It’s that time again! If the Lord wills, the new year will ring in at midnight this Sunday morning, and I hope that the year 2023 will be a prosperous and wonderful time for everyone!  Making New Years’ resolutions is a tradition that many people make at the beginning of each year, with varying levels of success in keeping those resolutions. Making New Years’ resolutions is a good way to try to improve one’s self and one’s life, but there are a few resolutions that we should all be making and keeping each and every year. All of the resolutions that I am talking about have to do with worshipping God as we need to, and being the faithful Christian that we all need to be! 

1. Study your Bible everyday! II Timothy 2:15 says “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  We are to study our Bibles every day so that we can become spiritually stronger and also teach others about God. Studying our Bibles also helps us physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know that when I read my Bible every day, my day goes so much better, and my outlook is more positive throughout the day!

2. Pray often. I Thessalonians 5:17 states, “Pray without ceasing.”  We should pray throughout the day, many times a day. Having a healthy prayer life helps to keep us spiritually strong, and it helps us bear the challenges in this life much easier. It is my goal to get to the point in my life where I have prayed so much during the course of a single day, that  I lose track of how many prayers I have said in that day! We should pray in both prosperous times and in times of need.  We should always thank God for all of our many blessings, and we all have many, many blessings bestowed unto us by God! 

3. Attend worship services regularly. We are commanded in Hebrews 10:25 to not “forsake the assembling of ourselves together” meaning that we should not forsake the assembling of the church for worship services. We are to assemble together on the first day of the week (Sunday) as Jesus’ disciples did during the early days of the church. Allowing our jobs, school activities, or recreational activities keep us from attending worship services as we are commanded means that we are not putting God first in our lives as we are supposed to do. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

​4. Strive to convert at least one person to Christ. We, as Christians, are required to seek out and help save the lost. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19). We should do all we can to help those who are spiritually lost to learn more about what God expects them to do in order to go to Heaven. We should never take the stance that the spiritual state of others is none of our business. On the contrary, God will hold Christians accountable for the souls that they have failed to try to save (James 4:17). We will not be held accountable concerning whether or not the lost person does decide to become faithful, however, we will have to answer to God for not trying to teach others at all. 
         
          Please make the 2023 the year that you grow stronger as a Christian. Make sure that the four resolutions that I’ve mentioned above, be ones that you are sure to keep, for they are the most important things that you can do in this life. So, while the rest of the world are concerned about making New Years’ resolutions that involve the temporary things of this world, let us as children of God work to show more of Christ and less of ourselves in the New Year! 

       Since it is Christmas Day, I would like to talk about Christmas.  I have often seen the phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season” at various times in reference to this holiday. Christmas is seen by many as Christ’s birthday, and many celebrate this holiday as such. The truth is, however, we do not know the actual time and date of Christ’s birth, and there is no reference in the Bible that tells us to celebrate this event at Christmas. What the Bible does tell us is to honor Jesus and celebrate everything He has done for us all the time and during every season@!
       Jesus created us and created all of the universe, and we owe everything that we are and everything that we have to Him. Not only did He create us, but he died a cruel death on the cross so we could have forgiveness of sins and the opportunity for Everlasting Life! “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him” (Isaiah 43:7). “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1).  With that being said, it is vitally important that we worship and honor Jesus during all seasons of the year, and not just during Christmas. We should honor and praise God every single day of our lives, and many times during the day. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).
       Something that is often seen close to Christmas is higher rates of worship service attendance. It is sometimes the case where people who do not attend worship services any other time of the year will show up around Christmas time. It is good that these people attend worship service at this time, but it is more important that they are in regular attendance all year round. By regular attendance, I mean that a person should attend every worship service on the first day of the week and at any other time that the leaders of their home congregation set aside for assembling (Acts 20:7, Hebrews 13:17).  “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).
        It is certainly not wrong to glorify Christ and be to mindful of all the things He has done for us during Christmas, but we should make it a point to always have our minds on God and to work each and every day to be faithful servants of Him. The Holy Scriptures do not authorize us to celebrate December 25 as the date of the birth of Christ, but we should honor Christ every day and be thankful for His birth every day (Colossians 3:17, II Peter 3:18). I hope that this article helps to show the importance of remembering that Jesus is “the Reason for every season,” not just the Christmas season!

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours!

         
 

