Living a good and righteous life before the Lord- pt1

he Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:1 that as we start approaching the end times, that the love of many will grow cold and that lawlessness and immorality will start to abound. It also says in this verse that men will become lovers of self and money, along with becoming unholy, blasphemers, unloving, unthankful, disobedient to parents, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, traitors, headstrong and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

As bad as the moral state of man is right now, believe it or not, it is actually going to get a lot worse in the coming years according to the above verse.

When it comes to the real big picture with our Lord, the age old question is simply why - why did Satan and one third of the angels have to choose with their own full free wills to go against God and His holy and righteous ways? Why couldn't they just do the right thing and stay loyal to the Lord and choose to live their lives on the good and righteous side of the fence with Him?

And then when God decides to create a second race of beings, the human race, again, why couldn't Adam and Eve have chosen with their own free wills to obey one simple little command from the Lord to stay off of that one forbidden tree? And then when they couldn't pass their one simple little test, and then the rest of the human race is created and born into a now fallen and cursed world, we now once again still have the same old problem. Again, why does a certain percentage of the human race still have to choose with their own free wills to go against God and His holy and righteous ways just like one third of the angels managed to do?

As you will see in the verses I will list below, God has written His basic laws into the heart of every created being. We all know basic right from basic wrong, and yet so many of us still choose to this day with our own free wills to do the wrong thing at certain times, with some of the more evil people in this life doing some really bad and evil things that a normal person would never consider doing like robbing, raping, killing, kidnapping and torturing.

There is not a day that goes by that we do not see some kind of extreme evil being committed on some kind of a regular basis across the entire world. With all the advancements in technology, and with the world now becoming a much more smaller and closer space due to how inter-connected we all now are, many still have not learned from the history lessons of our past, and we still have many people who are out there acting out on their evil and fleshly impulses with no regard as to who they hurt, kill or destroy. Some people are as primal now as they were 5000 years ago.

Many people who have had some type of evil crime committed against either them or one of their close loved ones have always asked themselves whywhen it happens to one of them? How can some people commit such horrible and evil acts on another fellow human being? Why can't we just all live in peace, harmony and love with one another?

And not only can man not get along with his fellow man, but we also have nations always wanting to stir up trouble with other nations, as the Bible tells us that as we approach the end times, that there will be wars and rumors of wars, and that nations will be going against other nations and that kingdoms will be going against other kingdoms.

When you step back and look at the real big picture, it is just heart-breaking to see all of this kind of carnage and calamity play itself out every single day across much of the world. And again, why can't most of the human race just get it right with the Lord and learn how to follow His holy and righteous ways so we can all learn how to live in peace and harmony with one another?

God has given all of us a free will and we all have the ability to choose between the good and righteous side of this life or the evil and dark side of this life. Even though we still have demons who are still roaming in the air trying to get us to do their evil bidding, God will still hold all of us personally accountable for any kind of bad and evil acts we will end up committing in this life. Though Satan was the one who tempted Eve to disobey one simple little command, God still held both Adam and Eve totally responsible for what they did in the Garden of Eden, even though it was Satan who was the one who put the pressure on them to try and get them to do it.

For most of us, the excuse that "the devil made me do it" will not be washing with the Lord once we die and cross over and meet Him head on for all of our own personal judgments.

***TO BE CONTINUED***

What does the Bible say about Integrity?

Identification

1. The Old Testament Hebrew word that is translated "integrity" in the King James Version is "tome." This word conveys several meanings all combined into one idea: completeness, prosperity and innocence. Usually the concept of integrity is related to a heart condition that includes blamelessness and uprightness.

Significance

2. When Abimelech, the king of the Philistines had taken Abraham's wife, Sarah, into his harem without knowing that she was married, God actually appeared to the king in a dream to warn him. The king protested that he had "walked in his integrity." Other translations express the same protest as "a clean conscience and clean hands." This story is found in Genesis 20.

