Be A Good Steward For Jesus

Be A Good Steward For Jesus

Take Time To Care For God's Children

Pray For Sinners, Win Lost Souls To Jesus

Bless And Help Those In Need Everywhere

Jesus Will Return Soon With A Reward For Your Good Works

     I encourage everyone reading this to be a good steward for Jesus. One day soon Jesus will return and reward us for all the good deeds done for our Lord Jesus. When Jesus returns will we have a good report of our good works as blessed stewards for our Lord Jesus? Remember the smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention. A good steward for Jesus takes responsibility for God's children and is concerned about witnessing to lost sinners everywhere and blessing those in need everywhere on this earth. Are you a good steward for Jesus? Jesus is going to return soon and will you have a good report of stewardship for our Lord?

     Jesus said at Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. In other words Jesus will reward christians for all their good deeds for Jesus. Our good works don't save us. We are saved by grace through faith in what our Lord Jesus has done for us at the cross of Calvary. I don't work to be saved; I work because I am saved. I would not work my soul to save for this my Lord has done, but I would work like any slave for love of His dear Son. Ephesians 2:8 says For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

     Get saved, repent, decide to stop sinning, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again. After salvation with Jesus, we do good works so our faith becomes alive. Faith without works is dead. Good works give life to our faith and shines the Lord Jesus to this lost world. According to Ephesians 2:10 good works follow salvation that will be rewarded at the bema judgment seat; The blessed scripture says For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

     Remember that Jesus is keeping a record of all your good works for Jesus. Jesus keeps a log of all the times you witness and tell people everywhere about our Lord Jesus and all your good deeds. A lot of people get saved and then do no good works for Jesus. These people will be saved and enter heaven with Jesus, but will suffer loss and lose rewards eternally in heaven. 

     Take heed to the warning at Romans 14:12 that says So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. In other words God is keeping a logos account or log of everything you do for Jesus and will reward you for your labor; Your labor for Jesus is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 promises Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Friends time is short so get busy being a good steward for Jesus with good works. Ephesians 5:16 says Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. RG Lee told us that time is so short it's like a thin footprint on a sea lashed shore, the stay of a postman, the glimpse of a passing ship, and a quick burst of music down a crowded street.

Read This Story About A Gardener In England

And Learn How To Be A Good Steward For Jesus

     A gardener in England for the beautiful estate pictured above perfectly manicured acres and acres of lawns. There wasn't one dandelion in any lawn. All the bushes and hedges were perfectly trimmed. The flowers were neatly arranged in beauty. The gardener always kept the estate beautiful; Every bush was always trimmed neatly; there was no trash anywhere; and the flowers were arranged with incredible beauty. For 24 years this gardener was faithful and always had the lawns, bushes, and flowers maintained perfectly.  

     People came on tour buses from everywhere to admire the beautiful work done by this gardener. One lady tourist told this gardener, Your owner must be so happy for all your fine work for all these 24 years. The gardener responded What owner, I've never met him. The owner of this estate is a billionaire that has properties all over the world and he never visits most of his properties. The owner of this estate has not visited this property once over the last 24 years.

     Then the lady tourist told the gardener Why do you work so hard and make everything so perfect and beautiful when the owner has not seen your work for 24 years? The gardener replied Well I was told that he could come back at any time. Christian friends we are all like this gardener; No one knows when Jesus will return to give us rewards for being good stewards. Like this gardener, let's all have a good report for our Lord Jesus where we are faithful, not sinning, praying for our brothers and sisters, winning lost sinners to our Lord Jesus, daily reading our Word, attending church, and being good examples and stewards for Jesus everywhere. 

     Like the gardener, people might ask Brother Bob or you my friend Why do you keep doing good works for Jesus when you have never seen Him? Let's all reply Well I was told in the Word of God that He (Jesus) could come back at any time. Remember that blessed song that says Don't let Him catch you with your work undone. Friends everywhere give your life purpose and meaning by witnessing Jesus everywhere to lost sinners on this earth. Only what we do for Jesus lasts forever with rewards in heaven that are eternal. Don't be like the fool who stored up food in many barns and thought he could eat, drink, and be merry for the rest of his life. God called this man a fool and the next day he died and lost everything (Luke 12:16-21).  

