"But as for you, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 AFV).

"Can two walk together unless they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3 AFV).

"That which we have seen and have heard we are reporting to you in order that you also may have fellowship with us; for the fellowship—indeed, our fellowship—is with the Father and with His own Son, Jesus Christ. These things we are also writing to you, so that your joy may be completely full." (1 John 1:3 & 4 AFV).

Yes your joy can be completely full! Read on to find out how!

"Jesus said unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me.' " (John 14:6 KJVR).

"At that time Jesus answered and said, 'I thank you, Oh Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes.' " (Matthew 11:25 KJVR).

"Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 KJVR).

1. Saints Expect Life to be an Exciting and Unusual Adventure.

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near." (Luke 21:25-28 NKJV).

2. Saints Take Charge of Their Lives, Now and Eternally.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (Acts 2:38-39 KJV Rev).

The three great impostors who claim they control your future:

First Impostor: Circumstances do not need to adversely affect your future. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded." (James 4:7-8 KJV Rev).

Second Impostor: Other People cannot impair your relationship to God, if you are wise. "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 'We ought to obey God rather than men.' " (Acts 5:29 KJV). "He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20 KJV Rev).

Third Impostor: Events do not need to adversely affect your future relationship to God. "I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?' " (Revelation 6:12-17 NKJV). See: (Luke 21:25-28) above.

3. Saints Know That They Always Have Controlling Choices.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, 'Truly I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.' When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, 'With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.' " (Matthew 19:23-26 KJV).

You and You Only Control What Happens to You!

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV).

Self discipline is knowing you can do something but deciding, by using wisdom, that you won't do something ungodly. "Let no human say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any human: But every human is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren." (James 1:13-16 KJV).

The Three Influences Affecting Your Free Choice

1. The Influence of a Peer Group:

"My son, if sinners entice you,

Do not consent.

If they say, 'Come with us,

Let us lie in wait to shed blood;

Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,

And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,

We shall fill our houses with spoil;

Cast in your lot among us,

Let us all have one purse'—

My son, do not walk in the way with them,

Keep your foot from their path;

For their feet run to evil,

And they make haste to shed blood." (Proverbs 1:10-16 NKJV).

2. The Influential Promise of Reward: Have a clear vision into the future: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" (Hebrews 11:24-25 KJV).

3. The Influential Fear of Punishment: "But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:22-23 NKJV).

4. Saints Know That Their Life Journey is of Major Importance.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

"Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 9:9 NKJV).

What Do You Focus Your Time and Energy On?

5. Saints Experience Success Long Before They Achieve It.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

"But as it is written:

'Eyes have not seen, nor have ears heard,

Nor has it entered into the mind of man,

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'

But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NKJV Rev).

6. Saints Don’t Let People Drag Them Down to a Lower Level.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV).

7. Saints Know They Have to Change, So Things Change.

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8 KJV).

8. Saints Know How to Create Diverse Opportunities.

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10 NKJV).

"…But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 NKJV).

9. Saints Know How to Make Money Work for Them.

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' " (Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV).

"You must make money work for you, or spend the rest of your life working for money." Quoted from 13 Secrets of Power Performance ฉ 1994 by Prentice Hall, Inc. p. 173. by Roger Dawson.

Three steps to becoming an entrepreneur - A person who organizes, operates, and assumes the risk for a business venture:

Step one: Catalog your talents. What have you been given? Can you double it?

Step two: Inspire yourself. "Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say:

The LORD is my helper;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:1-6 NKJV).

Step three: Get started!

"The desire of the slothful [lazy] kills him; for his hands refuse to labor." (Proverbs 21:25 KJV Rev).

"My son, if you become surety for your friend,

If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger,

You are snared by the words of your mouth;

You are taken by the words of your mouth.

So do this, my son, and deliver yourself;

For you have come into the hand of your friend:

Go and humble yourself;

Plead with your friend.

Give no sleep to your eyes,

Nor slumber to your eyelids.

Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,

And like a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Go to the ant, you sluggard!

Consider her ways and be wise,

Which, having no captain,

Overseer or ruler,

Provides her supplies in the summer,

And gathers her food in the harvest.

How long will you slumber, O sluggard?

When will you rise from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to sleep—

So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,

And your need like an armed man." (Proverb 6:1-11 NKJV).

10. Saints Learn How to Define Present and Eternal Future.

If you fail to plan… then you plan to fail. Take time to plan.

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:15-21 NKJV).

Plan your objectives, one-year, five-year, what you will do this month, week, day. Determine the skills and qualifications you’ll need. What are you willing to give up? Are you engaging in a business? State your business objectives, how will you accomplish them and what is the cost limit you will not exceed?

11. Saints Know How to Enhance Their Time Upon this Earth.

Be aware of opportunities to serve God and your fellow human kind. "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:10).

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV).

"The days of our lives are seventy years;

And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,

Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;

For it is soon cut off, and we fly away." (Psalm 90:10 NKJV).

Ten Rules to Use Time Efficiently

Rule one: Concentrate on one thing at a time.

