Alan's BIBLICAL  PRINCIPLES FOR  POLITICIANS AND  BUSINESS

We All Love It When A Plan Comes Together

Arranged, Annotated and Copyrighted by Alan G. Anderson 2012 ©

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

1. COUNT THE COST BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR TOWER
2. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE
3. DON’T TAKE A BRIBE
4. GIVE TO CAESAR THE THINGS OF CAESAR AND TO GOD THE THINGS OF GOD
5. WHAT YOU SOW IS WHAT YOU REAP
6. IF YOU SOW SPARINGLY, YOU WILL REAP SPARINGLY
7. SUCCESS REQUIRES HARD WORK
8. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL
9. RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE SHALL FLEE
10. DON’T STOP DOING THE RIGHT THING
11. THE GOLDEN RULE
12. ENVY NOT THE OPPRESSOR
13. BEWARE OF THE FALSE PROPHETS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THEM
14. DESCRETION CAN SAVE YOU
15. THE HEART AND BILLFOLD ARE DIRECTLY CONNECTED
16. THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL
17. WORK TO HAVE TO GIVE TO OTHERS
18. I WAS YOUNG AND NOW I AM OLD, AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORESAKEN
19. GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN
20. FAITHFUL IN A LITTLE-FAITHFUL IN A LOT
21. …IF THERE IS ANY VIRTUE, THINK ON THOSE THINGS
22. DON’T BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

23. EVERY MAN IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES
24. IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATH
25. WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING
26. PRAY FOR THOSE THAT DESPITEFULLY USE YOU
27. … IT IS WRITTEN
28. RECEIVE IN THE WORD AS IT IS, THE WORD OF GOD
29. YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET
30. YOU ARE COMPLETE IN HIM
31. THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN
32. BE SLOW TO ANGER
33. CONTROL YOUR TONGUE
34. A SOFT ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH
35. A WORD FITLY SPOKEN IS LIKE APPLES OF GOLD
36. WATCH WHERE YOU SIT YOURSELF
37. YOU HAVE NOT BECAUSE YOU ASK NOT
38. ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE, KNOCK AT THE DOOR
39. IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS
40. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
41. YOU CAN BE A LIGHT IN THE WORLD
42. DON’T WASTE YOUR YOUTH
43. I SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, CHOOSE LIFE
44. RICH IN THE WORLD SHOULD NOT BE HIGH MINDED
45. WHERE IS THE PROFIT?
46. EAT, DRINK AND ENJOY THE GOOD OF YOUR LABOR
47. DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU ARE PERSECUTED FOR DOING GOOD
48. FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS

INTRODUCTION

DEUTERONOMY 6:8-9 Moses suggests that you write the principals of God on the palm of your hand, so that you can refer to them easily during the day, and then suggests that you post them on your refrigerator, so that you can see the list when you come home or leave the house. Look at these often, they are referred to as wisdom and knowledge and are more valuable than silver, gold or rubies.

Proverbs 29:2 reminds us of the obvious, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

Ecclesiastes 1:3 asks a big question. What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?

The quotes herein are from the King James Version, it uses italics when it adds a word not in the Greek, which is nice.

However, any version will do fine!

1. COUNT THE COST BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR TOWER

LUKE 14:28

1. It’s always bad to have spent money on land and zoning, and the building regulations and the plans and find out you don’t have enough money to finish – really - you’ve tapped out your credit cards and your second mortgage and your family and friends. This is bad.

2. Then when you think it can’t get any worse here you have your picture and sad unfinished tower right there on Channel 2 News and the announcer is “mocking you”, you know he is, though he is trying to keep it under control. There is a lesson here whether you are building onto your house or expanding your business or deciding to go to war see the next verse Luke 14:31,32, ...what king going to war, sitteth not down first and consulteth when 10,000 will prevail against 20,000 or otherwise set up a peace treaty.
3. Finally, if you are the guy or gal who orders supplies, like the road crew guys buying salt – keep an eye on Luke 14:34, 35, salt is good, but if its lost its savor it is neither fit for land or dunghill. You remember when you ordered a case of 60 Watt incandescent light bulbs – shortly before your boss decided to go green and only wants those curly cue bulbs. Yea – that’s kind of bad, too.

