Being Mentally Prepared is a Major Key to Success n There is no terror like the ones who face...

Being Mentally Prepared is a Major Being Mentally Prepared is a Major Key to SuccessKey to Success

There is no terror like the ones who face There is no terror like the ones who face calamity and do not know what to do!calamity and do not know what to do!


There is no terror like the ones who face There is no terror like the ones who face calamity and do not know what to do!calamity and do not know what to do!

The lack of knowledge added greatly to the The lack of knowledge added greatly to the terror of Belshazzar. terror of Belshazzar. (Dan 5:7-9)(Dan 5:7-9)


(Daniel 5:7-9 NKJV)(Daniel 5:7-9 NKJV) “The king cried aloud “The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. …and the soothsayers. … {8} {8} Now all the Now all the king’s wise king’s wise men men came, but they could not came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation.its interpretation. {9} {9} Then King Then King Belshazzar Belshazzar was greatly troubledwas greatly troubled, his , his countenance was countenance was changedchanged, and , and his lords were astonishedhis lords were astonished.”.”


I have know those to face the IRS without I have know those to face the IRS without proper preparation and pay a price. proper preparation and pay a price.



When you do not know, fear can cause you When you do not know, fear can cause you to do things that add to the trouble!to do things that add to the trouble!



When you do not know, fear can cause you When you do not know, fear can cause you to do things that add to the trouble!to do things that add to the trouble!

On the other hand, the one who is ready for On the other hand, the one who is ready for the day of trouble will respond with the the day of trouble will respond with the wisdom he has gathered beforehand.wisdom he has gathered beforehand.


What did the Christians do when the armies What did the Christians do when the armies of Rome approach Jerusalem? of Rome approach Jerusalem? (Mt 24:15-18)(Mt 24:15-18)


(Matthew 24:15-18 NKJV)(Matthew 24:15-18 NKJV) “”Therefore “”Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),(whoever reads, let him understand),


{16} {16} “then “then let those who are in Judea flee to let those who are in Judea flee to the mountainsthe mountains.. {17} {17} “Let him who is on the “Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.of his house. {18} {18} “And let him who is in “And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.”the field not go back to get his clothes.”


One of the keys in good coaches is One of the keys in good coaches is preparing their players for various situations preparing their players for various situations ahead of time. ahead of time.


John and Dave were hiking when they John and Dave were hiking when they spotted a mountain lion staring at them. spotted a mountain lion staring at them. John froze in his tracks, but Dave sat down John froze in his tracks, but Dave sat down on a log, tore off his hiking boots, pulled a on a log, tore off his hiking boots, pulled a pair of running shoes from his backpack pair of running shoes from his backpack and hurriedly began to put them on. "For and hurriedly began to put them on. "For crying out loud, you can't outrun a crying out loud, you can't outrun a mountain lion!" John hissed. mountain lion!" John hissed.


"I don't have to," shrugged Dave. "I just "I don't have to," shrugged Dave. "I just have to outrun you.“have to outrun you.“



We as Christians have the wisdom of God We as Christians have the wisdom of God through His written word.through His written word.



We as Christians have the wisdom of God We as Christians have the wisdom of God through His written word.through His written word.

"How should I respond in this situation?" "How should I respond in this situation?" By God's word we have a perfect By God's word we have a perfect answer! answer! (Psa 119:11, 98-100)(Psa 119:11, 98-100)


(Psalms 119:11 NKJV)(Psalms 119:11 NKJV) “Your word I have “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!”against You!”


(Psalms 119:98-100 NKJV)(Psalms 119:98-100 NKJV) “You, “You, through Your commandments, make me through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they wiser than my enemies; For they are are ever ever with me.with me. {99} {99} I have more understanding I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are are my meditation.my meditation. {100} {100} I understand more I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.”precepts.”


The world will give advice that may or may The world will give advice that may or may not work.not work.


The mark of the mature Christian lies in his The mark of the mature Christian lies in his ability to apply the scriptures to everyday ability to apply the scriptures to everyday life and in his faith to do what God says. life and in his faith to do what God says. (Heb 5:12-14)(Heb 5:12-14)


(Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV)(Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV) “For though by “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone someone to teach you again the first to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.have come to need milk and not solid food.


{13} {13} For everyone who partakes For everyone who partakes only only of of milk milk is is unskilled in the word of unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.righteousness, for he is a babe. {14} {14} But But solid food belongs to those who are of full solid food belongs to those who are of full age, age, that is, that is, those who by reason of use those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”good and evil.”


Consider some of God's wisdom we need to Consider some of God's wisdom we need to know beforehand.know beforehand.