 ​          For the past few articles, I have covered the different characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit that is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Today, I will cover the final characteristic which is temperance, or self control.
            Self=control is an important character trait that faithful Christians must have. Living the faithful Christian life means that we have to think through everything that we do and say so that we do not commit sin.” Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded” (Titus 2:6). Christians are to deny themselves the pleasures of sin and not base their actions on impulse. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). Acting impulsively, unfortunately, is something that is commonly seen in the world today.
       Being impulsive is something that many people have a problem with today. The word “impulsive” comes from the word “impulse” which means “a sudden spontaneous inclination or incitement to some usually unpremeditated action” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.[1] The practice of speaking or doing things “before we think” is a common thing among some people. They choose to say or do certain things without thinking of the consequences of their actions. This habit is not viewed favorably by God, and it can cause us a lot of problems if we go through life acting on impulse. In this article, I would like to discuss some ways that a Christian can act on impulse, and the dangers that an impulsive mindset can provide.
          First of all, some Christians can have the negative habit of saying hurtful things to others before they think through all of the possible outcomes and consequences that their words will have on themselves and others. James 1:19 is a handy verse to have memorized in such a situation where a person may be tempted to speak negatively on impulse. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” It is often in times of anger that a person will “spout off at the mouth” so to speak and say things he or she will most likely regret later. The tongue is the one part of the body that cannot be tamed. “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8). We can cause a lot of hurt and permanent damage to relationships when we impulsively use our tongue to hurt others. We can also hurt our influence by using our tongues to curse and to take God’s Name in vain.  “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. “(Exodus 20:7).[2] We should also not use our tongues to speak about perverted things. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:6).
        God tells us to use our tongue wisely, and to not be impulsive in our speech. “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:” (I Peter 3:10).  We are to think about what we are going to say before we say them. Anything that we say is a thought before we say it, so we must be sure to guard our thoughts as well. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).   We must guard our thoughts and guard our tongues against any corrupt or evil thing in order to be faithful Christians. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29). If we fail to do so, we will have to answer for our sinful words one day. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36). 
       Unrighteous anger is another way that some people can act on impulse and commit sin.  Just as we should monitor our speech, we can also learn from James 1:19 that we should be “slow to wrath.” By being “slow to wrath” we must make sure that we do not have unrighteous anger. We can, however, have righteous anger and not sin. What is the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger? Righteous anger occurs when we become angry at sin. Jesus showed righteous anger when He came into the temple and saw the moneychangers selling items to use in animal sacrifices. “And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Mark 11:15-17).
        Jesus showed righteous anger because He became angry with sin. It is acceptable by God to show righteous anger as long as we do it in a way that we do not sin ourselves. For instance, we cannot become angry at sin and use profanity or mistreat the person who is committing the sin.  On the contrary, we must treat everyone with respect and love, even when we are rebuking them regarding their sins. “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” (Leviticus 19:17). 
      We commit sin when we have unrighteous anger. Unrighteous anger occurs when we become angry over matters of opinion rather than matters of biblical right and wrong in which we become angry about sinful things. For example, when I was a practicing mental health counselor, I saw many clients who were required to attend “anger management” therapy sessions. These sessions were often ineffective because the person who was under state probation often did not want to really change his or her pattern of behavior.  The person merely wanted to attend the required number of therapy sessions necessary to please the probation officer and let that be it.
        Anyways, I remember one client in particular who was already on state probation for offences that I cannot remember at the moment. He came to me for a certain number of therapy sessions that were centered on “anger management.” His probation officer made attending anger management therapy sessions with me a requirement in order to continue to be on probation and to not have to finish his sentence in jail. Why did this client have to see me for anger management? Because he had thrown an empty, plastic soda bottle at his girlfriend while they were arguing over something to do with the girlfriend’s dog,  and she called the police. As you can imagine, the girlfriend was unharmed by the plastic soda bottle, but this client could have avoided the 5 or 6 sessions with me if he had just learned to control his anger. At first, I thought the story could have been made up by the client to cover up what he actually did to his girlfriend, but he brought me a copy of the police report to prove that his story was true.  I tried to teach him ways to cope with his anger without doing something wrong, but he was one of those people who did not think he had a problem. This client would have done well to read Ephesians 4:26; “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
       Finally, some people can do things on impulse that are wrong, when they actually meant to do something good. They mean to do something good, but they do not fully think through the process by which they will do the good as they should, and they end up doing wrong. For instance, I had a client that I had one therapy session with which was comprised of taking down information about him to give to the Nurse Practitioner that would be handling his medications. He was an elderly gentleman who was a member of the church of Christ. He was happy to see me because I was one of two therapists there that was a member of the church of Christ. Prior to seeing me, he had spent a couple of days in jail for breaking into cars that he found parked in the street near the apartment in which he lived.  This man did not talk much, so I had to get most of my information from his son-in-law who was present during this session. 
            The son-in-law told me that the reason the elderly man was breaking into cars was because he wanted to leave religious tracts which taught about the churches of Christ on the car’s windshield in hopes of converting the owner, but since it was windy and raining on that particular day, the man was breaking the driver side window and leaving the tracts in the seats on the inside of each of the vehicles. This example shows a person who meant to do something good, but went about it the wrong way
           We should always think things through before we say or do anything.  We should always work to be more like Christ and less like the world in which we live every day. We can do this by praying every day, many times a day, and studying our Bibles every day.
          With a good knowledge of the Bible, we can help ourselves be faithful Christians, as well as teach others to do the same. We can use the Bible to rebuke others as well, in a loving manner. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (II Timothy 3:16). Saying sinful things and having unrighteous anger will cause us to suffer punishment for eternity if we do not repent of these sins before we either die, or the Day of Judgment comes.
         Acting in an impulsive manner, no matter the motive, is not worth losing our souls over. “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8). If Christ would not say or do it, then we should not say or do it as well. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” (Ephesians 4:31). I hope that this lesson shows the importance of thinking things through and not acting out impulsively. We must all be sure to take time to think before we speak or act, so that we can let our Christian light shine before the world. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
 
 

          We are continuing our study of the Fruit of the Spirit, which can be seen in Galatians chapter 5. In the last article, we discussed the characteristics of “goodness” and “faithfulness.”The characteristic that is mentioned next, is“meekness” (Galatians 5:23). Meekness is a highly regarded in the Bible. In Matthew Chapter 5, verse 5, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” The personality trait of meekness is very important for every Christian to have. However, what does it mean to be meek, and how are those who exemplify meekness viewed by the world?
          First of all, what does it mean to be meek? The word “meek” that is used in this verse comes from the Greek word prays which means “mildness of disposition” or “gentleness of spirit.” The word “meek” can also mean “mild” and “humble.”  One who shows meekness would not act in any way that would be considered arrogant or attention-seeking. 
         There are various places in the Bible that encourage us to show meekness. The apostle Paul admonishes us to show meekness in Colossians 3:12 when he says, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”.  He encourages Timothy to do the same in I Timothy 6:11, “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” We are encouraged to conduct ourselves before others in a meek manner, even when we are trying to help them see their mistakes. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).  Finally, we are to be like Christ, and Christ described Himself as One who is meek, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
         A person who shows meekness has much spiritual strength, however, that same person may be seen as weak and a “pushover” by the world’s view. Many in the world today believe that in order to be considered strong, one must adopt an arrogant, loud, and self-centered personality. This cannot be further from the truth. People who conduct themselves in this manner are focused on the here-and-now and temporary things of this world. Those who behave in ways that are not meek cannot enter into Heaven.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
          Another good description of meekness is “strength under control.”  A person does not have to be big, loud, and boisterous in order to be strong. There are those who are spiritually strong who exemplify the Christian attitude of meekness. In today’s world which exalts those who loudly speak their mind, striving for the last word, we should work to be different from the world and maintain a manner of meekness and humility, always keeping our focus on our Home in Heaven! “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”(II Corinthians 4:18)
 
 

           In the past few articles, I have discusses several attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit, that we would do well as Christians to adapt into our own spiritual lives.  The next two on the list are "goodness" and "faithfulness." I'm sure that all of us know what it means to be a "good" person. However, in order for us to be faithful Christians, we have to do more than just be a "good" person. 
      In order for Christians to be pleasing unto God, we must have faith.. “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22). We show our faith in God by trusting Him to take care of us, no matter what happens to us in this life.  We draw ourselves near unto God through our faith in Him. “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” (Psalm 73:28)
         Another way  that we show our faith in God is being faithful  to God. Being faithful to God mean that we are doing everything we can in this life to be obedient to His Commandments.  As Christians, we are to examine our own spiritual lives and make sure that it lines up with God’s Word in the Bible. We are commanded to examine ourselves in II Corinthians 13:5.   “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”
       The word “reprobate” in this verse means “unapproved” by God. So, in order for us to remain faithful Christians from the point at which we are baptized to the point of our death, we have to take the time to think about how we conduct ourselves from day to day and determine if there is anything amiss in our lives.
        To help you examine your spiritual standing with God, here are a few questions that may help.  Ask yourself these questions to help determine if you are still living the life of a faithful Christian:
1.     Are you keeping the greatest commandment which is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind? (Matthew 22:37)
2.     Is the Lord First in every list of your priorities? Does God come First with your money and time? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).
3.     Have you been keeping the second greatest commandment, which is to love my neighbor as myself? (Matthew 22:39)
4.     Have you been seeking to teach others? “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19).
5.     Am you growing as a Christian? “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” (II Peter 1:3-7). We should look to the 7 Christian Graces and working to grow in them every day. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:5-8). 
6.   Have you not been forsaking the assembly of the church? “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”(Hebrews 10:25).
7.     Do you do personal devotionals to God? Do you pray without ceasing? (I Thessalonians 5:17)?  Do you study the Bible every day (II Timothy 2:15)?
8.     Do you keep yourself free from sin? “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (I John 3:9)  To keep oneself from sin, you have to watch everything you say and do, and the outside sources that you expose yourself to. You also have to guard what your children say and do as well, so that they can grow up to be faithful Christians throughout their lives.
9.     Are you guarding your thoughts? “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:5).
10.    Do you diligently resist the temptation to sin? “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). Whenever we are tempted to sin, God will always provide a way for us to escape the temptation without committing sin. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13).
        We need to be self-monitoring ourselves frequently to make sure that we are living the most authentic, faithful Christian lives possible. Of course, we cannot earn heaven, but we can do God’s Will everyday of our lives, and through His Good Grace and Mercy, receive Heaven as our reward! Any persecution and pain that we suffer in this life will be worth it in the end!

