That Good and Acceptable and Perfect Will of God

Finding Peace in God’s Will-

Fear is not the only thief that can rob us from having God’s peace. Worry and anxiety can also fill our thoughts and leave no room for the peace of God.

We worry and become anxious over situations in our life when we’re unsure that things are going to work out for our benefit. We ponder all of the possibilities and fear the worst.

It’s not a matter of believing whether God can hear our prayer and give us what we ask, but it’s a matter of being unsure whether it’s His will to do it.

Having faith in God’s will is the second key to opening the gate and releasing the flood of God’s peace to be manifested in our life.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  (Rom. 8:28)

We must not forget that we didn’t choose God but that He chose and called us. We must not forget that we love Him because He first loved us.

Worry and anxiety grip our hearts when we lose our intimacy with God. Lack of fellowship and communion with Him causes us to lose sight of His will for our lives.

God has a purpose for our lives. He called us because we are unique and He has a plan and a will for us.

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…”  (1Thess. 4:3)

The word “sanctification” simply means “to be set apart”. In the Greek it means “the state of purity.”

In other words, He has called us out of the darkness of the world and has “set us apart” so that He may work in our lives until He brings us into this purity or “perfection”.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”  (Col. 1:13)

God will not allow anything to interfere with His will being done in our lives to make us pure.

No matter what arises in our lives to try and hinder us and pull us down, God will work everything out and overcome it so that in the end our lives will only be better.

It’s God who will work all things together for our good in order that He may purify us and bring us into perfection.

One example of this Biblical truth is the Old Testament story of Jacob and Joseph.

Jacob had twelve sons but he favored Joseph above the rest. God had revealed to Joseph through his dreams that one day he would rule over the rest of his family.

Because of their father’s favoritism and Joseph’s dreams, his brothers sold Joseph into slavery and he was brought into Egypt.

Joseph was bought by an officer of Pharaoh named Potiphar and was placed over his household. After a period of time, Joseph was accused of a crime he didn’t commit and was placed in prison.

Joseph was given charge over all the prisoners and his gift for interpreting dreams became known. Joseph remained in prison for two years before his ability to interpret dreams was made known to Pharaoh.

God gave Pharaoh two dreams in one night that dealt with the future of Egypt. When Pharaoh’s magicians couldn’t give the interpretation of the dreams, they called for Joseph.

God revealed that there was going to be seven years of plenty throughout Egypt and then seven years of terrible famine. Joseph advised Pharaoh that he should build storage cities for grain and store up against the famine.

Pharaoh saw the wisdom and favor of God in Joseph and appointed him to oversee it. Joseph was made second to Pharaoh and ruled over all of Egypt. During the famine, all who needed food had to appear before Joseph.

From the time that Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery until the time that Pharaoh placed him as a ruler over Egypt, Joseph never lost his trust in God or his faith that God would fulfill His promises.

No matter what befell him that seemed contrary to the will of God for his life, he never became anxious or worried. Joseph never lost his peace.

Jacob, on the other hand, was a different story.

Joseph’s brothers had lied to their father and convinced Jacob that Joseph had been killed by wild beasts in the wilderness.

As the famine became severe, Jacob heard there was food in Egypt and he sent his oldest sons there to buy grain. When they arrived in Egypt, they were brought before Joseph, but the years had changed Joseph and his brothers didn’t recognize him.

Joseph decided to test his brothers, so he kept his brother Simeon as ransom and told them not to return again until they brought their youngest brother Benjamin with them.

Jacob refused to let them return back to Egypt with Benjamin. Eventually the famine became so severe they were faced with starvation, and that’s when Jacob resigned himself to the situation and made the statement:

“And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.”  (Gen. 42:36)

Jacob had come to a place where all he could see were the troubles and circumstances that were around him. He had forgotten the promises made by God to his father Isaac and his grandfather Abraham.

Jacob had forgotten the will of God for his life. He forgot that God had promised Abraham that through him and his children their descendants would become as the stars in the sky for multitude. He had forgotten they were to become the nation and the people of God.

All Jacob believed now was that “all these things are against me” and they were at the mercy of a cruel and ruthless Egyptian ruler.

