Health,
wealth, and a long life!
By John Chopores
Wealth, God's Way! By John
Chopores
Know
first of all, that God wants His people to have wealth! Cf. De 8:17 And
thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of
mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. De 8:18 But thou shalt
remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth
thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
God
would not give, the power to make wealth, without a
reason. Please note that, we are to give the glory for the wealth, to God! The wealth, comes when we are seeking the Things of God, and
doing His Will! cf. 2Ch 1:11 And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine
enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge
for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over
whom I have made thee king:2Ch 1:12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee;
and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour,
such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall
there any after thee have the like.
We
need to fear God, and love, and obey His commandments. Cf. Psa.
112:1 ¶ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth
the LORD, that delighteth
greatly in his commandments.2 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the
generation of the upright shall be blessed.3 Wealth and riches shall be in his
house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Deu.8: 11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his
commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this
day: 12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses,
and dwelt therein; 13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy
silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14
Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the
LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house
of bondage; 15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein
were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who
brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16 Who fed thee in the
wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee,
and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; And thou say
in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand
hath gotten me this wealth. We can see here, that it is easy to forget that God
is the One, who has helped us. Cf. 1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich
in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth
us richly all things to enjoy;
We
must always remember that all good things are from God! Cf. Jas 1:17 Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father
of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Including
wealth! Cf. 1Sa 2:7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh
rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth
up. And the sin of pride, like any sins can keep the blessings of God from
coming to us! Cf. Jer 5:25 ¶ Your
iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. Not having faith in God,
is a great sin. Cf. James 1: 7 For let not that man
think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is
unstable in all his ways. Ro 14:23 And
he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Abram, was walking in faith, went God blessed him. Cf. 11:8 By faith Abraham,
when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an
inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
To
enjoy wealth, is a gift from God Himself! cf. Pr 10:22 ¶ The
blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth
no sorrow with it. Ec 5:19 Every
man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to
eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour;
this is the gift of God. Know, that having great wealth,
does not mean that you are more loved of God! Cf. Job 34:19 How
much less to him that accepteth not the persons of
princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. If you get great
wealth, do not take advantage of the poor! Cf. Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved
brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs
of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? Jas 2:6 But ye
have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the
judgment seats? We know that many, who followed God, became rich! Cf. Ge 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and
in gold. Abram, did not want the glory (for his wealth) to go to anyone, but
God! Cf. Ge 14:23 That
I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet,
and that I will not take any thing that is thine,
lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
However, following the Lord God, can also cost you your earthy wealth! Cf. Mt
24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the
mountains: Mt 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any
thing out of his house: Mt 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return
back to take his clothes. Ac 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither
count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy,
and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the
gospel of the grace of God. 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, Ge 19:17 And it
came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for
thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to
the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
We
need to remember, that "we cannot take it" with us. Cf. Ps 49:6 ¶
They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their
riches; Ps 49:10 For he seeth that wise men die,
likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to
others.
However, we can use the wealth, which God gives us for good. Which
can have a good effect on our Heavenly life! Cf. Mt 6:20 But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal:
By
the way, here are some things you can lay up.
1.Commandments. Cf. Pr 7:1 ¶ My son, keep my words, and lay
up my commandments with thee.
2.Words. Cf. Job 22:22 Receive, I pray thee, the
law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine
heart. De 11:18 ¶ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your
heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may
be as frontlets between your eyes.
3.
Knowledge. Cf. Pr 10:14 ¶ Wise men lay up
knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Let us seek to be
rich, in more than just money! Cf. 1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be
rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Our truth,
must always be in God, not money! Cf. 1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich
in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth
us richly all things to enjoy; Our seeking, must be a
seeking of God, not money. Cf. 1Ti 6:9 But they that
will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 2Co 6:10 As
sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making
many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
We
should not make a show, of our wealth! Cf. Pr 13:7 ¶ There
is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself
poor, yet hath great riches. Lu 21:1 1 ¶ And he looked
up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw
also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in
more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the
offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she
had. 5 ¶ And as some spake of the temple, how it was
adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye
behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon
another, that shall not be thrown down.
This is for all, not just the Jew. Cf.
Ro 10:12 ¶ For there is no
difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich
unto all that call upon him.
Our part Faith. Cf. Heb.11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hard work. Cf. Pr 10:4 ¶ He becometh
poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of
the diligent maketh rich. Self-control. Cf. Pr 21:17 ¶ He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. Saving.