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"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19)

          “Patience is a virtue.” This is not an actual verse in the Bible, but the Bible does speak about the importance of patience in a Christian’s life. The word “patience” comes from the Greek word, hupomone, which, according to Thayer’s Greek Dictionary means “steadfast, constancy, and endurance.
           Patience, or, “longsuffering” is one of the descriptions of the Fruit of the Spirit; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Galatians 5:22). As Christians, we are not to act in such a way that can cause us to be tempted to sin, or cause others to sin as well. Here are some ways that we can become more patient

1. Be longsuffering during . trials and mistreatment. Part of being a faithful Christian is dealing with persecution and mistreatment. Being patient or “longsuffering” means that you are able to deal with persecution and mistreatment from others for long periods of time without becoming spiritually weak and bitter. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering…” (Ephesians 4:1-2). We must trust that God will take care of those who have wronged us, without us having to seek revenge ourselves. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19).
2. Control your temper!:  Just as James 1:19 says, we are to be “slow to wrath.”  When situations arise that causes us to be tempted to lash out in anger, we have to work to be longsuffering and patient during these times so that we do not commit sin. Standing up to adversity with a patient attitude will help us become better Christians. “My brethren, bcount it all joy cwhen you fall into various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces 1patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be 2perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4).
3. Be patient with God’s Timing: God knows everything about us! He knows our past, present and future, long before He ever placed us in our mother’s womb. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). God knows what lays ahead in our lives, and He knows what is best for us in the long run. So, when we go to God in prayer, asking Him to make something that we want to happen in our lives, happen, we must be patient and wait for Him to do what He sees fit.  God will always take care of us, if we are faithful and obedient to Him, Therefore, even if we are not seeing the outcome that we want right away in our lives, we must trust that God has our best interest in mind, and that He will make sure that we get what’s best for us. “5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Psalm 3:5-6).

          I believe that most people could practice more patience in their lives. In a world where instant gratification is expected, it takes a truly dedicated and spiritually strong Christian to exemplify the patience that God  wants us to have. We must remember that God’s Thoughts are much greater than ours, and that He will make sure that any situation that we face in our lives will have a good outcome if we are faithful to Him. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
 

   

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​      If you want to start each day right, you need to study your Bible every day! A great way to learn more about the Bible is through Bible Correspondence Courses!
          For years, I have used Bible Correspondence courses to teach people from all over the world  about the Word of God. I am currently using 3 Bible Correspondence Courses, and they are as follows; 

1. Studies In the Bible: This correspondence course, which teaches basic information about the Bible, is a 30 lesson course.  

1. Foundations of Faith:  which focuses on lessons concerning strengthening your faith in God. This is also a 30 lesson course.
2. Bible Correspondence Course by John Hurt: This 8-lesson course is full of pictures and has wonderful information concerning topics in the Old and New Testaments.

         If you are interested in participating in any of these Bible Correspondence Courses, please email me your name, mailing address, and which correspondence course you would like to participate in. Once I get your information, I will send you your first lesson to complete and send back to me for grading. After I have received and graded your work, I will send your graded work to you, along with the next lesson to complete until you have competed all 30 lessons in the course. After you have completed all 30 lessons of one course, you can begin the next correspondence course for free and complete all 30 lessons of that course. Once again, both Bible correspondence courses are free! 
       I hope that you will take time out of every day to study God’s Word so that you grow closer to God! You life will improve greatly if you do this! "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15). 

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​“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
            The next Fruit of the Spirit that Paul mentions in Galatians 5:22 is Peace.  The fruits that we should have in our lives are listed with those being:  love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,and  temperance.
Something that faithful Christians have that non-Christians and unfaithful Christians do not have is peace of mind. We, who are striving to live for Christ every day, have a peace within us and with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1) that cannot be taken away by external events and situations that may arise from time to time in our daily lives.
            We have this peace of mind when we are spiritually right with God. This sense of peace is not only a wonderful emotion that we, who are living for the Lord, possess, but it is also an understanding that sin separates us from God (Ephesians 2:1-3), and by turning away from sin, and turning wholly towards Christ, we have the hope of Heaven in the end! “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”(Hebrews 5:9). If we trust in God and are obedient to Him unto death, then we can truly have the peace that passeth all understanding! 

  
 
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​“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).
       At our local congregation, I teach the preschool/Kindergarten class which is made up of children between the ages of 3 and 5 years of age. One of the songs that I enjoy singing with the children is the “Fruit of the Spirit” song which helps the children remember the 9 different components of the fruit of the Spirit which are mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Showing the “fruit of the Spirit” means that we are exemplifying the same traits that are mentioned in the Bible that the Holy Spirit possesses, which also means that we are shaping our inner selves to show more of Christ to others than of our own selves. The next series of articles will cover one of the 9 fruit of the Spirit. I will begin this article with the first fruit of the Spirit: Love.
           We are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 7:12). We are to show love towards others by helping them and teaching them about living the faithful Christian life.   In English, the word “love” can be applied to various situations. The word “love” can be applied to your feelings toward your spouse, your parents, siblings, strangers, or even a cup of coffee. Koine Greek, which is the language that the writers of the New Testament used, designated a specific word for each version of love that we feel in different situations. Here are the Greek words that were used during Christ’s time to convey the meaning of the word “Love.

1. Eros (ἔρως):  Refers to romantic love felt towards one’s spouse. This Greek term is where the word “erotic” is derived from. The word "Eros" is not actually used in either the Old or New Testaments. 
2. Phillia (φιλία): Refers to feelings one has towards close friends “brotherly love” This word was used in the New Testament to describe Jesus’ love for his disciples (John 20:2) and for Lazarus (John 11:3).
3. Agape (ἀγάπη): This is the kind of love that we should have for all men, and also for our enemies. It is a selfless kind of love that Christians must have in regard to acting in the best interest for all human beings.” But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” (Matthew 5:44).
4. Storge (στοργ): This Greek word refers to love we have for our parents, siblings, our children and other members of our family. Paul used this word in the negative in Romans 1:31 when he described the pagans the hat he was in contact with being without “natural affection.”   

         Love is so important in the Christian life! We are to show love towards others with our words and our actions. " Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (I Corinthians 13:4-7). We cannot say that we love God if we do not love others and keep His Commandments! (John 14:15).  May others see our love for them and our love for God every day that we live upon the Earth! 

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." (I John 4:7). 

In Part 2 of this series on the Fruit of the Spirit, I will be discussing the subject of Joy! 

        At some point in time, we have all been sick. If the sickness is not very
serious, most of us will stay home and try to get better on our own. When the
sickness becomes more serious, however, most will seek the help of a doctor
whom they trust. Like a medical physician whose expertise is to help the body
overcome physical sickness, Jesus is our Great Physician Who has the ability to
help us overcome physical and spiritual sickness. ““When Jesus heard it, he saith
unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are
sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Mark 2:17).

