Avoiding a Bitter Spirit

Correction for good

Heb 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Pro 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
Pro 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

We respected our father's correction, shall we not be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, who gives eternal life? God is over all flesh and spirits. He has all wisdom and knows what we need.

Heb 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Some had good fathers who corrected us with fatherly wisdom. Others had drunks and worse as fathers, still they were obeyed. How much more important is it to obey the righteous and holy heavenly Father, so that we may be like His Son?

Heb 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

God will seek to correct his son or daughter. Even a child feels better having been corrected. He has paid for his bad behavior. We can be at peace knowing that through our trials and chastening we are received by our eternal loving Father in heaven. If not his, the devil will try to destroy you, so come to Jesus and receive a blessed future.

1 Pet 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Pet 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Straight paths

Heb 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

If you are being corrected by God, it is because he loves you. So, get over it, no longer feel sorry for yourself, realize that you are loved and straighten up. Lift up those arms that hang down, and the feeble knees. Accept your correction and obey God, or you may become as Cain when God corrected him.

Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Gen 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
Gen 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

The anger in Cain resulted in his murdering his righteous brother, Abel.

Heb 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Jesus is in the straight path. He is the narrow road, the way to life. Do not let depression and a bad attitude control your walk. Come to Jesus and be healed.

Psa 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Prov 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Prov 4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Prov 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:
Prov 5:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isa 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Bitterness

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

With all men, seek peace. Peace comes from Jesus through the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, goodness, faith, long suffering, meekness, self control...these are positive things, so we avoid the negative spirits.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

It is total submission to the Lord. Holiness is being separated from the world and sin and serving God, committing our lives to him, leaving sins behind. It is a close relationship with God. A holy person cannot fellowship with a devil, so watch who you hang out with.

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Anger can defile. We can get carnal and negative, avoid letting this happen .When things seem beyond our control, we must not be angry or bitter. By being bitter, many are defiled. We must cut off all that offends. Jesus spoke in strong words about our attitudes and our sins. Here he speaks of the lusts of the eyes and the hands that sin.

Mat 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Mat 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Mat 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

In truth a bitter spirit is not of God. It brings no peace. It is as a raging fire, destroying everything in its path. Often bitterness is revealed by a sharp tongue.

James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Apply the tree to the bitter waters.

Exo 15:23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
Exo 15:24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
Exo 15:25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
Exo 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

Jesus died on the tree to set you free. Hearken to him. Give him all your bitterness and spare those around you. Bitterness will have a bad affect on your health. Come obey the Lord who heals you.

Esau

Heb 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

A fornicator seeks sexual pleasure outside of marriage. Those who defile another outside of marriage, can be called fornicators.

Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Esau is put in this verse as an example of a profane person, because he desired pleasure of the flesh more than the covenant blessings of God. He sold his birthright for the immediate pleasure of a bowl of soup. Some of the worst acts of profanity and fornication come from those who willfully follow satan. They take the beautiful things of God given to all and defile them. Children are abused and starved and manipulated. A life can be given over to demonic influence. Do not go that way. Jesus has broken the yoke of satan's bondage, there is new life in Jesus.

Heb 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Gen 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Our days are numbered and God will not always strive with man. A time may come when he says...no more and he may turn away because of the hardness of your heart. You may say your sorry, but is it true repentance? It may be too late for you, so come to Jesus now when he is here calling you. God knows if you are his or not, we can't fool God.

2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2 Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Obey God, seek his will and his direction. Avoid those who grieve the spirit in us. Follow peace with all people. Do not expect the unsaved to see spiritual things. Trust God, pray keep the peace and follow after peace.

Eph 4:29 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.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

We can do nothing good of ourselves

I had a dream where everything was going wrong. I was under pressure at an important event, hired to do a job and everyone had to wait, and as hard as I worked, everything went wrong. I woke to find it was all a dream, but with an important message. We can do nothing apart from God. We must take everything to God in prayer.

