4. d) none of the above (they are for signs) (Genesis 1:14)
5. c) sixth (Genesis 1:26-30)
6. c) the land creatures (Genesis 1:24-31)
7. False--He made man in the image of Himself (Genesis 1:26)
8. that it was very good (Genesis 1:31)
9. c) to have children (Genesis 1:27-28)
10. b) with a pervasive mist (Genesis 2:6)

I hope you did well, learned some, and had fun!

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"VOTE FOR GOD'S CANDIDATE"

Good Evening To All!

This is somewhat a different kind of post for me. I have always enjoyed a Blog titled "Settled In Heaven" by Rob Barkman. He has told me in the past if I wanted to "use" some of his ideas or parts of his posts I was welcomed to do so. While we may have different beliefs because of denominational doctrine, I enjoy reading his blog, because we have a lot in common as well.

Anyway, USUALLY, I try to stay away from politics, but this post tonight is dealing with politics from God's point of view, so that's ok. There is no debate, just facts. There are no "parties involved, just one opinion that counts which is God's. I hope you will read this and take it to heart. I know what I'm going to do. I am going to print this out, and keep it by my table so that when I am watching a debate or someone campaigning, I can look at it and see how close they come to "God's standard of government official".

I didn't ask Rob to guest post (although I guess in a way that's what this is), but I left all of his links and urls in here so that he will be easy for you to find.

Psalm 72:1-14 (KJV)
1) [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.
2) He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.
3) The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.
4) He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.
5) They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.
6) He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.
7) In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.
8) He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.
9) They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.
10) The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
11) Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.
12) For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper.
13) He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
14) He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Reference Scriptures: Rom 13:1-7; 1Tim 2:1-3; 1Pet 2:13-17 The three remaining passages stressing government’s God given role.

In the Bible, we find many texts that help us to understand the God-given authority of human government such as the above passages. The one being studied tonight is Psalm 72;1-14.

I really enjoy his way of study because he speaks down to earth and his topics seem to be spot on with what I happen to be thinking about or my main concerns at the moment. He also doesn't mince words. He is not afraid to preach what is in the Bible, even though it may not be a popular subject and he doesn't try to "tickle one's ears" or just tell them what he thinks they want to hear.

“1) [A Psalm] for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son.”

Before Solomon could lead his nation in a way pleasing to the Lord, Solomon must be taught and graced by God. How true this is for the politicians of today… how can we expect our nation to be led in the paths laid by God, if our candidates have no knowledge of God’s will for government? How can we expect fallen, sinful men to properly lead our nation when the candidates are not relying on God’s wisdom and strength?

We now begin to look at the role of government as sanctioned by God:

1. a government is to make lawful, moral, decisions.

“2) He shall judge thy people with righteousness,”

2. a government is to uphold the rights of the poor, exercise compassion toward and help to meet the needs of those who cannot help themselves.

“3) He shall judge ….thy poor with judgment.”
“4) He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy,”
“12-13) For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and [him] that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.”

3. a government is to be a blessing to its people, working for their growth and advancement

“6 ) He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.”
(Roms 13:4 –“For he is the minister of God to thee for good.”)

4. a government is to support, and reward, the cause of those who align themselves with God’s laws

“7) In his days shall the righteous flourish;”
(Rom 13:3 – “do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”)

5. a government is to work for peace among it’s people and other nations around them

“7) and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.”
(1 Tim 2:1-3 – “…supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made…For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”)

6. a government is to work to bring an end to the abuse of its people (especially the defenseless) through the punishment of evildoers.

“4) And shall break in pieces the oppressor.”
“14) He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.”
(Roms 13:3-5 – “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?… 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.”)
(1Pet 2:13-14 – “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man… as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.)

PRACTICAL APPLICATION:

For those who have trusted in Christ.

The need for us, as Christians, to let our voices be heard in the election process cannot be overemphasized. We should be voting for those who we believe best understand the role of government from God’s perspective. But also, we should be voting for those we believe will look to the Lord for guidance and strength as they attempt to lead our country in these troublesome days.

For those who have never trusted in Christ.

We are all confronted with the declining condition of our country. As our nation continues to turn from the Lord, and the principles found in His Word, our country’s condition will only get worse. For our country to turn around both the leaders and the common citizen must turn back to the Lord and seek to obey His commands. (2 Chron 7:14, Isa 55:6-7)

The most first thing you can do to please the Lord and fulfill His will for your life is to recognize your sinful condition and your need of salvation. Then turn from your sin, trust in Him as your Savior and seek to follow Him with your life.

If you have any questions concerning the way of salvation please feel free to visit or call a Bible teaching church in your area. They will be happy to speak to you about the Lord Jesus and the salvation He graciously gives.

Or, if you would rather, feel welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I’ll be more than happy to answer any question you may have.

Also, if you look at my blog page “How To Have A Relationship With God”. On this page you will find several blog entries explaining the way of salvation.

Please visit the “Settled In Heaven Ministries” homepage –
http://www.settledinheaven.org

My Main Blog “Settled In Heaven” (updated twice weekly) – http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com

To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven

If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.

Take A Look At My Wife’s Artistic/Scriptural Devotion Blog http://alivewithchristart.blogspot.com

Follow my Squidoo Instructional Lens “Presenting God’s Grace” “The Solemn Obligation To Present the Doctrines of Grace to the Lost and Saved Alike” http://www.squidoo.com/presenting-gods-grace

May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s faithfulness be “Settled in Heaven.”