        We become spiritually sick when we are weakened by sin and when we
allow the temporary cares of the world to take priority over God. When we become
spiritually sick, we need Christ as our Great Physician to help us overcome our
spiritual sickness and get better. In order to keep spiritually pure and healthy, we
have the following prescription from the Bible to follow;

1. Bible Reading: The Bible acts as a mirror in which we view our spiritual
selves. We have to read and study our Bibles everyday in order to gain the
full benefit of its teaching and instruction (II Timothy 2:15). Just as II
Timothy 2:15 says, God not only suggests that we study our Bibles
regularly, He commands it!
        We may think that we are keeping spiritually pure in the sinful and
perverse world that we live in, but we can only know for sure if we are
spiritually healthy if we read our Bibles daily and examine ourselves
regularly to be sure that we are truly and accurately following God’s Word.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?” (II Corinthians 13:5). I know that from my own personal experience, that after I do my daily bible study, my day goes so much better. My life is much more blessed now, and yours will be too if you take up daily bible study! 

2. Pray : We are to pray daily and often. I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to, “Pray
without ceasing.” Whenever we are tempted to worry, we should pray about
it to God and lay all of our burdens upon Him to carry. “Be careful for
nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6). We should pray
about anything that we feel that we need help with, no matter how small of a
matter it may seem to us. When we are so troubled that we do not know
exactly what to pray for, we have the Holy Spirit to help us in our prayers by
interceding tot he Father on our behalf. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the
Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered.”(Romans 8:26).

3. Going to a Solitary Place. Sometimes it is necessary for us to seek solitude
and to be by ourselves for awhile. Jesus did this at times so that He could
pray to God without interruption. “And in the morning, rising up a great
while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there
prayed.” (Mark 1:35). The apostles also sought a solitary place to pray such
as when Peter sat upon the rooftop to pray (Acts 10:9). Having quiet moments alone helps us to think more clearly as well as allow us some time
to focus on God.

4. Crying: It has been said that crying is therapeutic for the soul, and it surely is. When we are feeling sad, angry, overwhelmed, etc, a good cry cleanses us and makes us feel better. God allows us to go through sadness in our lives so that we can cry and release the pain that is harboring in our souls.
“Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the
heart is made better.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3). Sorrow also makes us better
Christians, because it causes us to assess and realign our priorities in life.

5. Laughing: Just as tears are therapeutic for the soul, laughter at appropriate
times can be a great relief during trying times. Laughter relieves our stress at
the moment, and helps us to feel better. Those who choose to be happy in
life will laugh often. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a
broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

6. Christians Encouraging Other Christians: Having encouragement from our fellow sisters in Christ can help motivate us to continue being faithful to God, as well as see us through the many challenging times that we may face in this life. As Christians it is our duty to  be encouraging to one another so that our bond is strengthened, and we can help one another go to Heaven! "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do" (I Thessalonians 5:11).
     It is so sad to see Christians who only want to discourage other Christians.  The practice of discouraging one another not only hurts the person being discouraged, but it shows the spiritual weakness that the discourager possesses. We are to be like Barnabas, whose great ability to encourage others gave him the name "son of consolation." (Acts 4:36)

7. Attend the Worship Services of the church of Christ Regularly. By regularly, I mean that you should be worshipping with the saints every Sunday that you are not sick or taking care of the sick, and any other time in the week that the men of your congregation set aside time for Bible Study, such as on a Wednesday night. We are commanded to worship with a congregation of the church of Christ. " And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."(Hebrews 10:24-25). Just as daily Bible study will help God Bless you in your life even more than you are blessed already, going to worship services regularly will also help your life immensely. Show me a person who does not attend worship services regularly, and I will show you a person whose life will fall apart, at some point in time and things will not be going as good in that person's life as it would be if that person was faithful in his/her worship service attendance. 

     When you are tempted to stay home on Sunday to sleep in or stay home on Wednesday night for something other than being sick or taking care of the sick, please take the time to think about how if Jesus could die a cruel death on the cross for you, then the very least you could do is drive to a church building in your comfortable vehicle and sit in a comfortable pew in a temperature controlled building to worship Him, and to thank Him for all He has done for you! 
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       When we, Christians study and pray daily, find solitude, allow ourselves to cry
and laugh when needed, and examine our spiritual selves regularly, we are blessed
to have Jesus, as our mediator between God and ourselves, bring us to the Father.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus;” (I Timothy 2:5). We also have Jesus as the best example we could ever
have in living the faithful Christian Life. No matter how much sorrow we have
here on the earth, it all pales in comparison to what Jesus went through in His short
33 years on the planet. During all of His struggles, however, He maintained the
“peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). We can also have the peace
that passes all understanding when we follow the prescription that the Great
Physician has given us, and work to be more like Christ each and every day that we
live.

     NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT FOR LADIES!!! My newest book has just been published by SAIN PUBLICATIONS, and it is called THINK ON THESE THINGS: A CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S GUIDE TO GUARDING HER THOUGHTS. If you want to learn how to have a more positive attitude and mindset with God's Help, then check this book out!
      It has questions at the end of each chapter which makes it great for Ladies Bible Classes!
     If you would like a copy of this book,  please contact Sain Publications at (931) 363-6905,  
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            With backpacks, pencils, paper and other school supplies crowding the shelves at local stores, it is apparent that the school year is about to get underway. I remember getting all new school supplies as a kid and how exciting it was to have a new binder or backpack. I also remember getting a few new outfits and a brand new pair of shoes for each school year as well. While it is important that parents equip their children with the necessary materials they need to begin the school year right, the most important supplies that a student needs will most likely not be mentioned in a list or letter from a teacher. Spiritual supplies that will help a student of any age keep their mind focused on Jesus, and help them resist wrongdoing can only be found in the Word of God. Here is a supply list that could be used by parents to help students of all ages succeed in staying obedient to God.

1. Along with making sure that their children learn their lessons from secular school books, parents should also make sure that their children learn daily lessons from The Book! While studying secular subjects such as math, science, reading, English, social studies and so on every day are important, it is more important that parents make sure that their children study the Bible every day as well. While learning secular materials will prepare you for a test here on Earth, learning spiritual lessons will prepare you for an eternity in Heaven! “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15). As I’ve mentioned before in previous articles, my husband and I have had a daily Bible devotional where we pray, sing praises unto God, and read from the Scriptures, since the very night of our marriage, and we plan to continue this tradition with our children!

2. Along with new outfits, shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes, parents should make sure their children are also equipped with the armour of God. This is described in Ephesians 6:13-17; “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”.  By giving children the knowledge of the Bible, he or she will be better able to discern right from wrong and make better decisions in their daily lives.
 
3. Finally, parents should also teach their children to live righteously by living righteously themselves. Teachers at school should not be a child’s only moral compasses. Parents should lead their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). A child carries what they see inside the home to the outside world, so it is imperative that parents make sure that they are leading a godly home life for their children. That includes teaching children who are unaccountable the right way to live as a Christian in the hope that they will become a Christian when they are accountable, and teaching those that are at the age of accountability the importance of becoming a faithful Christian.
 
