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A BLESSED MAN Psalm 1:1-6 (KJV) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:1-6 (Living) Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men's advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. 2But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. 3They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper. 4But for sinners, what a different story! They blow away like chaff before the wind. 5They are not safe on Judgment Day; they shall not stand among the godly. 6For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom. Psalm 1:1-6 (MsgB) How well God must like you— you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. 2 Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. 3 You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. 4 You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust— 5 Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. 6 God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row. PSALM 1: The Way of the Righteous A righteous person rejects the lifestyle of the wicked ( 1:1 ) to find delight in God’s Law (v. 2 ), a choice which yields stability and prosperity (v. 3 ). The wicked are vulnerable to destruction (vv. 4–6 ), for God supervises the outcome of man’s moral choices. Sinners go from bad to worse ( 1:1 ). “Walk” refers to infrequent ungodliness. “Stand” describes the habitual practice of sin. The image “sit in the seat” is of those who instruct others in a community’s way of life, so that sitting with scoffers is hardened commitment to sin’s ways. The wicked ( 1:4 ). The Heb. root word ra�"ah means “evil” or “bad.” But the emphasis of “wicked” in the O.T. is on the moral deficiencies that find expression in injuring other persons. What characterizes the wicked is pride and viciousness expressed. Chaff ( 1:4 ). The ancient farmer crushed stalks of grain with a weighty, ox-drawn sled and then tossed them in the air. The lighter bits of straw and husks were blown away. Chaff is a frequent symbol of the wicked. They are insubstantial and worthless, destined to be discarded by God. Ps 1:1–6 . The character and condition, and the present and future destiny, of the pious and the wicked are described and contrasted, teaching that true piety is the source of ultimate happiness, and sin of misery. As this is a summary of the teachings of the whole book, this Psalm, whether designedly so placed or not, forms a suitable preface. 1. Blessed —literally, “oh, the happiness”—an exclamation of strong emotion, as if resulting from reflecting on the subject. The use of the plural may denote fulness and variety ( 2Ch 9:7 ). 2 Chron. 9:7 (KJV) Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. counsel … way … seat —With their corresponding verbs, mark gradations of evil, as acting on the principles, cultivating the society, and permanently conforming to the conduct of the wicked, who are described by three terms, of which the last is indicative of the boldest impiety (compare Ps 26:4 , 5 ; Je 15:17 ). Psalm 26:4-5 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. 5I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked. Jeremiah 15:17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. 2. law —all of God’s word then written, especially the books of Moses (compare Ps 119:1 , 55 , 97 , &c.).  Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law. Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 3. like a tree —( Je 17:7 , 8 ). Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. planted —settled, fast. shathal, Hebrew 8362, shaw-thal'; a primitive root; to transplant :- plant. by —or, “over.” the rivers —canals for irrigation. shall prosper —literally, “make prosper,” brings to perfection. The basis of this condition and character is given ( Ps 32:1 ).  Psalm 32:1 A Psalm of David, Maschil.Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Proverbs 28:13 (Living) A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. 4. not so —either as to conduct or happiness. like the chaff —which, by Eastern modes of winnowing against the wind, was utterly blown away.  5. stand in the judgment —be acquitted. They shall be driven from among the good ( Mt 25:45 , 46 ). Matthew 25:45-46 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Acts 10:42 (KJV) And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 6. knoweth the way —attends to and provides for them ( Ps 101:6 ; Pr 12:10 ; Ho 13:5 ). Psalm 101:6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Hosea 13:5 I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. way of the wicked —All their plans will end in disappointment and ruin ( Ps 37:13 ; 146:8 ; Pr 4:19 ). Psalm 37:13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. Psalm 146:8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous: Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. Joshua 24:15 (KJV) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Romans 6:13 (KJV) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:19 (KJV) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
The Candle Burns Out September 29 Evangelist George Whitefield longed to die preaching, and he almost did. In 1770, on a final tour through the American colonies, he ignored the pleas of doctors and friends to rest. When too tired to preach, he lifted his voice all the more. When asthmatic colds caused breathing crimps, he ignored them. He claimed that a good “pulpit sweat” was beneficial. But the vomiting, diarrhea, and shivering increased as autumn arrived. On Saturday, September 29, 1770, Whitefield rode to Exeter, New Hampshire, where someone, seeing his appearance, told him he was more fit to go to bed than to preach. “It’s true,” Whitefield replied, then he burst into prayer: “Lord, I am weary in thy work, but not of it. If I have not yet finished my course, let me speak for Thee once more and come home and die.” A crowd assembled and Whitefield stood precariously atop a barrel. He quoted 2 Corinthians 13:5—Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith—then began to preach. “He rose up sluggishly and wearily,” reported an eyewitness, “as if exhausted by his labors. His face seemed bloated, his voice hoarse, his enunciation heavy. But then his mind kindled, and his lionlike voice roared to the extremities of his audience.” He told the crowd he would rather climb to the moon by a rope of sand than try to achieve heaven by works. Whitefield kept his audience spellbound for two hours. Then he suddenly cried, “I go! I have outlived many on earth but they cannot outlive me in heaven. My body fails, my spirit expands.” Finishing his sermon, he was helped from the barrel to his horse and he continued to Newburyport. That evening a group of friends gathered and asked Whitefield to speak to them. He begged off, citing asthma. But then he rose and took a lighted candle, starting up the steps. Turning, he delivered a brief but moving message. When the candle died out, he continued up the stairs and went on to his bed where he died during the night. Test yourselves and find out if you really are true to your faith. If you pass the test, you will discover that Christ is living in you. But if Christ isn’t living in you, you have failed. I hope you will discover that we have not failed. 2 Corinthians 13:5,6 Morgan, Robert J.: On This Day : 265 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs & Heroes. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, c1997, S. September 29
Why We Get High
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What prompts millions to court danger by abusing chemical substances in search of elusive pleasure? Are they missing something in their lives? Why do people take such risks? The ultimate answer can be found not in clinical programs or medical textbooks, but in the Holy Bible!