While Joseph never lost his peace through all of his tribulations and continued to have faith in God’s will for his life, Jacob had forgotten the will of God for him and his family and had allowed his heart to be filled with fear, despair, and anxiety.

The brothers took Benjamin and returned to Egypt. Once there, Joseph revealed himself, forgiving and convincing them that God had allowed all of these things to happen in order that they might be preserved and delivered from the famine.

They returned home to get Jacob and brought him, their households, and all their possessions back to Egypt where they grew and became a mighty nation.

Even when it seems that things are working against us instead of for us, God’s love and will never changes (Rom. 11:29), His thoughts about us cannot be numbered (Psalm 139:17), and they are always for our good and not for evil (Rom. 8:28).

So often we wonder if the specific choices we make are in agreement with the will of God for our life. We want God to speak audibly or show us a sign that we are making the right decision.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”  (1John 5:14)

The word “will” in this scripture literally means “purpose” or “decree” in the Greek. The decree of God is His written Word. If the choices we make are not contrary to the written Word of God, then we are in agreement with His will.

If our choices do not compromise the will of God for our “sanctification” but rather continue to lead us closer to Him in the direction of “holiness” and “purity”, then we are making choices according to His will.

And finally, if the choices we make give us peace in our hearts, then we are doing the will of God.

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit…”  (Rom. 8:16)

Satan can appear as an angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14) He can even attempt to imitate God’s voice and try to deceive us. He can cause visions, dreams, and signs. He is called the “tempter” and can try to tempt us to go against the will of God for our lives.

But he cannot imitate the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”  (Gal. 5:22)

No matter what problems arise that seem to contradict the promises and blessings of God, we must continue to have faith in His love and in His will if we are to walk in His peace.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”  (Heb. 12:14)

God loves us so much, that if in an honest and true heart we are about to make a decision contrary to God’s will, He is well able to stop us and show us the right way. He is God. Trust in Him.

Tomorrow- Finding Peace in God’s Righteousness

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

Perfect Love casts out Fear

The Peace in God’s Love-

 There are three keys that will open the door to the peace of God that resides in our inner man. Once opened, this supernatural flood of God’s peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ.

These three keys all have to do with having faith in God.

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”  (Mark 11:22)

These three keys are: (1) having faith in God’s love, (2) having faith in God’s will, and (3) having faith in God’s righteousness.

Before God’s peace can fill us to the overflowing, there must first be room for it. This involves the removal of fear. This is the first key.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”  (1John 4:18)

There is only one perfect love and that is the love that comes from God, for God is love.

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”  (1John 4:16)

To have faith in God is to have faith in God’s love.

The Bible says that we did not choose God, but that God chose and called us. (John 15:16)

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”  (John 6:44)

We would not have even wanted to come to God and be saved if He had not put it in our hearts to do so.

The Bible says that while we were in our mother’s womb He saw us and chose us. He ordained how we would look and he fashioned us in the way that would please Him. (Psalm 139)

When we were ready, He put it in our hearts to desire Him and come to Christ, and now that He has us nothing can separate us from His love.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”  (Rom. 8:35)

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”  (Rom. 8:37)

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,”  (Rom. 8:38)

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Rom. 8:39)

God loves us no matter what!

God’s love is not based upon anything that we have or have not done.

God doesn’t love us because we read the Bible, attend Church, spend time in prayer, or give offerings. He’s pleased that we do these things, but that is not what causes Him to love us.

God doesn’t even love us because we have quit sinning and love Him, for the Bible says:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Rom. 5:8)

God loves us simply because we exist.

 “We love him, because he first loved us.”  (1John 4:19)

He loves us because we are. Nothing can change His love for us. That’s what perfect love is. Nothing can affect it. Nothing can alter it. It does not change.

And it’s not a general, “love for all” kind of love. It’s a personal, intimate kind of love.

Before Christ died on the cross, God’s love was a love for all mankind.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  (John 3:16)

It was because of His love for all men that He gave His son, but now that His son has been given, God’s love for us is not only perfect but also personal.