         I hope that during these upcoming school days, and every day, parents are teaching their children to grow up to become faithful servants of God or if they are already Christians, teaching them to maintain faithfulness. Teachers, too, can be a positive influence on their students by living godly lives themselves. Let us all work together to help one another reach the goal of Eternal Life! 
 

              In I Corinthians 11:5-9, Paul discusses the subject of women wearing veils.
     “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth              with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.  For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.”
            Some have speculated from these verses that women are commanded to wear veils on their head during worship and anywhere else in public in order to cover their hair. However, if we look onward to verse 9 of this chapter we see that Paul states “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” Paul is saying there that the wearing of veils during worship is not required of women. Then why did Paul discuss the subject of veils in the first place?
             It is certainly not wrong for a woman to not wear a veil during worship. Our culture in the United States does not have the custom of women wearing veils, so for a Christian women to not wear one, would not be considered offensive by others. A woman leaving her hair uncovered is perfectly acceptable by God because her hair is her glory; “But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering” (I Corinthians 11:15). However, if we were to go on a missionary trip to one of those countries that have the custom of women wearing veils, then we should also wear one, so that our message of the Word will not be hindered due to others in that culture being offended.
            Paul was teaching us that we, women, should not dress ourselves in such a way that is considered “taboo” in our culture. In Paul’s culture, most women wore veils on their heads, just as they do today in that part of the world. To not wear a veil meant that a woman was going against the “social norms” of her culture, and thus, she would be compromising her reputation before her peers. Not only that, she could be placing a stumblingblock before those who believed that she was doing wrong by not wearing a veil. “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak” (I Corinthians 8:9).
​       If a Christian woman dresses in such a way that others would consider “going against the grain” of their culture’s expectations of how women should dress, then that Christian woman not only harms her influence before others, but she also runs the risk of influencing those who are spiritually weak to commit a sin themselves. Others may be influenced to commit actual sins because they believe that a Christian who dresses differently is committing a sin, so therefore it would be acceptable for them to commit a sin,  also. We must ever be mindful of our influence before others, and that is why we should focus on spreading the Gospel and teaching others the way to Heaven more so than trying to appear different. Of course, in all things, we must always work to be modest (I Timothy 2:9-10).
            Fearing God and keeping His commands and thereby helping others (and ourselves) go to Heaven should be our sole purpose in life (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Matthew 28:18-20). Our bodies are just temporary dwellings that we have been given while we live this temporary life on Earth. While it is important that we dress modestly, trying to be different in the eyes of others who share our culture is a waste of time, because we are then putting too much focus on the temporary, and too little focus on the eternal. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). May we all keep our eyes fixed on the prize of Heaven, and be sure that our outward appearance helps others to see more of Christ than ourselves.
           
 

           As a parent of 5 children under 10 years of age, I find that much of my day is spent repeating things. Children can be easily distracted, so anything can draw their little attention spans away from the task at hand. I am often reminding them to put their shoes on, pull their shoes off and put them in a certain designated area, brush their teeth, etc.  Our little ones are good and obedient children and for this, we are thankful.  Is it best to repeat things to instill within them or is there some other way to help children adopt the behaviors that we want them to do in order for them to know how to do these things correctly when they are older?  I love my children very much, and I want to be the best mother I can be for them, so I went to the Bible for help on this subject.
            I love all of the books of the Bible, but I have to say that Philippians is my favorite. The apostle Paul shows us what it means to have a positive attitude in the face of adversity in this book. The book of Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the church at Philippi, while he was imprisoned by the Romans. In Philippians, Paul gives such great advice on how to persevere through any trial, because he, himself has done so many times. Philippians 4:13 is possibly the most well known verse in the book of Philippians, and it is my favorite verse in the Bible, “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.”  
           As I was looking over the book of Philippians, I noticed what Paul wrote in chapter 3 and verse 1, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” Reading this verse made me realize that Paul was not bothered at all by repeating the same things he had already told the Philippians, in fact, he said that it was “safe” for them or “confirmed.” So Paul is saying by his example that we should not be bothered by having to repeat ourselves over and over to anyone in order for them to learn, especially our children. Children are blessings from God (Psalm 127:3). We are to be humble like little children in order to go to Heaven (Matthew 18:4).
            I know that all children are precious gifts from God, and they are certainly worth the time it takes to teach them all of the things they need to know in order to live happy, productive, and faithful lives before God. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Paul has taught me that I should never consider it a problem to repeat myself to little ones, when I have something important for them to know and to do. Giving them those reminders is safe and best for them, just as we as adults benefit from frequent reminders. May we all seek to be as little children so that we can have the humility necessary to fit into Heaven!
 

        When my family and I were about to head to Florida for our family vacation a couple of weeks ago, we stopped by a restaurant for lunch. As we waited for our table, we noticed the various signs and wall decorations that hang all around us, and my husband noticed a sign in particular and took a picture of it, thinking this quote provides a good idea for a lesson. As you can see from the picture, the sign says, " No matter how far you've gone down the wrong road, turn around!"  This sign is true in many ways, especially when it comes to our own spirituality. 
      God, through His Infinite Grace and Mercy, allows us to have free will in this life, where we either choose to follow Him, or follow the world.  "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." (Proverbs 16:9). If we follow God, then He will reward us with Heaven, however, if we choose to follow the world instead of God, we sin against Him and cannot enter into Heaven.  "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21). 
       What if a Christian falls away from God, and follows Satan down the "wrong road" of sin? Can a Christian ever turn back, and be saved again? The answer to this question can be found in various places in the Bible. For example, the apostle Peter, who loved Jesus and was a faithful follower of Christ, ended up denying Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, just as Jesus said he would do in Luke Chapter 22. Once the rooster crowed, however, Peter realized what he had done and "wept bitterly" (v. 62).  Peter would go onto become an elder in the church of Christ ( I Peter 5:1) , and outside sources state that Peter died for the cause of Christ by being crucified upside down.  In fact, in John 21:15-19, as Peter re-affirmed his love for the Savior, Christ makes it clear that Peter would suffer a death of giving his life for the Most Holy Cause of Christ.  Earlier, the apostle Peter went down the wrong road of sinning against Christ, but "turned around" again by repenting of the wrong he had done. Instead of allowing the sin to bring him down permanently, Peter flourished as a Christian and defender of the faith until his death. 
         Like the sign at the restaurant we visited states,  no matter how long we have been in sin, we can always turn back to God. God will receive us with open arms, and forgive us of our sins, IF we repent.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ( I John  1:9). 
        The key to a happy life, however, is to not waste time living your life for yourself, but living it for God. Only true and faithful Christians can know what it means to have the best lives here on the Earth (John 10:10).  However, if you are a Christian, and you have drifted from the Way into an unholy life of sin and have fallen away from God, you can turn around and get back on the right path to eternal salvation through repentance of your sins and showing the fruits meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8). In order to show the fruits meet for repentance, you must show that you have changed, and have turned completely away from the sins you have committed. 
        In order for Christians to know if we are on the right road to Heaven, we must know God's Word through daily Bible study (Psalm 1, II Timothy 2:15), regular worship service attendance (Hebrews 10:25), a healthy prayer life (I Thessalonians 5:17), and being in the habit of self-examination to make sure that there is nothing amiss in our lives (II Corinthians 13:5). Everything that we can do here on the earth to make sure that we are not going down the "wrong road" is worth it when it comes to the wonderful bliss we will experience in Heaven!  Do not ever feel that you have gone too far from the Lord to turn back!  You CAN turn back!  
      

