Hearken unto thy father that begat that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. -- Proverbs 23.22

Honor your parents. Your life depends on it. Parents will weaken with age, but you still should honor them. God ordained parents, and He handpicked yours. He generously reward those who honor parents, but He will destroy rebels.

God planned for children to arrive in life helpless, so they do. He also planned they would grow to successful maturity under the affectionate care, instruction, and rule of parents. But this wise family relationship also depends on children honoring their parents.

God created the offices of father and mother, but He also chose the very persons who are your father and mother. When the great God brought you into existence, He did not ask you or your parents. He planned and executed a blind date for the three of you based on His perfect knowledge of all circumstances and possible outcomes of the arrangement. Humble yourself before your God-chosen parents. Obey them. Honor them. Love them.

Proper growth and maturity to face life, the orderliness of society, and the peace of homes depend on honor to fathers. It is dangerous times when this basic standard is compromised.

Daily life with a father for 20-30 years exposes you to his faults and weakness, which can lead to familiarity. But the God of heaven has a warning for you --I choose that man who brought you into existence, and I expect you to listen to him and obey him as you would Me. Do not let familiarity dull his honor, because I chose him as a god for your life. If you despise him, you despise Me.
And I will not accept such scornful rebellion.

The thing you should be content about is your father. God chose him.
God chose his ability, education, wealth, intelligence, looks, personality, opportunities, successes, and failures for His own glory and your perfection. No other father would have worked as well for you. The eternal counsel of heaven connected you two, and any discontentment or disrespect from you is treason against the design of a benevolent and sovereign God.

Hearken to your father. Listen to him, and obey his advice. He knows more about life than you can grasp, even if it were explained to you. He knows you better than you know yourself. He cares about you and your future more than you do. Your
short-term of things is foolish and vain. His affection for you, his desire for your success, his sense of responsibility, and his experience and knowledge come together to form his advice. Save yourself a great deal of pain in life and judgment from God -- hearken unto your father.

With age your father will lose his strength and wisdom, but he is still the one God chose to beget you. His declining abilities are no grounds for you to disrespect him.
He might not have the power any longer to enforce his rule, but by this time you should be more conscious of his authority and right over you than ever before.
Respect him in old age out of principle and thankfulness, rather than out of childish fear or habit or necessity.

Your mother was introduced to you in the prime of her life. She was attractive, energetic, and intelligent. It was carrying you and bringing you up that dulled those traits. Her body gave you every nutrient for growth for nine months before you were born, and for nine months or more after you were born, and you cried for her after being born, as if you still needed and wanted that lifeline.

She loved you and did more for you than ten wives could or would. She patiently adored, pampered, praised, and doted on you in ways a wife will not.
She was a tirelessly servant in providing food, clothing, bedding, and countless other comforts for your existence, though you never gave her even a "thank-you" for years.
She suffered through your infatuation with girlfriends, who combined and squared would never do as much for you.

But as she gets older, taking care of you and then worrying about you, she will lose more strength and wit. She will fear things she once mocked. She will forget names, places, and how to do simple tasks. She spent herself caring for you, and now there is little time left. What will you do? Ignore her in her weakened condition, or give her greater glory and honor and care?

If you hurt her in any way in her old age, the God of heaven will take retribution now and in the world to come. If you do not take fully take care of her in old age, then you have denied the religion of Jesus Christ and are worse than a pagan infidel, no matter
what church you attend, or what Bible version you read.

If you are a child, you have just read your duty. Let it be your great pleasure to attentively heed your father's advice, whether in his presence or on the other side of his grave.
What should you do this very day to honor your aging mother? See to it quickly.
If your parents are far away, you can call, text, email, mail or visit.
If they are inaccessible, what about your in-laws? If you have honored your parents,
what about any grandparents?

If you are a Christian, you have another Father far greater than your earthly father, Almighty God Himself. He has done more for you than all natural fathers combined. You owe Him all the reverence and obedience you can possibly muster. You call on Him frequently, every time you need or want help, and He has never failed you a single time.

Hello all,

I'm again very very sorry that I hadn't been blogging Christian articles. So going forward I'll put up my Christian articles very soon.

Hope all is well with all of you and be in prayerful spirit,

Sangeeta Samuel.

I'm so sorry that I hadn't been on Lords Book blogging articles. Recently my father passed away on 6th March 2026. So I had been very very busy and was grieving. After two weeks, I took out my laptop and started blogging all over again to divert my mind and to keep busy.

From now on, I'll put up Christian articles little by little when I can.

