Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 10

"Make a habit of not discussing or judging another's words unless you know you have heard and understood aright what they meant to say."

I find that it is so very easy to misjudge what someone is trying to tell you and then misjudge them in the process.  Please, if someone is saying something to you that does not sound right, ask clarifying questions.



Questions like:
1.  This is what I hear you saying ... is this what you meant to say?
2.  How would you apply what you are saying?
3.  What scriptures from the Bible support what you are saying?


Only after asking these three questions of them do you really have the information you need to analyze your own reaction to what they have said.  You may then need to ask yourself some questions.


Questions like:
1.  Do I have a prejudice against what they are saying?
2.  Do I have a prejudice against them and so cannot accept what they have to say?
3.  Am I reacting to what they are saying or to my feelings about what they have to say?



Now, having clarified what the person has actually said and having clarified your prejudice and feelings, it is time to ask:



1.  Are there other scriptures that support what they are saying?
2.  Are there scriptures that negate what they are saying?
3.  Are there ways of interpreting these apparently opposing scriptures so that they support the statement instead?


Finally, having given all diligence to understanding what has been said and considering all these things it is time to ask God to confirm the truth to you.


James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Have any of my readers applied these tools before with success?

I would love to hear your success stories!

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 9

"Do not make fun of another's weaknesses. Instead, think of your own shortcomings. Gal. 6. We all have our weak points, and there is none of whom others say not, "O that this or that were different." Either we are, or have been, or may become subject to most anything, even as others. Therefore, show patience and sympathy toward your brother's weaknesses and mistakes. At the same time, do not strengthen him in sin by your nonchalance or by neglecting brotherly admonition and reproof. If you wish to admonish a brother, be careful to bring your reproof at a suitable time; for a reproof at the wrong time may easily do more harm than good, especially if the rebuke is too sharp or not tempered with gentleness. A reproof is like a salad, it needs more oil than vinegar."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 8

"If someone with good intentions gives you advice which turns out to be not good, do not hold it against him.  For even a good counsel sometimes fails, and there is no one on earth who can tell what the future holds.  No one is wise enough or has foresight enough to do so.  Do not scoff at the advice of unaccomplished brethren who have your welfare at heart."


There is much in this rule that I do not agree with.  God places his Spirit in man and directs man and gives gifts unto men to assist others with counsel.




Remember Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon?

Both of these servants of the Most High God were able to give good counsel because of the Spirit of God within them.

Also consider 1 Corinthians 12:8-11
"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

But most especially, let us look unto the Lord for counsel, for his counsel never fails.


See Proverbs 3: 5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all of thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."



In our family we seek the counsel of the Lord in fasting and in prayer and in the study of his word.  When counsel is sought we often write up lots with different options, allowing for "none" or "other" and, after agreeing together to know of the Lord what we should do or how we should act, we pray together calling on the name of the Lord to guide the selection of the lot and to protect the selection of the lot from the influence of the adversary.  After the lot is selected we act in faith to carry out those instructions.

You may question this use of lots, but it is supported in both the old and the new testaments.

Consider Numbers 26:52-56 KJV
 "And the Lord spake unto Moses saying, Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.  To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.  Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot:  according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.  According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few."

Also Acts 1:20-26 KJV
"For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein:  and his bishoprick let another take.  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Mathias.  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 7

"When you need advice do not seek a counselor on the basis of his prestige or esteem among the people. Go to those who have experience in that concerning which you seek counsel.  For if a man accustomed to recognition above his fellows gives you advice, and you do not comply with his recommendations because you feel they are impractical for you, he may be insulted and become your enemy."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 6

"Do not speak evil of friends; rather, speak well of them wherein thy deserve praise. What is not praiseworthy keep to yourself. Slanderings and scornful gossip are poison to friendship. If you are present when others speak disrespectfully of one who is absent, search first your own heart before joining in; without doubt you will find there the same (or greater) shortcomings. This should move you to better yourself, and yet keep you from speaking evil of others and belittling them."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0RzhVJSxE&feature=related

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 5

"Confide to no one your personal secrets unless you have beforehand found him to be worthy of your trust.  Here is one way to prove him and learn to know him well:  confide to him some secret of small importance; if he keeps it to himself it is an indication of his trustworthiness.  However, it is not wise to inform any friends carelessly of all your secrets.  There is a possibility that at some later time you may have sharp differences and then he may use his knowledge to your harm."

This rule reminds me of the Words of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 15:9-17 KJV
9: As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you:  continue ye in my love.
10: If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
11: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12: This is my commandment that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13:  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14:  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15:  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth:  but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
16:  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:  that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17:  These things I command you, that ye love one another.




Also, I am reminded of the Words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel penned by Matthew in chapter 13, verses 10-12 KJV.


