branchesofHim

Another point to consider is that Jesus, our example, never argued with anyone. He simply stated the truth and went on about the Father's business. Matthew 11:[15] He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Indeed. Shalom 2 Timothy 2:[24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The verse answers the question. Both the inheritance for the children's children and wealth of the sinner are both reserved on the earth to receive and use in the earth. And it would seem by association (as they are both mentioned in the same context in the same statement) that maturity would be a consideration for receipt of either. The entire chapter confirms this. Proverbs 13:[22] A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. And it is according to faith. Shalom New Testament:[All books: all verses]

Matthew 22:[35] Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, [36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law? [37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Galatians 5:[14] For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Excellent truth! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus! 2 Peter 3:[8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Amen and amen. Romans 6:[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [6] Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. [7] For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Be ready always. Watch. The time is approaching. Shalom Mark 13:[28] Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: [29] So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. [30] Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. [31] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. [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. [33] Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. [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. [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: [36] Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. [37] And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Ignorant means lacking knowledge or information. All men are literally ignorant regarding the fullness of God. Not one person, not one denomination, not one group of people knows the fullness of God. And the devil knows this and uses it to our destruction just like he did for Adam and Eve (he tries to keep us ignorant of God's true character.) He initiates us to be judgmental of one another and even critical of each other in order to bring division to prevent us from being in the unity of the faith. 1 Corinthians 1:[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. One group believes in salvation of the soul (eternal security), one group believes in salvation of the body (healing), one group believes in salvation of confession (speaking words), one group believes in salvation of finances (prosperity), etc. But the one thing each group has in common is that Jesus Christ is the only way for all of it and it's all by faith in Him! He is the only way to God's true nature. God is good always and never causes any bad thing to happen in our lives. Jesus' message from the beginning of His earthly ministry was just that! Jesus proclaimed the good news (gospel)! Isaiah 53:[1] Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? [2] For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. [3] He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. [4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. [8] He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. [9] And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. [11] He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. We are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ if become like Him in death and in life through faith. As Jesus Himself said, "Ye must be born again." Isaiah 61:[1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; [2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; [3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. If it's not good, it's not God. We are simply ignorant if we think that bad in life comes from God. Is God double-minded? No. Did He pour out all of His wrath for the sin of all men on Jesus? Yes. Would He put sickness on us after Jesus already bore it? No. Were all men offered the gift of righteousness through Jesus? Yes. Is God a respecter of persons? No. If bad does happen in our lives, did God cause it? No. Should something bad happen, can God cause it to work for good? Yes. Does God require us to come to Him in faith? Yes. These are all basic fundamental principles of salvation. God is good. Period. Do not let the enemy of our souls keep us ignorant of God's character. God is always good. Hosea 4:[6] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. We each need to grow up and mature in Christ in the knowledge of God. May God, the Father, deliver us, His children, from ignorance. For if we don't know and understand Who He really is, how can we bring others to know Him in truth? Jeremiah 9:[23] Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: [24] But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jesus taught the disciples to pray "our Father who art in Heaven". He wanted man to know God in relationship and that He is good. How do you speak about God? Do you glorify Him in His goodness or do you question it? Adam and Eve should have went to God to inquire of Him in the cool of the day regarding the question that the serpent posed to them before acting on it. We should always go to God before taking action on any question we have about Him. If we ask Him, He will answer. James 1:[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Never speak something about God or His will if you are ignorant of it. Speak with Him before you ever speak of Him. Malachi 3:[13] Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? [14] Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? [15] And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. [16] Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. [17] And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. [18] Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. In order to know the truth of Who God is, we cannot be ignorant of His will. His will is Him and He is His Word. His essence is purely good. Jesus is the express image of God's person. And Jesus was, is, and will be good always, just like His Father. Don't be ignorant. Shalom Hebrews 13:[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Amen. Good post. Shalom Romans 11:[33] O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! [34] For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller? [35] Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? [36] For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

