We wrote a book explaining how Christians have an advantage in whatever they do. What we have learned, too many Christians feel unworthy to accept additional responsibility in the workplace or in the home. Too many become Christians and believe they do not have to study Scripture or pray, they can do it on their own. They end up no more than just a professing Christian without the power from God, struggling each day and wondering why living a Christian life is so difficult. They wonder where is this joy, peace and love the Bible talks about? They have not yet learned that they have not accepted the fact that God has placed His Spirit in their lives to help them become successful. They must understand that the Bible says we must surrender our old nature and let the new nature control. It is the new nature that allows us to submit control of our lives to Christ. The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to make us a better person. He also is in the world to convict people of their sins and suggest that they accept Christ as their Savior.

We must learn that God will not force Himself onto us. For the Holy Spirit to work, He must control but only with our permission. Are you ready to give up control so you can “walk in the Spirit”? Many Christians find that they are unwilling to give up their control. However, we must make the Holy Spirit a vital part of our lives. If we will allow, He will teach us the truth, He will testify about Christ, He will assure our relationship to God and guarantee we are saved. John 16:13 & 14 – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” Romans 8:14 & 15 – “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to son-ship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

As a believer we are an heir of God. Why do so many of us seem to have such poor self-images? Why do so many of us act negatively. Is it because we are listening to the wrong spirit? We are told that we have been given the highest privilege in the universe. God tells us we are His family and we have His mercy. Is it that we are not aware of what the Bible says; we do not understand or just cannot trust God’s promises?

If we develop a relationship with God and Christ, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us in prayer. If we live in submission and obedience to the Holy Spirit He will give us wise council to follow. Can you see why Christians can have an edge in what they do? Yet, we must not allow the devil to “hack” into our spirit. We must allow the Holy Spirit to program our mind and spirit. If we do, we will be determined to live for God.

God gives us talents and often huge opportunities. Talents are sometimes missed or fear causes us to not use our God given talents. The devil will often deceive us into believing we are unworthy to obtain success. The Holy Spirit will continually inspire us to take advantage of what God has planned for us. There are times when God will allow us to fail that we might gain experience. He has something greater planned ahead. Many successful people have failed and were bankrupt only to end up running large companies and being a success. The Holy Spirit will encourage us to always keep trying and never give up.

Peter tells us the Holy Spirit wants to help us and that another spirit, the devil, wants to destroy us. How many of us are aware that thoughts come to us from two differing spirits? How easily can we be deceived when we cannot distinguish between the Holy Spirit and our worldly spirit putting thoughts into our mind? Are we conscious of the warning that we read in I Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” My NIV study Bible states: “Watch out for Satan when we are suffering or weak, when we are feeling alone, helpless or focused on our troubles that we forget to watch for danger. We are then especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and resist the devil.”

There are three hindrances to living a holy life. One problem is our carnal nature or the flesh that has lusts and sinful urges. We can be tempted by the ways of the world because everyone is doing it. The third problem we are faced with is the tempting that comes from the devil. If we have turned our lives over to the Holy Spirit, who equips us to live a Christ-like life, we can reject all three problems that our lives must deal with. It is when a Christian tries to live life on their own that they have a greater chance of yielding.

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Again, we must be reminded the importance of who is in control of our lives. Have you had a check up lately? Are you asking daily for Holy Spirit’s guidance or are you still in control? Don’t expect that special edge to be there if we have not yet surrendered.

No matter how frustrating and difficult life seems we must realize that God will see us through it. I Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Do we expect life to be free of all difficulties? If we never faced serious problems who would we depend upon: God or ourselves? That I believe is our major problem. We depend on ourselves too often and God is allowing problems to exist in order to teach us to rely upon Him.
YOU WILL NOT BE RAPTURED WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU!

I previously wrote a blog why the United States was not mentioned in Revelation. It started out by saying: A number of times I have been asked why America does not appear in the Book of Revelation. There doesn’t appear to be any nation coming to the Jews rescue. However, some believe the U.S. will not have the will or the ability to assist Israel in its defense.

I spend much time reading or listening to financial news. I am normally optimistic and generally listen to those who are positive vs. those who preach gloom and doom. We elect leaders who promise that they will bring positive change and a growing economy. In most part, we believe that no matter which party is in power there will always be opportunity. But here is what tells me the chances of the United States having a role in the end-times I believe lessens almost every time I read the news. I base my information on the following:

We are losing the backing of our friendly nations. Japan can no longer depend on America for military defense and are arming themselves for the first time since World War II. German’s Chancellor Merkel tossed out of Germany our top CIA official because we were tapping her cell phone. Foreign leaders do not trust us any longer.

The Middle East is in total chaos with Israel and Hamas fighting. Look what we have done to Iraq by not leaving a contingency of military to support the government. We plan to leave Afghanistan in the same situation.

Russia was allowed to annex Crimea and Ukraine is possibly next. What is America doing about the plane being shot down and 298 people being killed? What are we doing about Syria or Iran and the nuclear bomb?

Our economy is barely growing. We are tremendously in debt. Many are out of jobs and personal wages are not rising. The wealthy are getting richer because of the stock markets growth. Those less fortunate depend on the government to support them.

Inflation statistics no longer treat food, gas and electricity as a very large percent of the inflation statistic which tremendously affects many families’ budgets. Inflation affecting the average family is higher than reported.

We have an open border with thousands of immigrants entering. Who knows how many terrorists are entering? Many believe the IRS purposely destroyed e-mails and computers that showed a bias to conservative groups. Can we trust our government? We were told a video caused four to be killed in Benghazi.

We have freed five high ranking jihadists for a captured American accused of deserting his unit.

