A prolonged life with peace and prosperity

“Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV) 

Who wouldn’t want the three things that are is promised here? All wonderful promises. 

1.     Prolonged life for many years!

2.     Peace! 

3.     Prosperity! 

And how do you receive these things?

You keep the commands of the Lord in your heart! That’s it! And further great news is found in the following passage about keeping commands! Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be inside you and will help you do it!

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:15-17 NIV)

Therefore…

“Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21 ESV)

“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6 ESV)

Quote:

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” – Jesus Christ (John 14:3)

Mike Frenchbible promises, prolonged life, peace, prosperity
When fear attacks you, God answers and delivers you!

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NIV)

Two Wonderful Things!

A very simple and powerful, answer for dealing with any fear is found in the above passage! When fear attacks, you must immediately seek the Lord! And then two wonderful things happen:

1) He ANSWERS you!

2) He DELIVERS you from all your fears!

Activated by faith!

Of course, this is an act of faith (all promises are faith activated! See Hebrews 4:2)

I heard this promise stated simply the following way:

Fear knocked, faith answered, and there was nobody there!

Therefore…

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Tim. 1:7 ESV)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10 ESV)

Mike Frenchbible promises, fear, panic, fear attack
Soar on wings like eagles through hope in the Lord!

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)

Notice that this section of scripture, containing several promises, is about how to get help from God for many different types of people who may be weak, weary, or have stumbled and fallen.

How does the answer come?

It comes from “putting hope in the Lord!” This is not a difficult thing to do to receive such great benefits!

Here’s what you get when you place your hope in the Lord

 “Those who hope in the Lord will…

  • Renew their strength. 

  • They will soar on wings like eagles; 

  • They will run and not grow weary, 

  • They will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Therefore…

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 ESV)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom. 15:13 ESV)

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,” (Psalm 146:5 ESV)

Mike Frenchbible promises, soar on wings like eagles, hope in the lord
The Lord has gifts for you!

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” (1 Cor. 12:4-5 NIV)

When you become born again by receiving Christ, (John 1:12 & John 3:3) God gives you at least one spiritual gift, and sometimes several. (1 Cor. 12:11)

To help you and others!

These wonderful gifts are provided to help you grow in your relationship with God and to help you be effective in helping others, too.

You can find these gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:11.

God gives these gifts for a number of great reasons:

To equip His children for service. To build up His church. To bring unity in faith. To bring knowledge of Jesus. To bring spiritual maturity. And, to bring the whole measure of fullness in Christ. (1 Peter 4:10 and Eph. 4:11-12)

Therefore…

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Tim 1:6a NKJV)

You must “stir them up” and then put them to work, so both yourself and others can benefit from them!

Quote:

“Some people have a warped idea of living the Christian life. Seeing talented, successful Christians, they attempt to imitate them. For them, the grass on the other side of the fence is always greener. But when they discover that their own gifts are different or their contributions are more modest (or even invisible), they collapse in discouragement and overlook genuine opportunities that are open to them. They have forgotten that they are here to serve Christ, not themselves.“ - Billy Graham

Mike Frenchbible promises, spiritual gifts
Cast all your care upon God!

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)

George Muller (1805-1898) built many orphanages at Ashley Down, England. Without a personal salary, he relied only on God to supply the money and food needed to support the hundreds of homeless children he befriended in the name of Christ. A man of radiant faith, he kept a motto on his desk for many years that brought comfort, strength, and uplifting confidence to his heart. It read, “It matters to Him about you.” Muller believed that those words captured the meaning of 1 Peter 5:7, and he rested his claim for divine help on that truth. He testified at the end of his life that the Lord had never failed to supply all his needs.

Cast “all” cares

Sometimes when a HUGE problem comes suddenly and unexpectedly, (this happens to everyone from time to time) you need to remind yourself of this great promise! “cast ‘all’ your care upon him!” This means every care, no matter how small or how big!

Where you will get the best results 

The word “cast” means to throw something in a specific direction. A fisherman casts where he believes he will get the best results. In the same way, our best results (solution) to any and all problems will always come from God! When you “cast” your care on him, He will help you! And, He even gives the reason why He will help you; “Because he cares for you!”

Therefore…

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isa. 41:10)

“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isa. 41:13)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Cor. 1:3-4) 

Quotes:

“God’s strength behind you, His concern for you, His love within you, and His arms beneath you are more than sufficient for the job ahead of you.” - William Arthur Ward

“The same everlasting Father who care for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it…” St. Francis de Sales

Mike Frenchbible promises, cast all your cares, god cares, cares, all
Open your eyes and see your glorious riches of inheritance

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Eph. 1:18 NIV)

You don’t know

It’s a problem that has been around for a long time and still is the same today! You don’t know what you don’t know! And if you could see into the spiritual world you would be astounded at what you would see!