10: And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11: He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12: For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance:  But whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Rules Of Godly Living: Part 2: Rule 4

"Be not too ready to believe everything you hear, and do not repeat everything you hear, lest in this way you lose a friend and gain an enemy. When you hear complaint or gossip about another, thoroughly investigate the actual circumstances before offering your criticism or passing your opinion."

Rules Of Godly Living: Part 2: Rule 3

"Be especially diligent to keep free from the vulgar thoughtless habit of swearing and the profane use of the holy name of God. It is indisputable evidence of a frivolous, impious, and ungodly character. It is also true that he who seeks with oaths to add strength and truth to his words is seldom a man of integrity; for if he has no scruples against misusing God's name, why should one suppose that he has any conscience against lying? "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" (Matt. 5:37). And that you might the better avoid profaneness, seek not the companionship of the profane, where you, too, may through familiarity fall into the habit. Rebuke a friend for profaneness, if he accepts it; if not, there is no gain in rebuking. See Proverbs 9:8."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 2

"If you desire in honorable company to be joyful, take care that your merriment prove worthy of Christian love, purity, and respectability.  Avoid, therefore, rude insults, mocking speech, indecent words, and filthy jokes of which respectable people would be ashamed.  First, because lewd conversation of this sort is outward proof of an unregenerate heart; "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34).  Second, because smutty humor and immodest words smooth the road to dishonorable deeds.

Yet you may say, "One must have something to say when in company with his friends to pass the time and to delight each other."  This is indeed a wretched excuse.  Such mirth is clearly forbidden by God's Word, "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient," says the Apostle Paul, are to be permitted.  "For because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disodience" (Eph. 5:4,6).  Through such evil talk and vain mirth the Holy Spirit of God is grieved. Eph 4: 29-30.

The tongue is the glory of man and the honor of the body.  Shall it then be misused in unwholesome speech?  When the tongue becomes corrupt it defileth the whole body, filling it with unrighteousness.  See James 3:6.  Loath all filthiness; let your speech be always full of love and to the edification of those who hear you, that they may be strengthened thereby.  Use the gift of speech as a means of rebuking the idle, of instructing the ignorant, and of comforting the troubled.  God will reward you with a fuller measure of His gifts.  See Mark 4:25.

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 1

"Think!  For every idle word you speak you must give account thereof in the day of judgment.  Matt. 12:36. "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin" (Prov. 10:19).  Seek to avoid, therefore, all non-edifying talk; let your words be thoughtful, few, and true.  Consider beforehand if what you are about to say is worth saying.  Practice saying much with few words.  Never present a tale as true unless you know for certain that it is so; it is better to say nothing at all than to say something that may turn out to be false or otherwise of no value.

For once it becomes known that you are not conscientious to always speak only the truth, no one will believe you even when you do speak the truth.  If, however, you have great respect for the truth your every word will carry more weight than those spoken under oath by a liar."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 16

"Never go to sleep without considering how you have spent the day just past, what you accomplished for good or evil, and you will readily perceive whether you are using your time -fleeting, nonredeemable time- in a constructive manner or not."


This rule brings to mind the Word given to the Apostle Paul as recorded in Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:17-5:21 KJV


"17 This I say therefore, and testify i the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal not more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, and covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish taking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 15

"If you have an important decision to make, or you find yourself in circumstances where you know not what is best to do or answer, spend at least one night in meditation.  You will not be sorry."

This is a nice and short rule!  Giving time for God to direct your paths through prayerful meditation can provide you the insight you need to navigate the storms of this life.  Better yet, take the time now to prepare for the storms in prayerful meditation, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, stopping oppression, and housing the homeless and God will answer you before you even call.  Isaiah 58

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 14

"Do not think any less of a godly and holy life because it is held in contempt by the unsaved.  For the same reason, do not forget the gravity of sin just because it is so widespread and most people live a sinful life.  Righteousness and the majority are not always on the same side.  The way to hell is always full of wandering souls.  Matt. 7:13.  If God should ask you on the Judgment Day, "Why did you desecrate the Sabbath?  Why did you indulge in drunkenness? Why were you dishonest?  Why did you pass your time in hating and jealousies?"  Would you then answer, "Lord, I did so because almost everyone else did so."?  This will be of all answers the least worthy, and God will say, "Because you have sinned with the majority, you will go to hell with the majority."


I do not like to put words in the moth of Jesus and so I have a problem with how this rule is written although I agree with it in principle.

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 13

"Permit not envy or hatred in your heart, nor carry a grudge against anyone.  God loved us when we were His enemies and therefore He expects us to love our enemies for His sake.  It is but a small thing for us to forgive our enemies, in comparison to what God has forgiven us.  Even though you may think your enemy unworthy of your forgiveness, it is well worth doing it for Christ's sake."