We passed ObamaCare with so many regulations it is doubtful a number of doctors will treat Medicare and Medicaid patients. It is estimated all of the regulations placed on professionals and businesses exceed one trillion dollars annually to comply.

As a Navy veteran, on shipboard patrolling during wartime, I am saddened to see our country becoming no longer viable in keeping peace in a very disturbed world. We live in a country with the greatest potential of all times. What we have discovered, through technology and fracking, we could be the most prosperous nation ever, if we were allowed to develop our natural gas and oil resources.

Who do I blame for where we find ourselves—Lucifer or the devil?

Exodus 9:12 – “But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said to Moses.” If we are in the end-times could God be hardening the hearts of politicians in preparation for the end?

II Thessalonians 2:9 – 12 – “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”

It has always amazed me throughout history and today how many people Satan has been able to deceive. I believe America could be the world’s answer to peace, individual freedom and longevity. Are we on the right path for that to happen? If you believe socialism is the answer, entitlements and big government similar to what we see in Europe is what we want; then we will play a part in the final one-world government. But remember, there will be one dictator who will remove all personal rights and freedoms. You then must have a mark in order to buy or sell. Everyone will be treated equally if you accept his rules and accept the religion that He will require.

What economic system would you choose for America? For myself, I prefer what we have had for the past 230 plus years but, some day there will be an end to the U.S. How soon will that be? Your choice could make a difference!

God will not need any nation in the end times to do what He plans to do. I believe this is why America is not found in the Book of Revelation. I do not think the end of time is just around the corner but I believe it is getting much closer. I do not believe the U.S. is going into bankruptcy under normal circumstances. I believe these past few months, June 2014, have been an excellent time to invest. I believe the American people will demand that our government take the necessary steps to get people back to work and our economy continuing to grow. I don’t believe God is pleased with us but I still feel there is a chance for a spiritual revival in America. All it takes is prayer!

What is required after the sinner’s prayer of repentance? Are there any responsibilities or does one just keep on living as if nothing has changed? The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:12 – “my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” We are to work out our salvation. How is that done?

We must recognize that Jesus is Lord of our life. That means we must become accountable to Jesus. We are no longer to be in control of our life, we are to let Jesus control who we are through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. That requires our behavior to change. This means we are to pray daily for assistance and be willing to let the Holy Spirit direct us and surrender our flesh or carnal nature and what it desires to do. This means, from now on, Jesus is in charge of my life. This is very hard for most new Christians to do. However, when you make Christ the Lord of your life this is what is required.

Romans 8:29 – “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” God knows prior to our birth who will accept Christ as their Savior and who will not. For those that will accept Christ, His goal is to make us like Christ. Many believe Paul is saying from the very beginning God has a plan for those He knew would accept Christ. That plan is to help us conform to the likeness of Christ. Our purpose was determined before we were born. This is why I believe even before we received salvation God was intervening in our lives knowing our future and helping us to get where we needed to be to accept Christ.

We are told to strive for sanctification or separation from the world. We have two choices: doing things the way the world does or being obedient to God’s ways as written in the Bible. Jesus came, as the Son of God and in the character of God. He was totally obedient to what God wanted as a member of His family to live. Jesus is the example we are to follow if we want to be part of God’s family. We are to develop the same characteristics as God, such as loving, forgiving, joyful, peaceful, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and having self-control.

As a Christian we must recognize that Christ has the authority to tell us what to do and then He will have the Holy Spirit help us do it. When we accepted Christ as Lord we are stating that He is in charge. If you cannot do this you will not be able to work out your salvation. Remember the parable that Christ talked about the seed falling on poor ground and it did not take root. However, when it was sewn in good soil it grew and prospered? Do not shirk you responsibility to work out your salvation.

We will never know what God wants unless we daily read Scripture and pray for guidance. Have you ever tried playing a sport and did not know any of the rules. What would be your chance of be a successful athlete? If you decided you wanted to play basketball but were unwilling to practice but once in a while, how good would you probably be? How often do you attend church? Normally, that is an indication as to how seriously you have committed your life to Christ. If you are a passionate basketball player, you are practicing and learning all the time. The same is true becoming a Christian. There must be a passion to please God and not shame Him. You must know the commandments and want to continually become more dedicated and obedient. That is not to indicate you are to work your way to heaven for we will be judged by our faith and service to Christ.

To recap: We are to realize that when we become a Christian it means we are to accept that Christ has the authority to rule over our life. This requires each of us to surrender our self-centeredness and strive to become Christ-like. We have the responsibility to live as God predestined us to live, which is the life that Christ set as our example. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us. This requires asking the Holy Spirit to direct us in making moral decisions. We are to build a personal relationship with Christ and to become Christ-like.

God wants us to be the person He created us to be. Through His Holy Spirit we will have His assistance to reach that goal. Therefore, we must continue to strive for perfection, which is an unobtainable aim in this lifetime. This is our responsibility as a Christian.

Luke 13:3 – “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Luke 13:22 – 27 – “Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

Many times I have read of Jesus being tempted by the devil. I have read where many are tempted and too often they yield. What would it take for you to yield if the devil wanted your soul? Many have stated they have sold their souls to the devil for money and fame. What they were offered was just too great for them to turn down. I have thought about writing a fictitious book about a person selling their soul for a great opportunity based on the following Scripture.

Luke 4:5 – 7 – “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’”

The book would start out by the devil taking a young politician to a high place and saying: “I can make you president of the United States and give you authority and splendor. The devil said it has been given to me and I can give it to anyone I want.”

