Most of our time here on earth is spent in day to day living. Articles have been written concerning how much time the average person spends sleeping, eating, brushing teeth, grooming, doing laundry, grocery shopping, working, watching TV, etc., etc. Our lives are consumed by every day living activities, leaving little time for worship and fellowship with God, our Maker.

Not all the tasks of living are monotonous and mind numbing, but all are time consuming. This is especially true for young families. Parents are often exhausted at the end of the day. As the disciples were heavy with sleep, so are parents with young children.

It takes quality time to worship and fellowship with God. It takes planning and discipline to set aside time for Him and His Word. Time that is guarded and protected from distraction and intrusion, but that retains some flexibility for the parent. When this time alone with Him is achieved, what great reward comes from it. It creates a longing for more.

Invariably life’s activities and responsibilities page us and summon us to leave the warmth and sweetness of that time alone with Him. We do so reluctantly, looking forward to its return.

Our children have been grown for sometime now, so it has become easier to have that time alone with the Lord. I have not yet retired from working but I am looking forward to that time when, Lord willing, I have more time to study the Bible and to write about what I have learned.

If you are like me, perhaps you have had some difficulty understanding heaven and its activities. For instance, from reading the book of Revelation, it appears that the main activity in heaven will be worshiping and serving our God. I have begun to realize that in heaven, because all the cares and needs that we have in this life will either be non-existent or supplied by God Himself, we will be freed from the activities that consume our daily living now in this life. We will be free to worship and serve our God, our Creator and Saviour, in unending fellowship. Those moments of unspeakable joy and fellowship that we experience now in this life, will be unending in the next.

Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Note: Those who do not know the joy of sins forgiven and the sweetness of fellowship with God Himself, often impose the pleasures and activities of this life upon heaven.

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord! John 21:1-7

Who is He in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain:
’Tis the Lord, O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Laz’rus sleeps?
Who is He the gath’ring throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Benjamin R. Hanby, 1866 – copyright status is public domain. Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library

Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. Psalm 24:10

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

I Timothy 1:15

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

I John 5:20

Messiah’s Birth foretold – Isaiah 7:14 & 9:6.
Messiah’s Birth fulfilled – Matthew 1:23 & Luke 1:35.

Messiah’s Birthplace foretold – Micah 5:2.
Messiah’s Birthplace fulfilled – Luke 2:4.

Messiah’s Tribe foretold – I Chronicles 5:2.
Messiah’s Tribe fulfilled – Hebrews 7:14.

Messiah’s Family foretold – Isaiah 11:1.
Messiah’s Family fulfilled – Matthew 1:1&6

Messiah’s Forerunner foretold – Malachi 3:1.
Messiah’s Forerunner fulfilled – Matthew 11:10.

Messiah’s Ministry foretold – Isaiah 61:1-3.
Messiah’s Ministry fulfilled – Luke 4:18.

Messiah’s Entry to Jerusalem foretold – Zachariah 9:9&10.
Messiah’s Entry to Jerusalem fulfilled – Matthew 21:5.

Messiah’s Temple purging foretold – Psalm 69:9.
Messiah’s Temple purging fulfilled – John 2:17.

Messiah’s Betrayal foretold – Psalm 41:9.
Messiah’s Betrayal fulfilled – John 13:18

Messiah’s Price foretold – Zachariah 11:12.
Messiah’s Price fulfilled – Matthew 26:15.

Messiah’s Disciples Scattered foretold – Zachariah 13:7.
Messiah’s Disciples Scattered fulfilled – Matthew 26:31.

Messiah’s Unjust Trial foretold – Isaiah 53:8.
Messiah’s Unjust Trial fulfilled – John 19:4-16.

Messiah’s Silence foretold – Isaiah 53:7.
Messiah’s Silence fulfilled – Matthew 27:14.

Messiah’s Scourging foretold – Isaiah 50:6.
Messiah’s Scourging fulfilled – Matthew 26:67.

Messiah’s Crucifixion foretold – Psalm 22:16.
Messiah’s Crucifixion fulfilled – John 19:18.