"The years teach much which the days "The years teach much which the days never know." -- Ralph Waldo Emersonnever know." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

How should I Respond to How should I Respond to persecution?persecution?

Consider how Jesus prepared His disciples. Consider how Jesus prepared His disciples. (Jn 16:1-3)(Jn 16:1-3)


(John 16:1-3 NKJV) (John 16:1-3 NKJV) “”These things I “”These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.made to stumble. {2} {2} “They will put you “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.that he offers God service. {3} {3} “And these “And these things they will do to you because they things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.”have not known the Father nor Me.”


By preparing them beforehand they would By preparing them beforehand they would not stumble!not stumble!


How would you respond if you were How would you respond if you were threatened with being "cast out of the threatened with being "cast out of the synagogue" or lining up with human synagogue" or lining up with human authority?authority?


How would you respond if you were How would you respond if you were threatened with being "cast out of the threatened with being "cast out of the synagogue" or lining up with human synagogue" or lining up with human authority?authority?

Jesus also tried to prepare His disciples for Jesus also tried to prepare His disciples for his betrayal and arrest. his betrayal and arrest. (Mt 16:21; Jn 14:28-30)(Mt 16:21; Jn 14:28-30)


(Matthew 16:21 NKJV)(Matthew 16:21 NKJV) “From that time “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”third day.”


(John 14:28-30 NKJV)(John 14:28-30 NKJV) “”You have heard Me “”You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back back to to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.Father is greater than I. {29} {29} “And now I have “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.to pass, you may believe. {30} {30} “I will no longer “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”coming, and he has nothing in Me.”


The disciples did not prepare because they The disciples did not prepare because they did not believe there was any danger! did not believe there was any danger! (Mt 16:22-23; 26:34-35)(Mt 16:22-23; 26:34-35)


(Matthew 16:22-23 NKJV)(Matthew 16:22-23 NKJV) “Then Peter “Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”not happen to You!” {23} {23} But He turned But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.””of men.””


(Matthew 26:34-35 NKJV)(Matthew 26:34-35 NKJV) “Jesus said to “Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”three times.” {35} {35} Peter said to Him, “Even Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.”You!” And so said all the disciples.”


How do you prepare for something How do you prepare for something beforehand? Our Lord prayed and resolved beforehand? Our Lord prayed and resolved what He would do before they event! what He would do before they event! (Mt 26:42-44)(Mt 26:42-44)


(Matthew 26:42-44 NKJV)(Matthew 26:42-44 NKJV) “Again, a second “Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” {43} {43} And He came and found them asleep again, And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.for their eyes were heavy. {44} {44} So He left So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.”time, saying the same words.”


What did His disciples do? What did they What did His disciples do? What did they need to do? need to do? (Mt 26:40-41)(Mt 26:40-41)


(Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV)(Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV) “Then He “Then He came to the disciples and found them came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?not watch with Me one hour? {41} {41} “Watch “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed spirit indeed is is willing, but the flesh willing, but the flesh is is weak.””weak.””


What happens if I do not prepare?What happens if I do not prepare?


You fight the wrong battle! You fight the wrong battle! (Mt 26:50-56)(Mt 26:50-56)


(Matthew 26:50-56 NKJV)(Matthew 26:50-56 NKJV) “But Jesus “But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.took Him. {51} {51} And suddenly, one of those And suddenly, one of those who were who were with Jesus stretched out with Jesus stretched out his his hand hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.the high priest, and cut off his ear.


{52} {52} But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.perish by the sword. {53} {53} “Or do you think “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?legions of angels? {54} {54} “How then could “How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”happen thus?”


{55} {55} In that hour Jesus said to the In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.and you did not seize Me. {56} {56} “But all this “But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.”forsook Him and fled.”


Peter fought the battle he had prepared for! Peter fought the battle he had prepared for! What was the result?What was the result?


Often when we do not prepare, more sin Often when we do not prepare, more sin follows. follows. (Mt 26:69-75)(Mt 26:69-75)


(Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV)(Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV) “Now Peter sat “Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”Galilee.” {70} {70} But he denied it before But he denied it before them them all, all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” {71} {71} And when he had gone out to the gateway, And when he had gone out to the gateway, another another girl girl saw him and said to those saw him and said to those who were who were there, “This there, “This fellow fellow also was with Jesus of also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”Nazareth.”


{72} {72} But again he denied with an oath, “I do But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”not know the Man!” {73} {73} And a little later And a little later those who stood by came up and said to those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are Peter, “Surely you also are one one of them, for of them, for your speech betrays you.”your speech betrays you.” {74} {74} Then he Then he began to curse and swear, began to curse and swear, saying, saying, “I do not “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.crowed.


