Eventually We Will All Get What We Deserve

"God 'will give to each person according to what he has done.' To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." Romans 2:6-8 (NIV)

In his letter to the Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul warns them not to judge others for their sins, for all of us have sinned. Sometimes we have thought, said, or done the very thing that we condemn others for doing or saying. One day God's righteous judgment will be revealed and we will all get what we deserve.

In the end, we will all get exactly what we deserve. Thanks to His goodness, grace, and mercy, we do not get what we deserve as soon as our behavior "earns" it. But rest assured that the day is coming when we will all get ours. Those of us who seek to give Him glory and honor will be rewarded. Those of us who do not, will be punished. So, it would behoove each of us to believe, pray, confess, repent, and work to the glory of God while we can. The day is coming when we will each have to give an account of our stewardship.

Full Of God's Grace And Power

"Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people." Acts 6:8 (NIV)

Stephen was chosen by the disciples of the twelve disciples of Christ to serve as one of the first deacons. Because he was "a man full of God's grace and power," he could preach and teach, and he was able to confound the Jewish religious leaders. He was not a preacher but he was able to perform great wonders and miracles.

Even today, God can use ordinary people, who believe, to do extra-oedinary things. Stephen was an ordinary man, a believer "known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom," and God used him. If we read, studied, delighted in, and followed The Word of God, maybe God would allow us to become full of The Spirit and enpower us to do great things that would give Him glory. If we pray and let The Spirit of God guide and direct us, maybe God would use us to do great wonders and perform miraculous signs which would glorify our Father in heaven. Are we really ready to be full of The Spirit and ready for God to use us?

There Is Power In The Name Of Jesus

"They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: 'By what power or what name did you do this?' Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: 'Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:7-12 (NIV)

After healing the crippled man by the temple, the priests and the Sadducees had Peter and John arrested, jailed for the night, then brought befor them the next day for questioning. They wanted to know by what power did Peter and John heal the crippled man. Peter boldly told them that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified, and whom God had raised from the dead.

Jesus gave His disciples power to heal the sick and to cast out demons. The disciples knew that the power they had was from and because of Jesus. When they used the power, they did so in the name of Jesus. Today, there is still power in the name of Jesus. His name is the only name by which men can be saved. We can share in His power, if we have the faith, and if ask something in His name that will give God glory, but we have to have faith and believe. Remember, no prayer, no power; little prayer, little power; much prayer, much power.

In Whom Do You Put Your Trust?

Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man's enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I watch in hope for The Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, The Lord will be my light. Because I have sinned against Him, I will bear The Lord's wrath, until He pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see His righteousness." Micah 7:5-9 (NIV)

Even in the sad state that he finds himself in, and the rebellious state of God's people, the prophet Micah warns the people not to put their trust in man, friend or family. He states that he will put his trust in The Lord. He admits that he has also done wrong, and that he must give an account for his sins. He knows that he has a whipping coming for his sins, but he also knows that he is a child of The King and as such, will be brought out of darkness in to the marvelous light of God.

We need to know who to trust. Friends and family will let us down, and if the truth be told, we will disappoint them also. The only one that we can always be sure of is The Lord. Even though we sin and fall out of fellowship, we never lose our relationship with Him. Once a child of God, always a child of God. Once we confess, repent, and turn from our sins, we will be restored to His good graces. Then He will turn our gloating enemies into our footstools and allow us to move up a little higher.

Continual Daily Repentance

"Therefore this is what The Lord says: 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them." Jeremiah 15:19 (NIV)

This was what The Lord said to the prophet Jeremiah when he questioned Him during one of his periods of self pity. Repent and I will restore you, and use you as My spokesman, and to be an example to the people.

We need to be in continual repentance daily for our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. God will forgive us if we pray and ask for forgiveness, and if we repent and turn from our sinful ways. Our idle worthless words and our evil sinful thoughts are an abomination to God. We must repent to restore our fellowship with The Lord so that He can use us to spread His Holy Word and be an example to the people of the world.