Messiah’s Mockery foretold – Psalm 22:7.
Messiah’s Mockery fulfilled – Matthew 27:39.

Messiah’s Clothes Divided foretold – Psalm 22:18.
Messiah’s Clothes Divided fulfilled – John 19:23-24.

Messiah’s Cry on the Cross foretold – Psalm 22:1.
Messiah’s Cry on the Cross fulfilled – Matthew 27:46.

Messiah’s Thirst foretold – Psalm 69:21.
Messiah’s Thirst fulfilled – John 19:28.

Messiah’s Pierced Side foretold – Zachariah 12:10.
Messiah’s Pierced Side fulfilled – John 19:34.

Messiah’s Dying Words foretold – Psalm 31:5.
Messiah’s Dying Words fulfilled – Luke 23:46.

Messiah’s Actual Death foretold – Isaiah 53:8.
Messiah’s Actual Death fulfilled – John 19:30.

Messiah’s Sacrifice for Sin foretold – Isaiah 53:10.
Messiah’s Sacrifice for Sin fulfilled – Hebrews 10:12.

Messiah Our Substitute foretold – Isaiah 53:5.
Messiah Our Substitute fulfilled – I Peter 3:18.

Messiah’s Resurrection foretold – Psalm 16:10.
Messiah’s Resurrection fulfilled – Acts 2:25-31.

Messiah’s Ascension foretold – Psalm 110:1.
Messiah’s Ascension fulfilled – Acts 2:34.

Messiah Our Intercessor foretold – Isaiah 53:12.
Messiah Our Intercessor fulfilled – Hebrews 7:25.

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he (the rich man in hell) said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they (my five brothers) will repent. And he (Abraham) said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. Luke 16:29-31

See https://empower.global/the-mathematical-probability-that-jesus-is-the-christ/

(A Psalm of David.)

Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.

And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

…let the word of Messiah dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Which of the following is a biblical view of man’s spiritual condition?*

Man is OK.

Man is sick and needs help.

Man is dead.

And you (believers) hath he (God) quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

*Larry

Did you know that giving thanks is one of the characteristics of a Spirit filled believer?

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:17-21

Did you know that it is the will of God for believers to give thanks in everything?

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

There await men at death things they have neither looked for nor dreamt of. Heraclitus – Greek philosopher, 6th century BC.

What is truth? Pontius Pilate – questioning Jesus.

A Bible gathering dust.

Jesus speaking:

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.

Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

Casting out demons is not the answer for the demon possessed. A decision for Christ is the answer. If the demon possessed person will receive Christ, the demon must leave and he cannot come back to a house occupied by the Saviour.

And it came to pass, as he (Jesus) spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. (In praise of Mary?)

But he (Jesus) said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Luke 11:24-28

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Chapter 5:18-21 summarizes I John as follows:

Whosoever is born of God sinneth not.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (practice) sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot (practice) sin, because he is born of God. I John 3:9

He that is begotten of God keepeth himself.

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. I John 3:3

The wicked one toucheth him not.

I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. I John 2:14

We are of God.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4

The whole world lieth in wickedness.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. I John 2:15-17

The Son of God is come.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ (Messiah Jesus) is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ (Messiah Jesus) is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. I John4:2&3

He hath given us an understanding.

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. I John 2:20&21

We may know him that is true.

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:9-13

We are in him that is true.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. I John 2:5

We are in his Son Jesus Christ.

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. I John 4:15

This is the true God, and eternal life.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:10-13

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

John contrasts the word ”idols” with ”the true God” of v. 20. He has reference here to the false teachers who withdrew from the brotherhood with which they had been formerly associated (2:19). Their false beliefs and practices are the idols from which the readers are commanded to protect themselves. The false teachers upheld the world’s philosophy as superior to God’s revelation as demonstrated in their perversion of basic Christian teaching (faith, love, and obedience).*

I John 5:18-21

*Notes on I John 5:21 from the MacArthur Study Bible NKJV – Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc.

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…