Benefits

3. King Solomon of Israel is another person for whom integrity was important. When God appeared to him as he was dedicating the first temple in Jerusalem, God challenged the king to maintain a life of integrity. In return for integrity, Solomon's dynasty would last forever. This divine charge is found in 1 Kings 9:4. Perhaps the charge to Solomon resonated with his father; King David's reputation as a leader whose life was based on integrity. See Psalm 78:72.

Considerations

4. One of Job's defenses to his friends was his integrity. See Job 27:5. Alternate translations for this word in Job are "blameless" and "upright." Other verses in the Bible consider integrity as a basis on which to be judged. See Psalm 7:8. Even God argued that Job's integrity was a reason for his blessing when Satan was trying to derail his faith. See Job 2:3. Integrity is a protection. See Psalm 25:21. Integrity is even seen as a guide for life according to the Bible. See Proverbs 11:3.

Potential

5. Without God, however, integrity is not maintainable. According to Psalm 41:12, King David's integrity was upheld by God. It was accompanied by God's mercy, by victory over his enemies and by a tangible access to God's presence. He even prayed that his integrity would protect him in Psalm 25:21.

Remain blessed

The Prayer Ministry of Mother Elsie Shaw

This is lady can really put down some prayer and intercession. I have never seen anyone pray like Mother Elsie Shaw. Just listening to her pray takes me into the presence of the Lord. If you ever want to learn to pray, listen to Mother Elsie Shaw's prayer ministry.

Gospel Keys Urban Instructional DVD

Hi,

Today is the day! My friends at HearandPlay.com have just

released their latest GospelKeys Urban Pro 600 DVD course!

Visit http://www.hearandplay.com/480396/gkurban.html

to see video clips and audio samples of what the course will

teach you.

The dvd courses are selling fast so I recommend you get to their website to check it out! Also, for a limited time, they're offering a bonus disc with exclusive (...never before seen) footage! The total course is 4 discs and almost 6 hours long!

For a 4-disc, almost 6-hour course, $69 is a giveaway! Where else can you get gospel music lessons for $11 an hour?

Visit: http://www.hearandplay.com/480396/gkurban.html

************************************

With this new "Urban Gospel" course you'll be able to...

* Implement a host of simple tricks that are guaranteed to

instantly add that well-known west coast flavor to your playing

(like Jason White and Mike Burrell).

Visit: http://www.hearandplay.com/480396/gkurban.html

* Beef up your playing drastically by adding these small

little grace notes, slides, and fill-ins to your chord

transitions. Jon utilizes this trick at least 80% of the time

and he spills the beans on exactly what to do to "own" it.

Visit: http://www.hearandplay.com/480396/gkurban.html

* How to master the art of passing chords so that your

chord progressions and songs never sound dull or "predictable."

As you'll learn in the course, the goal is to be

"unpredictable." That's when you know you've arrived.

* Learn the ways of the west coast and how to contemporize

your playing by using countless numbers of "stu?pid "

chords, movements, and accidentals! (Note: Please don't be

offended. This is real terminology in the gospel musician

community).

* How to play tons of opened and closed chords and how to

use them at the right time.

... And much much more!

Visit: http://www.hearandplay.com/480396/gkurban.html

If you're like me, you know how hard it is to find valuable

resources for gospel musicians! If you're truly serious about

learning the urban style of gospel music, this could very

well be what you've been looking for!

Visit: http://www.hearandplay.com/480396/gkurban.html

to take advantage of today's special offer!

All the best,

Chevonne Reynolds

P.S.

Oh Wait! - At least take advantage of their free newsletter

and over 60 free online lessons at:

http://www.hearandplay.com/480396

Gospel dvd bundle promo

Dear Gospel Lover,

Are you someone who is absolutely in love with gospel music? I mean, you hear it on Sundays during the church service, listen to it in your car on the way to work, and recite all the songs of your favorite artists (...Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin,

Vickie Winans etc.) word for word. If this is you, you're going to absolutely love what I just found out.

I think the only thing better than listening to gospel music is actually playing it yourself (...letting the spirit come from within). Now, you can do just that. You can play virtually ANY of your favorite Gospel songs on the paino and now the

organ by EAR in no time!

