"Only Life Changes"

Futility [ˌfyo͞oˈtilədē] NOUN pointlessness or uselessness.

Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is described as “the words of the Philosopher, David’s son, who was King in Jerusalem” (verse 1). This is probably Solomon. The book talks about the meaning of life and the best way to live. People disagree about what the Book of Ecclesiastes means. Like the other books of wisdom in the Bible, Ecclesiastes is concerned with imparting wisdom and teaching all to fear the Lord. However, it serves as a balance for the practical wisdom of Proverbs. Although Ecclesiastes finds practical wisdom. Ecclesiastes Chapter 1 In the Israelite’s historical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, the documents claim that Solomon, King of Israel was granted one request by God himself. Solomon asked for wisdom rather than riches, power, or glory.

Why is Ecclesiastes important?
Some Bible teaches have said Ecclesiastes give a cynical view of life that teaches everything is worthless. Some have said Ecclesiastes is a call to enjoy life to its fullest because everything comes from God. Some have said Ecclesiastes is an exploration of the failure of human wisdom. Beneficial, it comes to it along a reflective path.
Who wrote Ecclesiastes and what does it mean?
The book of Ecclesiastes, along with Proverbs and the Song of Solomon, were written by Solomon, a man known for his own wisdom. For some background about the wisdom and knowledge of Solomon, { let’s read 1 Kings 3:5-12: At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The LORD was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.}Solomon’s reign was a golden age for the nation of Israel. They were respected by their neighbors, residing in peace for the entirety of Solomon’s kingship. It was also a good time economically, with many nations bringing Solomon tribute and commerce. Solomon married the daughter of the Pharaoh in Egypt to cement his rule.
Let’s read; 2 Chronicles 1:9-15 Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” Then Solomon went to Jerusalem from the high place at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting. And he reigned over Israel. Solomon accumulated chariots and horses; he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horses, which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills.

The second book of Chronicles continues on from the first book without transition; originally they formed a single account in the Hebrew manuscripts. We have previously remarked the same thing in the second book of Kings about these artificial divisions which are not part of the inspired Word. In fact, the account of the Chronicles is a continuous one until the end of Solomon’s reign (2 Chronicles Chapter 10), and if we are looking for a moral division in our subject, it will not properly be introduced until 2 Chronicles Chapter 11. feel free to read these chapters on your own. Let us recall a truth, already mentioned many times in First Chronicles: in Chronicles God gives us, in the form of types, an overview of His counsels concerning Christ’s royalty, counsels prefigured in the history of David and Solomon. Solomon himself symbolizes the future reign of wisdom and peace that will be inaugurated by the Lord’s coming. This is why, as we have noted in 1 Chronicles in the history of David, Solomon’s reign does not present any failures in Chronicles and even with the greatest carefulness, one cannot discover there the least allusion to the king’s faults.