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Why do millions abuse chemical substances? Is there a missing dimension in their lives? Are there real answers to these troubling questions?
The world is awash in dangerous—yet pleasure-producing—chemical substances. Millions use and abuse these potentially deadly substances as self-administered drugs—in spite of well-publicized risks and documented fatalities. But why do people do this? Why do young people and adults alike deliberately take such risks? Why would someone willingly court disaster? Surprisingly, the real keys to understanding and combating substance abuse are not found in clinical programs or medical textbooks, but in the Bible! This may sound strange to modern ears, but the evidence is available. It is clear. It is sobering—and it is encouraging!
The Chemical Minefield!
Substance abuse is a global problem encompassing a broad range of chemicals. If something can be ingested, injected, inhaled or absorbed into the human body, it can be abused! In America over 90 million people (nearly one-third of the population) either abuse these drugs or have a relationship with someone who is chemically dependent! Other countries face a similar problem.
Alcoholic beverages are consumed and abused around the world. Alcohol produces pleasurable effects by relaxing muscles and sedating the brain so that worries temporarily vanish. In moderate amounts, alcohol produces healthful changes in the human body. But frequent use at intoxicating levels clouds judgment, slows reflexes, causes memory loss and blackouts, damages the heart and liver, weakens the immune system and causes birth defects. Drunkenness is directly linked to accidents, job loss, violent crimes and suicide. In short, alcohol abuse kills and maims. It disrupts and destroys the very fabric of normal human society.
The use of tobacco is "the most serious and widespread addictive behavior in the world and the major cause of preventable deaths in our society" (An Invitation to Health, Hales, 5th ed., 1992, p. 399). Smoking is directly linked to heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases like emphysema, breast and bladder cancer, miscarriage and—in children of smokers—low birth weight, birth defects and mental retardation (Ibid., pp. 403-408). Smokers have a death rate three times higher than non-smokers and have five times more heart attacks.
Recreational drugs are chemical substances taken for thrill and pleasure. LSD and PCP are hallucinogens that alter mental perception and promote a feeling of superhuman strength—yet these drugs can trigger violent behavior and psychotic attacks. Cocaine and amphetamines provide a temporary feeling of heightened energy and confidence but damage the heart and brain. Designer drugs such as Ecstasy—used by thousands at all-night dance parties called "raves"—create feelings of warmth and openness yet can permanently damage brain cells and can kill the user (see Time, June 5, 2000, pp. 62-73).
Nearly one half of the drug abuse in the United States involves the misuse of prescription drugs. This involves forged prescriptions, Medicaid frauds, black market sales, accidental misuse of prescribed drugs by the elderly and errors made by physicians (see Prescription Drug Abuse: The Hidden Epidemic, Colvin, 1995). Perhaps one of the biggest areas of concern is the astonishing increase in the use of Ritalin, a physician-prescribed drug given to American children diagnosed with ADHD (see accompanying box: America's New Disease!)
Caffeine—the active ingredient in coffee, tea and a variety of soft drinks—is probably "the most-used drug in the world" (Hales, p. 345). High levels of caffeine ingestion have been linked to heart problems, breast lumps and bladder cancer, but conclusive proof is lacking. However, large amounts of caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness, insomnia and gastrointestinal disturbances. Continued use of caffeine containing beverages can lead to psychological and physical dependency (see Drugs, Society and Human Behavior, Ray & Ksir, 1990, pp. 230-232).
Cost of Abuse
Many widely used chemical substances damage the brain, heart and lungs of the user as well as the bodies of unborn children. The use of drugs contributes to the leading causes of death in the world—heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. Drug abuse also generates an incredible financial burden for society. Estimated costs of substance abuse in America exceed $240 billion a year (Colvin, p. 100). In the United States approximately "one out of five hospital beds is occupied by someone with substance abuse as a contributing factor" and nearly "50 percent of all preventable deaths are related to some aspect of substance abuse" (Ibid.). A World Bank study indicated "tobacco use causes a net global loss of $200 billion [U.S. dollars] per year" (World Health, Sept./Oct. 1998, p. 23). Substance abuse and its consequences are major medical and social problems.