My mother showed me Jesus all of my life. She showed me the true character of God. Good post. Shalom

Are you a child of the Most High? Was Jesus talking about little children or was He speaking of believers in Him who became as little children when He was answering the disciples inquiry about the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He related one to the other as both and the same. Matthew 18:[1] At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? [2] And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, [3] And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. [4] Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [5] And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. [6] But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [7] Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! [8] Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. [9] And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [10] Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. Be very cautious in what you say and do to a child of the Most High. He will not take it lightly if you offend them. And He will repay you. Truly God is full of mercy and compassion, but He is also full of righteous judgement which He will execute faithfully. Thank Jesus for taking God's judgement on the cross for us all so that we don't have to. But if we don't accept Jesus sacrifice for us and then treat others accordingly, we must bear judgement ourselves. Shalom Matthew 18:[21] Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. [23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. [24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. [25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [27] Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. [28] But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. [29] And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. [30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. [31] So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. [32] Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: [33] Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? [34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. [35] So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Luke 6:[36] Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. [37] Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Thanks be unto Jesus for mercy and grace! Shalom

Yes. Liberal in attitude and pretty in the mountain views.

Amen and hallelujah! Shalom Hebrews 8:[1] Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; [2] A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Well said! I was thinking that very thing when I first read the post! Shalom

Yes, agreed. Jesus has to be first in everything. Nothing else works right otherwise. Shalom

Good word @JohnR7. No better way to learn how to give up one's own will than for another person on an intimately personal level. Shalom Ephesians 5:[25] 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. [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Overcome your limitations, overcome your unbelief. Don't limit God. He has no limits except what you place on Him in your life. Remember that the story of Israel in the wilderness was written for our example today. Take heed. 1 Corinthians 10:[1] Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat; [4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. [5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Psalm 78:[40] How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! [41] Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. [42] They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. Prayer and fasting allows the faith of Jesus to come forth from your spirit and overcome the limitations of your physical being. Matthew 17:[14] And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, [15] Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. [16] And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. [17] Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. [18] And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. [19] Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? [20] And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [21] Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Seek Him and He will be found in your need. Shalom Isaiah 55:[6] Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: [7] Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: [11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. [12] For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Good reminder. Shalom Hebrews 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.

Do you resist or do you assist the devil? James 4:[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. What would be the exact opposite of this verse? Resist God. Submit yourself to the devil, and he will rush to you. James, in his letter, writes about a double minded man being unstable in all his ways and how he that waivers is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind. He then emphasizes how the tongue of man is likened unto a rudder on a ship that steers it while being driven by the wind. He continues this theme noting that blessing and cursing shouldn't come from the same mouth. In the midst of it all he writes that the believers are to submit themselves to God and resist the devil. God speaks and creation responds. We speak and creation responds. Peter also addresses how the believer is to watch what they say with their tongues and to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God (submit themselves to Him). I Peter 3:[10] For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: What would be the exact opposite of this verse? For he that will hate life, and see evil days, let his tongue speak evil, and his lips that they speak guile. What we say gives right to either God or the devil to affect our lives. Resist the devil and don't assist him. We are created in God's image and after His likeness. We speak words which are spirit and ultimately we create the spiritual environment around us. Let us not be snared spiritually by what we say. Let us be delivered by what we say. Remember that whatever you say can and will be used either for you or against you. Resist the devil, don't assist the devil. Do you know of something in scripture that verifies or proves otherwise? Shalom

It is all about the heart. It has always been, is now, and always will be the heart of man that God considers in everything. 1 Samuel 16:[7] But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Psalm 51:[6] Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part [of my heart] You will make me know wisdom. Proverbs 21:[2] Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs and examines the hearts [of people and their motives]. Romans 8:[27] And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will. 1 Corinthians 4:[5] So do not go on passing judgment before the appointed time, but wait until the Lord comes, for He will both bring to light the [secret] things that are hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. What is in your heart is what truly matters. Shalom Ephesians 4:[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, [16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love