In the preceding book we have seen how Solomon was elevated to his father’s throne before he was established on his own throne. These two facts speak very clearly to us of Christ’s present heavenly kingdom and of His earthly kingdom which is yet to come. The account before us will present this latter to us, and here we will not find, as in Kings, a responsible and fallible sovereign, but rather the most perfect figure possible of a government of wisdom and of peace administered by the king according to the counsels of God.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 1:1-18
The words of Ecclesiastes, the son of David, king of Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, said Ecclesiastes vanity of vanities, and all is vanity. What hath a man more of all his labor, that he taketh under the sun? One generation passes away, and another generation cometh: but the earth stands for ever. The sun rises, and goes down, and returned to his place: and there rising again, Makes his round by the south, and turned again to the north: the spirit goes forward surveying all places round about, and returns to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea doth not overflow: unto the place from whence the rivers come, they return, to flow again. All things are hard: man cannot explain them by word. The eye is not filled with seeing, neither is the ear filled with hearing. What is it that hath been? the same thing that shall be. What is it that hath been done? the same that shall be done. Nothing under the sun is new, neither is any man able to say: Behold this is new: for it hath already gone before in the ages that were before us. There is no remembrance of former things: nor indeed of those things which hereafter are to come, shall there be any remembrance with them that shall be in the latter end. I Ecclesiastes was king over Israel in Jerusalem, And I proposed in my mind to seek and search out wisely concerning all things that are done under the sun. This painful occupation hath God given to the children of men, to be exercised therein. I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold all is vanity, and vexation of spirit. The perverse are hard to be corrected, and the number of fools is infinite. I have spoken in my heart, saying: Behold I am become great, and have gone beyond all in wisdom, that were before me in Jerusalem: and my mind hath contemplated many things wisely, and I have learned. And I have given my heart to know prudence, and learning, and errors, and folly: and I have perceived that in these also there was labor, and vexation of spirit, Because In much wisdom there is much indignation: and he that adds knowledge, adds also labor.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for this honest evaluation of living life in this fallen world, without Christ. Keep us from chasing after any of the vain things that this world offers, knowing that there is nothing on earth that has lasting value except to know You and the Lord Jesus Christ, my redeemer. I place You in the center of my life knowing that the whole duty and delight of man is to worship and praise You for Your goodness, forgiveness and grace to us and to all men. You give 2nd chances to walk with You. I thank You and praise You for the lessons we can learn from the life of Solomon and his judicious request for wisdom and knowledge. Give me the discernment to know Your will and to pray unto all that honor Your name. I thank You and praise You that You have promised to provide all that I need for life, godliness and keep me, I believe, from being enticed by the things of this world. Keep guiding me to keep the eyes of my faith on Jesus and in His Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
Ecclesiastes 1:18

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Reminds me that no matter what is happening or coming my way, I will not be knocked down. I can feel the arrows of doubt and disbelief trying to penetrate my heart to shake me up, but I sense a strong fortress, like iron, protecting me. With each trial I go through, the Lord changes me and strengthens me. What a shocking thing it is to be under the excommunication of God; to have in our body, his excommunication in our soul, his denial in our family, in our substance, in our goings out, in our comings in; His denial in life, His denial in death, and His denial to all eternity. And how the fear and apprehension of this excommunication has made the hearts of many wither like the grass, filled them with gloomy anxiety night and day, and made them sink under realization of dying in despair, and lying forever under the wrath of the Almighty! On the other hand, what bliss and blessedness there is in being under the favor and protection of the Lord; His blessing in body, His blessing in soul, His blessing in our families, His blessing in our substance, His blessing in life, His blessing in death, and His blessing through all eternity. As there are many who have feared and trembled under His denial, when events proved in the end there was no real cause for anxiety; so many have rejoiced, or thought they rejoiced in God’s blessing, when it was all a error, for they were among those who said they would be blessed, though they added “drunkenness to thirst.”
{Bible Verse}
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. “Jeremiah 17:7-8
{Prayer}
Father God, I thank You and praise You Lord Jesus, that in the midst of all life’s difficulties, anxiety’s and problems You are my Rock, my Redeemer, my Source and my Supply. I thank You and praise You that in You Lord Jesus, I have all I need to stand firm in this evil day. I thank You and praise You that You are my health, my strength and the stronghold of my life. I believe that no matter what difficulties come my way, that I would draw all my hope and strength from You, so that I may stand fast in the evil day. I pray that I would live a life that honors and glorifies You and that I would bear much fruit to You in Your Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4

Numbers 6:24-26 is a powerful promise declared in a priestly blessing. The Lord himself, who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, was uniquely present with the nation Israel (Exodus 20:2;“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.) (Deuteronomy 5:6: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.). Not only was He present with them in a special relationship, but He also promised to protect and guard Israel.

