Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
What is your purpose in life? If you have no purpose, you will live your life aimlessly, moving from opportunity to opportunity never satisfied.
Joseph had a vision for his life. Joseph understood that he was to be […]

Acts 28:5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship bound for Italy. That ship ended up being caught in a huge storm and the ship was destroyed. Paul and the other passengers found themselves upon the island of Melita. Paul was serving his […]

Psalms 127:1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
What can you do apart from the grace of God in your life? If God determines that you are not going to do something, there is nothing you can […]

Psalms 110:2  The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
It was Moses’ life purpose to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promise Land. Moses once tried to lead in his own strength when he killed the Egyptian. However, […]

Psalms 90:17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
This psalm is titled the Prayer of Moses. Moses had a special calling on his life; Moses was to deliver the people of […]

Psalms 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.
The Psalmist is speaking about national pride. One naturally feels loyalty to their native country and their native tongue. However, while the inhabitants of Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, and Tyre could […]

Psalms 74:22  Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.
Are you one with God? Have you taken the time to understand what God’s purpose for your life is? Have you obeyed God’s direction for you?
How many times have you seen people try to separate their spiritual lives from […]

Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Is God first in your life? There are a lot of things on this earth that are desirable, but nothing compares with God. Some people desire long life, others riches, and some fame, but God […]

Psalms 72:10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.
In this Psalm we see David praying a prayer for Solomon. David requests that God give to Solomon HIS’ judgments. David is asking God to bless the reign of his son. As a […]

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

What does it mean to be called according to God�s purpose? What is God�s purpose for your life? In the next verse, Paul shows us that we are �to be conformed to the image of his Son�. God�s purpose for your life is simple; He did not hide it from you. Instead, God has made His purpose for your life very clear, the decision that you have to make is whether you are going to fulfill that life purpose or whether you are going to continue to live for yourself.

Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

All around you people are trying to find purpose for their life. They are looking for happiness in relationships, in material possessions and in occupations. However, the harder they try, the more they fail to find true peace for their lives. It does not matter what they do they are never content.

Those who are of the world fail to realize that as long as they are a slave to sin, they will never find the true meaning for their life. However, all they have to do is accept Christ�s gift of salvation and they can be freed from the chains that enslave them. By accepting Christ�s gift of salvation, you no longer were a slave to sin but became a servant of God. It is your choice to do that which is right in the eyes of God.

Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told you that you are not in danger of judgment just because you murdered someone. Instead, Jesus laid out the higher law that you will be judged for every thought and feeling. People can see and judge your actions, but God is faithful and HE will judge your thoughts and feelings.

Ruth 2:7b so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

Scripture tells us that Ruth was a virtuous woman and that the entire community recognized the virtue that dwelt within her. One of the things that Ruth did in order to demonstrate to all who saw her the inward character of her heart was that she was diligent in her work. Ruth was gleaning in Boaz� field and when he showed up, he saw Ruth. He asked his servants who this woman was and his servants not only told Boaz who Ruth was, but also informed him on how diligent of a worker she was. Ruth had evidently been working for many hours in the hot sun, not taking any breaks and this really impressed Boaz� servants. They were probably not use to seeing gleaners who were diligent.

Ruth 3:11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Ruth had just obeyed her mother-in-law by going to the threshing floor by night to let Boaz know that she was willing for him to do his duty as the next of kin. Boaz was willing to perform the duties of the next of kin even though Ruth was a foreigner because he had seen Ruth demonstrate the inward character of virtue. Boaz not only had seen Ruth�s virtue but he knew that the community also had recognized Ruth as a woman of virtue. Boaz knew that where Ruth was from was not the most important ingredient to a good marriage but the content of her heart is what he needed to examine.

Proverbs 31:27b and eateth not the bread of idleness.

The eighth benefit that Solomon would receive in marrying a virtuous woman would be that she would continue to be a diligent woman. One of the many characteristics that Solomon was to look for in his future wife was that she was a diligent woman. Just because a person is diligent today, does not mean that they will be diligent tomorrow. However, Solomon was not simply looking for diligence in a wife, he was looking for virtue and one of the qualities he was looking for virtue would be found in diligence.

