How to protect our minds.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

Protecting our minds is important now more then ever. There are many toxins, medical practices that can damage our minds. Our food is heavily contaminated with toxins which can damage our brains, by being aware of that we can help to protect our minds. But we also need to focus spiritually so we can protect our minds. The bible teaches us how to make better decisions. Knowing what God would want us to do will protect our minds. I am going to discuss how our minds can be effected and how we can protect it from , things that could make us fall short of God. Since these are the last days protecting our minds can be much more difficult but the bible gives guidance on how we can protect our minds.

When it comes to how we live our life there is a saying “actions speak louder then words”. There are many scriptures to back the fact that is true. It is not what we say, or what we believe about our actions and whether they are ok it is what Gop things that is important. . Many things God would not approve of are accepted as being normal and ok by society so we cannot gauge whether our actions are good or not by society. This is why the bible tells us “it does not belong to man to direct our steps”. We are imperfect, easily corrupted and deceived. The bible even warns not to follow our hearts because it is deceptive and desperate. Meaning we can deceive ourselves and convince ourselves our actions are ok. We need to think about what our actions are telling God. We are supposed to imitate Jesus. So we need to ask ourselves would Jesus do this? If not then we should not do it.

I knew someone who could lie so well they fooled a lie detector test twice. I even seen them lie about doing something when the person they were lying to seen them do it. They were so convincing they convinced the person they imagined they seen them do it. When I ask them how they can lies so well they said easy, if I tell enough people the lie I start believing it. A hint to the fact someone like this is lying is they will either evade certain questions or answer vaguely , or they will remember things in extreme details such as exact times and dates. People rarely remember the times and dates of when things happened. The bible tells us to let no deception be found in us. If we start deceiving others it can easily lead to our deceiving ourselves. This could lead to our sinning and not being aware of it. This is why we should let God’s word guide what we do and say. We should ask what are my actions showing me about myself? This is why the bible says we should be doers of God’s word and not just hearers. By letting his word guide us and by telling others about his word we protect our hearts and it could prevent us from being destroyed in God’s great day of judgment. If we can easily tell a lie to others then we can easily deceive ourselves. Another thing that protects us is doing all the things we do whole-souled for Jehovah and not for men. If we become a people pleaser it could draw us away from God. We need to keep in mind what would God want me to do. The bible tells us to let our light shine before men. This means we need to be careful of the things we do and say. The bible says out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. So if the things we say are not honoring God or showing our trust and love for him then we should , work on improving our faith by telling others about God’s word and letting it guide all we do. In doing so we will bring glory to God and prevent us from deceiving ourselves. We need to imitate Jesus. He gave people hope by teaching them about God. The bible tells us, no deception was found in him.

These are very confusing times. Many toxin in the environment can effect the hormone and neurotransmitters in our brains. If we know what God would want us to do in times that our brain chemistry may be off, knowing God’s word and letting it guide all we do will become a habit so even if we have altered brain chemistry that could cause us to fall short of God , because speaking of his word and letting it guide all we do has become a habit it would prevent us from sinning against God and others. Not only that but it also protects our thinking, because we are living in the last days. It can be more and more difficult to tell what is right and what is wrong in God’s eyes. Not only that but the stress we are experiencing can effect our brain chemistry. By putting our trust in God instead of the world or ourselves it protects us. By knowing what God would want us to do it will protect us in such times preventing us from sinning. Look at and watch people you know who lie a lot. They cannot think clearly, they get easily confused, they get angry if you refute an untruth they are telling themselves or others. These are works of the flesh and they can cause us to lose our thinking abilities.

The bible tells us that taking in the wisdom of God makes the inexperienced one wiser. The bible tells us to keep seeking the wisdom of God’s word as if it was silver or hidden treasure and it will give us wisdom and discernment . When we have better discernment it protects us from making errors that could effect our lives or others negatively and most of all it protects our relationship with God. By having better discernment it can also prevent us from bringing shame on ourselves. When we do things that we should not do and it brings shame on ourselves it can also cause others to distance themselves from you , so that they are not being a part of the shame. So by knowing what God would want us to do we would avoid destroying relationships that are important to us.

As the anxiety of this system climbs from the increased corruption and evil it can effects a person’s thinking if they fear the world and things happening in it or they fear man more then God. By having a reverential fear of God we have faith in the future promises and the hope he has given. This protects our thinking because our identity is not with the world and things that will be gone soon, but it is with God who does not die and does not change so we know the future hope he has given will be fulfilled. By keeping our minds on spiritual things and not fleshly things it prevents us from taking a path that could lead to our death, or even our destruction on God’s great day. The bible tells us to stay on the watch, because we do not know when the end of this system will occur. We do know it will happen in a time people least expect. There will be many naysayers who know what God’s word said but because it did not guide all they did they would not believe we are in the last days and the destruction would be suddenly upon them because they did not prepare their hearts and minds so they could be aware of the time frame we are in and prepare for it.

As this system winds down and the corruption and evil get worse we need to pay even more attention to the time frame we are in. This protects our relationship with God, it protects us morally and even physically. It only takes a split second to make a bad decision that could effect the lives of ourselves or ones we care about in a negative way. These effects could last our life time and the life time of those we care about. By letting God guide all we do and say and not trusting in our own understanding or putting our trust in the world or man it can protect our thinking which will prevent us making serious mistakes. This can also help guide us through times when we are persecuted or attacked by people and Satan. Most of us will experience calamity. By putting our faith and trust in God and realizing the bible warns we will be betrayed and people will sin against us. We learn to forgive them and move on. Even if they do not repent , we have forgiven them so we do not hold on to the negative emotions that come from being betrayed or sinned against. When this happens often times it dramatically changes our lives. The bible warns these things will occur. By recognizing that and realizing we will have things occur that can dramatically change our lives we can move on much more easily. Though the hurt may remain for a while it does not overwhelm us as it does those who have no faith in God. Their hope and trust are in things that are passing away. When they lose them it destroys them as a person. Those who store up their treasures in heaven by focusing more on spiritual things then things of the world can not be shaken as easily and when they are they recover much more quickly.

So by our actions we say more then about what we believe. Even if we have deceived ourselves our actions state what our true intentions are. So we need to be aware if our actions and the things we say and do glorify God or are they pleasing ourselves? Do the things we say and do honor God and show we are putting our trust in Jesus and trying our best to imitate him. By being aware of our own short comings and taking steps to protect ourselves and avoiding situations that may cause us to fall short it protects us. Not only that but deceptive people will be very kind and helpful when they are trying to deceive someone. By being aware of their fruits it can make us aware of who they truly are as an individual and prevent them from luring us into a trap or into sinning against God. If we are like the world it makes us more vulnerable and less aware when they are setting a spiritual or any other trap for us. So by letting God’s word guide all we do it works to protect us in many ways. We need to pay attention to our actions and what they are telling us about ourselves. We can be more aware of whether we are doing what God requires by peering deeply into his word and trusting it to guide us and not getting over confident in our spiritual growth and relationship with God and be aware of our short comings and work towards overcoming them so the world and Satan cannot use them against us. The bible warns pride comes before a fall. If we do fall we need to learn from it and study the bible how to avoid such a thing in the future and take steps to protect ourselves from making errors in the future. Very soon it can be a matter of life or death. We only have a little longer and things will be much much better and all the things that cause suffering and sadness will be done away with.

The bible says many will go through the great tribulation. So many will not die and live to see the better times that are coming. In order to do so we need to put on the complete suit of armor of God. In Ephesians 5 it tells us to put on the belt of truth. This means we take in bible truths and apply them in our lives and tell others about them. It tells us to have our feet shod in declaring the good news. By telling others about bible truths it builds our faith and helps to set in our mind and hearts God’s word which protects us. We are also told to put on the shield of faith. This means we believe God’s word, we put our trust and faith in God and Jesus and not the world or ourselves. We have faith in the things above which we cannot see. It tells us to put on the helmet of salvation. We do this by believing that Jesus was a ransom sacrifice for our sins and that provided a way for man to be forgiven. We put on the helmet of salvation by repenting from sin and trying our best to imitate Jesus. In doing so we are showing our obedience and trust in God and Jesus. By repenting we are accepting that God is merciful and will forgive us when we repent. In doing so we put on the helmet of salvation. We are to persist in prayer and pray in spirit. This means we believe God answers prayers and that he has the power to fulfill the things we ask for if they are in agreement with his will.

By our actions we show God what is really in our hearts. This also tells ourselves what is in our hearts. So even if we deceive ourselves, if we do as God would require it will help us to correct our paths and keep our paths straight so we do not get led astray or deceived. We also need to remain humble. If we find we get in many arguments the bible warns presumptuousness is the cause of that. Presumptuousness is a result of pride. If we find we get in frequent arguments then we should ask ourselves what is this telling us about ourselves? This is why the bible tells us God will put an end to the pride of the presumptuous. If we are prideful we will be easily offended if someone points out an error we are making and may not make the adjustments needed to draw closer to God. If we are prideful we will not ask those we have wronged for forgiveness. Remember confessing to the person is a part of repenting. If we have too much pride then we cannot fully repent. Pride could also prevent us from even acknowledging we have sinned. This would prevent us from confessing our sin to God. If we continue in a state of sin God will not listen to our prayers. As this system is winding down we need God more now then ever before. We need to do our best to draw as close to God and Jesus as we can and hopefully we will go through the great tribulation and live to see the world restored to the paradise it was meant to be and live to see loved ones we have lost in death resurrected. We must do all we can to protect our minds as this system winds down.

(Jeremiah 10:23) 23 I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

(Jeremiah 17:9)  9 The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?

(Proverbs 28:26) Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.

(James 1:22-25) 22 However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

(Colossians 3:23-25) 23 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, 24 for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ. 25 Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

(Matthew 5:16) 16 Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.

(Matthew 12:35-37) 35 The good man out of his good treasure sends out good things, whereas the wicked man out of his wicked treasure sends out wicked things. 36 I tell you that men will render an account on Judgment Day for every unprofitable saying that they speak; 37 for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(1 Peter 2:21-23) . . .. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously.

(Zechariah 8:16) 16 “‘These are the things you should do: Speak the truth with one another, and the judgments in your gates must promote truth and peace.

(Colossians 3:9-11) 9 Do not lie to one another. Strip off the old personality with its practices, 10 and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythʹi·an, slave, or freeman; but Christ is all things and in all.

(Proverbs 3:21-23) 21 My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; 22 They will give you life And be an adornment for your neck; 23 Then you will walk on your way in safety, And your foot will never stumble.

(Matthew 15:17-20) . . .? 18 However, whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and those things defile a man. 19 For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings: murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. 20 These are the things that defile a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

(Romans 8:5-8) . . .. 6 For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace; 7 because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. 8 So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God.

(Proverbs 2:10, 11) 10 When wisdom enters your heart And knowledge becomes pleasant to your soul, 11 Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you,

(Psalm 19:7)  7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.

(2 Timothy 3:16, 17) 16 All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.

(Proverbs 2:1-6) 2 My son, if you accept my sayings And treasure up my commandments,  2 By making your ear attentive to wisdom And inclining your heart to discernment;  3 Moreover, if you call out for understanding And raise your voice for discernment;  4 If you keep seeking for it as for silver, And you keep searching for it as for hidden treasures;  5 Then you will understand the fear of Jehovah, And you will find the knowledge of God.  6 For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment.

(Psalm 119:1-6) 119 Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah.  2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart.  3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways.  4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept.  5 If only I could remain steadfast So as to observe your regulations!  6 Then I would not be put to shame. . .

(James 1:24, 25) . . .. 25 But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

(1 Peter 1:13-16) 13 So brace up your minds for activity; keep your senses completely; set your hope on the undeserved kindness that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, stop being molded by the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all your conduct, 16 for it is written: “You must be holy, because I am holy.”

(Luke 12:35-40) 35 “Be dressed and ready and have your lamps burning, 36 and you should be like men waiting for their master to return from the marriage, so when he comes and knocks, they may at once open to him. 37 Happy are those slaves whom the master on coming finds watching! Truly I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at the table and will come alongside and minister to them. 38 And if he comes in the second watch, even if in the third, and finds them ready, happy are they! 39 But know this, if the householder had known at what hour the thief would come, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) 5 Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape.

(2 Peter 3:9, 10) . . .. 10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.

(Zephaniah 1:18) 18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them in the day of Jehovah’s fury; For by the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be consumed, Because he will make an extermination, indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth.”

(Philippians 4:8) 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things.

(Matthew 24:37-42) 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 41 Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. 42 Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

(Titus 1:15, 16) . . .. 16 They publicly declare that they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.

(Matthew 7:15-18) . . .. 16 By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit.

(Galatians 5:19-24) 19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 22 On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Ephesians 6:11-18) 11 Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12 because we have a struggle, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. 13 For this reason take up the complete suit of armor from God, so that you may be able to resist in the wicked day and, after you have accomplished everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16 Besides all of this, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the wicked one’s burning arrows. 17 Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18 while with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end stay awake, constantly making supplication in behalf of all the holy ones.

(Luke 19:7-10) . . .” 8 But Zac·chaeʹus stood up and said to the Lord: “Look! The half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone, I am restoring four times over.” 9 At this Jesus said to him: “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

(Romans 12:1-3) 12 Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. 2 And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For through the undeserved kindness given to me, I tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than it is necessary to think, but to think so as to have a sound mind, each one as God has given to him a measure of faith.

(Proverbs 8:13) 13 The fear of Jehovah means the hating of bad. I hate self-exaltation and pride and the evil way and perverse speech.

(Proverbs 4:24) 24 Put crooked speech away from you, And keep devious talk far away from you.

(Proverbs 16:18, 19) 18 Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19 Better to be humble among the meek Than to share the spoil of the haughty.

(Proverbs 13:10) 10 Presumptuousness leads only to strife, But wisdom belongs to those who seek advice.

(1 Corinthians 4:6, 7) 6 Now, brothers, these things I have applied to myself and A·polʹlos for your good, that through us you may learn the rule: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” so that you may not be puffed up with pride, favoring one against the other. 7 For who makes you different from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?

(Isaiah 13:11) 11 I will call the inhabited earth to account for its badness, And the wicked for their error. I will put an end to the pride of the presumptuous, And I will humble the haughtiness of tyrants.

(James 5:16) 16 Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect.

(1 John 1:8-10) 8 If we make the statement, “We have no sin,” we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we make the statement, “We have not sinned,” we are making him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(Proverbs 28:13, 14) 13 The one covering over his transgressions will not succeed, But whoever confesses and abandons them will be shown mercy. 14 Happy is the man who is always on guard, But whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

(Matthew 13:1-9) 13 On that day Jesus left the house and was sitting by the sea. 2 And such large crowds gathered to him that he went aboard a boat and sat down, and all the crowd was standing on the beach. 3 Then he told them many things by illustrations, saying: “Look! A sower went out to sow. 4 As he was sowing, some seeds fell alongside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Others fell on rocky ground where there was not much soil, and they immediately sprang up because the soil was not deep. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them. 8 Still others fell on the fine soil, and they began to yield fruit, this one 100 times more, that one 60, the other 30. 9 Let the one who has ears listen.”

Benefits of nucleotides.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

This is not medical advice I am writing this for educational purposes . If you are ill you should seek the aid of a qualified and experienced naturopath.

Types of nucleotides and their beneifts. Just a note. Nucleotides require nitric oxide to form. Many are produced in the body but can be acquired through food.

Adenosine- It is used by the body to produce ATP. Adenosine improves sleep quality. It’s levels increase throughout the day. Exercise and doing mental puzzles or solving problems increases adenosine. It is produced through the bodies production and use of ATP. So increasing ATP will increase adenosine. Those who avoid solving problems or avoid certain types of stress instead of finding solution inhibit their production of adenosine. This can cause them to have low quality sleep.

Adenosine prevents excess blood clotting. It promotes the break down of glycogen to glucose which is the main source of energy for the brain. It increases fat burning and prevents fat retention which prevents obesity. It prevents diabetes and glucose intolerance. It improves muscle function, prevents muscle fatigue and increases muscle growth. Adenosine is one of the building blocks for DNA and RNA. Adenosine prevents heart arrhythmia, prevents cystic fibrosis, Promotes the growth of hair and increases hair thickness. It protects the body from the effects of low oxygen levels. Adenosine prevents sleep apnea, adenosine prevents hypertension by increasing nitric oxide. Adenosine reduces pain in the body. Adenosine counter acts the effects of oxidative stress. Adenosine improves the healing of tissues throughout the body. Adenosine protects the brain from the effects of age related diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Adenosine prevents diabetes and glucose intolerance. Adenosine improves the health of the HPA. Adenosine can reverse the effects of aging. Adenosine increases VEGF which is low when someone has experienced trauma, stress, infection, sepsis or have CIRS. This would help to speed up their healing. Adenosine prevents the an over active immune response which would prevent autoimmunity. Excess adenosine can increase the risk of cancer and prolong sepsis. Adenosine is usually high in sepsis. This is from ATP production being inhibited which prevents the body from clearing adenosine. Those with high adenosine have difficulty waking in the morning and will feel tired throughout the day.

Symptoms of low adenosine are fatigue, muscle weakness and atrophy or muscle wasting, skin problems like rashes, inflamed skin or dry skin, depression, anemia, frequent infections, vertigo, allergies.

Inceasing ATP which provides energy for the cells increases adenosine. ATP should be increased in the morning. As ATP is used adenosine is produced. Things that increase ATP are CoQ10, L-carnitine, D-ribose, niacin, folate, P5P in moderation, over consumption of 100 mg can have the opposite effect. Omega 3 oils, copper is needed for adenosine production, SAMe increrases ATP, Increasing anandamide increases adenosine. Anandamide is one of the most potent endogenous cannabinloids it reduces pain and inflammation and give the euphoric feeling. It is increased by consuming Omega 3 oils, eating berries, apples, grapes, lettuce, peaches, cumcumbers, spinach, potatoes, and onions. Black truffles contain high levels of anandamide. DIM (diinolymehtane) found in cruciferous vegetables increases anandamide. Creatine can increase ATP levels. Cordycep mushrooms, panax gensing, also increases ATP levels.

Cytidine also known as citicoline. Citicoline protect the brain from the negative effects of glutamine and improve function of the NMDA receptor which would help with autism. Citicoline has been shown to reduce withdrawal from addictive drugs. Citicoline improves urinary function and health. Citicoline prevents depression and anxiety. It prevents viral infection and E coli infection. It has been shown to help prevent glaucoma and improve overall eye health. It improves brain function by increasing the repair and growth of cells in the brains and nerves. It is a potent anti-inflammatory. It improves mood by increasing acetycholine and dopamine which gives a person more motivation, and a more positive outlook. Citicoline improves muscle strength and endurance. Citicoline improves blood circulation. Citicoline improves memory. Citicoline helps prevent leaky gut and a leaky blood brain barrier. Citicoline prevents excess lipid peroxidation.

Citicoline is found in organ meats, eggs, fish, beans, cauliflower and broccoli. If taken in supplement form no more then 600mg should be taken.

Uridine- supports the production of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine which would improve mood and prevent inflammation. It works synergistically with Omega 3 oils and choline so it would be more beneficial if taken with those nutrients. Urindine increases ATP levels which prevents fatigue. Uridine improves exercise endurance. It improves brain function even under low oxygen levels. It prevents the negative effects of toxins such as mercury on the brain. It enhances brain function. It improves mitochondrial function and improves energy production by the mitochondria. It has been shown to prevent depression and bipolarism. Uridine improves sleep quality. It increases neuroplasticity which improves the brains ability to learn and adapt. It increases alertness and mental focus. Promotes the repair and growth of neurons. Reduces symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Helps restore the production of tears in those who have dry eyes. It helps to improve the heart rhythm by increasing ATP. It improves liver health and promotes the regeneration of the liver. Reduces pain and inflammation. It improves the tolerance to milk and milk products.

There are severe side effects so it is best acquired from food. High levels of uridine can cause scarring on the heart and increase the risk for cancer. It can cause insulin resistance. 1 to 2 grams a day is what was used in studies but most claim 500 to 1000 mg is the safest amounts if taken in supplement form.

Food sources of uridine are brewers yeast, nutritional yeast, mushrooms, oats, broccoli, organ meats, fish, beer, goats milk, sugar cane extract, and tomatoes.

Guanosine (guanylic acid) – It is needed for the production of healthy RNA and DNA. It prevents infection by RNA viruses. It prevent uncoupling of OXPHOS. OXPHOS is needed for mitochondrial production of ATP so it would improve mitochondrial ATP production. It improves the function of the citric acid cycle needed to produce energy for the body. It prevents obesity, diabetes and glucose intolerance. It prevents the exitotoxic effects of glutamate in the brain. It increases adenosine which improves sleep quality. It has anticonvulsant effects. It improves the health of the hippocampus so would improve HPA function. Guanosine decreases oxidative stress and inflammation. It has been shown to reduce brain inflammation. It reduces ammonia in the body. It dramatically reduces the symptoms of sepsis. It reduces pain in the body. Guanosine prevents depression and anxiety. It helps to reduce symptoms of schizophrenia. Guaonosine protects the brain from the negative effects of low glucose and low oxygen levels. Guanosine increases expression of APOE which would improve fat soluble vitamin levels, improve fat and cholesterol levels in the body. This also would help to prevent Alzheimer’s. It increases Heme-oxigenase which would reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondria function. It upregulates klotho which reverses aging and heals the liver and kidney. It reduce uric acid levels in the body which would help with gout. It prevents muscle weakness, and fatigue and increases muscle growth. Guanosine reduces the risk of cancer. It improves mitochondrial fusion which improves mitochondria health and DNA health. Guanosine inhibits PDE5 which can increase arousal in men and women. There is not much information on increasing quanosine except that nitric oxide dramatically increases gaunosine. Low guanidine levels causes cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Guanosine prevents intestinal inflammation. PDE5 inhibitors increases guanosine. Artichoke, horny goat weed, cinnamon, panax gensing, coleus (forskolin), mega tribulis extract, ferula hemonis, and Epimedium brevicornum inhibits PDE5 . Excess guanosine can cause the body to become too acidic. Also high levels of guanosine can cause food allergies. So this one would be best if a person works on balancing guanosine. Consuming fish, mushrooms, foods that contain umami increases guanosine. Tomato increases guanosine. Fish and eating brewers yeast or food grade yeast increases guanosine. Inosine increases guanosine.