There is no free handout

2. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE

LUKE 10:7, Prov. 3:27, 13:12

1. This extends beyond good labor relations, though it is wise to take it at face value.
2. It seems to go to general relationships as well. If someone helps you along the way, don’t forget them. Proverbs 3:27 "... withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it."
3. As you have the opportunity, do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith. Galatians 6:7, 8, 9, 10. That person, who “labors” for you, certainly seems to be part of the broad form “household of faith.”
4. Remember that hope deferred makes the heart sick. Prov. 13:12, ...but when desire comes it is a tree of life.

3. DON’T TAKE A BRIBE

1 SAMUEL 12:1-3 and PSALM 26:10

1. Bribes apparently come in all sizes and shapes and are very effective; PS 26:10 says in whom hand is mischief and their right hand is full of bribes.
2. Usually thought of as paid to elected officials – thus all the required ethics reports and campaign contribution reports and transparency requirements.
3. But apparently it works effectively at all levels of life, business and pleasure.

Prov. 19:66, ...many will entreat the favor of the prince; and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

4. It is not always easy to distinguish between a bribe and an honest gift of appreciation or payment to the laborer. 1Cor 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, ...I will not be brought under the power of any.

5. Some payments and gifts are illegal and improper, but certainly not all are. Generosity, fairness and “sharing the love” are great attributes and should not be discouraged, but rather should be embraced, just not with an elected official.

6. The danger is usually to the receiver, although the giving may be a criminal act. (See Isaiah 33:15-16 and 1 Samuel 12:1-3)

7. Bribery is an attack on righteousness that must be resisted. Righteousness is a thing to be desired, like a righteous pizza, only more so.

4. GIVE TO CAESAR THE THINGS WHICH ARE CAESAR'S 
   AND TO GOD THE THING THAT ARE OF GOD'S

MATTHEW 22:21

1. Most of the time this is pretty easy.

2. Time is often spent discussing “conflicts of law,” and is the title of at least one law school class and must be respected, but Jesus did not find it to be too hard in Matthew 22:21.

5. WHAT YOU SOW IS WHAT YOU REAP

GALATIANS 6:7-9

1. This is a big deal. It takes a while for what you sow to come to fruition, so think about it, spend the time to do it right.
2. Take the time to get an education or training; it will pay off in the fruit of your labor.
3. This is often ignored, but at our own peril. Gal 6:7 Be not deceived: God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.
4. Occasionally, one might dodge a bullet, or receive mercy rather than justice; that is all part of the learning process.
5. This needs to be taught to children early on as it is a basic fact of life, see Deuteronomy 6:4-7.
6. This needs to be recalled throughout life, see DEUTERONOMY 6:8-9.

6. IF YOU SOW SPARINGLY, YOU WILL REAP SPARINGLY

2 CORINTHIANS 9:6

1. This is pretty obvious, but it needs to be said.

2. If you are planning a life, marriage, family, business, ministry, construction project or political career remember to think big and act with reason. Remember we are talking about sowing liberally here, not sparingly.

3. Remember, however, that every person is different, in ambition and ability.

4. If you think righteousness is desirable “and it is”, see Proverbs 3:13-26 and Proverbs 13:6, then think ahead.

5. If you are having any trouble with this concept pull your head out of the sand; check out some of the books that have been written on the subject at your local bookstore.

7. SUCCESS REQUIRES HARD WORK

PROVERBS 14:4; 10:4

1. Much like 6 (Sow Sparingly, Reap Sparingly), you can have a nice clean barn if you don’t have any ox in it, but it takes the ox in it to get much increase. I grew up on a farm, so I know a lot about how much mess an ox can make.
2. Generally we don’t get paid for doing fun, easy work. Working smarter, rather than harder is a good thing, but even that is still work and working smart requires organization and will result in stress and fatigue.
3. Any successful political figure, business owner or manager will confirm that he or she often takes his or her work home. Every work day doesn’t end at 4:30.