If a person just has diligence, they can quickly not become diligent when they grow weary or they just become board with what they are doing. However, a person who is virtuous understands that they are accountable to God and thus fills their thinking with the things of God. As a result, their diligence does not just come from their liking what they are doing; they demonstrate diligence because it is a way of life.

Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

The thirteenth characteristic of virtue Solomon was to look for in a woman he desired to marry was that her possessions were quality. Clothing that was silk and purple at that time was the best clothing one could wear. While she is wearing the best quality clothing of her time, Solomon was to contrast that with her house were he was to examine whether she also adorned her house with quality possessions. Coverings of tapestry often referred to a carpet that was placed upon the ground that others were able to sit upon while visiting. The virtuous woman would care about the way she dressed, but she also would care about those who came into her house to ensure that her house had proper furnishings to make her guests comfortable.

Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

The third characteristic that Solomon was to look for in a wife that would help reveal her virtue was her work habits. Solomon was instructed to look for a bride who not only understood how to work but actually enjoyed working. Solomon was to look for a bride who was diligent, one who had a desire to ensure that her life was productive. If Solomon�s bride was not a productive member of society prior to their marriage, then what makes him think that she would be in a position to help him fulfill his purpose in life? If she is unwilling to do any manual labor now, why should he think that she would be willing to do manual labor once they were married?

Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

The seven sons of Sceva had seen Paul cast out evil spirits. They saw the fame of Paul because the power of God was in his life. These men were proud and they desired that others would look up to them as important men. However, when the seven sons of Sceva attempted to cast out an evil spirit, the evil spirit replied that it knew Jesus and it knew Paul but it did not know these men. The evil spirit then attacked Sceva�s sons and they fled from the place naked.

Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Paul had felt led of the Lord to preach the good news in Asia but the Lord stopped him. Paul understood correctly that it was God�s will to preach in Asia, but he was also careful to ensure that he did God�s will in God�s timing. When God finally released Paul to preach in Asia, over the course of two years, all the Jews and Greeks heard the message God had placed on Paul�s heart.

Paul�s message began with twelve men who had received the baptism of John but had not received the Holy Ghost. From here Paul started teaching in the synagogue and then teaching daily in a school. God gave Paul the ability to heal the sick and cast out devils so then the people started coming to Paul in order to be healed. God opened up the doors for Paul to share the gospel with all of Asia and Paul did not have to travel.

Acts 18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Apollos was ready to move on from Ephesus to continue to preach the gospel to the Jews. The disciples in Ephesus wrote references for the disciples in Achaia so that they understood that Apollos has already proven himself faithful. Apollos may have had a great gift from God in that he was an eloquent speaker who was bold in proclaiming the truth. However, because he was new at preaching the gospel, he did not have a reputation that would cause the Christians in other communities to open up their doors to him.

Acts 18:21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Paul was on his way to Jerusalem so that he could keep the feast. As he was traveling, he stopped in Ephesus where he took the time to teach in the synagogue. The people of Ephesus pleaded with Paul that he should not leave them but stay with them and continue to work in their city. However, Paul had already purposed in his heart that he was to be in Jerusalem and he was not going to allow himself to be deterred from that purpose.

Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Paul and Barnabas and been chosen by God to be missionaries to the Gentiles. However, upon completion of their missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas ended up waiting in Antioch for a long period of time before God enabled them to go on another journey. During this wait, God used them on a quick trip to Jerusalem were the question was raised whether the Gentiles had to be circumcised before they could be saved. However, just because Paul and Barnabas were in a holding pattern and they were not actively traveling around the world preaching the gospel, this did not mean that they were not seeking ways that they might live their lives for the Lord.

Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Paul and Barnabas had finished the work that God had called them to do so they returned to Antioch where they were commissioned. Upon their return, they shared with those who sent them a report of what God had done through them and how the good report of Christ�s life was shared with the Gentiles. Scripture tells us that Paul and Barnabas then had to abide in Antioch for a long period of time with the disciples.

Paul and Barnabas had been commissioned by God to serve HIM on the mission field. However, when they had fulfilled that task, God allowed them to go back to where they started and gave them a time of patience where they were not actively out fulfilling God�s purpose for their life of being missionaries. God had given them a time where they were really busy for the Lord, but now was a period of resting and waiting.

Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Paul was in Lystra when some Jews came from Iconium and Antioch who persuaded the people to stone Paul. The people of Lystra presumed Paul was dead and dragged him out of town. However, God was not done with Paul and Paul arose and walked back into town. The next day, Paul left Lystra to go with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul had been called of God to be a missionary. Paul may have been stoned and left for dead but that did not stop him from preaching the gospel. Paul was bold for Christ because he understood what God�s purpose was for his life and Paul strived to obey God. Paul not only strived to preach the gospel in new places, but he also was willing to go back to the places he was persecuted for righteousness sake so as to fulfill God�s purpose.

Acts 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

Saul and Barnabas had just been commissioned by God to be missionaries. While they were on the isle of Paphos, Sergius requested that Saul and Barnabas come and preach the gospel to them. However, the sorcerer Elymas did not want Saul and Barnabas to share the good report of Jesus� death, burial and resurrection. Elymas attempted to work against God but because Saul understood God�s purpose for his life, Saul requested that God blind Elymas and God did.

Acts 6:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

Stephen had just finished sharing with the counsel the gospel of Jesus as confirmed by the sacred writings. It was obvious to Stephen that his message was not received with open arms and Stephen looked towards heaven. When Stephen looked up, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen understood that he was the only person who saw this vision and while he could have kept his mouth shut, Stephen proclaimed the truth that was revealed to him.

Stephen knew that the counsel was not pleased with the words that he was saying. At this point it was possible that if Stephen kept his mouth shut, the trial would pass and he would be permitted to continue his ministry for God. However, Stephen received a good report from God. Stephen saw Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. It was important for the disciples and the followers of Jesus to hear the report that Jesus did in fact sit at the right hand of God just as HE had promised.

Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Peter and the other apostles had been teaching in the temple but the high priest had them thrown into a prison. During the night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and commanded them to go back to the temple and preach. The next morning when the high priest sent for them, the guards were seen intently guarding an empty prison cell. The guards found the apostles obeying God teaching in the temple.

The high priest asked the apostles whether they understood that they had been commanded not to teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and the other apostles answered that they are to obey God rather than man. They then went on to give the good report that they had witnessed Jesus� death, burial and resurrection. The apostles informed the high priest that they were filled with the Holy Ghost because they chose to obey God.

Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Jesus had just told the parable of a sower who sowed good seeds in his field. However, by night, the enemy came and sowed tares. The master left the tares among the wheat. When harvest time came, the master had the reapers to gather the tares first and throw the tares into the fire and then to bring the wheat into the barn.

Jesus� disciples asked Jesus the interpretation of the parable. Jesus told his disciples that the field was the world, the good seed are those who are children of the kingdom of God and the tares are those who are of the wicked one. Jesus said that HE would send forth the angels to gather out of his kingdom all who are not HIS and take them to hell. Jesus says that after the wicked are gathered up then the righteous shall shine.

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Jesus is interpreting to HIS disciples the meaning of his parable about the sower. During the parable, Jesus described the seed that fell on good ground, sprang up and bore fruit a hundredfold. Jesus described the seed as the word of God. HE described the good ground as an individual with a good and honest heart. Paul has told us that one of the elements of virtue is honesty, thus a person with an honest heart is a virtuous individual.

Jesus stresses the importance of being a light. HE encourages you not to hide your light but to let it shine so that the world that sees you will see your Creator Father. If you are going to please God and be a light unto the world to draw many unto HIM, then you must first make a conscious effort to diligently strive to change your life to apply virtue. Until you learn to have honest thoughts and apply honesty in your heart, you will not be in a spiritual position where you can receive the word of God and bare much fruit for HIM.

I Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

Solomon was king over the nation Israel. One day he went to Gibeon and he made a thousand burnt offerings unto God. That night God appeared unto Solomon and asked him what HE should give to him. Solomon did not ask for long life, riches, or for deliverance from his enemies. Solomon asked for wisdom to judge God�s people. God was pleased with Solomon�s request. God promised Solomon that because he did not ask for himself, God was going to give him his request for wisdom and he was going to give him long life, riches and deliverance from his enemies as long as Solomon walked in the ways of God and kept his statutes.