But why do we do it? Why do young people and adults around the world use and abuse dangerous chemical substances that clearly have the capacity to damage and destroy our brains, our bodies, our families and ultimately our societies?
Underlying Causes
Media reports and many academic publications suggest that substance abuse is due to poverty, low self-esteem and genetics. Drugs users are said to be victims of their environment and their heredity. Yet these commonly accepted ideas downplay or ignore evidence that clearly points in another direction. While some may have a biological sensitivity to alcohol and other chemicals, there is a well-recognized psychological aspect of substance abuse—which involves choices that individuals make for themselves.
Numerous studies indicate that people begin using drugs out of curiosity. Many are lured by the illusion that a magical substance can make you happy, outgoing, confident and provide meaning for an otherwise empty life. Many are looking for a way to escape the pressures of life or the boredom of daily routines or deal with depression (Hales, p. 318). Many begin using chemical substances for social reasons—to fit in and gain acceptance, to enhance low self-esteem, or make an impression and be noticed. Advertising promotes the mistaken idea that to have fun you have to use chemical substances. Millions of impressionable people see substance abuse behaviors modeled in movies or on television. Culture also plays a role in substance abuse. Russians, for example "are the world's heaviest drinkers" and the director of a Moscow clinic comments, "if you don't drink in Russia, something is wrong with you" (World Press, Nov. 1997, p. 44). Many individuals in other cultures also share this view!
Perhaps the most instructive information available today comes from extensive research on young people (see page 14: Risk Factors for Substance Abuse). These risk factors are primarily social and psychological factors—involving the influence of parents and peers—that mold the values and personal behavior of young people. The more risk factors individuals have, the more prone they will be to abuse chemical substances. This suggests that substance abuse is strongly associated with a lack of values, a lack of guidance, a lack of positive role models and a stronger relationship with negative peers than with parents. Research indicates that young people who associate with non-conforming peers involved in a deviant subculture are more prone to substance abuse than young people who have personality problems or face socioeconomic difficulties (Ray & Ksir, p. 13). While genetics may be a factor for some who develop chemical dependencies, formative environmental influences appear to play a much more significant role. These important findings provide valuable clues for solving the problem of abuse.
Real Solutions
Today, the medical model of addiction dominates the thinking of much of the Western world (see The Diseasing of America: Addiction Treatment Out of Control, Peele, 1989). This model suggests that people who abuse chemical substances or have behavior-related problems are the victims of a disease—faulty genes that produce internal chemical imbalances. Yet this currently accepted theory promotes the false notion that people "have little control over their lives…. It also excuses lawlessness by wildly mixing up moral responsibility with disease diagnosis" (Hales, p. 318) That is an incredible statement! Much of the information today about substance abuse actually undermines personal responsibility. Even programs that attempt to cultivate the capacity to "say no" to drug abuse are incomplete in significant ways.
Studies in human behavior have identified important factors associated with the prevention of substance abuse. Young people who "are religious, attend school regularly, get good grades, have good relationships with their parents and do not break the law are the students who report the least drinking and drug use" (Ray & Ksir, p. 13). These powerful values and positive behaviors can be fostered in the home by competent and caring parents and other adult members of the family. Promoting positive values that foster personal responsibility—by right education, positive peer influence and by a good example—is a documented and proven method of preventing and combating substance abuse (see page 14: Factors Preventing Substance Abuse).
But there is more to the story! If people are going to "say no" to drugs and other risky behaviors, they must have compelling reasons that go beyond just wanting to stay healthy and improve one's self image. Writing in the Unesco Courier, Federico Mayor states, "to fight the demand for drugs, we have to go to the root of the problem and give life a purpose… we must offer young people not just a means to live but a reason to do so" (Dec. 1998, p. 9). Young people and adults need to be informed about the personal and social consequences of substance abuse and develop "refusal skills" to say no to tempting yet dangerous situations. But on a more fundamental level, everyone needs to understand the ultimate reasons for avoiding risky and destructive behaviors. Those reasons, however, are not found in medical textbooks or treatment manuals but are revealed in the Bible.
America's New Disease
More and more Americans are concerned that they or their children might have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Symptoms include poor attention span, poor self-control (impulsivity) and hyperactivity. Although no specific cause has ever been identified, many Americans believe they have found a cure—Ritalin. In 1997 five million people in America were on the drug—an astounding 700 percent increase since 1990. However some physicians are beginning to ask if Americans are really afflicted by a new disease or if we are merely facing the consequences of our own actions?
ADHD is thought by some to be due to excessive motor activity in the brain. While this may be true for a small number of individuals, this theory does not account for important environmental influences. About 90 percent of Ritalin users live in the United States where it is "primarily a white, middle-to-upper-middle class phenomenon" (see Running on Ritalin, Diller, 1998, p. 36). Males outnumber females four or five to one. ADHD children often come from households characterized by "severe marital discord, low social class, large family size, paternal criminality, maternal mental disorder and foster care placement" (Ibid., p. 97).