I hope the majority of people reading this book would not believe anything written to be authentic. I am sure most would not even believe there are evil powers seeking to control people. But if there is the slightest chance it could happen, would you make a contract for your soul to be the president of the United States? Satan is the world’s greatest deceiver, so I hope you would not allow yourself to be sold a bill of goods for a few years of power and notoriety and lose your soul as a result. It would separate you from God throughout eternity.

To make the book interesting, we must assume the politician sells his soul and is elected president. Initially, the president does not realize that it is the devil’s eventual goal to destroy both America and Israel God’s chosen nations.

Those possessed with evil can be very likeable and pleasant, they often lie or exaggerate, they have no feelings of guilt, can be very manipulative, they can be very misleading and they need to continually be stimulated, they have little empathy for others, often depend on others for their lifestyle, irresponsible, sexually promiscuous, will admit to no wrong and will blame others, their overall behavior is usually unacceptable to fundamentalists.

Over 2000 years ago, Satan influenced and controlled the Roman leaders and the Sanhedrin or Jewish leadership. Approximately 1/3 of the populations were slaves. Conditions were horrible, with little morality or justice. History indicates it may have been as bad as prior to Noah’s flood. Was God about to destroy mankind again or should He send His Son to make a difference in the world? We all know what choice He made. God must send Christ a second time; otherwise the world, in the near future is ruled by the antichrist, will destroy itself as told in Scripture. Christ will come to reign for a 1000 years on earth. We will then know what God had planned for Adam and Eve because Satan will not be with us to continually deceive and tempt human beings.

Occult leaders from the beginning of America believed our country was being established to lead the world into forming a one-world-government controlled by their leader, Lucifer’s Antichrist. Again, I am only writing what supposedly history tells us. For those who are knowledgeable of occult symbols indicate that Washington, D.C. has a number of satanic symbols throughout our capital. In addition, within miles of the capital there are a number of occult groups who worship the devil. Supposedly, percentagewise, surrounding our capital is the largest concentration of devil worshippers in America.

The book, if written, states that the devil tells the newly elected president there are eight things he must do.

They are as follows:
1. To control the people you must get control of healthcare.
2. Increase the level of poverty because poor people are easier to control than those economically sufficient. They will have the least desire to cause a problem if the government is providing most of what they need.
3. Put America into debt to such an extent it will create a need to raise taxes and produce more poverty.
4. Government must control all guns. Americans must not be able to defend themselves thus justifying a police state.
5. Establish as much welfare as possible. The more government can control their lives through food, housing and income subsidies the more they can be government controlled.
6. Take control of education and provide what they can read and learn in school.
7. It is essential that belief in a God is removed from schools and government.
8. Divide the people into two classes, the rich and the poor, so that as much discontent is sowed allowing for the taxing of the rich. The poor will support this move.

To destroy Israel the devil chooses Hamas to attack Israel with rockets. Israel attacks the Gaza strip destroying military facilities and government buildings. The devil also influences Lebanon to send rockets into Israel. Israel attacking the Palestinians infuriates the Islamic nations. As described in Ezekiel Chapters 36 thru 39 a huge army from the north attacks Israel with the purpose to wipe them off the face of the earth. Israel and America will continue to be under the devil’s target as he uses terrorists to inflict serious damage.

Somewhere in the book it must be noted that God chose Israel as His nation in the Old Testament and selected America in the New Testament to spread His Word to the world. Satan or the devil’s plan is to destroy the two nations that God has used to bring love, peace and prosperity to the entire world. Really what is happening is the devil believing He can lead God’s people to reject God. The devil will use force on Israel and America to get back at God. Defeat these two countries and he can control the world.

It appears God has allowed the devil to take us closer toward the time of desolation and destruction. Then comes the rapture and Christ will come to reign on earth. When that happens there will no longer be a devil, demon possessed people, atheists or hateful people on earth. Everyone remaining will have the Holy Spirit in their lives, without exception. It will be a time of peace and no wars any longer. Are you ready?

Would you be interested in reading the book, described above, if written? Yes or no!

I have been blessed to share my story with individuals and groups over the years. Many have asked: “What do you believe causes people to be successful?” I cannot stress enough; it is due to more than adequate preparation. I have coached and worked with a few thousand people and find that this is an area that many fail to do what is the necessary preparation for a good job performance.

Whether you were an athlete or an employee many just showed up to do whatever had to be done. I found that many individuals lived and worked with a complacent attitude. It appeared their thoughts were more on what was going to happen after work than concentrating on what needed to be done at the present time. As a Christian lay-leader and on a number of church boards it seemed the same attitude persists with Christians, concerning eternity, they were also complacent in their preparation for life-after-death. So what should we know about life-after-death that should motivate us to be more diligent in preparing?

Revelation 20:4 & 6 – “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”

Those who came to life, (we believe those raptured and those coming from heaven) will rule with Christ a thousand years on this earth. And, they will not die a second time for they will rule with Christ during the thousand years. We believe the earth will have its curse removed and it will be an environment similar to what it was like before Adam’s sin. As Peter says, if God promised it, He then knows how to do it.

At the end of the thousand years Satan is let loose once again. Rev. 20:7 – 10 – Satan will convince millions to go to war against Christ and His people. Scripture says a fire will burn them up and the Devil and his followers will be thrown into the “Lake of Fire”. From the beginning of time, anyone whose name was not entered in the “Book of Life” was hurled into the “Lake of Fire”. This is where all non-believers will end up. (2nd Peter 3:7, 10, 12 – Luke 21:25-27 – Malachi 4:1.)