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”  (Matt. 10:30)

Like a father admiring his child sleeping in the crib, our Heavenly Father looks upon us daily and counts the hairs upon our heads. He knows exactly what we will need before we even need it, and has prepared it in advance.

“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”  (Matt. 6:8)

“And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”  (Isaiah 65:24)

He who knows the ending from the beginning is never surprised or unprepared, but has already solved the problem before it even appears.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”  (1Cor. 10:13)

The first step in having God’s peace is to understand and believe in God’s perfect love for us, that nothing can change or alter it, and that it’s not based upon anything except for the fact that we are His creation.

Because of His love for us, God will do whatever it takes to preserve us. Knowing and believing this will drive away all fear from our hearts and will prepare us to be filled with the peace of God that passes all understanding.

Tomorrow- Finding Peace in God’s Will

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

Living without Fear

Receiving Peace-

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  (John 14:27)

Just as love is the opposite of hate, peace is the opposite of fear. In the same way that we can’t love and hate someone at the same time (James 3:12), we can’t have peace and fear at the same time. Peace is the absence of fear.

This doesn’t mean that we’ll never be afraid. Unexpected situations and circumstances will always arise that can cause us to be surprised and have sudden fear, or to be temporarily afraid.

But there is a place in Christ where the mind numbing, heart gripping state of fear cannot exist. This is when we are walking in the peace of God.

The apostles were a good example of this.

Before the Holy Ghost came on the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were always finding themselves in situations where they were fearful.

Whether it was a storm on the sea, the announcement of a child’s death, or the unexpected appearance of Christ walking on the water, Jesus was always reminding them to not be afraid.

“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”  (Matthew 14:27)

However, after the Day of Pentecost had come and the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost, they began to walk in a new found state of peace that only the Holy Spirit could produce.

This peace was so powerful that fear could not exist in its presence.

The night before Peter was to be executed, instead of being filled with fear and worry, he fell into a deep and peaceful sleep. The angel of the Lord had to slap him on his side to wake him up before he could miraculously remove his chains and rescue Peter from the prison cell. (Acts 12:6-7)

Paul and Silas also dwelt in this state of peace. After having been beaten and thrown into the dungeon for their testimony of Christ, they sang songs and hymns at midnight.

Their peace was so great that instead of escaping, they and all the prisoners continued to stay in their cells after God sent an earthquake to open all of the prison doors.

Upon witnessing this miracle of peace, the jailer and his whole household accepted Christ and were saved. (Acts 16:23-33)

This kind of peace was not only for the apostles, disciples, and the early church. The same Holy Spirit that indwelled them and produced this miraculous condition is the same Holy Spirit that comes and lives inside of us today.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”  (Acts 2:39)

The same river of peace that flowed inside the apostles is flowing inside of every believer today who has been born again and received the Holy Spirit. 

However, there are many who have yet to discover the keys that will unlock the gate and allow the river to not only flow inside their spirit, but also fill their hearts and minds.

In other words, that this peace would not only reside within them, but would also be manifested in their lives.

In the next few posts we will discover the keys that will unlock the floodgate to the river of God’s peace inside of every believer.

Tomorrow- Finding Peace in God’s Love

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

 

Entering the Flow of God’s Peace

The River of Peace-

“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:”  (Isa 48:18)

True peace cannot be found through diplomacy or legislation. It has nothing to do with worldly relationships or earthly possessions. It even has nothing to do with the end of violence and turmoil that may surround us.

There are many who believe that if their situation would only improve, then they would finally have peace. However, better circumstances only bring peace for a moment, for new problems always arise to replace the old ones.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)

True peace comes from within, from our heart, the place where the Holy Spirit dwells.

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”  (John 7:38)

“(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”  (John 7:39)

The Lord told His people through the Prophet Isaiah that if they had only hearkened to His commandments then He would have given them peace like a river.

The word “hearken” in the Hebrew literally means to “prick up your ears” or “pay attention to”.

Besides loving God and our fellow man, the greatest commandment of all is to hear or “pay attention to” the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in Him.

“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”  (Matthew 17:5)

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”  (John 7:38)

Once we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and have received the Holy Spirit, then the indwelling Spirit creates within us “peace like a river”.