Click here for more details:

http://sell.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/480396/2007

My friend Rev.Jermaine Griggs over at GospelKeys.com has taught more than 189,000 gospel musicians around the globe to reach

their wide range of musical goals using his infamous GospelKeys learning method.

The GospelKeys series breaks down hundreds of licks, tricks, and techniques into detail and is very easy to understand. It's like having a professional instructor ready to teach you at any time in the comfort of your own home.

Click here for more details:

http://sell.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/480396/2007

No matter what style of Gospel Music is your favorite: Hymns, Congregational Songs, Slow Worship, Up-tempo Praise, Shouting music, Urban & Contemporary, he's got you covered!

Here's the best part. In celebration of the new year, Jermaine decided to slash the price of his entire GospelKeys Box set by more than 50%.You heard right, you can get this one of a kind

Gospel Instructional set of DVDs for less than half of the normal cost.

Jermaine told me this deal is will only be available for 3 days after you've read this e-mail. SO...

Start playing Gospel music TODAY!

Click here for more details:

http://sell.hearandplay.com/at.cgi/480396/2007

All the best,

P.S. - You might find more interesting information, techniques,

or resources just by clicking around on their website.

Mike Bereal's instructional dvd

Are you creative when it comes to playing the piano?

Are you able to change up your style and play new things on the spur of the moment or does all your stuff sound the same way every time you sit down at the piano?

Maybe you're like most musicians who literally get frozen when it comes to thinking outside the box and adding flavor to your playing?

Or perhaps you've been playing the same songs, the same chords, the same arrangements for YEARS and have lost the passion and enthusiasm you once had when everything seemed fresh and new to you?

Whether you consider yourself insanely creative, a little creative, or just "stuck" in old ways, if you keep reading, you'll be helped in several ways:

• You'll discover how to think differently than 80% of musicians out there and how what you already know (yes, even basic chords) can quickly and easily be rearranged and manipulated to sound so beautiful, full, and stylish that you wouldn't even recognize them.
  

• You'll be exposed to everlasting principles that apply to all styles of gospel playing. This resource doesn't just focus on contemporary worship. It covers worship, traditional congregational styles, high praise, and uptempo shouting techniques (...basically every element of a standard church service).
  

• You'll gain momentum and enthusiasm again as you start spicing up your playing with ideas you never thought you'd be able to think up, let alone play! Trust me... all it takes is for you to hear yourself sounding just a little bit like Mike Bereal and the feeling will become addictive. You'll then want to learn more and more because not only will you notice an increase in confidence, but you'll also start getting lots of praise from others who hear you.
  

• You'll learn how to multiply your options on the piano so that you never have to play the same identical thing TWICE. If you listened to the video clip above, you were probably astounded at how creative Mike Bereal could get. Even when you thought he had pulled out his best trick, there was MORE to come. And the truth is, if he had played for 30-minutes straight, you would have gotten 30 full minutes of fresh, creative, "outside-the-box" ideas, one after the other. Imagine what it would feel like to have that many options on the piano...
  

• And many more things...

...So fasten your seatbelt because I'm about to introduce you to something that will change the way you look at music forever.

But first, a few things about Mike...

"Introducing My Good Friend, Michael Bereal"

Michael Bereal has been playing the piano ever since he could spell the word "piano." For over 25 years he's perfected his style, which is recognized and referenced by musicians and listeners all around the world.

He's played piano, organ, synthesizer, and bass for a countless number of gospel artists like Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Beverly Crawford, Judith McAllister, Tonex, Kim Burrell, Kurt Carr, Renee Spearman, Norman Hutchins, Alaska Mass Choir, Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Twinkie Clark, Marvin Sapp, Juanita Bynum, Bishop Noel Jones, Soul Seekers, Smokie Norful, Denetria Champ, Doc Powell, Olivia Williams, Eddie Baltrip, Coko, Bishop Paul Morton, and many more. He has also produced many of their albums.