Indeed. Shalom Acts 4:[10] Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Fruit = Result of Words Spoken Proverbs 12:[14] A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. Proverbs 13:[2] A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. [3] He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 18:[20] A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Luke 6:[41] And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [42] Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. [43] For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [44] For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. [45] A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Matthew 12:[35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. [36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. [37] For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Hebrews 13:[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Shalom

We can know the will of God. We don't ever have to wonder what it is. The character of God is described throughout scripture. He is good. Therefore His will is only good. Psalm 145:[8] The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. [9] The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. God is good and He is good to all. Jesus was our example of how to live in the earth. And He was good to all. Acts 10:[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Jesus said for His disciples to approach God as a Father. Prayer is to be a relationship interaction with our Father in Heaven. Jesus said to pray God's kingdom come and will be done in earth as is in Heaven. Since God is good, then His kingdom is obviously good as well. Matthew 6:[9] After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Do you think there is sickness in Heaven? Do you think there is hopelessness in Heaven? Do you think there is any evil in Heaven? There is nothing but good in Heaven and we are to pray that God's will be done in the earth. Good is God's will. Matthew 7:[11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? This answers any questions one may have about our Heavenly Father's will. And we have the Spirit of God Who intercedes for us according to the will of God even when we don't know what to pray. He is the goodness of God inside of us. He glorifies Jesus who is the express image of God. Good. Romans 8:[26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to prove (know and understand) the good will of God in the earth. And we have the ability to do it with Him. Therefore let's show His goodness to all through us! Shalom Romans 12:[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

God already knows. Be open with Him always confessing your sin through Christ Jesus. Proverbs 28:[13] He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Have you ever considered that before sin was ever in the world by Adam's eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil that God already knew it would happen? In fact, God in His foreknowledge, had already made preparation for the restoration of man by giving Jesus as the sacrifice needed for the sins of everyone in the world. And did you notice that God told Adam to "subdue" the earth? subdue - כָּבַשׁ kâbash, kaw-bash'; a primitive root; to tread down; hence, negatively, to disregard; positively, to conquer, subjugate, violate:—bring into bondage, force, keep under, subdue, bring into subjection. God came down in the cool of the day and called out to Adam asking where he was. God is all knowing, He already knew what Adam had done and that he would do it. He already knew where Adam was at. He had already prepared for it! But in order for His will to proceed in the earth, He had to get Adam to confess his sin. Man had been given the authority over all the earth and everything in it. And God had told Adam to subdue it! God already knew! But in order for man's God-given authority to work, man had to be willingly in subjection to God. Genesis 1:[28] And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. It is obvious that when the devil approached Adam (Eve) in the garden of Eden that he was already there. There had been no sin of man, yet the enemy was already there. Darkness was already on the earth. Think spiritually for a moment about the beginning of creation as recorded in scripture. Genesis 1:[1] In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [2] And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. [3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. [4] And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. [5] And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. In the beginning it was dark. And the evening to the morning were a day, not the morning to the evening as we recognize it today. 1 John 1:[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. John stated that that God is light and there is no darkness in Him. Thus darkness was upon creation before Adam was created. You can take that where you will. It is what it is regardless of your opinion. John 17:[24] Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. Jesus existed before the foundation of the world. And He was already foreordained to come offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sin of man before there ever was a sin of man. 1 Peter 1:[18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, [21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Jesus, by Whom is the only way to God, when He was in the world, was the light of the world. John 9:[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Now we are the light of the world if we are in Him. Matthew 5:[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Brothers and sisters in Christ, there is so much you can do to further the kingdom of God in this world. You bring light to the world. Don't hide it. Let it shine brilliantly in your surroundings. You may be the only light that some may ever see in the darkness around you. Matthew 5:[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Be blessed with the revelation of who you are in this world. Creation awaits the light in you to be manifested. Shalom Romans 8:[19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Yes. We already existed in Him. Revelation 20:[12] And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 1 Corinthians 15:[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.