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BIBLE STUDY OF PSALM 23:4-6

  • BIBLE STUDY OF PSALM 23:4-6  KJV

 

READ PSALM 23:4  KJV

  This verse in Psalm 23 meant so much to me when I was going through chemo. It took me a while to realize I was not in the valley of death but in the valley of the shadow of death. The path I am on is the path my shepherd choose for me. It may lead to my death, but it may lead to life, it is my shepherd’s choice. It is the right path. What do I have to fear?

For where there is a shadow, there must be light. I realized that death is standing on the side of the path my shepherd choose for me. The light of my shepherd shines on death causing a shadow across my path. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, a shadow cannot stop me, the shadow of a dog cannot bite me, the shadow of a gun cannot kill me, and the shadow of death has no power over me. I will fear no evil! There are shadows of evil all around us. With our eyes on JESUS our LORD and Savior, he will keep us from evil or be with us through it. “For thou art with me!” WHAT DO I HAVE TO FEAR?

The last part of this verse is “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”. The shepherd’s “rod”, is a tool he uses every day. It is used for counting his sheep, guiding his sheep, and protection. The staff (like we think of, it has a hook on the end”). It is used much in the same way as the rod. For guidance and protection, what makes it different is the hook, it can be used to rescue a sheep, to hook him and pull him to safety, but also to pull predators from attacking the sheep. The shepherd has many tools to guide and protect his flock, just as JESUS has infinite power to guide and protect us.

I want to end our study of this verse with additional scriptures about shadows, light, and paths. The first verse is from John 1:1-5-9 KJV;

” In HIM was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

The second verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV,   is my life verse, I have memorized it so I would have it always with me

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.” (PLURAL)

It is amazing in this verse paths are plural. This reaffirms our study of different paths.  We are all on different paths, every one of us is different, but we are all the same. JESUS has paths for each of us if we make Him our LORD and Savior. He then becomes our Shepherd and will lead us in the paths of righteousness.

 

READ PSALM 23:5

  This verse reminds us that GOD will provide for our needs even in the presence of our enemies. Notice first, it is GOD who prepares the table. God is showing himself as the one who is personally concerned and involved with providing for our needs. I find it humbling to realize that the creator of heaven and earth, takes time to personally care for me, my every need. Like I am the only person on earth. HE is MY SHEPHERD! This table is a complete meal, nothing is lacking, and it’s perfect, look WHO prepared it. Remember GOD knows what we need before we do, those needs are there on the table prepared by the GOOD SHEPHERD. The table represents nourishment both physical and spiritual. “In the presence of my enemies”. Satan, his demons, and evil shadows are all around us. But we can sit down at the table with JESUS in peace and safety, HE is our GOOD SHEPERD. I want you to read the account of the feeding of the five thousand in Mark. Pay close attention to how Jesus describes the people, where he has them sit, and who prepares the meal. I think you will see this in a different light, JESUS is following the pattern in Psalm 23.

READ MARK 6:31-44

      Who lead them to a deserted place and why? JESUS.Verse 31, there were many coming and going and no place to rest, they needed a place of security. Remember Palms 23:1-4. How did JESUS view the people? Verse 34, “they as sheep not having a shepherd”.  Who planned and prepared the meal? JESUS, JESUS planned this meal long before the disciples and the crowd knew they were hungry and had nothing to eat. Remember “Thou preparest a table before me”. Where did JESUS have them sit? Verse 39, “HE commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the GREEN GRASS”. Who served the meal? Jesus, verse 41 “He looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them—and two fishes divided HE among them all”. The feeding of the 5 thousand was a Devine appointment, the GOOD SHEPHERD leading his sheep, giving them rest and security, feeding them both physically and spiritually, and blessing them to the point “my cup runneth over”.

The last part of verse 5 says: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. In Old Testament times it was customary to anoint the honored guest. We are the honored guest at the table prepared by our good shepherd. We are so blessed that the blessing overflows our cup.