Thank you for your patience.

MY POEM ON
"ALL PEOPLE THAT ON EARTH DO DWELL."

All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice,
Him serve with mirth,
His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make,
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.

Oh, enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto,
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? The Lord our God is good;
His mercy is forever sure,
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host,
Be praise and glory evermore.

MY POEM ON
"LIFE'S LESSONS."

I learn, as the years roll onward,
And leave the past behind,
That much I had counted sorrow,
But proves that God is kind;

That many a flower I had longed for,
Had hidden a thorn of pain,
And many a rugged bypath,
Led to fields of ripened grain.

We must stand in the deepest shadow,
To see the clearest light;
And often through wrong's own darkness,
Comes the very strength of light.

The sweetest rest is at even,
After a wearisome day,
When the heavy burden of labor,
Has borne from our hearts away;

And those who have never known sorrow,
Can not know the infinite peace,
That falls on the troubled spirit,
When it sees at last release.

We must live through the dreary winter,
If we would value the spring;
And the woods must be cold and silent,
Before the robins sing.

The flowers must be buried in darkness,
Before they can bud and bloom,
And the sweetest, warmest sunshine,
Comes after the storm and gloom.

MY POEM ON
"WHEN IS THE TIME TO TRUST?"

When is the time to trust?
Is it when all is calm,
When waves the victor's palm,
And life is one glad psalm,
Of joy and praise?

Nay, but the time to trust,
Is when the waves beat high,
When storm clouds fill the sky,
And prayer is one long cry,
Oh, help and save!

When is the time to trust?
Is it when friends are true?
Is it when comforts woo,
And in all we say and do,
We meet but praise?

Nay, but the time to trust,
Is when we stand alone,
And summer birds have flown,
And every drop is gone,
All else but God.

What is the time to trust?
Is it some future day,
When you have tried your way,
And learned to trust and pray,
By bitter woe?

Nay, but the time to trust,
Is in this moment's need,
Poor, broken, bruised reed!
Poor, troubled soul, make speed,
To trust thy God.

What is the time to trust?
Is it when hopes beat high,
When sunshine gilds the sky,
And joy and ecstasy,
Fill all the heart?

Nay, but the time to trust,
Is when our joy is fled,
When sorrow bows the head,
And all is cold and dead,
All else but God.

MY POEM ON
"A PSALM OF LIFE."

Tell me not in mournful numbers,
"Life is but an empty dream!"
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou art, to dust returnest,"
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way,
But to act, that each tomorrow,
Find us farther than today.

Art is long, and time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating,
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in that strife!

Trust no future, howe'er pleasant!
Let the dead past bury its dead!
Act, act in the living present!
Heart within and God o'erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us,
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time.

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

REVIVAL.

Stop searching for a "perfect" pastor.
Stop looking for a "better" church.
Because the real transformation does not begin on the pulpit --
it begins in the heart.

We live inn a generation that easily criticizes, compares, and complains.
We transfer churches when we don't like the message.
We judge leaders when they don't meet our expectations.
We expect excellence from others,
but forget to examine ourselves.

But what if the change you're praying for starts with you?
What if instead of asking, "Why is this church not growing?" you ask,
"Am I praying for my pastor?"

What if instead of looking for a better church,
you decide to become a better member?
A healthy church is not built by perfect leaders ---
it is built by faith, humble, committed members who love God and love people.

Revival doesn't start on the stage.
It starts in surrendered hearts.
When you choose to serve,
instead of criticize.
When you choose to pray,
instead of complain.
When you choose to support,
instead of compare.
You will begin to see the difference.
Be the member you wish,
others would be.
Be the encouragement your church needs.
Be the faith that inspires others.
Because when when one heart changes,
a church changes.
And when a church changes,
a community changes.
Start with you

NO GOOD THING WITHHELD.

"For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless." -- Psalm 84:11

There are seasons when our hearts ache for something -- healing, provision, breakthrough, or even clarity. We wait. We pray. And sometimes, heaven seems silent. But Psalm 84:11 gives us a powerful truth to hold onto:

God does not withhold good things,
He is our sun, bringing warmth, light, and life.
He is our shield,
offering protection in every battle.
He bestows favor and honor,
not because we earn it,
but because He delights in those who trust in Him.

If it feels like God is withholding something,
it's not because He is unkind or distant.
It may simply not be good for you right now --
or He's preparing something even better than what you've asked for.

This verse invites us to trust,
His wisdom over our wants.
His definition of "good" often looks different than ours --
but it is always perfect, timely, and rooted in love.