           So far, we have discussed the first two types of celestial beings we will meet in Heaven one day, which are the Angels and Cherubim. There is one more type of celestial being that we will meet in Heaven, and that is the Seraphim! 
       The Seraphim are first referenced in the Bible in Isaiah chapter 6. In this chapter, the    Isaiah describes these celestial beings in this way;“Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.  And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:2-8).
          We see from this passage that the Seraphim love us and want us to have forgiveness of our sins. They represent the light of God.
          Over the course of the last few articles, we have seen that all three of the celestial beings that reside in Heaven were created by God. All are similar in that they are created by God, and that their wisdom and knowledge is greater than ours. This is because they are spiritual beings that live in the spiritual realm and do not have finite, earthly bodies and minds like we have.
       They differ in their appearance, as well as in the jobs that they have been given to do by God. Angels act as messengers to the faithful, the cherubim act as guardians, and the seraphim work to praise and proclaim the Word of God.
      Angels, cherubim, and seraphims, are all wonderous and amazing creations of God to think about, and their true essence, appearance, and purpose is above our ability to understand while we are still in our earthly bodies. That is why it is truly exciting to think about how one day, if we continue to live a faithful Christian life unto death, that we will be blessed to see all of the holy angels, cherubims, and seraphims, and know fully the impact they have made upon our lives here on earth and in eternity! 

        June 24, 2022 will go down in the history books as a wonderful day for women’s rights, especially unborn women!  There is nothing more innocent and defenseless as a baby, and the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of protecting unborn girls and boys from being mercilessly slaughtered by their cold-hearted mothers and the professional “hit-men” and “hit-women” who they hire to perform the murders.
            Abortion was first legalized in the ruling of Roe V. Wade on January 22, 1973, despite nothing in the United States Constitution permitting abortions. In fact, the United States Constitution does the opposite, protecting life. Since 1973, the murder of innocent children has been upheld by the government of the United States, and more lives have been lost than any other war that the U.S. has been involved in combined. We understand from God’s Word most importantly that no matter how early on the mother is expecting, a person is a person from conception, so there is not a time that is acceptable for an expecting mother to murder her baby, because ending the life of any person, no matter how young or old is wrong (Psalm 51:5, 139:16; Luke 1:36, 41; James 2:26). “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,”(Proverbs 6:16-17).   Romans 13:19 says, “Thou shalt not kill,”.
         As a mental health counselor, I spoke with several women who chose to have abortions in the past. Most were unmarried women who felt as if they could not mentally and/or financially handle the child. I would rebuke a mother such as this by saying that instead of ending her child’s life, she should have given her child a chance by either deciding to raise that child, or at the very least, though she should have carried on the work of a mother toward the child, she could have allowed another family to adopt that child. Of course, the main trait that all of these women possessed was a keen sense of selfishness.
         It takes a selfish and cold-hearted woman to decide that her child should be murdered, no matter how soon after conception has taken place. Even in the case of rape and incest, the baby is innocent of the mistakes of his or her parents, and should not have to pay the ultimate price for these mistakes. Rape and incest are both horrible acts that are committed upon women, and a woman who has conceived a child through rape or incest should focus on having the perpetrator punished for his wrongdoing, rather than punishing her own innocent child with death!
         Therefore, I am so grateful unto God for allowing Roe v. Wade to be overturned, so that we can finally see states that have governments that care about God and all lives work to protect more babies, and so that we can see more people standing up for what is right in this world, rather than following Satan. This is indeed a wonderful day, not only for young girls and women of all ages today, but for the future of all mankind.
        I hope that this text has helped you think about how horrible the idea of killing innocent children is, and how wonderful it is that the highest court in the United States has made it unlawful to commit murder on our precious little ones!

         All Christians have the Hope of being in Heaven one day. We look forward to being in the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit for all eternity. We long for the day that we will see our loved ones who have passed on before us, as well as all of the faithful men and women who lived since the beginning of Creation.
      Another wonderful thing that we have to look forward to is getting to witness the wonderful celestial beings that also reside in Heaven which are mentioned in the Bible. Over the course of three articles, I want us to focus our hearts and minds on these amazing beings, created by God.  We will start with the group of them that seems to be the most familiar to people, yet about whom there are many misunderstandings.  Then, we will look at two more groups about which there is not as much familiarity.  Can you think of the group that is most familiar to people?  This group is known as the angels.  Let’s look at this type of celestial being in more detail.

1. Angels: The subject of angels is a very popular topic among Christians and non-Christians alike. Images of angels can be seen everywhere, and they usually have the same or at least similar appearance; which is that of a person draped in a white or some other color robe, with large, outstretched wings. The topic of “guardian angels” has been in debate for a long time and this idea had been made even more popular through television shows and movies. Many people wonder if angels have any involvement in our daily lives, such as protecting us from harm and “watching over” us. There are many ideas out there of the origin of angels, how they look, and how and if they interact with us today. Let’s see what information is given in the Scripture about these spiritual beings.
              Where do angels come from?  Angels are created beings because they were not in existence before the world was made.  They are not a part of the Eternal Godhead. They were created by God sometime during the six day of creation. They were possibly created early on during the creation process because the book of Job speak of how they were already in existence when the “foundations of the earth were made” (Job 38:4,7). Angels are a heavenly order of beings, but they are not deity. In order words, they should not be worshipped. Angels worship  God as we do. “And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith ‘And let all the angels of God worship Him”(Hebrews 1:6). Angels are above the level of humans, but below the level of God.  “Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:” (Hebrews 2:7).
              The purpose of angels can be found in their name. The world “angel” comes from the Greek word meaning “messenger.” The role of angels are to deliver messages and do God’s Work among humans. There are many examples of angels taking on physical forms and delivering messages to people in the Old and New Testaments. Likely the most well-known example of this is when the angel Gabriel delivered the message to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26). Although angels have appeared to humans in physical form in Bible times, they do not operate in this way today. The practice of angels appearing in human form was a miracle, and miracles do not happen today because we now have the completion of the revelation of God unto mankind through the Bible (I Corinthians 13:8-10, II Peter 1:3, II Timothy 3:16-17). This does not mean, however, that angels no longer any kind of work that they did in Bible times. Angels still work “behind the scenes” so to speak in the lives of all the faithful today. “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14).
              What do angels do when they become involved in the lives of the faithful today? We do not know exactly!  We do know that they have an interest in the lives of Christians today (I Corinthian 11:10, I Timothy 5:21).  We do know that they are involved in our lives in some way from the verses given.  All of what is entailed in the ministering to Christians by the angels is not revealed in Scripture, but is within God’s Providential work. 

