Devotional

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Proverbs 27, Iron sharpens Iron with the word of GOD!

Pro 27:1, Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. 

It’s human nature to think, “there always tomorrow”? But life isn’t guaranteed to any of us, and according to scripture it’s but a vapor!

Jas 4:13-15, Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; WHEREAS YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW. FOR WHAT IS YOUR LIFE? IT IS EVEN A VAPOR THAT APPEARS FOR A LITTLE TIME AND THEN VANISHES AWAY. Instead you ought to say, “IF THE LORD WILLS, WE SHALL LIVE AND DO THIS OR THAT.”

Pro 27:6, Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 

A true friend will always tell you the truth even if it hurts. But it takes a wise man to except that truth! Be careful, for the kisses of an enemy conceals hatred!

Mat 26:48-50, Now HIS betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “WHOMEVER I KISS, HE IS THE ONE; SEIZE HIM.” Immediately he went up to JESUS and said, “GREETINGS, RABBI!” AND KISSED HIM. But JESUS said to him, “FRIEND, WHY HAVE YOU COME?” Then they came and laid hands on JESUS and took HIM.

Pro 27:11, My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me. 

It’s always a beautiful thing to see our children walk in the way of wisdom, but a foolish son makes his parents look bad!

3Jn 1:4, I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN WALK IN TRUTH. 

Pro 27:17, AS IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO A MAN SHARPENS THE COUNTENANCE OF HIS FRIEND. 

Iron is sharpened with another piece of iron; when we stand together as the men of the church. We sharpen each other with the word of GOD, the sword!

1Sa 23:16, Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and WENT TO DAVID IN THE WOODS AND STRENGTHENED HIS HAND IN GOD. 

Heb 4:12, FOR THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL, AND SHARPER THAN ANY TWO-EDGED SWORD…

Wisdom, knowledge, understanding comes from the LORD! Seek HIM always!

Pro 2:6, FOR THE LORD GIVES WISDOM; FROM HIS MOUTH COME KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING; 

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Proverbs 26, foolishness!

Pro 26:4, Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 

When a fool pours out his foolishness it is best not to answer him. People may think that you’re as foolish as the fool!

Pro 26:5, Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

But, at times, it may the right thing to answer a fool; where wisdom may be heard! One may contradict the other, but a wise man studies, and knows when to answer!

Pro 15:28, THE HEART OF THE RIGHTEOUS STUDIES HOW TO ANSWER, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.  

Pro 26:11, AS A DOG RETURNS TO HIS OWN VOMIT, SO A FOOL REPEATS HIS FOLLY.

There are many who leave the faith only to return to their previous sins (vomit)!

2Co 11:3, But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 

Pro 26:12, DO YOU SEE A MAN WISE IN HIS OWN EYES? THERE IS MORE HOPE FOR A FOOL THAN FOR HIM.

Even more than a fool is a pride filled person who will not listen to anyone! He is wise in his own eyes!

Pro 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. 

Jas 4:6, …Therefore He says: “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 

Pro 26:20, WHERE THERE IS NO WOOD, THE FIRE GOES OUT; AND WHERE THERE IS NO TALEBEARER, STRIFE CEASES.

To a talebearer information about others is too juicy not to tell other talebearers; “do you know what she did…”, “can you believe that she…”.  REMEMBER GOD SEES ALL THAT YOU DO, YOUR NOT GETTING AWAY WITH IT!

Pro 26:22, THE WORDS OF A TALEBEARER ARE LIKE TASTY TRIFLES, AND THEY GO DOWN INTO THE INMOST BODY. 

Jas 3:6, AND THE TONGUE IS A FIRE, A WORLD OF INIQUITY. THE TONGUE IS SO SET AMONG OUR MEMBERS THAT IT DEFILES THE WHOLE BODY, AND SETS ON FIRE THE COURSE OF NATURE; AND IT IS SET ON FIRE BY HELL. 

IF THIS IS YOU THEN STOP; AT THE END YOUR ONLY HURTING YOURSELF!

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Proverbs 25, The volume of the book is written of ME!

Pro 25:1, These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: 

Solomon was the wises man, beside JESUS, to have walked this earth, Yet not all of what he wrote was preserved.  Hezekiah, added other proverbs of Solomon that to this collection.

1Ki 4:30-32, Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men… He spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were one thousand and five.

Pro 25:2, IT IS THE GLORY OF GOD TO CONCEAL A MATTER, BUT THE GLORY OF KINGS IS TO SEARCH OUT A MATTER. 

GOD conceals a matter, not to keep us from finding out, but that we would search out its secrets! It’s HIS way to draw us closer to HIM! It is said that if we search we can find JESUS in every page in the OLD testament!

Heb 10:7, THEN I SAID, ‘BEHOLD, I HAVE COME—IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME—TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.’