 

                    READ PALMS 23:6

  Annie Johnson Flint (a Christian poet who lived in the mid-1800) wrote;

HIS love has no limit,

HIS grace has no measure,

HIS power has no boundary known unto men:

For out of HIS infinite riches

HE giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

   Our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS Christ is the key to eternal joy and happiness. If you know HIM as your SHEPHERD you will spend eternity in heaven with him.

I want to close this study with one last look at another meal in the New Testament. The communion. I believe it is the most sacred part of worship, given to us by JESUS, to draw us near to HIM and remember what HE did for us.

 

 READ LUKE 22:8-22

  Who sent Peter and John?   JESUS

Who had prepared the way and the last supper (Passover)?

JESUS,  His disciples questioned JESUS, “Where wilt thou that we prepare?”

Everything was prepared, Just as JESUS had said. We know this as the last supper. But to the Jews, it was Passover, the time when the Israelites put blood over the door post, so death would PASSOVER, sparring the firstborn. During this time there was 4 feast going on at the same time. Sabbath, Unleavened bread, Passover, and the feast of the First Fruits. There are 7 Holy feasts celebrated by Jews found in Leviticus 23. All these feasts point to JESUS, birth, death, and resurrection.

Who sat at the last supper?

Jesus and the twelve disciples. The Passover meal is very involved in ritual and symbolism, it usually takes about 2 hr. to complete. At the last supper, JESUS add something to this meal, COMMUNION. JESUS institutes the HOLY COMMUNION.

        REREAD LUKES 22: 18-19

  1. The Passover meal is conducted by a Rabbi, who serves each portion of the meal. This includes 4 glasses of wine served during the meal.
  2. JESUS serves the bread and wine at the last supper communion.

REREAD LUKE 22:19

   During the feeding of the 5 thousand JESUS broke the bread and gave thanks, here HE does the same. The disciples had no idea what JESUS meant when he said “This is my body”, but we today know fully what JESUS meant. In a few hours, HIS body would be broken for us.

        REREAD LUKE 22:20

 Verse 20 starts with the word “likewise” meaning during the same time. Then it says after supper meaning after the Passover meal. JESUS then added the HOLY COMMUNION. Serving the bread and wine in addition to the Passover meal. JESUS is telling the disciples and us that the New Covenant is sealed with HIS Blood. All covenants in the bible are sealed with blood. The O/T with the blood of animals, The N/T with the Blood of JESUS the CHRIST.  As JESUS hung on the cross as the sacrificial lamb for our sins. They paraded past ridiculing and mocking HIM. I can’t imagine how bad the physical pain was.  I have no words to express my thoughts on how much spiritual and emotional pain and grief Jesus felt then and now today, as they paraded past ridiculing and mocking and rejecting HIM. HIM knowing this was done for you.  This brings me back to the poem by Annie Johnson Flint;

HIS love has no limit,

HIS grace has no measure,

HIS power has no boundary known to men:

For out of HIS infinite riches in JESUS

HE giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

 

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

HE maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE leadeth me beside the still waters.

HE restoreth my soul: HE leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

                                                                                                                           AMEN       AMEN

 

 

 

BIBLE STUDY OF PSALM 23:1-3

A BIBLE STUDY OF  THE 23rd PSALM

 

The 23rd Psalm. It is a very familiar passage, we generally hear it at funerals. Most of us can quote the first few verses by memory, some can quote the entire chapter. Let’s look into what it actually means. We will begin our study as I read the first verse

Palsm 23:1                   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. KJV

