Bible Study - Emotions (4) - Redirecting Anger - Psalm 35:1-3, 13-18 - December 27, 3030

 

Bible Study – Emotions (4) – Redirecting Anger – December 27, 2020

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “When Emotions Arise.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 35:1-3, 13-18.

Take your anger to GOD and leave matters in HIS hands.

This is a very hard thing to do, until we have exhausted every effort on our part, unless we have discovered that we can trust GOD to handle the issues of life.

When we, as GOD’S Sons or Daughters, face issues in life, do we face them passively or actively? Generally, we face them actively. But our first step needs to be bringing the issue before our LORD no matter how simple or complex and ask HIM to guide our steps toward the best solution. HE may direct us to take action or to take our hands off and wait upon HIM

Many times, David had to trust GOD to order his steps and so do we as we journey through life. Do we trust GOD? Generally, after we have let go and let GOD. We think we must do something. We must listen to the still small voice of GOD or however you know when GOD speaks to you or directs/leads you.

Let’s read Psalm 35:1-3:

Prayer for Victory

Of David.

¹ Oppose my opponents, Lord;
fight those who fight me.
² Take your shields—large and small—
and come to my aid.
³ Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers,
and assure me, “I am your deliverance.”

Bible scholars think that David wrote this Psalm. It certainly has language that relates to the experiences David had when the LORD got him out of tight spots. But regardless of who wrote it, the person had developed a strong, trusting, personal, intimate, loving, best friend relationship with GOD.

That is exactly GOD’S desire for each of us today. Most of us desire that same relationship with GOD. So, why do we not go after it? Often, we think GOD may ask us to do something we do not want to do. What will our friends think? Those are barriers to having a loving, intimate, trusting, personal, best friend relationship with GOD. FATHER, here I am warts and all, make me into the Spirit filled Christian YOU desire for me to be and give me YOUR strength to serve YOU. Thank YOU! Let’s go to work ---

¹ Oppose my opponents, Lord;
fight those who fight me.

The phrase “oppose my opponents” is a legal phrase. David needed GOD to defend him like a lawyer would defend him. He needed an advocate to defend him. (Keep in mind that JESUS is the advocate of every Christian). To me, with GOD being a person’s advocate or lawyer carries the idea that our advocate knows the truth about us when he defends us. Certainly, GOD knows the truth of any situation in which we find ourselves and HE will establish our innocence. We may be guilty but forgiven.

The word “oppose” comes from a Hebrew word “rib” and carries the idea of “to strive” or to carry out a lawsuit and all that a lawsuit involves, e.g., examine all the evidence, establish and confirm truth.

Then the psalmist called upon GOD to fight for him. David was releasing the reason for the fight from his hands into GOD’S hands. David trusted GOD to fight the battle in his behalf.

To relinquish the issues, we face in life from our hands to GOD, requires a step of faith and trust. This is trust that GOD fights for us because our trust is in HIM. Here we need discernment. There are some issues we have to respond to. If we have sinned against another person, we need to go to that person and ask for forgiveness before the sun goes down. In other words, take action quickly to resolve a matter before it has time to fester.

I recall a person I worked with jumped me verbally for no apparent reason. The person was a Christian and that night the person called me and apologized because GOD had convicted him for what he had said.

Notice the spelling used for LORD. It is all caps which indicates that David was referring to the LORD/GOD as the covenant GOD (Yahweh). Notice the spelling of Lord when we get to verse 17. It is Lord or Adonai which indicates a shift in the psalmist relationship with GOD; Still GOD but different role.

 
² Take your shields—large and small—
and come to my aid.

David knew what a warrior needed to fight in close quarters and open spaces. You needed both your large and small shield. The large shield was to deflect or protect you from a volley of arrows coming from the enemy. The small shield was for protection in close up hand to hand combat.

³ Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers,
and assure me, “I am your deliverance.”