4. Proverbs 13:4 Everybody wants something, but you have to go get it, "... the soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

8. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL

PROVERBS 10:4; 6:6-11

A. … the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

B. We really should learn to love Proverbs.

C. This is much like #7 above but uses the "ANT MODEL"

D. Proverbs 6:6 says consider the ant, you sluggard.

1. It’s a self-starter, does not require a lot of supervision.

2. Gets it projects done on time and on budget.

3. Doesn't sleep on the job.

9. RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE SHALL FLEE

JAMES 4:7

A. Resistance is NOT futile.

B. Be firm and persistent in the face of adversity.

C. “The devil” is real and often does live in the details.

D. Don’t give up when a problem arises, they always do and always will.

E. Our adversary the devil walks around trying to eat us up, 1 Peter 5:8. Thus we have been forewarned by God, and we can either forearm ourselves or not. Be alert and knowledgeable of the problems that may arise.

10. DON’T STOP DOING THE RIGHT THING

GALATIANS 6:9

1. Let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

2. This is a lot like No. 8 (Resisting the Devil).

3. A lot like No. 6 (Sow Sparingly, Reap Sparingly).

4. The key is that doing the right thing will bring results, when we don’t give up.
5. 2 Tim 3:14 But Continue thou in the things thou hast learned, knowing of whom you learned them.
6. Sometimes you might have a great plan, but the timing isn’t right (see I. Count the Costs) such as:

1. You have not finished college.
2. You do not have enough capital-dollars.
3. It is the wrong man or woman-remember, stalking is illegal;
4. It is not the right election cycle.
5. See the bookstore for books on this subject.

11. THE GOLDEN RULE

LUKE 6:31-38

(Matthew 5:43-44 uses the "OBEDIENCE MODEL")

1. Treat people the way you want them to treat you.

2. God is kind even to the unthankful. Matthew 5:45, Luke 6:35 But it is important to note they would be well advised to give up their evil ways sooner than later. Ezekiel 33:11, Proverbs 11:67

3. So… it’s a balance. Matthew 10:16 talks about wise as serpents, but harmless as doves.

4. The really GOOD NEWS is that JESUS LOVES YOU. He died for us. Romans 5:6-11,

JESUS SAVES.

12. ENVY NOT THE OPPRESSOR AND CHOSE NONE OF HIS 
    WAYS

PROVERBS 3:31

1. Envy usually leads to imitation, and we need to be careful whom we imitate.
2. Learning from others is a good thing, EPHESIANS 5:1 suggests that we be imitators of God.
3. Ps 26:9 Gather not my soul with sinners nor my life with bloody men.
4. Education and study allows us to move forward without reinventing the wheel on a regular basis. Knowing history may help us to not repeat it or to repeat it as the case may be. Prov. 2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
5. However, the “oppressor” brings nothing good to the table and will not add to success. James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion in every evil work.
6. Who is the “oppressor”? You probably know, so I will only say that he is not a nice man, does not do nice things, and cannot be relied upon to help you.

13. BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS/YOU WILL BE ABLE TO 
    RECOGNIZE THEM

MATTHEW 7:15-26

(Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly there are ravening wolves.)

1. Not everyone who enters your life or business or political campaign is your friend. Ps 118:8 It is better to trust in the Lord then to put confidence in man. Prov 2:12 Wisdom will deliver you from the way of the evil man that speaketh forward things (see NIV).
2. Believe it or not there are people who (while maybe not criminals or angry men) will take advantage of your good nature. Actually they may try to defraud you and that is criminal. Ps 101:7 He that worketh deceit lies to you and shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
3. They will look like friends and start out acting like friends-think Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.
4. We like to trust people, and most people are trustworthy, but the question is even if they are sincere are their ideas any good. Usually not. That may be kind of cynical, but so be it.
5. It may take time to see if someone’s ideas have real value, so try to look ahead and see the logical conclusion of where those ideas will take you. Use your own knowledge and experience to see if the end result is likely to be what you want it to be.
6. How much risk is involved to you? Remember it is your life, not theirs. Are they going to sell you on an idea or an item, which may have value to someone, but really has no value to you, this leaves you holding “the bag”.
7. W.C. Fields, if you know who he is, said “A sucker is born every day,” and there is always someone there to help part them from their money, ethics, or good name.

14. DISCRETION CAN SAVE YOU

PROVERBS 2:10-13

(Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.)