What is a shepherd?   A Leader.  Shepherd is a widely used metaphor for a king in ancient times. (He a leader, provides for their needs) One who tends sheep? Shepherds provided for every need of their flock, food, water, protection, and direction. This metaphor is used throughout the bible, JESUS as our shepherd and we as sheep. As a side note, JESUS was our sacrificial Lamb for our sins, He had to be perfect in every way, without sin or blemish. He laid down HIS life for us. As perfect as JESUS is, HIS flock (which is us) is full of blemished sheep, we are all blemished. In the first half of this verse, David declares the LORD as his shepherd. David is giving complete control of his life and kingship to GOD. He is allowing GOD to lead him in every aspect of his life. David knows without GOD as his shepherd, he is defenseless and helpless as a lamb. The wolves of this world will devour him. I don’t know what you know about sheep. I have a little experience with them and it was not pleasant. My son, as a project for 4-H, wanted to raise sheep. We bought a ewe (female sheep) she was pregnant and had 2 lambs. I was amazed at how much care it took to keep sheep. You had to watch them all the time. They are helpless and defenseless and dumb. They need a shepherd constantly! What my shepherd means to me is: JESUS came into this world as a baby, helpless and defenseless as a lamb. GOD gave HIM parents (shepherds) to raise and protect HIM. As an adult, HE went out into the world as a perfect lamb. Satan and wolves of this world sought to destroy HIM, as wolves go after defenseless lambs. JESUS’ sole purpose for coming was to do the will of the FATHER at the cross at Calvary. To be our perfect sacrificial Lamb for our sins. HE gave HIS life, shed his blood, and died on the cross. He was dead and buried. Satan thought he had defeated HIM. JESUS was three days in the grave, he defeated death and arose on the third day. To become our good shepherd! Remember, the LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23 is not for everyone, but only for those who believe, have repented of their sins, and accepted JESUS as their savior. Then and only then can you say, The LORD is MY shepherd!!!

READ:  JOHN 10:4, 11, 14, 15  KJV

A good shepherd provides for every need of his sheep and his sheep depend on him for every need. They know his voice.

READ MATTHEW 6:25-34   KJV

We all need to take these promises from JESUS and memorize them. It will keep you from worrying. JESUS has never broken a promise. What comfort this is to know our needs will always be provided by JESUS. Matthew 6: 26-34 gives us this guarantee. This does not guarantee your wants, only your needs. Be careful not to read more into this than what is said. Our needs, not our wants!

READ MATTHEW 6:34 KJV

The NKJV, I think, says this very clearly; therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.   When you worry about tomorrow today, you bring tomorrow’s trouble to today. Plus, we get them a day ahead of time! When you lay down to sleep and you start worrying about tomorrow, then we have tomorrow’s problems today. Give your worries to GOD and go to sleep. He promised to supply your needs!  Don’t worry about tomorrow today!

READ PSALM 23:2 KJV

When I read about the green pastures. I think about a valley between two hills covered by a carpet of dark green grass about 6 inches tall, with a small creek running through it. The sun is shining bright, it is around 70 to 75 degrees. WOW! I wish I was there. How beautiful it is. Sheep need a shepherd to lead them, without HIM they are lost, they don’t know where to go, and they wander aimlessly. The shepherd knows his sheep’s needs and leads them to new pastures. Sheep when they graze eat the grass down to the dirt, if allowed to stay there they will eat till they kill out the grass, and the pasture will be destroyed. The good shepherd knows when to move on and where to go next. The good shepherd knows the needs of his flock before they do. The sheep know HIS voice and they follow HIM where ever HE leads.  The last part of this verse says: He leadeth me beside still water. Sheep will not drink from running water. They are afraid of it. They will run from it. They don’t know where to run, they will run off a cliff trying to escape the very thing they are afraid of, if one goes so shall all go. They will only drink from still water. Earlier, when I described the creek running through the valley, sheep would not drink from it. It would have ripples and be turbulent.  The good shepherd knew this, He would find a pool of still water for his sheep to drink from. There in the lush green pasture next to the still water the sheep would rest and be content.

So what have we learned?

We all need a shepherd! We have two choices, “the good shepherd JESUS Christ”. Or “the bad shepherd Satan”. The choice is ours to make! To be able to call JESUS “MY SHEPHERD” You must repent of your sins and accept JESUS as your LORD and savior. Making JESUS, “the LORD of your life”. Then and only then does PSALM 23 apply to you. As a member of JESUS flock HE will supply all your needs. Remember the verse in Matthew 6: 25 and verse 33: Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not life more than meat, and the body than raiment? —- But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and HIS righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. When you make JESUS the LORD of your life HE will give you both spiritual and physical rest and contentment.

