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.

Fear God not man.

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

I am going to discuss why we should not fear man and how it can cause us to lose faith and blind us.

We must fear God and not man if we want God’s protection. Fear of man cannot only cause us to lose favor with God it can blind us to paths God has put in place for us. Most fear blinds us, except reverential fear of God opens our eyes. Many have a fear of retribution. This is the wrong type of fear. God is a God of mercy and knows we are imperfect. It is our faith and our willingness to give up sin as we read his word and it shows us areas we need to work on so we do not sin. If we were perfect and did not sin then God would not have had to have the bible written to guide us and teach us how to be aware of our sins and how to overcome them. The bible tells us the ransom does not cover those who sin deliberately after learning about a sin they may be committing because they are doing it deliberately. This does not mean if we slip once in a while we are not covered by the ransom, it means when we plan ahead for sin knowing what we are doing is wrong. We we do such things it is very important to stop because there is know ransom for those who continue to sin knowing it is wrong. Those are the ones who have a fear of retribution. Those who continue to grow spiritually and overcome their sin daily are the ones who enjoy the reverential fear. This fear is more a fear of not wanting to cause God’s heart to be hurt by our disobedience.

Fear of losing wealth and our belongings can give us a fear of man. Fear of God will give us life.

We have to remember that man may be able to kill us but God can undo anything they do, no one can undo those Jehovah destroys.

If we do not know God how can we have faith. We must read his word and apply it or we will not learn and develop our faith and we will shrink back to destruction. God has always protected his people and provided for them. Not a single promise he had made went unfulfilled. We have have faith the future promises he made will be kept.

No matter how tough things get God will give us the strength to endure. Why worry about wealth we cannot take it with us when we die. The bible says the world is passing away and so is it’s desire very soon many of the people and material things of this world will be gone soon. If we put our faith in those instead of God then what do we have left when this is all gone?

We must put on the complete suit of armor from God to keep fear of man from ensnaring us. This involves praying, studying God’s word, applying what we have learned and letting it guide us until it becomes habit and we automatically know what to do. We have to be persistent in prayer. Sharing his word with others also works as a protection. It helps build our faith and helps us to remember his word.

Wealth cannot protect us the way God can. We have the example of Daniel and his friends when he was thrown into the fiery furnace. He would not bow to the idol and went against the kings orders. So the king ordered the furnace be made extremely hot. The furnace was so hot the men who put Daniel and his companions in it died from the heat. God sent angels to protect them. They were protected so well that even the smoke from the furnace did not touch their clothes.

All these things will be gone soon. We know we are in the last days, chances are many of us will lose things we have worked hard for. We need to decide are we going to fear man and gain the world which results in death or fear God and live. This is all temporary but the treasures in heaven no one can take from us. So we should work towards storing up treasures in heaven.

The bible warns the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one. The bible also tells us few would enter the narrow gate. We enter the narrow gate by putting our trust in Jesus, obeying the commands and laws he gave us when he made the new covenant, and doing our best to imitate him. Don’t be afraid to enter the narrow gate that leads to life. God will repay each of us for our work. We also have to believe Jesus was the ransom sacrifice, he was resurrected and is now sitting on the heavenly throne waiting to save all those who remain loyal and faithful to him and God.

Many fear death but if we are loyal and faithful to God and Jesus we do not have to fear death because the righteous will experience a resurrection of life. What hope do those who do not want to know God and Jesus have? God will not forget all the work we have done in trying to serve him.

We do not have to fear because very soon God will set matters straight and all God’s enemies will be gone. Only those who had faith and loved the one true God will remain forever. If we only put our faith in the things we can see those will perish soon then what do we have left? Faith is required by God, we cannot see him or the future promises but by completely trusting him and not being afraid even of death we are putting our faith in the things we cannot see. The things we cannot see will not perish.

We are in the last days. Many of us will suffer just as the apostles did, but God will guard our hearts and give us real peace through it all. The bible says many will survive the great tribulation. The suffering will not last long because we are told Jesus will cut it short.

(Proverbs 22:1-5) 22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have this in common: Jehovah made them both. 3The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences. 4 The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches and glory and life. 5Thorns and traps are in the crooked man’s path, But whoever values his life keeps far away from them.

(Proverbs 29:25) 25Trembling at men is a snare, But the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected.

(Matthew 10:28) And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·hen′na

(John 5:25-29) 25“Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(Hebrews 10:35-39) 35Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. 36For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. 37For 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.” 39Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(Philippians 4:10-13) 10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you have renewed your concern for me. Though you were concerned about me, you lacked opportunity to show it. 11Not that I am saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be self-sufficient regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to be low on provisions and how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to do without. 13For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power..