The psalmist was asking GOD to fight in his behalf. The psalmist recognized and acknowledged that GOD can be trusted to change the balance of power and victory is certain. The spear and javelin are weapons designed to kill.

So, what can we learn from the psalmist: (Copied from page 51, Advanced Bible Study, Winter 2020-21, LifeWay, Nashville, TN)

-         When we are innocent of wrong doing, we can boldly call on the LORD to defend us as David did. (Even when we are guilty, we can ask GOD to help us – my addition.)

-         There are times when we need to step back and let GOD fight our battles and defend us against accusations.

-         Sometimes GOD elects to judge our enemies in this life, and some matters will not be cleared up until GOD’S day of final judgement, Remember HIS timing is perfect.

-         For the Christians, GOD is always our deliverance.

Also, for the yet to be Christian, GOD sends HIS angels to minister to those who are to receive salvation. If you have been delivered from certain situations but not a Christian, think about it. It may be your wake-up call to seek JESUS as your Savior.  

Let’s read Psalm 35:13-16:

¹³ Yet when they were sick,
my clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting,
and my prayer was genuine.^[a]
14 I went about mourning as if for my friend or brother;
I was bowed down with grief,
like one mourning for a mother.
¹⁵ But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
they gathered against me.
Assailants I did not know
tore at me and did not stop.
¹⁶ With godless mockery^[b]
they gnashed their teeth at me.

 

David recalled the times when some so-called friends fought together and they encountered sickness, injury or battle wounds. David ministered to them either physically or with prayer. He had put on sackcloth and prayed for them. Sackcloth was basically burlap. It was stiff and itchy and would keep you alert to pray.  Those to whom David ministered, later turned their backs on him.

 

There are times when we reach out to others that they will later turn their backs on us. How do we react when that happens? Who do we turn to?

 

Some people we go to battle for or with, can turn out to be our enemy.

 

Again, what are some lasting truths from this section of scripture as printed in the fall edition of Advanced Bible Study”

 

-         Like David, we can expect to be painfully wounded by disloyal friends

-         Sometimes people we sincerely care about will turn against us, but the LORD can always be trusted to act in our best interest

-         Enemies will celebrate and pile on when we go through difficult times.

 

Let’s read Psalm 35:17-18:

¹⁷ Lord, how long will you look on?
Rescue me from their ravages;
rescue my precious life from the young lions.
¹⁸ I will praise you in the great assembly;
I will exalt you among many people.

 

Certainly, David had placed his hope and confidence in GOD to fight for him. But David was not experiencing the results of GOD’S intervention.

 

I mentioned in verse 1 about the psalmist spelling of LORD/Lord. LORD as used in verse 1 refers to Yahweh or GOD as the covenant GOD Who is ever-present, all-pervading power and majesty. This is reference to the GOD Who rescued HIS chosen people from captivity and entered into an everlasting covenant relationship with the Israelites.

 

Lord is used for GOD but it carries the idea of God as “master.” The psalmist had shifted his thinking from their relationship being simply a covenant relationship to a servant relationship with GOD being his trusted “Master.” This relationship was based upon the fact that the psalmists willingly served GOD based upon experience and trust.

 

Since David had built such a solid relationship with GOD over time and GOD had proven faithful to deliver him from many dire situations, why was HE now taking HIS time to respond. Yes, there is a tone of impatience.

 

Do you ever get impatient with GOD? I do. Why does GOD wait? Is HE testing us? Will we take matters into our own hands or wait upon HIM?

 

The psalmist completely trusted GOD to rescue him but when? In essence, the psalmist was saying in the words he wrote, “Lord, I know that YOU know what I am experiencing and I know that YOU are going to rescue me but I do not understand why YOU are taking so long. I know YOU know what is going on in my life but I will trust YOU to rescue me at just the right time.”

 

Have you ever felt like that?

 

So, what does the psalmist do? He asked GOD again, “Rescue me from their ravages; rescue my precious life from the young lions.”