READ PSALM 23:3 KJV

“He restores my soul”. How does HE restore my soul? He restores our souls through fellowship with HIM. (Prayer, reading the bible, worship, spending time with HIM). Why do we need restoration? Most likely, we have never made a conscious decision to turn our back on GOD. It happens slowly and a little bit at a time. So slowly, we may not realize it is happening. Satan is a master of deceit. You wake up in the morning you have a busy day ahead, and you think how will I ever get it all done, GOD I will pray later, I will read my bible later, HE will understand, HE is loving GOD, and so it goes! All this is innocent enough and happens all the time, life gets in the way, but it can and will be used by Satan to lead us astray. It happens to all of us. The next morning we wake up, tired from the busy day before. I will rest today after such a busy day, I deserve a break, and I will catch up with GOD tomorrow. So the wandering starts, it gets easier and easier, and we stray farther and farther away. Notice I, I need, I deserve, I will catch up, I-I-I! What is in the middle of sin?         S      ( I  )         N.      GOD is our GOOD SHEPHERD even though we wander off. Remember “The LORD is my Shepherd. Why do we need a shepherd? We are sheep and we go astray. Though we wander away, GOD lovingly receives us back into the flock, HE forgives us and restores our souls, back into fellowship with HIM. Luke 15 gives us an example of this, the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son.

READ LUKE 15: 1-32 KJV

A shepherd has a hundred sheep and loses one. The woman has ten coins and loses one. The prodigal son takes his inheritance and blows it. The son that stayed at home is upset with his father for restoring his brother.

The good shepherd leaves his flock to search for the one gone astray, JESUS as the good shepherd,  restores us spiritually, physically, and emotionally, HE provides for our needs. GOD is more than a pardoning shepherd, HE is also a providing shepherd. He knows what we need before we know or even ask! He knows what we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually right now and in the future. He is already at work providing the things you need, even though you have not even thought of them yet.

The last half of this verse says; “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name’s sake. Notice that the word “paths” is plural, meaning there is more than one path of righteousness. Don’t confuse this with the way to JESUS, HE is the only way. I am talking about the paths our life is on. So, how do we know what path is the right path? Verse one says “The LORD is my Shepherd”. What do shepherds do? They lead and guide. The Bible, our instruction manual is very clear,

READ LUKE 11:10 KJV

“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”.

READ MATTHEW 6:33

“But seek first the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.

In the world there are many paths, leading to who knows where. Paths run together to form a main path. Paths are joining the main path, paths are branching off. How do we know which is the right path? When we are lost, we seek direction from someone. Do you realize we usually seek direction from a stranger, we don’t know anything about them, who they are, do they know the direction we seek?

 WHO DO WE ASK WHEN LOST OR NEED DIRECTION?

  Seek the good shepherd first. Start with GOD and end with GOD, no matter how simple or complicated the problem is, GOD is waiting for you to ask. He will never let you down, HE will guide us step by step. Make HIM, my LORD, and SHEPHERD.

GOD remains our GOOD SHEPHERD even though we wander off. Remember “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD” Why do I need a shepherd? We are sheep and go astray. Though we wander away, GOD lovingly receives us back onto the fold, He forgives us and “RESTORES OUR SOUL”, back into fellowship with him

I CLOSE WITH THIS PRAYER FOUND IN HEBREWS 13:20-21:

“Now the GOD of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do HIS will, working in you that which is well pleasing in HIS sight, through JESUS  CHRIST; to whom be glory forever and ever. AMEN

I BELIEVE IN GOD EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT

               

         I  BELIEVE IN GOD EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT

   

I believe in GOD even when He silent. GOD is always with you, God promised to never leave you or forsake you.  The following was found in a cellar in Cologne, Germany concentration camp, shortly after liberation at the end of WWll.This stands as an amazing statement of faith, in a time of deep peril. “I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining. I believe in love, even when I feel it not.  I BELIEVE IN GOD EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT.”  There are times when I feel GOD’S so close I could almost touch HIM, and times when HE  seems so far away I even doubt GOD’S very existence! I say to myself, see I am so bad and have sinned so much God won’t forgive me, let alone love me or help me. My prayer seems to go nowhere, it is GOD even listening to me. The doubts just come over me like a flood, to the point I can’t even think! I have the greatest pity party the world has ever seen!

