God’s Perfect Plan For My Life©
NathansPlan©
BECOME.
The poster is the method, the book is the instruction, the message is God’s perfect plan for your life.
The result is healing for the hopeless, reinforcement for the strong, fortification for the great warrior.
There is Peace on the Path.
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Nathan’s Plan is Christian Lifestyle Training based in the principles of God’s Word in the Seven Areas of Life; Spirit, Body, Mind, Relationships, Career, Finance and Vision for the Future. It’s a plan to help myself and others live a meaningful life with confidence, strength and purpose by following the principles of God’s Word. NathansPlan.com
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Nathan’s Plan
When I was sixteen years old it was my dream to help people learn to live ahealthy, balanced, successful life. I had decided on this after learning some principles of life that many people didn’t seem to be aware of. I lived for two decades as if I, myself were not aware of those principles before a friend of mine said to me, “I dare you to use what you know to change your life!” I took the dare and a thing I call the Goal Board was born in the year 1999. I had some limited success making improvements in my life but another decade of failures, struggles and confusion went by. I was deeply discouraged, even hopeless, but steadily collecting golden nuggets of knowledge and adding them to my project.
In February of 2010 I finally hit true rock bottom when I lost my career as a trucker. It was time to study and live as though my very life was at stake, and it was! In the next fourteen months I studied the Bible regularly, sometimes up to five hours a day. I collected about two hundred pages of notes, Bible verses and word definitions. Having studied to discern the truth and polish the pearls of wisdom, God has helped me to design a truly Bible based system that will rebuild the broken life, reinforce the healthy life, and fortify the great warrior for life’s harshest battles. I call it Nathan’s Plan. It’s God’s plan really, a direct physical representation of God’s Word. I call it Nathan’s Plan because it is my personal plan to heal, grow and live a meaningful life with confidence, strength and purpose.
Nathan’s Plan is built on the simplest of God’s rock solid foundational principles for living in every area of life. Easy to learn and simple to use, God’s absolute Truth is THE Road Map of life and so, the hopeless, the desperate, the weakest of heart, using this system will find Peace on the Path.
Nathan Whitney
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Delight in the Law
I’m continually surprised at how many people look at the Nathan’s Plan principle and goal poster and tell me I’m too detail oriented, or too worried about following the details of biblical law. My response is this. God’s laws of right and wrong and his laws of nature give us strength and freedom when we follow them. They were given to us for our benefit. Discipline in them brings strength, peace and joy! David writes many times in the book of Psalms how much he delights in the statutes of the Lord and what a joy it is to follow them.
A close friend of mine once told to me, “Nathan you can’t plan everything.” Very true, but I want to set a wisely planned course with a strong ship so that when the storms of life unexpectedly come to me, I’ll be strong and I’ll be ready. When the storms of life come to you wouldn’t you prefer to be sailing a ship that is strong and has a wise captain whose eye is on a straight course and has prepared in advance for the storms or taken action to avoid them from the start?
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The Christian life is NOT about trying to live a life of strict compliance to perfection but in God’s grace, I should implement the strength and peace of His ways into my life.
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Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. Psalm 119:24
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23
God’s Word is The Ultimate Life Plan. Become.
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Program Outline
5 Foundations
For perspective, let’s look at some basic principles of reality.
1. BECOME Life is about who I am, not what I own.
2. DISCIPLINE Become valuable for a specific purpose.
3. LAW We all obey the law of cause and effect.
4. BALANCE Success without balance is failure.
5. VERSE ON THE WALL Transfer information into my brain.
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The 3 Most Important Things
Before I make plans I must define what is ultimately important.
1. GOD Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
2. PEOPLE Love your neighbor as yourself.
3. NEVER GIVE UP We will receive a reward if we do not give up.
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The 7 Areas of Life
My Specific Action Steps must be based on spiritual wellness and TRUE knowledge.
SPIRIT My body will do exactly what my spirit desires. Reading, prayer, fellowship, service.
BODY My effective use of information is absolutely subject to my physical health and strength and my continued existence on this planet. Pure food, clean water, good walk, fresh air.
MIND Knowledge equals ability to live. God is the source of all truth. Reading, hearing, experience.
RELATIONSHIPS The chain of authority and responsibility are the foundation of all healthy relationship principles. Obey. Serve. Forgive.