Army of Angels!

There is a story in the Old Testament, that tells how the king was mad at the prophet Elisha, and sent his armies to attack him. When Elisha’s servant saw the armies coming he was afraid. But Elisha wasn’t concerned or alarmed because he knew something that his servant didn’t know. “And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:17 NIV)

They were surrounded and protected

In the same say, our promise is saying “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Eph. 1:18 NIV)

Open your eyes 

You have so much readily available to you as a follower of Christ! Open your spiritual eyes and see!

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Eph. 5:8 ESV)

Therefore…

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18 ESV)

“The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.” (Psalm 146:8 ESV)

“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” (Psalm 26:18 ESV)

Quotes:

“We need a baptism of clear seeing. We desperately need seers who can see through the mist–Christian leaders with prophetic vision. Unless they come soon it will be too late for this generation. And if they do come we will no doubt crucify a few of them in the name of our worldly orthodoxy.”  A.W. Tozer

“The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision.” - Helen Keller

Mike Frenchbible promises, open eyes, see
Get your prayers answered!

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” (1 Chron. 4:10 NIV)

This short, heartfelt prayer by an old testament man named Jabez, was answered positively by God.

Why God granted what Jabez was asking

First, he asked God! That’s right, he actually brought his request to God in prayer! Sadly, many don’t receive blessings from God simply because they don’t bother to ask Him! “You have not because you ask not.” (James 4:2 KJV) In order to receive from God, you must actually ask him!

Second, he “cried out to God” passionately. His prayer was sincere, heartfelt and genuine! God’s word says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16 KJV). The wonderful advantage we have as New Testament believers, is we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus!

Third, he was very specific and clear about what he wanted and asked God for. Because he asked clearly and specifically, God could answer clearly and specifically as well.  Unfortunately, many don’t ask that way. The Bible says, “Let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6b NKJV).

To recap (with one addition)

1) Pray!

2) Be genuine, passionate and sincere.

3) Be specific. Make it very clear what you are asking for.

4) Use Jesus’s Name. As New Testament followers of Jesus Christ who have been given the right to come “boldly to God.” (Heb 4:16), you must pray in Jesus’s Name! That seals it! And, that is another great promise you can thank God for!

Therefore…

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark. 11:24 ESV)

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (John 15:7 ESV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4.6 ESV)

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Rom. 8:26 ESV)

“Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess. 5:17 ESV)

Quotes:

“And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 11:9 ESV)

“Prayer honors God, acknowledges His being, exalts His power, adores His providence, secures His aid.” - E.M. Bounds

“There is no need to get to a place of prayer; pray wherever you are.” - Oswald Chambers

Mike Frenchbible promises, jabez, prayer, prayer of jabez
You are God's handiwork!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph.2:10 NIV)

This is a promise that I personalize and say to myself as part of my daily routine.

I say it this way:

“I am God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works which He has prepared in advance for me to do!”

By repeating this passage in first person, I am doing several things. First, I am making this promise mine! Secondly, I am stating it as though it has already been done for me (and it has been done already “in advance.”) Thirdly, I’m recognizing in this promise that God has created me for a specific purpose that I am able to do because he has prepared both it and me to do it.

Activate your faith

Believing and confessing these things personally is an active part of faith! It activates the promises and makes them happen!

Therefore…

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7 NIV)

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1 NIV)

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6 NIV

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 NIV)

Mike Frenchbible promises, god’s handiwork, faith
Nothing can separate us from God's love!

“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39 KJV)

The Love of God

 A certain medieval monk announced he would be preaching next Sunday evening on “The Love of God.” As the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through the cathedral windows, the congregation gathered. In the darkness of the altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the crucifix. First of all, he illumined the crown of thorns, next, the two wounded hands, then the marks of the spear wound. In the hush that fell, he blew out the candle and left the chancel. There was nothing else to say. (Source Unknown).

God loves you unconditionally

God’s unconditional love is a fact! His love for you was paid for and guaranteed for you by Jesus’ death on the cross! The payment was made and it can never be “unpaid!” There is absolutely nothing that can separate you from His great love! That’s a promise!

God loved you even while you were yet a sinner

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8 KJV)

God’s love was manifested among us through Jesus

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10 ESV)

Therefore…

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16 ESV) 

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 ESP)

Quotes:

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” – C.S. Lewis

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us” – Augustine

“God bestows His blessings without discrimination. The followers of Jesus are children of God, and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all, even to those who deserve the opposite.” – F. F. Bruce

Mike Frenchbible promises, love, god’s love, unconditional, unconditional love