Blessings From Fasting And Praying

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke ... Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of The Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and The Lord will answer; you will cry for help ... then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs ... and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:6-11 (NIV)


The prophet Isaiah told the people that fasting and praying, when done properly, will lead to blessings from The Lord.

When we fast and pray, we are to humble ourselves, and make a personal dietary sacrifice as we appeal to The Lord for a particular outcome which will glorify God. Our sincere request will be answered and we will be blessed.

Make Every Effort To Live In Peace

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see The Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God ..." Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)

The writer is encouraging the people to renew their spiritual vitality. They are to pursue peace and holiness. They are also to help their fellow man who is unsaved to understand and appreciate the benefits of holiness and God's peace.

While it is not possible for us not to sin, we are to endeavor to live holy. We are to seriously attempt to live in peace with all men. We are to love our neighbor and treat him kindly, even if he does not treat us that way. We should encourage all men to be Christians and live holy. Our lives should be an example to others of Christ-like living

The Lord Will Make A Way For Us

"This is what The Lord says, He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters ... Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:16 & 18-19 (NIV)

After Israel and Judah, weakened by years of idolatry and corruption, were conquered and captured by the Assyrians and the Babylonians, the prophet Isaiah told the people that The Lord will make a way for them to be released and restored.

The Lord who made a way out of trouble for us in the past, will make a way for us out of our present circumstance and situation. "... He who made a way ..." said "... I am making a way ..." This applied to God's people then and it applies to God's people today. He also said that He will do "a new thing" meaning that He will do something new, different, bigger, better, than He has done in the past. So when we pray for His help, we should believe that we will receive, and prepare for even bigger blessings than we have all ready received. The Lord will make a way for us and He will provide for us.

Come And Follow Jesus

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him." Matthew 4:18-22 (NIV)

When Jesus called His disciples, He said, "Come, follow Me." He took them from being fishermen, to being fishers of men.

With twelve men, Jesus changed the world. Today He is still calling men and using them to spread the good news and to change the lives of others. Jesus is calling you, He wants you to help Him save mankind. We can help change the world, one person at a time. Tell someone about Jesus The Christ.

Trust In The Lord He Will Keep His Word

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed." Psalms 119:114-116 (NIV)

This unknown author is alternating between praising God and pleading with God for His help and protection. He is reminding God of His promise to sustain His people (Psalms 55:22 & Psalms 89:21).

God is our protector and our provider. He gives us strength for each day and hope for the future. In Him shall we put out faith and trust. According to His word, we can cast all of our cares upon Him and He will sustain us.

Guidance And Direction

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105 (NIV)

The author of this psalm is unknown, however it is obvious that he was going through a period of distress. He alternates between praising God and asking for His help, guidance, and direction.

Without the light of The Lord, we would be lost in darkness and frequently loose our way. We would also frequently trip over things that we could not see. The Word of God is the light that allows us to see the right direction and it guides us along the way. Without God in our life, we would surely be lost in darkness and headed down the wrong path. We should be thankful that God has brought us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

We Are Assured Of God's Help

"But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham My friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:8-10 (NIV)

The nation of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, were God's chosen people and, because of the remnant of believers, He assured them that He would strengthen them, help them, and uphold them.

Today, Christians are God's chosen people. We enjoy the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant. The blessings that God promised to him, are afforded to us. We can be assured that God will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us.

Trust In The Lord And Not In Man

"Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught ... My heart is in anguish within me ... Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me ... If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God ... But I call to God, and The Lord saves me ... men who never change their ways and have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on The Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. But You, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you." Psalms 55:1-23 (NIV) Shortened

This psalm of David is one of his prayers. He prayed this prayer when he was being attacked from without and from within, and even some of his friends had turned on him.