Perhaps the most sobering observations made by Dr. Diller, a pediatrician, involve the parents and family patterns of children with the symptoms of ADHD and its related conditions, CD (control disorder) and ODD (oppositional defiant disorder)—with symptoms that include: often loses temper, argues with adults, deliberately annoys others. Diller states "many kids improved sufficiently without medication, just by working with the family and the school" (Ibid., p. 84). It appears that many ADHD children never develop a moral sense—they are never adequately socialized. Their parents either do not have time to parent or do not know how to parent!
According to Diller, modern American society may be an ADHD-generating culture—in other words, we are doing it to ourselves. Two-career families and single mothers who work outside the home are part of the mix. Children farmed out to day care centers and pre-schools, who are not ready for that exposure, feel abandoned by their parents. These "sad, angry children who feel bad about themselves act out their confusion and insecurity" and are labeled ADHD kids (Ibid., p. 82). Television programs and video games that promote aggression and feature impulsive acts of violence aggravate the problem. This all feeds the spiraling demand for Ritalin. Since 1990 the makers of Ritalin have enjoyed a 500 percent increase in profits from the sale of the drug (Ibid., p. 35). What we used to handle successfully with education and discipline—including spanking—we now want to treat with drugs (Ibid., pp. 188-198).
A return to the biblical concept of the family, where the father provides guidance and resources for a safe environment and the mother is the homemaker and supplies the personal attention so essential to the development of young children, would begin to immediately reverse this new American disease. The real solution for many ADHD and related disorders involves preparing to handle the responsibilities of marriage and learning how to parent—not more prescriptions for Ritalin.
The Biblical Dimension
One of the guiding philosophies of life today is "if it feels good, do it." While this sounds logical, it is a shortsighted philosophy with dangerous consequences. In a world devoid of meaning, we have become hooked on a search for new and different sensations. A movie star recently said, "Give it to me, I want to taste it, I want to feel it." Tragically, our secular society has thrown away the divine road map that explains in detail not only how to live life, but why we need to live a certain way. The Bible shows the way out of the global problems of substance abuse.
The Scriptures reveal the true purpose of life and the real reasons for living a certain way (knowing when to say yes and when to say no). In Genesis we learn that the Creator of the universe made us in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we are to take care of what God created (v. 28). The Bible states the human body is "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14), that our body is "the temple of God" and that "if any man [person] defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). The concepts of personal responsibility and facing the consequences for our own actions are fundamental themes that permeate the Scriptures. God made us free moral agents for the purpose of learning to make wise choices (see Deuteronomy 30:15-20). It is the job of parents and leaders in society to teach younger generations the way to live that leads to a truly abundant life (Deuteronomy 4:6-10; 6:7; Proverbs 22:6). Young people must be taught and shown by example that the laws of God are practical and not just ceremonial (Proverbs 3:1-2). Experienced adults must convey the lesson that "there is a way that seems right [thrilling, exciting, full of fun] to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12). Young people must be encouraged to "ponder the path of [their] feet" (Proverbs 4:26), to set worthwhile goals (Matthew 6:33), to do their best (Ecclesiastes 9:10) and to choose their friends carefully (Proverbs 1:10-19). The way to real happiness involves making wise decisions (Proverbs 3:13-15)—not the futile search to find a magical chemical substance!
The Bible also gives specific guidelines regarding the use of chemical substances. The Scriptures warn repeatedly against drunkenness and the abuse of alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Ephesians 5:17-18; 1 Peter 4:1-3). However, the Bible also recognizes the healthful aspects of alcohol (1 Timothy 5:23) and sanctions its use in a variety of ways (Deuteronomy 14:26; Ecclesiastes 9:7; Matthew 26:29). The message of Scripture is moderation (Philippians 4:5, KJV). When this message is missing, especially in the home, serious consequences arise. Young people, who see alcohol and other substances abused at home and find their own abuse of chemical substances sanctioned or tolerated by parents, tend to seek out peers who do the same things—which leads to continued abuse. Following biblical guidelines will go a long way toward preventing the abuse of chemical substances. Doing what "feels good" for the moment is the easy road to self-destruction!
The Bible not only records ultimate reasons and specific instructions for preventing abuse, it provides personal case studies for our admonition. Solomon was given wisdom by God (1 Kings 3:9-12), but he apparently learned some lessons the hard way—by experience! In chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes, Solomon describes his futile attempt to find happiness by pursing whatever physical pleasure his heart desired—the proverbial wine (2:3), women and song routine. His experiment was an abysmal failure, and he became a candidate for suicide (2:17). The ultimate lesson Solomon learned is recorded at the end of the book: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). This is the ultimate reason for not abusing chemical substances—we will all be held accountable by our Creator for our actions! When Jesus Christ returns to this earth, those who have learned to make wise choices and live according to the laws of God will be rewarded, while those who ignore His divine laws and guidelines will be punished (Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 11:18).