Inosine (inosinic acid) – those with gout should not use inosine. It increases uric acid levels. This would increase the risk of kidney stones and make gout worse. Uric acid is a potent antioxidant but high levels can decrease nitric oxide levels. So if your uric acid levels are high or nitric oxide levels are low I would not increase inosine. That being said, inosine reduces oxidative stress which improves athletic performance by improving blood flow, preserving ATP and preventing high lactic acid levels in muscle. It improves the healing and growth of nerves so improves brain health. It has been found to help with Parkinson’s disease. It reduces the symptoms of amylotropic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. It prevents high glutamate levels in the brain which would prevent anxiety and autism. Inosine protects the brain from the effects of toxins. Inosine helps to prevent fatigue. Inosine has been shown to help prevent type 1 and type 2 diabetes by improving the health of pancreatic B-cells. Inosine improves overall eye health. It is produced by the body and it increases adenosine. It can also be acquired through eating brewers yeast, and organ meats. If taken in supplements not more then 500 to 2000 mg should be taken.

Why ADMA and SDMA should be included in OATS test.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am a lousy editor.

This is not medical advice I am writing this for educational purposes. If you are ill you should find a qualified and experienced naturopath.

Why I believe Asymmetric protein-arginine dimethylation and symmetric protein-arginine. (ADMA and SMDA) should be part of a standard OATS test. Also nitric oxide levels should be measured.

ADMA and SMDA inhibit nitric oxide synthase which prevents the body from being able to produce nitric oxide. High levels of ADMA can be caused by stress, trauma, sepsis, infection, toxins, many medications especially fluoroquinolones, microbial dysbiosis in the gut, systemic inflammation, and many other things. It is also caused by high reactive oxygen species levels. The most common cause of high oxidative stress is inhibited mitochondrial ATP production which increases NADPH oxidase activity. High angiotension 2 levels can cause high ADMA levels. This can be caused by stress or eating bad fats such as trans fats. Low COX2 levels can cause high ADMA and SMDA levels.

Leaky gut, gut inflammation and gut dysbiosis causes systemic inflammation and oxidative stress so that increases ADMA and SMDA levels.

ADMA and SMDA inhibit nitric oxide production. These are the diseases that can result when nitric oxide levels are low.

Schizophrenia

Obesity

Diabetes

Hypertension

Cardiovascular disease espcecially damage to the heart.

High LDL levels

Vericose veins and narrowing of arteries which inhibits blood flow especially to the legs.

Liver cirrhosis

strokes

lupus

PCOS

formation of fibroid tissue throughout the body.

Renal failure especially kidney failure.

Rhematoid arthritis

inflammatory bowel

dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps)

sleep apnea

glaucoma

adrenal dysfunction

Nocturia (frequent urination through the night)

Frequent infections

Parkinson’s disease

Many will recommend L-arginine when nitric oxide levels are low. This is not good when someone has high ADMA or high SDMA levels because it will increase them farther causing inhibition of NOS even more. Citruline, nitrate or nitrate would be a safer way to increase nitric oxide levels until the cause of the high ADMA and SDMA are addressed.

Things that contain antioxidants help to reduce ADMA and SDMA. PQQ, CoQ10, things that contain procyanidins such as pine bark extract or grape seed extract are very effective at reducing ADMA and SDMA levels.

Berberine found in coptis and bayberry can increase AMPK which helps. Melatonin, is also a very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. NAC increases glutathione which helps to reduce ADMA and SDMA.

Sophora root is one of the most potent supplements for lowering ADMA and SDMA.

Calcium and magnesium help but the amounts taken in should be balanced so one does not over power the other.

L-carnitine and taurine can reduce the damage to the heart.

Glycine can help by preventing ACE2 overload.

Biotin, selenium, vitamin C, potassium chloride, and zinc help to decrease ADMA and SDMA.

Increasing heme oxygenase will reduce ADMA and SDMA. Sea algae, and spirulina in creases heme oxygenase.

Folate, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin improve mitochondrial function which would help reude ADMA and SDMA. Those should be taken with food.

P5P (pyridoxal 5-phosphate) should not be taken in high dose. Doses of 100 mg grams or higher actually increases ADMA and SDMA because high dose starts having the opposite effect.

If copper levels are low VEGF levels become low and this can cause high ADMA and SDMA levels.

FXR activation decreases ADMA and SDMA. Most lactobacillus spp increases FXR expression. Betulinic acid is an FXR activator. birch bark, self heal, rosemary, chaga mushroom are high in betulinic acid. Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and leucine also activate FXR receptor. Oleanic acid found in olive oil, garlic, rose leaves, four O’clock flowers, holy basil, pomegranate, citrus extract, grapes, olives, apples, activates FXR. FXR activation also helps to clear phenols and salicylates from the body.

Not sure how but the lactic acid producing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium increases nitric oxide production.

If you have gut dysbiosis this needs addressed in order to restore nitric oxide levels and reduce ADMA and SDMA.

Any infection would need dealt with. Stress cannot be avoided we need to learn to handle stress better. Learn techniques to relax.

GMOs and processed foods are very damaging to the body it is best to eat organics when possible.

Those who got the Covid vaccines should be tested for Sepsis and CIRS.

Written by Lee Stevenson. Sorry I am not the best editor.

I probably should have called this article how to identify when someone has been injured by the Covid vaccine but the markers I mention for sepis and CIRS and heart damage are found in injury from many of the vaccines on the market.

The most common injuries that seem to be occurring with the Covid vaccines is Vaccine-induced thromobcytopenia and thrombosis. This is causing excess blood clotting and break down of blood vessels resulting in anuerisms.

The most effected areas seem to be the brain, renal system and the heart. It is causing tachychardia, myocarditis and many other types of heart damage. I will discuss below some test that can indicate if the heart has been damaged by the Covid vaccine or if a person is experiencing vaccine induced thrombocytopenia. Pulmonary embolisms seen to occur frequently after a person gets the Covid vaccine.

The most common things that seem to be occurring from the vaccines are cerebral venous sinus thrombosis which causes severe headaches, stroke-like symptoms resulting in partial facial paralysis or paralysis on one side of the body, abdominal pain, abdominal cavity fluid accumulation, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Splenic vein thrombosis seems to be occurring frequently in the Covid vaccine injured. This cause damage to the lower esophagus, anal canal, spleen, pancreas, and damage to visceral fat.

Lactic acid levels should be checked to test mitochondria function because the hypoxia and ischemia caused by the thrombosis can cause mitochondrial dysfunction which will cause a person to be stuck in glycolysis while gluconeogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation can be inhibited causing high lactic acid levels.

A partial thrombin time test and platelet count can help to determine if the victim is experiencing excess thrombosis. D-dimer test can also help to test if excess blood clotting is occurring levels will be increased if a person is experiencing excess blood clotting.

Covid vaccine injured can develop antibodies against heperan, coagulation factor VIII or Platelet factor IV which can cause excess blood clotting.

Fibrinogen should be tested because the Covid vaccine causes low levels. This is why a person who is Covid vaccine injured will experience excess blood clotting but in other areas of the body they can experience excess bleeding.

Covid vaccine injury can cause innate immunity to be inhibited and adaptive immunity to be over expressed. This makes a person more prone to infection especially nasal and lung infection. This also increases the risk of lung and throat inflammation which can cause asthma .This can alter mitochondria function which can cause frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. A person will develop many allergies and sensitivities to the environment and foods.

When I talk to those who got the covid vaccine many of them show signs of Sepsis, post sepsis and CIRS. Because of that I would like to see these test performed on those who have gotten the vaccine because I believe all of them are suffering from severe immune system damage and damage to the body.

Testing for sepsis

a person would need a Complete blood cell count to measure leukocyte levels. Lactic acid levels should be measured, C-reactive protein levels should be measured, Prothrombine time should be measured because excess blood clotting occurs in sepsis. Partial thromboplastin time, platelet count should also be measured.

Test for various endotoxins.

Procalcitonin should be tested, when high it indicates an undetected bacteria infection.

Urin should be analysed.

Low grade inflammatory cytokines should be tested for such as Il-6, IL-8, Il-10, MCP-1, IL-3 , TNF-a, Proadrenomedullin should be checked. This also can indicate if a person has CIRS.

Myocardia biomarkers such as troponin, natriuretic petides and myoglobin to check cardiac function.

Arterial blood gases should be measure to test pulmonary function.

Bilbirubin should be tested to test hepatic function. Increased levels can indicate liver damage.

Creatine should be tested to test renal function. Persistently high levels can indicate kidney damage.

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is upregulated in sepsis so should be measured. High levels indicates bacteria infection and systemic inflammation. It increases mortality.

Presepsin levels are high during sepsis and severe infection.

Nuclear encoded transcription factor A (TFAM) support mitochondrial biogenesis. It’s expression is increased during beginning stages of sepsis but becomes very low during long term sepsis. TFAM is needed for ATP production so a person will have inhibited mitochondrial production of ATP.

Liposlysis is increased at the beginning of sepsis which is caused by the high acetylcholine, cortisol, catecholamine glucagon growth hormone and decreased insulin levels. Gluconeogenesis becomes inhibited and glycolysis is upregulated. This can cause weight gain and fatty liver disease if not corrected. This can cause low glucagon levels resulting in severe fatigue.

Cortisol is high in the beginning of sepsis but when the adrenals get exhausted cortisol levels will become low which you would find in post sepsis.

Post sepsis after a person has had sepsis for a while.

IL-10 levels become low. This ihibits the immune response.

CD4+ and CD8+ cells become low

MDSCS (myeloid derived suppressor cells, neutrophils), granulocytes which suppress T cell capabilities causes T cell to not mature which makes them lose their function.

Mitochondrial ATP production in low in post sepsis.

IL-6, TNF-a and IL-1B levels remain high in post sepsis.

Oxidative stress is increased from the inhibition of ATP production which causes ischemia throughout the body, inflammation and inhibits the cells ability to take up glucose. So glucose levels will be high in the blood, insulin resistance is common in post sepsis.

Calcium levels can be high in the blood because the cells ability to uptake calcium becomes inhibited.

Muscle loss is common because the body starts breaking down protein (muscle) to survive.

Nitric oxide levels should be measured . Levels become low during sepsis and post sepsis. This is causes by the break down of muscle for energy to compensate for the low ATP production. . Increasing protein intake can help to prevent the loss of nitric oxide. Hydrolysed whey protein usually works very well for preventing this.

Testing for CIRS

This is systemic low grade inflammation which causes chronic illness. It is referred to as SIRS by the government.

A visual contrast test helps to diagnose if a person has CIRS.

A person should be tested for mycotoxins to check if they have been exposed to mold.

They should be tested for tick born illness.

Microbe set enrichment anyalysis (MESA) measures microbiome interaction with the body.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide. Excercise and fasting can increase levels. Low levels can indicate CIRS. It is increased by glycine, limonene, leptin, creatine by increasing ATP. High substance P levels decreases VIP.

Low grade inflammatory cytokines should be tested for such as Il-6, IL-8, Il-10, MCP-1, IL-3 , TNF-a, Proadrenomedullin should be checked. This also can indicate if a person has CIRS. C4a levels are high when a person has CIRS.

Cortisol is usually low when a person has CIRS.

Vassoactive intestinal peptide levels are usually low in CIRS.

TGF-B1 (tranforming growth factor-B1)levels are usually high in CIRS.

MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone) is usually low in CIRS and it prevents the body from being able to shut down inflammatory cytokines.

Anti-gliaden antibody (AGA) levels are usually high in CIRS. This causes high IgE levels when a person consumes gliaden.

Often times the complement system is over activate which can be determined by C2, C3 and C4 levels.

VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is usually low during CIRS.

Leptin levels are usually high from the increased systemic inflammation causing leptin resistance.

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies are high in autoimmune diseases such as CIRS. It indicates the body is attacking itself.

MMP9 is increased during CIRS and indicates there is systemic inflammation.

If a number of these things occur at once or is severe enough it can cause seizures, coma and even death.

My dopamine notes.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

This is not medical advice I am writing this for educational purposes. If you are ill you should seek the help of a qualified and experienced naturopath.

Often times the dopamine receptors become damaged and are non responsive especially in children who have been sexually molested or abused and those who have PTSD. Those who have tick born illness often times have severely damaged dopamine receptors. Toxins such as mercury and other heavy metals can damage the dopamine and other receptors in the brain making them non responsive. When this occurs it will have no effect on the brain when dopamine is increased. Sometimes the body tries to increase dopamine to try and compensate but because the receptor in the brain are not able to respond to the dopamine it ends up causing health issues throughout the body. Damage to the dopamine receptors if not addressed can cause Parkinson’s disease. Low dopamine can cause someone to be prone to drug and alcohol abuse. Impaired dopamine cause a person to have a feeling of reward for things they accomplish. Have an impaired ability to avoid bad situations , learn from errors and from being punished. This causes them to be impulsive and make the same types of errors repeatedly. The lack of impulse control can cause some to become obese from eating unhealthy foods. Those with low dopamine receptor response will experience extreme sadness, will be apathetic, lack motivation, and they will have cold hands and feet. Because those with low dopamine receptor activity do not learn from post errors, and past dangers they put themselves in they fail to learn from the mistakes and continue to make the same decisions and put themselves in bad situations. They often times will be thrill seekers and deliberately do things in an attempt to increase dopamine. Those with low dopamine responsiveness are unable to learn how to avoid and even escape bad situations, sometimes they are not able to identify when they have put themselves in a bad situations. They will not avoid them, so will constantly do things that negatively impact their health, and even put their life in danger. Those with low dopamine will have a low sex drive, and will not feel gratifications from sex. Those with high dopamine will have an extremely increased sex drive. Those who’s dopamine receptors are damaged will have feelings of hopelessness. Those who have a damaged dopamine system may engage in addictive or taboo behavior in and attempt to increase dopamine because they do not feel the reward that others feel that having a functional dopamine system. For example people who get addicted to gambling often times have a damaged dopamine system. Low dopamine can cause symptoms similar to high serotonin. Low dopamine can cause symptoms similar to high serotonin. A person will get muscle tremors and feel muscle pain. Stiffness and difficulty moving. They will have loss of balance and disturbed sleep patterns. Excess dopamine can actually get someone to get stuck in fight or flight mode. Excess dopamine can cause salt cravings because it cause cause the body to remove too much salt. Low dopamine cause cause high insulin levels and high dopamine reduces insulin. When a person has the correct dopamine levels they will feel alert, focused , happy and more motivated.

Dopamine is what gives you the sense of satisfaction from doing task or completing something. Low dopamine gives you feeling of not being gratified. If dopamine levels are high it will make it seem like time is going slow but when dopamine levels are low and serotonin levels are high it will make a person have no sense of time and they will not be able to perceive if 15 minutes passed or 8 hours so they often times will be late for things. Low dopamine receptor response can make a person feel tired and they may lack motivation

High hydrogen sulfide levels inhibits the break down of dopamine. But it increases oxidative stress so would cause the lose of dopamine receptor so the high dopamine would be ineffective. Those with high H2S levels will have high serotonin, and low adrenal hormone levels. A deficiency in the methanogens , inflammation, oxidative stress, high mercury levels, fluorquinolone injury or eating foods high in glyphosate can cause high hydrogen sulfide levels.

Low dopamine can inhibit ATP production causing obesity and fatigue. Low ATP farther decreases dopamine and dopamine receptors because the oxidative stress causes dopamine to be oxidized and dopamine receptors to become damage. Increasing ATP, AMPK activators helps.

Excess inflammation and excess oxidative stress, or even stress can cause the to release dopamine instead of norepinephrine or epinephrine. This will cause anxiety and increased sensitivity to pain.

Pathogenic clostridium spp alters dopamine metabolism and causes damage to the dopamine receptors. This will make a person have manic behavior and be bipolar. Tyrosine is needed to produce dopamine. A lack of protein in the diet can cause low dopamine.

Oxidative stress and systemic inflammation can be caused by infection, toxins and leaky or inflamed gut, causes a loss of dopamine receptors. If a person loses dopamine receptors then they will not experience the sense of gratification when they accomplish things. Leaky gut causes high inflammation levels and high levels of lipopolysaccharides (endotoxins) which damage the dopamine receptors and causes high a-synuclein levels. A-synuclein causes Parkinson’s disease. High levels of unconjugated bile acid also cause high a-synuclein levels. This is cause by a lack of microbes that conjugates bile acid. A-synuclein build up in the brain blocking receptors in the brain especially the dopamine receptors.

Berberine containing herbs such as bayberry increases dopamine production by the microbes in the gut. But if the dopamine receptors are damaged increasing dopamine will not help. Balance is key. Excess dopamine and serotonin can have negative effects on health it is best to increase receptors to improve sensitivity to dopamine.

Butyrate producing microbes prevents the loss of dopamine receptors.

GLP-1 regulated by our gut microbes increases dopamine signaling in the brain, increases dopamine recycling and dopamine storage capacity.

Lactobacillus planatarum prevents oxidative stress reducing dopamine receptor loss.

Lactobacillus buchneri and Ruminococcus albus reduces oxidative stress which prevents dopamine receptor loss.

IFN-a and inflammatory cytokine increases under stress, infection, gut inflammation or leaky gut. It cause loss of dopamine receptors.

Akkermansia in low levels actually protects from leaky gut preventing loss of dopamine receptors but it’s overgrowth causes leaky gut causing dopamine receptor damage.

Most lactobacillus increases dopamine and improve adrenal function but if oxidative stress and inflammation is not addressed it will not mater because the receptors needed will be damaged making a person insensitive to the effects of dopamine and other catecholamines. They also will but insensitive to the effects of adrenal hormones mentally.

L rhanmosus increases IFG1. L rhamnosus prevents the break down of dopamine so increases it’s levels It inhibits MAO-B.

L planatarum produces acetylcholine from choline. Acetylcholine regulates neurotransmitters like dopamine. It protects against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. L planatrarum increases butyrate producing microbes. Butyrate protects the brain preventing loss of dopamine receptors. L casei shiroto, Bifidobacterium longum, also increases the butyrate producing microbes in the gut. Those who have high levels of H2S would not benefit from the effects of butyrate because hydrogen sulfide blocks the beneficial effects of butyrate. As a matter of fact in most test results I see often times those having issues with dopamine have high H2S levels and high butyrate levels. The levels of dopamine in their brains is usually high but they have a loss of dopamine receptors so do not reap the benefits of the dopamine. Bifidobacrterium infantis

It improves tryptophan metabolism. It improves melatonin, dopamine and serotonin levels.

Eubacterium Sp, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, commensal Clostridium, Flavonifractor plautii

, Butyriciococcus , Bacteroides nordii , Anaerostipes species, produces butyrate.

Some Prevotella produces butyrate and conjugates bile acids which helps prevent loss of dopamine and dopamine receptors. Prevotella is a double edged sword and needs balanced just like dopamine does because excess dopamine will cause a Prevotella overgrowth. So if you see a Prevotella overgrowth the person most likely has excess dopamine.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus DR7 is found in cows milk. It upregulates the tryptophan and serrotonin pathways and prevents tryptophan metabolism shunting to the kyneurine pathway which prevents anxiety , depression and mood swings. It increases the microbes that help to balance serotonin and dopamine in the body.

Bifidobacterium animalis reduces oxidative stress. It inhibits MAO. This increases feel good hormones and dopamine but could increase tyramine so those with low BH4 levels or inhibited beta oxidation need to correct those before taking this one. B animalis increases Akkersmansia. Reduces H pylori.

Bifidobacterium infantis improves melatonin, dopamine and serotonin levels. Helps restore healthy HPA axis function which would help with anxiety and Addison’s disease. Reduces pain and inflammation throughout the body.

Staphylococcus species produce dopamine. They can also convert L-dopa to dopamine. Staphylococcus produces dopamine from tyrosine and L-dopa. Staphylococcus produces most of the dopamine needed in the body.

Bacillus cereus produces dopamine. Fifty percent of dopamine is produced in the gut.

Bacillus subtillus produces GABA , ncreases dopamine and noradrenalin. It should not be taken alone but should be taken with Bacillus coagulans to prevent it causing health issues.

Bacillus mycoides increases dopamine and noradrenalin

Pathogenic streptococcus can increase serotonin. This can cause tryptophan issues and cause high dopamine levels.

Lactococcus species produces high amounts of dopamine

Ruminococcus spp decreases dopamine

Enterococcus faecalis produces dopamine

These things increase dopamine receptors:

Uridine expecially in the form of cytidine

inotsitol produce by commensal E coli

Forskolin

Lavender

Caffeine in moderation

Testosterone

Cordalis

sunlight and far infrared

Acetyl L-carnitine

Lobelia increases dopamine receptors.

Magnesium

L-threonate

Cordyceps mushroom

Meditation

Exercise

Resisting urges especially ones involving addiction.

Doing puzzles or hobbies such as coloring, artwork, word puzzles.

Doing task we do not like to do.

Velvet bean increases dopamine but can damage dopamine receptors.

Increasing BDNF increases dopamine receptors. Lions mane mushroom, HDAC inhibitors such as increasing butyrate producing gut bacteria, forskilin, valproic acid, and niacinamide increases BDNF.