Not only are we suffering from the attacks and disappointments from others, but our thoughts and emotions are negative and out of control. This psalm of David advises us to pray when things seem to be going wrong. David also warns us to watch out for our "so-called" friends. We expect attacks from our enemies, but not from our "friends." These "friends" will attack us, usually verbally, and break promises made to us that they never really intended to keep. They are smooth talkers, but they have malice in their hearts. Trust in The Lord, for only He can protect and sustain us.

We Are Safely In God's Hands

"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and The Father are one." John 10:27-30 (NIV)

Jesus was in the temple talking with the non-believing Jews when they asked Him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I did tell you ... I and The Father are one." They did not believe Him because they were not His sheep. His sheep know His voice, follow Him, and are safely in The Father's hand.

For believers, followers of Jesus Christ, there is safety and protection in His Father's hand. All we have to do is listen to Him and follow Him. He speaks to us through His Word, The Holy Bible.

Sometimes Only God Can Help Us

"The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Psalms 145:14 (NIV)

David said that God will pick us up after we fall into sin, and He will lift up our bowed down heads when the events of life get to us.

God is faithful, He fulfills all of His promises, and His grace and mercy extends to humans, even though none of us deserve it. He said that He would never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) He is always with us. Even though we sin, He will forgive us. When we fall down, He will pick us up. When our heads are bowed down, He will lift them up. We just need to believe and trust in Him. We need to sincerely ask for forgiveness, and ask for His help.

It Is All Good Because It Is All For Our Good

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Here James basically repeats the lesson taught in Romans chapter 8, verse 28, that all things work together for the good of those who love The Lord. James uses different words saying count it all as joy when you go through trials. Dealing with trials is what matures and completes us.

Like it or not, storms, trials, and bad times are necessary for our growth and development. Just as plants do not develop a strong root foundation when the water and nutrients that they need are readily available on the surface. The roots of plants grow deeper into the earth during dry and hard times. Persevering during the trials and storms of life cause us to strengthen our foundation by testing our faith. Although the bad times are not fun or easy to deal with, we are better off for having gone through them. We should consider the trials that we endure training and preparation for future rewards. They are the precursors to good things. So, trials and tests are, in fact, good things themselves. So, as we go through life, we should count it all as joy.

Submit To God And Resist The Devil

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you..." James 4:7-8 (NIV)

Here James provides instruction on Christian living by encouraging the people to first submit themselves to God, and then to stand firm against the devil. Only those closely aligned with God will the devil flee from.

We frequently hear this verse partially quoted saying, "resist the devil and he will flee from you." What is frequently omitted is the beginning of the verse which states "submit yourselves to God." Because of our sinful nature, we do not have the power or the desire to resist the devil without God in our lives. The devil will only flee from us when we are close to God. Satan cannot force us to do anything against our will, when we sin we simply give in to his temptations. God gave us the free will to choose to follow Him or choose to follow Satan. If we choose to follow God and submit ourselves to Him, the we will have the victory over sin, the devil, and death.

All Things Work Together For The Good Of Those Who Love God

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul tells the Christians in Rome that God is in control of everything and all of the things that happen to those who love Him will work out for their good.

When we are in the mist of a bad situation, this is often very difficult to accept or understand. Intellectually, we know that God is in control, but it is often hard of us to see how some things, which we consider bad, can actually work in our favor and end up being good for us. However, we must recognize that we have a very limited capacity for understanding and even less foresight. We cannot possibly know what God knows about us, our current circumstances and the implications thereof. We just need to trust Him, and since He knows everything about the past, present, and the future, we should trust that He knows what is best for us. As the song goes, "we will understand it better by and by."

Don't Encourage Or Cause Someone To Sin

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Romans 14:13 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul told the Christians in Rome to stop judging one another, and to stop saying and doing things which would cause someone else to sin.

We should not cause or encourage someone to sin. We ought not do anything in front of others, especially children, which if they imitate us, would cause them to sin. We should not seek company to participate in our sinful activities. We should be very careful of the example we set for others to follow. Do the right thing, the Christ-like thing, and encourage others to do likewise.