{75} {75} And Peter remembered the word of And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.”times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.”

How should I respond to church problems?How should I respond to church problems?

You should understand that they will come! You should understand that they will come! Look at the example of the early church.Look at the example of the early church.


You should understand that they will come! You should understand that they will come! Look at the example of the early church.Look at the example of the early church.

They had internal problems. They had internal problems. (Acts 6:1-4; 15:1-2)(Acts 6:1-4; 15:1-2)


(Acts 6:1-4 NKJV)(Acts 6:1-4 NKJV) “Now in those days, when “Now in those days, when the number of the number of the disciples was multiplying, the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.neglected in the daily distribution. {2} {2} Then the Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.leave the word of God and serve tables.


{3} {3} “Therefore, brethren, seek out from “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of among you seven men of good good reputation, reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;we may appoint over this business; {4} {4} “but “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””and to the ministry of the word.””


(Acts 15:1-2 NKJV)(Acts 15:1-2 NKJV) “And certain “And certain men men came down from Judea and taught the came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”cannot be saved.”


{2} {2} Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.this question.


They worked the problems out as God had They worked the problems out as God had directed them. directed them.


Too many are unprepared for trouble! Do Too many are unprepared for trouble! Do not be surprised when trouble comes.not be surprised when trouble comes.


Too many are unprepared for trouble! Do Too many are unprepared for trouble! Do not be surprised when trouble comes.not be surprised when trouble comes.

We prepare ourselves by learning to love We prepare ourselves by learning to love God and our brethren. God and our brethren. (1 Pt 1:22-23)(1 Pt 1:22-23)


(1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV)(1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV) “Since you have “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,pure heart, {23} {23} having been born again, not having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and through the word of God which lives and abides forever,”abides forever,”


When we love God we will love the truth. When we love God we will love the truth. (3 Jn 1:3-4)(3 Jn 1:3-4)


(3 John 3-4 NKJV)(3 John 3-4 NKJV) “For I rejoiced greatly “For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the when brethren came and testified of the truth truth that is that is in you, just as you walk in the in you, just as you walk in the truth.truth. {4} {4} I have no greater joy than to hear I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”that my children walk in truth.”


We will respond to hurts as God has We will respond to hurts as God has instructed us. instructed us. (Rom 12:17-21; Mt 18:15)(Rom 12:17-21; Mt 18:15)


Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV)Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV) - Repay no one - Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but yourselves, but ratherrather give place to wrath; give place to wrath; for it is written, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”repay,” says the Lord. says the Lord.


20 Therefore 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.overcome evil with good.


(Matthew 18:15 NKJV)(Matthew 18:15 NKJV) “”Moreover if “”Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your he hears you, you have gained your brother.”brother.”


(Romans 12:17-21 NKJV)(Romans 12:17-21 NKJV) “Repay no one “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.the sight of all men. {18} {18} If it is possible, as If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.with all men. {19} {19} Beloved, do not avenge Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but yourselves, but rather rather give place to wrath; give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance for it is written, “Vengeance is is Mine, I will Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.repay,” says the Lord.


{20} {20} Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”on his head.” {21} {21} Do not be overcome by Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”evil, but overcome evil with good.”


We will watch our tongues and our hearts! We will watch our tongues and our hearts! (Eph 4:29-32)(Eph 4:29-32)


(Ephesians 4:29-32 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:29-32 NKJV) “Let no “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.that it may impart grace to the hearers. {30} {30} And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.redemption.


{31} {31} Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.with all malice. {32} {32} And be kind to one And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”


If you prepare beforehand God will use you If you prepare beforehand God will use you to save others who might be lost.to save others who might be lost.

How should I respond to temptation How should I respond to temptation and sin?and sin?

We need to know how Satan works. We need to know how Satan works. (Jas 1:12-16)(Jas 1:12-16)


(James 1:12-16 NKJV)(James 1:12-16 NKJV) “Blessed “Blessed is is the the man who endures temptation; for when he man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.to those who love Him. {13} {13} Let no one say Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.nor does He Himself tempt anyone.


{14} {14} But each one is tempted when he is But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.drawn away by his own desires and enticed. {15} {15} Then, when desire has conceived, it Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.grown, brings forth death. {16} {16} Do not be Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”deceived, my beloved brethren.”


We are in trouble when we scoff at the We are in trouble when we scoff at the threats of temptation. threats of temptation. (Prov 16:18)(Prov 16:18)


(Proverbs 16:18 NKJV)(Proverbs 16:18 NKJV) “Pride “Pride goes goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.”before a fall.”