Michael is also the head keyboardistat West Angeles Church Of God In Christ, where Bishop Charles E. Blake is the pastor and Presiding Bishop over the entire Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) denomination all over the world!

He's cited on gospel music forums across the net and referred to on video sites like youtube by musicians all around the globe.

I trust very few people over him to deliver fresh, practical, easy-to-understand techniques and principles to playing contemporary gospel music by ear!

"What If Someone, Who Has Played On Just About Every Popular Gospel Album Of This Decade, Could Hold You By The Hand And Show You Some Of His Most Coveted Secrets?"

This is what GospelKeys Master Class Volume 1 Featuring Michael Bereal will do for you.

You'll get the opportunity to learn stylistic approaches, chords, movements, patterns, "licks & tricks," and songs from one of the most sought-after gospel musicians on the planet.

"Finally! Mike Bereal and Hear & Play Music Collide To Bring You The First And Only Course Teaching His Techniques From The Man Himself!"

This master class series is finally going to reveal how a "Mike Bereal" thinks. And I can honestly say that none of our other course come close to revealing some of the secrets Mike shares as this is the first time we've held someone of his caliber hostage in our studio to produce a 3-hour course solely dedicated toCREATIVE PLAYING.

So if you've been stuck in the same place for a while (or even if you feel like you're growing fast), there's something in this course that will revolutionize the way you play and THINK.

"Do You Need GospelKeys Master Class Volume 1?" Who should continue to read this page? Anyone who has reached a creative "glass ceiling" and not only wants to add flavor to their playing but wants to know how to develop the THINKING that allows such innovative creativity. Anyone who feels "stuck" playing the same stuff over and over and wants to start playing "outside-the-box" chords, arrangements, and progressions. Anyone who's at an intermediate level and realizes that there is a "next phase" that's not too far away if they grasp the right techniques and principles. Anyone who is a huge fan of Mike's music and the albums he's produced and wants to add some of his signature moves to their playing. Anyone who has not developed their own unique style and needs a push in the right direction by looking at how a seasoned professional has perfected his style. Anyone wanting to learn fresh and new ideas to incorporate into their worship, traditional congregational songs, high praise, shouting music, and more. And anyone hungry for more!

"Here's Specifically What You'll Get Out Of GospelKeys Master Class Volume One"

How to multiply your options on the piano so that you never have to play the same identical thing TWICE. This is the difference between a creative, free-flowing musician and a "canned" one.

Diversify your sound and learn how to to add tender and delicate undertones to your style! NOTE: Not all songs need a lot of power-punched chords. Many times "less" ends up being a lot "more." Mike will show you when and when not to "punch it!"

How to think on a whole different level and quickly and easily play things that will have other musicians literally drooling at the mouth (isn't that what you feel like when you watch Mike's video clip?IMAGINE BEING THAT PERSON ON THE KEYS)...

Get contemporary! Now you can spice up your traditional gospel playing with loads of phat chords and placements from one of the hottest gospel musicians on the planet! (Mike has played for Mary Mary, Judith McAllister, Beverly Crawford, Donnie McClurkin, andMANY MORE!)

Master tons of arpeggio worship techniques on your right hand that'll have you sounding like a gospel veteran every time you sit down at the piano!

Learn the secrets to creating the perfect transitions and lead-insto the next phase of the church service no matter what you're currently playing! NOTE: It is imperative that you master this as there can be a huge burden on you to effectively carry the worship service from one area to the next.

Incorporate Mike's "roll-over" method into your playing. This unorthodox move will literally turn everyone's head and give your playing that extra flare you've been looking for!

How to take songs you've redundantly played for years and drastically improve them so much that they feel foreign to you when you play them (I know it seems hard for a song you've played for 5-10 years to seem new to you but after watching this course, I guarantee you'll experience enthusiastic growth again!)...

To order this great dvd set or to hear sample clips click here:

http://hearandplay.com/480396/gkmasterclass.html

Forgiving One Another

The dictionary definition of forgive is to cease to feel resentment against an offender, i.e., to pardon ones enemies.