God has told us the kind of person "He wants in office, now it is our job to make sure we get a person of His standards in the highest position in the land.

Rob, thank you for allowing me to use your material. I don't normally do this, but when I read it, it just tugged at my heart that this needed to be spread as far as possible.

Images: (1) Settled In Heaven Blog (2) America's Godly Heritage - Sadly which we are getting away from--(3) Holy Bible and Dove--We must get a leader who listens to God and lets the Holy Ghost guide his every move (4) God's Word is settled in Heaven-- what He has said WILL DEFINITELY come to pass.

The answers to last night's Bible Challenge are as follows:
1. c) Saul (1 Samuel 10:17-24)
2. b) David (2 Samuel 6:1-15)
3. b) Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18)
4. d) David promised him the throne (1 Kings 1:29-30)
5. True (1 Kings 3:4-14)
6. c) wealth and honor (1 Kings 3:10-13)
7. d) Israel (2 Kings 16:29-31)
8. False--it was the other way around (2 Kings 24:10-16, Ezra 1)
9. b) wicked return to idol worship (2 Chronicles 33)
10. a) King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

I hope you had fun and did well!

Good Night to All and May God Bless!

"PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY"- Disciplines of Holiness and Christian Living

Good Evening to All!

As I stated in my post Tuesday, I am expounding on the basic disciplines which are integral parts of Christian living according to God's Word. Remember, having a Bible does NO GOOD if you don't read it.

The First one is Prayer. There are several passages that back this up. I will quote some of them, but a lot of the passages are so long, I thought it might be better to allow you to look them up as you have the time to really concentrate and think about what God is saying. This list begins with Matthew 6:5-15. Basically, this passage is saying how we should not make a "show" or spectacle of ourselves when we pray. It says those people who do that are as hypocrites. This passage also gives us an EXAMPLE of how to pray. Which is the "Lord's Prayer.
About this picture... it caught my eye because this is what all parents and grandparents should be teaching their children and grandchildren. How to pray. Children learn by examples. What kind of example are you setting as far as your relationship with God?

This is not saying that we necessarily have to say the Lord's Prayer word for word. It is a pattern on how we should pray.

(1) Praise and Sovereignty -Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed by thy name (means to revere Him) to regard with respect tinged with awe. (2) Submission and Invitation - Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, (We submit all of this to Him. It is an act of dependence.) (3) Petition and Provision - Give us this day our daily bread.
( I have heard two different meanings of this) (1) it is talking about the manna (provision-food), and also (2) referring to God's Word as "bread". (4) Confession and Forgiveness - Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. (Confession, and forgive is in the same measure ) In other words, we must forgive just as much as we need forgiving. (5) Spiritual Protection - Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. (6) Praise and Agreement - For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. (7) Amen - So be it. I give you permission and agree with your ways.

This being said, there are several other scriptures that we need to look at on this subject. Ephesians 6:18 (I will also include the 17th verse as verse 18 starts in the "middle of a thought". "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--...(supplication being an earnest and humble request). 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. This doesn't mean to constantly be praying aloud. We must always maintain a prayerful heart and attitude. style="font-weight: bold;"> Jude 20-21 states "but you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christi unto eternal life.

Prayer enable s a Christian to receive God's promises as well as spiritual direction and power. God promises to answer the Christian's prayers, supply his needs, deliver him from temptation, and work all things for his good. The scriptures which back this up are Matthew 6:33; 7:7; 17:20; 21:22; John 14:14; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:6, 19). I'm sure you recognize some of these scriptures from reading my other posts. There are several which I use on a frequent basis, such as Matthew 6:33 which is Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Philippians 4:19 is another: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

To receive these promises, he must ask in faith, from a repentant heart, in God's will and not from carnal desires (Psalm 66:18; James 1:5-8; 4:2-3; 5:16; 1 John 3:20-22; 5:14-15).

The Next one I would like to discuss is Bible Study. I think this may be one of the least talked about by people but is a VERY IMPORTANT one. The scriptures that speak to us about this subject are (Psalm 119:11, 16, 105; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:14-17). To know truth, perform God's will, and overcome temptation, a Christian MUST read, study, meditate on, and learn God's Word. If we are not well-versed in the Bible, we make it too easy to allow ourselves to be deceived. If we don't read the Word for ourselves, then anyone could tell us anything, and we would not know any better than to believe them and they could be false prophets, or "wolves in sheep's clothing. I f you will remember, when The Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, His reply to everyone of Satan's enticements were "it is written . . . . meaning He knew God's Word, as should we when Satan comes against us.

These are just two of the seven Disciplines of Holiness and Christian Living, but I will expand on the others at a later date, as I don't want you to get tired and not want to read anymore about them, because these are definitely important points. I know a lot of you may be thinking that what I have been saying is common sense, and everyone should already know this, and you are probably correct. I am going over these things to put them fresh on your minds again.

I think it is possible for people to get so used to getting into a routine that we start doing it more out of habit, rather than for the purpose intended. We start just "going through the motions rather than really thinking about what we are doing and why we are doing it. I know because I have caught myself doing it and had to shake myself and remember what I was doing and why I was doing it.
Good Night to All and May God Bless!