(1 Timothy 6:. 6To be sure, there is great gain in godly devotion along with contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. 8So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things..

(Acts 20:31-35) 31Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. 32And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which word can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones. 33I have desired no man’s silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my own needs and the needs of those with me. 35I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

(Ephesians 6:10-20) 10Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12because 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. 13For 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. 14Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16Besides 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. 17Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18while 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. 19Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news, 20for which I am acting as an ambassador in chains, and that I may speak about it with boldness, as I ought to speak.

(Daniel 6:18-22) 18The king then went to his palace. He passed the night fasting and refused any entertainment, and he could not sleep. 19Finally at the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ pit. 20As he got near the pit, he called out to Daniel with a sad voice. The king asked Daniel: “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you are continually serving been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21Daniel immediately said to the king: “O king, may you live on forever. 22My God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before him; nor have I done any wrong to you, O king.” 23The king was overjoyed, and he commanded that Daniel be lifted up out of the pit. When Daniel was lifted up out of the pit, he was completely unharmed, because he had trusted in his God..

(Acts 7:54-60) 54Well, at hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and began to grind their teeth at him. 55But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, 56and he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” 57At this they cried out at the top of their voices and put their hands over their ears and rushed at him all together. 58After throwing him outside the city, they began stoning him. The witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of a young man called Saul. 59As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death.

(John 5:25-29) 25“Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(2 Corinthians 5:6-10) 6So we are always of good courage and know that while we have our home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, 7for we are walking by faith, not by sight. 8But we are of good courage and would prefer to be absent from the body and to make our home with the Lord. 9So whether at home with him or absent from him, we make it our aim to be acceptable to him. 10For 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.

(Isaiah 2:2-4) 2In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it all the nations will stream. 3And many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, To the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 4He will render judgment among the nations And set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.

(Matthew 5:5) 5“Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth

.(Psalm 37:27-29) 27Turn away from bad and do what is good, And you will remain forever. 28For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. ע [Ayin] They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. 29The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

(Revelation 2:6, 7) 7Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’
(Matthew 6:19-24) 19“Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For 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. 23But 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! 24“No one can slave for 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 slave for God and for Riches..

(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; 14whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

(2 Thessalonians 1:6-12) 6This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10at the time when he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder among all those who exercised faith, because the witness we gave met with faith among you. 11To that very end we always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and with his power perform completely all the good that he pleases and every work of faith. 12This is so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in union with him, according to the undeserved kindness of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ..

(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. 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.

(Philippians 4:4-9) 4Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! 5Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. 8Finally, 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. 9The things that you learned as well as accepted and heard and saw in connection with me, practice these, and the God of peace will be with you.

(2 Peter 3:8-13) 8However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10But 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. 11Since 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, 12as 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! 13But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

Now more then ever we need proper fear to preserve our lives.

How to use.

Written by Lee stevenson sorry I do not edit very well. I broke this down into two sections. 

Things are winding down, now more then ever we need to let God’s word guide what we do and not fear. Fear of God is good fear because it will keep us focused and we will let his word guide us. Fear of man or of what we could lose in this world could blind us not only to danger but to what God requires and could cost us our life. 

Fear of man instead of God can get us into bad situations. If we continue in that fear then it only gets worse. Man can try and put us in a situation that may induce fear. The reason for this is when in a state of fear our thinking becomes clouded and we will be more open to solution even if it is from the person causing the fear. The solutions could benefit them but be harmful to us, but they may act like they have your best interest at heart. Studies have shown once fear is induced and sustained long enough a person may start to believe things that are not true even if solid evidence is presented to prove things otherwise. This is why fear of man can cause us to be easily fooled or even manipulated. 

(Proverbs 29:25) 25Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected.

We have many examples of how faith in Jehovah has been rewarded. No matter what the odds were. Noah is a good example, even though there had never been a flood because a mist used to water the earth he believed God when God had told Noah that there would be a great flood that would consume the earth and built the ark. He and his family were saved.

Abraham was wealthy he was told to leave everything he knew in order to be a part of a promise that he would not see because it would be fulfilled centuries later.

Moses mother displayed faith and did what she could to preserve Moses life. What she did could have meant she would never see Moses again but she had faith in God. In the end she was blessed by Jehovah because she was permitted to help raise him.

Rahab the harlot had faith and knew Jehovah's power so she hid God's people and was blessed in the end with her life being preserved.

The thing that almost all of them had in common is they had to leave the lives they once knew behind and start a  new life one that was led by their faith in Jehovah and not fear of man. They were all rewarded for their faith.