Rev: 21:1 – 4 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Gone will be our present earth, destroyed by fire according to 2nd Peter 3:7. The new world is prepared for God’s people. God, Christ and the Holy Spirit will live with His people as God did with Adam and Eve in the garden. There will be no more pain, mourning or death for the old order is gone. Our diets will be different as we eat fruit from the Tree of Life. Maybe from the same tree that Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat. There will be no sun and sin is banished. Christ said that He was going away to prepare for us a mansion. Keep in mind that we are talking about the new earth. Our present heaven, the third heaven as Paul describes in II Corinthians 12:2 where God dwells now, is not necessarily paved with streets of gold. In this heaven, it doesn’t talk about eating or describe how we will live.

Rev 21: 5 – “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

God says He is making everything new. Those who are victorious will inherit all these blessings and He will be their God and we will be His Children. Those who do not accept Christ, as their Savior will spend eternity separated from God.

Revelation 21:15 – 18 – “The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits thick, by man’s measurement, which the angel was using. The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold.”

The angel measured the city, its gates and its walls. It was 1400 miles square. Its walls were 200 feet thick. The new earth will be a perfect cube. The Holy of Holies in the Old Testament temple was also a perfect cube. The measurements are all in multiples of 12. The number 12 in the Bible stood for perfection and completeness. There are 12 tribes, 12 apostles and the walls surrounding the earth will be 12 by 12. The walls will have 12 layers. There will be 12 gates. It will be large enough to hold in excess of one billion people. The walls being 200 feet thick symbolize security.

Everything on the new earth will radiate the presence of God. It will have no impurities; nothing will impede its ability to transmit God’s Glory.

Revelation 21:19 & 22 – “The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”

The picture of walls made of jewels reveals that the New Jerusalem will be a place of purity and durability. On the new earth there will be no need for a temple because God’s presence will be everywhere. He will be worshiped throughout the city.

Revelation 21:23 – 25 – “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.”
The nations will walk by its light and the earth’s kings will bring in their splendor. Its gates shall never be shut because there is no night. In the new earth there will be no need for a sun or a moon. The temperature will be very comfortable the year around. There will be no darkness because it cannot exist in the presence of light. Since there will be no sin in the presence of God there will be no need for darkness or a need to lock the gates. We will walk in the light of God.

Revelation 21:27 – “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

The glory and honor of the people will be brought into the city. Nothing sinful will enter the city and no one who defiles (does shameful things), or deceives; only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be able to enter. The Holy City will be beyond one’s imagination when it comes to beauty. God’s kingdom will remain forever for those who are believers. God’s foreknowledge is absolute. He has known from the beginning of time who would worship Him and who would not. Scripture tells us if we die with Christ we will live with Him forever. (Matthew 19:28-30)

Revelation 22:1 – 2 – “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

We know there was a time when humans ate only vegetables and fruits. We believe this will be our diet in the new earth. Water, which is necessary for life will come from a river that is crystal clear. The leaves of trees will cure all the hurts of nations. We will have no fears for God will provide all of our needs.

Revelation 22:3 & 4 – “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”

The throne of God and the Lamb will be at the center. His servants shall worship God and offer their services. They will see His face and His name will be on their foreheads. Nothing cursed will be in God’s presence for He has lifted the curse that He placed on earth banishing Adam & Eve from the garden. God and His children will never live in an imperfect setting. Our relationship to God in eternity means there will probably be duties that we are required to perform. God’s face has not been seen since Adam and Eve were in the garden. However, we will see the face of God and we will be sealed with the Spirit of God. Our character and our behavior shall be the same as Christ’s. We shall have a close relationship with Him. He will not always be on a throne but walking among His people.

Revelation 22:5 – “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.”

No one will need lamplight or sunlight for God will be our light. This indicates there will be no more evil in the world or need of darkness. The night and day was to mark the passage of time. In the New Jerusalem, in eternity, there is no need to measure time. We shall rule with Him forever and ever, which has been the promise and hope of every Christian. This is what it is all about. Is living a disciplined life, saved, totally surrendered, having repented and committed to Christ for eighty some years or however many, worth forever and ever?

Revelation 22:6 & 7 – “The angel said to me: ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’ ‘Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.'”

An angel said these are dependable and accurate words for everyone. God has sent His angel to tell you what must take place and soon. “Tell them I am on My way.” Blessed are those who keep the prophecy of this book. An angel is attesting that what John has written is trustworthy and true.

Throughout history God has told His prophets what the future holds. God told Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Isaiah and the other prophets what would happen at the end of the age and it was told to John so that a comprehensive presentation could be put into this one book, the Book of Revelation. The word ‘soon’, as I will return soon, could be interpreted to mean imminent, implies with certainty and suddenly. It has also been interpreted to say that when these events occur, as described in Revelation, they will happen in quick succession.

Revelation 22:8 – 11 – “I, John saw all of these things with my own eyes and heard them with my ears. I fell down to worship the angel that showed me. He objected saying, I am a servant just like you and all who keep the words of this book. Worship God! Then he said not to put this book away on a shelf for time is near. Let those doing wrong continue; the one who is evil, let him be; the one who is good should continue to be good and the one who is holy should continue to be holy.”

John, (We believe John’s mother and Mary were sisters and John was Jesus’ cousin.) didn’t just imagine what he had written. Could an Apostle of Christ, one that Jesus had in His inner-circle, possibly make this up? Daniel had seen many things in heaven and he was commanded not to tell what he had seen because it was not a message for Daniel’s time. John is being told, everything you have seen and heard you are to make sure it becomes published. God wants His promises available for everyone to read. This is also how we will know when events unfold so we will not allow the Antichrist to deceive us. The angel is not recommending evil living. Do not be swayed by how others live. The consequences of how we live will determine the choices we make and the heavenly rewards that we will receive.

