THE HAPPY KEEPERS

Revelation 22:7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 22:7 (KJV).

Showing God’s favor toward those who count His Word as a treasure, and obey Him; and His disfavor toward those who reject its truths and disobey Him.
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” PROVERBS 13:13

The prophecy of this book of the Revelation is an unveiling of the glory of Jesus Christ. In reading the Revelation we can really only just catch a glimpse of His glory,but it should be enough to cause us to desire to draw closer to this marvelous, mighty, and Majestic Savior, Lord and King.
The Revelation of Jesus is not found only in this book. He is pictured, prophecies foretell His coming, and we see Him in His earthly ministry throughout all of scripture – in both the Old and New Testaments.
In four short words at the beginning of the text Jesus says, “Behold, I come quickly:” Can we take Jesus at His Word? We sure can. This word quickly does not necesarily have to do with time, but suddenness, or surprise. Jesus gave us these words that we might always be ready through the application of His Word.
The Word truly is a treasure to all who have the peace and joy in life that only Jesus can give.

These are THE HAPPY KEEPERS because…
…THEY PRACTICE THE TEACHINGS OF DECENCY AND MORALITY; “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:” 1 Thess 4:3-5 (KJV). It is the same standard which Jesus followed, and it is not to be shunned by followers of Jesus today or in any generation. God’s words and commandments and teachings stand forever. Jesus said, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” John 8:29 (KJV).
It Is The Standard Which Glorifies Him, and will throughout our whole lives. These standards are given to us for our protection, and benefit.

…THROUGH GOD’S WORD WE ARE TAUGHT TO DISCERN THE TRUE FROM THE FALSE. This is the responsibility of every believer. To abstain from all false teachers and their teachings. Listening to false teaching is about as bad as putting arsenic in water and thinking that is okay to drink. False teaching and doctrine can poison your thinking.
We are to hold on to the Word of God. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” Titus 1:9 (KJV). If we are to live with the Word of God having an eternal impact in our lives we need to know the Word. When we know God’s Word the false teachers and teachings will be made known to us. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Psalms 119:9 (KJV). A false teacher’s or preacher’s lifestyle will show what they are. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16 (KJV). His, and nowadays, her view of Jesus will show their true heart. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 (KJV)
We Are Commanded To Rebuke False Teachers and Their Teachings. “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 2:15 (KJV). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV).

…WE ARE TAUGHT WHO THE LEADERS IN OUR CHURCHES SHOULD BE. Though the following scriptures here do not mention anything dealing with church leadership, it does tell us the rewards of following all of scripture; “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalms 19:7-11 (KJV). These from God’s Word do have to do with church leadership; “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;” 1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV).
This is how the Word of God should be to the pastor, deacon, and any one who loves Jesus: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV). The leader must be able to instruct others in the Word of God, and lead them into a closer walk with the Lord Jesus.
When Leaders – pastors or deacons – Are Not As God Instructs It Is Rebellion And Disobedience. It will cause problems and division among the people. It could cause some to fall away from the faith they were about to come to.

…WE ARE GIVEN GOD’S PLAN FOR THE CHURCH IN THE WORD. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:42-47 (KJV).
We are to pray together and for one another. This brings us into the will of God. This will also unify us in His purposes for ourselves individually and for the church.
We are to fellowship. In fellowshipping together we discover one another’s needs. We also can encourage one another and how we need it as we go about our daily lives. It should be no bother to us to get together, pray, have a fellowship meal, talk about God, His Word, and how it helps us live life and get us through each day.
The word of God teaches us to be in unity. Unity does not mean UNIFORMITY. If there is uniformity that only means that someone is giving up something they believe in order to keep peace. Unity is realizing our differences of opinion, but seeing one cause and going on with it together.
It is also the call of God’s Word that each Christian bear fruit. There is the “Fruit of the Spirit of Galations 5:22-26 which is a part of every professing and possessing Christian.
It should be the practice of each local congregation to practice discernment when it comes to teachings that seem out of Christian character and witness, and warn those who might fall for something that seems to grab hold of emotion, and will not let go. We are to base our beliefs on what God teaches in His Word not on emotion of an experience.
The highest thing we can do as Christians and His Church is to glorify Jesus. That is what salvation is really all about. It is not about me. It is not about you. It is about Jesus. Worship Jesus. That is the highest work of the Church.

WHO ARE THE HAPPY KEEPERS? They practice the teachings of decency and morality taught in God’s Word. They, through God’s Word are taught to discern the true from the false. By the Word of God we are taught who the leaders of our churches should be. In God’s Word we are given God’s plan for the church.
Be THE HAPPY KEEPERS.

THE HAPPY VICTORS

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6 (KJV).

Those who truly know Jesus Christ will have part in the “First resurrection”, and through Christ are “THE HAPPY VICTORS”.