Be blessed.

LET'S NOT GOSSIP.

It is foolish to belittle a neighbor; a person with good sense remains silent. A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
Proverbs 11:12-13

"Beneath this stone, a lump of clay, lies Arabella Young, who on the 24th of May, began to hold her tongue."

Arabella Young must have been a gossip. I wonder who wrote her epitaph? Was it someone whose reputation or whose friendships had been damaged because Arabella just plain talked too much?

Maybe -- and now I'm going to say this with a sad pang in my heart -- but maybe Arabella went to prayer meetings and brought up juicy little scraps of bad news so that everyone could be "praying about it." But have you noticed that sometimes we talk about the problems of others more than we pray about the problems of others?
Shame on us. Arabella should have known that God is definitely against gossip, and we should be too. In fact, the Proverbs address the sins of the tongue over sixty times.

On the other hand, "those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence." Never tell evil of a man if you do not know it for a certainty, then ask yourself,
'Why should I tell it?"

Make it Personal... Live it Out!
Is it really a big deal if we gossip just a little bit, and only with our closest friends?
Let Jesus answer "But I tell you that men and women will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
Therefore, what can we do when others turn the conversation to backbiting and slander? Turn the tide. Shoot an arrow prayer:
"Lord, help me to say something positive about that person."
You'll see; God will give you wisdom in that moment.
If the gossipers continue, kindly excuse yourself, leaving one less person to participate in their unholy huddle.

MY POEM ON
"THE LIGHT OF MY SOUL."

In the silence of the morning light,
I feel Your peace,, so pure, so bright,
You walk beside me through the day,
And chase my darkest fears away.

Your love is deep,
Your grace so wide,
A gentle strength I hold inside,
Upon the cross,
You paid the cost,
To save the world that once was lost.

When I am weak,
You make me strong,
In every storm,
You lead me on,
No earthly crown could ever shine,
Like love so endless and divine.

Jesus, Savior, Lord and Friend,
Your mercy knows no bitter end,
I give You all -- my heart, my days,
And live to walk within Your ways.

MY POEM ON
"GOD SENT THE ANGELS."

God sent the Angels down
to fly you home,
I wish I could've seen your face,
The joy that you must have been feeling,
Knowing there's no pain in that Glorious place!

Peace and happiness
that you'd been missing,
All of your life you felt so sad,
Sometimes I'd spend the day with you,
I'll always remember the good times we had!

The troubles and tragedies
that we have in this life,
Can't be compared to the joy
that we'll have one day,
Peace and happiness we'll forever feel,
In the Lord's Heaven is where we'll stay!

God saw you were feeling weary,
So He took you home that night,
The beautiful place that you longed to be,
How you were mesmerized
by the gorgeous sights!

I know that you want me to be there with you,
But you know some day I'll be there,
It's not God's will to take me just yet,
And my pain He's helping me bear!

In my mind I see you
surrounded by Angels,
Sweet music like you've never known,
Never to experience pain in your heart,
And never to be alone!

HELL AND DESTRUCTION

Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more than the hearts of the children of men? - Proverbs 15:11

You cannot hide. Almighty God knows your every feeling and thought. He clearly sees the unseen world of the dead, corrupting bodies in graves and tormented spirits in prison, so it is much easier for HIM to see everything in your heart. You cannot hide. Repent!!!

You cannot disguise yourself or deceive Him. He knows your every desire, fantasy, and lust. He knows the secrets of your soul in perfect detail with their selfish motives. If death and hell are not hid from HIM, He has you totally figured out more easily and completely.

All your ambitions and desires are fully exposed in every aspect to God. Your heart and mind are open books to HIM. No hypocrisy or pretensions can cover them. The eyes of the LORD behold everything in every place. He will expose and judge each of your sins in a day not far away.

The dreadful God of heaven sees your heart. Why fear men, who can do very little to you, but not fear GOD. Who can cast you into hell? The fear of others modifies your conduct, but GOD knowing your thoughts does not affect you. An angry look on HIS face will infinitely exceed any look or reaction or persecution by men.

The omniscient Creator GOD has infinite knowledge of all things. HE knows the small details of hell and destruction perfectly, but HE knows your inner secrets much better. HE needs no approval to the private parts of your soul. HE knows you like no other. Read the proverb again emphasizing "then," recognizing it is not "than."