Revelation 22:12 – 15 – “I’m on my way. My reward is with me. I will reward everyone according to what they have done. I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. How blessed are those who have washed their robes. The Tree of Life is theirs for good and they will walk through the gates of the city. All the evildoers will live outside the city.”

We believe this is an illustration that nothing evil will enter the city. Scripture tells us that the evildoers were cast into the Lake of Fire. The reason for walls around the city was to denote security. Walls are not needed if the gates are always open. In the Old Testament rewards were often immediate for living according to God’s principles. In the New Testament the rewards in most cases were to be deferred until Christ’s judgment. Otherwise all good Christians could become rich based upon Old Testament history. Rewards probably will be based more on one’s heart and attitude, their love for God and others, rather than having been a teacher, minister or never missing a church service. However, it is very clear in verse 12, “My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” This is why our church emphasizes serving, giving of our time and money, being in a small group and becoming connected to God and others. But it is not works but deeds that will receive rewards. Works is defined as expecting something in return for what we do for others. Deeds meaning we serve with unconditional love expecting nothing in return for our service.

Mark 13:24 – 31 tells more about the second coming. How can we know that we will go to heaven? I John 3:14 – “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” These verses tell us if we love our brothers and sisters we will have life. If we have hate in our hearts and not love we will die. If you want to know what true love is, Christ gave us an example. He laid down His life that our sins could be forgiven. Real love may require real sacrifice.

How much are we willing to help others? What does it mean to lay down our lives for another? It may mean giving up our rights; it may mean putting others’ needs or interests above our own. Love produces being selfless and sacrificial giving. It may mean serving others without any expectation that they reciprocate. Two Christians who marry and have this kind of love in their hearts can have a lifetime of happiness. Their lives are not dead, they are children of God and they are alive.

I John 3:21 & 22 – “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.”

I John 3:24 – “Those who obey his commands live in him and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us. We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” The Apostle John tells us there are ways to know we are going to heaven: We have unconditional love in our hearts and we do not hate fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and we know by seeing Holy Spirit inspired supernatural events taking place in our lives. The Holy Spirit teaches us, we receive fruits from the Holy Spirit and we are led or checked by the Holy Spirit.

Is all of this worth living a holy life? If you want a heavenly reward, lay up your treasurers in heaven. There is no earthly reward comparable.

The disciples ask Jesus about the destruction of the temple and Israel’s defeat. Jesus paints a picture of hardship, confusion and waiting. He then goes on to tell them what will happen in the end times. It appears most people on earth seem complacent while the end is getting nearer. Most live each day as if there will never be an end. Many do not even know what to expect.

Mark 13:24 – 31 – “But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Scripture tells us that when it seems that things can’t possibly get any worse, they will. Heaven and earth will be completely changed. There will be a sunset but the sun will not come up the following day. The earth will be so dark that the return of Jesus will be seen by all. He tells us the entire universe will be changed. In Revelation John said there would be a great earthquake, the sun will turn black, the whole moon will turn blood red and the stars in the sky will fall to earth. The sky will be rolled back like drawing a huge curtain.

The normal reaction will be one of terrifying fear. However, Christians should be confident waiting for Jesus to bring justice and restoring direction to the world. Everyone will see His return as He comes to defeat Satan and judge all people as He sets up His kingdom in a new and restored earth. All Christians will be brought together and none will be lost. The hope of Christians will be fulfilled.

We are told to learn the lesson from the fig tree. When the leaves come out it will be a sign that the end is near. Theologians believe that the fig tree represents the nation of Israel. For over 1800 years they were without a homeland. They were scattered all over the world. In May 1948, Israel was established as a nation and Jews have been returning to their home land ever since. This generation will not pass away until Christ’s prophecy is fulfilled.

Mark 13:32 – 37 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch’”.

Jesus was teaching that no one, not even He, knew when His coming would happen. We will not know by science or Scripture but we must be prepared. We do know that His second coming will occur quickly and all of a sudden. There will not be any time for repentance or asking for forgiveness. The choice that we have previously made, concerning salvation, will determine our destiny. We must ask ourselves: Are we prepared and living a holy life?

God tells us He has given us the Holy Spirit so that we can have a nature like Christ. Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly and fulfilling. However, the world does not have lives that are fulfilling nor do they have an abundant life. A person can have a habit that controls him/her so completely that they cannot break it. An addiction or careless living can so dominate them that they are powerless to break from it. An individual can love and hate sin at the same time. Meaning, a sinner can lose the power to do what he knows should be done. We can become slaves to habits and sinful pleasures that have total control over us. If this fits you, Scripture is saying you had better repent and change who you are. You are allowing your carnal nature—the old man, direct your life. You will rarely change without yielding to the Holy Spirit. Your conduct, being controlled by sin, could eject you from the family of God. However, if you are expecting Christ to return you are told to watch and be prepared.

Romans 7:15 & 16 – “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.”

This sounds like a cry from a person desperately struggling against sin or trying to keep rules in order to please God without the Holy Spirit’s help. Paul lets us know that we have two natures: The old man and the new man. One delights in pleasing God and the other wages war against God’s commands.

Romans 8:1 – 4 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Christians who are trying to please God on their own strength probably have not surrendered and are struggling to meet the demands of the law and measure up to God’s standards. We know God promises there will be no eternal punishment to those who have committed themselves to Christ and do not allow their self-centered natures to control their lives. They follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul is telling us that the Holy Spirit liberates us from having to face life on our own. What the law was asking for, we could not fulfill on our own. Normally, we cannot change who we are but the Holy Spirit can.