Things that contain scopoletin prevent the oxidation of dopamine to toxic dopamine analogues. Deadly belladonna, stinging nettles, chicory, passion flower, black haw, fenugreek, vinegar, and dandelion coffee contain scopoletin.

oleic acid (omega 9 oil) increases dopamine and oxytocin it is found in butter, olive oil, free range beef fat, avocado oil, most nuts, pumpkin and chia seeds, cheese and eggs.

Agmatine increases dopamine receptors. Foods that contain it are soy sauce, coffee, flour, sauerkraut, miso, fish oil and oily fish, milk kefir, aged white cheeses and coffee.

In order for BH4 to function properly vitamin C is needed, nitric oxide is needed, vitamins B1, B2, B3, SAMe, are needed. Also PQQ can help improve BH4 function. Low ATP levels can cause BH4 dysfunction D-ribose, niacinamide, CoQ10 can help to increase ATP levels. Betaine also known as TMG (trimethylglycine) can help to recycle metabolites needed for proper BH4 function. Issues causing low oxygen or iron dysfunction or deficiency need addressed because iron and oxygen is needed for proper BH4 function. BH4 increases dopamine release in the brain and stimulate VMAT2. VMAT2 is called the God receptor because it is stimulated when people pray or are involved in worship. When VMAT2 function is lost people lose their connectivity to God and other people. Vaccines are known for damaging the VMAT2 receptor. Eating GMOs, foods high in glyphosate and fluoroquinolone drugs can also damage the VMAT2 receptor.

If a person is experiencing any issues with neurotransmitters it would probably be wise to use antioxidants, NRF2 activators and do and anti-inflammatory diet along with taking anti-inflammatory herbs.

Trimethylamine speeds up aging of the brain this can be caused by low levels of methanogens in the gut or high levels of trimethylamine producing microbes in the gut. TMAO damages many neurons and receptors in the brain. Eubacterium spp also help to prevent high TMAO levels. Increased Prevotella levels can increase TMAO. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii helps reduce TMAO. Pathogenic Clostridium spp can increase TMAO levels. Pathogenic Eschericha spp can cause high TMAO levels. Eschericha Coli nissle and other commensal E coli actually prevent high TMAO levels. Enterococcus faecalis reduces TMAO levels. Methanobrevibacter smithii reduces TMAO. Colinsella spp. increases TMAO . Providencia rettgeri . Methanomassillicoccus coccus , Methanomassillicoccus luminylensis , Methanomicrococcus blatticola , Methanosphaera stadtmanae , Methanobrevibacter smithii , Methanomassiliicoccus intestinalis , Methanomethylophilus alvus prevent high H2S and high TMAO levels. Anaerotruncus spp, Anaerococcus species , Romboutsia spp, Lachnoclostridium sp , Tenericutes spp, Erysipelatoclostridium spp,. bdellovibrio bacteriovorus spp , Mica vibrio aeruginosavorous , Hugatella spp, produce Trimethylamine, so if overgrown they can cause high TMAO levels or if deficient in the methanogens the presence of them and deficiency in methanogens can cause high TMAO levels.

Why many no longer fear God.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

I am going to discuss how a person can lose their fear of God and how it is easier then we realize. It can occur subtly over time. Not only have many lost their fear of God they have started fearing man and things of the world more then God. These things will be gone soon. No one , no weapon not even nuclear is more powerful then God. No one is wiser then God. God lives forever meaning his promises endure forever. Why fear things that will be gone soon?

Transgression is an infringement or violation of the law. We have been warned in the last days there would be many false teachings and there would even be teachings of demons. This is why we have to make certain of the things we have heard. Many churches do not take all God’s laws to heart and view some such as bad associations as minor infractions. But if we transgress any of God’s laws we start losing our fear of God and become like the world and lose our ability to identify when we have fallen short. In doing so we we lose our fear of God and become convinced we will not be punished. This results in us losing his protection and he will not hear our prayers.

(Psalm 36:1) 36 Transgression speaks to the wicked one deep within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes.

(Romans 3:11-18) . . .. ¹² All men have turned aside, all of them have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not so much as one.” ¹³ “Their throat is an open grave; they have deceived with their tongues.” “Venom of asps is behind their lips.” ¹⁴ “And their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” ¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood.” ¹⁶ “Ruin and misery are in their ways, ¹⁷ and they have not known the way of peace.” ¹⁸ “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

(James 3:17, 18) ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. ¹⁸ Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.

(1 Peter 3:10-15) . . .. ¹¹ Let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it. ¹² For the eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their supplication, but the face of Jehovah is against those doing bad things.” ¹³ Indeed, who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed. ¹⁵ But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.

If we do not make certain of the things we are taught and apply all God’s word in our lives. We will become spiritually blind. We can have a form of Godly devotion but will prove false to it’s powers. Meaning we would not fully submit to God’s laws but would pick and choose what we want to believe. We demonstrate our faith in God by showing our obedience. The bible tells us those faithful in the least are faithful in much, those unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous in much. If we brush off the commands and warnings of things such as being no part of the world or having bad associations we are ignoring God’s laws and being disobedient. This can start to make us lose our fear of God and lead us away from God.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(1 Timothy 4:1-5) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. ³ They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. ⁴ For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

(Luke 16:10) ¹⁰ The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.

(Matthew 15:14) ¹⁴ Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

The bible warns a little leaven spoils the whole loaf of bread. So if we are not applying all God’s laws and obeying them we are spoiling the figurative loaf. When we have bad associations we are adding leaven, which can effect us and draw us away from God. If we pursue things of the world we are not obeying God and not putting him first. It is not wrong to have wealth or material possession but when pursing those becomes more important then our worship of God it becomes a sin. The bible refers to greed as idolatry. Obedience to God will cause others to speak of you abusively. It is best to be spoken of abusively for righteous reasons rather then unrighteous. If we are spoken of abusively for unrighteous reason then we will be judged by God and held accountable. If we are spoken of abusively for righteous reasons then those speaking abusively will be judged and punished by God. We must make sure of the things we are to be able to identify when we are being taught by a blind guide. For sin to become master over us all we need to do is cross the line no matter how small it may seem. . Once we do we become less and less aware of our own short comings and risk losing our fear of God.

We cannot completely remove ourselves from the world, especially when it comes to family and neighbors but we can be cautious when we interact with them. We cannot completely remove ourselves from the world because we have to depend on the world for certain things but how we interact with the world should be guided by God’s word. By being not part of the world we refuse to partake in their conduct and do our best to be no part of the world as much as possible. In doing so we show God that we do not approve of their behavior and we show God we desire to obey him and we prevent ourselves from losing our fear of God.

(1 Corinthians 5:6-8) ⁶ Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough? ⁷ Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. ⁸ So, then, let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

(1 Corinthians 15:33, 34) ³³ Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits. ³⁴ Come to your senses in a righteous way and do not practice sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I am speaking to move you to shame.

(Colossians 3:5) ⁵ Deaden, therefore, your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness, which is idolatry.

(1 Peter 4:3, 4) ³ For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries. ⁴ They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you.

(Romans 6:12-14) ¹² Therefore, do not let sin continue to rule as king in your mortal bodies so that you should obey their desires. ¹³ Neither go on presenting your bodies to sin as weapons of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, also your bodies to God as weapons of righteousness. ¹⁴ For sin must not be master over you, seeing that you are not under law but under undeserved kindness.

We are told whatever we are doing , work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah and not for men. If we become a people please it can draw us away from God. We are told we must love God with our whole heart , our whole soul and our whole mind. If we ignore the little things we are not worshiping God with a complete heart, soul or mind. Love should guide all we do. We need to keep strict watch on how we walk and not walk as unwise people being aware we are in the last days and there is a lot of wickedness in the world. We need to keep in mind we could be a stumbling block for others if we disobey the little things in the bible and also lead others away from God and cause them to lose their fear of God.

(Colossians 3:22-25) . . .. ²³ Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, ²⁴ for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ. ²⁵ Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

(Matthew 22:36, 37) . . .” ³⁷ He said to him: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’

As we live as temporary residence waiting for our homes in the new system we need to imitate Jesus and not do things out of selfishness or view ourselves as being superior to others. We need to imitate the humility of Jesus.

(Philippians 2:3, 4) ³ Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, ⁴ as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(Ephesians 5:15-17) ¹⁵ So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, ¹⁶ making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked. ¹⁷ On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.

(Philippians 1:9-11) . . .; ¹⁰ that you may make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumbling others up to the day of Christ; ¹¹ and that you may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God’s glory and praise.

The world is passing away and so is it’s desire. God and the heavenly kingdom will remain forever. So would should do our best to store up treasures in heaven and keep our eyes on the things unseen. The things seen will be gone soon. We need to slave for God and not for the world so that we can be concealed and protected when his great day of judgment occurs. By seeking Jehovah daily we will maintain our reverential fear of him which will work as a protection for our hearts and mind. The bible tells us we are to abhor what is bad and cling what is good so if we see someone producing the works of the flesh we should not associate with them because we would be showing God we approve of their behavior and we do not abhor what is bad. This will prevent us from becoming spiritually blind and losing our fear of God.

(1 John 2:17) ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Zephaniah 2:3)  ³ Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, Who observe his righteous decrees. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you will be concealed on the day of Jehovah’s anger.

(Romans 12:9-11) ⁹ Let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ In brotherly love have tender affection for one another. In showing honor to one another, take the lead. ¹¹ Be industrious, not lazy. Be aglow with the spirit. Slave for Jehovah.

(Galatians 5:19-21) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

How can we be Christ like?

Written by Lee Stevenson. Sorry I am a lousy editor. I have broken this down in sections with the following sections proceeding the scriptures.

We are told we are to be Christ like. Jesus perfectly reflected God’s image so by being Christ like can draw closer to God.

The bible tells us we become a new creation if we are in union with Christ. We are told to put on the new personality. We are told to be made new by our dominant mental attitude. This means we would do all we can to be like Christ and to walk as he walked. So how can we be like Christ? We do so by imitating Jesus and obeying his commands. The bible tells us Jesus is the narrow gate and in order to enter we must enter through him. It is God who calls those he chooses to Jesus but we have to enter through Jesus. This means we acknowledge the work he did. We acknowledge he was the ransom sacrifice that freed us from sin and gives us hope. We have to acknowledge that God has sat Jesus down at his right hand on the heavenly throne. The bible tells God draws those who listened to him and has learned that will be called to Jesus. So it is clear we much read God’s word and apply it in our lives in order to enter the narrow gate. We must also do our best to be like Christ once we have been drawn to Jesus by Jehovah God.

(2 Corinthians 5:17, 18) ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; look! new things have come into existence. ¹⁸ But all things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation,

(Ephesians 4:20-24) ²⁰ But you did not learn the Christ to be like this, ²¹ if, indeed, you heard him and were taught by means of him, just as truth is in Jesus. ²² You were taught to put away the old personality that conforms to your former course of conduct and that is being corrupted according to its deceptive desires. ²³ And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, ²⁴ and should put on the new personality that was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.

(1 John 2:1-6) 2 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. ² And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. ³ And by this we realize that we have come to know him, namely, if we continue observing his commandments. ⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet does not observe his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in this person. ⁵ But whoever does observe his word, in this person the love of God has truly been made perfect. By this we know that we are in union with him. ⁶ The one who says he remains in union with him is himself under obligation to go on walking just as that one walked.

(John 6:43-47) . . .. ⁴⁴ No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him on the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by Jehovah.’ Everyone who has listened to the Father and has learned comes to me. ⁴⁶ Not that any man has seen the Father, except the one who is from God; this one has seen the Father. ⁴⁷ Most truly I say to you, whoever believes has everlasting life.

(Matthew 7:13, 14) ¹³ “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; ¹⁴ whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

We need to discuss the qualities of Christ so we can fully understand what it means to be Christ like. Jesus walked with love. He left it guide all he did. The only jealousy he had was a righteous jealousy when there was wrong doing occurring in God’s temple. Jesus knew he would be handed the throne in the heavenly kingdom but did not let them cause him to get puffed up with pride. Many are aware of Jesus demonstrating the humility we should have by washing the disciples feet which is something a servant would do. Jesus always put the interest of others before his own. There was times he was tired and hungry but seen the need others had so would put their needs before his own. Jesus viewed the people with pity because he knew they were sheep without a Shepard. False teachings were rampant and people were not being treated very kindly by the pharisees. Many had lost their trust in God and did not know where to turn. How sad that is for them to not have any hope. So Jesus told them about God and what he required, he taught them about repentance , and taught them about the mercy of God. He taught them about the power and glory of God. So if we are to be Christ like we need to try and find the other sheep who have no hope and share the truths of God’s word with them , in the way that Jesus taught them. We are in the last days and we were warned false teaching would be rampant and would cause many to have a form of Godly devotion but prove false to it’s power. We have been taught there would even be teachings of demons. Because of this, many would would become disheartened and be sheep without a shepherd. We need to share Gods word with them and make disciples of them just as Jesus had done. If someone had not shared God’s word with us and shared the hope it gives us we would still be sheep without a shepherd.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(1 Peter 4:8) Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

(Mark 6:34) ³⁴ Well, on getting out, he saw a large crowd, and he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things.

Jesus always put God’s will first and not his own will. In order to learn what God’s will is we need to read his word and meditate on it daily and apply it in our lives and let it guide all we do. Jesus could perfectly imitate God because he told us he did what he had seen the father do when he was in heaven alongside God. Since Jesus was the very first creation of God he would have the most knowledge of God because he had been by God’s side longer then any other creation. He was along side God during the creation of the earth. This is why the bible states in Genesis “let us make man in our image”. So by learning about Jesus and doing our best to imitate him we can better understand what the will of God is. In proverbs 8:30 it refers to Jesus as God’s master worker. So no one would know God’s will better then Jesus.

(John 6:37-40) ³⁷ All those whom the Father gives me will come to me, and I will never drive away the one who comes to me; ³⁸ for I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose none out of all those whom he has given me, but that I should resurrect them on the last day. ⁴⁰ For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who recognizes the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day.”

(Colossians 1:13-18) ¹³ He rescued us from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, ¹⁴ by means of whom we have our release by ransom, the forgiveness of our sins. ¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; ¹⁶ because by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities. All other things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ Also, he is before all other things, and by means of him all other things were made to exist, ¹⁸ and he is the head of the body, the congregation. . . .

(John 12:47-50) . . .. ⁴⁸ Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day. ⁴⁹ For I have not spoken of my own initiative, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak. ⁵⁰ And I know that his commandment means everlasting life. So whatever I speak, I speak just as the Father has told me.”

(John 17:3-5) ³ This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. ⁴ I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do. ⁵ So now, Father, glorify me at your side with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was.

(Genesis 1:26) ²⁶ Then God said: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and the domestic animals and all the earth and every creeping animal that is moving on the earth.”

Those desiring to live in union with Christ will be persecuted. We have to keep in mind the persecution is not always obvious. Satan often times persecuted people by taking things away from them , even their health. Jesus did not attack people back or get angry when persecuted. When people lied about him he did not strike back at them. When he was suffering he did not threaten them. He entrusted himself to God. The bible says the student is no better then the teacher so what they did to him they will also do to his students. Anyone can love those who love them but Jesus even loved those who chose to be his enemies and he prayed for them.

(John 15:20) ²⁰ Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(1 Peter 2:22, 23) ²² He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. ²³ When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously.

(Matthew 5:10) ¹⁰ “Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.

(Matthew 5:43-46) ⁴³ “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing?

Jesus was merciful and forgiving. He knew he would be seated on the throne and be given the work of Judging the world. But he also knew it was not yet time for that judging to occur so he did not judge others when he was on earth. We are told in the bible do not judge or we will be judged likewise. We are to forgive others in order to be forgiven. Jesus stated we are to forgive our enemies and continue to be kind to them. By imitating Jesus we could draw some who where our enemies to God by the example of kindness, humility and forgiveness we set.

(Luke 6:37) ³⁷ “Moreover, stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. Keep on forgiving, and you will be forgiven.

(John 8:14-16) . . .. ¹⁵ You judge according to the flesh; I do not judge any man at all. ¹⁶ And yet even if I do judge, my judgment is truthful, because I am not alone, but the Father who sent me is with me.

(2 Corinthians 5:9, 10) ⁹ So whether at home with him or absent from him, we make it our aim to be acceptable to him. ¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of the Christ, so that each one may be repaid according to the things he has practiced while in the body, whether good or bad.

(Luke 6:27-31) ²⁷ “But I say to you who are listening: Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, ²⁸ to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you. ²⁹ To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your outer garment, do not withhold the inner garment either. ³⁰ Give to everyone asking you, and from the one taking your things away, do not ask them back. ³¹ “Also, just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.

Jesus would make people aware of their error so they would know they were sinning and repent. Sin is rampant now, as stated earlier there are many false teachings. If we do not try to make others aware of their sin then God could hold it against us. There is joy in heaven when a sinner repents. If we can get someone to repent isn’t it a good feeling knowing we made God happy? The bible also tells us if we get a sinner to turn back from their error it covers a multitude of sins. God actually requires us to warn others when they are sinning and holds us accountable if we do not. I know it is very difficult to warn others and make them aware of their sin but it would be sadder to see their sin cost them their lives.

(Matthew 18:15-17) ¹⁵ “Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. ¹⁷ If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.

(Luke 15:7) ⁷ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous ones who have no need of repentance.

(James 5:19, 20) My brothers, if anyone among you is led astray from the truth and another turns him back, ²⁰ know that whoever turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save him from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

(Ezekiel 3:17-21) . . .. ¹⁸ When I say to someone wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him, and you fail to speak in order to warn the wicked one to turn from his wicked course so that he may stay alive, he will die for his error because he is wicked, but I will ask his blood back from you. ¹⁹ But if you warn someone wicked and he does not turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life. ²⁰ But when someone righteous abandons his righteousness and does what is wrong, I will put a stumbling block before him and he will die. If you did not warn him, he will die for his sin and his righteous acts will not be remembered, but I will ask his blood back from you. ²¹ But if you have warned the righteous one not to sin, and he does not sin, he will surely keep alive because he was warned, and you will have saved your own life.”

Jesus did not put on a showy display as others did. He told us to practice our righteousness in private. When Jesus prayed he did not put on a show or use many words. He prayed in private and his prayer came from the heart. Often times people have prayers they memorize. This is not how we are supposed to pray. Our prayers are to be personal and from the heart. Jesus did not use many words but he told us to persist in prayer. In doing so we show God how much we desire what we are asking for especially if we are trying to overcome a short coming. We must work towards our prayers by doing so we demonstrate our faith and demonstrate our sincerity.

(Matthew 6:1-4) 6 “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. ² So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. ³ But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.

(Luke 11:8-13) . . .. ⁹ So I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened. ¹¹ Indeed, which father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent instead of a fish? ¹² Or if he also asks for an egg, will hand him a scorpion? ¹³ Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”

(Matthew 6:5-8) ⁵ “Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. ⁷ When praying, do not say the same things over and over again as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. ⁸ So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.

Jesus did not add extra burdens to people as the pharisees did. The pharisee had traditions that added more work to those who worshiped God. They were commands of men not commands of God. They had traditional celebrations that added more burdens. Often times these extra burdens the pharisees added to people they were not willing to do themselves. Jesus spoke to many about God’s word and he clarified many things in the bible but he was very selective about who he chose to keep close to him. They had their short comings and he had to correct them, but they accepted his correction and continued to grow spiritually. He once had to harshly correct Peter by stating “get behind me Satan”, We know Peter adjusted his behavior because he was eventually given the keys to the kingdom. With those keys Peter opened the way for the people of the nations to become part of the Spiritual nation of Israel. The key is the key of knowledge.

(Luke 11:45, 46) ⁴⁵ In reply one of those versed in the Law said to him: “Teacher, in saying these things, you insult us also.” ⁴⁶ Then he said: “Woe also to you who are versed in the Law, because you load men down with loads hard to carry, but you yourselves do not touch the loads with one of your fingers!

(Matthew 11:28-30) . . .. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. ³⁰ For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) ¹⁴ Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? ¹⁵ Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(Matthew 16:21-23) . . .. ²² At this Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying: “Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this happen to you at all.” ²³ But turning his back, he said to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, because you think, not God’s thoughts, but those of men.”

(Matthew 16:19) ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will already be bound in the heavens, and whatever you may loosen on earth will already be loosened in the heavens.”

(Acts 10:44-48) ⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking about these matters, the holy spirit came upon all those hearing the word. ⁴⁵ And the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also on people of the nations. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speaking in foreign languages and magnifying God. Then Peter responded: ⁴⁷ “Can anyone deny water to prevent these from being baptized who have received the holy spirit just as we have?” ⁴⁸ With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they requested him to stay for some days.

(Luke 11:52) ⁵² “Woe to you who are versed in the Law, because you took away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not go in, and you hinder those going in!”

Jesus did not focus on the things on earth or fleshly things. As a matter of fact the only clothes he had were the clothes on his back and he had no home to go to. This is why Jesus told us to store up treasure in heaven. All the things in they system will be gone soon but the heavenly kingdom will be forever. By keeping our eyes on the things unseen we stay focused on spiritual matters and do not get overtaken by fleshly things of the world that will be gone soon. Jesus is now seated on the throne waiting for God to give him the command to set matters straight. Jesus was not anxious over what he would eat or drink. He had faith God would provide for him. Many people who do not focus on the things above and focus on the things of the world have been overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. By focusing on the things above it keeps it fresh in our minds that the heavenly kingdom will put and end to all the suffering and violence. This protects our minds and our hearts and we do not get consumed by fear and anxiety.

(Matthew 6:19-22) ¹⁹ “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright.

(Matthew 8:20) ²⁰ But Jesus said to him: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.”

(Matthew 6:25-32) ²⁵ “On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing? ²⁶ Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? ²⁷ Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? ²⁸ Also, why are you anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; ²⁹ but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. ³⁰ Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? ³¹ So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ ³² For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

(Matthew 6:33, 34) ³³ “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. ³⁴ So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.