This rule reminds me of a testimony my sister in Christ, Annie Spargo once gave.  She said that she began to hate one of her sisters in the church.  She thought the sister was a wicked woman and did not see why others loved her.  She wondered, "Can they not see how awful she is?"  She said that she prayed every day to be able to love this Christian sister.  However, she continued to cultivate this hatred over the years until one day the hateful spirit tried to overcome her, to completely possess her.  This shocked her, as she did not realize that there was an evil spirit connected to the hatred she had felt over the years.  She cried out to Jesus to save her and repented of her hatred.  Immediately Jesus delivered her and her heart was filled with love and compassion for the woman she had hated for so many years.

I am a sinner who was lost.  I still fall into temptation and sin at times and need Jesus to cleanse me anew when this happens.  How can I know the full extent of the harm my sins have caused?  If I knew, would I be able to bear the knowledge?  

When I consider this it should help me to have compassion on those who hurt me with their sins, whether they be family, friends, or those who hate me.  This compassion should allow me to love them unconditionally.

Praise Jesus who loved us and forgave us while we were yet hurting him and all creation with our sins!

Does God require unconditional forgiveness from us toward our friends and enemies when they do things that hurt us?  I believe he does.

What do you think?

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 12

"Patiently bear your cross without complaining; for your adversary may rejoice at your discomfiture, and others will think less of you."

Philippians 2:14-16 KJV
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ..." 

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 11

"Never consider any sin as small or of no account, because every sin, though it seem ever so small, is a transgression against God.  A small sin that is loved and nurtured can condemn a man as well as a gross sin.  A small leak, if not repaired, can sink a ship in time; likewise a small sin if continued without repentance can sink a soul and send it to hell.  Beware, then, not only of great sins but also of small.  Make a habit of overcoming every small temptation, and you can be master over great ones, too.  Especially shun willful sinning, that ye provoke not God to anger; for a truth it is hard to obtain forgiveness for sins that were willfully committed."


When someone repeatedly hardens their heart to commit sin, to love sin.  It is hard for them to turn away from it, which is repentance.  Before long they would rather curse God than turn away from their sin.  It is not that God is unwilling to forgive them, for God is not willing that any man should perish, but they are not willing to give up their sin in order to be able to bear God's presence. 

Having put on Christ, through having faith on his name unto obedience in repentance and baptism, we should no longer serve sin, being dead to it.  Read Romans Chapter 6, verses 11-14.


"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 10

"In tribulation be patient and humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, with these thoughts foremost in your mind: first, that it is God who chasteneth; second, it is for your good; third, God will ease the burden; forth, He will give you strength to endure; fifth, He will deliver from affliction at an expedient time."





Some supporting scriptures:


Luke 14:11 KJV "For whosoever exaltheth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."


Phillipians 2:5-11 KJV "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 9

"Be not overly concerned in another man's business, and what is of no concern to you, avoid."

The Apostle Peter spoke of this when he wrote:
"But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters." I Peter 4:15

C. S. Lewis Wrote:


"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience."
  --  C.S. Lewis 

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 8

"If other people praise you, humble yourself.  But do not praise yourself or boast, for that is the way of fools who seek vain praise.  Be honest in all your dealings and this will be enough reward; then others will praise you." 


In reading this I am reminded of counsel my Uncle M. Harvey Seibel gave in a book he wrote called Priesthood Through the Ages.  In the book he was writing about how all that we have and are is given to us by God and that we cannot claim any accomplishment as our own.  He gave the example of the racehorse that wins a race against the plowhorse.  

Can the racehorse take credit for his genetics that gave him his drive to run and to win?  

Can he take credit for the training opportunities and the care his owners provided for him that he might excel?


What can he take credit for?


We are all the glorious creations of our Father God, created for good works in Christ Jesus, and to give God pleasure.  Let us rejoice in this and strive to provide ourselves and each other with what we need to excel in this.


Here are some scriptures that speak of cultivating humility.


"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  Jesus, Matthew 18:3-4



"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."  I Peter 5:6-7

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 7

"Beware especially of an uncontented and rebellious spirit.  Actually it is through the will and grace of God that you suffer and are troubled.  God has blessed you with unnumbered gifts to supply your needs, and likewise for your own good has meted out of trouble and pain that you may remain humble.  In the midst of trouble remember that you through your sinfulness deserve much greater punishment."

This rule reminds me of the following scriptures:

Romans 5: 3-5
"But we glory in tribulations also:  knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope:  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 6

"If anyone wrongs you, exercise a forgiving spirit and patiently dismiss the matter. For if you take the wrong to heart and become angry, you hurt no one but yourself and only do what your enemy wants you to do. If, however, you patiently forgive him, God will in His own good time judge the evildoer and bring your innocence to light."


I remember a sermon my brother Samuel gave to a group of teenagers who were chemically dependent. The sermon was about having evidence that we have a spirit and how we react to wrongs that others do against us.