Self-gratification will overpower the sinful nature of man. We on our own are too weak to resist. We have learned spiritual maturity is not instant gratification. The harder it is to submit totally to our self-centered desires to control our lives, the longer it will take to reach maturity in the Spirit.

Once we have learned we cannot live a holy life on our own. We must constantly be preparing for the return of Jesus Christ and being ready. Complacency and having not received the Holy Spirit can cause separation from God through eternity.

We are told not to be judgmental. However, it is not difficult to see Christians continually telling others how they should live. When our church changed its mission from being traditional to evangelizing the lost, we were criticized by many church leaders as being too liberal and preaching that which tickles the ears rather than hell-fire and brimstone preaching. Jesus was also criticized for doing what we believe God wanted us to do.

Mark 2: 13 – 17 – “Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and ‘sinners’ were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the ‘sinners’ and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’? On hearing this, Jesus said to them, it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”

Jesus clashed with religious leaders about the company He kept. He stopped to meet Levi, called Matthew and the author of the Book of Matthew who was a tax-collector for the Romans. Most tax collectors were hated by the Jews because they worked for the Romans and they had a reputation for overcharging and cheating. Any Jew who accepted that job was excommunicated from the synagogue and shamed his family and friends. Matthew’s attention to record keeping and detail is seen in his writing. History tells us that Jesus knew Matthew previously before asking him to become one of His Apostles.

Matthew recognized that Jesus wasn’t inviting him but calling him. Matthew’s obedience was an amazing change that affected his life forever. He left great wealth and a lucrative occupation. He went from wealth to poverty.

Levi or Matthew at once invited all of his friends to dinner to meet Jesus. It was a crowd that Jesus could never reach in the synagogue. They all had been excommunicated. There were established as sinners because they did not live by the rigid standards set by the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that time. These teachers of the law were specialists in how a Jew should live. They had interpreted the law and were part of keeping the 613 rules that the Jews had created as a requirement to be Jewish. They often saw themselves as righteous and everyone else was a sinner.

Jesus came, who was popular, taught with great authority from the Old Testament Scriptures and claimed to be speaking for God and yet ignored their laws and seemed to condone sin by keeping company with sinners. The Pharisees refused to eat with common people because the sins of commoners might make them ceremonially impure. Jesus was aware of the question: “Why does He eat with tax-collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered by saying it is the sick who realize they need a doctor. Jesus says He has come to heal the sick because the self-righteous do not realize they are sick and need to be healed.

If you decide to have the church approach sinners as Jesus did, many religious and self-righteous Christians will ask the same questions the Pharisees asked Jesus. Why are you placing more attention on sinners and the unchurched than on those who have been Christians for years? Why would you say “It’s okay to not be okay?” If you are not okay spiritually, the church is where you belong. Do you think God would be displeased for trying to find the sick sinner and getting them healed?

The religious leaders accused Jesus of being possessed. Mark 3:22 – “And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” The religious leaders refused to believe that His power was from God. Many Christians could not believe that God could make our church be a missionary church reaching out to the unsaved. This required us to do things that were not traditional. A Jew who did not obey the 613 man-made laws they were excommunicated from the Synagogue. We, as a church, were believed to be just as guilty.

Mark 6:7 – “Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.” Mark 6:12 – 13 – “They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” Mark 8:34 – 38 – “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Often our church members question the mission of the church. Why are we not like other Christian churches? Christ was teaching His disciples that they were to open their minds and hearts to a new truth suited for the present age. This is what we believe Christ wants from us today. Our mission field starts in our backyard and from there it goes wherever Christ takes us. As long as people are believing, repenting and living by God’s Will, the results indicate we are on the right path.

The purpose of the above information is to present a different ministry. If your mind and heart is closed to new ways of preaching and teaching the gospel, you will not feel comfortable in a missionary church. This is why we have many different denominations. My suggestion is: Just because it does not fit into your spiritual concept, be careful in being judgmental of others with a different mission.

Read the Old Testament and God punishes nations that are evil by wars and natural disasters. God only tolerates so much and then things change. There is a fair size group, including Christians, who want America to become a social state. There are rules for changing to a socialistic system. There are eight things politicians must do to gain control of our country. See if any of those rules are being adopted.

1. If you want to control the people you must get control of healthcare.
2. Increase the level of poverty because poor people are easier to control than those economically sufficient. They will have the least desire to cause a problem if the government is providing most of what they need.
3. Put America into debt to such an extent it will create a need to raise taxes and produce more poverty.
4. Government must control all guns. Americans must not be able to defend themselves thus justifying a police state.
5. Establish as much welfare as possible. The more government can control their lives through food, housing and income subsidies the more they can be government controlled.
6. Take control of education and provide what they can read and learn in school.
7. It is essential that belief in God is removed from schools and government.
8. Divide the people into two classes, the rich and the poor, so that as much discontent is sowed allowing for the taxing of the rich. The poor will support this move.

If you don’t read your Bible, if you do not attend church regularly or if you are not sure there is a God, what does truthfulness and fairness mean to you? Chances are your character and morals are normally determined by the world’s standard. If you buy into these eight rules, chances are you will look for government as your security. What government directs you to vote for, chances are you will support whatever they tell you, whether it is truthful or not.

God was taught in our schools and revered in government. America today is replacing God with pornography. It has become a $13 billion dollar business and America is spreading it throughout the world through the internet. All of this is a result of “free speech”. Many of our young people are becoming addicted to pornography and God and morality is of little concern.