Examples Of Good Stewards For Jesus

1) Richard Kirkland Was A Good Steward For Jesus

     Eleven days before Christmas on a December 14, 1862 cold day in Fredericksburg, Virginia a nineteen year old sergeant stood at attention before his general during the Civil War. The soldier's name was Richard Kirkland. Hiding behind a stone wall, Kirkland and 2000 Confederate soldiers mowed down the Yankee soldiers while they moved across an open field to attack. By nightfall hundreds of Yankee soldiers lay dead and wounded in this open field. 

     Richard Kirkland told General Joe Kershaw I can't stand this. All night and all day I have heard those poor people calling for water and I can't stand it any longer. I come to ask permission to go and give them water. General Kershaw looked at the young man with admiration and earnestly said Kirkland don't you know you would get a bullet through your head the moment you stepped over the wall. Yes sir, Kirkland answered, but if you will let me, I am willing to try it. General Kershaw said The sentiment which actuates you is so noble that I will not refuse your request, trusting that God may protect you, you may go.  

     From the second story window of his command post, General Kershaw could view the dead and wounded on the battlefield. He watched as Richard Kirkland, carrying several canteens, jumped the wall and headed out into the battlefield. At first, the Yankees began shooting at Richard Kirkland. But then the Yankees stopped shooting when they noticed that Richard Kirkland was giving water to these enemy soldiers and warming them with his coat.

     Both the Yankees and the Confederate soldiers allowed Richard Kirkland to roam the battlefield for hours giving water and comfort to all the wounded Yankee soldiers. Kirkland made many trips back and forth over the stone wall before he completed his mission. Wow, there were christian Yankee and Confederate soldiers and for several hours peace occurred because of Richard Kirkland's good works as a steward for our Lord Jesus. 

      Christians are soldiers in the army of the Lord who see so much need and suffering around us daily. If we listen, like Richard Kirkland, we can often hear their cries. Like the woman at the well, they seek for water, that water of life found only in Jesus Christ our Lord. When we take courage like Richard Kirkland and say I can't stand this, we begin to be led by the Holy Spirit to reach a thirsty world. 

2) George Muller Was A Good Steward For Jesus

     George Muller was a good steward for Jesus and taught us how to effectively pray and bless multitudes with peace all over this earth. If we listen to God, God will listen to us. And the more we listen to God, the more God listens to our prayers and answers all our requests to Jesus. You see according to Zechariah 7:13 God calls out to people and because they don't listen, God doesn't listen to their prayers. But if you listen to God by daily reading your bible and always attending your local church, God will listen to you and answer all your prayers. And the more you read and memorize your bible and the more you attend church and hear blessed preaching from the Word of God, the more God will answer your prayers.

     George Muller had 20000 prayers answered because he always listened to God by reading his bible cover to cover 200 times; 100 times on his knees. George Muller walked so close to Jesus that 5000 of his prayers were answered the same day they were prayed. George Muller said four hours of work after one hour of prayer accomplishes more than five hours without prayer. Martin Luther said I have so much to do today, I need to spend the first three hours in prayer.  Remember if God is with you, you can accomplish more than trying by yourself to fix your problems.

     George Muller was such a great prayer warrior and steward for our Lord Jesus, that his prayers changed nature and removed fog. When George Muller was on a ship in Newfoundland, Canada travelling to Quebec to preach, a great fog prevented the ship from moving. Mr. Muller asked the captain of the ship if he could travel through the fog. The captain said Do you realize that the fog is too thick to travel through? George Muller replied My eye is not on the density of the fog but on the living God who knows every circumstance of my life.  

     George Muller went down on his knees and prayed a simple prayer saying O Lord if it be consistent with thy will, please remove this fog in five minutes. You know the engagement you made for me in Quebec. I believe it is your will. When he had finished praying, he told the captain not to pray. First, he said you do not believe God will do it and second I believe He has done it. There is no need whatever for you to pray about it. 

     Then George Muller said Captain I have known my Lord for 57 years and there has never been a single day that I have failed to gain an audience with the Lord. Get up Captain and open the door and you will find the fog is gone. The Captain got up and the fog was gone. And George Muller arrived on time in Quebec to preach. 

3) Missionary Dick Harrelson Was A Good Steward For Jesus

     Dick Harrelson was a blessed missionary in Papua, New Guinea who had to walk 24 miles to get groceries and supplies and bring them to his home in the jungle. While returning home one day with groceries, he was surrounded by bandits who tried to kill Dick Harrelson. Dick Harrelson was exhausted and could not outrun the bandits. Mr. Harrelson decided to pray and said Dear Lord Jesus please take care of my wife and children who will not see me any more.