There is no aspect of destruction in the earth, corruption of the dead in graves, or torment of souls in hell that the LORD of creation does not know and understand fully. Therefore, HE knows you perfectly. Do not deceive yourself by thinking that GOD does not hear or see. He sees you naked and bare. Every evil tendency is fully exposed.

HE knows your heart much better.. You will answer to the LORD Jesus Christ for every thought, who has the keys of hell and of death.

Who always wins a debate of one? You do! When you allow a secret thought into your mind, you can convince yourself it is allowable or you can get away with it, because you are exposing it to no one but yourself. However, God has already seen your imagination and condemned it. No matter how highly you think of its ideas. This especially applies to sexual fantasies that you desperately want to hide.

If you are ever convinced that someone needs help, or if you are ever convicted to do something good, and you excuse yourself from doing it, the Judge of all the earth saw the wicked discussion in your heart that led to your direction of duty. He will repay with divine vengeance. You have been warned. Do not discuss within yourself any approval of sin either by commission or omission. Do not lie to yourself!

The lesson is difficult, but the application is hard. Your heart, the world, and the devil want you to forget the holy God's omniscience. Humble yourself this moment and repent of every thought you have entertained in your heart that is contrary to God and HIS word. If you do not, the Judge of heaven and earth. Who knows your heart better than HIS perfect knowledge of hell and death, will hold you accountable for each one.

20 DANGEROUS SPIRITUAL ENEMIES.

From the beginning of time, the family has been the primary target of spiritual warfare. God established the family as a place of love, safety, identity, and destiny. Satan, knowing that a strong family produces strong individuals and generations, relentlessly attack marriages, parents and children. Many conflicts we see at home are not merely emotional or psychological -- they are deeply spiritual.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12

20 Dangerous spiritual enemies commonly used to destroy family unity. Recognizing them is the first step toward defeating them:-

1. The Spirit of Division: It turns small disagreements into permanent walls, making family members see each other as enemies instead of allies.
2. The Spirit of Anger and Rage: Uncontrolled anger opens doors to verbal abuse, violence, and lasting emotional wounds, especially affecting children.
3. The Spirit of Pride: When no one wants to apologize or humble themselves, reconciliation becomes impossible.
4. The Spirit of Bitterness: Unforgiven offenses harden hearts and poison love over time.
5. The Spirit of Rejection: This spirit makes spouses and children feel unwanted, unseen and unloved -- even in the same house.
6. The Spirit of Strife and Constant Quarreling: Where strife lives, peace cannot stay. The home becomes emotionally unsafe.
7. The Spirit of Adultery and Lust: This spirit attacks martial covenants, leading to infidelity, distrust, and broken homes.
8. The Spirit of Control and Manipulation: It dominates, silences, and suppresses others, destroying mutual respect.
9. The Spirit of Poverty and Financial Pressure: Unresolved financial stress becomes a weapon for constant blame and conflict.
10. The Spirit of Fear: Fear produces insecurity, suspicion, and overreaction, especially between spouses.
11. The Spirit of Witchcraft: This operates through emotional control, threats, silent treatment, and psychological pressure.
12. The Spirit of Abuse: Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse shatters trust and damages children for life.
13. The Spirit of Neglect Absence: emotionally or physically -- creates loneliness even in marriage.
14. The Spirit of Comparison: Comparing one's family to others breeds dissatisfaction and dishonor.
15. The Spirit of Addiction: Alcohol, drugs, pornography, or gambling become altars that drains love, finances, and peace.
16. The Spirit of Lies and Deception: Secrets and dishonesty erode trust, the foundation of every family.
17. The Spirit of Jealousy and Suspicion: It creates false accusations and constant monitoring, choking love.
18. The Spirit of Unhealed Trauma: Past wounds, if untreated, repeated themselves in the next generation.
19. The Spirit of Disrespect and Dishonor: When honor leaves, authority collapses and chaos enters.
20. The Spirit of Prayerlessness: A family without prayer is spiritually defenseless, open to every attack.

MY POEM ON "STORING MY TREASURES IN HEAVEN."

My wealth -- it is a gift,

but the LORD's provision.

No riches, fame, or fortune,

could ever replace it.



He is my greatest need,

The one who sustains me.

And in times I was distant,

There was never a doubt --



He was always there.

With His wisdom,

He has given me clarity.



Without Him,

my life would be meaningless.

I find my joy in HIM,

and in what He wants for my life.



As my days go on,

I continue my walk in faith,

and focus on,

storing my treasures in Heaven.

MY POEM ON "THAT HEAVENLY PLACE."