I have witnessed preachers and priests, I do not know the preachers denominations, on TV supporting separation of church and state and social justice. It is not a rarity to talk to Christians who believe that America should become a social state. They believe the free-market economic system is unfair and unjust. In fact, I have heard it said that Jesus would support a social justice system of government.
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In the past sixty years, our country has come from people following Christian principles to a nation that is headed toward a Sodom & Gomorrah culture. It appears soon, if not already, we will be similar to those nations God was destroying in the Old Testament because of their evil and disobedience. For this reason I can only believe that we are seeing the beginning of the world’s end as prophesized in the Bible. The only way this can be stopped is for nations to repent and accept God and follow His ways. The chance of that happening historically, has little possibility.

As Christians we must separate ourselves from the ways of the world. Scripture has been telling us for almost 2000 years that we are to love God and worship Him and love others as ourselves. God must be first in the lives of anyone wishing to live in eternity with God and Christ. It is God who is our security and not government. Many of today’s children do not realize our rights come from God and not government.

Our commission is to testify to as many as we can that there is a God and He sent His Son that we might accept Him and live according to His instructions. We must develop an unconditional love for God and others. This is impossible to do without having received the Holy Spirit. We must be converted and live a holy life to enter Heaven. It is more important now than at any time in our history to share the gospel with others if we want any change in our culture. In addition, we need to be aware of the character of those we elect to congress this coming November.

Nehemiah 1:4 – 9 – “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’”

God has providentially caused miracles throughout the history of America. In 1746 France assembled a huge armada of 70 ships with 8,000 soldiers off the New England coast with plans to attack the colonies from Massachusetts to Georgia. With little protection available, a call from the governor of Massachusetts went out for the people to assemble in churches to pray and fast that God would provide. Fog and a huge storm hit the ships causing them to sail south into tremendous heat causing sickness and killing over 1300 soldiers. Others were so weakened that they decided to sail back to France. It is supernatural stories like this one that we seldom ever hear.

God is still in control and if Americans we’re to pray, it may be our only hope that Americans would repent and ask God for one more miracle to change the direction we are headed as a nation. Do we have any leaders who will start us praying? I will pray, will you?

Rarely do I have dreams. Last night I dreamed I was working with two young men and we took a break. These two I had never met previously yet, it seemed I knew both very well. One was a person who seemed to be just drifting in life without purpose or direction. He did not know if there was a God or if there was life after death. The other was raised a Mormon and had accepted Christ as his Savior. Why he was a Mormon didn’t seem important to the dream other than it seemed he had his spiritual life together.

The young man who seemed to be drifting in life asked me: “What convinces you there is life after death”? My panic reaction was: what do I say and where do I start. At this point, I wake up and it is just after 2:00 a.m. From then until I got up, I was trying to answer the question by determining: Where do I start and what do I say?

My first thought was: That could have been me until I was converted at age 22. This is where I was, just drifting without a plan or knowing that God created each of us with a purpose. My next thought: This is most people, living without purpose or a plan just drifting along accepting whatever comes, completely uninformed about life and what is happening surrounding them. My next thought was, this is why Christ commissioned His disciples to go throughout the world providing knowledge that these questions can be answered so it can change a person’s life. I know it completely changed my life when I accepted there was a God and He had a plan as to how I should live and I accepted Christ as my Savior.

In my meditation I kept asking God to have the Holy Spirit tell me how I was to answer these two questions: How do I know there is a God and is there life after death? When I started going to church at age 21, I heard enough sermons to convince me that there could be a God and if there was one I had better change my ways. Once I was “saved” I kept getting checked within about what to do and what not to do. Four years in the Navy I smoked. After being discharged I continually tried to stop but couldn’t. I planned to go to college and participate in sports. I knew this addiction had to stop. Once I was saved, I never smoked again. Using bad language also stopped. There was no doubt that I had received the Holy Spirit because the changes that took place I could never have done without the Holy Spirit’s help.

The more I read my Bible and prayed the more knowledgeable I became. The more information I gained the easier it was to increase my faith. The more faith I had, the more I was able to trust what God promised in Scripture would happen. As my faith and trust grew, the more “God Things” happened. I saw doors opening and doors closing. I had planned on going to a public university and the doors open for me to attend a Christian college. I participated in sports and was asked to coach at a Christian High School while I finished my senior year. While in college I went to work my second summer for Birds Eye Frozen Foods. In two years I was the night foreman.

While in college I was asked to teach a 5th & 6th grade boy’s Bible class. From then on I taught adult Bible classes for more than 35 years. I made it a practice to read the Bible from beginning to end every year. It became very easy for me to believe that there was life after death and that there was a heaven and a hell. It was not long before I could believe the Bible was accurate and it was inspired by God for our benefit. The Bible provided the answer to what was my purpose on earth and what God’s plan was for me.

God’s plan for me was to teach the gospel and help others to find Christ as their Savior. God opened doors that gave me management jobs and helped me develop leadership abilities. This helped me as I was on a number of church boards and on city committees, plus service organizations. I helped three churches relocate and build larger buildings. Knowing God’s purpose for my life changed my personality and my temperament. I was no longer a drifter but a person with a passion, loving what I was doing for the Lord as a lay-leader and teacher.

In 2008, three of us decided to write a book called: “God and the Bottom Line.” It was about being a Christian in the workplace and how to become a leader and an example for God. March 2009, our publisher insisted that I write a Christian blog. My first reaction was—no way! It was stated that, if you want the book published, you need to blog. March 2009, I started writing two Christian blogs a week. This is blog #544! I could never have done it without the Holy Spirit continually putting thoughts into my mind. It has been an unbelievable experience. I have had readers from over 100 nations reading these blogs. My continual reading of Scripture and teaching Bible classes has provided the knowledge to allow me to fulfill my purpose of spreading God’s message to others. Part of that message is: Yes—there is life after death and I plan on spending eternity with God. Christ said that He was going to prepare a place for His followers. I cannot imagine how fantastic it is going to be. He has had almost 2000 years to work on it. Just think what Christ and God did in six days.