     When Dick Harrelson faced the bandits surrounding him, miraculously the bandits all began to run away in fear. A few years later one of these bandits got gloriously saved. This bandit told Dick Harrelson Who were all those men with you that day we chased and surrounded you? When you faced us, there were thousands of white little men with swords all around you protecting you. Dick Harrelson responded What men? Wow Dick Harrelson didn't realize that God sent thousands of angels to protect him and save his life. 

     Friends, remember when we are good stewards like Dick Harrelson and try to win lost sinners to Jesus everywhere, God sends angels to protect us. Psalm 68:17 tells us The chariots of God are 20000 (myriad, innumerable, and infinite), even thousands of angels: The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Psalm 34:7 says The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. And these angels that protect us are very powerful and mighty. Remember one angel in one night killed 185000 enemies in Sennacherib's army that fought against Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:35). If God be for us who could be against us.

     Just be a good steward for Jesus and deny sin daily and like Dick Harrelson, Jesus will send his angels daily to protect you and keep you blessed. Every day when Brother Bob returns to his little apartment in Reynoldsburg, Ohio he sees thousands of white angels with swords all around his apartment constantly protecting him. Elisha encouraged his servant and all of us that there are more angels with us than any enemy that attacks us. Read the blessed story about angels and Elisha at 2 Kings 6.

     Like Richard Kirkland, George Muller, and Dick Harrelson, be a good steward for Jesus. Let's all obey Colossians 4:5 and Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Winning one soul to our Lord Jesus is worth more than all the money you'll earn or all the things you'll ever buy with your money. Mark 8:36 says For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? In other words a saved soul is worth more than all the gold, silver, and billions of dollars in this world. Jesus said at Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.  Be a good steward and don't miss any opportunity to preach, witness, sing, or pray for anyone in need.

     I pray in Jesus name that this bible study blesses multitudes everywhere with great joy, peace and strength. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.    

Examples Of Forgiveness And How To Forgive Forever

Examples Of Forgiveness

1) Corrie Ten Boom

     Corrie Ten Boom was a blessed christian woman from Holland that hid Jews from the Germans in her house during World War II (Corrie is on the far right in the first picture). Also pictured above is the little closet in Corrie's bedroom where she hid Jews from the Germans. Youtube has a movie called The Hiding Place about how Corrie Ten Boom helped Jews survive and escape the Germans. I highly recommend watching this free movie. Corrie helped hide over 800 Jews in her home with her father, sister, and brothers from the Germans and saved their lives. They would daily feed these Jews and help them escape from the Germans.

     Unfortunately when one of the Jews tried to escape on the roof, the Germans discovered that Corrie and her family were hiding Jews. As a result, Corrie and all the Ten Booms were sent to a concentration camp in Ravensbrook Germany. Corrie's father was told if he stopped helping Jews, his life would be spared. Corrie's dad said I'd help anyone that came to my home. As a result, the Germans had Corrie's dad killed. All of Corrie's brothers were also killed by the Germans. And Corrie and her sister Betsie were forced to live in a concentration camp together at Ravensbrook. 

     When Corrie Ten Boom arrived at the concentration camp she had a bible hid under her shirt. Corrie asked Jesus to make her invisible while the Germans patted down each prisoner. A miracle occurred and Corrie was made invisible to the German guards and was able to get her bible into the concentration camp. Every day Corrie and Betsie prayed while a cruel German prison guard persecuted them daily. Eventually, this mean German guard killed Betsie (Corrie's sister). But a miracle occurred for Corrie when by mistake the Germans allowed her to leave the prison thinking she was another woman. Corrie was truly blessed because the next week all the women in her prison ward were killed. Corrie returned to live in her home in Holland and died in 1983; Today the Ten Boom house that hid over 800 Jews from German execution has become a museum for visitors who can see the hidden closet in Corrie's bedroom where Jews survived and escaped from  the Germans.  

     After Corrie was set free from the Ravensbrook concentration camp, she became a well know lady conference speaker talking to many large audiences about her testimony of survival. Here is Corrie Ten Boom's testimony in her own words about forgiveness. I pray in Jesus name that this testimony will help people everywhere forgive their enemies forever. Remember Brother Bob's motto for success. Avoid angry people; forgive forever. 

