Self

This speaks for itself. May the Lord help us to draw closer to Jesus and seek to understand ourselves better and overcome our character flaws....

Nine‑tenths of all our trouble comes from our esteeming ourselves too highly. 

Ms 9, 1886. (MS 900.54) 

That's 90% of all our troubles...

T.K.

FATHER to Father

Fathers can have a wonderful impact on familes if they are controlled by the spirit of Christ. Did you see the latest study about how a father's influence can reduce risky teen behavior ?

Check it out here... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31086977/

Out of the heart are "the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23); and the heart of the community, of the church , and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society , the success of the church , the prosperity of the nation, depend upon home influences.--MH 349.

Strong, healthy, happy families = a strong, healthy happy society/nation

Families are what the heads of families make them and families as God planned for them, were headed by the father and mother. Modern societies which attempt to redefine what constitutes marriage in order to secure material benefit are thereby undermining principles which originate with the Creator Himself.

Today, we will look at the role of the father in a study entitled "FATHER to Father"....This is from a Christian standpoint and the advice to fathers comes from our heavenly Father.

_____________________________

If you saw a word 979 times in one book, would you think it had some significance to it ? The word 'father' appears at least 979 times in the Bible.

STUDY IN FATHERHOOD

Not only do we have the example of our loving heavenly Father to learn from but we also have an example of someone whom GOD appointed to be a father.

"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee./I Genesis 17:5

"GOD chose Abraham as the father of the faithful, because HE knew that he would cultivate home religion, and cause the fear of the LORD to be the atmosphere of his dwellingplace. The LORD knew that on the part of Abraham no betraying of sacred trusts; but that he would worship the LORD, and HIM only would he serve. HE knew that HIS faithful servant would lead his household forward and upward, and influence them to keep the statutes of JEHOVAH.

Abraham did not cherish a blind affection for his family; but by the combined influence of affection and authority, he ruled his home. GOD's will was made paramount. He feared the LORD with all his house.

"In GOD's sight, a man is just what he is in his family. The life of Abraham, the friend of GOD, was signalized by a strict regard for the word of the LORD. He cultivated home religion. The fear of GOD pervaded his household. He was the priest of his home. He looked upon his family as a sacred trust.

Thought question: Do you think Isaac would have willingly submitted to be sacrificed by his father if Abraham was not present in the home to build a relationship with his child ?

Besides Abraham, there were many other fathers...

"Noah's warnings had been rejected by the world, but his influence and example resulted in blessings to his family. As a reward for his faithfulness and integrity, GOD saved all the members of his family with him." PP 98

"He (Enoch) did not make his abode with the wicked.. .He placed himself and his family where the atmosphere would be as pure as possible. Then at times he went forth to the inhabitants of the world with his GOD-given message...Maranatha 184

The best advice about being a father comes from the best Father of all fathers - our heavenly FATHER. Men who intend to be good fathers should first of all realize WHO is the FATHER of us all and consider this in their relationship to other fathers and other men in general..

"Have we not all one FATHER ? hath not one GOD created us ? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother...?" Malachi 2:10

Notice GOD's promise to fathers and children in the last days...

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers..." Malachi 4:5,6

Fathers will be more successful if we are sensitive to and careful to practice the principle of honor. Honor begins with our heavenly FATHER and HIS SON "...all men should honour the SON, even as they honour the FATHER. He that honoureth not the SON honoureth not the FATHER which sent HIM." John 5:23

According to Romans 2:23, GOD is dishonored when his 10 commandment law is broken. Therefore, GOD's law would have to be the standard of honor for fathers.

"Honour thy father and mother, as the LORD thy GOD hath commanded thee." Deuteronomy 5:16

Isaiah 29:13 tells fathers how not to honor HIM. Isaiah 58:13 tells fathers how to honor HIM especially on HIS day and 1 Peter 3:7 tells fathers to honor their wives.

Faithful fathers will follow JESUS' example and not try to honor themselves- "JESUS answered, if l honour MYSELF, MY honour is nothing.."." John 8:54

WHAT MAKES A GOOD FATHER ?

To be a good father in GOD's sight, a man must be transformed by the renewing of his mind. He must have new motives, new purposes and new desires from God that are unselfish. Only a man who is being guided by his heavenly FATHER is going to commit himself to the task of preparing his children for heaven.