It’s part of His “fruit” or His “produce”.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”  (Gal. 5:22)

No longer do we seek to find peace in those things that are around us, but we seek and find peace from the Spirit within us.

That peace is like a river. It is ever flowing. However, if we never draw from it we will continue to thirst. That peace is like a fruit, but if we never eat of it, we will continue to hunger.

How do we draw from the river and eat of the fruit?

Tomorrow: Receiving Peace

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

The Peace of God that passes all Understanding

Walking in Peace-

“PEACE”.

Except for the name of Jesus, there is no other word in the English language that can calm and soothe a worried heart like that word. There is also no other word that can cause such a longing in our soul when we are without it.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  (Luke 2:14)

Ever since the angel of the Lord proclaimed that message to shepherds abiding in a field, men have sought after “peace” like men dying of thirst seek for water.

There have been wars fought to obtain it, demonstrations held to demand it, and protests to bring attention for the need of it. Governments have sought to enforce it while neighbors and families have tried to keep it, much to no avail.

Genuine and lasting “peace on earth” apart from God will never happen.

The message the angel brought when he announced the birth of Christ had nothing to do with peace between men, but it was a message of peace and good will toward men.

Even Jesus declared that He came not to bring peace between individuals, but rather division.

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:”  (Luke 12:51)

Until Jesus Christ returns to earth and establishes His earthly Kingdom, there will never be lasting peace between men or between nations.

Although this may sound like dismal news, it only seems dismal to those who don’t know what real peace is.

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  (Philip. 4:7)

There is an abiding peace so deep and full, that it cannot be understood. There is a peace that will find and keep us instead of our trying to find and keep it. There is a peace that enables us to remain calm, full of faith and hope, even though the world and our lives may be in turmoil.

It is the peace of God, and over the next few posts we will explain how to walk in it.

Tomorrow- The River of Peace

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

The Bridegroom is Coming

“Go Ye out to Meet Him”-

“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”  (Gen. 5:24)

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”  (Heb. 11:5)

The Bible says that God has chosen us. It says that before we were even conceived in our mother’s womb, He knew us and He loved us.

God has also called us. He has called us to walk with Him, to be His bride, and to follow in His steps.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”  (1Peter 2:21)

However, the Bible says:

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”  (Amos 3:3)

We cannot walk with God if we are not in agreement with God. We come into agreement with God when we know His Word and we submit our lives unto it.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  (John 14:15)

If we are to walk with God, our attitude has to be, “If God said it, then I believe it. If it comes from Jesus, then I receive it. If God tells me or asks me, then I will do it.”

Anything less and it dishonors the Bridegroom.

In the Old Testament, when a man chose his bride he gave gifts unto her as a token of his love and commitment. The gifts were also a sign that He would return for her. We do the same thing today with the giving of an engagement ring.

Jesus also honored this tradition in the New Testament.

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”  (Eph. 4:8)

Whether they are salvation and forgiveness, His Spirit, His word, or His grace; whether they are the abilities to preach, teach, give, govern, or help; whether they are spiritual gifts or spiritual fruit; they are all given by God and they are for His honor.

We honor Him by accepting them, cherishing them, and adorning our life with them.

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”  (Rev. 21:2)

When Jesus returns as a Bridegroom for His Bride, will He find us walking in agreement with Him?

Will He find that we have accepted everything that He gave His life for?

Will He see that not only have we received every gift that He purchased with His own blood, but that we have adorned our life with them for all the world to see?

Will He find us following in His steps, doing His works, and obeying His Word?

If He does, then we will be as a “bride adorned for her husband.” We will be His bride “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” and He will catch us away to the “marriage supper of the Lamb.”

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.”  (Rev. 19:7)

“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”  (Rev 19:8)

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”  (Rev. 19:9)

Until He returns and we are called, we can be assured that He will walk with us and preserve us in these last days, so that we too will hear those wonderful words,

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord.”

The choice is ours to make.

Tomorrow- Walking in Peace

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

How do We do the Works of God?