During WWII in France, a young nun was returning to her convent from the market. A soldier on a motorcycle saw her and pulled over. Although she thought he stopped to help her with her heavy basket of food, she soon found out otherwise. As he forced into the woods, she screamed, but no one heard her.
The trauma the occured that day haunted her with nightmares for years, but gradually she began to heal. Years later, she was chosen to host a meeting of German teachers as a gesture of post-war reconciliation. Among them was her aggressor. It all came back! The bitterness and the thoughts of revenge were unbearable until she spent the night in prayer. Crying out to God, she eventually found the grace to serve them--all of them. She was finally free!
Until we forgive, we are the prisoner of the person who has offended us.

What is the Biblical measure of forgiveness?
Seventy times seven. In Matthew 18:21-22, we read, Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!” What does this mean?
Unlimited In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus says, “I am warning you! If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him. Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him.”
As God forgave us. Read what Paul says in Ephesians 4:32

What are the benefits of forgiving?
It is necessary for our own forgiveness. Jesus said, "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25, 26)
It restores Christian fellowship. Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise he may become so discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Now show him that you still love him. (2 Cor. 2:5–10)
Spiritual cleansing. James says that the elders of the church should pray over those who are sick and the Lord will make them well, adding, "And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven." (James 5:15-16)

Examples of forgiveness:
Esau and Jacob. (Genesis 33:4–15)
Joseph (Genesis 45:8–15)
Moses (Numbers 12:1–13)
David (2 Sam 19:18–23)
Solomon (1 Kings. 1:52, 53)
Jesus (Luke 23:34)
Stephen (Acts 7:59-60)
Paul (2 Timothy 4:16)

Questions:

1. What kind of offense do you find most difficult to forgive?
2. Do you meditate on an offense over and over?
3. How do you find it in yourself to let go of past offenses even though you "deserve" to hang onto them?
4. Does forgiving someone mean that the offense is forgotten and has no further consequences?
5. Do you ever feel that you a prisoner of unforgiveness? When? Why?
6. What is the only phrase in the Lord's prayer with a "condition" attached? (Matthew 6:12)

Remain blessed

Compassion

The definition of "compassion" in the dictionary is very short. It simply says that compassion means sympathetic consciousness of others' distress along with a desire to alleviate it.

This incident is true: Standing with his family in church, Bill recites the Lord’s Prayer. This is followed by some praise singing and then some announcements before the sermon, one of which is by an elder who is seeking to enlist some workers for an outreach project in the Bronx. Bill whispers to his wife, “Why do they interrupt the nice flow of our worship with such peripheral appeals?” What do you like (or dislike) about Bill's remark to his wife?

Read Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)

How would you describe the lawyer to whom Jesus told this story. Why do you think he wanted to “justify himself?” (Verse 10:29)

How might we explain the religious professionals’ (the priest and the Levite) lack of compassion for the beaten-up stranger?

It's easy to condemn the priest and Levite, but what if 300 people were gathered in a synagogue in the next town waiting for the priest and Levite to lead a service? And perhaps some of these people were hoping for spiritual healing from the priest.

Where do you suppose that the Samaritan got his compassion for the victim?

Jews of that day despised Samaritans, who were half-breed of Jews who intermarried with pagans. So why do you think Jesus made the Samaritan the hero in this story?

According to this story, what does compassion look like?

There are more than 90 specific references to compassion in the Bible. Most Old Testament verses refer to the Lord's compassion toward His people and most New Testament version refer to Jesus' compassion on those in need. Let's look at just a few.

• The Lord will always have compassion on us. (2 Kings 13:23, Nehemiah 9:27, Psalm 103:13, Isaiah 54:8) Does the Lord expect something from us in return?
• Jesus felt compassion to those in need. (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34, Mark 6:34, 8:2, Luke 15:20, etc.)
• Those who walk with the Lord will have compassion. (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:12-13, Philippians 2:1-2, 1 Peter 3:8)
• Compassion fulfills the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

Think of a person you know who is in need. What tends to keep you and/or others from being compassionate to this person?