Substance abuse has plagued mankind down through the ages. Yet research indicates "drug addiction is highly treatable if patients are motivated and feel they have something to live for…. Individuals must feel there is something better in the world than drugs" (Hales, p. 369). The medicalization of substance abuse—viewing it as a disease—is a human attempt to remove the feeling of guilt from the abuser. This approach not only ignores the real causes of substance abuse, but also takes away powerful motivating factors for avoiding abuse or changing destructive behavior. The Bible explains that God will reward those who walk in His ways, as well as those who overcome personal behavior problems. Our Creator not only reveals the true purpose for human life, He also outlines the way that leads to happy, healthy fulfilling lives. When that knowledge is missing from our lives, we are irresistibly lured by the temptation to get high! To learn more about your Creator, the true purpose of life and the powerful, unchanging principles that lead to real happiness, request our free booklets The Real God: Proofs and Promises and Your Ultimate Destiny. These booklets could end your search for a chemical crutch and change your life forever!
Risk Factors for Substance Abuse
Early alcohol intoxication
Adult examples of drug use
Peer approval of drug use
Parental approval of drug use
Absence from school
Poor academic achievement
Low educational aspirations
Little religious commitment
Emotional distress
Dissatisfaction with life
(Drugs, Society and Human Behavior, Ray & Ksir, 1990, p. 14)
Factors Preventing Substance Abuse
A purpose in life
A strong system of values
Positive parental examples
Close relationship with parents
Positive peer influences
Academic achievement
High educational aspirations
Regular school attendance
Regular church attendance
Realistic long term goals
Knowledge of consequences
Hope of a reward
SEPTEMBER 27 MORNING
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see we beseech thee, we are all thy people. — Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God. Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. — It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Proverbs 16:5. Isaiah 64:8,9. Jeremiah 31:18,19. Lamentations 3:27. Job 5:6,7, SEPTEMBER 27 EVENING
Yea, hath God said? Genesis 3:1 When the tempter came to Jesus, he said, If thou be the Son of God. — Jesus said unto him, It is written, ... it is written, ... it is written. — Then the devil leaveth him. I may not return with thee. For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there. He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. So he went back with him. The man of God ... was disobedient unto the word of the Lord: therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the Lord. — Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. — Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Matthew 4:3. Matthew 4:4,7,10. Matthew 4:11. 1 Kings 13:16-19, 26. Galatians 1:8. Psalm 119:11. —Daily Light on the Daily Path
1 John 2:27
You are anointed of God "And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you, but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him" (NASB). Introduction: God has anointed you so that you may be equipped for every good work: to resist evil, to know the truth, to preach the Word, to be able to pray, to have fellowship with God. . . . expound on this. - You are anointed of God.
- Have you ever considered yourself to be an anointed Christian?
- Maybe you’ve thought that only certain people in ministry are anointed?
- Maybe you’ve only considered that the O.T. prophets and the N.T. apostles were the only ones anointed and that you are not.
- No matter what you have or haven’t thought about the anointing of God, if you are a Christian, then you have received an anointing.
- Do you know this anointing is? Do you know what it means to be anointed?
- According to Webster’s Dictionary, to anoint means to "rub oil or ointment on," "to put oil on in a ceremony of consecration." So, to anoint something or someone is to apply something, in this case oil, to an object.
- Maybe you have been anointed with oil in a prayer service, or when someone has prayed over you for healing.
- Maybe you’ve even done the anointing.
- Then again, perhaps the idea of anointing with oil is foreign to you.
- Whatever the case, anointing is found all over the Bible.
- Prophets were anointed
- 1 Kings 19:16 says, "Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet" (NIV)
- Priests were anointed
- Exodus 40:13, says "Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest" (NIV).
- Kings were anointed
- 1 Samuel 16:3,13 says, "Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate...13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah," (NIV).
- The sick were anointed.
- Mark 6:13 "They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them" (NIV).
- Objects were anointed
- Leviticus 8:10 "Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them," (NIV).
- For what purpose were they anointed?
- Prophets were anointed to be able to proclaim God’s word.
- Priests were anointed to carry out their duties of worship and sacrifice.
- Kings were anointed so they could rule.
- People were anointed for healing.
- Object were anointed so they could be set aside for holy use.
- As you can see, anointing is a very biblical concept and a common occurrence.
- As I said, anointing occurs for a purpose: for proclaiming, for worship, for sacrifice, for ruling, for healing, and to make something ready for holy use.
- In fact, that is why Jesus was anointed, so that He could carry out His ministry.
- In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 61:1-2 and said, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor," (NIV).
- Alright, so now you know that anointing is biblical, that it was done for a variety of reasons, and that even Jesus was anointed. You may ask why this is important. It is important because it helps you understand better your need for anointing.
- 1 John 2:27 says that you have received an anointing. You have been anointed, but with what?
- For a clue to that, let’s go to Jesus’ baptism in Matt. 3:13_17 "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (NIV)
- Have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptized into John’s baptism of repentance?
- Some say it was to identify with us; there is much truth in that.
- Others say it was to be an example; there is also much truth there, too.