Lets read Numbers 6:22-27 KJV: And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Thanksgiving. (in North America) an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal including turkey. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621, and is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. A similar holiday is held in Canada, usually on the second Monday in October.
“families gather for Thanksgiving” · “I am believing for you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of blessings” · “A awesome Thanksgiving dinner” Remember to thank God in everything.
(A Psalm of praise.) Psalm 100:1-5;
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for this day and this life. Oh! Let all be a blessing and be blessed back this Thanksgiving and everyday in everyway in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

What Does 2 Corinthians 9:15 Mean? Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! A gift for which payment must be made is not a gift. It is a purchase; an acquisition. It had been paid for – bought with a price. A gift is something that is given freely, given without any strings attached, otherwise it cannot be called a gift. God is the provider. He is the one who distributes freely to the poor. He provides both the seed and the bread. He uses generous believers to meet the needs of others, increasing the resources of those who give so that they can give more. Specifically, in this case, the generosity of Christians in Corinth can cause Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to glorify God. It can encourage them to long for and pray for their spiritual siblings around the world. Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul’s First Letter was to the Thessalonians as we read before. After helping to establish the young Christian church in Thessalonica, Paul had been driven out of the city (“torn away,” as he describes it). But the Thessalonians remained in his thoughts and prayers, and after an encouraging report from his fellow evangelist Timothy about the enthusiasm of the Thessalonian church, Paul wrote this letter to encourage the community to continue to stand strong despite the pressures and persecution they faced. First Thessalonians is a short letter, and much of it is comprised of Paul’s personal words of encouragement.
“Let’s Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-15:
Now he that ministered seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the example of the Christians in Corinth who lovingly provided for the material needs of their brothers and sisters undergoing some serious hardships in their Christian lives. I believe that I may be ready and willing to help recognize and respond to the needs and necessities of my Christian brothers and sisters. Develop in me a generous heart and caring concern for others. I thank You and praise You for Your abundant and abounding grace, mercy and for all that You have provided for our riches in Christ. Permit me by Your grace to bring forth a rich harvest of eternal blessings and spiritual rewards. I believe in the power of Your Holy Spirit, to live a life of practical righteousness, as You continue to transform my heart and mind into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus, in His Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
I will make the godly of the land my heroes. Those who are truly good shall be my example. psalm 101:6

A sermon from James 4:6-10 showing the need to be humble “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.” Like you don’t look down on people cause they are doing their best. You give to those who can’t repay you. You give second chances to others. There are three challenging things James tells us to do. He promises that these will change our lives. This passage from James was written in a very serious circumstance. Christians were quarreling; committing murder and adultery; living by lust, greed, and envy. In chapter 4, James says to these very readers that a worldly, unspiritual road is the very one they have been following. This is what causes fights and quarrels among them. Therefore he says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Salvation and humility go hand in hand. The simplest concept of what humility is, can be gained by having small thoughts. Humility: The whole issue!. Many people lack a lot of light. Humility must be really important if God gives grace to the humble! So how important is it really? The simplest concept of what humility is, can be gained by having small thoughts about yourself. When this has had a tremendous effect on you, it will be manifested by the fact that you receive grace. The humble receive grace (James 4:6) (1 Peter 5:5: In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”), and to receive grace means that you receive all the help that you need. You can even spend the whole night praying to receive love, but it won’t help a bit, if you aren’t humble so that you can receive grace.