"The heads of families need to be converted. Then they would make diligent efforts to redeem their past neglect. The father should feel that he is the houseband of the family. In this age of sin and intemperance, violence and crime, he should show his true interest in his household." 16MR 144

"The one aim and object of his life is the saving of souls. He refuses to do anything that would hinder him in this work. If he has children, he realizes that his work must begin in his own family. The souls of his children are exceedingly precious to him. Remembering that they are the younger members of the LORD's family, he strives with all his power to place them where they will stand on the LORD's side. He has pledged himself to serve, honor, and obey CHRIST, and puts forth patient, untiring efforts so to train his children that they will never be hostile to the SAVIOUR." PUR 51

"The priest used cedar and hyssop, dipping them into the cleansing water and sprinkling the unclean. This symbolized the blood of CHRIST spilled to cleanse us from moral impurities. The repeated sprinklings illustrate the thoroughness of the work that must be accomplished for the repenting sinner. All that he has must be consecrated. Not only should his own soul be washed clean and pure, but he should strive to have his family, his domestic arrangements, his

property, and his entire belongings consecrated to GOD." 4T 122

"In forming a relationship with CHRIST, the renewed man is but coming back to his appointed relationship with GOD. He is a representative of CHRIST...His duties lie around him, nigh and afar off. His first duty is to his children and his nearest relatives. Nothing can excuse him from neglecting the inner circle for the larger circle outside." OHC 304

A man must be converted to CHRIST before he will honor GOD, honor other human beings and his own family members to the point where he would work for their salvation.

This concludes pages 1-3 of the 7 page study entitled, "FATHER to Father." Other subject titles in this piece include

1. Positions in the Family

2. Responsibilities

3. Impact of a Good Father

4. Ministry and Ministers

5. Ministry Outside of the Home

6. Encouragement

If you would like the rest of this study emailed to you in pdf format, post your email address in the comments section.

T.K.

Herbal Remedies Information - Part IV

Some people have faith but they are not able to articulate what that faith is founded upon. The faith of the Christian is founded upon the word of God. Notice what the Bible says about why God has provided herbs...

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth Psalms 104:14

Whether wild herbs, vegetables or food in general, the Lord provides it to serve mankind.

Herbs, when used with understanding, provide a safe and powerful alternative to poisonous drug therapy. The source is an old medical herb book and another publication which I have. Both are in pdf format and can be made available. Here is the continuation of the list of herbs...

MUGWORT .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Worms, digest-aid, motion sickness, sea sickness, leg pains (rub into area) important for B-6.

MULLEIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disorders of lungs, testicles, tonsils, support to thymus gland, bleeding from bowel or lung, warts.

MYRRH. . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antibiotic, healer, gums, catalyst herb, itching, virus infections, nerves.

NETTLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Skin, promotes circulation, lets down mother's milk, kidneys.

OAT STRAW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excellent silicon source, strong nerves, skin and hair, acne, boils, slower acting but deep acting remedy, take for minimum of four months, can produce calcium in system biologically.

OIL OF CAJEPUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yeast infections, antibiotic, cuts thick chronic mucus, aromatic, inhale to open congested nose, apply to congested chest or sore throat.

OREGON GRAPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lymphatic, tumors, obstructions.

PARSLEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excellent iron source, energy, diuretic for fluid retention, sodium (nonharmful type) and potassium for joints and muscles, provides B-Complex, enemy of tumors, autonomic nervous system, neutralizes excess stomach acid, Sage, Chickweed, Parsley and F.P.-W if can't retain iron.

PARTRIDGE BERRY. . . . . . . . . . . . . (Squawvine) Excellent female herb, all urinary complaints.

PASSION FLOWER. . . . . . . . . . . . . Nerves, anxiety, female hormones, high blood pressure. Sedative, menopause, headache

PEACH LEAVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kidneys, bladder, urethra. Soothes inflammation. Will discharge mucous and expel worms when given in large quantities..

PEACH BARK....Bladder, uterine troubles, jaundice, inflammation of the abdomen

PEPPERMINT LEAF. . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich potassium source, strong muscles, tastes good diluted in water as a tea, settles stomach,'stabilize ,blood sugar and normalizes other mineral levels especially calcium, magnesium, sodium and iron. Cramps, gas

PEPPERMINT OIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oxygenator, settles stomach, motion sickness, apply to headache area, refreshes breath, cooling, apply to temples, forehead, tongue and back of neck if fever.

PINK ROOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proven remedy, parasites, worms, non-poisonous, use especially during time of full moon for greatest effectivity as parasites are most active at this time.