To do:
1. Pray specifically to become a person of greater compassion.

2. Seek to be a Good Samaritan to the person in need that you identified above.

Remain blessed

Loyalty

In the dictionary, the word loyal means unswerving in allegiance as 1) faithful allegiance to one’s sovereign or government, 2) faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due, 3) faithful to a cause, ideal or custom. Synonyms are: faithful, allegiance, devotion, dedication, constant, unwavering, steady, unfailing.

What’s the difference between being loyal to a local sports team, say the Giants or Rams, and being loyal to the coach of a team for which you play? (Hint: notice that the definition above implies that what you are loyal to should be deserving of your loyalty.)

Think of the people, organizations, teams, causes, etc. to which you are (or have been) loyal. Which ones are deserving of your loyalty? Which ones are not?

What does the Bible have to say about loyalty and being loyal?

1. Loyalty is unwavering in good times and bad. (Proverbs 17:17)
2. Loyalty is what you do, not what you say. (Matthew 26:33-35 and 26:69-75)
3. Loyalty is in your heart. It is willing and not reluctant. (Psalm 78:8)
4. Loyalty can be demanding. (Exodus 17:8-13)
5. Loyalty may involve sacrifice. (2 Chronicles 11:13-16)
6. Loyalty to the Lord will be rewarded. (Psalm 84:10-11) When this psalm says “those whose walk is blameless” it refers to Genesis 17:1 when the Lord appeared to Abraham and said to him “walk with me and be blameless” meaning that Abraham would receive the Lord’s promises if he was faithful and obedient.
7. Disloyalty will be punished. Because Edom deserted Israel in its time of need, "I will bring you plummeting down," said the Lord. (Obadiah 1:4-14, especially verses 4 and 11)

How is loyalty different from friendship? How is it the same as friendship? (There's a real difference. Look up both words in the dictionary.)

How do you feel when a friend proves himself loyal or faithful to you?

How are you at being a loyal and faithful friend?

Remain blessed

Integrity

In the dictionary, the word integrity means 1) an unimpaired condition, i.e., soundness, wholeness 2) firm adherence to a code of moral values, i.e., incorruptible, honor, 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided, i.e., completeness. Synonyms of integrity are honesty and unity.

The word integrity is related to what other words? Do they give you a better sense of the meaning of integrity?

The first definition (soundness or wholeness) is most often applied to a structure or a physical object, say the girders in a bridge, an engine block, or a piece of pottery. Can it be applied to a person as well?

Thinking just of the first definition above, what happens to something that does not have integrity?

We frequently think of a man of integrity being honest and trustworthy, but integrity is more than that. Look at the second definition and describe the difference between being trustworthy and being incorruptible.

What does the Bible have to say about integrity?

1. Integrity means treating people fairly and honestly. (Leviticus 19:35-36, Deut 25:15, Proverbs 16:11-13)
2. Integrity is giving your word and keeping it. (Exodus 8:28-32)
3. Integrity will protect you. In Psalm 25, David prays that integrity and uprightness will protect him. How can it? (Psalm 25:21, Proverbs 2:7-8, 10:9, 11:3, 13:6)

4. Integrity is more valuable than riches. (Proverbs 28:6)
5. The Lord will test and judge your integrity. (1 Chronicles 29:17, Psalm 7:8)
6. The Lord hates lies and lack of integrity. (Zechariah 8:16-17)
7. It may be difficult to maintain your integrity. (Job 2:3, 2:9, Proverbs 29:10)
8. Your character can be corrupted by bad company. (1 Corinthians 15:33)
9. Integrity will be rewarded. (1 Kings 9:4-5, Nehemiah 7:2, Psalm 41:11-12)
10. Your integrity should set an example. (Titus 2:7)

Who do you know that you would describe as a person of integrity? What sets this person apart from other people of a similar age and position?

If people who know you were asked for five words that describe you, would integrity be one of them?

What can you do to improve your integrity?

Remain blessed