Rom 11:33, OH, THE DEPTH OF THE RICHES BOTH OF THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE OF GOD! HOW UNSEARCHABLE ARE HIS JUDGMENTS AND HIS WAYS PAST FINDING OUT!

Pro 25:11-12, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

The right word at the right time has the power to heal, strengthen, to guide, and rescue!

Isa 50:4, “THE LORD GOD HAS GIVEN ME THE TONGUE OF THE LEARNED, THAT I SHOULD KNOW HOW TO SPEAK A WORD IN SEASON TO HIM WHO IS WEARY. HE AWAKENS ME MORNING BY MORNING, HE AWAKENS MY EAR TO HEAR AS THE LEARNED. 

Pro 25:25, As cold water to a weary soul, SO IS GOOD NEWS FROM A FAR COUNTRY. 

Hearing good news from a far away family member is great for the heart, Yet the best news comes from the LORD! HE HAS PAID THE PRICE FOR OUR SINS, AND HAS GIVEN US A WAY TO THE FATHER! IT’S A FREE GIFT, TAKE IT IS YOURS IF YOU WANT IT!

Joh 1:12, BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM HE GAVE THE RIGHT TO BECOME CHILDREN OF GOD, TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIS NAME: 

Are you HIS? Call out to HIM for HE is waiting on you; for the time is near and the door is about to close!

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Proverbs 24, Warning those who are going to the slaughter!

Pro 24:1-2, Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; For their heart devises violence, And their lips talk of troublemaking.

There are times when evil men seem to prosper, and many would become envious of their prosperity. Know this, it’s only temporary, there is no future for them and their lives will be put out!

Pro 24:20, FOR THERE WILL BE NO PROSPECT FOR THE EVIL MAN; THE LAMP OF THE WICKED WILL BE PUT OUT. 

Pro 24:3-4, Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

By understanding & wisdom a home is built with the schematics of an architect; it’s the same for the moral values of a home! Building a family in the wisdom and understanding of the LORD is true wisdom; for the foundation of our homes are built on the ROCK!

Mat 7:24-25, “THEREFORE WHOEVER HEARS THESE SAYINGS OF MINE, AND DOES THEM, I will liken him to A WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, FOR IT WAS FOUNDED ON THE ROCK.

Pro 24:11, Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.

There are so many people headed the wrong way, and have no clue what’s awaits them in the end! AS CHRISTIANS WE MUST WARN PEOPLE OF THE COMING JUDGEMENT

Pro 24:12, IF YOU SAY, “SURELY WE DID NOT KNOW THIS,” Does not HE who weighs the hearts consider it? HE who keeps your soul, does HE not know it? And will HE not render to each man according to his deeds?

If, we don’t warn people of the coming judgement then their blood is in our hands! We can’t say, “We didn’t know”; for we know HIS word!

Eze 3:18-19, When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ AND YOU GIVE HIM NO WARNING, NOR SPEAK TO WARN THE WICKED FROM HIS WICKED WAY, TO SAVE HIS LIFE, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; BUT HIS BLOOD I WILL REQUIRE AT YOUR HAND. YET, IF YOU WARN THE WICKED, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; BUT YOU HAVE DELIVERED YOUR SOUL.

Rev 22:12, “AND BEHOLD, I AM COMING QUICKLY, AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE TO EVERY ONE ACCORDING TO HIS WORK.

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Proverbs 23, Life is short, and Eternity is long!

Pro 23:1-3, When you sit down to eat with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you; And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, FOR THEY ARE DECEPTIVE FOOD.

If a rich man has placed a banquet before you consider, why is he doing this? The rich do not give away their favors for free, but want something more valuable from you!

Dan 1:8, BUT DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART THAT HE WOULD NOT DEFILE HIMSELF WITH THE PORTION OF THE KING’S DELICACIES, NOR WITH THE WINE WHICH HE DRANK;…

Daniel would have ruined his relationship with the living GOD by eating defiled food offered to idols and demons!  

Pro 23:9, DO NOT SPEAK IN THE HEARING OF A FOOL, FOR HE WILL DESPISE THE WISDOM OF YOUR WORDS. 

A while back I was talking to some co-workers of mine about the LORD and HIS word. One of them mocked me over and over again for several weeks! HE was a fool!

Pro 23:13-14, DO NOT WITHHOLD CORRECTION FROM A CHILD, FOR IF YOU BEAT HIM WITH A ROD, HE WILL NOT DIE. YOU SHALL BEAT HIM WITH A ROD, AND DELIVER HIS SOUL FROM HELL.

If you love your child then correct him/her with the rod of correction! BUT IF YOU REFUSE, DON’T WORRY FOR THE STATE PENITENTIARY WILL CORRECT HIM FOR YOU!