    Doubt is satan’s greatest weapon. He uses it at the lowest points in my life. When the world is crashing in on me. It is so easy to doubt GOD. I wonder why is this happening to me? WHY?WHY?  WHY? No one else has this kind of problem?, why am I being singled out?, what have I done that is so wrong????

   When I reach this point, the pity party is over,  the problem is still there. I realize it is time to go to the owner’s manual for life ( the Bible). The Bible is GOD’S word to us. It covers every problem we will face. But how do I find the answer in the Bible, it’s a very large book it would take forever? That is a very important question! Sometimes  I have to dig very deep to find the answer, at times it seems impossible to find, I have learned the harder the answer is to find. The better the answer is and the better I remember the answer! Some of the ways I use to find the answer is:

1. Bible-based books on that particular subject, bible commentary.  Any Bible-based research material.

2. The computer, Goggle the problem. I have to wade through a lot of garbage to find the answer, but GOD’S answer may be there.

3. Daily Bible reading! I have a reading through the Bible in a year schedule. It takes around 15-20 minutes a day. This is my top pick, people say I don’t know, it’s because you haven’t read the instruction manual ( the BIBLE).

4. Ask someone you trust that knows the Bible. Matthew 7:7 says”ASK and it will be given to you, SEEK and you will find, KNOCK and it will be opened to you.        SO ASK!!!! 

 BELIEVE  IN GOD EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT

 

 Back to the person in the cellar in Germany. This person was at the lowest point in their life that any person could have. They are facing imprisonment and death, not because of any crime or deed they committed. But just because of who they are! They had to feel so abandoned by GOD. They were praying earnestly, but no answer? WHY GOD? WHY GOD? I believe that they prayed and no answer, complete silence!!!!! But thru all this person writes ” I believe in GOD, EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT!!!! I ask myself this question, how many people have read what was written and was encouraged and strengthened by this demonstration of unbelievable FAITH in GOD!

   One scripture I use when discouraged is Isaiah chapter 55:1-13. I especially Like verses 8-9 ” For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”

   I don’t have any pat answers to the problems life brings, why does GOD seem so distant or why do I feel so close to GOD right now? I do believe as the person who wrote on the wall in a cellar in Germany.

 

               I BELIEVE IN GOD EVEN WHEN HE IS SILENT 

   I leave with these words from Deuteronomy  31: 6.  “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your GOD, he is the one who goes with you. HE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CAN I REALLY TALK TO GOD,HIMSELF?

 

               CAN I REALLY TALK TO GOD, HIMSELF?

Yes, you CAN I REALLY TALK TO GOD HIMSELF?  God eagerly waits for you to talk to HIM. I believe by asking that question, GOD is speaking to you, asking you to come and speak to HIM!

     I have been told, I would pray, but I don’t know what to say. My answer to that is, remember GOD made you and knows your every thought. So whatever is on your heart you can tell him. Share your thoughts, your successes, failures, discuss your hopes and dreams, your concerns and your disappointments. Share your life and your deepest secrets. HE will never tell a soul. He will become your closest friend!

     IF I CAN TALK TO GOD, HIMSELF, HOW DO I TALK TO HIM?

     You are not alone on this question. Many say I would talk to GOD, but I don’t know-how. Talking to GOD is easy. Talk to him the way you would a close personal friend, you trust and respect. This is how GOD sees you. A friend HE loves and respects.  He has been waiting patiently for you to come and talk to HIM. The disciples in the bible came to JESUS and said in Luke 11:1 “LORD teach us to pray.  JESUS taught them the LORD’S prayer in Matthew 6:10-13. This is the most famous prayer of all time. It is an excellent prayer to pray. As with all prayer, it should be prayed from the heart.

     I think we are all familiar with people who can pray these beautiful prayers in church, on the radio, or TV and say the blessing for the food! Some of us were blessed with that ability. I was not! Praying in public or before a group, I really struggle with that. The prayers we are discussing are private personal prayer. In Matthew 6:6-8 JESUS tells us how to have these private personal prayer times with HIM.

 

MATTHEW CHAPTER 6:6-8

  6.     But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your FATHER who is in the secret place: and your FATHER who sees in the secret will reward you openly.