 

He was comfortable asking GOD again to rescue him from the things that were “ravaging” him which were tantamount to “young lions” going after prey to be devoured. Young lions are mature enough to go after prey. Young lions were known for their ferocity. The psalmist felt like he was being ripped apart and needed GOD to rescue him.

It seems like the psalmist was bargaining with GOD in verse ¹⁸ I will praise you in the great assembly; I will exalt you among many people.

 

When YOU deliver me, regardless of how long it takes, “I will” ---. The psalmist’ trust was still in GOD to deliver him. When that happened, he would give honor and glory to GOD because he trusted GOD. When we face circumstances, we think impossible for us to escape unless GOD intervenes, we still trust GOD to respond.  

 

If we wrote a Psalm, what would it read like? Write one.

 

FATHER, we are YOUR children but life does get tedious at times. Help us who have placed our faith in JESUS to always know that YOU never leave us or forsake us.

 

When anger rises up within us, as GOD’S Children, may we always look to YOU for the solution. We may need to ask someone to forgive us, or go to someone and seek reconciliation.

 

The Apostle Paul taught, as recorded in Ephesians 4:26 ²⁶ Be angry and do not sin.^[a] Don’t let the sun go down on your anger,

 

Do not let things fester. Do your part to resolve an issue. The other person or persons may not respond but that will be their problem. We must do our part.

 

Call upon GOD and ask HIM to help us in times of need.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Emotions (3) - Embracing Joy - Psalm 95:1-3; Luke 2:4-14 - December 20, 2020

 

Bible Study – Emotions (3) – Embracing Joy – December 20, 2020

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled, “When Emotions Rise.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 95:1-3; Luke 2:4-14.

We can experience great joy because JESUS saves.

Do you know the joy of salvation? Salvation, which is freedom from the consequence of sin and eternal death is JOY! Some scholars believe David wrote Psalm 95 but who wrote it is not the point. It reveals the heart of the person who penned the words under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, our pastor sang a song about the birth of JESUS and the Holy Spirit brought to mind the words from Genesis as recorded in Genesis 3:15:

¹⁵ I will put hostility between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.^[d]
He will strike your head,
and you will strike his heel.

Her offspring is JESUS. GOD was speaking to Satan and HE was clear. In essence GOD told “Satan there is coming a moment in time when a physical woman will give birth to a human child who you will try to kill but HE will deliver the killing blow to you.”

I could imagine Satan laughing and thinking, “I will defeat any human that is born upon earth. I know their weakness.” At just the right moment, GOD had HIS angels to announce the birth of this human baby, JESUS, to an unlikely group; shepherds. This group was so appropriate because JESUS would be the shepherd over all who will place their faith in HIM as their Savior.

I could hear, again in my imagination, Satan chuckle and tell himself, “there is no human I cannot defeat and GOD thinks that this human being, born of a virgin, to show the world that this special person came from GOD will be the Savior of the world, NEVER! I will show GOD that I am the true King!”

We know from scripture that the Virgin Mary conceived JESUS when the Holy Spirit came upon her.  JESUS was born of the virgin Mary and was tempted in all ways that humans are tempted, yet without sin. JESUS gave the world a second opportunity to have eternal life through faith in JESUS. Everything had to be done perfectly for JESUS to be the Savior of the world. GOD had a marvelous plan to accomplish HIS will and purpose. Guess what? GOD has a purpose for you and your life. Do you believe it? Or is it hidden? Did you know that GOD hides certain things which are to be revealed at just the right time? The Apostle Paul revealed in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8:

⁶ We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ On the contrary, we speak God’s hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 

Satan must have gloated when JESUS gave up HIS physical life upon the cross. But his gloat was short lived because on the third day, GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead to be eternally alive. VICTORY over sin, by the shedding of the blood of JESUS, paid in full for sin, past, present and future. The physical death of JESUS’ body reveals to the world that JESUS was human, yet GOD, by HIS resurrection. This is a guarantee that all who place their faith in the passion and resurrection of JESUS will have eternal life.