You only receive as much grace as the humility you possess. ( Full Definition of humility : freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble accepted the honor with humility The ordeal taught her humility.) When it can’t be noticed that there is any progress at all in your life, it is because you are not receiving grace. You can accomplish a lot in your own human strength. You can attempt to compensate for a lack of grace by being purposeful in different things. You can be effective, and you can be good, as a human being, but all that human goodness and ability doesn’t help a bit if God resists you. You aren’t acknowledging anything; you aren’t judging yourself, but defending yourself instead. Most people aren’t humble at all. They transgress in what they say, and don’t even ask for forgiveness. Yes I say forgiveness and they are not thankful for anything. This is sad. But as a Christian we can be a light by being thankful and forgiving a watch as this will grow on them. What God wants to do so much, is to transform us inwardly. You can think that you have been treated unfairly, that you haven’t been treated justly; you are occupied with what the others think about you. You aren’t occupied with God, but with how you are treated by other people. It’s because of this that you are unhappy, and can’t become happy, because God is your opponent. God wants you to turn to Him and turn away from evil.
I love taking pictures. My husband since he has been retired, even though he is not. I keep working him and he is a great learner. He has helped me a lot since he has been home. But when it comes to stopping for me to take pictures, he fought me at first. Lol! I tell him there is a pretty bird on the side of the road. He wouldn’t stop. So when we got home one day I said we need to talk. I had to let him know how important it was to take pictures and that it was something I always dreamed of since I was a 8th grader. I learned how to take pictures and develope them from scratch in 8th grade. Develope them in a dark room. So he agreed to stop when I needed him too. Now it feels so good when we go traveling. He see’s stuff when he is driving and pulls of over to the side of the road if he is able, so I can take pictures. He humbles himself for me. I am so blessed, God gave me a awesome husband. Just saying. Yesterday he told me when he was driving, can you take that leaf off the windshield wiper when we stop. Lol! The leaf flew off right then and there. I said God did it for you. Lo! God is with us in the small stuff and the big stuff when we give Him control. God’s will be done. I know as a mother I always felt I had to have all the control from early morning till late at night. Everything had to be done and I had no one else to help me. I had to learn to give control over what belonged to everyone else to do. I needed to let go of the chores that didn’t belong to me and give them to the sources they really belonged too. Its called gigantic feelings of inadequacy when im not helping others. So it became my job to clean up after everyone and go to work and be up doing it all. It was because of how I was raised. I had to learn to let go and give it to God. Give God control and learn to grow. God grow, change me and mold me. Through our ups and downs control is important. It took a long time for me to realize I should of prayed God Your will be done and let it go into His hands. Prayer and action. Love your neighbor.
James 4:1–12 builds on the end of chapter 3:13-16 it reads: “Two Kinds of Wisdom” “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” describing how living according to the world’s wisdom has led to great conflict among James’s Christian readers. They were fighting with each other because they couldn’t get what they wanted. James writes that if in your pride you stay on that path, God will oppose you, but He will not reject you. Repentance is always possible. He gives more grace (James 4:6). Let me share the same verse from different bibles. I like reading from all the bibles I have. Each same meaning just worded different. James 4:6, NASB: “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.'” James 4:6, NLT: “But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. “James 4:6 KJV “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
“Lets Read James Chapter 4:1-12”:
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you, who are you to judge your neighbor?
When Jesus said we are to love our enemies, He was creating a new standard for relationships. He proclaimed to the crowds listening to His Sermon on the Mount that they knew they were to love their neighbor because the command to love our neighbor was a law of God (Leviticus 19:18: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.) Greatest Commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
{Let’s Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for Your word and it’s truth and correction to be obedient in all ways. I believe that I may become a doer of Your holy law and not fall into the foolish trap of judging it, by condemning the actions of others. Lord Jesus, You alone can judge the thoughts of my heart or anyone else and I have no right to condemn others, through my own self-righteous attitude. Keep me humble before you and help me become an encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and not their accuser. Let me rebuked Satan in them from my heart as well rebuke him from mine. Keep me from being ‘wise in my own conceit’, or making arbitrary assumptions about the motives of others and above all, teach me to love others as Christ loves me, for in so doing I will honor and glorify Your name. As Christ lives in and through me I am believing this for everyone I come in contact with. That they will love You unconditionally. I believe for spiritual growth and passion in conversation with You. Give me the will and courage to keep letting go of the controls and trust You to guide me where You want me to go. Help me to rest in You. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}

“The good man’s goodness delivers him; the evil man’s treachery is his undoing.
Proverbs 11:6″

Paul talks about spiritual gifts and encourages the believers at Rome to use their gifts according to the proportion of their faith: Paul is building a metaphor to describe the first purpose of every Christian. He is showing what it looks like to sacrifice our bodies and minds in service to God as a response to His great mercy to us. All Christians together are meant to operate as a single human body.
Summary of the Book of Titus. The book of Titus was written by the Apostle Paul to Titus, his true son in the faith. He writes to give instruction and encouragement to Titus who had been left in charge on the island of Crete. Paul’s main objective is to encourage Titus and give instruction about godly living.