Why do we warn of avoiding certain Why do we warn of avoiding certain situations and associations? How did situations and associations? How did Joseph respond to temptation? Joseph respond to temptation? (Gen 39:12-13; 1 Cor 15:33)(Gen 39:12-13; 1 Cor 15:33)


(Genesis 39:12-13 NKJV)(Genesis 39:12-13 NKJV) “that she “that she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her with me.” But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.hand, and fled and ran outside. {13} {13} And so And so it was, when she saw that he had left his it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside,”garment in her hand and fled outside,”


(1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV) “Do not be “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.””habits.””


Do you hate sin? Are you willing to fight Do you hate sin? Are you willing to fight temptation? temptation?


I need to know how to respond when I sin! I need to know how to respond when I sin! (1 Jn 1:7-9)(1 Jn 1:7-9)


(1 John 1:7-9 NKJV)(1 John 1:7-9 NKJV) “But if we walk in the “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.His Son cleanses us from all sin. {8} {8} If we say If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.the truth is not in us. {9} {9} If we confess our sins, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us He is faithful and just to forgive us our our sins and sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”


Do you know the basis of forgiveness?Do you know the basis of forgiveness?


When we are uncertain about forgiveness, When we are uncertain about forgiveness, Satan will use that to His advantage. Satan will use that to His advantage. (2 Cor 2:5-8, 11)(2 Cor 2:5-8, 11)


(2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NKJV) “But if anyone has “But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent; not to be too severe.to some extent; not to be too severe. {6} {6} This This punishment which punishment which was inflicted was inflicted by the majority by the majority is is sufficient for such a man,sufficient for such a man, {7} {7} so that, on the so that, on the contrary, you contrary, you ought ought rather to forgive and comfort rather to forgive and comfort him, him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.with too much sorrow. {8} {8} Therefore I urge you Therefore I urge you to reaffirm to reaffirm your your love to him.”love to him.”


(2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV) “lest Satan “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”ignorant of his devices.”


I need to gain wisdom so that I may avoid I need to gain wisdom so that I may avoid future sin. future sin. (Jas 5:16)(Jas 5:16)


(James 5:16 NKJV)(James 5:16 NKJV) “Confess “Confess your your trespasses to one another, and pray for one trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”avails much.”


A young man of 32 had been appointed A young man of 32 had been appointed President of the bank. He'd never dreamed President of the bank. He'd never dreamed he'd be president, much less at such a young he'd be president, much less at such a young age. So he approached the venerable age. So he approached the venerable Chairman of the Board and said, "You Chairman of the Board and said, "You know, I've just been appointed President. I know, I've just been appointed President. I was wondering if you could give me some was wondering if you could give me some advice." advice."


The old man came back with just two The old man came back with just two words: "right decisions!" The young man words: "right decisions!" The young man had hoped for a bit more than this, so he had hoped for a bit more than this, so he said, "That's really helpful, and I appreciate said, "That's really helpful, and I appreciate it, but can you be more specific? How do I it, but can you be more specific? How do I make right decisions?" make right decisions?" The wise old man simply responded, The wise old man simply responded, "Experience." "Experience."


The young man said, "Well, that's just the The young man said, "Well, that's just the point of my being here. I don't have the point of my being here. I don't have the kind of experience I need. How do I get it?" kind of experience I need. How do I get it?"

Came the terse reply, "Wrong decisions!"Came the terse reply, "Wrong decisions!"

How should I respond to apostasy?How should I respond to apostasy?

You need to know that it will happen. You need to know that it will happen. (Acts 20:29-31; 1 Tim 4:1; Mt 7:15)(Acts 20:29-31; 1 Tim 4:1; Mt 7:15)


(Matthew 7:15 NKJV)(Matthew 7:15 NKJV) “”Beware of false “”Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”wolves.”


(Acts 20:29-31 NKJV)(Acts 20:29-31 NKJV) “”For I know this, that “”For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.among you, not sparing the flock. {30} {30} “Also “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.disciples after themselves. {31} {31} “Therefore “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”tears.”


(1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV)(1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV) “Now the Spirit “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,”deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,”


Apostasy moves slowly and often many are Apostasy moves slowly and often many are unaware of its presence.unaware of its presence.



Those who sound the warning are often Those who sound the warning are often ostracized as troublemakers and extremist.ostracized as troublemakers and extremist.



Those who sound the warning are often Those who sound the warning are often ostracized as troublemakers and extremist.ostracized as troublemakers and extremist.

There will come a time where you will see There will come a time where you will see it face to face. What will you do?it face to face. What will you do?