Corrie Ten Boom's Testimony About Forgiveness In Her Own Words

     In a church in Munich Germany in 1947 where I was speaking I saw him; A balding heavy set man in a grey overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat, then in my mind I saw that blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. Memories of the concentration camp came back with a rush. The huge room with its harsh overhead light, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, and the shame of walking naked past this man day after day.     

     I could see my sister's frail body ahead of me ribs sharp beneath the parchment of her skin; Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland. This man had been a guard at Ravensbrook concentration camp where we were sent. Now he was in front of me hand thrust out; A fine message Fraulein; How good it is to know that as you say all our sins are at the bottom of the sea. It was the first time since my release that I had been face to face with one of my captors. And my blood seemed to freeze. 

     You mentioned Ravensbrook in your talk he was saying; I was a guard there; but since that time I have become a born again christian; I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things that I did there to other people; But I would like to hear it from your lips as well Fraulein, Will you forgive me? As I stood there I could not. This guard had killed my sister Betsie and he could not erase or slow terrible death simply for the asking. 

     It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, his hand held out. But to me it seemed like hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do; For I had to do it; I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition; That we forgive those that have injured us; If you do not forgive men their trespasses, Jesus said Neither will your Father in heaven forgive yours.

     Still I stood there with a coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is an act of the will and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart; Jesus help me I prayed. Silently I can lift my hand, I can do that much. Lord you supply the feeling; And so woodenly mechanically I thrust my hand into the one that was stretched out to me. 

     And as I did, an incredible thing took place. A current started in my shoulder and raced down my arm spreading into our joint hands. And when this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being bringing tears to my eyes, I said I forgive you brother with all my heart. For a long moment we grasped each others hands (the former guard and the former prisoner). I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then. Hallelujah, Jesus enabled Corrie Ten Boom to forgive the German guard that had killed her sister Betsie. 

2) Wilhelm Hammelmann

     Another incredible example of forgiveness occurred when Wilhelm Hammelmann (pictured above) forgave Czeslaw Godlewski. In 1946 Czeslaw Godlewski was a member of a gang of German youths that roamed and sacked people's houses in the German countryside. One day the gang came upon the family of Wilhelm Hammelmann who lived on an isolated farm. Czeslaw began to fire upon Wilhelm and his family. The gang killed Wilhelm's wife and his 8 children. Wilhelm survived four bullet wounds. 

     Eventually Czeslaw Godlewski was put in prison for 20 years for his crimes. As the time approached for Godlewski to complete his 20 year prison term for his crimes, the State would not release him because he simply had nowhere to go. None of his family members offered shelter and each place the State sought to place him refused him.

     Then a letter was received by the prison warden. It it was a simple request. "I ask you to release Godlewski to my custody and care. Christ died for my sins and forgave me. Should I not then forgive this man." the letter was signed Wilhelm Hammelmann. Jesus gave Mr. Hammelmann the grace to be able to forgive someone that killed 9 of his family members and then take that man into his home. History tells us that Wilhelm trained Czeslaw to be a christian and Czeslaw became a great blessing to everyone in the community. Note that in the picture above Wilhelm is pointing to Czeslaw in the news article that reported the killing of Wilhelm's family members.

3) A South Korean Christian Who Forgave the Communist Who Killed His Son

     During the Korean war in the city of Seoul pictured above, a South Korean christian was arrested by the Communists and ordered to be shot. But when the young Communist leader learned that the prisoner had been in charge of an orphanage caring for small children, he decided to spare the man and execute his 19 year old son instead. They shot the boy in the presence of his father. 

     Later the fortunes of the war changed and the young Communist leader was captured by the United Nations forces, tried for war crimes, and condemned to die. Before the sentence was carried out, the christian whose boy had been killed pleaded for the life of the young officer. He said the man was young, acted under orders, and did not really know what he was doing. Give him to me he pleaded and I will train him how to live and be a christian. 

     The United Nations granted the request and the father took the murderer of his own son into his home. Later the young man became a christian pastor and helped save thousands of lost souls for our Lord Jesus. No wonder John Newton the composer of the beloved hymn called it Amazing Grace. 