PIPSISSEWA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Venereal disease, fluid retention, poor urinary flow, pus and/or blood in urine, joint problems due to gonorrhea, chronic relaxed bladder. (mixes well with Inkberry, Prickly Ash, Yellow Dock, Dandelion Root and Golden Seal.)

PLANTAIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poison antidote, mosquito bites, bee stings, blood poisoning, wet gauze applications for poison ivy, herpes and fever blisters apply directly to area, same for throat and inflamed fingernails, enriches mother's milk, draws foreign objects from body. Take daily to neutralize environmental poisons as can be done with Black Cohosh or Virginia Snake Root. 

PLEURISY ROOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Orange Butterfly Milkweed). Lungs, high blood pressure, warts, remove fluid from lungs, good all around children’s remedy in small amounts, increase skin moisture, bronchitis, relieves difficulty breathing.

POTENTILLA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loose teeth, spongy bleeding gums, ulcerated mouth and throat, mix with honey for hoarseness, cools inflammations, cleans out tumors.

PRICKLY ASH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sweeps away fatigue, safe stimulant to nervous system, toothache, sore roots of teeth and gums, helpful . , in paralysis of tongue and mouth, increase moisture if dry mouth, adrenal. '

PUMPKIN SEED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Worms, parasites, prostate, important for zinc, bed-wetting.

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE. . . . . . . . . Eye problems of all kinds, blindness, shock, yeast infections.

RED CLOVER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blood builder, mineral source, deobstruent. Cancers

RED RASPBERRY LEAF. . . . . . . . . Take all during pregnancy, make an excellent tea for both sexes, hernia.

You should not use herbs as a means to treat disease or illness unless and only if you have followed these steps first in dealing with disease symptoms.

1. Ascertain the cause

2. Correct the wrong habits and change the unhealthful conditions

and then...

3. Assist the body to heal itself 

The use of herbs should complement obedience to the 8 laws of health. More information about this at www.issues-of-life.com under health issues.

to be continued...

By attempting to put into practice anything that you have read in this article you release Tyrone Keels from any responsibility for the results if you are dissatisfied with the outcome. Read the full disclaimer for health issues at www.issues-of-life.com

Warnings Were Given A Long Time Ago That Could Have Prevented Bad Real Estate Choices Today

Adding building to building, without becoming free from debts previously incurred, is a snare...Ms1261899, pp1-3,6

Woe unto them that join house to house, [that] lay field to field, till [there be] no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! In mine ears [said] the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, [even] great and fair, without inhabitant. Isaiah 5:8,9

Good advice that could have spared much pain...

There's nothing new about mortgages either...

 [Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. Nehemiah 5:3

Go back and read these things for yourself and pray for an understanding. Ask God to show you what to do in these perilous economic times...

T.K. 

www.issues-of-life.com

National Crisis - Preparation Essentials

REVELATION 13:15-17 

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

What would be part of your preparation for a national crisis like the one described in the last book of the Bible ? Would you try to make sure you have enough food, clothing or at least a shelter ? Certainly it would depend upon the type of crisis. If you don't know what kind of crisis is coming you may be ill prepared. Find out fast. It will be a combination of challenges; economic, physical, religious, social, global and many others The Bible points to one final significant and central relgious crisis. Here are the comments of one Christian writer...

"The founders of the nation wisely sought to guard against the employment of secular power on the part of the church, with its inevitable result-- intolerance and persecution. In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends. Whenever the church has obtained secular power, she has employed it to punish dissent from her doctrines."

Notice the recommendations...

"As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones, plenty of them, who will need help..."

Word to the Wise: Disease, its causes, prevention and cure - become intelligent with regard to these things as quickly as possible...

Some help at www. issues-of-life.com

T.K.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Teaches About Herbal Medicine

Did you know that the USDA published a bulletin listing 36 plants providing herbs and leaves for medicinal use ?

Thirty-six plants furnishing leaves and herbs for medicinal use are fully described, and in some instances brief descriptions of related species are included

My how things have changed. 

Check it out here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/tyrone.keels/USDAHerbs#

T.K. 

Herbal Remedies Information - Part III

It has been reported that the list of herbs and their uses is much appreciated by readers.  One Christian writer states, "The true method for healing the sick is to tell them of the herbs that grow for the benefit of man. Scientists have attached large names to these simplest preparations, but true education will lead us to teach the sick that they need not call in a doctor any more than they would call in a lawyer. They can themselves administer the simple herbs if necessary." {PH144 13. 1} Herbs, when used with understanding, provide a safe and powerful alternative to poisonous drug therapy. The source is an old medical herb book and another publication which I have. Both are in pdf format and can be made available. Here is the continuation of the list of herbs...