1. Don’t let your enthusiasm mislead you into doing something dumb, illegal, or immoral.
2. If you have a good ethical foundation don’t discard it when you get to the important things of life.
3. This is a part of wisdom that Proverbs 3:15, says is “more precious than rubies.”
4. Watch out for greed – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
5. This is even truer in this age of photo shop.
6. 1 Cor 6:12 All things are lawful for me but all things are not expedient.

15. THE HEART AND BILLFOLD ARE DIRECTLY CONNECTED

MATTHEW 6:21

(For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.)

HERE IS A CHANCE TO DO A LITTLE TEST:

1. Where does your personal money go? This is like a budget planning session.

1. How much do you spend for housing?
2. How about cars?
3. How much do you save? – is it aggressive investment or a C.D.?
4. How much on vacation and entertainment?
5. How much for charitable activities?
6. How much to Godly activities?

2. Where does your business money go?

1. Reinvest in facilities or equipment.
2. Employees
3. Training
4. Sales
5. Godly endeavors

16. THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

1 TIMOTHY 6:10

1. Note this is “love of money” not “money.”

2. There is, however, much to be said about money, it is necessary, it opens opportunity to us and others, but it can be destructive and cause great pain, so be smart.

3. There are a million books in your bookstore on this subject.

17. WORK TO HAVE TO GIVE TO OTHERS

EPHESIANS 4:28

(... rather let him labor...that he may have to give to him that needeth.)

1. Here is a great truth, and pretty well known, but maybe not so well followed.
2. Jobs can be a gift to others, remember how you felt when you first got a good job.
3. It is more blessed to give than to receive. That is true and even more so the closer you get to those you are helping.
4. You may find it more satisfactory to have a hands on approach to giving. Money in the collection plate or an envelope dropped in the mail, may not be entirely satisfying, and make you question the truth of the value of giving. Don’t let that happen to you, giving is valuable.
5. 2 Cor 9:1-7 God loves a cheerful giver.
6. See #16 (c) above.

18. I WAS YOUNG AND NOW I AM OLD, AND I HAVE NEVER 
    SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORESAKEN

PSALM 37:25

1. This is a statement from a very real, experienced bright guy. You can count on it.
2. Like I said earlier, righteousness is a very good thing.
3. Remember when anyone sticks to God’s principals, they will succeed.
4. You will succeed a lot better and longer when you figure out that God is real, and his son Jesus Christ, is our friend and Savior.

19. GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN

1 TIMOTHY 6:1-6

1. Great gain can come in many ways, money is only one, and maybe the one of least value.
2. Having “enough” money is necessary, having “too much” is a problem. We each get to decide how much is enough and how much is too much.
3. Contentment is a key element of great gain.

1. Life is better if you are pleased with how you spend most of your time – your job.

2. Life is better if you like your spouse and she/he likes you!

20. FAITHFUL IN A LITTLE-FAITHFUL IN A LOT

MATTHEW 25:23

1. Pay attention to details.
2. Work heartily as unto the Lord, it will lead to contentment and great gain.

Col 3:23 Whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.

3. Helps if you have education and skills.

21. …IF THERE IS ANY VIRTUE, THINK ON THOSE THINGS

PHILLIPIANS 4:8

1. True, honest, pure, lovely, of good report.
2. You have a choice. What do you think about when you don’t have to be thinking about anything special?

22. DON’T BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE 
    TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND

ROMANS 12:2

1. Who would have thought that you could control what you think.
2. Don’t let unwanted thoughts run around in your head like wild dogs. Phil 4:8
3. Kind of like a computer, garbage in, garbage out.
4. Why did I get that tattoo there? 1CORINTHIANS 7:31b...for the fashions of this world pass away.
5. Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the "old man" with his deeds and have put on the "new man" which is renewed in knowledge...

23. EVERY MAN IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES, But...

PROVERBS 16:2, 12:15, 21:2

1. The fool is right in his own eyes, but he that harkeneth unto counsel is wise.
2. Don’t be surprised if the other guy thinks he is right and you are wrong.
3. Don’t be surprised if you think you are right, but you are wrong. That can happen to the best of us. Certainly, those people who always "Think they are right", irritate those of us who are.
4. Oh Lord, it is hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way.
5. But God looks on the heart.
6. There is safety in many counselors. PROVERBS 11:14, 24:6

24. IN ALL THY WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL 
    DIRECT THY PATH

PROVERBS 3:6

1. Acknowledging Him is best done by following His directions. 1John 5:3
2. This requires action not just good intentions. James 1:22-25 But be doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving your own selves.

25. WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND 
    TREMBLING

PHILLIPIANS 2:12, EPHESIANS 1:12, 13

1. Fear is respect.
2. Salvation is wholeness.
3. Trembling may be uncertainty.
4. This is big. Each of us has his own personality, background, interests, and abilities. It is your job to put these together with fear and trembling while listening to God.
5. 1Cor 3:10-15 ... but let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon.
6. Eph 1:12-13 That we should be to the praise of His glory...

26. PRAY FOR THOSE THAT DESPITEFULLY USE YOU

MATTHEW 5:44, LUKE 6:28

1. Prayer may very well include treating the other guy like you want to be treated yourself, even if he or she is acting like an SOB.
2. Forgiveness is a very good thing.
3. Anybody that is despitefully using you is probably really screwed up, so you should recognize that they have great need.

27. …IT IS WRITTEN

MATTHEW 22:29

(Ye do err, not knowing the scripture nor the power of God.)

1. How can you get the benefits God has for you, if you don’t know the scripture. How can you get your pudding if you don’t eat your meat.
2. Jesus used the scripture in dealing with the devil in the wilderness, MATTHEW 4:4.
3. You can try to beat the devil, the god of this world, by yourself, but are you really that good? Charlie Daniels may have been when he met the devil in Georgia, but let's be real, that's just a song.
4. How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, ROMANS 10:15.

28. RECEIVE THE WORD AS IT IS, THE WORD OF GOD

1 THESALONIANS 2:13

1. The Word of God is very effective.
2. Recognizing the Word of God as the Word of God is a real good thing.

29. YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH SHALL 
    SET YOU FREE

JOHN 8:32

1. What more can you say?
2. It is written on the wall of The Ohio State University Law School.

30. YOU ARE COMPLETE IN HIM

COLOSSIANS 2:10

1. In Him, is a good place to be and the scripture gets you there very quickly.
2. Being complete comes only in knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ.

31. THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN

ECCLESIATES 1:9

1. Why didn’t I think of that? – Yeah you probably should have because it is not a new thought.
2. Technology may change, but the ideas being transmitted don’t.
3. There are lots of things that are new to you and especially in our children (DEUTERONOMY 6:7) – teach them diligently to your children.
4. The same feelings, emotions and concepts have been around for a very long time.
5. This shouldn’t surprise you.

32. BE SLOW TO ANGER

PROVERBS 16:32

1. This is easier for some than others, but there it is.
2. This is just plain easy to understand, so work on it.
3. At least you can control how you act, if not how you feel, it’s a journey.
4. In sports, law, politics and life, it is often easier to win if your opponent is angry; it’s a technique.

33. CONTROL YOUR TONGUE

PROVERBS 13:3, 1 PETER 3:10, JAMES 3:6

1. This is really big. Prov. 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.
2. The tongue is afire... James 3:6
3. This applies to lots of situations, not just anger.
4. Remember, “loose lips sink ships,” keep your boat afloat.
5. Curse not the boss or the investor, He/she will probably hear about it, ECCLESIATES 10:20.

34. A SOFT ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH

PROVERBS 15:1. 17, 18, 23, 28

1. This is the truth – control your mind, control your tongue, get a little discipline in your life.
2. Blessing really is better than cursing. James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brother, these things ought not to be.
3. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
4. Check the bookstore if this isn’t clear enough.

35. A WORD FITLY SPOKEN IS LIKE APPLES OF GOLD

PROVERBS 25:11

1. Speaking up at the right time gets great results. Prov. 15:23...a word spoken in due season, how good is it

B. Saying the right thing at the right time can convince others to get on board.

36. WATCH WHERE YOU SIT YOURSELF

LUKE 14:7-10

1. How embarrassing is it when they ask you to move from the “reserved seats” at the wedding?
2. Hard to believe, but you may not be the center of everyone else’s universe.
3. There are people with better ideas and performance than you, but there are a lot worse also.
4. Cheer up, you might be the one for whom the seat is reserved.