Last night in our chat a man came in quoting scriptures, but he was concerned that he had not truly come to the place that he knew God and that he was saved. He had analyzed a lot of verses and just couldn't make it to Christ to where he was one with him. Well, we all gave him help from God's word, but there comes a time that we must let go of self thinking and walk by faith. The walk of faith has no confidence in self, in positions held or the achievements of men. We walk by faith new each day in him. He supplies the next step that we take. He gives us our thoughts our actions and our plans. Are we worn out from doing things ourselves? Hear God and follow him. Jesus gave us an example; we are to do as he did.

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Joh 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

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Joh 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

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Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

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Paul had to give up self to serve Christ Jesus.

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2Co 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2Co 13:6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
2Co 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
2Co 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

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Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Php 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Php 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

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Jesus Christ has done a wonderful complete work of salvation in you, by your faith in him. Now we walk to manifest this change inside, by our actions. Our direction comes from him, through the Holy Spirit. Walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh In the flesh we fail, let God work through your flesh the supernatural things of God. We walk by faith.

Perplexed; to be entirely at loss, (clueless as to what is going on and concerned about it)

Luk 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Luk 24:2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
Luk 24:3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luk 24:4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
Luk 24:5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
Luk 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,
Luk 24:7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
Luk 24:8 And they remembered his words,
Luk 24:9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.
Luk 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.
Luk 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
Luk 24:12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Perplexed

The Ministry; Honest , not deceitful

2 Cor 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 Cor 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

2 Cor 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Paul spoke the gospel, in truth by the grace of God. If we are in the Lords leading, we do not wear out. Remember we are yoked together with Christ, he being the greater. He is our good shepherd, we follow him, not pulling in our own direction opposing him. His mercy comes in obedience, his grace comes as we serve him.

1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

"craftiness" -- unscrupulous conduct

1 Cor 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

2 Cor 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

"gospel" -- good news

2 Cor 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

People believe foolish things to avoid the voice of their conscience. They invent a chance evolution when the Bible teaches that God created. If all is by chance, then there is no accountability to a righteous God. You're OK, I'm OK, we do what we want. No, God has a better way, a way that we shall go in. Jesus is the way of forgiveness and a new life. There is no other way. God is creator, we are not to be creating our own way when God has provided his son, Jesus, to bring us to himself, free of sin and guilt.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

2 Cor 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

the gospel from Jesus

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

1 Cor 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1 Cor 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1 Cor 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

The Ministry; Earthly afflictions, Eternal Glory

2 Cor 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

"troubled" -- to afflict "not distressed" --anguished, in a narrow space "Perplexed" -- mentally finding no way out "not in despair" -- not utterly without a way

The truth is, that with God there is always hope and life and blessings. If we don't see the way out of a difficulty, trust God, he will be your help. Too often people turn to the world's cure, and end up putting a psychological label on their problem while being medicated. Go to God first, trust him and his promises.

1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted ( or afflicted ) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

2 Cor 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Paul needed no letter of recommendation to the church that he founded. His ministry was proof of his authority; his life completely dedicated even with many afflictions.

1 Cor 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1 Cor 4:13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

2 Cor 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

In a society absorbed with "self," this may indeed sound strange, but God's way is usually opposite of our way. "Self" glory does not honor God, or anyone else. The way to God is through Jesus, for all who will receive. The sharing of Jesus with a troubled world requires self sacrifice.

2 Cor 4:11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor 4:12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

We die to self, so that you, who are in need may receive. A servant must be obedient to his master, to please him with his work. Which has the most lasting value, a trip to Disneyland's magic kingdom or a soul delivered from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God? A silly comparison, maybe, but if our life is about self pleasure, where is the witness of Jesus? Being obedient to God is life's greatest joy and adventure. The joy continues through eternity with souls brought into God's family, many people of one heart in the Lord.

Same Spirit

2 Cor 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

2 Cor 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; [Psalms 116:10]

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Having the same spirit of faith as Jesus, we believe his written word and we can speak his word with authority. As Jesus was risen from death we shall be risen, and be with him. We do not act out a religious experience, but are truly annointed by the Holy Ghost to minister and to live forever, with the chosen of God, let us praise him.