       Unaccountable children also have angels that help them in various unknown ways, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).  This is another verse to meditate upon when thinking of the possible guardian work role of angels.
           We do know that angels take the faithful who pass away into Paradise as Luke 16:22 teaches.  As we experience death, there are those loving angels to comfort us.  They take us into our Paradise home. 
           Although we are lower than the angels, we have the hope of being more like angels when we reach Heaven! Those who pass away do not become angels, as angels are spiritual beings that are separate from humans. “For in the resurrection they neither marry, not are given in marriage but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30). We will be among the angels when we reach a home in Heaven, but we will not be angels. We will, in fact, be transformed upon the Day of Judgment as this mortal body is transformed into a resurrected body that will live eternally with God and His angels! “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

​        This past Monday was Memorial Day, where our nation stopped to honor those in the military who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Even though it is wonderful to do this, we must also remember the greatest sacrifice that ever took place on the Earth, and that is the sacrifice Christ gave on the Cross for the remission of our sins. 
         The practice of crucifixion was common during Jesus’ time on the Earth, especially in the Roman Empire. For example, in 71 B.C., following a slave revolt in Rome, 6,000 recaptured slaves were crucified on the Appian Way leading to the city. This form of execution was also employed by the Persians, Greeks, and the Jews.  Alexander the Great was said to have 2,000 men, and the Jew Alexander Jannaeus crucified 800 Pharisees who had been involved in a revolt. 
         Crucifixion is said to be the worst way to die, which is why it was typically used for criminals.  The person who was to be crucified was first subjected to a beating with a three-thong whip made of leather with pieces of bone or metal attached to it. The victim was stripped naked and then was secured with leather ties. He was then beaten from his upper hack to the lower extremities of his legs. The flesh would be separated from the muscle during these beatings. Eventually muscle could he shredded from the bone. The bones of the back, including the spinal column, was often exposed during these beatings. It was not uncommon for these beatings to be fatal.  It is said by historians that such a beating would have most likely left Jesus in a physically critical state, even before the crucifixion took place. 
         After the beating, Jesus was required to carry the cross to the execution site. It is said that the upper crossbar of the cross would have weighed 120 pounds, which easily explains why Jesus needed assistance carrying it after the previous brutal beating (Luke 23:26). Once He had reached to place where He would be crucified, Jesus’ wrists would have been nailed to the cross. It is a common belief that Jesus’ palms were nailed to the Cross, but this would not have been so because a nail through the palm of the hand would not have been able to hold up the weight of the rest of the body. Therefore, the Romans would place a nail through each of the wrists of the person being crucified. The Greek word for “hands” (cheiras) such as was used in John 20:27 also referred to the wrists.  Jesus’ feet were nailed as well. In 1968 the first remains of a crucified man was found in Jerusalem with a 7 inch nail pierced through his heels. 
         A criminal who was subjected to crucifixion was left hanging until they died from extensive blood loss and suffocation. Many people lived for days in this manner, however, Jesus only lived 6 hours. Jesus’ crucifixion was prophesized a thousand years before He came to the Earth. In Psalm 22:14-18, King David, who was a prophet himself, wrote the following:

“I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: A company of evildoers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I may count all my bones; They look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, And upon my vesture do they cast lots”

      Other prophecies of Jesus’ crucifixion include Isaiah 50:6 which foretold Jesus’ back being beaten, Psalm 22:16 foretells Jesus’ hands and feet being pierced, and His clothing being divided, Psalm 69:21 foretells how Jesus was given vinegar and gall to drink. Although it was often the case that those crucified were not given a burial, but left out in the open to rot or be eaten by animals, Christ was given a tomb by a wealthy Jew, and this was prophesized in Isaiah 53:9). All of these prophecies show the divine origin of the Bible. 
        The reason Christ died such a horrendous death on the Cross was to fulfill God’s Plan of Salvation. He had to die in such a manner that He shed blood, so that we could have remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). God’s Plan was that His Son would offer His life in exchange of mankind’s (I Corinthians 15:3). Jesus, Who was innocent, died in the same manner that was bestowed upon the guiltiest of criminals, so that we, who are guilty of sin, could have eternal life. We can also be buried and raised up with Christ in baptism, and have remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4). 
      During His time on the Cross, Christ spoke eight sentences  before finally fulfilling His mission here on the Earth. These seven sayings were as follows: 
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1. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
2. “Verily, I say unto thee, today thou shalt be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)
3. {To His mother, Mary, regarding the apostle John} “Woman behold thy son” (John 19:26)
4. [To the apostle, John, regarding His mother, Mary] “Behold thy mother” (John 19:27). John, from that point, took Mary into his own home. 
5. “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast though forsaken me?”(Matthew 27:46)
6. “I thirst” (John 19: 28)
7. “It is finished” (John 19:30). 
8. “Father, into thy hands, I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). 

       We should take time out of every day and think about the great suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endured so that we can have eternal life in Heaven. God wants all of us to be saved, however it is our responsibility to choose to be saved. None of us are worthy of Heaven because we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), however, through the great Mercy of God, and the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, can we have a home in Heaven, if we are faithful and obedient to His Word (Jude 13:21). Whenever we are tempted to follow the ways of the world, let us take time to think about the horrible suffering and death that Christ endured so that we can be saved, and let us all be grateful to Him for this sacrifice. We are given a wonderful gift that we do not need to squander away by trying to “fit in” with the ways of the world.               May we all strive to work every day to be the best Christians we can be, so that we can honor Christ in our thoughts, actions, and appearance! When others look at us, they should see more of Christ than they do of us! It is only in this way that we can shine our Christian lights into the world and influence others to follow Christ. 

           Everyone has different opinions about how things should be in this world, and how others should think, feel, and act. That is why I would say that every adult living today has faced some criticism at some point in his or her life. Some of this criticism may have no basis in truth, and therefore, we should not internalize it because the criticism given is only meant to hurt us. The Bible speaks against those who wrongfully criticize others, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
       However, there is such a thing as “constructive criticism” which is designed to help a person grow rather than hurt you. Constructive criticism is given to a person who is doing wrong in an attempt to help that person see the error of his/her way and grow.  Christians may see fellow Christians doing something wrong in the Sight of God, and try to teach that person better.  It might also be given to someone who is doing right, but who could do even better.   We are commanded to help one another grow spiritually, and that can sometimes involve giving one another constructive criticism. “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3). “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” (Titus 1:13).
          Have you ever received constructive criticism from a fellow Christian? That person may have seen something that you were doing which was spiritually wrong, and you may have thought you were doing the right thing. How did you handle the criticism? We are to receive constructive criticism, and apply it to our learning and spiritual growth, even though we might perceive it as hurtful at first. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” (Hebrews 12:11).

There are 3 ways that most people handle constructive criticism. See if you know someone who falls into one of these categories:

1. Do Nothing: These types of people will receive the constructive criticism but do nothing about it. They will not allow the criticism to penetrate their hearts and therefore they will not feel the need to change. These people will not show anger or “lash out” at the one giving the constructive criticism, but merely act as if that person said nothing. We see an example of this in Acts 17:22-32 where the apostle Paul saw some people in Athens worshipping at an alter made for an idol named “the Unknown God” (v. 23). When Paul sees this, he teaches the people about the True God, and tells them that their beliefs are merely superstitions (v. 22-31).

      When the Athenians heard Paul’s sermon, did they get mad at him and throw him out of the city or try to  kill him? No. They acted as if they were fine with what he said and even offered to hear him again sometime  (v. 32). They appeared unfazed by his words, and therefore did not allow the Truth to  penetrate their hearts and motivate them to change.