- Probably the main reason that Jesus was baptized was because it was at His baptism that He began His ministry and entered into the Melchizedek priesthood so He could become the High Priest and be the Holy Sacrifice.
- Amos 3:7 "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."
- Exodus 29:1,4_7 "This is what you are to do to consecrate them, so they may serve me as priests:... (after offering a blood sacrifice) 4Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. 5Take the garments and dress Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself and the breast piece. Fasten the ephod on him by its skillfully woven waistband. 6Put the turban on his head and attach the sacred diadem to the turban. 7Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head" (NIV).
- Numbers 4:3 "Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work in the Tent of Meeting" (NIV).
- So Jesus was probably 30 years old when He began His ministry.
- In Jesus’ baptism, He was anointed with the Holy Spirit that descended as a dove. Jesus was washed in baptism and He was anointed with the Spirit of God.
- If Jesus needed to be anointed, then so do you.
- Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit who would teach us all things (John 14:26).
- John 14:26, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
- 1 John 2:27 "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit __ just as it has taught you, remain in him."
- The anointing you have received, then, is the Holy Spirit.
- What does this mean, then, that you are anointed with the Holy Spirit?
- It means that you are anointed for Christian ministry while you live in this world.
- It means that you have been enabled, entrusted, and empowered to accomplish God’s will. In my research about this I found about 40 things you are anointed to do. Ten of them are:
- To be able to discern truth - 1 John 2:27.
- To testify of the truth - 1 John 5:6 "This is the one who came by water and blood __ Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth."
- To be able to pray - Rom. 8:39 "and Ephesians 6:18 which says, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. . . "
- To Live a righteous life - Romans 8:4 "in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit."
- To be strengthened with power in your inner being - Ephesians 3:16 "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,"
- To be led by God - Romans 8:9 "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."
- To live in joy - Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,"
- To live in hope - Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
- To receive spiritual gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:4 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit."
- 1 Corinthians 12:7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
- To bear spiritual fruit - Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
- It is this anointing that opens your mind, teaches you, guides you, calls you to pray, empowers you, and enables you to be stronger Christians, more powerful Christians. Not just people who are saved, but people who are saved, indwelt, and empowered.
- How, then, is this anointing received
- The Cross
- The Holy Spirit is received by faith in the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.
- Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit would indwell His people.
- It is only because of the cross that you have forgiveness of sins, and the privilege of the indwelling Spirit, no only in you, but upon you.
- Conclusion
- You are anointed vessels of God. You have been cleansed by God and been filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Not only is He in you but He is upon you.
- As the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost in the upper room and anointed them for service, you too have been anointed by God with the Holy Spirit for Christian service.
- I have taught you this so that you would learn about your anointing.
Hopefully, with a better understanding of what God has given you in Christ and by the Holy Spirit, you will be better able to live for God, better able to pray to Him, love Him, trust Him, and better able to dwell in hope and joy.
SEPTEMBER 26 MORNING
A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 Him that judgeth righteously. — We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. — Every one of us shall give account of himself to God. — The soul that sinneth it shall die. Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd. — The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. — Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. — Mercy rejoiceth against judgment. — The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. — Just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. — Justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:23. 2 Corinthians 5:10. Romans 14:12. Ezekiel 18:4. Zechariah 13:7. Isaiah 53:6. Psalm 85:10. Isaiah 2:13. Romans 6:23. Isaiah 45:21. Romans 3:26. Romans 3:24. SEPTEMBER 26 EVENING
Death is swallowed up in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:54 Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. If we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 1 Corinthians 15:57. Hebrews 2:14,15. Romans 6:8-10. Romans 6:11. Romans 8:37. —Daily Light on the Daily Path
September 25: Losing Heart
Recently I visited with an old friend and fellow-soldier in the faith. Years ago we had dared to believe God could and would use us to do the "impossible" for His glory. And He did! But in my recent visit with him, the old fire was gone. The "can do" spirit had dried up into a morose preoccupation with past disappointments. I was reminded of the fact that more people quit ministering to others over bitterness than problems with immorality. This morning in my devotions – with that recent visit on my mind – I discovered seven reasons the Scriptures give as to why people grow weary and lose heart – all stemming from the little Greek word, egkakeo. Basically the word describes a person who no longer is living life in step with the Spirit. Rather, he has grown selfish and self-contained, exhibiting little concern for others. Here are the seven reasons : 1. A failure to maintain a vital life of prayer — "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1) 2. A failure to keep in mind the privilege of our divine calling to minister — "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." (2 Corinthians 4:1) 3. A failure to keep in mind the fact that we will share in Christ's triumphant resurrection — "We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence… Therefore we do not lose heart… " (2 Corinthians 4:14, 16a) 4. A failure to keep in mind the immediate task of promoting believers' spiritual welfare and the glory of God — "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart… " (2 Corinthians 4:15, 16a) 5. A failure to take the long view in reaping the fruit of our efforts — "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9) 6. A failure to trust that God has a larger purpose when fellow believers suffer — "I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." (Ephesians 3:13) 7. A failure to press on in righteous living, even when you don't feel like it — "And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right." (2 Thessalonians 3:13) So, let me ask you: Do you still have that spring in your step? Do you still look forward to getting up in the morning and getting at it for God? Or has the dry rot of self-centeredness set in? No, you are better than that! As His children, let's once again take ourselves by the nap of the neck and determine to "stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58) —Facts of the Matter