I am longing for that heavenly place,

That God given, heavenly homeland,

A place attained by amazing grace,

Where the fellowship is sweet and grand !



Oh what bliss, for our Savior is there,

Where we shall behold HIM;

face to face;



Forever in HIS love and care, In that glorious and heavenly

place!

We'll stand before our LORD forgetting,

All of our earthly woes and sorrows;

Our old nature gone,

no more regretting.

On the bliss of endless tomorrows!



Is your heart also filled with longing,

For heaven's fair and glorious palace,

Is your heart to Christ belonging,

Have you drank from salvation chalice?

THE PRAYER OF AN OPTIMIST.

Lord, give me the grace.

To be strong and sound within,

That nothing can disturb my inner peace,

To speak only positive things.



To every person I meet today,

To make all my friends feel proud of me,

To cleanse the doors of my perception,

To look at the bright side of everything,

To think t he most sublime thoughts,

To speak true and gracious words,

To do the most lovely deeds,

To be as concerned about,

The fulfillment of others.



As I am of my own,

To unload the burdens of the past,

And give a sweet smile to everyone I meet,

To spend most of my time in creative pursuits,

That I have no time for fault-finding.



To be too grateful to worry,

to be too noble to envy,

To be too brave to fear,

To be an eternal optimist.

MY POEM ON
"LOVING GOD."

Loving God doesn't mean your mind never struggles,
It doesn't mean you never have anxiety,
It doesn't mean depression won't knock on your door.

And it definitely doesn't mean
you failed if you need medication.

You wouldn't tell someone with
diabetes to pray instead of take
insulin.
You wouldn't tell someone with
a broken bone to just "have more faith."

So why do we shame people
for taking care of their brain?

God is not disappointed in you
for getting help.
He is not less proud of you
because you needed support.
He is not offended by the tools
that keep you alive and functioning.

Medication doesn't place God,
it can be one of the ways
He provides healing.
Sometimes His answer
comes through therapy.
Sometimes it comes
through doctors.
Sometimes it comes
through a tiny pill that helps
your nervous system breathe again.

You are not weak,
You are not broken,
You are not less faithful.

You are human,
And you are doing what you
need to do to stay here for the
people who love you.

And God is still holding you
right where you are.

MY POEM ON
"STORING MY TREASURES IN HEAVEN."

My wealth -- it is a gift,
but the LORD's provision.
No riches, fame, or fortune,
could ever replace it.
He is my greatest need,
the One who sustains me.
And in times I was distant,
there was never a doubt --
He was always there.
With HIS wisdom,
He has given me clarity,
Without Him,
my life would be meaningless.
I find my joy in HIM,
and in what He wants for my life,
As my days go on,
I continue my walk in faith,
and focus on,
Storing my treasures in Heaven.

MY POEM ON
"THAT HEAVENLY PLACE."

I am longing for that heavenly place,
That God given, heavenly homeland,
A place attained by amazing grace,
Where the fellowship is sweet
and grand.
Oh what bliss, for our Savior is there,
Where we shall behold HIM;
face to face;
Forever in HIS love and care,
In that glorious and heavenly place!
We'll stand before our LORD forgetting,
All of our earthly woes and sorrows;
Our old nature gone,
no more regretting,

On the bliss of endless tomorrows!

Is your heart also filled with longing,
For heaven's fair and glorious palace,
Is your heart to Christ belonging,
Have you drank from salvation chalice?

MY POEM ON
"GOD IS MY SOURCE."

God is my cause,
He is more than applause,
through every storm,
Success stories still drum.

He gave me enough,
He made it less tough,
When life was bitter,
He made my life better.

With empty pocket,
He always fill my jacket
God is my source,
Not by luck or human force.

"PAIN IS A TEACHER" POEM

The weight of life's pain,
Can obfuscate and hide,
The true nature of our Lord,
In whom love does abide.

But pain is a teacher too;
A gift send to mend,
The bond with our Creator,
Which our sin did rend.

When we prosper it is tough,
To glimpse beyond the veil.
We often fail to see,
How earthly success does not avail.

Comfort and health are good,
But we must learn of the fall.
For once this life is over,
Our eternal fate will then befall.

Pain helps us to learn,
Something's not quite right.
This world is full of darkness,
And our heart's absent of Light.

As suffering comes we look around,
For something to hold us fast.
When sorrow and pain abound,
It's then we see that we won't last.

For no matter what we do,
All go to the grave.
No amount of health and wealth,
Will our sinful souls save.

Prosperity's an illusion,
For those who on earth dwell;
A dangerous delusion,
That's led many souls to hell.