The Works that Jesus did shall We do Also-

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”  (John 14:12)

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”  (Rev. 2:26)

Not only does our walking with God in the last days involve our faith and lifestyle, but it also involves the works that He has called us to do before His return.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”  (John 9:4)

There are those who might say, “God never called me to preach or teach. I don’t believe that He has called me to work for him.”

Perhaps you may not be someone that God has called to stand before a congregation, or in front of a classroom, or to go to a foreign country.

Nevertheless, we as believers have all been given a job and works to do.

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”  (Eph. 4:1)

In our English language today, the word “vocation” means our job or livelihood. In the original Greek the word translated “vocation” means an invitation or a calling.

Before we can understand what the works are that God has called us to do, we must understand what they are not.

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  (Heb. 9:14)

Dead works are those religious works done in the name of God for the wrong reason.

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”  (John 6:28)

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”  (John 6:29)

The night before Jesus spoke these words, He had multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the multitude, and now they had awoke hungry and came looking for Him to feed them again.

Jesus knew their hearts and told them that the only reason they sought Him was for the loaves and fishes to feed their hunger, not for the words which He had to say.

Their reply was to ask Jesus how they could do the works of God. Their meaning was that if they knew how to multiply loaves and fishes then they would not have to seek for Him to do it.

Jesus said that the work of God was to “believe on Him” whom God hath sent. The word “believe” in the Greek means to “entrust” or to “commit”. It does not mean to have a “head knowledge” of something, but it means to totally commit and entrust one’s life to what we believe in our heart.

Dead works are works done for the wrong reason. The works of God are birthed in faith and love.

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”  (James 2:18)

One group believes that by witnessing they will receive a better resurrection. Another believes that by having a large family they will obtain favor and a better place with God. Some believe that by repeating certain prayers it will earn God’s forgiveness.

Then there are those who believe that perfect church attendance, tithing, praying, helping the needy, or visiting the sick will prove their devotion to God and to others.

These are all works done for the wrong reasons. They are all works done to obtain something. Whether it be to obtain something from God or to obtain something from others, they are all dead works.

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”  (1Cor. 13:3)

The only works that please God are those works done out of love and faith. We don’t do works to obtain God’s love and acceptance, but we do works out of gratitude because of God’s love and acceptance.

“We love him, because he first loved us.”  (1John 4:19)

Works done out of love and faith are the works that please God. These are the works that will remain. These are the works that will endure the last days.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  (1Cor. 3:11)

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;”  (1Cor. 3:12)

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”  (1Cor. 3:13)

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”  (1Cor. 3:14)

Every work that we do shall have eternal ramifications, whether it be for the good or the bad.

“For 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.”  (2Cor. 5:10)

Just as God desires that Jesus Christ be revealed in every aspect of the Word of God, He desires that every aspect of our life be a reflection of Christ.

Whether it’s being a parent, a guardian, or a spouse; whether it’s being a student, an employee, or a worker in a church or ministry; or whether it’s just deeds we do to help our fellow man, it all needs to be built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  (Col. 3:17)

The works done out of love, compassion, and faith are the works of gold, silver, and precious stones. When built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, they shall abide the fiery trials and endure unto eternal reward.

The works done for pride, duty, gain, or for any other carnal reason are the works of wood, hay, and stubble which shall be consumed by the fire and cause the doer to suffer loss.

“In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:”  (Eph. 2:21)

“In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”  (Eph. 2:22)

We are God’s building, the temple of the Holy Ghost, built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. If we build our building with works of faith and love that glorify God, then we will walk with Him and our building will endure the perilous times of the last days.

Tomorrow- The Bridegroom Cometh

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

Those following Peace and Holiness shall see the Lord

A Glorious Church Without Spot or Wrinkle-

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”  (Heb 12:14)

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”  (Eph. 5:27)

Another area of our life in which God has given us talents to trade with or to be occupied with is the area of our lifestyle.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”  (1Peter 2:9)

The Bible tells us that we are a chosen generation. As the prophets of old prophesied of the coming of Christ and the Church age, they longed for the time yet to come which they prophesied of.

“Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:”  (1Peter 1:10)

“Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”  (1Peter 1:11)

The Holy Ghost would come upon them and fill the Old Testament prophets with the power to prophesy and do great works for God. They knew the Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Prophecy but not as the Comforter whom Jesus said the Father would send.