What Does Titus 1:16 Mean? They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. Titus was a man that was sound in his doctrine and had been authorized by Paul to appoint church elders in every city on the island of Crete. They profess that they know God That there is a God; that there is but one, only, true, and living God, the God of Israel, as professed by the Jews; and that this God is Father, Son, and Spirit, as believed by the Christians: for the persons the apostle speaks of were Judaizing Christians.

This what Titus 1:16 reads:
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

{Lets read Romans 12:6-8

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Paul talks about spiritual gifts and encourages the believers at Rome to use their gifts according to the proportion of their faith: Paul is building a metaphor to describe the first purpose of every Christian. He is showing what it looks like to sacrifice our bodies and minds in service to God as a response to His great mercy to us. All Christians together are meant to operate as a single human body.

{Lets Pray}
Father God, I am believing for our local churches and for the elders that oversee Your flock. We believe that they and myself may be grounded in sound doctrine and firmly committed to safeguarding biblical truth in all local assemblies and worship in love. I am believing I may also be vigilant in searching the scriptures daily and You will keep us all from straying from the truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. So that Jesus Christ may be glorified in our lives and in our local church’s can walk as all one with You. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
Help me to refuse the low and vulgar things; help me to abhor all crooked deals of every kind, to have no part in them. Psalm 101:3

Knowing God brings together two key reasons of the Christian faith. One: knowing about God and two: knowing God through a close relationship with Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:10–20 describes how Christians can overcome worry and worldly desires, regardless of their circumstances. By making a purposeful decision to be content, a believer can trust God to provide our true needs, and not be consumed with materialism or anxiety. Paul has learned this skill through his many trials and ministry experiences.
Through our supernatural relationship with Jesus Christ, we can learn how to be content by being: Thankful to God for what you do have instead of focusing on what you don’t have. “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” (It reads in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.) Be Grateful.
What is gratitude and why is it so important?
Gratitude is important because it helps us see a world that is much bigger than ourselves. When we have gratitude, we can help each other grow personally or in business. We can help those less fortunate because we see and appreciate how much we already have.
What are the benefits of being grateful?
There’s evidence of a long line of health-related benefits from being grateful. They include fewer physical symptoms, more time spent exercising, less physical pain, more sleep and increased sleep quality, lowered blood pressure, decreased feelings of depression, and an overall boost to vitality and energy. It generates positive feelings and reinforces good behavior. In the workplace, appreciation and recognition encourages others to aspire to greatness. Expressing and receiving thanks makes us feel good. In fact, psychology studies have shown that saying thank you has important health benefits.
How can I be grateful?
7 Ways To Be More Grateful:

1. You Get What You Deserve and Need
2. Choose To Be Grateful
3. Look Around You
4. Watch Your Language
5. Count Your Blessings – Each Day
6. Think Positive To Achieve Positive
7. Look For Hidden Ways To Be Thankful!
   Does gratitude really change our attitude?
   Gratitude will change your attitude. As gratitude becomes a habit, it will become your predominant state of being. The more you radiate positive energy, the more you will attract positive experiences in your life. It really is as simple as that. Can you think of five things to be grateful for? I know my 5 reasons. I thank God, He woke me up, I am still breathing, I can move, I can talk and I can walk. I can think of many more things and people also that I am thankful for. I am really thankful for God, He is my neighbor that keeps me informed of which direction I need to go or stay and when to speak and not to speak. Being thankful all the time: Your Life, Your Unknown Future, The Roof Over Your Head, Sunrises and Sunsets, Your Health, Pets Eating Scraps Under the Table, The People Gathered Around the Table (and those far away), Delicious Food (especially seasonal favorites!)
   {Let’s Read Philippians 4:10-20:}
   I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
   “Final Greetings:” Philippians 4:21-23: Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
   {Lets Pray}
   Father God, I thank You and praise You that I can learn alot and speak about all that I learn in Christ. I thank You and praise You there is so much to learn from the epistles of Paul and the other apostles, even in the simple greetings at the beginning, and the gracious exhortations, urging, encouragement at the end. I believe that I may value all my brothers and sisters in Christ, even those who don’t know Jesus and delight to give and receive encouragement and support, as we ‘gossip all about the gospel’, rejoice in our salvation, and wait for the any-day return of our Lord Jesus Christ! I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