Please don't misunderstand me,
For these things can do much good.
But they make it hard to see,
Why Jesus was nailed to wood.

Pain, it is a gift;
A present strangely wrapped.
It helps us see the fetters,
That round our wrists are strapped.

When we see that we,
Are born slaves to sin and death,
Then we understand the fee,
Jesus paid with His breath.

When He shouted, "It is finished!",
And descended to the grave,
He fully paid our debt for sin,
In love for our souls to save.

He rose back up three days later,
For death could not hold Him down.
Though once adorned with thorn and splinter,
He now sits in heaven , crowned.

Thank you dear Lord Jesus,
My good and loving King.
Thank for the thorns,
That have taught my heart to sing.

King Jesus you are worthy,
Of praise in all life's storms.
By Your Spirit lead and guide me,
As my heart submits to Your reforms.

VICTORY IN OUR SPIRITUAL BATTLES.

Here are 5 Scriptural guidelines to experience spiritual victory:

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN GOD: When we acknowledge our sinfulness and accept God's free gift of salvation, we stand before Him clothed in Christ's righteousness.

SUBMIT TO GOD AND RESIST SATAN: Although Chrelt of trist has given us authority over Satan, we can exercise it only as we submit ourselves to God and resist the enemy.

BE AWARE OF SATAN'S STRATEGIES: Satan can take advantage of us if we're "unaware of his schemes."

PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD: like a well-equipped Roman soldier, to prepare for spiritual battle.

The belt of truth: Our first line of defense is to be truthful. We must never misrepresent the truth.

The breastplate of righteousness: Any sin in our life leaves us open to Satan's attack. We've been given Christ's righteousness and -- as one commentator puts it -- we now practice "the sanctifying righteousness of Christ in our daily lives.

The shield of faith: quenches the flaming arrows" of temptation as we believe what God has said about every area of our life.

The helmet of salvation or "hope of salvation" guards against Satan's sword of discouragement and doubt.

The sword of the Spirit: Scripture is our best offensive weapon against the devil.

PRAY: Prayer expresses our dependence on God in the power of Christ, with the armor of the Spirit, we can experience victory.

THE BENEFITS OF WORSHIP

"Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." To glorify God -- that's worship! To enjoy Him forever -- that's the all-encompassing reward that includes these specific benefits:

FORGIVENESS: True worshippers recognize God's holiness and accept His forgiveness. Through worship they're purified.

GUIDANCE: Those who honor God will be given wisdom and will receive His guidance day by day.

PROVISION: Jesus said that God will meet our material needs if we give Him first place in our lives.

LOVE: The love of God is experienced in the hearts of all those who are true worshippers.

POWER: To all who give God t he glory He deserves, He gives the enablement to do the things. He requires of them.

PROTECTION: God faithfully watches over all who acknowledge Him, and He keeps them in all of life's changing circumstances.

GLORY: All true worshipers of God will one day be glorified. They'll inherit a new heaven and a new earth and join a company of believers and angels in perfect, uninterrupted worship.

MY POEM ON "SEE YOU THERE."

I don't care what you think,
I know Jesus is real.
I know he walked the Earth,
He spoke truth and wisdom.

His words have a majesty to them,
Where else can we find such profundity?
What words soothe the soul so beautifully?
I know what I know.

I know my Earth is round,
and nobody knows if space is infinite,
I know it rains too much,
and too many fires are burning.

I know people cannot save our planet,
I know Earth will do it herself.
because too many powerful love their money,
They will perish along with us.

I know there are no aliens,
They will not come and save people.
The coral reefs are blanching,
Look at fish fleeing the ocean.

for air, you all you monied idiots,
Your greed chokes their giving lives.
What will you eat when all food is gone?
Soiled green.

I know we are past the tipping point,
Soon there will only be competitive rich,
living underground counting gold bars,
hoarding everything for themselves.

and these will become lesser and lesser,
until food and love are gone,
I know this will be very soon,
I know this will be very soon,
I know where I go afterwards.

I join Jesus because I know I am good,
I have always tried my best,
I love thinking what Heaven is like.
I know it's better than I can think.

I don't know what happens to the money people.
That's not for me to know,
Maybe you'll be lampshades,
Plastic things from old oil...

I have had the privilege of feeling God friends,
I know I have been loved by God,
not because I'm anybody special,
because he knows I try hard.

I don't care if you don't believe me,
I know what's true,
Soon I will pass on to the better world,
because any other idea is stupid.

See you there, good person