I have a problem, and I want a solution: SOLVING PROBLEMS GOD’s WAY!
Marco Liporoni
Copyright © 2012 Marco Liporoni
Disclaimer
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior consent of the publisher.
The Publisher makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any commercial damages.
2012-05-28
Dedication
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto YOUR name give glory, for YOUR mercy, and for YOUR truth’s sake”
[Psalms 115:1].
“Honor your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth” [Ephesians 6:2-3].
Happy Birthday Dad (May 31st) !!!
Acknowledgments
I thank JESUS for accepting me and for giving me hope and purpose in this world and in HIS eternal Kingdom, and for illuminating me with HIS Word.
I thank my wife Cybelle for bringing me closer to JESUS, and helping me to stay sharp in my faith, for loving and supporting me, and for being a source of wisdom and experience. I thank my children Georgia and Bruno for being a motivation.
I thank my parents Tulio and Eda for loving me and leaving me an inheritance of love and GODLY ethical values. Special thanks to my dad for reading Bible stories to us.
Thanks to Phoebe, Michael, Mauricio and Norman for proofreading, Peter for the front cover, and everyone else for their input.
I thank also all the many teachers that GOD used to instruct me much from the Word of GOD: Max Warren, Ian Zerna, John McCaskie, Dr. Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Greg Laurie, Dr. R.C. Sproul, Michael Cocchiola, Bernie Dymet, Juarez Noel. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of GOD: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” [Hebrews 13:7].
Introduction
“So shall MY Word be that goes 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. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” [Isaiah 55:11-12].
Thank you for looking into this book. I hope you will read it all the way to the end, and as you do, GOD will use it to bring you closer to HIM.
This is a book about solving problems with the help of our LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST and relies upon the wisdom from the Word of GOD, the Bible.
Throughout the book we examine many scriptures and the account of various Biblical men and women, and explore how to solve problems GOD’s way. If you are not a follower of JESUS CHRIST but you believe GOD can help you, then jump to the end of this introduction and, if you desire, ask JESUS to lead you.
This short book has been written with the intent to be a practical Bible application tool and quick to read. You can then start applying what you have learned and be blessed by GOD.
As a convention, whenever we refer to GOD, JESUS CHRIST or the HOLY SPIRIT and their pronouns (HE, HIM, HIS) or any of the names of GOD, we will use capitalized words to emphasize HIS name. Throughout the book, we address the LORD by HIS various names (GOD, LORD, JESUS CHRIST, HOLY SPIRIT), however we are referring to the same triune GOD - “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST: and these three are one” [1 John 5:7].
All Bible quotations from the King James Version, unless indicated. Marked words will be followed by a reference to their Greek or Hebrew translation or additional meanings from the Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary, unless indicated.
We invite you to visit www.GodsWayBooks.org, where you will be able to download resources and to send us comments and questions. Your feedback is welcome ([email protected]).
Is this book for me?
If you have a problem and want to find a solution GOD’s way, then this book is for you. As you read through the book, you will find practical and useful principles from the Bible that you can start applying straight away and take advantage of the power of GOD through prayer.
My prayer to you
I pray that as you read this book and feed from the Word of GOD and seek HIM earnestly, you will also be able to solve your problems GOD’s way!
What if I am not a follower of JESUS CHRIST?
If you are not a follower of JESUS CHRIST but you believe that there is a GOD and HE can help you, then here is what you need to know:
JESUS says that HE is the only way, the only truth, and the only life, and no one can get to to the real and only GOD except through HIM [John 14:6]. Because we are all sinners and we all fall short of the glory of GOD [Romans 3:23], and the result of sin is death [Romans 6:23], we can not save ourselves from eternal spiritual death! No amount of good work will do it. We can only receive eternal spiritual life by faith in JESUS CHRIST alone [Ephesians 2:8-9].
In the book of Romans 10:9, the Bible says that if we confess with our mouth JESUS as our LORD and Savior, and we believe with our heart that GOD has raised JESUS from the dead we will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made into salvation. For the Scripture says that whoever believes on HIM shall not be ashamed:
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“For GOD so loved the world, that he gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved. He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of the only begotten SON OF GOD”
[John 3:16-18].
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As we turn to JESUS and we ask HIM to lead and guide our lives, as we genuinely believe in JESUS as the only way for eternal life, as we confess HIM publicly as our LORD and Savior, as we turn away from our old ways and turn towards GOD’s ways, we receive the gift of eternal life. As JESUS fills the void in our hearts, our minds and hearts are renewed and the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD starts a lifetime work of sanctification in us.
“And therefore we can be confident that HE which has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST” [Philippians 1:6].
Begin this journey by inviting JESUS to lead your life from now on. Declare JESUS as your Lord and Savior, and start to be a new creation [2 Corinthians 5:17].
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Pray this prayer: Dear LORD, I admit that I have done many things that do not please you, and that I have lived my life my own way. I want to change now and follow your ways. I receive your forgiveness and I accept your sacrifice on the cross for the remission of all my sins – past, present, and future. I believe that you have died and rose again. I believe you are the chosen SON of GOD. I proclaim YOU the LORD of my life