Cf. 6 ¶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth
her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little
sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth,
and thy want as an armed man. Not paying high interest. Cf. Pr 22:7 ¶ The rich ruleth over the poor, and
the borrower is servant to the lender. Giving to the poor,
not the rich. Cf. Pr 22:16 ¶ He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want. Be willing
to take some time, to get wealth. Cf. Pr 28:20 ¶ A
faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich
shall not be innocent. Pr 28:22 ¶ He that hasteth to
be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that
poverty shall come upon him. Ec 11:1 ¶ Cast thy bread
upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many
days.
Health!
By John L. Chopores
SOME CONDITIONS FOR HEALING
AND HEALTH
1.
Diligently listen to God's voice 2. Live righteous lives in His sight 3. Give
ear to His commandments 4. Keep all His statutes "[see Ex.15:26]. This
includes His statutes about healthy living! 5. Do not argue with God when He
hast already spoken cf. (LUK 1:20) And
behold, thou shalt be silent and not able to speak,
until the day that these things shall come to pass, because thou believedst not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their
season. (ASV)cf.vs. 63&64 6. Believe that God is good (JAM 1:17) Every good
gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of
lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
(ASV) (MAR 10:18) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest
thou me good? none is good save one, {even} God. (ASV)
The "Seven Bible Rules of Health."[Cf. 1. Cor.6:19.]
- Eat correctly. If you
want to stay healthy then live moderately, like Danial.
Overeating can cause degenerative diseases, which can shorten one's life.
The Bible has much to say about a balanced diet. It takes self-control,
but it is worth it! cf.[Ex. 16:4&8Num.
11:4-5;Ps. 78:18,29- 31;Dan.1:8,14-16.]. We must eat to live, not live to
eat! Be very careful that food does not take over your thoughts! Cf. Num
11:4 And the mixed multitude that was among them
fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and
said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? You will notice that, the "mix
multitude" was the first to "fall a lusting" after food.
So, it is many times with lust, one person [or, group] encourage another
to do the same! Lust can spread like wildfire! Heb 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane
person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. ((PRO
23:20) Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous
eaters of flesh: (ASV) "The first of these, intemperance, extends
much farther than is commonly imagined. For that may be intemperance to
one, which is not so to another. To every individual, it is intemperance
to use any kind of food, or such a quantity of any, either meat or drink,
as in any degree impairs his health; yea, though the effect do not
immediately follow, though it do not produce any present inconvenience.
But, if this be intemperance, how exceeding few practice temperance even
in food! And how many gouty, scrofulous, and scorbutic disorders, are
owing to the want of it! [ JOHN WESLEY]".
- 2. Rest Cf.[Gen.2:15&21(?);Ex.
16:28-30;Mk.6:31;Philippians 2:26,27,29,30]. (MAR 6:31) And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert
place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they
had no leisure so much as to eat. (KJV)
- 3. Be
anxious for nothing. The best way, to deal with worry is to commit all of
your life into the hands of God. Do this every day! Cf.
[Matt.14:27;Lu.8:50;Phil.4:6(N.A.V.,N.I.V.,A.S.V.,Con.,Mon.,&
Ber.);see also Rom.8:28;Matt.6:25-34.]. MAT 14:27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be
not afraid. (KJV) PHI 4:7 And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
- 4. Keep your eyes upon
Christ and His finished work. cf.[Isa.53;Jn.19:28&30Col.3:2&3.].
JOH 19:30 When Jesus
therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed
his head, and gave up the ghost. (KJV) COL 3:1 If
ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (KJV) COL 3:2 Set
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV)
- 5. Keep Satan out of
your life. Satan wants to make you sick, and to kill you! Cf. Joh 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.
But Jesus wants you to be healthy! Fill your life, with the things of God.
Do not give the Devil, a place to occupy! Cf. Matt. 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith,
I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come,
he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45
Then goeth he, and taketh
with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter
in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the
first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. see also. Cf.[Lu.11:24-26(?);13:11-13;Jn.5:14;3 Jn.2.].
- 6. Be
honest in giving your tithes, to God. If not you may be cured. cf.Mal.3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (KJV)
- 7. One of the Old
Testament names for God, is "Jehovah-rophe",
it means "the Lord heals". Take your health back, from the
Devil, in the name of Jesus! Cf. ACT 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold
have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ
of Nazareth rise up and walk. (KJV)
Long life!
By John L. Chopores
The Bible sets fore some ways (or, laws) to
long life. I am not writing (at this point) about eternal life. I am writing
about this present, physical life.
Psa.
91: 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore
will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I
will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life
will I satisfy him, and shew
him my salvation. Ver. 16. With long life will I satisfy him, etc.