7.   And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8.  Therefore do not be like them. For your, FATHER knows the things you have need of before you ask.

 

 

IF I CAN TALK TO GOD, HIMSELF, HOW DOES JESUS TEACH US TO TALK TO HIM?

  MATTHEW 7:7-8

7. Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

8. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

 

          Always remember to ASK ( ask, seek and knock)  Maybe you don’t have, because you didn’t ASK. JESUS is waiting to talk to. TALK TO HIM!!!!!

 

  What have we learned?

 

1.  You can really talk to GOD himself!

2.  GOD wants me as a friend-A close personal friend!

3.  Talk to GOD as you would a close friend!

4. I can tell GOD anything!

5. GOD loves me!

 

 

 

WHY AM I HERE ? WHY? WHY? WHY?

               WHY AM I HERE?

     We all ask ourselves this question. Who am I, why am I here, who made me like this, why would GOD make me like this, why is this happening to me, what does all this mean, why doesn’t nothing go right, etc. etc. etc………….

     The world offers us an answer to these questions and more. The world’s answer many times offers up more questions than answers. As time marches on the new and approved answer keeps coming, changing as fast as the weather. It makes your head swim!

THE BIBLE NEVER EVER CHANGES!        PERIOD!!

     The bible is GODS word. You can trust it, believe it and rely on it. The answer to the above question and many more are in the BIBLE. I like to call the BIBLE ” GODS INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR LIFE”. Every question you can imagine is answered in the BIBLE.

HOW DO YOU FIND THE answers?

    The only way to find the answer you seek is to read and study the BIBLE daily. GOD gave us the bible, but the knowledge and wisdom it holds comes to us only with reading and studying the BIBLE. The bible says seek and you will find. You don’t know because you have not  READ!

TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ” WHY AM I HERE”?

    GOD made you for a purpose. Everyone was put here on earth by GOD for a reason. ( this is GOD’S will). GOD made everyone completely different, no two alike! Everyone is gifted by GOD to do something better than anyone else! You are not like anyone else. This was no accident. GOD made you the way you are on purpose, for HIS purpose!

    We are to imitate GOD. Live our lives as Jesus did. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28 ” Just as the son of man did not come to be served, BUT TO SERVE”. Then in Ephesian 2:10 ” For we are GOD’S workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works, which GOD prepared in advance for us to do “.

    GOD has a  plan and a purpose for each of us, not just a few, but EVERYONE! GOD will never force himself on you or his will. He LOVES us so much he freely gives us the choice! Whether to follow HIM or not. You will never discover GOD’S will and purpose for your life until you accept HIM as your LORD and Savior and seek after HIM!

     The BIBLE says in Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of GOD’S mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to GOD–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what GOD’S will is– HIS good, pleasing and perfect will.

 SO WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED!

1. The BIBLE is ” GOD’S instruction manual” for us to live by on earth!

2. We need to read and study the BIBLE daily!

3. GOD created us for a specific purpose for our life!

4. Whether to follow  GOD , to follow GOD’S plan for your life, to do GOD’S Will , and whether to accept or reject  GOD completely, IS YOUR CHOICE AND YOUR CHOICE ALONE.

EVERYONE IS TEMPTED!

 

 

 

 

 

             EVERYONE IS TEMPTED, BUT WHY ME?

                         

Everyone is tempted, GOD will make a way out, GOD will not make the choice for you. He will provide the choice.

Our scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13

     No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but GOD is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear.

  As we have learned, EVERYONE IS TEMPTED, no exception! GOD will not allow a temptation too great that you cannot resist. HE will make a way out ( a choice). GOD will not make this choice for you! The final decision is yours to make, right or wrong.

 

IF EVERYONE IS TEMPTED HOW CAN WE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES?

1.        I find the best place to start is to go to the top, that is GOD.  GOD is always with you. Remember, NO ONE is closer to GOD than you are. It doesn’t matter if you are a preacher, mother, father, young or old. We are all the same when we stand before GOD.  I go to GOD in prayer, you can tell HIM everything, He already knows. Sometimes when tempted you don”t have time for a long prayer. The prayer I use is ” GOD I need you please help!!!” HE never fails to hear and help me! Then there are times when you have time for long prayer to GOD.  These times tell GOD every detail about the problem, discuss the problem with GOD, let him know how you feel and admit your weakness and you need him. Ask him to show you the way out.