1. Retaliate: These types of people do allow the constructive criticism to penetrate their hearts, and they feel pain from knowing that they are doing wrong or they simply get mad, because their “pet sins” have been exposed. However, instead of allowing this realization to spur them to change for the better, they “lash out” at the person trying to help them and attempt to hurt them emotionally with their words and actions.  Sometimes, they may even resort to physical violence.  This way, the person needing the correction can focus on “getting even” with the other person rather than taking the time to grow spiritually themselves.

       We see an extreme case of this in Acts Chapter 7 when Stephen confronts the Jews in the synagogue for their unbelief in Jesus. He rebukes them by saying “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.”(v.51). Instead of feeling the sting of  Stephen’s  rebuke and converting to Christianity, the Jews in Acts 7 felt their hearts pricked by the Truth, but decided to become angry at the messenger, Stephen. They retaliated against Stephen by taking him   outside of the city and stoning him to death (v.59-60).

1. Be Humble and Change: When we humble ourselves and accept the fact that we are not always right all of the time, then we will be more willing to accept constructive criticism from those who honestly have our best interest at heart. God wants us to do this in order to grow spiritually stronger and gain wisdom. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15).

        In Acts chapter 2, the apostle Peter had just preached the very first sermon in the first worship service of  the church of Christ on the first day of Pentecost after the Resurrection of Christ, in the first century, A.D.     
       Instead of becoming angry with the messenger, many people who heard the preaching of the Gospel were pricked in their hearts, and asked Peter what they needed to do to be saved (v. 37).  Unlike those who stoned Stephen, who were said to be “cut to the heart” (Acts 7:54), and then proceeded to gnash on him with their teeth and stone him, these people of Acts 2 were cut or pricked to the heart, and responded  appropriately by asking what to do to be saved.  Peter replied with the following: “Repent and be baptized  every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (v.38).
       These people had humbled themselves and allowed themselves to hear Peter’s message from God which meant  that they were spiritually wrong. They “that gladly received his word were baptized,” and 3,000 souls were        baptized that day (v. 41). Consider how many souls would be saved today and how many faithful Christians  there would be if everyone was as open to the Truth as these people!
       To grow spiritually, we have to be open to constructive criticism, even though it may not feel good to us in the beginning. We do not always see the error of our ways, and we can learn from the wisdom of others, “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” (Proverbs 17:10). We can also learn from daily Bible reading: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (I Timothy 3:16, Psalm 1:2, II Timothy 2:15).
        Likewise, if we are the ones giving constructive criticism to an erring brother or sister in Christ, we should be mindful of the 3 reactions we may get in return and prepare ourselves to handle them accordingly.  Remember, too, that sometimes constructive criticism is given to those who are doing right, but who could do even better.  If we can focus on being the best Christians we can be, and help others do the same, then we all can spend an eternity in Heaven together!

        In this life, there is a certain view that many people of the world have of what makes a person a success. Most people in the world consider having great riches makes a person a success. Others may think that being famous makes you a success. Still others may say that living life the way you want to live it makes you a success. But what does it mean to really be a success in life?
        Being a true success in life doesn’t require you to have a lot of money. It doesn’t require you to have a high-paying, high-profile job. It doesn’t even require you to be famous. What makes us a true success in life is living our lives as faithful Christians and going to Heaven when we die. If we fail to do either of these things, then we are failures in life. King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:13 says; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Our whole purpose for being on this earth is to fear God and to obey Him. If we do these things throughout our lives and are able to have a home in Heaven after we die, then we are a true success!
         Likewise, we are a success if we teach our children to be faithful Christians. Most parents are focused on making sure that their children make a certain letter grade in school, learn as much as they can about the various subjects taught in school, or acquire that academic or athletic scholarship. Unfortunately, many parents place these things above this children’s spiritual training. There are many children who do very well in school, but who have never been to a worship service of the church. This is so sad because these parents are setting their children up for failure. Yes, they may do well in this life, with jobs that allow them to make enough money to have as many temporary luxuries as they want. However, when it’s all said and done, and their lives are over, these children who were taught to base their entire focus and identity on earthly things, will have no place in Heaven, which is solely for  spiritually minded Christians.
        Parents, if you fail to do your duty of training your children to be faithful Christians throughout their lives, then you are a failure in life. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
       We have to measure ourselves with God’s Measurements, not the measuring stick that the world uses, because the world only focuses on the “here-and-now.” Our minds should be always fixed on eternity, and when we do this, the various troubles and cares of this world will seem more like the “small stuff” in comparison. The “big stuff” in life have to do with spiritual matters, not matters of the world. We cannot let our jobs, families, friends, hobbies, or anything else take priority above serving God and obeying Him.
         If we allow worldly things to take first place over spiritual things, then we are making the world our home and not Heaven. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:19-21), If we lose Heaven, we have lost everything and everything we have done while on this earth will be for nothing. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
         So, do not worry about how much or how little you have accomplished in this life. If you are living the life of a faithful Christian, you are a major success in this life! It does not matter what the world thinks of you, it is what God Thinks of you that matters! If you are not living faithfully to God’s Word, I encourage you to start doing so now! Your eternal soul depends on it!

         As Christians, we are to examine our own spiritual lives and make sure that it lines up with God’s Word in the Bible. We are commanded to examine ourselves in II Corinthians 13:5.   “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” The word “reprobate” in this verse means “unapproved” by God. So, in order for us to remain faithful Christians from the point at which we are baptized to the point of our death, we have to take the time to think about how we conduct ourselves from day to day and determine if there is anything amiss in our lives.
      To help you examine your spiritual standing with God, here are a few questions that may help.  Ask yourself these questions to help determine if you are still living the life of a faithful Christian:

1. Are you keeping the greatest commandment which is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind? (Matthew 22:37)
2. Is the Lord First in every list of your priorities? Does God come First with your money and time? “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).
3. Have you been keeping the second greatest commandment, which is to love my neighbor as myself? (Matthew 22:39)
4. Have you been seeking to teach others? “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19).
5. Am you growing as a Christian? “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” (II Peter 1:3-7). We should look to the 7 Christian Graces and working to grow in them every day. "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:5-8). 
6. Have you not been forsaking the assembly of the church? “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”(Hebrews 10:25).
7. Do you do personal devotionals to God? Do you pray without ceasing? (I Thessalonians 5:17)?  Do you study the Bible every day (II Timothy 2:15)?
8. Do you keep yourself free from sin? “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” (I John 3:9)  To keep oneself from sin, you have to watch everything you say and do, and the outside sources that you expose yourself to. You also have to guard what your children say and do as well, so that they can grow up to be faithful Christians throughout their lives.
9. Are you guarding your thoughts? “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:5).
10. Do you diligently resist the temptation to sin? “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2). Whenever we are tempted to sin, God will always provide a way for us to escape the temptation without committing sin. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13).

     We need to be self-monitoring ourselves frequently to make sure that we are living the most authentic, faithful Christian lives possible. Of course, we cannot earn heaven, but we can do God’s Will everyday of our lives, and through His Good Grace and Mercy, receive Heaven as our reward! Any persecution and pain that we suffer in this life will be worth it in the end!