The first Adam, every human’s ancestor, sinned and lost eternal life for all humans.

JESUS’ faithfulness restored eternal life to all who will place their faith in HIM. At the second coming of JESUS, all Spirit-born Christians will receive their Glorified bodies like the Glorified body of JESUS, that HE received at HIS resurrection.

Now, that is good news! Rejoice, if you know JESUS as your Savior.

Knowing JESUS, WHO is GOD, is worthy of our praise. JESUS brings unspeakable joy into our lives. WHY? It is because HE willingly did for all who will place their faith in HIM, what they could not do for themselves. Let’s read what the Psalmist had to say about joy ----

Let’s read Psalm 95:1-3:

Worship and Warning

¹ Come, let’s shout joyfully to the Lord,
shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!
² Let’s enter his presence with thanksgiving;
let’s shout triumphantly to him in song.

³ For the Lord is a great God,
a great King above all gods.

The Psalmist used the word “come,” which means action or motion. Many think David wrote this psalm. The thought is that the writer was moving deeper into the temple complex. Going from the outer part of the temple and getting closer to the inner part, giving the idea of working ever closer to the Holy of Holies where GOD resides. Isn’t this what we all desire. We desire to get ever closer to GOD. The only way we can do that is by giving our lives to JESUS and make HIM the LORD of our lives.

According to the Psalmist, as you get closer to GOD, a sense of awe and joy overtakes you as you experience the presence of GOD. The person enters HIS presence with joy and thanksgiving. This is such a profound moment that as you come into GOD’S presence you are motivated to shout triumphantly. When we get so close to GOD that we know HIS presence, I can tell you, you want to shout. It is an overwhelming moment.

The psalmist wrote in verse ³ For the Lord is a great God,
a great King above all gods.

The One True GOD is just that, the one and only above all so called gods. The One True GOD is King. HE is above any thing we make to be our god. Satan is always at work to give apparent life and substance to false gods. There is ONE True GOD, WHO came to earth and gave HIS sinless life by the shedding of HIS blood to pay, in full, for the sins of all who will place their faith and trust in HIM. HIS name is JESUS. Let’s continue as the story of salvation continues from prophecy to unfold upon earth to reality.

All Old Testament scripture had to be fulfilled. Mary and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth, where they lived, to Bethlehem to fulfill scripture which recorded where the promised Messiah would be born (Micah 5:2). This was a trip of about 90 miles. No Greyhound, train service, Uber or Lyft. It would be a hard trip to make. But Mary climbed on a donkey and went to Bethlehem to register as required for the census. There are lots of moving parts but so does life have a multitude of moving parts. GOD is the relocator and so orders our steps. I know this from experience.

As you read the scripture copied below, see all that had to come together to get Mary to where she needed to be for this awesome event -----

Let’s read Luke 2:4-7:

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire^[a] should be registered. ² This first registration took place while^[b] Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

⁴ Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, ⁵ to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him^[c] and was pregnant. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger,^[d] because there was no guest room available for them.

GOD was born not in a place but in a stable and placed in a feeding trough.

News in that day was generally by word of mouth. No TV, cell phones, newspapers. So how would GOD get the word out that the Savior of the world was born? Shepherding was a noble business in the days of the patriarchs but when JESUS was born shepherding had degenerated to not so prestigious group. GOD uses the least likely to get the job done. HE uses those who will respond. So, HE called the shepherds into action. GOD knew that they would respond.

Let’s read Luke 2:8-14:

The Shepherds and the Angels

⁸ In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. ⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.^[e] 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:^[f] 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host^[g] with the angel, praising God and saying:

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!^[h][i]

 

Some Bible scholars believe that these shepherds were keeping the sheep to be used for sacrifice in the temple, which was about six miles from Jerusalem. Further, when sheep were born, they would be wrapped in strips of cloth to help ensure they would not have a blemish on them so they would qualify as the lamb perfect for sacrifice.