Christian CPR "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Witnessing is a spiritual battle where you not only fight against ignorance and prejudice but also against Satan. He will attempt to hinder your efforts, attack you spiritually, and do a thousand other things to stop you. As a result, you can suffer spiritually dry times brought on by his attacks. So what do you do to save your spiritual life? Simple . . . Almost everyone has heard of CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It has saved many lives. I would like to introduce you to Christian CPR It can save your spiritual life. It's simple: Confess, Pray, and Read. Confess The first of the three letters represents Confession: our human need. Each person who witnesses should have his own life right with God. That doesn't mean being perfect, but it does mean actively seeking to walk in accord with God's will. It means regularly confessing your sins to God and forsaking them. This is done in prayer. Sin is not something to be taken lightly. It is so bad, so evil, so wicked, that it cost Jesus His life. The greatness of the sacrifice of Christ only reflects the greatness of the depth of sin. It took something as incredible as God on the cross to undo sin. Sin can hinder your effectiveness so you need to make sure you confess any sin to God. He will forgive you and your fellowship with Him is restored. In that proper relationship, He will guide you and empower you to speak boldly for Him. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Confession is good for the soul they say -- and it is true. It is good to bow before the Lord in humility and seek His forgiveness: "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). Be ready to confess and forsake your sins. That is what God asks.
Pray
The second letter represents Prayer: your special privilege. Through prayer you are in fellowship with the Holy Creator of the universe. You can actually speak to Him. You can worship, love, and spend time with Him. Because of what Jesus has done for you on the cross, God hears your prayers. When you desire to pray, is it your flesh that seeks Him? No. Since your natural self does not seek God and since you are still in sinful flesh, when the inclination to pray comes over you, it is God calling you to spend time with Him. He wants you to fellowship with Him. 1 Cor. 1:9 says, "God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." He wants you to be in His presence and be dependent upon Him. The one who is in the presence of the Lord cannot but have his heart filled by Him. He cannot but speak of Him: "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34). When Moses was in the presence of God, his face shone (2 Cor. 3:7). When you are in the presence of God, your heart will shine. Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. To be effective, you need to be in fellowship with God. To be in fellowship, you need to be praying, constantly. Read The third letter represents Reading: your daily bread. It is in reading the Bible that God speaks to you. The Bible is, of course, the Word of God. It is, "inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Word of God is one of the ways He has made Himself known to you. It is light for your soul, food for your thoughts, and the guide by which you should shape your life. By reading the Bible and memorizing Scripture, you are a much greater threat to Satan. When Jesus was tempted by Satan what did He use to rebuke Him? A miracle? A powerful sweep of His hand? No. He quoted Scripture (Matt. 4). Follow Jesus' example. Learn Scripture. Use it. Let it dwell in your heart and mind. Rebuke the enemy with it. Learn from it. It will nourish you. Prayer and Fellowship Fellowship with God is a privilege and a great blessing. There is nothing better or greater to have. The purpose of Christian CPR is to help remind you of the requirements for fellowship with God. Fellowship with the Lord should be the number one priority in your life. If it isn't, make it so. When Solomon was asked by God what he wanted, Solomon desired wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-9). When David was asked what he wanted, he said, "That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life" (Psalm 27:4). In the New Testament whenever Solomon is mentioned, it is not in a favorable light. Jesus said, "Not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed as beautifully as one of these lilies" (Matt. 6:28-29). Yet, David, a murderer and adulterer, was called by God a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). Why? I believe it is because David sought fellowship with God. David wanted only to be in the presence of the Lord. David, the sinner, loved God. Jesus was at the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha was busy with her preparations and Mary was at Jesus' feet. Martha mentioned that Mary was doing nothing and had left all the work to her. Jesus' reply is enlightening. He said, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." You see, the Lord desires that you spend time with Him. It is more important than all your other responsibilities, even witnessing. If you are in fellowship with the Lord, then your walk will be stronger, your love bolder, and your sin weaker. You will shine as a light to the world (Matt. 5:14) and the world will know that you are His disciple (Matt. 5:16). When you sense the desire to pray, answer it. It is God calling you to spend time in His wonderful presence and be filled by Him. And there in His presence is where you will gain the greatest benefit and become the most powerful witness. As you can see, CPR is an easily remembered tool that should help you understand the importance of confession, prayer, and reading. In daily prayer time seek God. In daily reading time seek God. Be like David who wanted to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Be like Mary who wanted to sit at Jesus' feet and be with Him. Be like Jesus who so often went to prayer for fellowship with God. Obey the Father who has commanded you to fellowship with Jesus. In Him are the blessings to keep your heart alive because, "grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). It is in true fellowship with Jesus that witnessing is at its best. Witnessing is not just words -- it is a way of life.