FRENCH VANILLA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lifts spirits, tastes good, sexual stimulant, perfume.

GARLIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaner, powerful natural antibiotic, slimming, vaginal douche (careful use). Emulsifies cholesterol to loosen from the arterial walls. Arrest intestinal putrefaction and infection. 

GENTIAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excellent digest-aid, oxygenator, diabetes, breaks down fat deposits, arteriosclerosis, cancer, antibiotic, nerves, ear infections.

GINGER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digest-aid, excellent anti-gas, circulation, kind to women, energy.

GOLD THREAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Produces disgust of alcohol when combined with Golden Seal, by itself prevents pin worms, general tonic, apply to ulcers in mouth, stomach ulcers, give occasionally to children especially "picky" eaters.

GOLDEN BOUGH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-harmful parts of mistletoe, for worn out nerves and feeling of being at the end of your rope nerve wise, high blood pressure from nerves, epilepsy.

GOLDEN SEAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Powerful antibiotic, activates other herbs, varicose veins, stomach, diabetes ( natural insulin), cleanser

GRAVEL ROOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dissolves stones and waste mineral deposits, kidneys, impotence.

HAWTHORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hearts! Heart valves, rebuild heart and circulatory system, very slowly dilate blood vessels to normal.

HOPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nerves, sleep, female hormones, skin conditions.

HOREHOUND. . . . . , .. .. Coughs (not dry), colds, pain. Affects the skin and mucous membranes

HORSETAIL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Shavegrass) Silicon source, strong nerves, nails, elastic skin and hair, slow, but deep acting, drive out heavy metals and pushes foreign objects out of body, genetic cleaner, transmutes to calcium in the body as needed. Kidney stones

HYSSOP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Cleanse thyself..." Psalms 51 :7, reconditions mucus membranes both respiratory and gastrointestinal, increase circulation and reduce blood pressure, Lymphatic~, spleen, malfunction, lymphatic.

INDIAN TOBACCO. . . . . . . . Nerves, spasms, rub on "charlie horses", cramping, poison antidote, asthma, empty stomach, anti spasmodic, food poisoning, correct bronchioles, medulla, expel dead fetus.

INKBERRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Poke Root) Cancer, remove heavy metals, skin rashes, awakes entire glandular system, drive out heavy metals including mercury, prevent cancer. '

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE. . . . . . . . Nutrient herb, wild sunflower root, can be eaten by diabetics without digestion problems.

JUNIPER BERRIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Digest-aid, kidneys, immunity, adrenal supplements.

KLAMATH WEED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shaking disorders, bed-wetting (take every night before going to bed), discomfort of "tail bone (coccyx) area", eliminates bronchitis. Take with Aloe to drive morbid flakes of matter from liver out through urine.

KOREAN GINSENG. . . . .. . . . . . . . Energy, glandular nutrients, boron source for arthritis sufferers, nerve food, "well being", hormonal.

LADY'S SLIPPER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gives whole strength to nervous system to calm anxiety, allows one to sleep, holds stress at arms length, medulla, epilepsy. '

LAPACHO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cancer, candida, arteriosclerosis, genetic cleaner, prevent cancer, malaria, oxygenator, arthritis.

LICORICE ROOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For male or female, adrenal nutrients, stamina, allergies, anti stress, low blood sugar, cardiac valve of stomach, takes place of cortisone, menopause, helps as hormone source after hysterectomy. Natural cortisone, stress

MALE FERN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tape worms, parasites, adhesions. ,

MARSHMALLOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Swollen tonsils, mumps, swollen testicles, coat stones, bladder infections, soothe inflammations and irritations.

MILKWEED ROOT. . . . . . .. . . . . . . Inflamed stomach, joints, lymphatic, warts.

MOTHERWORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; . . Heart, repair kidneys if protein leaking (Brights Disease) into urine, deobstruent for morbid mucus in body.

You should not use herbs as a means to treat disease or illness unless and only if you have followed these steps first in dealing with disease symptoms.

1. Ascertain the cause

2. Correct the wrong habits and change the unhealthful conditions

and then...

3. Assist the body to heal itself 

The use of herbs should complement obedience to the 8 laws of health. More information about this at www.issues-of-life.com under health issues.

to be continued...