The margin here is "length of days;" that is, days lengthened out or
multiplied. The meaning is, I will give him length of days as he desires, or
until he is satisfied with life; -- implying (1) that it is natural to desire
long life; (2) that long life is to be regarded as a blessing (comp. #Pr 3:2,16
Ex 20:12); (8) that the tendency of religion is to lengthen out life; since
virtue, temperance, regular industry, calmness of mind, moderation in all
things, freedom from excesses in eating and drinking, -- to all of which
religion prompts, -- contribute to health and to length of days; and (4) that a
time will come, even under this promised blessing of length of days, when a man
will be "satisfied" with living; when he will have no strong desire to
live longer; when, under the infirmities of advanced years, and under his
lonely feelings from the fact that his early friends have fallen, and under the
influence of a bright hope of heaven, he will feel that he has had enough of
life here, and that it is better to depart to another world. And
shew him my salvation. In another life, after
he shall be satisfied with this life. Albert Barnes. Verse
16. With long life Literally, With length of
days will I fill him up. He shall neither live a useless life, nor die before
his time. He shall live happy and die happy. [ADAM CLARKE].
Prov. 3: 1 ¶ My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and
long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Ver. 2. For
length of days, and long life, &c.] Or, "years of life",
or "lives" {f}; a long life of usefulness and comfort here, and
eternal life hereafter: the law of Moses promised a
long life to the observers of it; [JOHN GILL.].
Verse 2. For length of days THREE eminent blessings are promised here:
1. µymy ūra orech
yamin, long days;
2. 2. µyyj twn shenoth
chaiyim, years of lives;
3. 3. µwl shalom, prosperity; i.e. health, long life, and abundance. [ADAM
CLARKE].
The "Seven Bible Rules
of Health."[Cf. 1. Cor.6:19.]
1. Eat
correctly. If you want to stay healthy then live moderately, like Danial. Overeating can cause degenerative diseases, which
can shorten one's life. The Bible has much to say about a balanced diet. It
takes self-control, but it is worth it! Cf.[Ex. 16:4&8Num.
11:4-5;Ps. 78:18,29- 31;Dan.1:8,14-16.]. We must eat to live, not live to eat!
Be very careful that food does not take over your thoughts! cf. Num 11:4 And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting:
and the children of Israel also wept again, and said,
Who shall give us flesh to eat? You will notice that, the "mix
multitude" was the first to "fall a lusting" after food. So, it
is many times with lust, one person [or, group] encourage another to do the
same! Lust can spread like wildfire! Heb 12:16 Lest
there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat
sold his birthright. ((PRO 23:20) Be not among winebibbers, Among
gluttonous eaters of flesh: (ASV) "The first of these, intemperance,
extends much farther than is commonly imagined. For that may
be intemperance to one, which is not so to another. To every individual,
it is intemperance to use any kind of food, or such a quantity of any, either
meat or drink, as in any degree impairs his health; yea, though the effect do
not immediately follow, though it do not produce any present inconvenience.
But, if this be intemperance, how exceeding few practice temperance even in
food! And how many gouty, scrofulous, and scorbutic disorders, are owing to the
want of it! [ JOHN WESLEY]".
2.
Rest cf.[Gen.2:15&21(?);Ex.
16:28-30;Mk.6:31;Philippians 2:26,27,29,30].
(MAR
6:31) And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart
into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going,
and they had no leisure so much as to eat. (KJV)
3. Be anxious for nothing. The best way, to deal with worry is
to commit all of your life into the hands of God. Do this every day!
Cf.[Matt.14:27;Lu.8:50;Phil.4:6(N.A.V.,N.I.V.,A.S.V.,Con.,Mon.,&
Ber.);see also Rom.8:28;Matt.6:25-34.]. MAT 14:27 But
straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good
cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (KJV) PHI 4:7 And the
peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall
keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
4.
Keep your eyes upon Christ and His finished work. Cf.[Isa.53;Jn.19:28&30Col.3:2&3.].
JOH 19:30 When Jesus therefore had
received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave
up the ghost. (KJV) COL 3:1 If
ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (KJV) COL 3:2 Set
your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV)
5.
Keep Satan out of your life. Satan wants to make you sick, and to kill you! cf.Joh 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. But Jesus wants you to be healthy!
Fill your life, with the things of God. Do not give the Devil, a place to occupy!
cf. Matt. 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of
a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest,
and findeth none. 44 Then he saith,
I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself
seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell
there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it
be also unto this wicked generation. see also. Cf.[Lu.11:24-26(?);13:11-13;Jn.5:14;3 Jn.2.].
6. Be honest in giving your tithes, to God. If not you may be
cured. Cf.Mal.3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and
offerings. (KJV)
7.
One of the Old Testament names for God, is "Jehovah-rophe",
it means "the Lord heals". Take your health back, from the Devil, in
the name of Jesus! cf. ACT 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none;
but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up
and walk. (KJV)