Greetings to all of you, from the land of cold and snow, where there is not much cold and snow yet. J I hope you are all well and strong in the Lord. We are having unusual weather for December here in Ontario, and are learning to be thankful for what comes.

Thank you for your reply, Flaviu.

So there come times in our lives when we are about to do something and there's this little voice in the background saying "DON’T DO IT". What do you do? Some people call it conscience; I call it God's mercy. He tries to protect me from what's about to happen. He knows better than I do so He tries to keep me away. Things that aren't in accordance to your parents will most likely won't be with God's either. And what's not in accordance with God's will shouldn't be done. So when you hear that voice just think your actions through and maybe even get some advice. For things we shouldn't participate in there could be a very big list but anything that gives you doubt should automatically be excluded.

First of all, does everyone understand what a vocation is? It is your regular employment, occupation, or profession.

Now, as Flaviu said, there could be a very big list of vocations that we should not participate in, and there is. Why? Because many in this world have turned against God, are under the control of Satan, and "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8. He is working overtime…

First of all, Philippians 4:8 is a very good guideline in more cases than the one we are discussing. "…Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Romans 12:1, 2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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."

Job 35:13, " Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it."

Psalm 24:3,4, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."

Psalm 12:3, "The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, [and] the tongue that speaketh proud things."

Proverbs 6:17-20, "A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother."

Psalm 101:3, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me."

There are many, many more verses that we could use, but we would need a lot more space… The things that are dishonoring to God are:

-untrue

-dishonest/deceitful

-unjust/unfair

-impure/immoral/unvirtuous

-vanity/pride

-unhealthy (we are to be a living sacrifice and without blemish, remember?)

-ETC.!!

Shall we list some things that these principles knock off the list of possible vocations?

-sale of liquor/cigarettes, etc. (healthy?)

-modeling/actress/actor (true?/pure?/pride & vanity)

-designer and sales of immodest clothing

-butcher (mass killing)

-jeweler (vanity)

-bookseller (if you are selling fictional (true?)/wrong-principle-based books

-dishonest business practices

-advertising of wrong items

- etc…

In all that we do, we can not support wrong. But there are many, many vocations we can be involved in.

-care for the sick and needy, medical work according to the Lord’s ways and principles

-electricians, carpenters, and other trades which support having shelter and functioning of our daily needs

-engineering, architect,…

-florists, painters, landscaping, etc.

-teachers, administrators, accounting

-publishing of Godly based literature (writing, design, layout, printing, promotion)

-agriculture, horticulture, food production (good, healthy food), apiculture

-biologist

-sales of needed items in specific areas of need

-business owners and employers

-and the list goes on…

Most important, seek God early, and learn His specific will for your life. You never know what He may use you for. He has a great work for every one who will fully consecrate themselves to Him, and be willing to be anything, or nothing for Him. May He guide you!

Please send in your answers before or on December 16th so they can be published in the next issue.

Do you have any stories, poems, recipes, prayer requests, etc. that you would like to share?

"The Lord has appointed the youth to be His helping hand."

God bless you all and I look forward to hearing from you!

Kyla

"God’s Helping Hand" Editor