JESUS was swaddled after HE was born and placed in a feeding trough, which was the trough where a lamb would be placed for sacrifice.

JESUS was not born in a palace but in a stable. HE was born of humble circumstances, yet Kings worshipped HIM. JESUS is for all to come to HIM for salvation.

GOD is awesome! So simple, yet so profound! Thank “YOU FATHER” for so great a salvation, such that all can accept. It is not complicated. Salvation is simple enough for a child to understand and accept.

If you have not accepted JESUS as your Savior, now is the best time for you to accept HIM as yours. If that is the desire of your heart, then tell HIM that is what you want to do. Reach out to HIM and HE will reach back to you. Then thank HIM and tell someone what you have done. Then get your Bible and read it beginning with the book of Mark.

Experience the joy of salvation. Merry Christmas to all with blessings. Blessings!!! 

Bible Study - Emotions (2) - Shaking Off Fear - Psalm 91:1-16 - Decembeer 13, 2020

 

Bible Study – Emotions (2) – Shaking Off Fear – December 13, 2020

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “When Emotions Arise.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16.

GOD is our defender no matter what we face.

Kathy Covington’s dad, Rev. Jim Covington, distributed Psalm 91 Books and Bandanas to many military and civilian personnel. It was great comfort to them when they faced the uncertain issues of life; particularly in battle; physical or spiritual. As soldiers of the cross, we face a battle every day. The Apostle Paul writes about this in Ephesians 6:10-18:

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. ¹³ For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, ¹⁵ and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 

Suit up and PRAY for each other. The Christians in the world give hope to the world. DO NOT LOSE HOPE! Pray!!!

 

Let’s read Psalm 91:1-6:

The Protection of the Most High

¹ The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.

WOW! Just think about those words “the one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty!”

When we rely upon GOD and trust HIM, we abide in HIM. When we abide in HIM, we are so close to HIM 24/7 that we are always in shadow of HIS presence. That was the best intimate relationship the Old Testament writers could consider then, but since the passion of JESUS, the relationship of all who place their faith in JESUS is in unity with GOD. As written in scripture in Colossians 1:27:

²⁷ God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms this intimate relationship with GOD. Spirit-born Christian’s are the temple of GOD (1 Corinthians 3:16 - ¹⁶ Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?) In the words of Paul Harvey, now we have the rest of the story and it is magnificent and must be shared with others.

What benefits do we as Spirit-born Christians have? What does the psalmist reveal though his words as we read on ---?

² I will say^[a] concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust:

The psalmist had built the right relationship with GOD such that he knew GOD as his refuge and fortress and he could trust GOD. Do you know GOD as your refuge and fortress and you can trust HIM? What does such a knowing relationship mean to those who place their faith and trust in GOD -----

³ He himself will rescue you from the bird trap,
from the destructive plague.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.
His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ the plague that stalks in darkness,
or the pestilence that ravages at noon.

GOD so orders the steps of HIS Children to keep them from the known and unknown, seen and unseen things which come our way as we travel along the road of life. Let’s read on ---

Let’s Read Psalm 91:7-8:

⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
the pestilence will not reach you.
⁸ You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.

Here we read about the sovereignty of GOD. We are encountering a worldwide pandemic. We are seeing many people go into eternity. Will we be one or will we see the hand of GOD protect us? GOD’S Word is firm and GOD is sovereign. HE has the power to protect and the sovereignty to call people home. Here is where we must trust GOD and HIS wisdom. GOD knows the future and what would lie ahead of the person HE allows to leave earth and go home to his or her eternal reward. In these matters we must trust GOD. I know this will raise many questions regarding those who have succumbed to the pandemic and other issues that have ended in physical death. We will all die one day. We must trust GOD when that day comes.

I will copy verse 8: ⁸ You will only see it with your eyes
and witness the punishment of the wicked.