4) Leonardo Da Vinci Had To Forgive His Enemy Before He Could 

Finish Painting The Last Supper

     Just before Leonardo Da Vinci started to work on his great painting The Last Supper, he had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter. He was so angry and bitter that he determined to paint the face of his enemy, the other artist, into the face of Judas. He wanted each succeeding generation to look with scorn upon his enemy. The face of Judas was one of the first he finished and everyone could easily recognize it as the face of the painter with whom he had quarreled.

     When he came to paint the face of Jesus, he could make no progress. Something seemed to be holding him back and frustrating his best efforts. At length he came to the conclusion that the thing which was confusing and frustrating him was that he had painted his enemy into the face of Judas. So he painted out the face of Judas and began again to work on the face of Jesus. So successful were his efforts that the picture has been acclaimed as one of the greatest paintings ever.

     You can not at the same time be painting the feature of Christ into your own life and painting another face with the colors of enmity and hatred. Unforgiveness will hinder our relationship with God and cause our prayers not to be answered. Psalm 66:18 tells us If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. And note that when Leonardo Da Vinci painted the face of Jesus, a man that looked like Jesus posed for the painting. Then ten years later Da Vinci found a criminal to pose for Judas and to his amazement it was the same man who had posed for Jesus (this same man had become a criminal and had been in prison for ten years).

How To Forgive Forever

1) Remember That God Forgave Us All For Killing His Son Jesus With Our Sins

To Help You Forgive Forever

     Friends, we all have to forgive our enemies forever because God forgave us all for killing his Son Jesus with our sins on the cross. Everyone blames the Jews, the Roman guards, and the Pharisees for killing Jesus. But ultimately it was all our sins that killed Jesus on the cross. We are all guilty of killing Jesus with our sins. 

     The following two scriptures prove that our sins killed Jesus on the cross. 1 Corinthians 15:3 says For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. And Hebrews 2:9 tells us But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

     Now even though all our sins killed Jesus, Jesus forgave us all at the cross saying Father forgive them for they know not what they do. And because Jesus forgave us and blesses us daily, we have to forgive forever our enemies. Ephesians 4:31 tells us Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,  and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (in other words for Christ's sake and for Christ's request, the Father forgives us for killing Jesus by our sins). 

     Even though our sins killed Jesus, every day Jesus blesses us with peace, strength, and comfort. Jesus doesn't say I'm not gonna help you because your sins killed me. Instead Jesus says I'll be your best friend and allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from all your sins. And because Jesus suffered and died because of our innumerable sins, we should forgive our enemies forever over and over for their sins. Remember the warning of Matthew 6:14 that says For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

2) Reflect On The Examples Of Others Who Forgave Their Enemies

To Help You Forgive Forever

     To receive the grace to forgive forever, remember how different people in the bible got blessed through forgiveness. Job got a doublefold blessing when he prayed for his enemies that persecuted him. Pictured above at Job 42:8 God told Job's three enemies Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering and my servant Job shall pray for you; for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that you have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. 

     And when Job forgave forever and prayed for his three enemies that persecuted him look at what occurred at Job 42:10 that says And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends (note that Job forgave his enemies and called them friends); also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. 

     And think about how Stephen forgave his enemies while being stoned. Acts 7:59 tells us And they stoned Stephen calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Think about how Paul forgave all his enemies before he died proven by 2 Timothy 4:16 that says At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me; I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  And finally think about how Joseph forgave all his brothers for throwing him into a pit and blessed them with food to live in Egypt.  

3) Remember That Unforgiveness Makes Us Lose The Victory Over The Devil

Therefore We Need To Forgive Forever Lest Satan Get An Advantage

     2 Corinthians 2:10-11 warns us that unforgiveness and bitterness is a device used by the devil to get an advantage over us and take away our victory. The scripture says To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also; for if I forgive anything, to whom I forgave it; for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ. Lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorent of his devices. The devil makes you think that when you are bitter and unforgiving you are harming your enemies. This is a lie. In reality unforgiveness and bitterness harm the unforgiving person and cause death. 

     Don't let the devil get the advantage; When the devil lies to you and says You shouldn't have to put up with that, tell the devil to get lost; Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Tell the devil I've got to forgive forever because God forgave me through his Son Jesus Christ at the cross.  Get saved today; Repent, confesss that Jesus is God, and believe that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Finally take heed to the warning from Hebrews 12:15 that says Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Avoid bitterness and unforgiveness that causes misery and harms many people around us. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study blesses multitudes all over this earth with great peace, strength, and joy. Feel free to email Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.    