It is truly a blessed thing to know God’s promises; especially the promises concerning the future. By thse promises we learn of God’s sovereignty, thus we can know He is in complete control. Unlike the “Open Theists” who believe God does not know the future any more than you or I, we do have a sovereign who is in complete control, and does know how things were, how things are, and how things will be. He can even direct things to come out according to His plan.
We can rest assured, and be at ease knowing God in a personal way.
Our verse abovee speaks of a “First resurrection”. If there is a first it seems to me that there will also be a “second”. The “First resurrection” began with Jesus’s resurrection from the grave. His resurrection is still effective in changing people’s lives. Because of His resurrection He is coming to call His Church home – the rapture. Many who die during “the great tribulation” for Christ will be raised as part of the “First fruits” of Christ’s resurrection.
Any person in the “second resurrection” is guaranteed an eternal destiny as well. The fires and torments of hell. I do not know about you, but I care nothing for that kind of guarantee.
God has provided a way of escape. Listen to Him today. Hear his voice. Call on Him for salvation.

Who are THE HAPPY VICTORS? They…
TAKE PART IN THE FIRST RESURRECTION. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” 1 Cor 15:20-23 (KJV). The Scriptures also tell us, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” 1 Thess 4:16 (KJV).
The Old Testament speaks of two resurrections as well, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2 (KJV). Remember there is often a gap of time in some prophecies, which I believe to also be so in this case.
The “First Resurrection” is also called “The Resurrection of Life”. “And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; John 5:29a (KJV). We can take part in it in this time by calling on the name of Jesus for salvation. All who have received God’s gift of salvation will be “Fruits” of the “First Resurrection”.
It is the resurrection for those who are just. “And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:14 (KJV). These have passed from death unto life. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24 (KJV).

…They HAVE NO PART IN THE SECOND DEATH. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 (KJV).
This will be the plight of all those who reject God’s gift of salvation. The atheist who trust only in himself/herself will be cast alive into the “lake of fire”. The agnostic who heard, read, studied himself/herself to tears, but did not believe, and died ignorance will have no excuse. The “good man or woman” who believes in God, but shoves the cross of Christ back in His face, believing his own works are sufficient will wake up in a very sad condition at the Great White Throne of God’s judgment.
The “second death” means judgment of eternal, tormenting consequences. “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14-15 (KJV). The fires of hell. Memories of hearing the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Separation from God. “and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:29b (KJV).
The power of the “second death” is eternally binding. There is no escape from torment, once there. The way of escape must be made today, by being born again in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Revelation 2:11 (KJV). “If you are born once you will die twice. If you are born twice you will die only once.

…They HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 (KJV). To show forth the praises of God. Showing God’s mercy and grace to all with whom we come in contact. While here on earth in the flesh and while around His throne and serving Him in His kingdom.

…They REIGN WITH CHRIST. Each individual is appointed a place of service during His kingdom on earth. During this reign on earth there will be one thousand years of peace. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9 (KJV). Can you imagine seeing the lamb and wolf lying down and eating together (Isaiah 65:25).
Snakes/serpents frighten many of us in this day. I for one do not want to get too close to a Rattlesnake, or even a black ratsnake, but there will come a day of peace on earth when all the animals will go back to their pre-sin state (it is because of man’s sin that the animals are as they are), and one day a child will be able to play around or over a poisonous serpents den and there will be no need to fear or worry.

In conclusion, let me ask, to which destiny will you go? To the terrors and torments of hell? Will you receive God’s marvellous gift and enjoy eternity in the presence, power and pleasures of God? The choice is yours. You have only today to make that choice. You have no guarantee of “Tomorrow”. It never comes.
Those who have part in “The First Resurrection” are truly THE HAPPY VICTORS.

THE HAPPY FEASTERS

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Rev 19:6-10 (KJV).

We Americans, and especially Baptist Americans like our food. We love a feast. We love to feast too much, in that many people are overweight, or think they are, and yet we continue to take much delight in feasting. It seems that everyone would want to follow God’s way to Heaven and enjoy the feast He is preparing for us. Millions of dollars are spent annually on diets and in fitness centers, while few think of becoming spiritually fit.
There is a feast awaiting the true followers of Jesus that will not cause us to grow weighty; which will not cause us to be lazy, but will be a feast with a table spread in the glories and wonder of our Lord and Savior. It will be a feast of celebration; a celebration of the joining together of the Bridegroom with His Bride.
Each one who has been called and chosen individually will be joined together as the Bride in unity with herself, and the Savior. Everyone who is a part of this joyous celebration will truly be “The Happy Feasters”.