We Are At War With Ourselves

"We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual ... 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 ... it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." Romans 7:14-23 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Christians in Rome, reports that he struggles with sin. He knows what is right and wants to do it, but he finds himself doing wrong. He admits that he struggles with his sinful nature.

The same is true for us Christians today, we know right from wrong, and yet we find ourselves thinking, speaking, and doing that which is wrong instead of doing right. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we struggle with sin daily. We are at war with ourselves daily, fighting against our sinful nature over control of our thoughts, words, and actions. These frequent battles can only be won with God's help. That is one reason why we ought to always be in prayer, and we must always focus on God. Being Christ-like is not easy, but do not give up and do not stop trying, for in the end it will be well worth it. Keep fighting, we will get the victory in the end.

We Are Clean Or Unclean By What We Say Not What We Eat

"Jesus called the crowd to him and said, 'Listen and understand. What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.' " Matthew 15:10-11 (NIV)

After He had walked on the water and after He had fed the five thousand men plus women and children, Jesus, The Christ, taught His disciples and the crowd. In response to a question regarding why His disciples broke with tradition and did not wash their hands before the ate, Jesus said, it is not that which goes into the mouth that makes one unclean, but that which comes out of the mouth that makes one unclean.

In those days when they washed their hands before eating it was just a ceremonial dipping of their hands into water. There was no soap used and no serious attempt to clean their hands. The point that Jesus made was it is not what we eat that defiles us, but it is the words that we speak that defile us. We will be judged for every idle word that we speak and by our words we will be justified or condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37) We need to make sure that the words we speak give God glory and reflect positively on us.

Be Imitators Of God And Live A Christ-like Life

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul wrote, in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, regarding the purpose of the church and the standards of faithful Christian living. Here he states that they should live a life of love just as Jesus Christ did. They should imitate Christ and not imitate the sinful people of the world.

According to John MacArthur, the purpose of sanctification is growing in the likeness of The Lord while serving Him on earth. The Christian life is designed to reproduce godliness as modeled by Jesus Christ. We are to walk in love with all of God's people and be examples of good Christian behavior to a sinful world. As believers we are to imitate God's holiness in all of our conversation and conduct. We should avoid evil and we should do good, both are important aspects of Christian living.

When Trouble Strikes Be Like Paul

"Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, 'This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.' But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god." Acts 28:1-6 (NIV)

On his way to Rome to be tried by Caesar for the crimes that the Jewish religious leaders said that he had committed, the Apostle Paul was ship wrecked and landed on the island of Malta. There he was bitten by a poisonous snake and nothing happened to him.

When trouble strikes we should be like the Apostle Paul, don't panic, don't rush, shake it off, and keep on working. When the snake bit Paul, he did not panic. Grabbing the snake's head would have injected more poison into himself. We rarely make good decisions when we are in panic mode. Paul did not rush or do something in a hurry. Rushing to free himself by pulling the snake off would have done more damage to his hand because of the curved nature of the snakes fangs. When we rush into action, we usually make the situation worse. He just shook it off. Trouble is usually a short term situation if we don't focus on it and give it more attention than it deserves. God can handle whatever it is. Paul kept on working. Don't let a negative situation cause you to stop working for The Lord. When trouble strikes, be like the Apostle Paul, don't panic, don't rush, shake it off, and keep on working for The Lord.

Confession Is Good For The Soul

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears The Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." Proverbs 28:13-14 (NIV)

This Proverb of Solomon is one of several that deals with man's relationship to God. While we all commit sins, those in good standing with God will admit that they have sinned. He who conceals his sins through lies and deceit is not a wise man and he will be in trouble with God.

Sin should not be covered up or lied about. It is better to confess ones sins unto The Lord, and to ask for forgiveness and help in avoiding them in the future. There will be a price to pay for being less than truthful. God does not expect us to be perfect, but He does require that we are truthful and honest with Him about our behavior. When we mess up, we should "fess" up.

