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The first stage in this study to contemplate God’s foreknowledge. He knows everything about each of us. Derek here delves into the psalms to illustrate this by examining how we were formed. God knew every process our bodies would pass through and when each member would be formed. In like manner, He has a plan for each of us.

Derek warns against the most common hindrance to being led by the Holy Spirit. This is called legalism. Do not seek to achieve righteousness with God by observing any law or set of rules. Never impose requirements for righteousness that God Himself hasn’t imposed. We are to be free from relying on human effort.

Today Derek explains that the Holy Spirit can do for us what no other can do. Power, might, and sound judgment can be produced only by the Holy Spirit through His inward working in our hearts and lives, where He changes us and conforms us to the likeness of Jesus.

Derek shares one specific sign Jesus said would herald the end of the present age and His return in glory. That sign was the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom to all nations in the whole world. It is Priority Number 1—to move out ahead of the forces of evil and carry out this task with great urgency.

Derek points out that the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom is the only hope for suffering humanity. It is only the return of Jesus that will put an end to war, poverty, sickness, oppression, injustice, hatred, and more. Only His return will bring righteousness, peace, relief, and deliverance to the oppressed, sick, and suffering.

In looking at the first commandment, Derek asks, “Who (or what) is your God?” As Christians, we must be totally committed and loyal to God; He tolerates no rivals. We cannot love God and continue to love the world with its materialism, rebellion, sin, and self-pleasing. If God is in first place, your source, you will have a solid foundation.

We all have battles in our minds—in our thoughts. Our minds are at enmity with God, hostile to His Word, and need to be changed. Today Derek explains, through the Word and personal experience, how we must fight our way through discouragement, doubt, and fear to walk in victory in truth.

Derek confronts us with a decision today; whether we will choose blessings or curses. Blessings come upon us when we hear God and obey what He says. Curses come from not hearing and obeying. It is up to you to make the decision which course to take in your life.

Today Derek makes the distinction between repentance and remorse. To repent means to change your mind (this is a decision), and then you must go in a different direction (this is the action you take). Remorse is an emotion, and not a decision. Repentance determines our destiny for time and eternity.

Today, Derek is going to pick up where he left off describing the sevenfold shedding of the blood of Jesus. Listen as Derek explains how each event in the life of Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament … and how our salvation “Cost All He Had.”