Jesus did not offer the bible truths to those who where not deserving this is the scoffers. Who refuse to believe God’s word. The bible warns those who try to correct a ridicular will be dishonored and will get hurt.

(Matthew 7:6) ⁶ “Do not give what is holy to dogs nor throw your pearls before swine, so that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open.

(Proverbs 15:12) ¹² The scoffer does not love the one correcting him. He will not consult the wise.

(Proverbs 9:7) The one who corrects a ridiculer invites dishonor, And whoever reproves someone wicked will get hurt.

(John 3:20) For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved.

Jesus observed and applied all God’s word in his life and instructed others to.

(John 14:23, 24) ²³ In answer Jesus said to him: “If anyone loves me, he will observe my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. ²⁴ Whoever does not love me does not observe my words. The word that you are hearing is not mine, but belongs to the Father who sent me.

(John 7:28) ²⁸ Then as he was teaching in the temple, Jesus called out: “You know me and you know where I am from. And I have not come of my own initiative, but the One who sent me is real, and you do not know him.

(John 8:53-58) . . .” ⁵⁴ Jesus answered: “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, the one who you say is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known him, but I know him. And if I said I do not know him, I would be like you, a liar. But I do know him and am observing his word. ⁵⁶ Abraham your father rejoiced greatly at the prospect of seeing my day, and he saw it and rejoiced.” ⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to him: “You are not yet 50 years old, and still you have seen Abraham?” ⁵⁸ Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, before Abraham came into existence, I have been.”

Jesus taught people about the good news of the heavenly kingdom which offered them hope. Jesus also sent the disciples out to teach the good news of the kingdom of God. The preaching of the good news of the kingdom being preached in all the earth is one of the final prophecies. This shows the importance of us learning what the good news of the kingdom is and teaching others about it. The kingdom will bring many wonderful things about that will give hope to many. By learning about the kingdom we can learn to keep our eyes on the things above like Jesus did.

(Matthew 4:23) Then he went throughout the whole of Galʹi·lee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the Kingdom and curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity among the people.

(Luke 8:1) 8 Shortly afterward he traveled from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him,

(Luke 9:2) ² And he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal. . .

(Daniel 2:44) ⁴⁴ “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever,

(Matthew 24:10-14) . . .. ¹¹ Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Stop looking for the antichrist it has been with us.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

Many confuse the beast with the antichrist. The bible makes it clear the beast is a political entity and the antichrist is any who oppose Christ in actions or behavior. They are two different entities. People are waiting for the antichrist but the bible tells us the antichrist was already here in the apostles days. The antichrist was present in Jesus time. Anti means to oppose. Jesus made it clear anyone who oppose him or his teachings were the antichrist. The antichrist is also identified as the man of lawlessness. The bible tells us there are many antichrist. People keep waiting for the antichrist to rise up but it has already been with us. The bible said the great apostacy would be revealed the man of lawlessness in the last days. It did not say it would arise in the last days because it has already been with us. But it is being revealed who the antichrist is. The bible warned many would follow after their own desires and gather teachers together to scratch their itchy ears. Some would even follow the teachings of demons. Because of the things those following false religion would do they would cause the way of the truth to be spoken of abusively. So false religion and those who reject Gods word and the teachings of Jesus are part of the antichrist. The way the antichrist and the way the beast would be destroyed are differently. False religion which is the harlot mentioned in revelations will be destroyed first. God will put it in the heart of the beast to destroy false religion. But this would not occur until the man of lawlessness was revealed. The great apostacy would oppose true worship meaning they would oppose Christ and his teachings. For a short period of time the harlot will team up with the beast.

The harlot will ride on the beast back and would be allied closely with the beast. After the man of lawlessness is revealed and Jesus has exposed the corruption and disobedience. God will put it into the hearts for the beast to turn on the harlot and destroy her. Since the harlot teaches things contrary to what Jesus taught the harlot would be part of the antichrist. Not all who are part of the antichrist will be destroyed at this time. Some will become angry when false worship is destroyed and will turn on true worship. When this occurs

The bible tells us those who worship in truth will be those who escape out of Babylon. So those who worship in truth will give up all false worship and return to worshiping God in truth. They will view those worshiping in truth as defenseless. When this occurs the bible says it would be like the touch the pupil of God’s eye and they would be destroyed. So as you can see those who allied with the beast are part of the antichrist. But the antichrist is a political entity and when it and those who oppose true worship turn on God’s people God will destroy them. So those who received the mark and allied with the beast would also be a part of the antichrist. But as I stated earlier the beast is a separate entity. We were told the beast would spring up at a later time, but the scriptures have made it clear the antichrist arose when Jesus walked the earth and has been here since. The bible also made it clear there are many antichrist. Meaning any who disobey Jesus, do not put their faith in God , oppose Jesus or teach things other then what Jesus taught is part of the antichrist. So the great apostacy meaning false religion is a part of the antichrist and represents a religious entity and the beast represents a political entity that will arise at a later time.

Satan oppose Jesus , so he and the demons are also part of the antichrist. Satan will be figuratively bound and chained for the 1000 year reign of Christ , then he will be released. So will side with him , at that time they will be destroyed and that will be when the antichrist has been completely done away with. This would occur after the message of the heavenly kingdom has been told throughout the whole earth.

People have become so obsessed with the antichrist and believe it will be a single person when the bible clearly tells us the antichrist has been with us. This is blinding them to who the beast is and they will be easily tricked into receiving the mark of the beast because they will be so obsessed in trying to identify the antichrist. They will be deceived so easily that many who turn on true worship will believe they are doing Gods work when this occurs.

(1 John 2:18-25) ¹⁸ Young children, it is the last hour, and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared, from which fact we know that it is the last hour. ¹⁹ They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But they went out so that it might be shown that not all are of our sort. ²⁰ And you have an anointing from the holy one, and all of you have knowledge. ²¹ I write you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie originates with the truth. ²² Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. ²³ Everyone who denies the Son does not have the Father either. But whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. ²⁴ As for you, what you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, you will also remain in union with the Son and in union with the Father. ²⁵ Furthermore, this is what he himself promised us—the life everlasting.

(1 John 4:2, 3) ² This is how you know that the inspired statement is from God: Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. ³ But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world.

(Matthew 24:23-27) ²³ “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. ²⁵ Look! I have forewarned you. ²⁶ Therefore, if people say to you, ‘Look! He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; ‘Look! He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. ²⁷ For just as the lightning comes out of the east and shines over to the west, so the presence of the Son of man will be.

(2 John 6-11) . . .. ⁷ For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. ⁸ Look out for yourselves, so that you do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that you may obtain a full reward. ⁹ Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. ¹¹ For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.

(2 Thessalonians 2:3-5) ³ Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. ⁴ He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god. ⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I used to tell you these things?

(2 John 6-11) . . .. ⁷ For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. ⁸ Look out for yourselves, so that you do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that you may obtain a full reward. ⁹ Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. ¹¹ For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.

(2 Thessalonians 2:6-12) ⁶ And now you know what is acting as a restraint, so that he will be revealed in his own due time. ⁷ True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who is right now acting as a restraint is out of the way. ⁸ Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence. ⁹ But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders ¹⁰ and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. ¹¹ That is why God lets a deceptive influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, ¹² in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.

(Matthew 24:9-14) ⁹ “Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. ¹⁰ Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. ¹¹ Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(Matthew 23:27, 28) ²⁷ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you resemble whitewashed graves, which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men’s bones and of every sort of uncleanness. ²⁸ In the same way, on the outside you appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

(1 Peter 4:3) ³ For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries.

(2 Peter 2:1-3) 2 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. ² Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. ³ Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

(Revelation 17:3-6) ³ And he carried me away in the power of the spirit into a wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored wild beast that was full of blasphemous names and that had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and she was adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, and she had in her hand a golden cup that was full of disgusting things and the unclean things of her sexual immorality. ⁵ On her forehead was written a name, a mystery: “Babylon the Great, the mother of the prostitutes and of the disgusting things of the earth.” ⁶ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.. . .

(Revelation 17:15-17) ¹⁵ He said to me: “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute is sitting, mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues. ¹⁶ And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire. ¹⁷ For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, until the words of God will have been accomplished.

(Revelation 20:1-3) 20 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. ² He seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. ³ And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not mislead the nations anymore until the 1,000 years were ended. After this he must be released for a little while.

(Matthew 24:9-14) ⁹ “Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. ¹⁰ Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. ¹¹ Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

(Revelation 17:12-14) ¹² “The ten horns that you saw mean ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they do receive authority as kings for one hour with the wild beast. ¹³ These have one thought, so they give their power and authority to the wild beast. ¹⁴ These will battle with the Lamb, but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those with him who are called and chosen and faithful will do so.”

(Revelation 19:19-21) ¹⁹ And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the one seated on the horse and against his army. ²⁰ And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who worship its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulfur. ²¹ But the rest were killed off with the long sword that proceeded out of the mouth of the one seated on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

(Zechariah 2:7-9) ⁷ “Come, Zion! Make your escape, you who are dwelling with the daughter of Babylon. ⁸ For this is what Jehovah of armies says, who after being glorified has sent me to the nations that were plundering you: ‘Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye. ⁹ For now I will wave my hand against them, and they will become plunder for their own slaves.’ And you will certainly know that Jehovah of armies has sent me.

(Revelation 14:9-12) ⁹ Another angel, a third, followed them, saying in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the wild beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ he will also drink of the wine of the anger of God that is poured out undiluted into the cup of His wrath, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb. ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever, and day and night they have no rest, those who worship the wild beast and its image and whoever receives the mark of its name. ¹² Here is where it calls for endurance on the part of the holy ones, those who keep the commandments of God and hold fast to the faith of Jesus.”

Things done without faith is a sin.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

The bible tells us without faith we cannot please God. The bible tells us things done without faith are a sin. So we need to ask ourselves do we truly have faith in God and trust Jesus as our king who is sitting on the throne in heaven. How can we be certain of our faith and how can we acquire faith. What is faith? The bible defines faith as assured expectation of what is hoped for, even though we cannot see those things we will believe them and expect them. Abraham believed the promises God had made him and lived his life according to God’s will even though he knew the promises would not be fulfilled in his life time he still believe and trusted God setting an example of faith. You can read about Noah’s faith also. Before the great flood the earth was watered with a mist, not rain showers. Since this had not occurred before Noah could have had doubts but he did not , he lived his life according to his faith and built the ark saving those that God found to be righteous.

(Romans 14:21-23) . . .. ²² The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. ²³ But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin.

(Hebrews 11:5-7) . . .. ⁶ Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. ⁷ By faith Noah, after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith.

(Hebrews 11:1-3) 11 Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities that are not seen. ² For by means of it, the men of ancient times had witness borne to them. ³ By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is seen has come into existence from things that are not visible.

For a person to develop faith they first must hear about God and Jesus. By writing God’s word on our hearts and then teach others we build up our faith. If we find our faith is not what it should be we need to ask God and believe he will answer our prayer. We also must remain in union with Christ so we have to put off fleshly things of the world and set our minds on the things above. When we pray to God we need to ask me for these things in Jesus name. I doing so we are showing we know he was our ransom sacrifice and he is now sitting on the heavenly throne. We must observe all the commandments Jesus has given us. We also must keep our eyes on the things unseen which is the heavenly kingdom, God , Jesus and the future promises. The things unseen are God, Jesus, the angels because they are spirit persons and we cannot see spirit people. The unseen things are the future promises God has given us that the heavenly kingdom with Jesus as the king will restore the earth to the original paradise and that death will be done away with. We are told the things seen will be done away with but the things unseen will be forever. So that means the promises will also be forever. We also know death will be done away with. Though we cannot see it by believing there will be a resurrection and death will be no more we are showing our faith. By obeying God and doing our best to imitate Jesus we are showing our faith. By putting our trust in God by taking in his word and letting it guide all we do instead of putting our trust in the world or ourselves we are showing God our faith.

(Romans 10:17) ¹⁷ So faith follows the thing heard. In turn, what is heard is through the word about Christ.

(Romans 10:8-10) ⁸ But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your own mouth and in your own heart”; that is, “the word” of faith, which we are preaching. ⁹ For if you publicly declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.

(1 Corinthians 9:16) ¹⁶ Now if I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe to me if I do not declare the good news!

(John 15:7-10) ⁷ If you remain in union with me and my sayings remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will take place for you. ⁸ My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples. ⁹ Just as the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.

(2 Corinthians 4:17, 18) ¹⁷ For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; ¹⁸ while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.

(James 1:17) ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows.

We can be sure that the future promises God has given us will be fulfilled because not a single promise of his has went unfulfilled. God does not change so when he makes a promise he keeps it. There is no one wiser then God and no one more powerful so what he promises he has the wisdom and power to bring it about. So we have no reason to live in fear of the things happening or of death. It gives a freedom that those who lack faith do not have. Soon all the wicked will be gone and all suffering will be done away with. If we keep our eyes on the things unseen the things happening in our lives or in the world will not cause us excess anxiety or stress because we will be certain that this is temporary and much better time are very near. This world will be gone soon and so will those who put faith themselves or the world instead of God. This is why Jesus warned many would claim to be following him but he would tell them get away from me you workers of lawlessness. So we must not only learn about God and believe in him but we have to let his word guide all we do. In doing so we are showing God our faith.

(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. ² I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) ²⁴ Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Daniel 7:13, 14) ¹³ “I kept watching in the visions of the night, and look! with the clouds of the heavens, someone like a son of man was coming; and he gained access to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him up close before that One. ¹⁴ And to him there were given rulership, honor, and a kingdom, that the peoples, nations, and language groups should all serve him. His rulership is an everlasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom will not be destroyed.

Another way we show God our faith is by being no part of the world and avoiding associating with those who do not believe in God. A yoke is put between two oxen so they can share the work. If one of the oxen is weak then it puts more of a burden on the stronger oxen. If we associate with those who are of the world or who do not believe in God we are becoming unevenly yoked and will add more burden spiritually on ourselves. This in turn can wear on us and rob us of our faith. The bible says those who practice sin are workers of lawlessness. Those who are lawless will not enter the kingdom of heaven. So it is very important to do all God requires of us if we want to continue to have hope in the future promises and to have God here our prayers. When we obey all God’s word and see the positive effects it has on us as a person and the strength and endurance we are given it helps to build our faith in God. Those who have faith in God can endure much much more then those who are part of the world. The bible warns if we are friends with the world we make ourselves an enemy of God. So we cannot be complete in our faith if we are friends with the world. If we show more love for the world then the things of the world the bible tells us the love of God is not in us. So we cannot have faith if we are living by flesh and not by spirit. Our faith is what will save us because it imparts endurance.

We need the endurance to do the will of God because of the way the world is it can be difficult to keep our eyes on the things unseen. This takes endurance that we receive because of our faith and hope in God. Those who endure to the end will be saved. As we see things rapidly winding down our faith will protect us and keep us from shrinking back in fear. The bible warns those who shrink back in fear will be destroyed. If we lack faith then we will see it as a minor infraction of God’s commands and we are telling God we do not trust his word to guide and protect us. All things we do must be guided by faith. As I mentioned earlier if it is not then it is a sin. I once was offered a job that would pay very well. I knew it would interfere with my worship of God because it would make it very difficult for me to have the time to take God’s word in daily and to apply it in my life. Though it would have been nice to have less struggles, I knew if I took the job it could erode away at my faith. By me turning down the job I showed God that he was first in my life and not the world or things in the world. In doing so I demonstrated my faith in him. It is by faith that were are declared righteous.

Things are rapidly winding down. If we see areas where we need to strengthen our faith whether it bad avoiding being a part of the world, learning to persist in prayer, learning to read Gods word daily and meditate on it and apply it in our lives. We should do our best to work on building our faith because the end of this system of things is very very near. If we fear the things that are coming then we need to work on our faith because we should be seeing them as signs things are going to be much better very soon. That is why Jesus told us when we see these things occur to raise ourselves up.

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) ¹⁴ Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? ¹⁵ Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(1 John 3:4-6) ⁴ Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. ⁵ You know, too, that he was made manifest to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. ⁶ Everyone remaining in union with him does not practice sin; no one who practices sin has either seen him or come to know him.

(Matthew 7:21-27) ²¹ “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. ²² Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’ ²⁴ “Therefore, everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house, and it caved in, and its collapse was great.”

(James 4:4-6) ⁴ Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that for no reason the scripture says: “The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing”? ⁶ However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Matthew 24:13, 14) ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

(Hebrews 10:35-39) ³⁵ Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. ³⁶ For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. ³⁷ For yet “a very little while,” and “the one who is coming will arrive and will not delay.” ³⁸ “But my righteous one will live by reason of faith,” and “if he shrinks back, I have no pleasure in him.” ³⁹ Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(Revelation 21:7, 8) . . .. ⁸ But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and the sexually immoral and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This means the second death.”

(Luke 21:25-28) ²⁵ “Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. ²⁶ People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

(Romans 5:1-5) 5 Therefore, now that we have been declared righteous as a result of faith, let us enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom we also have obtained access by faith into this undeserved kindness in which we now stand; and let us rejoice, based on hope of the glory of God. ³ Not only that, but let us rejoice while in tribulations, since we know that tribulation produces endurance; ⁴ endurance, in turn, an approved condition; the approved condition, in turn, hope, ⁵ and the hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given to us.

How to make better decisions when there are gray areas.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

There are the gray areas in life when we are uncertain what God would require of us. How should we handle them. How can we be guided through them. The scriptures may not be clear on how we can handle it but the bible does give us guidance on how we can make better decisions. When we experience gray areas that make decision making more difficult there are things we can do that can make it easier for us and help us to make a decision that would please God. I have broken this down in sections with new paragraphs below the scriptures.

The bible tells us everything we do must be based on faith in God. The bible tells us without faith it is impossible to please God, the bible tells us if the things we do are not based on faith it is a sin. This helps us to understand the gray areas when we are uncertain what God would expect us to do. We should put it in prayer to him. Think about what our actions are telling God and others.

Children are humble and usually willful to listen when corrected. They are innocent to sin. Children are usually eager to learn. They usually do not lie. This is why sometimes the things they say are so truthful and observant that it can surprise you. Children usually do not envy others and experience joy when they see others are happy. Backbiting means you say unkind things about someone when they are not present. Children usually do not gossip and criticize others. We all fall short of God and should not be focusing more attention on what we feel others are doing wrong. This can cause us to become prideful and be overconfident in our own spiritual wellness. This is why the bible says there is pride before a fall. By avoiding such behavior and being child like to sin it will protect our hearts and minds and help us make better decisions. If we become overconfident we may start viewing ourselves as superior to others and lose the child like thinking.

The bible tells us let each one examine their own actions , we are not to compare ourselves to others. The whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. If we start comparing ourselves to others it could actually starting giving us a sense of pride because we would see our actions may not be as bad as others are. In doing so we may lose site of what is important, and that is looking into the mirror of God’s word and using it as a gauge as to our standing with God. The bible says we could become a forgetful hearer if we do not peer into the word of God’s laws. The bible tells us if we become doers of the work we will be happy. Remaining in union with Christ means we try our best to imitate his faith and love for God and this can also help us to navigate the gray areas in life. If we think what would Christ do or what would Christ want me to do?

(Romans 14:21-23) . . .. ²² The faith that you have, keep it to yourself before God. Happy is the man who does not judge himself by what he approves. ²³ But if he has doubts, he is already condemned if he eats, because he does not eat based on faith. Indeed, everything that is not based on faith is sin.

(Hebrews 11:5-7) . . .. ⁶ Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. ⁷ By faith Noah, after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith.

(1 Corinthians 10:23, 24) ²³ All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. ²⁴ Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

(Matthew 18:1-4) 18 In that hour the disciples came near to Jesus and said: “Who really is greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens?” ² So calling a young child to him, he stood him in their midst ³ and said: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. ⁴ Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one who is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens;

(1 Peter 2:1, 2) 2 So rid yourselves of all badness and deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all backbiting. ² As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation,

(Proverbs 18:12) ¹² Before a crash a man’s heart is lofty, And before glory there is humility.

(Galatians 6:2-5) . . .. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. ⁴ But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person. ⁵ For each one will carry his own load.

(James 1:22-25) . . .. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. ²⁵ But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

(1 John 3:4-8) ⁴ Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. ⁵ You know, too, that he was made manifest to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. ⁶ Everyone remaining in union with him does not practice sin; no one who practices sin has either seen him or come to know him. ⁷ Little children, let no one mislead you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as that one is righteous. ⁸ The one who practices sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil.

We can also ask God for the wisdom to deal with the gray areas in life. When we ask we need to ask in faith. As mentioned earlier all we do should be with faith in God. So when we ask we should have no doubt that God will grant us what we ask of him when it is his will we are seeking. We know Satan is walking about like a roaring lion. He knows the bible because when he was trying to temp Jesus he was quoting God’s word. If we do not rely on God in those gray areas Satan could use it to his advantage.

(James 1:5-8) ⁵ So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. ⁷ In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; ⁸ he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(Romans 8:13-16) . . .. ¹⁴ For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons. ¹⁵ For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: “Abba, Father!” ¹⁶ The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.

(1 Peter 5:6-9) ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, ⁷ while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. ⁹ But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world.

We also have a helper the holy spirit. How can we acquire the holy spirit? There are some requirements to receive the holy spirit. First we must ask for it. We cannot live according to the flesh but we will keep our eyes focus on the things above and not the world or fleshly matters. Our actions need to show we have repented from our former way of life. We also must show our faith through our actions and thinking. The bible tells us we receive the spirit through our faith. We can lose the holy spirit once we receive it if we rebel against God so it is very important to work towards our prayers if we ask for holy spirit and do our best to be Christ like.

(Luke 11:12, 13) . . .? ¹³ Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”

(Galatians 3:13, 14) . . .” ¹⁴ This was so that the blessing of Abraham would come to the nations by means of Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promised spirit through our faith.