Seeing the hand of GOD at work will be revealed to you who trust GOD. Why? ------

Let’s read Psalm 91:9-13:

⁹ Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place,
¹⁰ no harm will come to you;
no plague will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will give his angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
¹² They will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the young lion and the serpent.

Have you made GOD your dwelling place through faith in JESUS?

Here we read promises of GOD for those who have made the LORD their dwelling place. Does that mean we can do things that challenge these words of truth? NO! GOD orders our steps and protects us. When we test GOD’S sovereignty, we take ourselves out from the canopy of HIS protection. We must trust GOD as HE orders our steps through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Do you recall who quoted verse 12 to JESUS? In Matthew 4:6:

⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’^[a]”

 

Yes, it was none other than Satan. Oh, yes Satan knows scripture. What was JESUS’ reply as recorded in verse 7:

 

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’^[d]”

 

GOD is sovereign and only HE instructs HIS Children what to do or not do. In the words of Dr. Vance Havner, “Trust in the dark, what you learn in the light.” Some may say, I did and it do not work out like I thought. I know, I have been there. But it has always been a learning experience when I ask the LORD and reflect back to my actions.

Why does GOD not just give us what we ask for? Let’s read on ----

Let’s read Psalm 91:14-16:

¹⁴ Because he has his heart set on me,
I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he knows my name.
¹⁵ When he calls out to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor.
¹⁶ I will satisfy him with a long life
and show him my salvation.

GOD’S Children through faith in JESUS are the apple of GOD’s Eye. HE desires the very best for us. HIS heart is set upon us. HE takes great joy in delivering us and protecting us as we journey though life. How many times do we look back and know that the hand of GOD has protected us? I know, I have been spared from many close calls and consider many others that I was unaware of.

The “I” in these verses is GOD. What will HE do?

-         Deliver, protect, answer, be with us in trouble, rescue, give honor, satisfy with long life and show him or her GOD’S salvation.

-         When we seek, we will find. When we knock, the door will be opened.

-         Luke 11:9: ⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

What door will be opened/ Let’s read Revelation 3:20:

²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Who is standing outside of your heart’s door? It is JESUS and HE is knocking. Your part is to open the door of your heart and invite HIM into your heart. The latch to your heart’s door is only on the inside of your heart. You must take the step of faith and ask JESUS to come in and clean house and get rid of all the bad things that cannot be there as GOD’s Spirit-born Son or Daughter.

This is for the person who has never asked JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sins or for the person who has made a profession of faith and not lives as JESUS desires. There is a verse that speaks to the lukewarm Christian as recorded in Revelation 3:16 - ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither ^[a]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

If you did that as a new believer, then welcome to the family of GOD my Brother or Sister in CHRIST. You are a new born Spiritual baby. Feed upon GOD’S Word and grow Spiritually into the mature Christian GOD desires for you to be. So, what do you need? You need to ask GOD to lead you to a church or Bible study group to help you grow Spiritually. You have been grafted into the vine and you are a branch of the true vine, JESUS.

If you are returning to the fellowship then welcome back. GOD never left you and greets you with open arms. So, do I. All Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace!

Let’s read John 15:1-8:

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

How do you know that you are GOD’S Child? Let’s read Romans 8:16:

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 

The Holy Spirit confirms it in the hearts of GOD’S Children. What does the scripture reveal about the purpose of the Holy Spirit? Let’s read 2 Corinthians 1:22: ²² set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

WOW! Did you know GOD gives you a guarantee? It is the best warranty you will ever get. It is eternal! It is all yours but it did cost the life of JESUS for you to have it. You will never regret it. I rejoice with you as you embrace and live the life JESUS desires for you.

Is fear from GOD? The title of our study is “Shaking Off Fear.” Let’s read 2 Timothy 1:7:

⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

GOD is sovereign! HE chooses you to be HIS Son or Daughter but the question is, do you choose HIM?

Blessings!!!