2.    Change your focus of attention. Temptation always starts in your mind. So turn your attention to something else. TV commercials know that by showing food it will make you hungry. When someone yawns, then you yawn, if someone cough next to you cough or clear your throat. That is the power of suggestion. The desire for something has been planted in your mine. The bible says in Philippians 4:8 ” Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever  things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things

3.   Resist the devil! The bible does not tell us to resist temptation, but rather resist the devil. The bible tells us in James 4:7 ” Therefore submit to GOD, resist the devil and he will flee from you.

 IF EVERYONE IS TEMPTED, HOW CAN I RESIST THE DEVIL?

      In Ephesians 6:17 it says: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of GOD.

       Without CHRIST JESUS we are defenseless against the devil. You must use the word of GOD as your weapon against the devil. ( that is the bible) the first step is daily bible reading. Think of this like bullets for your gun. An empty gun is of no value. JESUS was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:1-4. Jesus defended HIMSELF by quoting scripture to the devil, and the devil fled from HIM.

   I want you to look up Matthew 4:1-4 and read it for yourself.  Look up the scriptures Jesus used to resist the devil.

 

SO, EVERYONE IS TEMPTED! WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED!

 

 

1.WHEN TEMPTED SEEK GOD IN PRAYER

2. Meditate on things that are of virtue and praiseworthy

3.resist the devil

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TEMPTATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY

THINK ABOUT THIS! 

What was GOD greatest gift to us?             Choice!

GOD did not make us robots. Doing only what God wanted us to do. God did not want robots. He gave us the freedom to pick and choose. This freedom starts with the smallest to the largest things in our lives. He gave us the freedom to accept or reject HIM. This also includes temptation. The temptation is an opportunity to do good or evil. This CHOICE is yours!

 

Our Scripture for this lesson is ” James chapter 1 verses 12 thru 16

verse 12: Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love HIM.

verse 13: Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by GOD; for GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor does HE Himself tempt anyone.

verse 14: But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed

verse 15: Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

verse 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

              TEMPTATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY

The temptation is simply the  CHOICE to follow GOD or satan. Verse 12 says; blessed is the man who endures temptation. Temptation is a satan weapon to destroy you.  God uses temptation to teach and strengthen us.

Where does temptation come from?

Read verses 12 and 13 again.

          1. GOD cannot be tempted.

           2. GOD does not tempt anyone

           3. verse 14  Temptation comes from within us, our desires.

Satan uses the desires to destroy us, to defeat us, and discourage us. Satan can use any desire we have, no matter if they are evil or legitimate, he can use them to defeat us. Satan will whisper to you; you deserve it, you should have it now, it will be just for fun, no one will know, just this one time won’t hurt and it’s just a little white lie. Please remember this, satan can make sin into the most beautiful things you will ever hear, see or feel.

Satan uses DOUBT to trick us!

Satan tricked Eve into eating the apple, By saying, did God really say not to eat the apple, you will not die if you eat it, you will be like God if you eat it! Satan has not changed his tactics to this very day, We are still falling for them!

Satan uses Deception to Trick us!

Satan uses deception to trick us by whispering to us; you can get away with it, no one is looking, It will solve all your problems, just this once won’t hurt, I deserve it. I have worked hard, why can’t I everyone else is doing it, I don’t care I will worry about it tomorrow and the biggest of all, I can’t do this, I am too weak, I should have never tried.

 

Then comes DISOBEDIENCE

We finally act on our desires we have been toying with, and give in to temptation, We believe the doubt,  the deception, and fall into satan trap!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So how do we resist Temptation?

         1. By studying satan tactics.

         2. Daily Bible reading.

         3. Group Bible study.

         4. The Bible is GOD’S instruction manual on how to live your life here on earth. You will not know if you don’t read the manual!!!!!!

        5. temptation is an opportunity!

Next week we will continue our discussion on  ” how to resist temptation”

 

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