(Romans 8:4-8) . . .. ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit. ⁶ For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace; ⁷ because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. ⁸ So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God.

In the gray areas decision making can be difficult. There are things we can use that can help us to make better decisions especially when the decisions involve working with others. For example do they show the works of the flesh or do they show the fruits of the spirit? If the person has outburst of anger, are envious, get drunk, do they commit immoral acts of sex, are they frequently not open to agreement which causes dissention, do they have an unrestrained sense of shame or rude and overconfidence which means they are brazen. If the person or people we are dealing with are showing these qualities then they are showing the works of the flesh and we need to be cautious of the decisions we make concerning them. They will be deceptive, try to lure us in to making promises that will be difficult to keep. They try to gain our trust to try and take advantage of our kindness and good qualities. They may even try to be extremely kind to us to lure us into a relationship with them. When we deal with ones who display the works of the flesh we have to be very cautious with the decisions we make. Often times ones like this try to get us to make decision without giving us time to think about them. If we are put in this situation we need to weigh what would be best for our relationship with God and not try to please people but to please God first. Those who produce the works of the flesh often times will have hidden motives in in the things they do, so we have to be very careful when dealing with them.

How can we tell if a person or ourselves are producing the fruits of the spirit? Those blessed by the fruits of the spirit will have self control. We all are born sinful but those who are blessed by the spirit will not act on their sinful nature and will do their best not to put themselves in a position to act on their sinful nature. Though things my be approved to do , they may not be right for us if it may cause us to act on our sin. For example if we are prone to having immoral sexual relations we should do our best to avoid situations that could cause us to act on them. By doing this we are showing we have been blessed by the holy spirit because we are demonstrating our self control.

Those who have been blessed by the spirit will have an inner peace in their hearts that protect their hearts and their minds. We will experience anxiety in life but the inner peace can protect us through those times and we will make better decisions in such times. If a person shows they make good decisions even in times of trials or tribulation it is a sign they have been blessed with the holy spirit.

Joy is also a sign a person has been blessed with the holy spirit. Satan and his people will attack those who are following Christ. When a person is being accused by Satan or going through hard times do they usually remain joyful or does their joy quickly return? We may lose our joy for a short period of time but if we have been blessed by the spirit then our joy will return quickly.

Faith is another gift of the spirit, having complete faith in God and living our lives in a way that demonstrates our faith by sharing his word and teaching others to put their faith in God and not letting the anxieties of life crowd God’s word out of our hearts we demonstrate our faith. When being tried, or we have to make a difficult decision we will not panic and make hasty decisions but we will have faith God will guide us and be patient.

If a person is kind in the way Jesus was kind then they are showing they have been blessed by the spirit. Jesus was kind to all people, even the pharisees who opposed him. He was not selective who he was kind to but he was kind to all people. Jesus was willing to serve others and did not look down on anyone. If we have the same attitude towards others by being kind to all then we have been blessed by the holy spirit.

Mildness is another fruit of the spirit. This means a person will be mild in how they act towards others and how they live their lives. They will not react in extreme ways or over react to things. They will not do things excessively but show moderation in the things they do.

Love is also a fruit of the spirit. We can best learn love by looking at the scriptures and taking note if we show love in all we do. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

If a person is patient and does not look out for their own interest first and does not show the works of the flesh then they have been blessed by the holy spirit. We must be patient when making decisions. In the gray areas we need to do our best to please God and not man. If someone tries to get us to make a hasty decision and we are pleasing people we could make very bad decisions that can effect the rest of our lives or someone else life. So by knowing how to deal with the gray areas it will protect and helps us make it through these uncertain times.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Acts 2:38) ³⁸ Peter said to them: “Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the free gift of the holy spirit.

(Acts 26:19, 20) ¹⁹ “Therefore, King A·gripʹpa, I did not become disobedient to the heavenly vision, ²⁰ but to those in Damascus first and then to those in Jerusalem, and over all the country of Ju·deʹa, and also to the nations, I was bringing the message that they should repent and turn to God by doing works that befit repentance.

(Isaiah 63:10) ¹⁰ But they rebelled and grieved his holy spirit. He then turned into their enemy, And he fought against them.

(Galatians 5:19-21) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom

(Galatians 5:22-24) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(Romans 8:5-9) ⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit, on the things of the spirit. ⁶ For setting the mind on the flesh means death, but setting the mind on the spirit means life and peace; ⁷ because setting the mind on the flesh means enmity with God, for it is not in subjection to the law of God, nor, in fact, can it be. ⁸ So those who are in harmony with the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ However, you are in harmony, not with the flesh, but with the spirit, if God’s spirit truly dwells in you. But if anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, this person does not belong to him.

(1 Peter 2:21-23) ²¹ In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. ²² He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. ²³ When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. . .

What causes a person to feel empty?

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

I am going to discuss how sin effects us and how it effects our relationship with God. How to identify when we are being drawn away from God because it is not always obvious. I am also going to discus the cause of that empty feeling and how to fill it. Many now days wonder why they feel so empty.

When we start sinning it can draw us away from God which leaves an empty spot in our hearts that cannot be filled. It can draw us away from God and cause us to do many things we should not do to try and fill that emptiness. We often times will false reason believing the things were are doing are ok. So it is not always obvious when we are sinning. We have to keep in mind the heart is very deceptive and we have a tendency to false reason with ourselves. How can we tell when we have deceived ourselves or if others are deceiving themselves. Our fruits speak more then words. What are the fruits we are producing. Are we producing good fruits or fruits of the flesh. I am going to discuss the effects of sin and how to identify when we are being drawn away from God and what we can do to correct it.

We cannot trust ourselves because the bible warns the heart is deceptive and desperate. It can drive us to do things we should not do. Jesus warned out of the heart comes wicked reasoning so we should not let our heart guide us. When we sin it makes us lose the ability to tell when we are falling short of God. God examines the heart and knows even the hidden motives we may have. Because we have let ourselves become blind we may be sinning and have become unaware of it. In order to correct this we need to search God’s word and let it guide us and not rely on our own understanding. If we do not, we risk becoming hardened and unaware when we are sinning.

(Hebrews 4:13) ¹³ And there is not a creation that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.

(Proverbs 21:2-4)  ² All of a man’s ways seem right to him, But Jehovah examines the hearts.  ³ To do what is right and just Is more pleasing to Jehovah than a sacrifice.  ⁴ Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart —The lamp that guides the wicked is sin.

(Jeremiah 17:9, 10)  ⁹ The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? ¹⁰ I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.

(Matthew 15:17-20) ¹⁷ Are you not aware that whatever enters into the mouth passes through the stomach and is discharged into the sewer? ¹⁸ However, whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and those things defile a man. ¹⁹ For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings: murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. ²⁰ These are the things that defile a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

(Psalm 36:1, 2) Transgression speaks to the wicked one deep within his heart; There is no fear of God before his eyes.  ² For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much To detect and hate his error.

(Proverbs 16:2) All of a man’s ways seem right to him, But Jehovah examines the motives.

(Jeremiah 17:10) I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.

Just because the world may accept something as not being wrong does not make it right. If we are putting our trust in man or our own reasoning then we could start losing our ability to know when we are sinning. When we start becoming unaware of our sin we become alienated from God which can create an emptiness in our hearts that cannot be filled. Often times this can lead to someone committing more sins in an effort to try and fill that emptiness. Yet because they no longer have the love for God they will never fully be happy because they cannot fill that emptiness. We are imperfect humans, this is why the bible tells us that God should direct our steps and it does not belong to man to direct our steps. God created us, he knows our minds and hearts better then anyone. This is why Jesus in his sermon on the mount told us how to be happy. (Matthew chapter 5). When we fall into a sinful nature it can start effecting our physical health. From the stress involved.

(Psalm 38:3-6)  ³ My whole body is sick because of your indignation. There is no peace within my bones because of my sin.  ⁴ For my errors loom over my head; Like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear.  ⁵ My wounds stink and fester Because of my foolishness.  ⁶ I am distressed and extremely downcast; I walk around sad all day long.

If we find ourselves no longer able to understand the deeper things in the bible and find we only take in what would be milk, which an infant would take in we need to take note of it. If we find we are making the same errors over and over we need to take note of it. It indicates we are falling away from God and need to correct the behavior that is causing it. If we start accepting the ways of the world it will draw us away from God. The world is in turmoil now because they refuse to let God’s word guide them. Would we want our lives to be like those of the world?

(Proverbs 26:11, 12) ¹¹ Like a dog that returns to its vomit, The stupid one repeats his foolishness. ¹² Have you seen a man who thinks he is wise? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him.

(1 Corinthians 3:1-3) 3 So, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ. ² I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough. In fact, neither are you strong enough now, ³ for you are still fleshly. Since there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?

(Ephesians 4:17-19) ¹⁷ So this is what I say and bear witness to in the Lord, that you should no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk, in the futility of their minds. ¹⁸ They are in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having gone past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to brazen conduct to practice every sort of uncleanness with greediness.

(Jeremiah 10:23) ²³ I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

If we continue to sin it will harden our hearts towards Jehovah God and Jesus. He will stop hearing our prayers. We are living in very difficult times and very confusing times. Why make it more difficult by turning away from God. We need him now more then ever to guide and protect us. If we find we are losing the desire to study God’s word and to apply it in our lives it is an indication we need to do our best to start to take in his word daily and to persist in prayer. We need to take note of what is causing us to feel this way and what we can do to take corrective actions. We are to keep our minds focused on the things above and not on the earth below. The bible warns a fleshly man does not accept the things of the spirit of God. If we start falling away from God we lose the blessing of having the holy spirit guide us and we become separated from God. If we find we are being separated from God and start feeling that empty feeling, reading Jesus sermon on the mount. It reminds us how we can find true happiness. We will lose the peace in our hearts that protects our hearts and our minds and we will lose our thinking abilities. By turning back to God we can regain that peace and the hope the bible gives us.

(Isaiah 58:14-59:3) . . .For the mouth of Jehovah has spoken.” 59 Look! The hand of Jehovah is not too short to save, Nor is his ear too dull to hear.  ² No, your own errors have separated you from your God. Your sins have made him hide his face from you, And he refuses to hear you.  ³ For your palms are polluted with blood And your fingers with error. Your lips speak lies, and your tongue mutters unrighteousness.

(1 Corinthians 2:14-3:4) ¹⁴ But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. ¹⁵ However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man. ¹⁶ For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ. 3 So, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to fleshly men, as to infants in Christ. ² I fed you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough. In fact, neither are you strong enough now, ³ for you are still fleshly. Since there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do? ⁴ For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” but another says, “I to A·polʹlos,” are you not acting like mere men?

(Romans 1:20-23) ²⁰ For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable. ²¹ For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their senseless hearts became darkened. ²² Although claiming they were wise, they became foolish ²³ and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and birds and four-footed creatures and reptiles.

(Isaiah 57:20) ²⁰ “But the wicked are like the restless sea that cannot calm down, And its waters keep tossing up seaweed and mire.

(John 14:26, 27) . . .. ²⁷ I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear.

(Philippians 4:5-7) . . .. ⁶ Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

When you are close to God your heart is protected and you have a certain inner peace no matter what you have to endure. When we lose our reverential fear of God then we have no peace and we will develop many anxieties and fears. This can farther blind us to the truths in the bible. We will have a form of Godly devotion but prove false to it’s power. If we find our actions are not matching our words and the things we do are not showing we love God then we are proving false to the power of God’s word. This means we are becoming like the world. We are told the world would be destroyed. Surely this is not the course we would want to follow. Those of the world have no hope. They live in constant anxiety, and fear of the things occurring. If we fall into sin then we can no longer see the God news of the kingdom of heaven and have no hope but the hope we put in ourselves and the world. We see the condition the world and people who are in it are in. The whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. Is this where we would want to put our faith and trust? What hope does the world have? We can be a slave to the world which is a sin or we can be a slave for God which gives us hope in a brighter future. The world and the things in it are passing away. So would it not be better to put our faith, hope and trust in God? If we find we are making the same errors over and over again it indicates we need to take corrective actions and search God’s word on how to prevent that in the future. We have been warned the wages sin pays is death. If we lose our ability to recognize sin then it can lead to us dying much sooner then we may have.

(Romans 3:11-18) . . .. ¹² All men have turned aside, all of them have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not so much as one.” ¹³ “Their throat is an open grave; they have deceived with their tongues.” “Venom of asps is behind their lips.” ¹⁴ “And their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” ¹⁵ “Their feet are swift to shed blood.” ¹⁶ “Ruin and misery are in their ways, ¹⁷ and they have not known the way of peace.” ¹⁸ “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

(Jeremiah 5:21) ²¹ “Hear this, you foolish and senseless people: They have eyes but cannot see; They have ears but cannot hear.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) ³ If, in fact, the good news we declare is veiled, it is veiled among those who are perishing, ⁴ among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.

(Romans 6:16) ¹⁶ Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?

(Proverbs 26:11, 12) ¹¹ Like a dog that returns to its vomit, The stupid one repeats his foolishness. ¹² Have you seen a man who thinks he is wise? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him.

(Romans 6:23) ²³ For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

Sin starts out as desire. Now desire is not always wrong. For example we desire to eat, drink water and to have a home to live in. It is when we start coveting things or start desiring wrong things like immoral sex, or have greed for money or power. The bible even warns gluttony is a sin in other words anything in excess can be a sin. If we are letting things consume our time to the point it is taking from our time to worship God then we have left our desire become sin by leaving it crowd God out of our lives. Sin can also cause this to occur. If we find something is crowding God out of our lives then we need to do all we can to correct it. The bible tells us all things are clean to the defiled and faithless. They declare they know God but the works they produce would show otherwise. So we will discus the works we are to produce. The bible tells us you would recognize the righteous and unrighteous by their fruits. We need to pay attention to our fruits and the fruits of those we associate with. Are we producing fruits that will give God glory or are we producing bad fruits.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(Isaiah 3:10, 11) ¹⁰ Tell the righteous that it will go well for them; They will be rewarded for what they do. ¹¹ Woe to the wicked one! Disaster will befall him, For what his hands have done will be done to him!

(Proverbs 21:4)  ⁴ Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart —The lamp that guides the wicked is sin.

(James 1:15) ¹⁵ Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.

(Titus 1:14-16) . . .. ¹⁵ All things are clean to clean people; but to those who are defiled and faithless, nothing is clean, for both their minds and their consciences are defiled. ¹⁶ They publicly declare that they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.

(Matthew 7:15-20) . . .. ¹⁶ By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.

(Galatians 5:19-21) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

Repenting is a daily thing as we take in God’s word it helps us identify areas we need to work on. This is why the bible says we need to continue renewing our minds , which means we need to take in God’s word daily. God would have his laws read frequently to Israel to deeply set them in their hearts and minds. If we start desiring the world and the things in the world it can draw us away from God and crowd his word out of our hearts and we will be prone to making bad decisions. Israel did this in the past and God said they were causing his good name to be smeared. By taking in his word daily and keeping it written on our hearts it will protect our decision making and help guide us through these troubled times. If we start being a part of the world we will start trying to please people instead of God. This can cause us to start becoming blind to sin and cause us to lose our desire to draw closer to God. We also need to take note of how we use our time. The bible tells us to use our time wisely. Is our time being used in a way that we will glorify God and draw closer to him or are we getting caught up in the fleshly things of the world?

(Matthew 4:17) ¹⁷ From that time on, Jesus began preaching and saying: “Repent, for the Kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”

(Psalm 51:9-12) . . .And wipe away all my errors. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, And put within me a new spirit, a steadfast one. ¹¹ Do not cast me out from your presence; And do not take your holy spirit away from me. ¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation; Stir within me a willingness to obey you.

(Mark 4:19) ¹⁹ but the anxieties of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches and the desires for everything else make inroads and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

(Romans 12:1, 2) 12 Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason. ² And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

3 If, however, you were raised up with the Christ, go on seeking the things above, where the Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ² Keep your minds fixed on the things above, not on the things on the earth.

(Matthew 6:25-27) ²⁵ “On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life mean more than food and the body than clothing? ²⁶ Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? ²⁷ Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?

(James 4:7, 8) ⁷ Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones.

(Ephesians 5:15-20) ¹⁵ So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, ¹⁶ making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked. ¹⁷ On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. ¹⁸ Also, do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but keep getting filled with spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs, singing and accompanying yourselves with music in your hearts to Jehovah, ²⁰ always giving thanks to our God and Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Galatians 1:10) ¹⁰ Is it, in fact, men I am now trying to persuade or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be Christ’s slave.

(Proverbs 3:6)  ⁶ In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight.

By being aware of our sinful nature and admitting we sin and not trying to justify our actions we can draw closer to God. In doing so we can truly know what love is because God is love. Many friendships and relationships end because people try and find many friends or get in relationships because they feel something is missing. They keep repeating this behavior and try filling by turning to the world what only God can fill. Jesus referred to it as a thirst and the waters of life . Wealth, material things, many friends, drinking alcohol, and any other things people pursue trying to fill that thirst will only leave them looking for more and never happy because the thirst can only be filled by putting our trust in Jesus and God and getting to know them better. This will also prevent us from being deceived and enslaved by another. Many are living in a spiritual famine now days. We have all the spiritual food in God’s word and have no need to experience excessive spiritual thirst or hunger. If we do not fill it with God’s word then we will try and fill it with the empty things of the world. By taking in God’s word and drawing closer to him we can find true peace and happiness.

(John 6:35-39) ³⁵ Jesus said to them: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not get hungry at all, and whoever exercises faith in me will never get thirsty at all. ³⁶ But as I said to you, you have even seen me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All those whom the Father gives me will come to me, and I will never drive away the one who comes to me; ³⁸ for I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ This is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose none out of all those whom he has given me, but that I should resurrect them on the last day.

(2 Peter 2:17-19) ¹⁷ These are waterless springs and mists driven by a violent storm, and the blackest darkness has been reserved for them. ¹⁸ They make high-sounding statements that are empty. By appealing to the desires of the flesh and with acts of brazen conduct, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. ¹⁹ While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for if anyone is overcome by someone, he is his slave.

(Amos 8:11) ¹¹ ‘Look! The days are coming,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘When I will send a famine into the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But for hearing the words of Jehovah.

How do I recognize when myself or others are producing good fruits from their works? The bible tells us by the works and their fruit you would recognize who worships in truth. Some of these fruit we can read about in Galatians 5:19-22. It discusses the fruits of the flesh and the fruits of the spirit. If we are not producing the fruit of the spirit and are producing the fruit of the flesh such as having out burst of anger, or we find ourselves getting intoxicated then we are producing fruits of the flesh indicating we need to correct some of our behavior. But I am mainly going to talk about the works and fruits of the lips. We produce the fruit of the lips by telling others about God and Jesus and their amazing qualities and helping them to draw closer to God. So we need to ask ourselves is our words and actions getting others to repent and put their trust in God. By professing our faith to others and teaching them about God it helps to build our faith and we store up treasures in heaven. This also helps us to keep our eye focused on the things above and keep us from being drawn away from God.

The bible tells us not all claiming to to have faith will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the one doing God’s will is who will enter. So faith alone is not adequate we also have to have works that show our faith. For example when someone is having hard times do we offer them scriptures to help comfort them. Do we offer them an ear so they have someone who will listen to them? Do we put the interest of others before our own as Jesus did. Do we tell others about our faith and help to build up their faith? Do our actions glorify God? Do we let our light shine before others by teaching them about God and by our actions are we showing we are not part of the world setting an example of faith for others? Are we teaching others about the love of God and are we inciting others to do fine works. If we do these things it will help keep our eyes on the things above, it will draw us closer to God and we will find true happiness.

(Hebrews 13:15, 16) ¹⁵ Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name. ¹⁶ Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.

(Matthew 6:19-23) ¹⁹ “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. ²³ But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is!

(James 2:14-17) ¹⁴ Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? ¹⁵ If any brothers or sisters are lacking clothing and enough food for the day, ¹⁶ yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it? ¹⁷ So, too, faith by itself, without works, is dead.

(Matthew 7:21-23) ²¹ “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. ²² Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’

(Matthew 5:14-16) ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. ¹⁵ People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. ¹⁶ Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.

(Hebrews 10:23-25) . . .. ²⁴ And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, ²⁵ not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.

How can we heal emotional scars?

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

The bible tells us we must love God with our whole heart, our whole soul and whole mind. In doing so it will protect our hearts and our minds. I am going to discus how to deal with the emotional hurt we experience and how to overcome it and even avoid it. The first thing I will discuss is how to avoid it because if we do not avoid it we are asking to have a lot of emotional scars on our hearts which is a heavy burden to carry. Then I will discuss how we can heal those scars. We need to keep in mind we are imperfect also and others also will be hurt by us. We need to expect to be hurt because all fall short of God. We need to learn to deal with it in a way God would approve. We also need to learn how to avoid being hurt, how to avoid hurting others and how to overcome being hurt. Our refuge should be in God. We need to keep in mind we are temporary residents in this system and this system belongs to those who choose Satan’s side in matters by disobeying God and putting their trust in man, themselves, and the world. This is going to cause us many problems. God should be our refuge not the world. If we turn to the world to heal our hearts and minds we will usually end up with more emotional scars and pain. God cares for us and he does not like when we suffer.

(Mark 12:28-30) ²⁸ One of the scribes who had come up and heard them disputing, knowing that he had answered them in a fine way, asked him: “Which commandment is first of all?” ²⁹ Jesus answered: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, ³⁰ and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’

(Psalm 46:1-3) 46 God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress.  ² That is why we will not fear, though the earth undergoes change, Though the mountains topple into the depths of the sea,  ³ Though its waters roar and foam over, Though the mountains rock on account of its turbulence. (Selah)

(Psalm 34:18, 19) ¹⁸ Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. ר [Resh] ¹⁹ Many are the hardships of the righteous one, But Jehovah rescues him from them all.