Hope of Glory

2 Cor 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

2 Cor 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Afflictions, persections, reviling, mockings will come to those witnessing for Jesus, our flesh is weak, our emotions may shatter, but the Lord is our strength. We are renewed each day in his word and through his presence. He is all we need for life.

2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

2 Tim 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
2 Tim 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Heb 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

We walk by faith, believing in God and in his word. By his word the worlds were brought into existence. By his word we receive Jesus and pass from death unto life. I believe and witness for my Lord, I am not ashamed.

Apollyon the destroyer

Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

The seventh seal is opened and the fourth trumpet sounded, a star fell, an angel with the key to the bottomless pit. This is probably is where the fallen angels are kept that were mentioned in Jude.

Jud 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Rev 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

The bottomless pit was hot, so it refers to hell. A physical place in the center of the earth where the angels were kept in bondage. It was exceedingly hot, but with no light, a place of torment for the angels and people too.

Rev 9:3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
Rev 9:4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Demonic creatures that John described as winged creatures sent to torment those who refused to come to God. Those with God's mark, His Spirit were passed over.

Rev 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
Rev 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

A period of torment, probably a sample of the torment that awaited them in hell. No relief, but this was only for five months. Perhaps they would repent after this? If men knew what hell was like, then they should desire the refuge of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. To the reader, these things are coming to earth. Hell's torment is forever, you do not want to go there

Rev 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
Rev 9:8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
Rev 9:9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
Rev 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

Some attempt to explain these things looking back in history, but these are things coming to earth during the tribulation. No earthly king would spare God's chosen, usually the chosen are attacked and hated just as Israel is hated by the nations today. Those with the seal of God will not experience the wrath of God. Even the demons are subject to the LORD.

Rev 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

A ruling king came from the bottomless pit. I do not think this was satan, for he is not yet cast into the bottomless pit. This must have been a high ranking angel named Abaddon; in the Hebrew, "Destruction" and Apollyon; in the Greek "Destroyer".

Satan is loosed still, the prince of the air, going where he will. Notice the reference verse is 911, this reminds us of what happened on that day in 2001 to the twin towers. The destroyer now is satan, and he is described by Jesus our Good Shepherd.

John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
John 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

The thief is satan, he comes to steal, kill and destroy. We saw his work in New York on 911. We see him in those who strap explosives to themselves in the name of allah. He is a liar, a deceiver and only seeks to destoy, especially the people of God. We as a people of God have the Holy Spirit, sealed and the property of God. The devil may find a way to kill us, but not to destroy us, for we who are in Christ Jesus are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. We are eternally his. Our work will continue in his presence. Rejoice for we shall not see the torment of hell. We shall be with Jesus in a place prepared for us.

Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Stay close to Jesus, watch and pray always for he is coming again for those watching for him.

Watch and Pray

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

His words are truth. Beware of false prophecies, for they are false ones. God's word is truth, and it shall come to pass. Every word is eternal truth. So we are to watch and pray with His eternal word in our hearts and minds. See with the eyes of the Lord.

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Concerning his return for us; first is the rapture and the church shall be caught up to meet him. Do not believe anyone who says they know the day of Christ's return. No one knows, but the Father and now Jesus is with the Father. He will know the day before we will and he will show us things to let us know his coming is near.

Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Take heed, be aware and watch and pray; you may not know the exact time but you shall know the times as they are coming to pass. What are we to look for?

Mark 13:7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
Mark 13:8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.

Watch

Mark 13:34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

The Son of man, Jesus used this name. It is found eighty-eight times in the new testament. He has taken a far journey, to be at the right hand of the Father; God almighty. He has given authority to his servants.

Luke 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

...and to every man his work.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

He commanded the porter to watch. The porter kept the gate of the sheep.

John 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

The porter is the Holy Spirit who will show you all things that are coming, whatsoever Jesus reveals, he reveals through his Spirit to those watching.

Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

watch and be prepared

Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Sleeping, when you were supposed to be serving him. Spiritually asleep, the mind on something else perhaps seeking entertainment? This is where most people fail. They are not looking for his return, instead they are seeking things to entertain the mind, emotions and their flesh. Shouldn't we be seeking God with all our attention and praying, speaking and hearing from the LORD? Even when we seek the LORD their are distractions and annoyances sent from the devil to keep us unfocused and busy.