He asked the teens if anyone had ever said anything to them that hurt them. The all said, "Yes."


Then he asked them where they felt the hurt. When asked they pointed to their hearts. He asked them what was there that could be hurt by words. Was it not their spirit that was hurt? They accepted this as evidence of their spiritual presence.


He then compared their spirits, "hearts", to different objects.


He took an orange and said, "This is the spirit that hears a hurtful thing and keeps it inside itself." He took the orange and threw it repeatedly on the cement until it broke open and the juice ran out. "When you hold hurt within you and you are repeatedly hurt, eventually you break and everything that was good within your heart is lost."


After this he took a rock and said, "This is the spirit that hears a hurtful thing and hardens itself in anger and fights back." He took the rock and repeatedly threw it against the cement. Then he handed the rock around the group and let them inspect it while asking them to look at the cement also. They could all see that both the rock and the cement were damaged. "What would happen if I kept this up?" he asked. Someone answered that the rock would eventually break. "That is correct!" was his response. "When you harden your heart to hurtful things and strike back, up damage those about you, and eventually you break."


Then he took a super bounce ball and said, "This is the spirit that hears a hurtful thing and responds in prayer for those who are hurting him." He took the ball and threw it against the floor and every time it was lifted up higher than his hand showing that this spirit was lifted up on the wings of prayer.


I will always remember this demonstration. I hope to always be that super bounce ball.

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 5

"In everything you do, ponder well before you start what the outcome may be.  Think, would you be willing to be found doing what you plan to do should you be called that hour by death, to appear before God?  Never allow yourself to become involved in anything which destroys our hope and assurance of salvation.  Live each day as if it were your last."

It is good to meditate on our actions and what their outcomes may be and to consider if our actions are in line with the commandments and statutes of God.  The words that Christ spoke to Joshua in the days following the passing of Moses are so full of love and compassion in directing us to do just this.

Joshua 1:7-9 KJV

7.  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee:  Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
 8.  this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therin day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:  for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
9.  Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 

Rules of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 4

"On the Sabbath especially take note of the wonderful works of God; of the creation and governing of the world, and of our Redemption.  Make the Sabbath a day of prayer, of listening to and studying sermons; make it a day of holy thoughts and holy conversation.  In this way you can keep the Sabbath holy, as is so often commanded in God's Word.  If one does not keep the Sabbath holy it is certain that he will also take into contempt all the other commandments of God."







This rule makes me think of the promise in Isaiah 58:13-14 KJV.


13.  If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
14.  Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.


It also makes me think of the original sabbath day as it is recorded in Genesis 2:1-3 KJV.


1.  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, all all the host of them.
2.  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3.  And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it:  because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 3

"Think often on the four last things:  On death -- there is nothing of which we are more sure; on the Judgment Day -- there is nothing more terrible; on hell -- there is nothing more unbearable; and on heaven -- there is nothing more joyful.  He who thinks on these things will shun much sin and will be diligent in the way of salvation."

Rules of a Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 2

"Keep free from wicked, idle, or unclean thoughts. Prov. 4:23.  For as your thoughts are so is your speech, your conduct, and your entire way of life."

When I read this rule I think of the Word of God as it is recorded in Philippians 4:4-8

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men.  The Lord is at hand.  Be careful (anxious) for nothing;  but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, what soever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."


Jesus himself spoke to this in Matthew 12:34-37

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things?  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."  Jesus Christ

Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 1: Rule 1

"Beloved friend, if you desire to live a holy and God-pleasing life, and to inherit a home in heaven after this life, then you must bring ALL of your life, all of your thoughts, words, and actions into subjection to the teachings of the Bible, as God has commanded. Deut. 5:32,33. This is your only Rulebook of Faith.  King David wrote, "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies" (Psalm 119:59), as much as to say -- "I regard and examine all my thoughts, words, and deeds, to see if they are according to thy commands; so that, perchance, if I have erred or wandered from some truth, I may return to the right."


First of all, let us consider our THOUGHTS.  Take the following rules seriously to heart:


Part 1: Rule 1


Awake in the morning with your thoughts turned to God. Think, this might be your last day of life. And when you go to bed at night, pause a moment to realize that it is unknown to you whether you will awake again on this earth, or whether your next awakening may be at the resurrection.  For this reason, we can see that it is expedient to pray daily; in the morning and again at evening, come before God upon your knees, thanking Him for continued care, confessing your sins and shortcomings, and praying for forgiveness."


The only thing I could add to this rule is to remain in the attitude of prayer at all times.  Some readers might be wondering how this is accomplished.  I know that at times my mind wonders, it has since I was a child and it happened a lot in school, however, when I become aware of my surroundings again I notice that I am praying or singing a prayer.  What a joy overflows then, as I realize that even when I am not thinking about it I am pouring my heart out in prayer.