{Power Verse}
The Lord is always good. He is always loving and kind, His faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation. Psalm 100:5

The author and the readers. Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ. Jude is the name is literally “Judas. “Jude is a single-chapter letter which reflects earlier warnings about apostates and their false teachings. Jude, like the other half-brothers of Jesus (including James), didn’t believe in Jesus as the Messiah until after the resurrection of Jesus ( John 7:5: For even his own brothers did not believe in him. and Acts 1:14: They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. ). A bondservant of Jesus Christ: Jude was a blood relative of Jesus, but he considered himself only as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. Jude, Brother of James. In today’s passage, the author describes himself as a brother of James. This James is none other than James the apostle and brother of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, Jude was also one of Jesus’ brothers and likely not a disciple during Christ’s earthly ministry; beyond this we know little about him. Mary had four other sons, Joseph, James, Jude, and Simon. Because of the virgin birth, Joseph was not the father of Jesus so these were the half brothers of Jesus. The last three mentioned are not to be confused with those who were disciples. {Jesus had five brothers, namely, James (Ya’qov), Simon (Shim’on), Judah is Judas ( Yehudah ), Joses ( Yosef ) and Thomas (Toma’). And he also had two sisters , Rachel (Rakhel) and Lea (Le’ah).) Not everyone knows this. How awesome is this? It’s like WoW! I want more of You in my family lives to Lord Jesus. Back to Jude. The letter of Jude is essentially a sermon. In it, Jude preached against the dangerous practices and doctrines that put the gospel of Jesus Christ in peril. These were serious issues and Jude dealt with them seriously. The book of Jude is the very definition of punchy and pithy proclamations, with its short commands and statements popping off the page like machine-gun fire. But in our day and age, punchy has become rude or unacceptable.

Jude Chapter the only one: Verses: 1-25

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withered, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaks great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

{Lets Pray}

Father God, protect my mind from the false doctrines that are sweeping the church today and help me to remain in You Lord Jesus. I thank You and praise You that You are able and willing to keep me from stumbling. When the devil whispers in my ear even in human form. I say get though behind me Satan cause I am a child of God and proud to be! Lord Jesus, into Your hands I commit my life. I know that there are many dangers and difficulties in life that try to ship-wreck my faith in You. I desire to love You more and more, to know You bigger and better! Because You are the only one for me! I thank You and praise You that I will keep You Lord Jesus as the center of my life, and to grow in grace and in a knowledge of You Lord Jesus. Give me guidance and the wisdom to sort out what is not from You, ears to hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and in Your mercy, keep me under the shadow of Your protection, whereas No weapon that is fashioned against me shall succeed, I believe Isaiah 54:17 in Your Precious Name Lord Jesus, Amen.

{Power Verse}

For He holds our lives in His hands. And He holds our feet to the path.