Grace Filled Christian Conversation

"Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to be careful in the way that they act and speak so that they would not turn people off from Christianity.

Some people will make judgements about all Christians based upon what they see and hear from one or two Christians. We should speak with grace, spiritual & wholesome (Godly), fitting & sensitive (appropriate), purposeful & complimentary (helpful), kind & gentle (considerate), and truthful & thoughtful (Christ-like). We should make sure that our walk and our talk reflect good Christian behavior and conversation. We need to be like salt, we should be a purifying influence in a decaying world.

Blessed Is He Who Perseveres Through The Storms

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 (NIV)

While discussing the benefits of Christian living, James said that the believer who maintains his faith even while being severely tested, will be blessed to receive the gift from God of eternal life.

As long as we never let go of our belief and faith in God, and focus on our guaranteed victory at the end of our trials, we will receive eternal life as God has promised. There is a crown awaiting those believers who faithfully endure the storms of this life.

Out Of The Mouth Flow The Issues Of The Heart

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45 (NIV)

In The Sermon on the Mount as recorded by Luke, Jesus taught His disciples and the crowd of people that had gathered around them that whatever is within a man's heart is what will come out of his mouth, be that good or evil.

If we listen long enough to what people say, they will generally tell us what they really think and feel. We know that people can lie and intentionally deceive others with their words. However, if we let them talk long enough, the will reveal their true colors. Which is a good reason to observe their behavior to see if their actions are consistent with their words.

Teachers Will Be Judged More Strictly

"Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." James 3:1 (NIV)

James warns that teaching and preaching should be taken very seriously and not entered into lightly, because they will be held to and judged by a higher standard. False teachers will be judged more strictly.

While this clearly applies to pastors and preachers, it also applies to teachers in general, especially religious teachers. If you are in a position to provide instruction to others, be very careful about what you say. This is especially true if you teach, lead, guide, or direct children (parents for example). Leading the youth and young adults astray has very serious consequences. (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; & Luke 17:2) Remember that children learn what they see, so we should be careful regarding what we do in front of children. We would not want a child to stumble into sin following our example.

Our Deeds Will Follow Us Even After Death

"Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13 (NIV)

John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, recounted and out of body experience in which things beyond earth were revealed to him. He was told by angels and by The Holy Spirit to write what he saw and heard. He was told that those who die believing in Jesus Christ will be blessed. They will be given rest from their earthly labor, and they will be rewarded for their works which were obedient to His word.

This revelation of John was revealed to him after he saw images of the anti-Christ, and there are those who believe that this blessing is only for the martyrs who will be killed for refusing to be branded with the mark of the beast. Others believe that this blessing applies to all who die believing in Christ. Either way, it is clear that we will all have to give an account of our stewardship (Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13; & 1 Peter 4:5) and it is clear that Jesus, The Christ, will judge each of our thoughts, words, and deeds (John 5:22; John 5:27; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 11:32; 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 4:12; and Revelation 20:12-13) and our future rewards will be based upon what we did to give God glory.

Read The Bible Then Do What It Says

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it, he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:22-25 (NIV)

Continuing in his discourse on Christian behavior, James tell them that just reading The Word of God alone is not enough. They have to read it, remember it, and put it into practice in their daily lives. By doing so they will be blessed.

The same applies to us today, just reading The Bible is not enough. It is possible to read The Bible and not understand the main point. There was a course offered by the English Department when I was in college at UCLA entitled "The Bible As Literature" which analyzed the syntax and style of the written words in The Bible, totally ignoring any religious significance or implication. The Bible records in Acts 8:26-36 that an Ethiopian eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah and did not understand what he was reading until Phillip explained it to him. Just reading The Bible is not enough. It should be read prayerfully by believers who are seeking to know Him better. We must apply what we have read to our daily lives. If after you read The Bible there is no change in your behavior, your thoughts, your speech, and your actions, then you just read a good book without knowing that it is The Good Book about the good news of the gospel.