God felt so strongly about their loyalty and trust that he inspired it to be written that “the world wasn't worthy of them” . Isn't this how you would want to be remembered in the time of the resurrection or even in our times because the new system is very near. It is not going to be easy and things are going to be very difficult but keep in mind the time we may suffer is very short compared to living in a peaceful new paradise earth forever. 

(Hebrews 10:32-11:38) 32However, keep on remembering the former days in which, after YOU were enlightened, YOU endured a great contest under sufferings, 33sometimes while YOU were being exposed as in a theater both to reproaches and tribulations, and sometimes while YOU became sharers with those who were having such an experience. 34For YOU both expressed sympathy for those in prison and joyfully took the plundering of YOUR belongings, knowing YOU yourselves have a better and an abiding possession. 35Do not, therefore, throw away YOUR freeness of speech, which has a great reward to be paid it. 36For YOU have need of endurance, in order that, after YOU have done the will of God, YOU may receive the [fulfillment of the] promise. 37For yet “a very little while,” and “he 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, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul. 11 Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. 2For by means of this the men of old times had witness borne to them. 3By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is beheld has come to be out of things that do not appear. 4By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice of greater worth than Cain, through which [faith] he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness respecting his gifts; and through it he, although he died, yet speaks. 5By faith E′noch was transferred so as not to see death, and he was nowhere to be found because God had transferred him; for before his transference he had the witness that he had pleased God well. 6Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. 7By faith Noah, after being given divine warning of things not yet beheld, 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 is according to faith. 8By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed in going out into a place he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, although not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he resided as an alien in the land of the promise as in a foreign land, and dwelt in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same promise. 10For he was awaiting the city having real foundations, the builder and maker of which [city] is God. 11By faith also Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, even when she was past the age limit, since she esteemed him faithful who had promised. 12Hence also from one [man], and him as good as dead, there were born [children] just as the stars of heaven for multitude and as the sands that are by the seaside, innumerable. 13In faith all these died, although they did not get the [fulfillment of the] promises, but they saw them afar off and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land. 14For those who say such things give evidence that they are earnestly seeking a place of their own. 15 And yet, if they had indeed kept remembering that [place] from which they had gone forth, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But now they are reaching out for a better [place], that is, one belonging to heaven. Hence God is not ashamed of them, to be called upon as their God, for he has made a city ready for them. 17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, as good as offered up Isaac, and the man that had gladly received the promises attempted to offer up [his] only-begotten [son], 18although it had been said to him: “What will be called ‘your seed’ will be through Isaac.” 19But he reckoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead; and from there he did receive him also in an illustrative way. 20By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and E′sau concerning things to come. 21By faith Jacob, when about to die, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff. 22By faith Joseph, nearing his end, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel; and he gave a command concerning his bones. 23By faith Moses was hid for three months by his parents after his birth, because they saw the young child was beautiful and they did not fear the order of the king. 24By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of the daughter of Phar′aoh, 25choosing to be ill-treated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin, 26because he esteemed the reproach of the Christ as riches greater than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked intently toward the payment of the reward. 27By faith he left Egypt, but not fearing the anger of the king, for he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible. 28By faith he had celebrated the passover and the splashing of the blood, that the destroyer might not touch their firstborn ones. 29By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land, but on venturing out upon it the Egyptians were swallowed up. 30By faith the walls of Jer′i·cho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By faith Ra′hab the harlot did not perish with those who acted disobediently, because she received the spies in a peaceable way. 32And what more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gid′e·on, Ba′rak, Samson, Jeph′thah, David as well as Samuel and the [other] prophets, 3who through faith defeated kingdoms in conflict, effected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34stayed the force of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from a weak state were made powerful, became valiant in war, routed the armies of foreigners. 35Women received their dead by resurrection; but other [men] were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom, in order that they might attain a better resurrection. 3Yes, others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons. 37
They were stoned, they were tried, they were sawn asunder, they died by slaughter with the sword, they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in want, in tribulation, under ill-treatment; 38and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts and mountains and caves and dens of the earth.


Man may be able to take our material possession but this is all temporary. These things will be done away with, so clinging to them will only bring us misery of constantly worrying about losing them. Put faith in Jehovah and look towards the things that will be permanent. Fear of losing wealth and our belongings can give us a fear of man. Fear of God will give us life. No matter what man does to us God can fix it. But if a person is destroyed by God it is forever. This system will be gone and there will be a new system one that will not end. All the misery and troubles will be gone. No matter how miserable our lives are wouldn't it be better to live our brief lives having faith in Jehovah then to have no faith and lose out on the future blessings which will last forever. Any suffering we go through in this system will be gone. If we stay strong, hold on to our faith we can reap a blessing that will last forever. We must fear God and not man if we want God's protection. If we do not know God how can we have faith. We must read his word and apply it or we will not learn and develop our faith and we will shrink back to destruction.