The Bible teaches that they were men no different than us, with similar emotions and passions.

“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.”  (James 5:17)

Moses was a man prone to anger, and because of it he struck the rock in the wilderness after God had told him to speak to it for water. He was denied entrance into the Promised Land because of his disobedience.

Elijah became depressed and hid in a cave.

David lusted after another man’s wife and plotted her husband’s death.

Elisha’s pride was hurt and he caused the death of taunting children.

They knew the power of God for miracles but not the power of the indwelling Spirit who changes men’s hearts and desires.

We long for their time and the glory that God received because of the power and miracles they performed. However, they longed for our time and the glory that God receives in our changed lives.

We are a chosen generation. We have been given the indwelling Spirit of God who shall never leave us nor forsake us. We have been given the power to change our lives and be a holy people different than the rest of the world.

We have been given the power to resist temptation and put away sin.

“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”  (Rom. 6:12)

We have been given power over addictions and habits.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  (Gal. 5:1)

We have been given power over our carnal lusts.

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”  (Rom. 8:13)

We have been given power over our emotions.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”  (Eph. 4:26)

We are the chosen generation that knows the salvation of God and has His indwelling Spirit. He has chosen us to be kings and priests with Him. He has also called us to be a holy nation.

We know a nation’s location because of its geographical borders. The borders may be rivers, or mountain ranges, or lines marked by signposts. Whatever they may be, they separate that particular nation from all others.

The border that separates our nation from all others is the godly and holy lifestyle which the Holy Spirit empowers us to live.

When the rest of the world sees us have peace and faith in the midst of perilous times, when filthy language and cursings fill their daily conversation but they hear us refrain from sinning with our tongue and speaking evil, when they feel the need to escape by yielding to every carnal desire, yet they see us hold fast to our faith and refuse to partake of things contrary to our beliefs;

Then God is glorified among them and they have hope that there is a better way.

They see not a hypocritical Church that says one thing on Sunday but lives in the same manner as they do on Monday. They see a “glorious church” not having “spot or wrinkle”.

This is the Church that Jesus is coming back for to be His Bride.

The Bible tells us clearly what God considers to be sin. The Holy Spirit convicts us as to what is right or wrong.

It is time for us to make a decision and a commitment to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to choose the right over the wrong, and the godly over the worldly in everything we do.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”  (1Peter 4:17)

Tomorrow- The Works that Jesus did shall We do Also

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

What must we do until Jesus comes back?

We must Occupy until He Comes-

“I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?”  (Luke 18:8)

The Bible tells us that these last days which we are living in shall be “perilous times.” It says that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Tim. 3:13)

There shall be “perplexity” and “distress of nations.” (Luke 21:25) Men’s hearts shall fail them because of fear “for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” (Luke 21:26)

There shall be a “strong delusion” upon the earth to believe a lie, that they “all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thess. 2:12)

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”  (Matt. 24:24)

Now, more than ever, in these last days, it is imperative that believers know and understand the written Word of God in order to not be “carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” (Eph. 4:14)

There are and shall be many voices arise in these last days. No matter how pious, religious, respected, or prestigious the speaker, there is one thing believers must remember in order to not be deceived.

GOD NEVER CONTRADICTS HIMSELF.

No matter how miraculous the miracle, how vivid the vision, how powerful the preaching, or how real the dream, if it does not line up with the written Word of God then it is not from God.

It will take the faith of the Son of God to stand in these last days, not be deceived, and walk with God.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”  (Gal. 2:20)

When the economy is failing, jobs are scarce, money is tight, and friends and family forsake you; when voices arise and the powers that be tell you that God has forgotten His people; it will take the faith of God to trust and not be afraid, and to wait upon the Lord.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  (Isa. 40:31)

“For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”  (Psalm 37:9)

God gives the gift of faith to every believer when they accept Christ.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”  (Eph. 2:8)

It is the fruit or produce of the Holy Spirit who comes to live inside of you upon salvation.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”  (Gal. 5:22)

In the same way that fruit begins as a seed, so it is with faith.