God did not tell us we would not suffer. He told us he would give us thoughts of peace. It also told us he would give us a future which gives us hope. That hope can help protect our minds and hearts.

(Jeremiah 29:11, 12) ¹¹ “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’

This system is rapidly winding down. The bible warned the gate is narrow and few would enter. So many would put their trust and faith in the world, man and themselves. Because of this their minds are corrupted. This means we will be dealing with a lot of emotional pain from the many things that come from mans rebellion against God and them putting their will over God’s. We will experience betrayal from lack of loyalty, we will be deceived which causes a lot of hurt and makes it difficult to trust others. If we hold on to the pain it can make us feel empty and disconnected from others. It can also effect us spiritually by crowding out our desire to draw closer to God. It is very important to do our best to avoid the negative effects of being hurt can have on us. We may even bring emotional pain on ourselves if we do not know what God requires and leave his word guide us.

We can limit how much we get hurt by putting God first in our lives and by associating with those who also put God first. We should let God guide all we do and those we associate with should also let God guide all we do. If we associate with those who do not put God first and show the fruits of the spirit or know love we are asking to be hurt. If someone puts money, power, material possessions, popularity, or many other things before God then we can surely expect to be hurt by them. They are not going to do what pleases God first but they will please themselves first. God would never want us to hurt others emotionally or physically. By knowing his will and what he requires we can avoid being hurt as much and avoid hurting others. The bible tells us to store up treasures in heaven. It warns where our our treasure is that is where our hearts will be. If we or those we associate with are not putting God first then we are bound to be let down and disappointed. By putting our trust and hope and happiness in God no one can take those away because we are storing up treasures in heaven. This trains our eye and heart to identify those who may cause us emotional pain or even spiritual harm. This can limit the pain we experience. If we dwell on the past then how can our eye and our heart stay focused on storing up treasures in heaven?

We will suffer because we are all imperfect and fall short of God. When we have been wronged or hurt we need to learn to forgive the person so we do not hold on to the anger, resentment and many other negative emotions that come from it. If they repent and do things to set their error straight we are to accept them back. If they refuse to repent, apologize and try to make things right then it would be foolish to continue to have them as a part of our lives because then we are asking to be hurt. When we have been hurt we should search God’s word on how to deal with it and how to avoid being hurt in such a way in the future. If we desire God to forgive us we must forgive others. If a person is truly repentant they will admit their error to you and God and will pray about it and we also are to pray for them. If they do not admit their error even if they are being nice it shows they have not repented and will most likely commit the same error in the future. If we continue to associate with them and have them as a part of our lives then we will only invite more hurt on ourselves. By forgiving others we are storing up treasures in heaven. Some sins are so severe that they leave scars that effect us the rest of our lives. In such instances it may be best to limit our contact with the person so we can move on but we still need to completely forgive them.

(Matthew 18:15-17) ¹⁵ “Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. ¹⁷ If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.

(Matthew 6:19-23) ¹⁹ “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ²² “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. ²³ But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark. If the light that is in you is really darkness, how great that darkness is!

(James 5:16) ¹⁶ Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect.

We should never retaliate when we have been wronged. Jesus tells us if someone strikes us offer them the other cheek. He does not mean this literally but he is saying we will be struck emotionally and struck in others ways so we should expect it , especially if the person does not put God first. We need to forgive them from the heart the bible tells us. So we do not only need to forgive them mentally but we need to leave go of the hurt that was caused by their error even if they have not repented. We have to remember we are all accountable to God and even if it seems the person who wronged us escaped untouched they will have to face God on his great day of judgment and will be held accountable and have to pay for the things they have done. It is God who will give vengeance, we are imperfect humans so do not have a right to judge others. God is perfect so his justice is perfect. By forgiving them from the heart we let go of any desires to seek vengeance, and the anger or resentment that may come from being wronged. by putting God first we do not have excess expectations of others especially if they are not putting God first in their lives. By being aware of this fact we can expect to be hurt and can better deal with it in a way God would approve of. If we obsess on others errors and how they wronged us it could even blind us to our own errors and we could get caught up in a cycle of looking at the bad in others and not reflecting in the mirror of God’s word so we can work on perfecting our worship. It will also prevent us from being able to fully love because if our hearts are full of hurt, anger or resentment it does not leave room for love.

(James 1:22-25) ²² However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. ²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. ²⁵ But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does.

(Luke 6:27-30) ²⁷ “But I say to you who are listening: Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, ²⁸ to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you. ²⁹ To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your outer garment, do not withhold the inner garment either. ³⁰ Give to everyone asking you, and from the one taking your things away, do not ask them back.

(Mark 11:24, 25) . . .. ²⁵ And when you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against anyone, so that your Father who is in the heavens may also forgive you your trespasses. . .

(Matthew 18:32-35) . . .. ³³ Should you not also have shown mercy to your fellow slave as I showed mercy to you?’ ³⁴ With that his master, provoked to wrath, handed him over to the jailers until he repaid all that he owed. ³⁵ My heavenly Father will also deal with you in the same way if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.”

By putting our trust in God and Jesus and realizing we are all imperfect we learn to expect to be hurt sometimes and to let it go because we have the confidence that God and Jesus would never let us down , betray or hurt us. When we have been hurt by someone we care about we are to make them aware of their error. If they repent and apologize then we should forgive them they have proven they are a true friend. If they get angry then they have shown they do not have a desire to repent and will only hurt you more. If the person is a spiritual relative then we should talk to the elders and take at least two witnesses with us. If the person does not repent after we have taken the actions the bible tells us to then we are to view them as a worldly person. They have shown their true heart condition. I know it is hard to leave people go but it is for our own protection , such ones will only hurt you more and cause you more problems. By reflecting in the mirror of God’s word and doing the work God has given us to do the bible says we will be happy in the things we do. So by taking in God’s word and sharing it with others it will bring us happiness. Keep in mind our actions and others actions, if their actions show whether they know love or not. By knowing what God would require concerning love we need to learn what God’s view of love is and make sure those we associate with have a complete understanding of love.

There is a saying “actions speak louder then words” . If we only listen to a person’s words but do not pay attention to such things as do they put God’s first, do they know how to love the way God tells us to love? If we do not make certain of those things we are asking to be hurt because God gives us his word to guide and protect us. If we have been hurt because we did not make certain of these things we should take actions to make sure we know God’s word well enough to protect us from making such errors in the future. We need to hold ourselves accountable also and learn not to be blinded to such things in the future. Many will make excuses for someone when they continually error instead of speaking to them about their error. The bible tells us we are to speak to them about their error. If we do not then we can expect them to continue committing those errors. If they continue to follow the same course of conduct then they are of the world and we are to treat them likewise. We are to be no part of the world which means we should limit our association with them when possible.

(1 John 3:17, 18) . . .? ¹⁸ Little children, we should love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth.

The earth is rapidly changing , things are going to become much worse. It will be more and more difficult to find family , friends and associations we can trust. By using God’s word to guide us it can help us to deal with the negative emotions that we will experience from the world. By putting God’s word in our hearts it will heal our hearts and our minds. We will endure trying times. The bible tells us in doing so we learn to find comfort in God and we do not seek comfort in ourselves. When we learn to seek comfort in God , we then can teach others how to seek comfort from God. If we turn to our own reasoning or the world for answers to our pain then we could be drawn into sin and suffer as a sinner. If we do that what hope would we have?

(2 Corinthians 1:3-7) ³ Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God. ⁵ For just as the sufferings for the Christ abound in us, so the comfort we receive through the Christ also abounds. ⁶ Now if we face trials, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are being comforted, it is for your comfort, which acts to help you to endure the same sufferings that we also suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is unwavering, knowing as we do that just as you share in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

(1 Peter 4:15-17) ¹⁵ However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or a busybody in other people’s matters. ¹⁶ But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but let him keep on glorifying God while bearing this name. ¹⁷ For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the outcome be for those who are not obedient to the good news of God?

Some of our pain may be from sin we have committed. As discussed earlier we should confess our sin . Study God’s word to help us overcome it and do our best to set matters straight. Sometimes our sin can cause changes that will permanently alter our life and the lives of others making it impossible to try and correct the problems our sin has caused. If this occurs we need to repent, pray to God that those we have effected will heal and pray for God to help us overcome our sinful nature. Many struggle to get the life back they formerly had when they have sinned. This will not occur. We need to accept our life has changed. If it was someone else sin that has changed our lives , we must except that things have changed for us. By putting our trust and hope in God it will make it easier to deal with the changes and the emotional pain. If it was our error that caused the pain we should not continue in sin we should do our best to correct the actions that brought about the self inflicted pain. If we continue in sin when we know it is wrong the bible tells us there is no forgiveness. The things in this system are temporary. Why would we put our trust in things that will end soon when we have the hope God has given us in the future promises? How empty someone must feel if they have forfeited their future hope just to indulge in sin? The bible says those who are sinful in the least are sinful in the most. This is because one little sin can open the door for many more. The bible tells us those who continue to practice sin are of the Devil. Surely we would not want to choose his side in this spiritual battle, he and those who sided with him will be destroyed. What hope do such ones have? If we are sinning we should confess our sin and repent so we can be shown mercy. We are going to suffer no matter what, because we are in the last days. Why forfeit our hope in the promises God has given us?

(Hebrews 10:26-29) ²⁶ For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, ²⁷ but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a burning indignation that is going to consume those in opposition. ²⁸ Anyone who has disregarded the Law of Moses dies without compassion on the testimony of two or three. ²⁹ How much greater punishment do you think a person will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God and who has regarded as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt?

(1 John 3:6-8) . . .. ⁷ Little children, let no one mislead you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as that one is righteous. ⁸ The one who practices sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil.

(Proverbs 28:13) ¹³ The one covering over his transgressions will not succeed, But whoever confesses and abandons them will be shown mercy.

(Luke 16:9-13) . . .. ¹⁰ The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much. ¹¹ Therefore, if you have not proved yourselves faithful in connection with the unrighteous riches, who will entrust you with what is true? ¹² And if you have not proved yourselves faithful in connection with what belongs to another, who will give you something for yourselves? ¹³ No servant can be a slave to two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves to God and to Riches.”

Whether it was our sin or someone else that caused us pain we need to learn to look forward and not look back. If we continue to look back we cannot move forward spiritually or in life. We have to accept our life has changed and dwell on what God would want us to do. By looking forward it will keep fresh in our minds that we are in a spiritual race and Satan and the world is trying to overtake us so we will not receive the prize. By moving forward we can keep focused on the race and the prize that will be received by those who win the race. In order to win the race we need to read God’s word and meditate on it daily. In doing so we have the hope in the salvation God has promised. If we suffered hurt from someone else sin we should not look back at what we may have lost or how we have been hurt. This will prevent us from moving forward. When driving a car if we only looked in the rear view mirror we would surely crash because we cannot see the road ahead of us. Likewise if we continue looking to the past then we cannot see the spiritual road and life ahead of us. People of the world easily tire out when they suffer but those who put their trust and faith in God are renewed daily.

Sometimes if our lives have changed enough it may be necessary to move. When our lives have already been dramatically changed it may be difficult to imagine starting a new life. Often times it is difficult for others to forgive us even if we have repented and it is difficult to prove to them you have repented , which means it would be difficult to regain their trust. If we were sinned against and the person is unrepentant and we are living close to them then we would have the constant reminder of the past and how your life has been changed meaning we could not focus on moving forward. If it was a spouse who sinned against us and the sin was serious enough to result in divorce and we are living in the same house. It could be a constant reminder of how your life has changed and could keep us from moving forward. If we are unable to move maybe we could make some changes in our lives by finding new friends who would build us up spiritually and not draw our short comings out. If we cannot move we could make changes to the house so it will be different helping to reduce the constant reminders of how life used to be. We must do our best to put God first, and to stay focused on the future hope God has given us. If we do not put God first in our lives we cannot heal from the pain we experience in life. Healing from emotional pain means we need to focus on healing spiritually. Without putting God first we will not fully heal from the pain and we risk experiencing more emotional pain and scars. By putting God first and putting our trust and hope in him it helps us to continue to look forward and to leave go of the pain of the past. We have the hope in the future promise and a security in knowing things will be much much better very soon. We need to forgive as God forgives us in order to move on and heal from any emotional scars we have experienced. If it was our own sin that caused the pain and we have repented then we need to forgive ourselves.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) ²⁴ Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. ²⁵ Now everyone competing in a contest exercises self-control in all things. Of course, they do it to receive a crown that can perish, but we, one that does not perish. ²⁶ Therefore, the way I am running is not aimlessly; the way I am aiming my blows is so as not to be striking the air; ²⁷ but I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.

(Joshua 1:7-9) ⁷ “Only be courageous and very strong, and observe carefully the entire Law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not deviate from it either to the right or to the left, so that you may act wisely wherever you go. ⁸ This book of the Law should not depart from your mouth, and you must read it in an undertone day and night, in order to observe carefully all that is written in it; for then your way will be successful and then you will act wisely. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and strong. Do not be struck with terror or fear, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Hebrews 2:1-3) 2 That is why it is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things we have heard, so that we never drift away. ² For if the word spoken through angels proved to be sure, and every transgression and disobedient act received a punishment in harmony with justice, ³ how will we escape if we have neglected so great a salvation? For it began to be spoken through our Lord and was verified for us by those who heard him,

(Isaiah 43:18, 19) ¹⁸ “Do not remember the former things, And do not dwell on the past. ¹⁹ Look! I am doing something new; Even now it is springing up. Do you not recognize it? I will make a way through the wilderness And rivers through the desert.

(Mark 10:28-31) . . .” ²⁹ Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news ³⁰ who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life. ³¹ But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

(Isaiah 40:29-31) ²⁹ He gives power to the tired one And full might to those lacking strength. ³⁰ Boys will tire out and grow weary, And young men will stumble and fall, ³¹ But those hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; They will walk and not tire out.”

(Romans 15:13) ¹³ May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your trusting in him, so that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit.

Finding true security in such trying times.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

We are living in times where things seem uncertain , our live can rapidly change, man has become so corrupt it is difficult to know what is right and what is wrong. The lines between what is right and what is wrong have become so skewed that most do not know what the right thing to do is. I am going to discuss how we can be more sure of things and know what God would require of us. In doing so this will give us a security and peace that many do not know. They live in constant anxiety and confusion because of the things that are happening in the world now. I will also discuss how this will protect our mental abilities.

Being insecure means we lack trust in something or someone. We are living in the final moments of this system. We were warned how false religion would corrupt man. This is going to cause sin to be rampant and the results of those sins many will be harmed emotionally, physically and may even struggle to survive. This can lead to many insecurities. We can avoid being insecure if we put our trust in God instead of ourselves, man or the world. The bible warned us the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. We know this is true because when Satan tried to temp Jesus he offered him all the kingdoms of the earth. Jesus did not contest that those kingdoms where in the power of Satan. Jesus himself called Satan the ruler of this world. So if we put our trust in the world we are putting our trust in the wicked one. Satan is the inventor of the lie so putting our trust in the world would be putting our trust in a lie since the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. It is very difficult to know what to expect when putting trust in a lie, this can cause many insecurities.

God does not change, cannot lie and all the promises he has made he fulfilled so we can be certain of the things he promises us. Not only that if we write his word on our hearts it protects our minds because we get the security and confidence that comes with being certain of the decisions we make when we know what God’s will is and do his will instead of that of our will , or the will of the world or man. We are all imperfect humans, God is perfect so if we rely on his word to guide us instead of ourselves or others then we can be certain we are making the correct decisions. In doing so it gives us a certain confidence. God is merciful and forgiving. Man tends to show very little mercy and tends to hold error against us even if we have repented. They will constantly throw your error in you face and remind you of your error. Something we are told not to do. There is a security that comes with knowing we have such a loving and forgiving God.

How can we find security in our worship of God with false teaching prophesied to be rampant and religion being corrupted? How do we know whether we are worshiping in truth? True worship will bring security because we will be certain of our decisions because we will know what God’s will is and know what he would want us to do. If we look at our fruits and the fruits of those we worship with or associate with , we will know whether we ourselves and others are worshiping in truth. The bible tells us by looking at person’s fruits those worshiping in truth would be recognized. So if we know what fruits we and others produce we can identify true worship and whether we are worshiping in truth.

What are these fruits? One such fruit would be the fruit of the lips. Those who worship in truth would have such a deep love and faith in God that they would be driven to teach others about God and Jesus. Sacrifice of the lips which means telling others about God , Jesus and the heavenly kingdom so they can have hope, as things become more confusing and gloomy. Those who do not worship in truth are insecure and full of anxieties and fears. The mess man has made only God can fix. By putting their hope in God and and trusting Jesus who God has sat on the throne, to set matters straight we will produce good fruits because by sharing God’s word with others we can offer them hope and show them how to enter the narrow gate which means we imitate Jesus in every way. So if ourselves or another person gets others to put their trust and faith in God instead of man or the world they are producing the fruits of the lips. Not only that but those who produce the fruit of the lips do so with a thankful heart even when suffering trials or tribulation because they have confidence that God will fulfill the promises he made of bringing death to nothing and of restoring the earth to the paradise it was meant to be. Their actions and words even when being tried show because they are thankful for the hope God has given them and the security that comes with it. Many take things for granted, never thinking about the fact the bible warns this system and the things in it will be done away with soon including world governments. Those who may have a form of Godly devotion but put more trust in the world, themselves or God will not be thankful for the future hope God has given us and will betray one another even now as things get more distressing they are starting to betray each other. By knowing whether we are worshiping in truth and those we worship or associate with are worshiping in truth we can be more sure that we will not be betrayed by those we associate with. So if we, or those we associate with are are leading others to put their faith and trust in God and they are thankful and praise God even when being tried then good fruits are being produced. If we do not tell others about God how could they learn to trust him and what hope would they have with all the things that are happening in the world? Someone had to teach us would it not be the right thing, for us to also produce fruit by giving others hope in such dire times?

Another fruit that would be produced is peace. We are told in the bible the result of true righteousness would be peace. But how can this be so if the bible tells us the world will hate and persecute those who follow Jesus and worship in truth? When persecuted, or as we see the morals of the world and the ruining of the earth occur we get an inner peace knowing we produced fruits of the lips and those doing the things they are doing had a chance to draw closer to God and Jesus. We get an inner peace that comes from trusting God and Jesus because we know things will be better when God fulfills the future promises. Many fear death but by putting our trust in God we have the inner peace knowing even death does not have a hold on us because there will be a resurrection when the final enemy death has been destroyed. With all the indecisiveness in the world many do not know what is right and what is wrong. Trained mental experts often times have opinions that differ from the bibles. If we put our trust in God instead of man we get an inner peace knowing we are doing what is right. So the peaceful conditions we sow God’s word in will be an inner peace which is developed by producing the fruits of the lips. When we are hated or persecuted for our faith, and our trust in God we get an inner peace knowing the persecution, and trials are a sign we are no part of the world and God is with us. Jesus said the student is no better then the teacher, if the world hated him it will hate you. When persecuted or suffering trials and tribulation because of our obedience to God , we get an inner peace knowing we are entering through the narrow gate which means we are doing our best to imitate Jesus and we are entering the narrow gate and not taking the road to destruction. When Jesus said he gives us peace but not in the way the world gives it what did he mean. Reading the text in Philippians can help us better understand the peace Jesus was referring to. (Philippians 4:4-7 ⁴ Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! ⁵ Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.) As you can see the peace is an inner peace that protects our hearts and minds and prevents us from experiencing the anxieties that others will experience who chose not to draw closer to God and Jesus. So those who are producing fruit will have an inner peace and will not get overly anxious. We will become anxious at times but eventually the inner peace takes over from our faith and it will protect our hearts and our minds. So those producing fruit of peace will make better decisions because their hearts and minds will be protected.

Those producing fruit in righteousness will be blessed with the holy spirit and produce fruits of the spirit and not fruit of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19-24) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.) If someone is producing fruit of the flesh they will have fits of anger, they will show hostility, jealousy, the will be attached to the physical things of the world which is a form of idolatry. The bible warns those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. If we or those we worship with are producing fruits of the flesh we should do our best to overcome them and to show those we associate with they are not doing what God would require. If they do not respond in a positive way then we know they are part of the world. If they respond by correcting their error then we can be sure they are doing their best to do God’s will. Strife mentioned in the bible refers to bitter conflict or violent dissension. So those reaping fruit of the flesh would be unreasonable, not agreeable to anything, they would often times be combative and have violent outburst. If we see ourselves or others producing such fruit then it indicates we need to focus more on the things unseen because we are to worship in spirit because God is a spirit person. If we are producing the fruit of the spirit it will give us security knowing we have been blessed by God and he is with us no matter what we have to endure. When we are blessed by the holy spirit we become more patient with others which prevents us from wanting to have conflicts and impose our will on them. We learn to love like Jesus and God loved which means we learn to forgive even our enemies. Those producing fruits of the spirit will have self-control, meaning they will not give in to their short comings. Knowing we and those we associate with have mastered self control and will not draw us into sin or put us in a bad situation because of sin or bad decisions gives us a security because we know what to expect from them and know they will have no hidden motives for the things they do. This is why it is very important to make sure we and those we associate with are producing the fruits of the spirit. We can get a certain security because it will make it clear who we can trust and who we cannot when we pay attention to their fruits. This also gives us security that we most likely would not be betrayed by those we choose to be close to. Next I will discuss love because it is a fruit of the spirit.