By attempting to put into practice anything that you have read in this article you release Tyrone Keels from any responsibility for the results if you are dissatisfied with the outcome. Read the full disclaimer for health issues at www.issues-of-life.com

7 SHATTERPROOF Principles For Understanding or Interpreting The Bible

There are many people who believe that the Bible can be made to support any idea, belief, philosophy, actions or words. To a certain degree they are correct. As long as there are no rules of interpretation the Bible and ANY BOOK for that matter, can be made to mean and represent anything that suits individual tastes and preferences. Fortunately, for the sincere hearted who are honestly trying to understand the Bible, there are seven INHERENT or (BUILT-IN) interpretation principles which determine whether the Bible will be understood by the person reading it.

1. CONTRADICTION - The only way to prove that the Bible contradicts itself is to refuse to let the Bible explain itself. (Many other books are often used to try and interpret and understand the Bible instead of allowing the Bible to explain itself by comparing scripture with scripture. Even in courts of law and justice, a man on trial is given an opportunity to speak for himself. Scripture must be compared with Scripture in order to ascertain the meanings.)

2. CONTEXT - A TEXT without CONTEXT is a PRETEXT to reject TEXT. (Verses separated from the context in which they are found provide a basis for rejecting them. The Bible reveals principles in its verses and every valid principle has other verses which establish it.)

3. MOTIVE - The motive for reading the Bible determines whether a person will understand or misunderstand the Bible.

a) the wrong motive for reading the Bible = the wrong understanding

or a misunderstanding of the Bible

b) the right motive for reading the Bible = the right or the correct

understanding of the Bible

4. CHRIST – The reflection of God's character is seen in Jesus Christ as stated by Himself and revealed in His life. Any interpretation of the Bible that claims to represent the character of God must be compared to the character of Christ to be tested for truthfulness. (Understanding God in the Old Testament is easier when the Christ who revealed His character in the New Testament is accepted.)

5. REASON – If a high opinion of human reason is cherished and exalted then the reasoning of God in the Bible cannot be appreciated or understood. (If the human mind believes it is the greatest mind there is no room or tolerance for a greater Mind)

6. GUIDANCE - The Person Who inspired the Bible is the Person who must be communicated with in prayer in order to understand the Bible. (A simple prayer to God for understanding before opening the Bible will make it possible to undertand.)

7. EXPERIENCE - The test of personal experience will shed light on the Bible if there is a willingness on the part of the individual to practice the right principles of the Bible. (This test is open to anyone. An application of the principles of moral excellence in the Bible is impossible without God's help but if aided by divine grace the principles of right in the Bible when actually practiced in the life will lead to the development of a Christ-like character giving evidence of the Bible's divine origin.)

© 2009 Tyrone Keels

Wedding Invitation From A King: A VIEW OF THE JUDGMENT

A king prepared a wedding banquet for his son. Long before the feast, the invitations had been given; and when the supper was ready, the servants went to call the guests. But those bidden did not appreciate the invitation.

"They all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come."

 The king had sent forth servants to gather everyone who had been given a wedding invitation but they would not come. He sent forth other servants to the invited ones with the message that dinner was prepared and everything is ready. “Come to the marriage” was the message.

Two of those who were invited, one a farmer and the other a seller of merchandise, made fun of the message and continued on with their preoccupations. The others who had received invitations took the king’s servants and were hostile towards them. They physically abused them, disrespected them and finally killed them.

 When the king heard about it, he was very, very angry. He sent forth his armies and they destroyed the murderers and burned up their city. The king then said to his remaining servants, “The wedding is ready but those who were invited did not come. Go out into the highways and as many as you can find, invite them to the wedding feast.

So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together as many people as they could find both good and bad. Thus the wedding was furnished with guests and the guests were provided with special wedding garments.

 It was a mixed company. Some of them had no more real regard for the giver of the feast than had the ones who rejected the call. The class first bidden could not afford, they thought, to sacrifice any worldly advantage for the sake of attending the king's banquet. And of those who accepted the invitation, there were some who thought only of benefiting themselves. They came to share the provisions of the feast, but had no desire to honor the king.

The scene changes. The king comes in to examine the guests; and he sees one who has come to the table without the wedding garment, which he himself has provided for every guest. He is clothed in his old citizen's dress. Why should he insult his lord by refusing to wear the dress that has been prepared for him ? Addressing the one who has thus dishonored him, the king says: "Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment ? And he was speechless.