Pro 23:17-18, DO NOT LET YOUR HEART ENVY SINNERS, BUT BE ZEALOUS FOR THE FEAR OF THE LORD ALL THE DAY; FOR SURELY THERE IS A HEREAFTER, AND YOUR HOPE WILL NOT BE CUT OFF.

The world says, “LIFE IS SHORT, ENJOY IT”, but HIS word tells us, “ETERNITY IS LONG PREPARE FOR IT”! Don’t envy sinners for their eternal reward will be found in the pit! Seek the LORD and live!

Isa 38:18, NLT, For the dead cannot praise YOU; they cannot raise their voices in praise. Those who go down to the grave can no longer hope in YOUR faithfulness. 

Rev 20:15, And ANYONE NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. 

IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE?

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Proverbs 22, Whom the LORD loves HE chastens!

Pro 22:2, THE RICH AND THE POOR HAVE THIS IN COMMON, THE LORD IS THE MAKER OF THEM ALL. 

People often treat a person of wealth with more dignity and respect than a poor man! GOD has made them both! Never show favoritism to any person, (James 2:2-5)!

Deu 10:17-18, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GOD OF GODS AND LORD OF LORDS, THE GREAT GOD, MIGHTY AND AWESOME, WHO SHOWS NO PARTIALITY NOR TAKES A BRIBE. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.

Pro 22:6, TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO, AND WHEN HE IS OLD HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT. 

We, as parents, need to teach our kids the proper path to take in life. Teaching them the word of GOD, and being examples on how to live life! They made depart for a season or two, YET, when they get older and wiser they will return!

Deu 6:7, YOU SHALL TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY TO YOUR CHILDREN, AND SHALL TALK OF THEM WHEN YOU SIT IN YOUR HOUSE, WHEN YOU WALK BY THE WAY, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN, AND WHEN YOU RISE UP. 

Pro 22:15, FOOLISHNESS IS BOUND UP IN THE HEART OF A CHILD; THE ROD OF CORRECTION WILL DRIVE IT FAR FROM HIM. 

Our children are beauty in our eyes, but they are little sinners at heart! It’s up to the parent to drive away foolishness with the rod of correction; NOT THE ROD OF ABUSE!

Heb 12:11, Now NO CHASTENING SEEMS TO BE JOYFUL FOR THE PRESENT, BUT PAINFUL; NEVERTHELESS, AFTERWARD IT YIELDS THE PEACEABLE FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TRAINED BY IT. 

Pro 19:18, CHASTEN YOUR SON WHILE THERE IS HOPE, AND DO NOT SET YOUR HEART ON HIS DESTRUCTION. 

It may not be joyful for the parent or child, but it is a necessary thing to do! Remember, even the LORD disciplines those HE loves!

Heb 12:6, FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE CHASTENS, AND SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”

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Proverbs 21, The LORD searches the heart of man!

Pro 21:2, EVERY WAY OF A MAN IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES, BUT THE LORD WEIGHS THE HEARTS. 

We tend to justify our own actions; whether good or bad it seems right in our own eyes! Many say, “Just follow your heart and you will be fine”! GOD knows our hearts, our intentions, our desires, our motives; HE sees it all!

Jer 17:10, I, THE LORD, SEARCH THE HEART, I TEST THE MIND, EVEN TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS, ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS. 

Pro 21:3, TO DO RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE IS MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LORD THAN SACRIFICE. 

The way we treat others is more important than how much you give to HIS work. Remember HE own everything and Lacks nothing; what can we give HIM? Remember JESUS’s story of the good Samaritan!

Luk 10:30-33, …”A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. … priest … And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, … came and looked, and passed by on the other side. BUT A CERTAIN SAMARITAN, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, HE HAD COMPASSION.

Pro 21:13, WHOEVER SHUTS HIS EARS TO THE CRY OF THE POOR WILL ALSO CRY HIMSELF AND NOT BE HEARD. 

We will reap what we have sown. If we see our brother or our friend in need, and we say without helping “I’ll pray for you”, How did we help him?  The LORD will repay all of us even for a glass of water we give!

Mar 9:41, FOR WHOEVER GIVES YOU A CUP OF WATER TO DRINK IN MY NAME, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, HE WILL BY NO MEANS LOSE HIS REWARD. 

Pro 21:21, HE WHO FOLLOWS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY FINDS LIFE, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HONOR. 

Living righteously and having mercy on others is a conscious choice we make! It isn’t the easiest path to take and often mocked by others, YET it has tremendous rewards from the LORD! WE SHALL BE KNOWN AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST JESUS BY OUR LOVE FOR OTHERS!

1Co 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, KNOWING THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD. 

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Proverbs 20, HE guides our way!

Pro 20:6, MOST MEN WILL PROCLAIM EACH HIS OWN GOODNESS, BUT WHO CAN FIND A FAITHFUL MAN? 