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My daily habits and strengths in Spirit, Body, Mind and Relationships will determine my success in Career, Finances and Vision for the Future. My career cannot be any greater than the total combined ability of my strengths.
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CAREER Serve my boss and customer, 10% more effort and attention to detail, fly with the eagles.
FINANCE Right spirit, It all belongs to God, Trust God not money. Give, save, debt free, invest.
VISION for the FUTURE Eternal purpose, earthly plan, specific steps, believe I can, run toward the giant!
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I will study these principles and use them when I consider my current place in life and write my specific action steps in my plan to live and grow according to God’s Word. Doing this will help me define precisely who I am today and BECOME who I am meant to be tomorrow.
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Digest:
5 Foundations
For perspective, let’s look at some basic principles of reality. .
1. Become. Life is about who I am, not what I own.
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
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. Romans 12:2
The first step to “become” is to become broken, to die to my “self.”
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. John 12:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
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2. Discipline. Become valuable for a specific purpose.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:11
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28
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3. Law. We all obey the law of cause and effect.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. Proverbs 5:22
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4. Balance. Success without balance is failure.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiasties 3:1
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
5. Verse on the Wall. Transfer information into my brain.
And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Deuteronomy 6:9
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2
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The Three Most Important Things
Before I make plans I must define what is ultimately important in life. What will matter on the day I die?
1. God. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. Mark 12:30
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
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2. People. Love your neighbor as yourself.
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14
Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Matthew 5:43-47
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3. Never Give Up. We will receive a reward if we do not give up.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9-10
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
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And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:1-8
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This order of importance is reflected in the Ten Commandments in Exodus chapter twenty. The first four commandments are about my relationship to God, the last six are about my relationships with other people. All things good and godly are part of fulfilling the two greatest commandments to love God and love my neighbor. If I give up, it would mean I’ve stopped acting on my responsibility to God and man, so I believe ”Never Give Up” clearly comes next.
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We can discern from God’s Word what the Three Most Important things are, but I need to search my heart to discover what three things are truly most important to me.
I will never give up working to accomplish the good things that God has put in my heart to do, to serve God by serving my neighbor.
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The 7 Areas of Life
My action steps must be based on spiritual wellness and TRUE knowledge.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Matthew 7:24-27
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1. Spirit My body will do exactly what my spirit desires.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:18
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:13
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. Psalm 62:1-2
Reading, Prayer, Fellowship, Service; All four are mentioned in each of the two following stories.
Pentecost:
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47
Thief on the Cross:
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43
Reading
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:14
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Prayer
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
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Fellowship
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
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Service
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
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2. Body. To take action on anything requires physical health. My effective use of information is absolutely subject to my physical health and strength and my continued existence on this planet. Pure food, clean water, a good walk and fresh air are the path to a healthy body.
Pure food. God specially designed nutrient rich food for us to make us strong and well.
Clean water. The human body is 95% water.
Good walk. The human body is specifically designed to walk.
Fresh air. Plentiful oxygen is life to the brain and the cells of the body.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. Genesis 1:29-30
And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. Genesis 9:2-3
Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. Daniel 1:12-16
As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17
And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Daniel 1:20
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3. Mind/Education Knowledge equals ability to live. God is the source of all truth. Reading, hearing and experience are the path to knowledge.
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6
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Peace of Mind
Mental wellness and peace are often more of a spiritual or physical condition. Possessing knowledge or increasing education can help us find peace of mind or emotional healing, but for the purposes of this message I’m going to leave the psychology alone and discuss the mind only in terms of knowledge or education.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
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Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10
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Truth: “conformity to fact or reality” (Webster 1828)
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 1 Timothy 6:20
For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. Job 36:4
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For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Ecclesiastes 7:12
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4
A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 24:5-6
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The ability to live is the overall purpose and use of knowledge but there are three purposes for knowledge within the one.
The knowledge of Gods existance, knowledge of eternal salvation and the knowledge I use to serve God and my neighbor. Everything I know that is beneficial and good falls into those three categories. If I know something that does NOT fit into them it is either wasteful or sinful. A healthy amount of pleasure and recreation fit into the category of serving God and my neighbor as we all need rest and fun.