Rule two: Use a daily planning system that you customize to compliment the way you work. (See rule number ten).

Rule three: Prioritize your work: A, B, C, or DISP (dispense with it!).

Rule four: Schedule time in blocks to give yourself deadlines.

Rule five: Control interruptions.

Stop people from dropping into your work area.

Permit yourself an occasional unavailable policy.

Signal others when you prefer no interruptions.

Encourage people to use e-mail or phone, not visit.

Get comfortable with voice mail. Be detailed, specific, repeat phone number.

Rule six: Read paper once. OHIO: Only Handle It Once (or mark one corner per reading).

Rule seven: Go to lunch at an odd hour; 11-12 or 1-2, (quick service, quiet).

Rule eight: Call, don’t go. Phone calls get priority? (Is a short call sufficient?).

Rule nine: Don’t ask me to think things over. (I'll get enough facts, then decide!).

Rule ten: Develop or choose a daily planning system that works for you.
Create or find forms: Daily Planing Forms to Keep and Track Appointments, Follow Ups and Record Phone and E-mail Contacts etc. on a Sheet or System that works for you!

12. Saints Have Learned to Turn Their Fear into an Asset.

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear (reverence) God and keep His commandments,

For this is man’s all.

For God will bring every work into judgment,

Including every secret thing,

Whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV).

You Can Achieve Success – To develop or achieve one’s full potential:

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—" (Ephesians 4:11-15 NKJV).

You Can Live Without Fear: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:18-19 NKJV).

You Can Cope - To contend with difficulties and act to overcome them: "And the one Who searches the hearts comprehends what the strivings of the Spirit are because it makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:27-28 OOB).

You Can Avoid Strife - To struggle or fight forcefully; contend: "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:22-26 NKJV).

You Can Control Idleness - Resistance or disinclination to motion, action, or change, let God fight your battles: "And Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.' And the LORD said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.' " (Exodus 14:13-16 NKJV).

You Can Avoid Panic - A sudden, overpowering terror: "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV).

13. Saints Have Learned to Put Love in Their Life.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8… NKJV).

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eye service, as do pleasers of men; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Ephesians 6:5-11 KJV Rev).

POSTSCRIPT

The Seven Traits of Dynamic Saints

First Trait: They let go of the past. "But Jesus said to him, 'No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.' " (Luke 9:62 NKJV).

They take full responsibility for their life. "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23 NKJV).

They clean up past relationships. "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 23-24 NKJV).

They learn to forgive self. "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25 NKJV).

Second Trait: They eliminate concern for the future. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Third Trait: They develop an even disposition. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

Fourth Trait: They aren’t in business just to make a profit. "But He [Jesus] answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " " (Matthew 4:4 NKJV).

Fifth Trait: They learn to enjoy life on a daily basis.

"Go, eat your bread with joy,

And drink your wine with a merry heart;

For God has already accepted your works.

Let your garments always be white,

And let your head lack no oil." (Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 NKJV).

Sixth Trait: They rise above the need to have people like or admire them. "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." (Matthew 6:5 NKJV).

Seventh Trait: They rise above the need to impress other people. "Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted (changing spiritually) and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.' " (Matthew 18:2-5 NKJV).

When you have acquired these seven traits what is left in your life is love. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (atonement, that is payment) for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:7-11 NKJV).

FINAL THOUGHTS

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another helper, that it may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees it nor knows it; but you know it, for it dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:15-18 NKJV).

"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.' " (Luke 17:10 NKJV).

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' " (Matthew 25:23 NKJV). Will you be ready to face Jesus when He returns to rule earth?

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

Our soon coming King of kings and Lord of lords Jesus Christ says: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup (eat supper) with him, and he with Me. To the one who overcomes will I give authority to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and sat down with My Father in His throne. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:20-22 AFV).

"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give (recompense) to each one as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12 AFV).

"Now as it was in the days of Noah, so also shall it be in the days of the Son of man. They were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah went into the ark, and the Flood came and destroyed them all." (Luke 17:26-27).

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." (Genesis 6:8-9 KJVR). Will you walk with God?

NOTES

"KJV" – 1611 Public Domain text from The Authorized King James Bible (ancient)

"KJV Rev" 1611 with text - possibly revised by Ekklesia Church of God.

NKJV denotes text from The Holy Bible, New King James Version ฉ, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

AFV - The Holy Bible in its Original Order, A New English Translation, A Faithful Version with Commentary Second Edition ฉ (York Publishing Company, PO Box 1038, Hollister, California, USA 95024-1038) 2009.

Some word definitions excerpted from The American Heritageฎ Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition ฉ 1996 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Electronic version licensed from INSO Corporation; further reproduction and distribution in accordance with the Copyright Law of the United States. All rights reserved.

Source of emphasis - generally by Ekklesia Church of God.

http://www.ekklesiachurchofgod.com/purpose.html

Will You Walk With God? "ฉ" [2016, '17, '21] Ekklesia Church of God.