The End Result of Ahithophel's Bitterness

A Story About A Grandfather Named Ahithophel

     Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 11:3 tells us that Eliam was Bathsheba's father. And 2 Samuel 23:34 tells us that Ahithophel was Eliam's father. Therefore, Ahithophel was Bathsheba's grandfather. Ahithophel loved his granddaughter Bathsheba and remembered blessing her when she was a little girl. Ahithophel was a blessed man that was David and Absalom's counsellor who gave them anointed advice from God. 2 Samuel 16:23 tells us And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. 

     But 2 Samuel 11:2 tells us that one evening when King David was on the roof of the king's house, he saw beautiful Bathsheba (the wife of Uriah the Hittite) washing herself. David sent for Bathsheba, took her, lay with her committing adultery, and sent her home. After Bathsheba got pregnant with David's child, David had Bathsheba's husband Uriah killed on the front lines of battle and married Bathsheba. This angered Bathsheba's grandfather Ahithophel who became bitter and wanted to kill King David. 

Formula For Success

Don't Be Bitter

Avoid Angry People

Forgive Forever

     For nine years Ahithophel was bitter and wanted to kill David for ruining his granddaughter's life while he pretended to be David's friend. Ahithophel was waiting for the moment to rebel against David and have David killed. Friends, this is not the way to live; bitterness and unforgiveness always leads to misery and death. And Ahithophel's bitterness will eventually kill him even though Ahithophel was a good man and David was at fault. 

     After nine years the opportunity arose where Ahithophel joined a conspiracy with David's son Absalom to rebel against David and destroy King David. Ahithophel was so bitter against David that he gave the following advice to Absalom at 2 Samuel 17:1 saying Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: And I will come upon him while he is weary and weakhanded, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only. Wow, Ahithophel was so bitter at David that Ahithophel wanted to personally kill David. Ahithophel was wrong to be bitter and should have forgiven and blessed David to avoid his own death.

     To seal Absalom's rift and conspiracy against David, Ahithophel told Absalom to lay with David's concubines on the roof of the king's house. Ahithophel wanted to destroy David socially and ruin David's reputation. What a price David paid for committing adultery with Bathsheba. Ahithophel was one real bitter individual. Ahithophel displayed the Hebrew meaning of his name (my brother is foolish) with folly by bitterness. If you type Ahithophel in the search box on the website blueletterbible at this link https://www.blueletterbible.org/, click the Strong's box, and click the number by Ahithophel, you will learn that Ahithophel means my brother is foolish with folly. 

     Friends bitterness is a trick of the devil. Jesus told us to always forgive forever and love our enemies, pray for them that despitefully use you, and bless people that curse us (Luke 6:27-28). Jesus said when your enemy is hungry to feed your enemy; when your enemy is thirsty to give them something to drink. Romans 12:17-21 says Recompence to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.   

     Hebrews 12:15 warns us saying Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. In other words, bitterness and unforgiveness creates problems in a person's life and harms many other people. Friends, if anyone ever slanders you or wrongs you because you serve Jesus, remember this formula for success.

Avoid Angry People; Forgive Forever

     The bible speaks about avoiding angry people at Proverbs 22:24 that says Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go. But when an angry enemy that slanders returns in peace asking for forgiveness, we must forgive forever. No matter how many times an enemy asks for forgiveness, we must forgive them and not be bitter. 

     Bitterness is a trick of the devil. Bitterness in Hebrew is called pikria or poison. In other words bitterness and unforgiveness is poison that will kill people who hold onto grudges for years and refuse to forgive their enemies. Brother Bob used to be bitter and not want to speak to my enemies when they asked for forgiveness. This led to misery and near death. Brother Bob learned to always forgive forever and bless my enemies whenever they asked for forgiveness. In fact, if someone tried to kill Brother Bob and then asked for forgiveness and help, I'd always forgive them and try to help them with their needs. After forgiveness forever with no bitterness, Brother Bob life was renewed with great joy, peace, and strength. 

     When you forgive forever, people in the world will say don't forgive; they're getting what they deserve; they made their bed let them sleep in it; once bit shame on them, twice bit shame on you; why are you letting them take advantage of you; All these sayings are not in the bible. This is all wrong and lies from the devil.