Knowledge of God
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2
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Knowledge of Eternal Salvation
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:1-5
(Read the chapter below on Justification and Eternal Reward for more on this topic)
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Knowledge I use to serve God and my neighbor.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29
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The nature of the learning process dictates that we either accept the information presented to us or admit that we don’t know until we do our own research. If I’m not willing to do my own research then I’m forced to accept the information presented to me or admit my ignorance on the topic until I study it. This is true in every learning situation: professors, pastors, parents and people around us, they all give us information that we accept or refuse. Even when we do our own research, we choose to trust a written article or our own interpretation of physical evidence. Who do I trust? What sources do I trust? How do I know my own interpretation of physical evidence is correct? I realized this after a brief exchange with a man who is willingly blind. Instead of admitting that he doesn’t know, he simply declared that I’m wrong.
4. Relationships. The Chain of Authority and Responsibility are the foundation of all healthy relationship principles. They are defined in the following verses.
To have a healthy life by functioning according to God’s principles, I must obey my authorities, serve everyone and forgive all who hurt me. Obey. Serve. Forgive.
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Obey (Chain of authority)
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Romans 13:1-5
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Serve (Chain of Responsibility)
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Galatians 5:14
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Ephesians 5:23
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Ephesians 5:28
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:33
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:1-4
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; Ephesians 6:5-6
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26
A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10 (a)
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23
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Forgive
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:21-35
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? James 4:1
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Jesus forgave the ones who crucified him, they violently took his life and he was innocent! Thats why we are supposed to forgive other people; The authorities who have mistreated us, the witnesses who lied about us. We are eternally forgiven by God and will spend eternity in Paradise, so what does it matter if people treat us unfairly here? None are treated as unfairly as Christ was treated, yet he forgave us. It is our duty to God to give that same grace to those who offend us.
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5. Career: Serve my boss and customer, 10% more effort and attention to detail, fly with the eagles.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent. Proverbs 28:20
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11
The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. Luke 6:40
6. Finance Spiritual Wellness, It all belongs to God, Trust God not money, Tithe, Save, Debt Free, Invest.
Spiritual Wellness
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:9-10
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. Proverbs 21:17
It all belongs to God
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:25-33
Give
Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
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Save
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20
This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. Genesis 41:28-36
Money is the fruit of my labor and time. Wasting money is throwing away the hours of my life.
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Debt Free
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
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Invest
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. Ecclesiastes 11:2
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17
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7. Vision for the Future Eternal Purpose, Earthly Plan, Specific Steps, Believe I Can, Run Toward the Giant!
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
Eternal Purpose
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:13
And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Earthly Plan
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
Specific Steps
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
Believe I Can
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands. 1 Samuel 17:45-47
Run Toward The Giant!
And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:48
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Justification and Eternal Reward: God’s plan is perfect for everyone, even in prison or moments from death.
The thief on the cross, in his last moments, acknowledged Jesus as Lord of his life and Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Everything in between Justification and Eternal Reward is sanctification, which is the process of life, development and improvement.
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43
This plan from God’s Word is NOT based on accomplishing works or attaining large goals or perfection. That is simply the process of growth (sanctification), in between Justification and Eternal Reward.
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Justification
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 1:12
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth 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. John 3:16-17
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. Ephesians 2:8-9
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10
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 that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
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The text of 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 describing the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been scientifically proven to be a historically accurate account of actual events.
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Think of it like going to court. We are all guilty of something, even if only childhood lies and disobeying our parents. We have broken God’s law and fall short of his standard of perfection. Think of it like going to court, no matter what good deeds we offer to the Judge, he cannot accept future good behavior to pay for past disobedience. The Judge and the law require that a price be paid as a penalty for the crime. Our sins carry a price of eternal death in Hell, the Lake of Fire. I cannot pay this price and survive, but Jesus stepped into the court room and offered to pay the penalty for me. Jesus death on the cross satisfies the debt I owed to God, the Judge, for my sin so I don’t have to pay the penalty myself. I have eternal life with Jesus Christ but ONLY if I ACCEPT the offer!
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Eternal Reward (Good or bad?)
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: Matthew 25:41
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:46
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3
And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:6-8
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 13:41-43
And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:11
Life Function Symbol (Seen at center of banner at top of this page)
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Learn the meaning of the Life Function Symbol and you will be able to identify which life function you are involved in at any moment of the day. This will help you develop or maintain a healthy functional life. There is Peace on the Path.
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God. God existed before all things. He made the laws of right and wrong and the laws of cause and effect. He wants to be directly involved in your life, but will only do so if you want him.