Psalm 66:9

The Mountains of Israel To be blessed and Israel to be renewed for His Name’s Sake. Let’s know a little bit more about Ezekiel. Ezekiel was born c. 622 BC. He was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and his father’s name was Buzzi. Ezekiel also came from a lineage of priests. He states his first encounter with God was “in the thirtieth year.” Little is known about Ezekiel’s personal life. The son of Buzi, he was apparently a descendant of the priestly family of Zadok. While in Jerusalem, he had been influenced by his older contemporary Jeremiah. Ezekiel was exiled to Babylonia with King Jehoiachin in 597 B.C. or shortly thereafter. Five years later he lived in the Babylonian Jewish settlement of Tel Aviv (Tel Abubu, the hill of the storm god) by the Chebar River. It was there that he received his call to prophecy in a mystical vision (Ezekiel 8:1 ). Josephus speaks of Ezekiel as having been young at the time of his exile, but that is probably not correct. Ezekiel demonstrated the kind of precise knowledge of the Temple and its ritual that could be acquired only from personal and active participation as a priest in the Temple worship. For 22 years Ezekiel continued his ministry. In his early period as a prophet, he denounced his people for their sins and corruption. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 586, however, Ezekiel became the consoler and comforter of the exiles, holding out to them the promise of return to the homeland and the restoration of the Temple and of the throne of David. Ezekiel’s loftiest vision, that of the Valley of Dry Bones (37:1-14), has rarely been matched in its grandeur. It is the prophet’s response to the despair of the exiles, and it has become a powerful symbol of hope, resurrection, and regeneration. In the early days of his ministry, Ezekiel found it difficult to impress his doctrines upon his people. Later, particularly after the destruction of Jerusalem, they recognized him as their spiritual leader, and they turned to him for counsel in their religious dilemmas and perplexities. The community elders evidently assembled in his home for instruction and guidance (It reads in Ezekiel 8:1: And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me.) (It reads also in Ezekiel 14:1:Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. ), and it is possible that the institution of the synagogue grew out of these gatherings. One of the primary religious issues raised in these meetings was the problem of God’s justice. The exiles thought they were sinless and should not have to suffer for the sins of their ancestors. In his reply Ezekiel laid down a vital principle in Judaism. Before Ezekiel, Jeremiah had asserted that children are not answerable for their parents’ sins. Ezekiel proclaimed a new doctrine, which represents an ethical advance. The individual alone, he said, bears responsibility for his deeds. The belief “If the fathers have eaten sour grapes, the children’s teeth should be set on edge” (It reads in Ezekiel 18:2: What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?) is no longer tenable. The truth is that “the soul that sinned, it shall die” (It reads in Ezekiel 18:4: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinned, it shall die.)

In other words, one is not liable for another’s actions, and the innocent cannot be held liable for the guilty; each one, moreover, must atone for his own sins. This idea was a powerful motivation for ethical living.

Ezekiel speaks of an attack of “Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (It reads in Ezekiel 38:2: Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, ), who is to lead an armed horde of nations from the north against Israel before the inauguration of God’s sovereignty. This idiom is obscure and has never been adequately explained. Gog is often mentioned in the apocalyptic works; it is to be found also in the Dead Sea Scrolls. In rabbinic works the wars of Gog and Magog are to precede the coming of the Messiah. Ezekiel was the only Hebrew prophet who ministered to his people outside the Holy Land. He is unique in his frequent use of the term “son of man” as the manner of the divine address. Unlike other Hebrew prophets, who placed the ethical above the ritual, Ezekiel fused the two elements, thereby reflecting his dual role as a pious priest and inspired prophet. Ezekiel was a prophet during Judah’s exile in Babylon and he lived among them. Through Ezekiel, God spoke promises over Israel about their restoration. Not only would God restore the people of Israel to their land, but he would give them a new heart and spirit. The reason for the chastisement of Israel was Israel’s sin and profanation of God’s name ( Ezekiel 36:16-21 ). God has good in store for Israel, for His own name’s sake, to revive His people; first, by a spiritual renewal of their hearts, and, next, by an external restoration to prosperity ( Ezekiel 36:22-33 ). The result is that the heathen shall be impressed with the power and goodness of God manifested so palpably towards the restored people ( Ezekiel 36:34-38 ).
“Lets read Ezekiel 36:16-38”
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman. Wherefore I poured my fury upon them for the blood that they had shed upon the land, and for their idols wherewith they had polluted it: And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them. And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, says the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will also save you from all your uncleanness: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen. Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall clothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. Not for your sakes do I this, says the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. Thus says the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be built. And the desolate land shall be tilled, whereas it lay desolate in the sight of all that passed by. And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited. Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it. Thus says the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You that You are a good and gracious God, long-suffering, tender-hearted and forgiving towards all Your children. I thank You and praise You for Your faithfulness towards Israel, Your chosen nation. Your never-failing promises to all Your people is such a reassurance, for it demonstrates that Your gracious patience, kindness, love and obedience towards Israel and Church all believers is equally sure – for You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. I thank You and praise You that I am apart of the body of Jesus Christ who You sent in Your image. I thank You and praise You for the elders of the Church that know You dearer than any other. I thank You and praise You that You have told us the end from the beginning, and thank You that all Your promises are ‘Yes’ and ‘Amen.’ I thank You and praise You that in Jesus Christ my Savior I can look forward to eternity. Teach me Your ways and guide me Your way always. Keep me from straying from the path of holiness. I Love You, thank You, praise You that in Jesus Christ, I have a cleansed heart, and that by Your amazing grace I have the indwelling Holy Spirit in my life, to guide me into all truth in Jesus Precious Name. I am believing if there is someone out there that does know You and are scared to move forward. You will touch their hearts today in a way that they will fear no longer and be guided towards You and the road You have for them. If there is somebody out there that doesn’t know You I am believing for the right people to be guided in their life and move out of the darkness into Your light. Amen.