Lets take a look at what the bible tells us love is. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) ⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, ⁵ does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. ⁶ It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.) . God is love and Jesus perfectly reflected God’s image. Jesus knew God was going to hand him the heavenly kingdom over to him and he still did not view himself as superior to others and did not get prideful about the position he was going to be given. Jesus remained humble and continued to serve others. He set an example for us by washing the disciples feet which was something a servant would do. So to know love we need to get rid of any false pride we may have and be humble as Jesus was. If someone is prideful then we should see it is a sign they may not know love. The bible says if we love we do not behave indecently. This means we dress appropriately, we act appropriately, we do our best not to offend others, though that is a little difficult now days with few truly knowing what God requires they become easily offended. We do not gossip or say things we should not say. We should not flirt excessively especially if we are married. We should not use vulgar language. If someone shows such behavior then they do not know love because Jesus never acted indecently. If someone we associate with displays such behavior we should be cautious they are a bad association. Love bares all things which means it is patient. We all are imperfect, we should not be unreasonable with our expectations of others. Keep in mind people have to deal with our short comings also, so should we not do the same for them as they grow and draw closer to God? The bible tells us love does not hold account of injury. Jesus did not hold grudges, not even against his enemies. He told us we must forgive those who trespass against us. Imagine if someone wronged us and some day God touched their heart and was calling them to him. If we reacted in a way God would not want us to react we could hinder them drawing closer to God. This is why Jesus told us to forgive our enemies. By showing mercy and being forgiving we are setting an example for others and may possibly through our behavior get them to draw closer to God and Jesus. Holding onto anger and feeling resentment can negatively impact our hearts, our minds and our health. By learning to forgive and show mercy even to our enemies we protect our minds, our hearts and our health. By forgiving others we have the security knowing we have done our best and have conquered the evil with the good. If a person chooses to remain our enemy even when we are kind to them and have forgiven them we can be secure knowing God will judge them and they have piled fiery coals on their own heads. They will have to face judgment from God. The bible tells us we will be judged as we judge others. The bible warns do not judge or we will be judged as we judge others. If we freely forgive then God freely forgives us to the degree we are willing to forgive others. This can give us a security knowing by us showing mercy by being forgiving God will show us mercy and forgive us for our errors. If a person holds onto grudges and does not forgive but reminds people of their errors then we know they do not know love and we should be cautious. This is what causes many conflicts now days people do not forgive others and constantly hold peoples errors against them even if they have repented. By freely forgiving others we prevent the conflict that is so prevalent in others now days. The bible tells us love is the perfect bond of unity so by knowing fully what love is and knowing how to identify it in others we learn to trust them and even ourselves which gives a unity and oneness of mind lacking in the world today. By knowing love we will not become overconfident and view ourselves as being superior to others. It will help us remain united in oneness of mind and thought. (Philippians 2:1-4) 2 If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any spiritual fellowship, if any tender affection and compassion, ² make my joy full by being of the same mind and having the same love, being completely united, having the one thought in mind. ³ Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, ⁴ as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.) There is such an emptiness in the way the world views love now days. We can gain a certain security when we learn to identify love in the biblical sense and know those we associate with are showing love. The oneness of mind and heart gives us security from knowing we can trust and rely on the ones we associate with when they have proven they know love.

The bible tells us love covers a multitude of sins. This is because when we learn love we do our best to imitate Jesus and the love he showed which drives us to overcome our short comings and repent and draw closer to God. In doing so we have his protection. The bible tells us no weapon forged against us would succeed when we put our trust and faith in God. Death is often times used as a weapon to cause fear and get people to disobey God. Even that weapon will not succeed because the bible tells us even death cannot separate us from the love of God and the love of Jesus. If we are faithful and loyal even if we face death then we can be sure God will remember the things we have done in serving him and will remember us in the day of resurrection. Which means even death will not succeed at deterring us from putting our faith and trust in God and Jesus. We can gain a security knowing no matter what happens to us or whatever man does to us God can undo and desires to bless us.

Those who make it through the great tribulation will live on the new earth. In that system the bible tells us even, before they call out God will answer and before they are done praying he will hear. We can gain security in knowing the new earth will be here soon and there will be no more suffering, no more violence, pain , sickness , death, and corruption. Things happening in the world can be overwhelming and can take the security from us. If we focus on the spiritual things and trust God and Jesus it protects us from being overwhelmed and consumed by all the bad happening. . All these things will be gone soon. What security is there in knowing all governments, wealth, many of the people and organizations people put their trust in will be gone soon. The heavenly kingdom will rule over the earth and will not end. So many are living in fear and full of anxiety because of the uncertain times we are living in. If we put our trust in God and Jesus and keep our eyes focus on the things unseen then we gain a security knowing there is a better future for us and others, that is very very near. Many live in fear of losing their material possessions or their wealth. Many live in fear of death or fear of losing loved ones in death. Those who know God and have faith in him know that God will greatly reward them for their love , loyalty and faith in him in the new system and they will see their loved ones during the resurrection. They experience a security that brings an inner peace that most in the world do not know.

1 John 5:18We know that everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, but the one born from God watches him, and the wicked one cannot take hold of him. ¹⁹ We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. ²⁰ But we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us insight so that we may gain the knowledge of the one who is true. And we are in union with the one who is true, by means of his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and life everlasting. ²¹ Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(Jude 17-23) ¹⁷ As for you, beloved ones, call to mind the sayings that have been previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ how they used to say to you: “In the last time there will be ridiculers, following their own desires for ungodly things.” ¹⁹ These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality. ²⁰ But you, beloved ones, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, and pray with holy spirit, ²¹ in order to keep yourselves in God’s love, while you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view. ²² Also, continue showing mercy to some who have doubts; ²³ save them by snatching them out of the fire. But continue showing mercy to others, doing so with fear, while you hate even the garment that has been stained by the flesh.

(Luke 4:6) Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.

(John 12:31) Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.

(James 1:5-8) ⁵ So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. ⁷ In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; ⁸ he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(James 4:7, 8) ⁷ Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. . . .

(Hebrews 6:17, 18) ¹⁷ In this same way, when God decided to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, ¹⁸ in order that through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to take firm hold of the hope set before us.

(Isaiah 55:10, 11) For just as the rain and the snow pour down from heaven And do not return there until they saturate the earth, making it produce and sprout, Giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, ¹¹ So my word that goes out of my mouth will be. It will not return to me without results, But it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight, And it will have sure success in what I send it to do.

(Habakkuk 1:11, 12) . . .Because they credit their power to their god.” ¹² Are you not from everlasting, O Jehovah? O my God, my Holy One, you do not die. O Jehovah, you appointed them to execute judgment; My Rock, you established them for punishment.

(Matthew 7:18-20) ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.

(Hebrews 13:14-16) . . .. ¹⁵ Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name. ¹⁶ Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) ¹⁶ Always be rejoicing. ¹⁷ Pray constantly. ¹⁸ Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(James 3:17, 18) ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. ¹⁸ Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.

(Isaiah 32:16, 17) . . .And righteousness will dwell in the orchard. ¹⁷ The result of true righteousness will be peace, And the fruitage of true righteousness will be lasting tranquility and security.

(John 15:17-20) ¹⁷ “These things I command you, that you love one another. ¹⁸ If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. ²⁰ Keep in mind the word I said to you: A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

(Matthew 7:13, 14) ¹³ “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; ¹⁴ whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

(John 14:27) ²⁷ I leave you peace; I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink out of fear. . .

(John 4:23, 24) ²³ Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him. ²⁴ God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.”

(Galatians 5:19-24) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, ²⁰ idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(John 13:3-11) ³ So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God, ⁴ got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. ⁵ After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. ⁶ Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him: “Lord, are you washing my feet?” ⁷ Jesus answered him: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand after these things.” ⁸ Peter said to him: “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹ Simon Peter said to him: “Lord, wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him: “Whoever has bathed does not need to have more than his feet washed, but is completely clean. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For he knew the man who was betraying him. This is why he said: “Not all of you are clean.”

(Proverbs 25:21, 22) ²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink, ²² For you will be heaping burning coals on his head, And Jehovah will reward you.

(Romans 12:18-21) . . .. ¹⁹ Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” ²⁰ But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.

(Matthew 7:1-5) 7 “Stop judging that you may not be judged; ² for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged, and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you. ³ Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye but do not notice the rafter in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ when look! a rafter is in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the straw from your brother’s eye.

(1 Peter 4:7, 8) . . .. ⁸ Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

(Proverbs 10:12) Hatred is what stirs up contentions, But love covers over all transgressions.

(Proverbs 17:9) Whoever forgives a transgression seeks love, But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.

(Isaiah 54:17) ¹⁷ No weapon formed against you will have any success, And you will condemn any tongue that rises up against you in the judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, And their righteousness is from me,” declares Jehovah.

(Isaiah 41:10-12) ¹⁰ Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.’ ¹¹ Look! All those getting enraged against you will be put to shame and humiliated. Those who fight with you will be brought to nothing and perish. ¹² You will search for men who struggle with you, but you will not find them; The men at war with you will become as something nonexistent, as nothing at all.

(Hebrews 6:9-12) ⁹ But in your case, beloved ones, we are convinced of better things, things related to salvation, even though we are speaking in this way. ¹⁰ For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. ¹¹ But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, ¹² so that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

(Romans 8:35-39) ³⁵ Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long; we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” ³⁷ On the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through the one who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers ³⁹ nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) ²⁴ Next, the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has brought to nothing all government and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet. ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Acts 24:15) ¹⁵ And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

(Isaiah 65:17-25) ¹⁷ For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. ¹⁸ So exult and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For look! I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joy And her people a cause for exultation. ¹⁹ And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.” ²⁰ “No more will there be an infant from that place who lives but a few days, Nor an old man who fails to live out his days. For anyone who dies at a hundred will be considered a mere boy, And the sinner will be cursed, even though he is a hundred years of age. ²¹ They will build houses and live in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. ²² They will not build for someone else to inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full. ²³ They will not toil for nothing, Nor will they bear children for distress, Because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them. ²⁴ Even before they call out, I will answer; While they are yet speaking, I will hear. ²⁵ The wolf and the lamb will feed together, The lion will eat straw just like the bull, And the serpent’s food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” says Jehovah.

Learning to overcome indecisiveness.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

Being indecisive could cost us our lives and even result in our destruction. I am going to discuss the causes of indecisiveness and how to overcome them. I am also going to discus how this will protect and guide us.

Being double minded means we are indecisive. This occurs when we are still holding onto sin, holding on to the world, putting our trust in man or ourselves. The book of James says such a person is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. Waves go in the direction that the wind is blowing. Those who do not fully trust God’s word and let it guide them are indecisive. The bible tells the ones who are indecisive to purify their heart. So if we are hanging onto sin it can make us like a wave on the sea. As we take in God’s word and apply it and make the changes needed we become more decisive.

If there is a friend who is indecisive we need to be cautious it means they still have some spiritual growth do do. When they may be struggling with a decision we could show them God’s word. How they react and the fruits they produce shows if they truly love God. If they do not apply God’s word and let it guide all they do then we should be cautious when we associate with them. Associating with a double minded person can bring a lot of problems on ourselves, hurt , frustration and maybe even anger when they make bad decisions. It is very difficult but if they refuse to change the bible tells us we are to hand them over to Satan so they may be taught by discipline not to blaspheme. When we sin there are consequences. Our quality of friends becomes worse and worse because we are not trust worthy. Our morals will decline more and more because once you cross one line it becomes easier to cross others. This results in bringing a lot of sadness, pain, and many other things on ourselves and others. Some learn from the hardships they experience from their sins and repent and turn back to God. We are to welcome them back when they have truly repented. Keep in mind they may be feeling a lot of guilt and feel unworthy of God so we need to be compassionate with them. In Luke chapter 15 Jesus gave the illustration of a son who squandered all he had on sinful things. His suffering made him realize his error and he repented. His father was happy to welcome him back.

The bible tells us to keep our eyes on the things unseen and not the things seen. The bible warns the one sowing with a view to the flesh will reap corruption. If we put our trust in ourselves, in man , or put our happiness in the world, we are sowing with a view to the flesh. If we keep our hope and eyes on the things unseen such as God’s amazing qualities, his future promises, have faith in God and trusting jesus as our king that God seated on the heavenly throne and the amazing and wonderful things the heavenly kingdom will bring about very soon, it protects us and helps us keep our eyes on the things unseen instead of the things seen. If we try and do both then we are double minded and indecisive. This only adds stress to our lives. Stress cannot be avoided but by knowing what God would want us to do will dramatically reduce the stress and make things go much more smoothly even if we error God’s word guides us and tells us what we need to do to draw closer to him.

There is a certain security that comes from letting God’s word guide us, there is no one wiser or more powerful. Thousands of years of mans knowledge does not add up to an iota of the knowledge God has. No matter how much schooling a person has on the human mind, human behavior or even things involving problem solving , God’s word should be taken over the advice of any human. He created us so no one knows us better then he does.

Very soon some things will occur and if we do not know what God would want us to do and we are indecisive it could cost us our lives and could even result in our destruction. By writing God’s word on our hearts and fearing God over man we know when to make our yes mean yes and our no mean no. Even if doing what God would want us to do could cost our life we were bound to die anyways and by being obedient we have the hope in the resurrection. What hope do those who put their trust in the world and fleshly things have. These things will all be gone soon. Since their identities and foundation of their hope was with things of the world and not with God they will be destroyed so will have no hope in the resurrection of the righteous. The bible tells us they receive their reward now. The bible tells us even death cannot separate us from God and Jesus love.

There are many who put on a show like they have faith. They do it to promote themselves and to gain a reputation. We are told to not make a show of our worship and to not make a show by praying in public. We are to pray in private. If we follow such ones we could fall into the same trap. We are to view others as being superior to ourselves. If we are putting on a show, we are trying to show we are spiritually superior, so we are working for mans glory not God’s. We are to imitate Jesus humility. Putting on a show of our worship is serving man not God. We are told in the things we do we should work at it whole-souled for Jehovah God and not for man. We are told to do all things for God’s glory so all our actions should bring glory to God’s name. By doing all things for God’s glory it prevents us from stumbling others. By not imitating those who give man glory, and by giving God glory we are showing God we are being not part of the world and this can prevent us from stumbling others. Also if someone is indecisive by setting the example and remaining faithful and loyal to God we set an example and can help them learn to trust God and overcome their indecisiveness.

Man has had thousands of years to rule ourselves. Things are only getting worse. We have tried every from of Government, made many scientific advances, created weapons that could destroy the whole earth, fought many wars and nothing man has done has brought the peace security, nothing man has done has gotten rid of illness, death, suffering and poverty. We are going to suffer in this system no matter what. Why add to our suffering by being indecisive? By knowing what God would require we do not have the stress that comes with being indecisive and the stress that comes from making wrong decisions. Not only that but if we are indecisive our quality of friends will become poorer and poorer. Very soon who our friends are can determine whether we make it through the great tribulation or whether we die during the great tribulation. If we or our friends are indecisive it could cost not only our lives but others their lives. Those who are indecisive or make decisions based on the worlds wisdom will not fair well when this system collapses. The bible tells us many will make it through the great tribulation. Surely we would want to write God’s word on our hearts so we are not indecisive and possibly be among those who make it through the great tribulation.

Fear of man can make us indecisive whether the fear is from peer pressure which can draw us into traps or whether it is fear of man it can make us indecisive. The bible tells us no weapon formed against those who obey God will succeed. But wait didn’t I say some would die? Yes but if they die being loyal and faithful they have won and God will remember them during the resurrection and they will never taste death again. Many live in fear that the world will be destroyed by man or by a meteor or some other catastrophe. The bible assures us the earth will endure forever and the righteous will dwell forever upon it. The bible also assures us God will bring to ruin those ruining the earth. So we have no need to fear anything man will do to the earth or to us. There is nothing man can do that God cannot undo. There is no weapon they can forge against us that can succeed because nothing is as powerful as God not even a nuclear weapon. He has sent his angels to protect people in the past, the bible tells us legions of angels are at Jesus command. So those he protects will not suffer harm. By not being afraid and fearing God more then man or the world it helps protect us from being indecisive.

Very soon they will try to require us to bow to the beast which is the United Nations and it’s allies. If we are indecisive we can be easily tricked into submitting to the will of the beast instead of doing God’s will. Those who bow to the beast will be destroyed. By having complete faith in God and Jesus it can protect us and not let us be tricked into bowing down to the beast and being destroyed along with those who have bowed to the best. Those who submit to the beast instead of God will not have their name written in the book of life meaning they will be destroyed there will be no resurrection for them. So it is very important we overcome any fears we have so we are not indecisive and it result in our death and possible destruction.

The bible tells us to make our yes mean yes and our no mean no, especially if it concerns making promises to God. We are living in the last days, things can occur that may make it so we cannot fulfill the promises we have made. This would ruin our reputation and peoples trust in us. Does this mean we should not take an oath? Under certain circumstance for example when in a court we may have to take an oath indicating we intend to tell the truth. Jesus was put under oath when being tried. There are those who make many promises to put on an appearance of being kind, these ones go out of their way to make promises. Sometimes it is to lure someone in to trusting them. That is why we need to be cautious of those who make many promises. The bible says let our yes mean yes and our no mean no, anything beyond these are from the wicked one. So by being aware of those making many promises and by not being overly eager to make promises it can prevent excess stress and our leaving others down. This helps protect us from being indecisive. It is very easy to get spread thin now days with the way things are going in the world now days the added stress of making promises can put an excess burden on our thinking abilities and cause us to be indecisive. If we make promises we cannot keep then we have not fulfilled our oath, the bible tells us if you give your word you keep it. So by not making promises we do not risk disobeying God if we cannot keep our promise. Sometimes a person may not be the person they appear they will make promises so they can get you to feel indebted to them and hopes they can take advantage of you in some way. This is why we should be cautious of those who are eager to make many promises because the bible warned things like that are from the wicked one. By knowing when we should and should not make a promise or when we should or should not accept a promise will protect us in many ways.

By being indecisive we show we are still in a sinful state and we show we still lack faith. In areas we find ourselves to be indecisive we need to study God’s word to determine what he would want us to do. We should build our faith in areas we are weak and if we find a short coming has been exposed causing our indecisiveness we need to do our best to study God’s word on how to overcome it and apply it and let it guide us. Once we have had a short coming exposed we should remain aware of it so we can avoid situations that could draw it out and cause us to fall short. This could cause us to become indecisive and lead down a path of more sin caused by the indecisiveness of the first sin. The bible tells us God’s word is a light for my path. We are living in dark times. Leaving God’s word be the light for our path’s can help guide us through the mess man has made. Many will walk through the great tribulation and never taste death. Jesus said he is the light of the world. (John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light of life.”) If we do our best to imitate Jesus then then the light of life will shine for us protecting us from this wicked system of things. We may suffer but we have the hope in the future promises and God’s word to help guide us through our trials and tribulation. This is why the bible tells us it is better to suffer as a righteous person rather then and unrighteous person. If we suffer because of our faith and loyalty to God , we need to remember Jesus suffered also. God rewarded him by seating him on the throne in the heavenly kingdom. We can be certain if we suffer as righteous then we will be rewarded by God. This also protects us from the world because we know the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. Suffering as unrighteous not only can result in our destruction but it can also bring more suffering and confusion on ourselves. Satan has heavily influenced the world and we need God’s word to light the path for us so we can navigate through this wicked system and receive the prize. The wicked system will be gone soon and things will be much much better because the wicked system and many of the things in it will be gone and all the suffering that comes with it will be gone. We just need to hang on a little longer. We need to do our best to overcome areas where we may be indecisive. This will protect our thinking abilities and also give us a confidence others do not have because of their indecisiveness.

Many feel empty in life. They will do many worldly things pursuing happiness but it always ends up being a short term form of happiness. God created a thirst in us , Jesus provide the water of life by telling us how to fulfill that thirst. If we put trust in our happiness in ourselves, in the world or people then we will always fill empty and the thirst will never be filled. This can effect many areas of our life because if we do not fully trust God and fully listen to Jesus and try to imitate him then we can never fill that thirst and it also prevents us from being able to love others the way Jesus and God loves. Our love cannot be complete and neither can our happiness if the main source of our happiness is in the world. This is why many are so indecisive now days. They are jumping from one thing to another trying to fill this the thirst that can only be filled by drawing closer to God and doing our best to imitate Jesus. The bible tells us to let love guide all we do. The bible also tells us God is love. So if we do not love God first then we can never fully experience love. This is why there is so much violence, lack of loyalty and lack of trust now days. People are turning to the world , other people and things of the world as their source of happiness and they wonder why something always feels like it is missing. What is missing is they are not putting God first in their lives so their love is not complete and their thirst is not quenched so any happiness they get from the world will not last. Knowing God’s love and imitating it can teach us how to fully love and help to get rid of the empty feeling many have and they cannot fill. The bible tells us there is no fear in love because love has cast fear out.

The bible tells us Jesus perfectly reflected God’s qualities. Jesus was very humble and did not treat others as if they were inferior to him, Jesus was not easily provoked so he did not have outburst of anger except when it was for a righteous reason. Jesus was always patient and kind even to his enemies. Jesus did not brag about himself or others, he only bragged about God. Jesus was not prideful but was humble and did many acts of humility towards others and was always willing to serve others and did not look down on them. Jesus never behaved indecently towards others or tried to humiliate them. Jesus did not look out for his own interest but put the interest of others before his own. In relationships whether it is family, friends, or a spouse we need to bare all things being patient with each other realizing we all fall short. We should not have unreal expectation of each other. Jesus did not make excessive demands of others. Jesus was merciful and forgiving. If we do not learn to imitate Jesus and follow his commands then we can never fully be happy because our thirst will not be quenched and we can never completely love others. God is love, Jesus showed us the love of God. So by imitating him we can learn to fully love others and will not feel the emptiness many feel when they try and pursue love as the world thinks love should be. This can protect our minds and our hearts and prevent the indecisiveness that comes from trying to pursue love and happiness only to eventually be disappointed because of not knowing how to fill the thirst or how to fully love. By filling the thirst that only drawing closer to God and Jesus can fill we prevent the indecisiveness that comes from trying to pursue happiness in the world only to be let down. By knowing how to love fully by imitating Jesus love we can prevent the indecisiveness that many have concerning love because we will know what love is and not be confused about it like most in the world are . We cannot draw closer to others and love others fully if we do not put God and Jesus first in our lives and our love for them over all others. Once we love them more then the things in the world , or more then we love ourselves we cannot fully know love and not matter how many relationships we are in we will always have a somewhat empty feeling like something is missing.