These mentioned, are THE HAPPY FEASTERS because, THEY ARE PREPARED FOR THE FEAST INDIVIDUALLY. It is written, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor 5:10(KJV).
WE ARE BROUGHT INTO COMPLETE HARMONY WITH CHRIST AT HIS JUDGMENT SEAT. This seat is not the “Great White throne judgment” it is judgment only for those who are disciples of Christ. Those who were caught up with Him in the air. This is the place of rewards given or lost, because of the works we have done, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Cor 3:11-15 (KJV).
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BELIEVERS WILL BE SETTLED ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME. All the arguments and disagreements between believers while we were in our earthly bodies will fade into nothingness, and Jesus will be glorified. The answers to “Calvinism” and “Free will” will be answered. No more debate about it; all will see that God is Sovereign over all.
OUR POSITION OF SERVICE FOR CHRIST IN HIS KINGDOM WILL BE DETERMINED. There will be no disputes about who does what, or who has the most responsibility or least responsibility. There will be no gloating over one’s position. Each of us will fully realize how merciful and gracious God the Father and God the Son are and will just rejoice in the fact of our presence in His presence.

These are also THE HAPPY FEASTERS because, ALL BELIEVERS, AS THE BRIDE ARE IN UNITY WITH CHRIST. It is written, “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Cor 11:2 (KJV). Again Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:25-27 (KJV).
THERE WILL BE NO QUARRELLING OR FIGHTING WITH JESUS. There will be a wondrous love and praise and worship, and admiration which shall never fade away. We will not be fussing with Him or one another about the food that is on the banquet table. Eat to your heart’s content, and do not worry about getting overweight. Enjoy the presence of Jesus, and the peace and comfort He gives.
Another thing as the bride in unity with Christ, THERE WILL BE TOTAL SUBMISSION WITH THE BRIDEGROOM. Jesus is the Bridegroom. He is always right and we will be under His tutelage and care.
It is also wonderful to know that, THERE WILL BE NOTHING TO SEPARATE US FROM JESUS ANY LONGER. He presents the bride [the Church] “to Himself a glorious Church…”. How did we become “Glorious”? The answer for that is simple. Because of His glorious grace, the washing of water by the Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

They are THE HAPPY FEASTERS, because THERE WILL BE PERFECT HARMONY. It is written in God’s Word, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Eph 4:13 (KJV). Now part of this is done while we are in our fleshly bodies. It is done while we attend Bible studies, morning worship, evening worship, Wednesday night prayer meetings, any prayer service, and as we go about our daily lives being faithful to His call and direction in our lives.
To say it once again, but it is needed that we remember it; ALL ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE POSITION WE RECEIVE. The only head in Christ’s kingdom is Jesus Christ and the Father. We will receive our positions, most likely, according to how we served while on earth.
One great thing about this harmony will be that, we ALL WILL BE CLEAN AND WHITE cleansed by the blood of the Lamb – Jesus Christ. O, what a wonderful cleansing that will be. O, what a wonderful cleansing it already is. Glory to God.
In perfect harmony with Jesus and one another ALL WILL HAVE EQUAL KNOWLEDGE OF LIVING WITH HIM FOR ALL ETERNITY. All who are with Christ Jesus will know all there is for us to know. We will know the Father as we have never known Him before. We will know Jesus – the Son – in all His glory. We will know the power of the Holy Spirit and bask in His glory for the Son. The knowledge we will have then, would probably, overwhelm us in our present state. I am sometimes overwhelmed by the knowledge you can find on the internet, and some of that is certainly not worth knowing. O, the things of God, Jesus, and of Heaven and eternal glory are deffinitely worth knowing.

One final reason they will be THE HAPPY FEASTERS is because, WE ARE JOINED TOGETHER NEVER TO PART. “And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Matt 19:5-6 (KJV). It was the plan of God that when a man and woman marries they were to be together , as husband and wife forever.
The husband, HAVING PUT BEHIND HIM ALL EARTHLY CONNECTIONS will enjoy his wife and love her over his mother and father. When we come to Christ Jesus we leave all things, family ties, and all to follow and serve Him. This does not mean we give up family ties, but they are of less importance to us. Jesus is our All in all. We are the bride and He is the Groom, and the love we have for Him will be more than any earthly tie can bring forth. Men, you do not need fear all this is as pure as Heaven, God and His Son are pure. It will be a holy relationship and fellowship in His presence.
In this relationship DIVORCE WILL BE COMPLETELY OUT OF THE PICTURE. There will be no separation in glory. All will be well in all His glory.
THE HAPPY FEASTERS will experience DEATH AND SORROW NO MORE. We will have put off the old flesh and by Christ Jesus all things will be new. No more death. No more sorrow. Those things will have to flee. There will only be eternity basking in the glory of God’s eternal love and grace.
For THE HAPPY FEASTERS, there will be no disappointments. DISAPPOINTMENT WILL NEVER BE EXPERIENCED IN GLORY. How could we be disappointed with Jesus? There will be no discouragement. How could we be discouraged when Jesus has conquered all things and they are “Under His feet”?