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness.

When the king came in to view the guests, the real character of all was revealed. For every guest at the feast there had been provided a wedding garment. This garment was a gift from the king. By wearing it the guests showed their respect for the giver of the feast.

But one man was clothed in his common citizen dress. He had refused to make the preparation required by the king. The garment provided for him at great cost he disdained to wear. Thus he insulted his lord. To the king's demand, "How camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?" he could answer nothing. He was self-condemned. There was the wedding garment, provided at great cost, but disegarded, by the self-satisfied one who preferred his own ideas, customs, and practices, and in his self-importance took his seat among the company without the wedding garment. He considered his own garments appropiate for the occasion.

The story of the wedding garment opens before us a lesson of the highest consequence. By the marriage is represented the union of humanity with divinity. The wedding garment represents the character which all must possess who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding.

The guests at the marriage feast were inspected by the king. Only those were accepted who had obeyed his requirements and put on the wedding garment. So it is with the guests at the gospel feast. All must pass the scrutiny of the great King, and only those are received who have put on the robe of Christ's righteousness. By the king's examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of judgment.

The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those whose names are written in the book of life. But not all who profess to be Christians are true disciples. Those who do not cooperate with Christ to experience a change in character, though claiming the privilege of being called Christians, have not on the wedding garment. They will share the same fate as the unbelievers who have flatly rejected the King’s invitation to the wedding.

Those who make a profession of faith, and yet remain unchanged in habit and practice, are represented in the parable by the man who came to the feast without a wedding garment. There are many who, while they believe what they read about Christ, do not believe in Christ. They do not receive Him as a personal Savior. Their names may be registered on the Church roll, but they do not bring Christ into the daily life; and God can not accept them. They choose to wear their own garments.

Christ is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him in faith. He will cleanse them from all defilement if they will let Him. But if they cling to their sins, they cannot possibly be saved; for Christ's righteousness covers no sin unrepented of.

He who is found wanting is cast out, but all who upon examination are seen to have the wedding garment on are accepted of God and accounted worthy of a share in His kingdom and a seat upon His throne. This work of examination of character, of determining who are prepared for the kingdom of God, is that of the investigative judgment. Nothing less than repentance for sin and a genuine working faith in Christ will pass the judgment.

No one can enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb without the righteousness of Christ, the heavenly wedding garment. This garment is the Christ-like character that all must have in order to enjoy heaven and to be trusted in heaven.

Those who have on this wedding garment, this robe of Christ's righteousness, will not question whether they should lift the cross, and follow in the footsteps of the Savior. Willingly and cheerfully they will obey His commands for obedience to Christ is a pleasure when a person loves Him and it develops a Christ-like character. 

How can you appear in the last great day without the robe of the righteousness of Christ ? The word is spoken; Why are they here without the wedding garment, which I gave my life to purchase for them ? Take them out of my presence. It is not possible for them to love and enjoy my presence here. They have not educated themselves to be at home in heaven. It would be no place of joy to them. It does not harmonize with their habits and their tastes. Nothing here can harmonize with the characters they have formed.

If you are to sit at Christ's table, and feast on the provisions He has furnished at the marriage supper of the Lamb, you must have a special garment, called the wedding garment, which is the white robe of Christ's righteousness. The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. Only by receiving God’s grace daily can you begin and continue to wear this robe. Jesus chose to die to provide an atonement for your sins. He offers to let His perfect character take the place of your sinful character in the judgment. Will you accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior right now ? Will you let His love for you soften and subdue your heart and change your character in preparation for a home in heaven ? 

Reference: Matthew 22:1-14

FORCED CHEMOTHERAPY

"A Sign of the Times and a Call For Wisdom"

(thanks to Mike Adams for the illustration)

This is where we are in time. The article speaks about the case of a mother who is about to be arrested for refusing to allow her child to receive chemotherapy instead of natural remedies. We must wake up ! Can you see what is happening in America ? Mother and child being hunted down because the STATE DECIDES WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY !

Forced chemotherapy -  

The link to the story is below...

It's almost unbelievable !

http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/05/20/news/breaking_news/doc4a130df4e8e95242637363.txt

A very old book, a long time ago, pointed to developments in this nation as it abandons the principles that once made it strong...

 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon . Revelation 13: 11

Visit www.issues-of-life.com for an outline detailing the sequence of final events and instructions about how to prepare.

God Bless you today.