Approved Of God

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  

Lack of holiness in your life is a good way to keep from being approved by the Lord.  Paul tells you to be diligent to present yourself approved to God, which indicates it takes work.  This is not to be a hit or miss situation, but a daily act on your part.  

Temptations will come to get you to think or act like the world, but when you have the goal of always wanting to have the Lord’s approval, you will do your best to resist those thoughts.  The next thing mentioned is that you are to rightly divide the Word of truth.  

Many who do not read their Bibles, claim it is too hard to understand.  This is only an excuse because the Holy Spirit is very willing to help them understand.  Any time you don’t understand something, ask the Lord to direct you, because He wants you to use His promises effectively.

While you are here, be sure to check out the following read. 

Our privilege in the service of God is not to be taken for granted -- this book brings enlightenment, education and inspiration to those who desire a true and firm commitment to the Lord.

Back to Eden is A Biblical Perspective on Wealth and Poverty by Dr. Simon Thiessen gives readers an insightful and thought-provoking book that offers a systematic Biblical approach to the issues of wealth and poverty. With several key concepts, the author speaks broadly of the evangelical movement that divides into two basic groups:  one group stresses the personal relationship with Jesus Christ while ignoring their social responsibilities to the poor and the other that stresses both a personal relationship with the Lord that encourages, “a practical evidence of their faith as expressed in our responsible stewardship of our entire life.” (p.xi) Beginning from Creation to the Fall of man, the author takes readers on a discovery through the Bible from Old and New Testament text that reveals a fascinating understanding of Scripture when it comes to becoming prosperous, what it means to live life abundantly and God’s structure of wealth. As the author states, “Our purpose is to arrive at a perspective about wealth and poverty which is in accordance with scriptural teaching.” (p.xii)

Within this, and by combining academic research, Christian theology and the varying facets of human nature, the world, sin and righteousness, the author shed lights on what the Church’s social responsibilities to the poor are from a Biblical viewpoint, thus answering key questions that come to mind regarding wealth and possessions. Mentioning that God has given us spiritual and natural laws that govern the universe, the author helps readers also understand fundamentals that qualify Christians to partake of the goodness of God that involves a firm commitment to covenant that must be observed. The book also reveals the dangers of wealth, and what it means to truly prosper.

Such chapters as: The Creation – Fall Events, The Concept of Possession and Poverty Invaded by Creation and Fall Event, The Sinai – Covenant Event, Wealth and Poverty in the Old Testament, New Testament Wealth and Poverty, Living in Truth – Sanctification, Christ and the Rich, The Teachings of Paul and Soteriological Implications. These chapters further reveal Biblical truths in such a way that one will be forever enriched, offering a balanced scriptural mindset when it comes to wealth, poverty and the worship of the Lord.

This is a must-read for the entire Body of Christ to be made aware of truths that are within the Word of God.  With the modern prevalence of the prosperity Gospel and for the person that has questions (in regards to wealth, materialism, money, possessions, and how they relate to eternity), this book comes highly recommended. Well-written and concise, the transparency of this book will no doubt bring deep conviction while reminding Christians of the importance of stewardship with their possessions, time and influence. 

You may get your copy in Kindle. Be sure to visit the author at Dr. Simon Thiessen. 

Overcoming and Finding God's Victory

Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.   

The word “overtake” has two meanings. The first refers to a car passing another car on the highway. Supposing the slower car is doing forty miles per hour, and the second car passes him at over ninety miles, you say “he overtook the slower car.” 

All the slower car sees, are the tail lights of the faster car. The second meaning refers to catching and holding onto the person. A small child runs away from his father and says, “You can’t catch me Daddy.” The father takes three or four steps and pick him up in his arms, and says, “I’ve got you.” 

God wants His blessings to grab you and not let go, because you want to do your Heavenly Father’s will to help meet other people’s needs. Ask Him what His will is for the fulfilment of this verse in your life. 

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Be sure to take the time to read about the following new book release which comes highly recommended.

Gideon - Only Believe 

If a child is brought up without any outside influences but the word of God, what kind of child would he grow up to be? Gideon is one such child. 

Found by a single woman in an unused motel room, the baby boy seems to be nothing short of a miracle from the very beginning of his life. He is accompanied by a Bible, the Gideon Bible, hence his name. The inscription inside the Bible states: "It's a gift." 

Jenny relishes the role of becoming little Gideon's mother. Perhaps focusing on this little life will help her regain her own. Jenny brings Gideon to her secluded family home atop Dora Manor Mountain. She is so grateful to have received this precious child that, like barren Hannah in the Bible, she promises to dedicate Gideon to God, and reads to Gideon from the Bible day and night. She hides him, keeping him away from the townsfolk, the same people who killed her family . . . over a church.

As Gideon grows older, Jenny starts to realize just how special he is. Gideon truly believes in the word of God, and becomes Christ-like in his ability to heal through his belief.  It starts when he blesses the vegetable garden, which then produces huge, perfect fruit. Then when Scrappy the goat dies, Gideon blesses him, and the next thing Jenny knows, Scrappy is running through the yard, quite alive. 

Gideon knows he has a mission to fulfill. He needs to lead people to Jesus in order to save their souls. A gnarled hand. A blind eye. A club foot. A stutter. An unsaved man who dies and sees the gates of Hell, but Gideon brings him back so the man can live a purposeful life and go to Heaven when his time truly comes.

 As word gets out, Jenny realizes people are going to want to see Gideon, and she will have to share him with the world, starting with the very people she's been shielding him from, the townsfolk. When they finally do all converge on the mountain, it is through Gideon that they realize it's time to put away their differences, their prejudices, and accept each other-whether black or white.  The story is told by a preacher who has run out of gas near a small church in the South. The congregation is expecting him; their late pastor told them on his deathbed that their new preacher would appear one day, having just run out of gas near the church. While the preacher has been speaking, another man has entered the church. He, too, is a pastor and he, too, has run out of gas near the church. He begins to preach, and the crowd goes wild with appreciation. This, surely, is the man they've been waiting for. Then he introduces himself: "I...killed...Gideon." 

RW Hahn was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He grew up in the inner-city and went to Miami Edison Sr. He graduated from Northwestern University in Radio/TV/Film with a Bachelor of Science degree. RW is an actor, director, and an award-winning screenwriter, as well.

Get your copy of Gideon at Amazon, or as a download in Kindle. You may also visit RH Hahn at The Gideon Novel.

In The Lack of Holiness

2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.   God has many wonderful promises for us, but many times we are prevented from receiving them because of a lack of holiness. 

In the above verse you are told to cleanse yourself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, because you can be influenced by the things of the world. Picture in your mind a lady with a white dress standing at the corner, waiting to cross the street. A car comes around the corner and splashes muddy water on her dress. She was not responsible for the action of the driver, but she was affected by his actions. 

There will be times when you are affected by attitudes or thoughts which are not the will of the Lord for your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to remind you, then take control, asking God to direct you.

First Used by Charles Spurgeon

Let The Little Children Come To Me

A  wonderful children's book, first used by Charles Spurgeon in 1866, the Wordless Book has become a very popular tool used all over the world to present the gospel to children. 

This book of colored pages is not only extremely easy to use, it’s also very effective in communicating the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

You can order your copies of the Wordless Book and share the love of God with the children of the world. Be sure to check out other books also available for children.