{Power Verse}
“Many times I struck your gardens and vineyards, destroying them with blight and mildew. Locusts devoured your fig and olive trees, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD. Amos 4:9

It reads in Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 meaning and explanation of Do not fear that I am with you God gives you security in Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear that I am with you. God knows you have problems; financial, perhaps the disease is robbing you of peace, sadness floods your heart. God knows you go through times of tribulation and persecution, sometimes you feel lonely. You may of lost someone close to you.

It reads in 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Jesus Christ was the Son of God from all eternity, but it is clear that his ministry and life was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22). 2 Timothy 1:7. The concept of a sound mind has more to do with our attitude than we may realize. If our mind is sound, it is not cluttered up with the cares of this world. Its processes start with God and end with God. It recognizes the power of God and His love for us.
2 Timothy 3:15-17: From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Not everyone was brought up in Church. Not everyone had a believer in their immediate family. But isn’t it awesome when we do have believers who do make a difference in our lives. Can you look all the way back and think of all those people, whether family, friends or people in your life that believed in God and made a difference in your life. I can. You ever meet someone in church and they are scared being there for the first time because they never went to church. I have. I watch God move in lives all the time. I have prayed for people and watched God work in lives. It is such a blessing from God to acknowledge this. It is all God. He works through Believers as well as unbelievers and loves us all the same. How awesome is this! God has a powerful mind to create everything. He also gave us our powerful mind to choose to follow Him or not. If you use the mind God gave you the right way as it reads in Isaiah 41:10! You read further and In Isaiah 41:11-12 it reads; All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. So why is this? When you are doing your best and walking with God and learning. God is guiding you where you was created to be and you are His eternal child He loves with a undying love.
It reads in Ephesians 5:2-5: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
It reads in Psalm 119:66: Now teach me good judgement as well as knowledge.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the insight into the simple stuff that seems so hard sometimes. I believe that You would pour out in great measure, Your never failing grace, love, mercy, and Your inner peace which passes human understanding, on all who are called by Your name. I also believe for Your, compassionate mercy, and free gift of peace. I praise and thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit that never leaves the believer. I thank You and praise You that our life is hid with Christ in You. I thank You and praise You that You have not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power and love, and of a sound mind. May we not fear rejection or ridicule in this increasingly hostile world – nor fear the likelihood of persecution, pain.. or even death, and may we fan into flame our faith in Jesus Christ so that in Him we may stand firm in the evil day. I love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.

(Power Verse)
The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Proverbs 12:19