In conclusion, let me say, that, I find it fascinating and wonderful, that the Lord placed this “Beatitude” here in the Revelation. He has a time and reason for all that He does. We must rejoice in that and join Him in whatever He does; where that is possible.
We can have our feasts while here on earth, and greatly enjoy them, but there will never be a feast that compares to the MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB. Will you be there?
By faith, call on the name of the Lord Jesus for salvation.
Preparation for that glorious feast begins today. If you have heard the message of salvation by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is calling you, now. Hear Him and obey. Do it today.

THE HAPPY WATCHER

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Rev 16:15 (KJV).

If we knew a thier was going to come to our home to break in, and steal from us we would make every effort to spoil that thief’s plans. We would be ready for him/her. I have seen some signs on country store fronts which read, “This store is guarded by angry man with a double barrel, twelve gauge shotgun, three nights per week – you guess which nights”. With that kind of statement theelement of surprise is given to the store owner, and taken frim the thier who if he has any sense will not break in.
The coming of our Lord Jesus in the clouds is likened to a thief, but only by surprise. It will be as a thief in that something will be snatched away – His prized possession purchased with His own blood – the Church. It will be no surprise to those who are watching in expectancy for the Lord’s return. It will only be a surprise to those who are unprepared. “THE HAPPY WATCHER” is the one who is prepared.

There are four things we need to see and realize about THE HAPPY WATCHER;
First of all, they TAKE GOD’S WORDS SERIOUSLY.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:42-44 (KJV).
Taking God’s words seriously means we will LIVE BY HIS WORD, SO AS NOT TO BE SURPRISED, AND CAUGHT UNPREPARED. Jesus said He would come again. In First Thessalonians 5:4 Paul wrote, “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”. It is a shame that in the day we live in a large percentage of people who call themselves “Christian” are Biblically illiterate. Can you imagine the number of people who think that Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife, and that amounted to 12 percent of people surveyed. Eighty two percent of Americans believe that, “God helps those who help themselves”, is a verse in the Bible, and those who called themselves “Christian” were only one percent better. How are people going to be prepared to meet God when they do not even know His Word. Pastor’s get back to preaching the Word and the gospel. People are perishing with your topical “How Tos”
The word of God is not to be joked about, but IT IS DELIGHTED IN BY THOSE WHO KNOW THE ONE WHO IS COMING AGAIN. Read Psalm 1, “…His delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law does he meditate day and night”. The righteous DELIGHT in God’s Word.

Secondly, THE HAPPY WATCHER GUARDS AGAINST THAT WHICH IS PERILOUS.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:12-14 (KJV).
The one who watches for the coming of Christ will have no part in the works of darkness and evil. The only part we are commanded to have is to expose evil, and to overcome evil with good. We are to be clothed, and armored with the light of Jesus. Put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand. Always doing things that are honest, godly and good. We give only room for Jesus Christ. When “we put on Christ”, that means we will put off worldliness, and sin. How can two walk together, except they agree.

Thirdly, THE HAPPY WATCHER HOLDS ON TO THAT WHICH IS PRECIOUS.
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 1 Timothy 1:18-19 (KJV).
When we hold on to that which is precious THE HOLY SPIRIT IS HEARD AND OBEYED. He is not grieved, “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 clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” Eph. 4:30-31 (KJV). Neither is He quenched; “Quench not the Spirit.” 1 Thess 5:19 (KJV). When the fire of the Spirit of God is burning we should be very careful to obey and keep adding fuel, not seeking ways to put it out. The fruit of the Spirit will be seen in the Christian’s life; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Gal 5:22-26 (KJV).
Our salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ is rejoiced in, every moment of our lives, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, all through life, and not seen as trivial. It is appreciated daily. The security we have in this salvation is not a license to sin, but a license – freedom to practice holiness and righteousness (Rom. 6:18).
Faith in God, His Son, and His Word will increase as we apply the Word of God to our daily lives.

Finally, THE HAPPY WATCHER IS SPIRITUALLY PREPARED.
The spiritually prepared are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Not depending on any of their own, “Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to His mercy, He has saved us”. There is a longing in the heart of the one who is prepared for the coming of Jesus, that causes us to be alert [watching] and working until He comes . When we are faithful we will be unashamed at His coming, not by our own goodness, but by His sovereign grace. To those who are prepared for His coming He will appear as our Savior and Lord.

In conclusion I would ask, what is your present situation with the Lord? have you been clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ: Is He your Lord? If He is none of these you are not prepared for His return. Be saved today by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus for salvation.
Christian, are you holding as dear to you the precious gift of faith and His Spirit he has given you, or are you living solely for self forgetting about the needs of Christ and His Church? If you are living for self, you are not prepared either. You will be found naked and ashamed before Him at His coming. Repent of the wicked, evil desires of your heart and follow the ways of Jesus.