37. YOU HAVE NOT BECAUSE YOU ASK NOT

JAMES 4:2

1. This is pretty easy.
2. Remember to ask nicely.
3. Maybe “ask” has something to do with asking yourself to do something, rather than asking someone else to give you something.

38. ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE, KNOCK AT THE DOOR

MATTHEW 7:7, LUKE 11:9, 10

1. If you knock, someone might open the door.
2. Fear not.

39. IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

1. Have the attitude of gratitude. Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
2. Did you hear about the two kids, with only a pile of horse manure to play in?
3. You can control what you think about, and that makes being thankful a lot easier.
4. There are lots of books on this too.

40. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

JOHN 8:12

1. Walking in the light is a lot better than walking in the dark.
2. Sitting in the light is a lot better than sitting in the dark, Prov 4:18.
3. "It's better to be a live dog than a dead lion", ECCL 9:4. Ecclesiastes is really all good, the Byrds used chapter 3

41. YOU CAN BE A LIGHT IN THE WORLD

MATTHEW 5:14-16

1. Let your little light shine.
2. You will be a lot more fun to be around.
3. Look at PHILLIPIANS 2:5 and 2:15, 16. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
4. Light is sweeeeet. ECCLESIATES 11:7

42. DON’T WASTE YOUR YOUTH

ECCLESIATES 11:9, 12:1, 1TIMOTHY 4:12

1. Old age can suck.
2. It is nice to be able to see and think clearly.
3. It is nice to have good teeth and a good stomach so you can enjoy eating etc.
4. It is nice to be able to hear.
5. It is nice to be able to run.
6. There is a lot to do as a young person, don’t waste your time. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example...

43. I SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, CHOOSE LIFE

DEUTERONOMY 30:19

1. Life can be great, don’t miss it.
2. Choosing life is good for you and your kids.
3. I was dead once – I didn’t like it.

44. RICH IN THE WORLD SHOULD NOT BE HIGH MINDED

1 TIMOTHY 6:17, 19, EPHESIANS 2:10

1. Don’t trust in uncertain riches, ever hear of the “tulip bulb” bubble. How about the “technology” bubble? How about the “real estate” bubble?
2. It is better to trust in God who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
3. We are saved so we can do good works, EPHESIANS 2:10
4. Solomon saw a lot of emptiness and trouble in a life without God, ECCLESIATES 1:14

45. WHERE IS THE PROFIT?

LUKE 9:25, MATTHEW 16:26, 27

1. If you got it all, and got it all right now, where would you put it?
2. Hopefully you would give away what you do not need.
3. See LUKE 12:16, 20, about the rich guy that built new barns, with a bad result.

46. EAT, DRINK AND ENJOY THE GOOD IN YOUR LABOR, IT 
    IS THE GIFT OF GOD

ECCLESIATES 2:24-26, 3:13, 5:18

1. You probably thought I was going to say "because tomorrow you die", but that is not what Ecclesiastes says. It seems to me that you should learn how to do this.

Romans 14:32 Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

2. God gives to man that which is good in God’s sight, wisdom, knowledge and joy.
3. You can never overvalue joy. Beethoven wrote an Ode to it.
4. However, the Apostle Paul did say that if the dead rise not in Christ – then let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:32
5. I like Solomon’s plan in Ecclesiastes and Paul’s suggestion to look forward to rising in Christ.

47. DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU ARE PURSECUTED FOR 
    DOING GOOD

JOHN 15:17-23

1. You have heard that no good deed goes unpunished, 2 Tim 3:12-14 yea, and all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2. Resist the devil and he shall flee.
3. Forewarned is forearmed.
4. Some people just are not very nice.

48. FEAR GOD AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS

ECCLESIATES 12:13

1. This is the conclusion of the whole matter.
2. What matter? Are you kidding me? – IT’S THE MATTER OF LIFE.
3. See No. 40 above DEUTERONOMY 30:19, I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, CHOOSE LIFE.

Arranged, Annotated

and Copyrighted

by

Alan G. Anderson

2012

©