We do not have to fear because very soon God will set matters straight and all God’s enemies will be gone. Only those who had faith and loved the one true God will remain forever.

How can we have real faith if we put our faith in the things we can see. Human rulers will die. They lack the foresight and wisdom God has. We have had thousands of years trying every form of government and many advancements in science and still things are only getting worse. Only God can correct the mess man has made. Man can be easily corrupted and influenced. God cannot be deceived but man can be. So putting our faith is man is futile. Money, and precious metals will be worthless soon so if we put our money in those when they perish what will happen to those who put their faith in them? God does not die and does not change. There is no one wiser. He gave us a king Jesus Christ who will make sure God’s will is fulfilled. Very soon he will give his son the command to redeem those who have been loyal and faithful but those who opposed God or shrunk back in fear will be destroyed. We have no reason to be afraid even if our life may end. God will remember those who were loyal and faithful in the time of the resurrections so we do not have to fear death.

No matter how tough things get God will give us the strength to endure. Why worry about wealth we cannot take it with us when we die. All these things will perish soon. Why put our faith in things that will perish? God and the heavenly kingdom will exist forever wouldn’t it be better to put our faith in things they are forever rather then things that will perish soon? We may have to endure some pretty severe things very soon but God will help us to endure just as he did in times past. He will also protect us and help us get through things that would kill most others. For example when Daniel and his friends were thrown into the furnace and they made the furnace so hot that when someone opened it to look into the furnace they died. Yet Daniel and his friends walked out of the furnace and didn’t even have smoke on them from the furnace.

We must put on the complete suit of armor from God to keep fear of man from ensnaring us. This involves praying, studying God’s word, applying what we have learned and letting it guide us.

All these things will be gone soon. We know we are in the last days, chances are many of us will lose things we have worked hard for. We need to decide are we going to fear man and gain the world which results in death or fear God and live. This is all temporary but the treasures in heaven no one can take from us. Don’t be afraid to enter the narrow gate that leads to life. God will repay each of us for our work. We are in the last days. Many of us will suffer just as the apostles did, but God will guard our hearts and give us real peace through it all.

(Luke 12:3-7) .. 4Moreover, I say to YOU, my friends, Do not fear those who kill the body and after this are not able to do anything more. 5But I will indicate to YOU whom to fear: Fear him who after killing has authority to throw into Ge·hen′na. Yes, I tell YOU, fear this One. 6Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them goes forgotten before God. 7But even the hairs of YOUR heads are all numbered. Have no fear; YOU are worth more than many sparrows.

(1 John 2:15-17) 15Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16because 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. 17Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.

(Isaiah 65:17-25) 17“For here I am creating new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be called to mind, neither will they come up into the heart. 18But exult, YOU people, and be joyful forever in what I am creating. For here I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joyfulness and her people a cause for exultation. 19And I will be joyful in Jerusalem and exult in my people; and no more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or the sound of a plaintive cry.” 20“No more will there come to be a suckling a few days old from that place, neither an old man that does not fulfill his days; for one will die as a mere boy, although a hundred years of age; and as for the sinner, although a hundred years of age he will have evil called down upon him. 21And they will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat [their] fruitage. 22They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full. 23They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bring to birth for disturbance; because they are the offspring made up of the blessed ones of Jehovah, and their descendants with them. 24And it will actually occur that before they call out I myself shall answer; while they are yet speaking, I myself shall hear. 25“The wolf and the lamb themselves will feed as one, and the lion will eat straw just like the bull; and as for the serpent, his food will be dust. They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,” Jehovah has said.

(2 Peter 3:11-13) 11Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought YOU to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which [the] heavens being on fire will be dissolved and [the] elements being intensely hot will melt! 13But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.


(Psalm 37:27-31) 27Turn away from what is bad and do what is good, And so reside to time indefinite. 28For Jehovah is a lover of justice, And he will not leave his loyal ones. ע [‛A′yin] To time indefinite they will certainly be guarded; But as for the offspring of the wicked ones, they will indeed be cut off. 29The righteous themselves will possess the earth, And they will reside forever upon it. פ [Pe’] 30The mouth of the righteous is the one that utters wisdom in an undertone, And his is the tongue that speaks justly. 31The law of his God is in his heart; His steps will not wobble.