My trust in God’s promises that He would meet my needs allowed me to start my business 27 years ago. It was started with no monthly income. It took two years before I could financially pay my monthly bills. Never once did I doubt God would help me build the business and He has. There was never once any fear as Christ was my partner.

Studying Bible prophecy and studying that history caused me to believe there was a God who knew the future. This has been a faith builder. I have seen too many supernatural, impossible situations become possible to realize there is a Creator. More than 50 years of experience being a Christian confirmed to me there is a God and there is life after death. I guess the best way to answer the young man’s questions would be to tell him how my life has changed and the peace I have had knowing that I had the Holy Spirit continually checking and directing my life. There is no doubt where I will spend eternity and God and Christ will be there.

Many of us have learned to become leaders by seeing the mistakes of bosses or supervisors for whom we have worked. Some of us have worked for imperfect, overbearing or incompetent bosses and realize that they can drain our energy and all but destroy creativity. Creative, competent and independent-thinking people have a tendency to challenge questionable decisions and this is intolerable to certain bosses. Or have you worked for a boss whose decisions were impulsive, arbitrary and seldom predictable? This is why I believe what Scripture teaches can be so helpful in developing a leadership attitude and abilities.

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy instructions as to how a Christian should lead others. As a high school coach, a production foreman and a store manager, I attended many seminars and read a number of self-help leadership books. It is surprising how much being taught was in agreement with what was written in: I Timothy 3:1 – 3 – “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”

The apostle Paul says that a good leader needs to have high ethical standards and have a good reputation with others. He or she should be a person who is living a life that is blameless and fair to all. It is a person who is in no relationship or a monogamous one. A leader should live and do things in moderation, having limits, control excesses and not be seen as an extravagant individual. They should have enough self-control to resist temptations and would never become addicted to anything. They should make reasonable and sane judgments.

A leader must be respected by others. We must realize that our decisions and behavior determines our character and present a lasting impression on others. Respect is always earned and never comes from one’s position. A disrespected boss can only obtain a limited amount of productivity. In order to gain the most effort out of employees their management style is normally based on fear.

A good leader must be a gracious host and have a servant’s heart according to Paul. They would never ask someone to do something they would not be willing to do themselves or pitch in and help if the need is warranted.

A good leader must be able to teach and communicate in order for others to understand. It is important to have purpose and direction or a mission statement in order for everyone to be on the same page. Bosses sometimes really do not know what it is they want and lack the ability to give proper directions. This can lead to having a dysfunctional work force.

Paul would probably ask who would like working for a drunk. Many people who are alcoholics drink because of personal problems or to escape reality. Throughout Paul’s writing he is continually stressing moderation in all things and becoming addicted to nothing.

A good leader is able to control anger. A leader can be stern and use discipline without raising their voice or going into contortions. Anger can cause words to be used that can destroy employee’s morale. A person with a gentle spirit can be just as requiring as an ogre.

There are bosses who have quarrelsome attitudes. No matter what is said they need to state their opinion. In some situations they need to prove that their way is the only and best way. There are bosses who are unwilling to listen to anyone under their authority with different suggestions. They limit one’s ingenuity and effectiveness by not allowing an employee to take ownership in what they have been asked to do.

Scripture teaches us that money must be a by-product from services rendered. If money is our goal it can become our god. My business or one’s job must be part of their ministry for Christ. I hope most people understand what this means. We are not to put ourselves before others and should be doing our job by helping others. We are to live by the “Golden Rule” to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. I have found over the years that an employer cannot afford to lose good, qualified and capable employees. In normal times these people have unlimited opportunities. Good leadership surrounds themselves with superior employees and makes conditions conducive to keeping that help.

Paul goes on in verses 4 through 7 stating that a good leader must be able to manage their family well. If one cannot manage their family they probably will never become a great leader. To do an adequate job at both home and workplace requires compassion. Too many times parents can be too authoritative, domineering, cruel, overly stern or abnormally protective. Thus, they cause those they lead to become dependent upon the leader to provide their purpose and direction. Studies have indicated that many times how one manages at home is duplicated in the workplace.

Parents and good leaders must show firmness, mercy and compassion. They must be fair and have balance in their decision making. They must be responsible role models and earn the respect of their family or their employees. If those whom we lead do not respect our authority they will have a tendency to resist our leadership and in some cases families will rebel and employees may find other jobs.

Promotions to supervisory position can often make some become over-confident and self-absorbed with their new found power. Bosses who have allowed power to make themselves arrogant and conceited can create demoralized employees. According to the apostle Paul it is best that a person have time in service and understand what needs to be done and how to do it. A Christian church leader should not be placed into a leadership position until they are well-founded in their faith and truly understand Scripture. They must not allow pride to make them believe they are more important that they are. Many times we put people in leadership positions in a church and then find they have missed paying their taxes, have been stealing or have had or are having sexual escapades that damage their reputation and that of the church or for whom they are working.

I attest to the fact that I have found these Christian principles will work for any leader in any setting. As we enter into a political season, I would like to see two traits that each political leader would have. I would hope as we go to the ballot box to vote, we would elect political leaders who would listen to their constituents and second, they would tell the truth. I believe one’s integrity and morality is a must. It ought to be a characteristic of every leader, especially a Christian. Some of the things I have seen from both parties have been deplorable.