Are you ready for the coming of Jesus? My Spirit is so excited. Just the thought of the changes that will be taking place under the rule of Jesus Christ. Are you aware that God has given man 6,000 years of rule on this earth before the return of Jesus Christ to rule for 1000 years? Are you aware that under the rule of Jesus, that we will have to be re-educated to follow the rule of Christ and retaught on how to take care of ourselves in the way that God has designed for us. All of this and more can be found in our Bibles. The seals have been broken and the trumpets will soon sound. The Four Horsemen are already released and doing their jobs as recorded in the book of Daniel and Revelation. We don't have long. I'll go into a little more details and then I'll leave you with the excitement that I am enjoying. Or, you can call me crazy. Whatever your response is, God has the final say, and Jesus will make His mark on this world like never before. Just before His death and resurrection-before His departure from the Mount of Olives almost 2000 years ago-Jesus Christ promised, "I will come again" (John 14:3). Only moments after His ascension, the apostles were startled by the appearance of two divine messengers who assured them: "Thus same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven" (Acts 1:11). They confirmed Jesus's promise that He would come again and told the manner of His return. The early New Testament Church believed what Jesus said and taught His message to others. The ancient and popular doctrine of the Millennium was intimately connected with the Second Coming of Christ. As the works of the creation had been finished six days, their duration in their present state...was fixed 6000 years."The history of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire: written by Edward Gibbon." By the same analogy it was inferred that this long period of labor and contention...would be succeeded by a joyful Sabbath of a thousand years; and that Christ, with the triumphant band of the saints and the elect who had escaped death, or who had been miraculously revived, would reign upon Earth till the time appointed for the last and general resurrection." Not long after Jesus began His Church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2), a competing church was established which counterfeited or totally rejected basic truths of God taught by the true Church. The Church that Jesus built was forced by persecution to go underground, holding services secretly, communicating the truth of God privately. Meanwhile, the counterfeit church flourished. Notice how the truth about Christ's Second coming came to be regarded. Among the millions of professing Christians who still expect the Second Coming of Christ, there are hundreds of differing concepts about the time and manner of His return. The three principal ideas are the "Post millennial Coming," the "Secret Rapture" and the "Spiritual Coming." It was not until about A.D. 1700 that an English clergyman put forward the idea that Christ's Second Coming would follow the Millennium-the time during which His Kingdom was prophesied to rule the Earth. But those who maintain this idea are finding it increasingly difficult to believe that modern man can ever achieve worldwide peace and prosperity without the intervention of Christ's strong hand (Isaiah 40:10). Never before this modern age of nuclear weapons have men been capable of destroying all life on earth. Man is now literally on the brink of blasting or polluting himself from the face of the this planet! That fact alone should tell us why, and partly WHEN, Christ must return. God is love (1 John 4:16). God and Christ love all of humanity (John 3:16). But Christ will be angry at the sins of mankind when He returns. To save the human race ALIVE (Matthew 24:22), He is coming to punish in love! Otherwise, man would destroy all life upon the Earth! In love God revealed His way of life that leads to everything good and desirable-including eternal life- to our first parents, Adam and Eve. But they rejected that way. Their descendants have continued to reject God's way for 6000 years! People today fail to reconize any power other than their own that could bring about a literal utopia on this war-torn, problem-filled earth. God has the power to make this utopia a reality! This is the very message God sent Jesus Christ to proclaim to the world. It is the "GOSPEL"-the Good News--that Christ will return with the power of God to bring us universal peace and prosperity! Few today understand that God has alloted mankind 6000 years in which to rule himself. During this time, God has kept hands off the affairs of men. He has allowed man to pursue the course that seems right to him (Proverbs 16:235). God has given man the opportunity to prove, by experience , the basic inadequacies of any form of human government. When Jesus Christ returns, He will establish the government of God on Earth. Obedience to the laws of God will be taught throughout the world, and Christ's government will possess the power and the wisdom to enforce His laws. The strong will no longer oppress the weak--true justice will be received by all. Prophecies show that the rest of the Earth will share in the great prosperity Christ will bring to Jerusalem and the descendants of Jacob. The whole Earth will undergo remarkable changes. One of the major barriers to mutual understanding and cooperation between peoples has been the language barrier. When men cannot understand one another, they can't freely exchange ideas, philosophies, concepts or opinions. Misunderstandings often lead to conflict. Will God give all the world one pure language so all can serve and worship Him with one accord? Zephaniah 3:9. Man was once bound together by a common tongue. But he used his knowledge for EVIL--for an attempt to begin the very civilization that would have ended by DESTROYING ITSELF! (See Genesis 11). Speaking about the millennial rule of Christ, the Bible declares: "The Earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9). What a wonderful time we will have in God's rule. It's coming soon. We have to be in the will of God to experience His rule. If you haven't accepted Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior, then please, follow the steps on the front of my page. It's a simple walk of faith. Jesus Loves You All!!
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