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”  (Matt. 17:20)

God wants your seed of faith to be nurtured and grow. It is nurtured by hearing and the Word of God.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Rom. 10:17)

It does not require intelligence, a diploma, or a degree to understand the Word of God and have the faith that it will bring.

But it does require the Holy Spirit and belief that God is faithful.

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  (1Cor. 2:14)

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  (1John 2:27)

If we are faithful to read and study the written Word of God, then God will be faithful to give us the understanding and the faith that we will need to walk in these last days.

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”  (1Tim. 4:13)

Tomorrow- A Church without Spot or Wrinkle

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices

When will the Antichrist be Revealed?

When “He” shall be Taken Out of the Way-

Since the Temple of God was destroyed in circa 70 A.D. by the Roman armies, it has never been rebuilt.

One of the events that must happen before “the man of sin” can remove the daily sacrifice, sit in the Holy place, declare himself to be God, and be revealed as the Antichrist is that the Temple must be rebuilt and the sacrifice be reinstituted.

Jerusalem today is a divided city between Jew and Muslim, with the Temple mount occupied by the Muslim Dome of the Rock.

What could possibly happen that would be of such cataclysmic proportions as to upset the balance of power and embolden the Jews to rebuild the Temple of God in the place of the Muslim temple?

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.”  (2Thess. 2:7)

There is only one power in the earth today that is able to hold back the powers of darkness and prohibit the enemy of God from performing his will at any time.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  (Luke 10:19)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

It is the power of the Holy Spirit that God has put in His Church, and until the Church is taken out of the way, that Wicked cannot be revealed.

The “He” that must be taken out of the way is the Holy Ghost, and “He” will only be taken out of the way when the Church (the born again believers) are removed from the earth.

Jesus said that the Comforter (the Holy Ghost) would never leave us nor forsake us, so when He goes then we go also.

There have been men in the past such as Adolf Hitler, filled with evil, who thought they could make the prophecies come to pass, destroy the chosen people of God, conquer the world, and assume the position of the antichrist.

However, as long as the Church is in the world to have faith, believe God, pray, and resist the devil, the Evil One is paralyzed and limited as to what he can do.

The Bible tells of a time when a worldwide miraculous event shall occur. In one single moment every true believer in Jesus Christ will rise up to meet the Lord in the air, and every born-again Christian will disappear from the face of the earth.

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”  (1Cor. 15:52)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”  (1Thess. 4:16)

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”  (1Thess. 4:17)

Trumpets were used in the Old Testament not only for battle, but to assemble the congregation, to announce the feast, and to declare the changing of the season.

This is the last trump that shall sound, the last assembling of the congregation, the last call to the feast.

This is the end of the season, the end of the Church Age, and the gathering of the believers in Christ to meet the Lord in the air.

This is the next great event in God’s plan that we the Church are to be looking for.

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”  (Heb. 9:28)

Then shall the Holy Spirit who indwells the believers that make up the Church be “taken out of the way”, and the Scripture can be fulfilled:

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”  (Rev. 12:12)

What is Jesus looking for in His Church when He comes back? What is He expecting His Church to be doing?

“And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”  (Luke 19:11)

“He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.”  (Luke 19:12)

“And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.”  (Luke 19:13)

The word “occupy” literally means in the Greek to “busy oneself with, to trade.”

We are to be busy. We are to “occupy” until He comes.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels appeared and spoke to the disciples.

“Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”  (Act 1:11)

We are not to be standing and waiting, but in these last days we are to be walking with God and doing.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”  (Matt. 25:21)

How can we hear those wonderful words when we stand before Him on that day? We shall hear those words by being found faithful over a few things.

The Bible teaches that there are three areas in our life in which the Lord has given us “talents” to trade with as we “occupy” until He comes; three areas in which to be found faithful.

These are the areas of faith, lifestyle, and works.

Tomorrow- Occupy Until He Comes

All twelve books in the “How to Walk Christian Series” by Raymond Candy are available now in one collection of two volumes for $6.99 each at bn.com for the NOOK, amazon.com for the KINDLE, on iTunes at the iBookstore for the iPad and iPhone, and at Lulu.com for the PC and all e-reading devices