Mark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

watch; phylakē, to guard, to watch, keeping watch

The words: watch and pray are used one more time by Jesus.

at Gethsemane

I think we miss great needs in another's life, because we do not take time to watch and pray. Perhaps we are concerned about our own problems, needs or desires? We need to take time to watch and to pray. At the time when Jesus, in the flesh needed the comfort of his closest friends, they slept.

Mat 26:36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Mat 26:37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

Peter, James and John were with Jesus, before Judas would betray him. We should know the friends that we can trust and go to them when in need. Jesus knew that he was going to suffer more than any man and be crucified on a cruel cross.Sometimes we need to watch out for others to protect them from dangers, especially from those who wish to do harm. Watch and pray, watch for the trouble coming and sound an alert. Watch the countenance of Jesus, see that he is sorrowful and carrying a heavy burden. Come along side and pray with him, encourage him; watch and pray. Can we apply this? Yes, trouble is coming to our nation, the signs are everywhere; watch, sound the gospel message forth unto all in the land; repent and come to Jesus, now is the time of salvation. Backslider, repent and come back to the Lord who has given you his own life, to save your soul. Do we want to help Jesus? Then we are to take care of our brothers and sisters who are in need.

Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Jesus speaks his need to his friends. How will we know of a need if we do not share, one with another? Share with trusted friends, not a Judas, but those who are faithful. My soul is exceedingly sorrowful; he was grieved so very much even to the point of death. He just wanted to die and cast off the body of flesh, but he always did the Father's will. We must not seek death; watch and pray, there are others grieving more than you are, they need your help and love. Watch with me, love me and understand with me what I am suffering. Yes, there is much to watch for.

Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Here is the power of prayer. We may ask anything, in His will and we will receive it. Always submit your request to the will of the Father and as much as possible pray using his promises in the Bible. Watch and pray in the Spirit and he will reveal the deep things of God to you.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Cor 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Jesus was not allowed to escape the cross, because God the Father used this to defeat satan and to bring a multitude of souls to Himself. Jesus always submitted to the will of the Father. It was time for him to make our salvation possible. We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away our sins. We are bought with the price of the blood and death of Jesus, followed by His resurrection to glory. We are become as Jesus, son's of God, our sins are removed in him, for he took them all to the cross never to be remembered again. This great sacrifice was not easy, for he suffered greatly for us. Now Jesus our savior stands up for us being our Great High priest to make intercessions for us.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Another Greek word for watch: gregorio, to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one.

Jesus was asking them to stay awake. He was asking them to stay awake and pray, trouble is coming. Be alert and perhaps share with me my sorrows by bearing them with me. Most of us have casual fellowship. When asked, "how are you", we say fine, because we know they do not want to take time to really hear our needs and perhaps we have enough of our own concerns to be concerned for others? Jesus wants us to wake up, to watch and pray, showing concern for our brothers and sisters.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

The law of Christ is to love the brethren.

John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.
John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Do not expect the world to help you when in afflictions, unless you have money.

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Watch and pray for yourselves as well, that ye enter not into temptation, the temptation of lust or idolatry.

Seek to be like Jesus, not to seek personal glory. He gave up all, so are to give up all to do his will. Look up, your redemption is near; watch and pray and do the work of an evangelist. Love one another and seek to share with one another until he comes to wipe away all tears.

Asleep on the watch

Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

A second time Jesus goes to pray in the Father's will, not in his emotions, although he felt the emotions of a human.

Mat 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

His appointed night watch and prayer team were heavy in sleep. Often satan will keep people from sleep, but when it is time to pray and watch, they get sooo sleepy.

Isa 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Mat 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,
Luke 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Mat 26:45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

They missed an important calling. When it is past, then they looked back with regrets. Use those missed opportunities as a lesson to seek God and to stay close to him. Watch and pray for yourself and for your family of God. Keep watching, keep praying and be faithful, He is coming back for us. Watch and pray for his return so that you will be accounted as faithful. Reach out to the lost and those in need so that you will do his work until he comes. Watch and pray hear and do his will.