Me. God made me. He made laws that are designed for my benefit to live a meaningful life and bring glory to himself.
You. God made you too. He made certain laws for our benefit to help us live together in peace.
You, me and God. That is the essence of a meaningful life. Everything else is just along for the ride.
Arrow Pointing Down: God created me. God’s love and care for me. Jesus came to earth and died in my place. Reading God’s Word (the Bible).
Arrow Pointing Up: I love God because he first loved me. Prayer. Talking to God. Giving glory, burdens and requests to God. Tithe and offerings. Obedience and worship.
Arrow Pointing to the Right: Love your “neighbor” as yourself. Talking to you. Giving, Supporting and Showing appreciation. Teaching someone by any method. Service. (Serving God by serving you.)
Arrow Pointing to the Left: Receiving anything from my “neighbor.” Listening. Fellowship. Anytime my neighbor does something that affects me.
Block Destructive Influence: This block represents the fact that sometimes we must block out destructive or negative influence. We don’t always receive “good” from the people around us. Whether we receive good or bad we must return all, trouble and glory alike back to the hand of God. The story of Job is about a man who had many things to lose and he lost it all because God was allowing Satan to test Job. When things were most difficult he still would not blame God but trusted him. All of the wealth Job previously had was given back to him and much more. Give God praise for the good things and pass the troubles on to him as well.
“SELF” blocks the function of a healthy life. Manifestations of “SELF” include: Pride, Anger, Unforgivness, Feeding unhealthy fleshly appetites. Anything that is, “me, me, me.”
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The Chain of Authority and Responsibility are the foundation of all healthy relationship principles.
God: All authority comes from God.
Government: Police, Judges, laws made by government officials.
Private Group: My job, church, or private club. Things I CAN quit if I need to.
Family: Father, Mother, Spouse, older or stronger siblings.
(ME)
Family: Spouse, children, younger or weaker siblings
Workers: Employees, volunteers
All animals: Pets and wild animals alike
The people around us have authorities that we are subject to as well: The Father of a young man’s girl-friend, my spouse’s boss at work. (While I am in your house, I am under the authority of your house.)
When is it okay to disobey, or bypass an authority? When an authority orders you to do something that is disobedient to God, that authority has placed itself in a position of direct rebellion to God. Then, it is appropriate to disobey the command of the corrupt authority to maintain obedience to God, the highest authority.
All authorities here on earth, including me, are imperfect people. We are often imperfect representatives of God’s authority. It is much better to have a bad government than no government. It is much better to have a poorly functioning authority than no authority at all.
My power of authority comes from God. It is my responsibility to lead those under my authority the same way God leads me, with love, fairness, respect and mercy. I must provide rules for them which will protect and guide them. I am an imperfect authority, but I must do my best to represent God’s ways as I lead those who I am responsible for.
I / A = Information and Action Every moment of this life operates by information and action. To have information I need to learn by reading, hearing or experience. To take action requires physical health. My effective use of information is absolutely subject to my physical health and strength and my continued existence on this planet.
When we deny information and action we stagnate, wilt and die. When we increase information and action we grow, we BECOME.
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The meaning of the Life Function Symbol is summed up in 2 Peter 5:1-8
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith…”
“Godliness,” (God)
“Brotherly kindness,” (People)
“Charity” (God and People)
“Perseverance,” (Never Give Up)
“Knowledge,” (Information)
“Temperance,” (Specific Action**)
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Excerpt from: 2 Peter 5:1-8
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The Creed of Nathan’s Plan
Me. I exist. I was created by God, to glorify God.
God. He made Me. God loves me and sent his son Jesus who died in my place to pay the debt I owed to God for my sin against him. I love him because he first loved me.
My salvation is received by grace through faith, not by works. But now that I’m a child of the King what do I do? Coast? No. Become! Become transformed by the renewing of my mind.
The most important commandment is this; to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. In return, God is my Provider, my Protector, my Strength and my Salvation. I serve God by serving you.
The second most important commandment is this; to love my neighbor as myself.
He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the whole law. I receive from my neighbor things that are good and bad. Which one is not my concern or responsibility. I continue to love you with God’s love and return all the burdens and the glory to God, exchanging them for more of God’s love to give back to you.