(Proverbs 22:1-5) 22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great wealth; To be respected is better than silver and gold. 2The rich and the poor have this in common: Jehovah made them both. 3The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.  4 The result of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches and glory and life. 5Thorns and traps are in the crooked man’s path, But whoever values his life keeps far away from them.

(Proverbs 29:25) 25Trembling at men is a snare, But the one trusting in Jehovah will be protected..

(Matthew 10:28) And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Ge·hen′na

(John 5:25-29) 25“Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(Hebrews 10:35-39) 35Therefore, do not throw away your boldness, which will be richly rewarded. 36For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise. 37For 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.” 39Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.

(Philippians 4:10-13) 10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you have renewed your concern for me. Though you were concerned about me, you lacked opportunity to show it. 11Not that I am saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be self-sufficient regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to be low on provisions and how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to do without. 13For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power..

(1 Timothy 6:. 6To be sure, there is great gain in godly devotion along with contentment. 7For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. 8So, having food and clothing, we will be content with these things..

(Acts 20:31-35) 31Therefore keep awake, and bear in mind that for three years, night and day, I never stopped admonishing each one of you with tears. 32And now I entrust you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which word can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones. 33I have desired no man’s silver or gold or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my own needs and the needs of those with me. 35I have shown you in all things that by working hard in this way, you must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’”

(Ephesians 6:10-20) 10Finally, go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength. 11Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil; 12because 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. 13For 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. 14Stand firm, therefore, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, wearing the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having your feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace. 16Besides 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. 17Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word, 18while 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. 19Pray also for me, that the words may be given to me when I open my mouth, so that I may be able to speak boldly in making known the sacred secret of the good news, 20for which I am acting as an ambassador in chains, and that I may speak about it with boldness, as I ought to speak.

Wealth cannot protect us the way God can. We have the example of Daniel when he was thrown into the fiery furnace.

(Daniel 6:18-22) 18The king then went to his palace. He passed the night fasting and refused any entertainment, and he could not sleep. 19Finally at the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ pit. 20As he got near the pit, he called out to Daniel with a sad voice. The king asked Daniel: “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you are continually serving been able to rescue you from the lions?” 21Daniel immediately said to the king: “O king, may you live on forever. 22My God sent his angel and shut the mouth of the lions, and they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before him; nor have I done any wrong to you, O king.” 23The king was overjoyed, and he commanded that Daniel be lifted up out of the pit. When Daniel was lifted up out of the pit, he was completely unharmed, because he had trusted in his God..

(Acts 7:54-60) 54Well, at hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and began to grind their teeth at him. 55But he, being full of holy spirit, gazed into heaven and caught sight of God’s glory and of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, 56and he said: “Look! I see the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” 57At this they cried out at the top of their voices and put their hands over their ears and rushed at him all together. 58After throwing him outside the city, they began stoning him. The witnesses laid down their outer garments at the feet of a young man called Saul. 59As they were stoning Stephen, he made this appeal: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then, kneeling down, he cried out with a strong voice: “Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep in death.

(John 5:25-29) 25“Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live. 26For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted also to the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. 28Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.

(2 Corinthians 5:6-10) 6So we are always of good courage and know that while we have our home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, 7for we are walking by faith, not by sight. 8But we are of good courage and would prefer to be absent from the body and to make our home with the Lord. 9So whether at home with him or absent from him, we make it our aim to be acceptable to him. 10For 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.

(Isaiah 2:2-4) 2In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it all the nations will stream. 3And many peoples will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, To the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem. 4He will render judgment among the nations And set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.

(Matthew 5:5) 5“Happy are the mild-tempered, since they will inherit the earth

.(Psalm 37:27-29) 27Turn away from bad and do what is good, And you will remain forever. 28For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. ע [Ayin] They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. 29The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

(Revelation 2:6, 7) 7Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’

(Matthew 6:19-24) 19“Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For 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. 23But 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! 24“No one can slave for 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 slave for God and for Riches..

(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; 14whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

(2 Thessalonians 1:6-12) 6This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you. 7But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels 8in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. 9These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10at the time when he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder among all those who exercised faith, because the witness we gave met with faith among you. 11To that very end we always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and with his power perform completely all the good that he pleases and every work of faith. 12This is so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in union with him, according to the undeserved kindness of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ..

(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. 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.

(Philippians 4:4-9) 4Always rejoice in the Lord. Again I will say, Rejoice! 5Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. 8Finally, 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. 9The things that you learned as well as accepted and heard and saw in connection with me, practice these, and the God of peace will be with you.

(2 Peter 3:8-13) 8However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10But 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. 11Since 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, 12as 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! 13But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.