Once, I asked this guy if he was a good person? He responded, “YES, I’m not a drug dealer”! IN ORDER TO RAISE HIMSELF UP HE HAD TO COMPARE HIMSELF TO SOMEONE HE CONSIDERED LOWER THAN HIM! A drug dealer would respond, Yes, I’m not a murderer! BUT, A FAITHFUL MAN DOESN’T NEED TO BOAST, HIS WORKS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!

Gal 6:9, And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

Pro 20:9, WHO can say, “I HAVE MADE MY HEART CLEAN, I AM PURE FROM MY SIN”? 

Only a fool who is deprived of knowledge can proclaim this; for scripture says that ALL HAVE SIN AND FALLEN SHORT OF HIS GLORY!

1Jn 1:8, IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US. 

Pro 20:12, The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 

God made the ear and eye that we may observe and listen! Look around was all you see created by mere chance or by a designer? Wisdom enters from the eye and ear, but are we paying attention?

Psa 19:1-3, The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.

Pro 20:15, There is gold and a multitude of rubies, BUT THE LIPS OF KNOWLEDGE ARE A PRECIOUS JEWEL. 

Gold, and riches are all short-lived, but the knowledge of GOD is true wisdom which leads to eternal life!

Pro 8:11, For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

Pro 20:24, A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?

It’s a good thing to have plans and to walk in them, but the LORD guides our walk!

Pro 16:9, A man’s heart plans his way, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS. 

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Proverbs 19, JESUS became poor to make us rich in HIM!

Pro 19:4, 6, WEALTH MAKES MANY FRIENDS, BUT THE POOR IS SEPARATED FROM HIS FRIEND… Many entreat the favor of the nobility, AND EVERY MAN IS A FRIEND TO ONE WHO GIVES GIFTS. 

Wealth draws many, so called friends, yet many of them may not be sincere; lets see what we can get from him/her! But, when riches flee so those these friends! Remember Job, the riches man in the land, but when he lost everything he was left alone!

Job 19:13-14, “He has removed my brothers far from me, And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me. My relatives have failed, And my close friends have forgotten me.

Pro 19:7, All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him.

While men abandon the poor and needy, JESUS gave up HIS wealth, in heaven, to seek the poor and needy!

2Co 8:9, FOR YOU KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR, THAT YOU THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BECOME RICH.  

Pro 19:11, The discretion of a man makes him SLOW TO ANGER, AND HIS GLORY IS TO OVERLOOK A TRANSGRESSION.

While a raging man rages, a man of understanding and self-control will overlook an offense! It’s not weakness, but true strength!

Luk 23:34, Then JESUS said, “FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DO.” …

Pro 19:27, CEASE LISTENING TO INSTRUCTION, MY SON, AND YOU WILL STRAY FROM THE WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE. 

If we stop seeking the wisdom and knowledge of GOD, sinful man will be led astray by our own perverse thoughts!

2Pe 2:21, FOR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR THEM NOT TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAN HAVING KNOWN IT, TO TURN FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED TO THEM.

Pro 16:25, There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.  

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Proverbs 18, Seeking HIM who is closer than a brother!

Pro 18:2, A FOOL HAS NO DELIGHT IN UNDERSTANDING, BUT IN EXPRESSING HIS OWN HEART.

It is foolishness not to seek GOD’s wisdom and understanding; for life is short and eternity long!

Amo 5:4, For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “SEEK ME AND LIVE; 

Pro 1:7, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE, BUT FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION. 

Pro 18:6-7, A fool’s lips enter into contention, And HIS MOUTH CALLS FOR BLOWS. A fool’s mouth is HIS DESTRUCTION, AND HIS LIPS ARE THE SNARE OF HIS SOUL.

It is in the nature of a fool to argue and his words demonstrates his stupidity! Never argue with a fool it only makes you like him!

Pro 26:4, Do not answer a fool according to his folly, LEST YOU ALSO BE LIKE HIM. 

Pro 18:10-11, The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. THE RICH MAN’S WEALTH is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

There are many who place their trust in their wealth, but only the righteous can see true wealth in the LORD! Wealth comes and goes, but the LORD is always present!

1Ti 6:17-19, Command those WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, NOR TO TRUST IN UNCERTAIN RICHES BUT IN THE LIVING GOD, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, THAT THEY BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation FOR THE TIME TO COME, THAT THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE.

Pro 18:24, A man who has friends must himself be friendly, BUT THERE IS A FRIEND WHO STICKS CLOSER THAN A BROTHER. 

Having good friends only brings joy to one’s life, but we need to seek HIM is closer than any brother or friend, JESUS!

Joh 15:14-15, YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; BUT I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

Do you know HIM? Do you know what HE did for you? Seek the LORD for the time of HIS coming is near! Be ready!