God. Me. You. That is the true essence of a meaningful human existence. I simply do my best to continue this process of giving to God, receiving from God, giving to you, receiving from you and return it all, burdens and glory alike, back into the hand of God. God will accomplish his plans through the person who does this. Therefore, God cares more about my obedience and the spiritual condition of my heart than what or how much I accomplish.
I will never give up working to accomplish the good things God has put in my heart to do to will and to act according to his good purpose and at the proper time, I will receive a reward if I do not give up.
I will obey my earthly authorities because all authority comes from God. If I have authority over anyone, I am accountable to God for the use of that authority because it comes from him.
I will “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of (my) mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29) This is the greatest human relations principle ever written.
Every moment of this life operates by Information and Action. To have information I need to learn by reading, hearing or experience. To take action requires physical health. My effective use of information is absolutely subject to my physical health and strength and my continued existence on this planet.
When we deny information and action we stagnate, wilt and die. When we increase information and action we grow, we BECOME. I will love the Lord my God with all my heart and soul, and with all my mind as I seek to absorb useful information, and with all my strength as I use God’s principles to live in vibrant physical health.
I will develop an Eternal Vision and pursue it by taking Specific Action Steps toward accomplishing an Earthly Plan, which consists of the good things that God has put in my heart to do to serve God by serving my neighbor.
This is God’s perfect plan for my life as fully described in great detail in his Holy Word. I will hold it in great esteem as the “apple of my eye” (Proverbs 7:2), “write them upon the posts of my house, and on my gates” (Deuteronomy 6:9), and “bind them upon my fingers” (Proverbs 7:3), or at least display it on my wall where I can read it every day so the information will go into my brain and so, come out again through the actions of my hands, my feet and my mouth.
Become God’s Word.
The Ultimate Life Plan.
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Successful use of Nathan’s Plan
90%
First, realize that 90% of the plan is the foundation of a healthy spirit.
Progress cannot be achieved when a person is consumed with feelings of anger, bitterness, hate, jealousy, destruction or pride.
The foundation of a healthy spirit is given to us directly by Jesus Christ when we place our faith in him for salvation.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11
We need to keep our spiritual foundation healthy and growing stronger by taking daily action to participate in the four steps of spiritual growth which are reading, prayer, fellowship and service.
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10%
10% of the plan is to search my heart and make some notes to define my current position in the Seven Areas of Life and take specific action steps forward.
Find truthful information based on the Biblical principles of Nathan’s Plan to learn more about the true path to wellness in those areas.
Carefully consider and write Specific Action Steps on your Nathan’s Plan principle and goal poster.
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Read it every day.
Follow through with your action steps and you will grow, you will “Become.”
The poster is black and white so each person can highlight or color specific areas that are most meaningful or critical in their own life.
Red ink or a narrow red marker are recommended for visibility when writing your specific action steps.
LARGE letters and brief specifics also help visibility.
Be sure to include a specific time frame with each action step such as “daily”, “each month”, “every Sunday” or “before June 30th.” I tend to choose specific action steps that are intended to be accomplished daily to create and reinforce powerful habits. Steps like “read 30 minutes” “walk 20 minutes” “drink 64oz of water”. There are bigger steps like finishing the school year and weekly steps like saving money from each pay check or attending church services every Sunday. All of them reinforce powerful habits.
Nathan’s Plan. ©
Define who you are today.
Become who you are meant to be tommorrow.
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I have deeper information to share on each of these topics in the book I am working to complete. NathansPlan.com
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Living Intentionally For Excellence, L.I.F.E., Join our community!
I have partnered with an inspiring community of people whose purpose is synonymous with the book, Nathan’s Plan. The purpose of this group is to train people like you and me to live by the wisdom of God’s Word, to BECOME leaders and live well balanced, fulfilled lives according to the Truth of God’s Word.
I have been continually impressed with the quality of people I meet in this community and the sincerity of their hearts to learn and live by solid moral principles in actively cultivating personal growth in other people.
L.I.F.E. is a business which has a very strong growth curve and high profit potential. YOU can join us and make a good profit while enjoying great friends, fellowship and personal growth with like minded people.
Check it out, join us, and use the principles of God’s Word to grow, to BECOME!
Introductory Videos:
Message From L.I.F.E. Founders.
LIFE Business, Something Right!
Business Presentation At This Link.
Contact me to learn what we can do for you! BECOME!
Nathan Whitney E-Mail: runtowardthegiant@gmail.com
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