(James 1:5-8) 5 So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6 But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. 7 In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; 8 he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways.

(James 4:7-9) 7 Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones. 9 . . .

(1 Timothy 1:18-20) 18 This instruction I entrust to you, my child Timothy, in harmony with the prophecies that were made about you, that by these you may go on waging the fine warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience, which some have thrust aside, resulting in the shipwreck of their faith. 20 Hy·me·naeʹus and Alexander are among these, and I have handed them over to Satan so that they may be taught by discipline not to blaspheme.

(Luke 15:11-24) 11 Then he said: “A man had two sons. 12 And the younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that should come to me.’ So he divided his belongings between them. 13 A few days later, the younger son gathered all his things together and traveled to a distant country and there squandered his property by living a debauched life. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he fell into need. 15 He even went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to herd swine. 16 And he longed to be filled with the carob pods that the swine were eating, but no one would give him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, while I am dying here from hunger! 18 I will get up and travel to my father and say to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.”’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 Also bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead but has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they started to enjoy themselves.

(Galatians 6:7-11) 7 Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; 8 because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. 9 So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due time we will reap if we do not tire out. 10 So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith. 11 See with what large letters I have written you with my own hand.

(2 Corinthians 4:16-18) 16 Therefore, we do not give up, but even if the man we are outside is wasting away, certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day. 17 For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; 18 while we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.

(Romans 8:37-39) . . .. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Matthew 6:1-8) 6 “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. 5 “Also, when you pray, do not act like the hypocrites, for they like to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the main streets to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. 7 When praying, do not say the same things over and over again as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. 8 So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.

(Colossians 3:22-25) . . .. 23 Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men, 24 for you know that it is from Jehovah you will receive the inheritance as a reward. Slave for the Master, Christ. 25 Certainly the one who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

(1 Corinthians 10:31-33) 31 Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory. 32 Keep from becoming causes for stumbling to Jews as well as Greeks and to the congregation of God, 33 just as I am trying to please all people in all things, not seeking my own advantage, but that of the many, so that they may be saved.

(Revelation 7:13-17) 13 In response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” 14 So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one who knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 That is why they are before the throne of God, and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them. 16 They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them nor any scorching heat, 17 because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”

(Psalm 78:69) He made his sanctuary as enduring as the heavens, Like the earth that he has established forever.
(Psalm 104:5) He has established the earth on its foundations; It will not be moved from its place forever and ever.

(Psalm 37:9-11)  9 For evil men will be done away with, But those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth. ו [Waw] 10 Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, And they will not be there. 11 But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.

(2 Peter 2:9) 9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment,

(Revelation 11:17, 18) . . .. 18 But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”
(Revelation 21:1-4) 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 2 I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Matthew 26:52, 53) 52 Then Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than 12 legions of angels?

(Revelation 13:14-18) 14 It misleads those who dwell on the earth, because of the signs that it was permitted to perform in the sight of the wild beast, while it tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the wild beast that had the sword-stroke and yet revived. 15 And it was permitted to give breath to the image of the wild beast, so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed all those who refuse to worship the image of the wild beast. 16 It puts under compulsion all people—the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the free and the slaves—that these should be marked on their right hand or on their forehead, 17 and that nobody can buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name. 18 This is where it calls for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the wild beast, for it is a man’s number, and its number is 666.

(Matthew 5:33-37) 33 “Again you heard that it was said to those of ancient times: ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.’ 34 However, I say to you: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not swear by your head, since you cannot turn one hair white or black. 37 Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean yes, your ‘No,’ no, for what goes beyond these is from the wicked one.

(Matthew 26:62-64) . . .” 63 But Jesus kept silent. So the high priest said to him: “I put you under oath by the living God to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God!” 64 Jesus said to him: “You yourself said it. But I say to you: From now on you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

(Proverbs 20:25) 25 It is a snare for a man to cry out rashly, “Holy!” And only later to give consideration to what he vowed.

(James 5:12) 12 Above all, my brothers, stop swearing, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath. But let your “Yes” mean yes and your “No,” no, so that you do not become liable to judgment.

(Psalm 119:105) 105 Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.

(Proverbs 6:23) For the commandment is a lamp, And the law is a light, And the reproofs of discipline are the way to life.

(John 8:12) Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will by no means walk in darkness, but will possess the light of life.”

(1 Peter 4:12-14) 12 Beloved ones, do not be surprised about the fiery trials that you are experiencing, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you.

(1 Peter 4:1-6) 4 Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person who has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins, 2 so that he may live the remainder of his time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will. 3 For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries. 4 They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you. 5 But these people will render an account to the one who is ready to judge those living and those dead. 6 In fact, this is why the good news was declared also to the dead, so that although they are judged in the flesh from the standpoint of men, they might live in harmony with the spirit from God’s standpoint.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) 9 Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.

(Matthew 5:6) 6 “Happy are those hungering and thirsting for righteousness, since they will be filled.

(John 4:13, 14) . . .. 14 Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.. . .

(1 John 4:16-19) 16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him. 17 In this way love has been made perfect in us, so that we may have freeness of speech in the day of judgment, because just as that one is, so are we ourselves in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love, because he first loved us.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, 5 does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. 6 It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Linux fix PPD file cannot be found error.

If you are using Linux and you get the no Ppd file, this means cups is not starting correctly this will fix it. If you start cups you will get a limit reached error or something like that. Open the bash prompt (command prompt). When you enter the first command you will be ask for you system password. You cannot see it when you type it, so type it out anyways. These commands will help you get your printer working again. You can copy and paste them into the bash prompt. This would happen to me when I used HPLIP install a printer. When I tried to use the system tools I would get an error cannot connect to server.

sudo mv /etc/cups/cupsd.conf /etc/cups/cupsd.conf-orig

sudo cp /usr/share/cups/cupsd.conf.default /etc/cups/cupsd.conf

sudo systemctl start cups

How to keep our eyes on the prize.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

The bible tells us to be without blemish and free from accusation. How can we accomplish this? In keeping ourselves without blemish it will help us keep our eye on the prize.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) ²⁴ Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. ²⁵ Now everyone competing in a contest exercises self-control in all things. Of course, they do it to receive a crown that can perish, but we, one that does not perish. ²⁶ Therefore, the way I am running is not aimlessly; the way I am aiming my blows is so as not to be striking the air; ²⁷ but I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.

To be free from accusation we must continue in our faith which means we must continue to leave God’s world guide all we do. In order to continue to be cleansed by the blood of Christ we have to continue to grow spiritually and take in God’s word. We have to do all we can to make sure we have a clean conscience. The bible tells us to keep ourselves chaste. Chaste means undefiled or untouched. If we are accused and we are blameless our works will show our fruits and show the truth of matters. So if we remain blameless we will not end up suffering the results of our works. By remaining blameless we maintain the future hope in the promise of the gift of living forever. All the things in this system will be gone soon . Our lives in this system are very fleeting compared to what it will be like if we have hope in the future promises. The bible warns there is no forgiveness for those who willfully sin once they are aware of their sinful nature. We cannot expect to change over night it sometimes takes time to change but it is our willingness to work towards correcting our sinful nature once we have become aware of it that God takes note of. If we believe we do not sin the bible warns we are only deceiving ourselves. So growing spiritually means we continue to take in God’s word and to grow and overcome our sins as the mirror of God’s word makes us aware of our short comings.

The bible warns that things that are lawful are not always beneficial, this would include God’s laws. We are to remain blameless and free from accusations. If we are married and we constantly hang with members of the opposite sex and do things with them. It may be biblical lawful but it puts us in a position to commit an act of adultery. It can smear our reputation which would make our spouse seem foolish. Also how would the spouse feel if you would rather spend your time with someone else instead of them? We are told bad associations spoil useful habits. It may seem harmless but those who lack faith or do things they should not do can get us to start false reasoning and justify what they do and then we ourselves may get drawn in and fall short of God and start false reasoning.

If we realize we are sinning we need to confess our sins and do our best to set matters straight. Because if we do not then we are unrepentant and there is no forgiveness for our sins. You must confess the error to those harmed by it and to God. You should do your best to take corrective actions. Sometimes when the damage is too severe when we have fallen short it will take time for people to see if you are truly repentant and can be trusted. Some error we commit against others can leave scars emotionally that do not fully heal. Things would never be the same. If this occurs it is a consequence of our sinful nature and we must do our best to deal with it in a way that would please God so we do not forfeit the prize. Often times we do not realize we have sinned against someone until we have reflected in God’s word and it has opened our eyes to a short coming. If this occurs we cannot go back and ask forgiveness from every person we sinned against we should ask God to forgive us and do our best to overcome the short coming.

Even though something is permissible if it starts to control and overtake our life then it becomes a sin. The bible considers this a form of idolatry. Whether it is a person, object, money or even power if we start letting the desire for them overtake us then we are committing idolatry. Not only that but we start coveting things and the bible warns coveting is a sin.

The bible warns friendship with the world makes us an enemy of God. If we put more trust in ourselves and mans word then we do God’s then we are rebelling just as Adam and Eve did and we are making ourselves friends with the world. The bible warns bad associations spoil useful habits. They may seem very kind and may seem trust worthy but if they are deliberately sinning against God and have no desire to learn his word then it tells us something about them. They put their trust in man and themselves and associating with them can get us to use their reasoning instead of leaving God’s word guide us. It can draw us away and by the time we realize it often times the damage is done and it can dramatically change our lives. For example I know a man who went 20 years without drinkingl, he had been an alcoholic. He started associating with ones who drank alcohol. It drew him back into drinking. He got intoxicated and wrecked and his son was in the vehicle with him and had gotten killed in the accident.

Overconfidence in our spirituality can cause us to fall short. If we are aware of short comings we may have. We need to make sure we do not put ourselves in a situation to sin. I have seen many people drawn away from God and their lives were changed negatively forever because they got over confident and lost the awareness of their sinful nature. I watched them try to pursue happiness but never seen them succeed because they did not repent and try to set matters straight so they continued to decline and become even more sinful which destroyed their lives even more. Their quality of friends declined because as they became less trustworthy they lost the friends who would have truly stood by their side. Surely we would not want this to happen.

Jesus sermon on the mount tells us how to be happy I can say I have experienced many trials and they knock me down for a while but I get back up and continue forward spiritually and it has become very difficult to completely take happiness from me. I remain happy because I have the hope in the future promises and I know the things in this system are temporary and all suffering and sadness will be gone soon. Would it be worth giving up an eternity of happiness for what appears to be a source of happiness be seeking our happiness in the world? Jesus warned once we have repented if we turn back to our sinful nature not only will the demon that left come back but they will bring many more with them. Meaning our sinful nature will become very bad. Though sin may seem as if it would get rid of our loneliness or be exciting, would it be worth destroying our lives and others in such a way? If we have children do we want them to follow the example we have set? The bible warns of the consequences of stumbling even one child. Children learn by the examples we set. Our faith and obedience to God sets the example for them. If we fall short children will take note and most likely accept it as behavior that is ok to do. If we have bad associations we are telling children it is ok to have bad associations. What are we telling God , the bible clearly warns we should not have bad associations. This can lead the children to become corrupted, God would hold that against us. Would we want children to learn to forfeit the hope in the future promises and to lack faith? By having bad associations we are showing God we approve of such behavior, this includes associating with those who scoff at the bible.

We are to remain without blemish from the world we do this by being no part of the world. We cannot take ourselves entirely out of the world because we are to teach others about God’s word. Also we have obligations that cause us to be dependent on the world for certain things but we should not befriend those of the world they will draw us away from God and can cause us to full short then we would not remain unblemished or without spot from the world.

If we become a part of the world then we will start being molded by the world. The whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. Is this who we would want shaping our thoughts. If we have children would we want Satan and those who chose his side as Adam and Eve did and put their faith in man or ourselves? The bible warns if we love the world or the things in the world then the love of the father is not in us. If we do not know Godly love then we will never know what real love is , to be able to give it. In return we will not know when we have been truly loved so will end up in emotionally empty relationships. We cannot experienced the oneness of mind that Jesus and God experience if we love the world more then we love God. Since God is love then we could never truly know love we would only know love as the world does. They lack devotion, commitment, loyalty, humility, and often times they only look out for their own self interest. This is why many marriages end in divorce now days.

The bible teaches us to view others as being superior to ourselves. Not only that but the bible tells us not to look out for our own self interest. Jesus set the perfect example of humility and willingness to serve others when he washed the disciples feet. He knew he had already earned the right to sit on the heavenly thrown and would be seated by God on the throne with full authority over everything but God himself and he still washed the disciples feet something that servants would have done. One of the ways of the world is to yell and scream at others and say hurtful things. They will attack them and pick them apart. This is not an act of humility and it shows they view themselves as being superior to the person they are attacking. They feel no remorse when this occurs. The bible warns not to even associate with such ones. It makes sense because they are showing their lack of humility. I often times wonder if they would talk like that to Jesus. The bible tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Rage and anger does not work God’s will towards others. There is righteous anger but it should be dealt with appropriately not with anger, back biting and personal attacks on someone. The bible warns those full of strife , God has handed them over to a disapproved state. Surely we would not want to be in a state of disapproval in God’s eyes? Being no part of the world means we do things as God and Jesus would want us to do and not as man would do. Just because things are lawful to do does not mean they are approved by God to do.

To remain no part of the world we need to be aware of our short coming and not put ourselves in a position to fall short. For example if we have a tendency to hang with bad associations we should work on correcting that behavior, if we have a tendency to drink excess alcohol we should avoid situations that can make us fall short. It may offend some people but we have to make sacrifices if we want to place first God rather then men. Man cannot give us hope in the future promises. None of God’s past promises have gone unfulfilled they all were fulfilled so we can be certain the future promises will be kept by God. We are going to suffer no matter what as we deal with imperfect humans , and our own imperfections. Why add more suffering to that by falling short of God? As this system winds down the friends we choose can determine if we survive or not. Now more then ever it is very important to choose our friends wisely and to walk with the wise. That means walking with the spiritually wise who have shown they produce fruits of the spirit and fruits of the lips. Though we are no longer required to provide animal sacrifices because Jesus ransom sacrifice has done away with that we are still required to make sacrifices of praise by letting people know about God’s love, mercy, kindness and many other amazing qualities he has. If we do not see others producing fruit we may want to be careful they may be lacking in faith. If they are newly learning then we need to be patient with them they may make many errors as they learn and apply God’s word.

So we need to do our best to remain without blemish from the world which will help us keep our eye on the prize and help us find true happiness no matter what we endure. So many say they feel empty. If they would learn to fully trust God and Put his will instead of their own or mans first they could feel the completeness that one who has complete faith in God has. Some appear to have faith in God but have not completely gave themselves over to listening to his word and guiding all they do so their thirst is never quenched. This results in them being unhappy, and depressed. They also are like a wave on the ocean. Whichever way the wind blows the wave goes. Those who have not fully trusted to leave God’s word guide them will be indecisive and often times confused about what they should do in life. Those who fully leave God’s word God them have a certain confidence because they know when to let their yes mean yes and no mean know. Mans ideas and beliefs are always changing but God’s word does not change and God does not change so we know what we ought to do and have no doubts about what is right or wrong. Putting our trust in the wisdom of man such as certain professionals over God’s word will lead us to make bad decisions and be indecisive. By letting God’s word guide all we do it makes our paths straight. The bible tells us to make our yes mean yes and our no mean no. Anything else is from the wicked one. So if we are indecisive it may indicate we need to study and apply God’s word more in our lives. (Matthew 5:36, 37) . . .. ³⁷ Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean yes, your ‘No,’ no, for what goes beyond these is from the wicked one.)

(Colossians 1:21-23) ²¹ Indeed, you who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that were wicked, ²² he has now reconciled by means of that one’s fleshly body through his death, in order to present you holy and unblemished and open to no accusation before him— ²³ provided, of course, that you continue in the faith, established on the foundation and steadfast, not being shifted away from the hope of that good news that you heard and that was preached in all creation under heaven. Of this good news I, Paul, became a minister.

(Hebrews 9:14) how much more will the blood of the Christ, who through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we may render sacred service to the living God?

(Hebrews 10:22) let us approach with sincere hearts and complete faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from a wicked conscience and our bodies bathed with clean water.

(1 Timothy 5:22) ²² Never lay your hands hastily on any man; neither become a sharer in the sins of others; keep yourself chaste.

(1 Peter 2:12) ¹² Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that when they accuse you of being wrongdoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God in the day of his inspection.

(2 Peter 3:11-13) ¹¹ Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, ¹² as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! ¹³ But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

(1 John 1:8-10) ⁸ If we make the statement, “We have no sin,” we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we make the statement, “We have not sinned,” we are making him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(1 Corinthians 10:23, 24) ²³ All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. ²⁴ Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

(Hebrews 10:26-31) ²⁶ For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, ²⁷ but there is a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a burning indignation that is going to consume those in opposition. ²⁸ Anyone who has disregarded the Law of Moses dies without compassion on the testimony of two or three. ²⁹ How much greater punishment do you think a person will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God and who has regarded as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt? ³⁰ For we know the One who said: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again: “Jehovah will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(1 Corinthians 6:12) ¹² All things are lawful for me, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful for me, but I will not let myself be controlled by anything.

(Romans 7:7) ⁷ What, then, are we to say? Is the Law sin? Certainly not! Really, I would not have come to know sin had it not been for the Law. For example, I would not have known covetousness if the Law had not said: “You must not covet.

(Colossians 3:5) ⁵ Deaden, therefore, your body members that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality, uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion, hurtful desire, and greediness, which is idolatry.

(James 4:2-5) ² You desire, and yet you do not have. You go on murdering and coveting, and yet you are not able to obtain. You go on fighting and waging war. You do not have because of your not asking. ³ When you do ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose, so that you may spend it on your fleshly desires. ⁴ Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. ⁵ . . .

(James 4:2-5) ² You desire, and yet you do not have. You go on murdering and coveting, and yet you are not able to obtain. You go on fighting and waging war. You do not have because of your not asking. ³ When you do ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose, so that you may spend it on your fleshly desires. ⁴ Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. ⁵ . . .

(Romans 13:8-10) . . .. ⁹ For the law code, “You must not commit adultery, you must not murder, you must not steal, you must not covet,” and whatever other commandment there is, is summed up in this saying: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰ Love does not work evil to one’s neighbor; therefore, love is the law’s fulfillment.

(James 1:14, 15) ¹⁴ But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.

(Matthew 12:43-45) ⁴³ “When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through waterless places in search of a resting-place and finds none. ⁴⁴ Then it says, ‘I will go back to my house from which I moved,’ and on arriving, it finds the house unoccupied but swept clean and adorned. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and takes along with it seven different spirits more wicked than itself, and after getting inside, they dwell there; and the final circumstances of that man become worse than the first. That is how it will be also with this wicked generation.”

(Matthew 18:5, 6) . . .. ⁶ But whoever stumbles one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have hung around his neck a millstone that is turned by a donkey and to be sunk in the open sea.

(Romans 12:1, 2) . . .. ² And stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, so that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(1 John 2:15-17) ¹⁵ Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; ¹⁶ because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. ¹⁷ Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.

(John 17:20-23) ²⁰ “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word, ²¹ so that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one. ²³ I in union with them and you in union with me, in order that they may be perfected into one, so that the world may know that you sent me and that you loved them just as you loved me.

(Philippians 2:3, 4) ³ Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you, ⁴ as you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.

(John 13:2-11) . . .. ³ So Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God, ⁴ got up from the evening meal and laid aside his outer garments. And taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. ⁵ After that he put water into a basin and started to wash the feet of the disciples and to dry them off with the towel that was wrapped around him. ⁶ Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him: “Lord, are you washing my feet?” ⁷ Jesus answered him: “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand after these things.” ⁸ Peter said to him: “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him: “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” ⁹ Simon Peter said to him: “Lord, wash not only my feet but also my hands and my head.” ¹⁰ Jesus said to him: “Whoever has bathed does not need to have more than his feet washed, but is completely clean. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ For he knew the man who was betraying him. This is why he said: “Not all of you are clean.”

(1 Corinthians 15:26-28) ²⁶ And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. ²⁷ For God “subjected all things under his feet.” But when he says that ‘all things have been subjected,’ it is evident that this does not include the One who subjected all things to him. ²⁸ But when all things will have been subjected to him, then the Son himself will also subject himself to the One who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone.

(Proverbs 16:32) ³² The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, And the one controlling his temper than one conquering a city.

(Proverbs 22:24, 25) ²⁴ Do not keep company with a hot-tempered man Or get involved with one disposed to rage, ²⁵ So that you never learn his ways And ensnare yourself.

(Proverbs 14:17) ¹⁷ The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly, But the man who thinks things out is hated.

(Romans 1:28-30) ²⁸ Just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a disapproved mental state, to do the things not fitting. ²⁹ And they were filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, and badness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice, being whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, schemers of what is harmful, disobedient to parents,

(Galatians 5:22-24) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(Galatians 6:7-10) ⁷ Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; ⁸ because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. ⁹ So let us not give up in doing what is fine, for in due time we will reap if we do not tire out. ¹⁰ So, then, as long as we have the opportunity, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.

(Hebrews 13:14-16) . . .. ¹⁵ Through him let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that make public declaration to his name. ¹⁶ Moreover, do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.

(John 4:13-15) . . .. ¹⁴ Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.” ¹⁵ The woman said to him: “Sir, give me this water, so that I may neither thirst nor keep coming over to this place to draw water.”