The only answer is to open God's word and The only answer is to open God's word and seek others to do the same.seek others to do the same.


The only answer is to open God's word and The only answer is to open God's word and seek others to do the same.seek others to do the same.

How many brethren will go along and How many brethren will go along and refuse to open their Bibles will surprise refuse to open their Bibles will surprise you. you. (2 Tim 4:2-4)(2 Tim 4:2-4)


(2 Timothy 4:2-4 NKJV)(2 Timothy 4:2-4 NKJV) “Preach the “Preach the word! Be ready in season word! Be ready in season and and out of season. out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.longsuffering and teaching.


{3} {3} For the time will come when they will For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, their own desires, because because they have itching they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;teachers; {4} {4} and they will turn and they will turn their their ears ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”fables.”


Many will stay in the church where they Many will stay in the church where they were raised, follow the friends they have were raised, follow the friends they have always known regardless of what is done.always known regardless of what is done.


If you have prepared your heart to follow If you have prepared your heart to follow God's word beforehand, you can resist God's word beforehand, you can resist these social forces and stand for the Lord.these social forces and stand for the Lord.

How should I respond in my marriage?How should I respond in my marriage?

You need to prepare beforehand. What has You need to prepare beforehand. What has the Lord said?the Lord said?


You need to prepare beforehand. What has You need to prepare beforehand. What has the Lord said?the Lord said?

God says we need to learn. Are you God says we need to learn. Are you teachable? teachable? (1 Pt 3:7)(1 Pt 3:7)


(1 Peter 3:7 NKJV)(1 Peter 3:7 NKJV) “Husbands, likewise, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with dwell with them them with understanding, giving with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as and as being being heirs together of the grace of heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”


Older women should be used to teach the Older women should be used to teach the younger women. younger women. (Tit 2:3-5)(Tit 2:3-5)


(Titus 2:3-5 NKJV)(Titus 2:3-5 NKJV) “the older women “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;good things; {4} {4} that they admonish the young that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their women to love their husbands, to love their children,children, {5} {5} to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”word of God may not be blasphemed.”


Sadly when a class is offered on marriage, Sadly when a class is offered on marriage, the ones who need to learn do not come! It the ones who need to learn do not come! It is best to learn these things before marriage!is best to learn these things before marriage!



How do you solve problems in your How do you solve problems in your marriage?marriage?



How do you solve problems in your How do you solve problems in your marriage?marriage?

How are you preparing today?How are you preparing today?


Sadly when a class is offered on marriage, the Sadly when a class is offered on marriage, the ones who need to learn do not come! It is best ones who need to learn do not come! It is best to learn these things before marriage!to learn these things before marriage!

How do you solve problems in your marriage?How do you solve problems in your marriage? How are you preparing today?How are you preparing today? What did the disciples do when Jesus wanted What did the disciples do when Jesus wanted

them to pray?them to pray?


Often we have heard the very thing we need Often we have heard the very thing we need to stand but through indifference we do not to stand but through indifference we do not receive it. It takes work to make it a part of receive it. It takes work to make it a part of us. us. (Heb 8:10)(Heb 8:10)


(Hebrews 8:10 NKJV)(Hebrews 8:10 NKJV) “”For this “”For this is is the the covenant that I will make with the house of covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”God, and they shall be My people.”


A good mark of those who will fall away in A good mark of those who will fall away in time is those who come to services and do time is those who come to services and do not worship! Those who talk during the not worship! Those who talk during the invitation song have no concern for the lost invitation song have no concern for the lost or their own souls.or their own souls.


" May not the inadequacy of much of our " May not the inadequacy of much of our spiritual experience be traced back to our spiritual experience be traced back to our habit of skipping through the corridors of habit of skipping through the corridors of the Kingdom like children through the the Kingdom like children through the market place, chattering about everything, market place, chattering about everything, but pausing to learn the true value of but pausing to learn the true value of nothing?“nothing?“


Let your home be a place of preparation. Let your home be a place of preparation. How is you study and prayer going?How is you study and prayer going?


"General Eisenhower is quoted as saying, "General Eisenhower is quoted as saying, "The urgent is seldom important, and the "The urgent is seldom important, and the important is seldom urgent." Too often life is important is seldom urgent." Too often life is controlled by the "tyranny of the urgent". We controlled by the "tyranny of the urgent". We put aside higher and more worthy goals to put aside higher and more worthy goals to put out fires. Let's evaluate the importance of put out fires. Let's evaluate the importance of all of our daily activities to be sure we're not all of our daily activities to be sure we're not victims of the "Tyranny of the Urgent"."victims of the "Tyranny of the Urgent"."

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