     Jesus told us to forgive seven times seventy or forgive forever. Hebrews 12:14 says Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. In other words you can't even see God until you follow peace with all men with no bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. And the bible tells us to never rejoice when our enemy is suffering. Proverbs 24:17 says Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth. In other words, when your enemy is in trouble and suffering, help them and pray for them. Don't say like many people well they had it coming to them. Instead help save your enemies from trouble and pray for God to bless your enemy.  

     Remember every time we sin and ask Jesus to forgive our numerous sins, Jesus always forgives without any bitterness. Therefore we must be like Jesus and always forgive our enemies without any bitterness. Proverbs 18:24 says A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Jesus).

I went out to find a friend and could not find one anywhere

I went out to be a friend and friends were everywhere

      If someone is a crab, grumpy, and mean, people will be a crab, grumpy, and mean to them. If someone is kind, friendly, and forgiving, people will be kind, friendly, and forgiving to them. We reap what we sow. Galatians 6:7 says Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption (destruction); but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Even when we are tired, we must tell our flesh to love everyone with the love of Jesus Christ. Jesus had so much love that when he carried all the weight of billions of peoples' sins on the cross, He took time to love and save a dying thief with the comforting words To day shalt thou be with me in paradise after the thief said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom (Luke 23:42-43).  

The End Result Of Ahithophel's Bitterness Was Death

     OK, lets learn the end result of Ahithophel's bitterness that was death. After Ahithophel told Absalom that he wanted to personally kill David, David sent Hushai the Archite to give different advice to Absalom to spare David's life. Absalom accepted Hushai's advice instead of Ahithophel's advice. When Absalom ignored Ahithophel's advice, notice what the end result was of Ahithophel's bitterness. 

     2 Samuel 17:23 tells us And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. Wow, even though Ahithophel was a good man and David had done wrong, Ahithophel shouldn't have been bitter to avoid death. Many people today are like Ahithophel and refuse to forgive their enemies and experience misery and eventually die lonely and unhappy. 

     Notice that Psalm 3 speaks about Ahithophel and his conspiracy with Absalom against David because the heading of Psalm 3 says A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. David spoke about Ahithophel when he said at Psalm 3:1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me. many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. Ahithophel and many people said this about David because David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and killed her innocent husband Uriah. 

     David also spoke about Ahithophel at Psalm 41:9 saying Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. Wow, David thought Ahithophel was his trusted faithful counsellor and did not realize that Ahithophel was bitter and trying to kill him. For nine years Ahithophel was a bitter hypocrite (actor) that put on a show or charade that was fake so he could eventually kill David. But the end result was that bitter unforgiving Ahithophel died and repentant David got blessed and lived. Don't be miserable and bitter; instead be forgiving and happy, receiving life and peace.

One Final Thought

After You Forgive (Forget) Resulting In Peace And Joy

     The bible tells us not only to forgive forever but also to forget the wrongs done to us. Unfortunately most people forget what they ought to remember and remember what they ought to forget. Most people read a bible verse and forget three fourths of the bible verse in three minutes; but if you say a bad thing about a preacher after that preacher did a million good things, people will remember the bad thing for fifty years. 

     But God's Word says at Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. In other words, when your enemy returns asking for forgiveness, forget his past wrongs and become his friend like you first met with no memory of his past faults. And if you have to forgive a million times, forget the enemies faults a million times. If you do this you will have peace and joy, escaping misery and death. 

     Finally, if you can't in yourself forgive someone for a past wrong, ask Jesus to give you the grace to forgive. Thank God for grace. I've done some things in my life that people won't forgive Brother Bob for. But Hallelujah for grace where Jesus forgives and does not remember our sins. Grace can reach behind the bars of a prison jail cell and forgive a criminal for his sins and wash him white as snow. Grace can lift someone out of a pit and save their soul. Right now say Thank you Jesus because I am crucified with Jesus Christ and the blood of Jesus has cleansed me of all my sin. People might not forgive me but Jesus your blood has washed me clean and saved my soul. 

     I pray in Jesus name that this little bible study gives hope and peace to someone on this earth. Jesus bless the words of this bible study to save souls. Right now get saved; Repent, confess that Jesus is God, and believe the gospel that Jesus died for you on the cross, was buried, and rose again. Feel free to contact Brother Bob anytime at rz9tlm@gmail.com or write to Brother Bob Malkin, 2233 Pinetree Lane, Apt. N., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. (614) 604-7133. Till we all meet again soon to lift up our Lord Jesus, everyone have a blessed day in Jesus name.