The Lord searches the heart of each person

No matter where you are or where you go, know this; the Lord is able to always search your heart and examine your mind. This is a comfort to those are righteous and are putting their trust in the God.

By doing what is good, they can be rest assured of a reward thats is as good as their deeds. For the Lord God is all knowing and watches over all creation.

However for those who live by evil thoughts and unjust actions, its scary if they dare to realize their very existence is evaluated by the Lord God. Its only due to his mercy and forbearance that they get time to leave their wicked ways. Make no mistake, those who reject this goodness of God are simply setting themselves up for judgment in the afterlife.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

The Lord has given us good instruction in his Holy Word so that those faithful to Him, be strengthened in doing what is just and holy. And also as a testimony of his mercy offered to sinners so that they be saved. May you be found in a worthy state when Jesus Christ comes again in glory!

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:12-14)

Are you prudent enough to avoid danger?

Are you always falling in danger? Or is someone you know always falling in trouble? Then this write up is surely for you.

The Bible says:-

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. (Proverbs 22:3)

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 27:12, KJV)

The the key words are ‘see danger’ and ‘foreseeth the evil’ (or ‘foreseeing the evil’ in modern English).

Let’s also understand the meaning of the word prudent.

Prudent – careful and avoiding risks: as per dictionary.cambridge.org

It’s a good thing to be prudent. Because by being careful you avoid risks.

If you know a certain exercise has harmed people, you can always avoid it or ask your physical trainer for an alternative.

Before you put your money for investment into a financial institution or corporation, its better to check the viability of long term positive returns. Otherwise you’d end up lamenting about your losses.

If you’re going to have surgery for yourself or friends and family, its always good to research and have a second opinion from another doctor, if that is the best thing to do. You don’t want to end up even more sick post surgery due to an ill informed decision.

Don’t get fooled by what you see on the TV or online about taking risks head on. You need to understand the risk and know why you need to take it or you can skip a worthless risk. It will save you a lot of time and effort.

It is not enough to see or foresee danger but also you must act accordingly on this. Most importantly follow the words of Jesus Christ as given below in Matthew 7:24-27:

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. ²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

May you be truly prudent and avoid danger!

Prayer points for 2022

 

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
The Lord preserves the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

For thou hast delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling (Psalm 116:5-8)

As we get into the New Year 2022, let us put our trust not in any sickness nor in vanity of the world but rather totally trust the Lord God. Let us not fear all vile illnesses, nor fear any evil schemes of the Enemy and repel all fear of the unknown. We trust the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver us from all dangers. And we pray that the Holy Spirit gives us good counsel in the entire year of 2022.

Let’s therefore pray the following prayer points in the name of Jesus for the greater glory of God :

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13) I therefore confess all my sins to you O Lord and repent of each evil thought, word and deed. I plead the blood of Jesus over my past, present and future and surrender all of my life to you O God Almighty.

I love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3) O Lord God I you and adore you. Hear me O Lord and save me from all my enemies both known and unknown, for you are indeed the One who is worthy of all of all worship and adoration.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) I submit myself and my family unto the Lord God the Father our my Lord Jesus Christ. And in faith I ask for your protection over us from all evil doers. I prayer that the evil plans of the Enemy are cancelled for our life, in the name of Jesus.

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:4-5) I believe that Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God. I am an overcomer by Jesus for the greater glory of God.

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (Psalm 149:2) I pray that all the lost sheep of Israel turn back to their One True Shepherd in both the Word and the Spirit. Also that all the nations of the earth be delivered from the darkness.

I ask all of the above prayer points in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Casting down imaginations and all that exalts itself against the knowledge of God

O dear believers in Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God, O take heed to the warnings of old. These are the warnings given to us by those who lived with Jesus in his earthly ministry. Learn from it, because you will profit. Observe them, so that your steps are on sold ground.

¹Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: ² But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. ³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ⁴ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) ⁵ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1-5)

These vain ideas were present in the times of the early church and even more now. Heresy and blasphemy has increased even more now. In the name of equality and freedom, the very things that enslave the minds of men and women are now being promoted.

Let me make it real to you:

Some people think its okay to keep on sinning continually, till their time of dying arrives and only then repent. However I’d say ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’ to such people. Do remember ; Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4)

Then there are those that think that worshiping false gods while claiming to be Christian is fine because the Lord God is too loving to judge them. There are in for a nasty surprise in the afterlife for those who cling to false gods won’t enter heaven. Only in Jesus Christ there is salvation. Remember this ; And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Certain people think of the Lord God as a ever permissive father who will support their evil and selfish deeds, just he loves  them unconditionally, are completely in the wrong. By doing their bad deeds and not repenting for them they themselves have chosen to fall away from the grace of God. Memorize this ; “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” (Heb. 6:4-6)

Then then are people who want to practice witchcraft while staying in communion with the Lord God. You can either serve the Lord God or witchcraft. You cannot serve both. Do remember this well ; Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

O dear beloved believer in Jesus Christ, these things mentioned above involve discernment and having an active trust in the Word of God. For the doubting its very difficult, therefore do no live in doubt but in faith and prayer in these times.

¹⁷ But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” ¹⁹ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. ²⁰ But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. ²² And have mercy on those who doubt; ²³ save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. (Jude 1:17-23)

 

 

Just because times are tough do not live in fear

I keep hearing and seeing the news all around the world. Some places there have been earth quakes, some bush fires while now of this writing, the Corona Virus (Covid-19) has been causing devastation and death wherever it can. While the danger is real, you don’t need to live in fear. Firstly put your trust in God who can deliver you from evil. And then continue with prayer and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus. Obviously, you are to also take due precautions and not deliberately land yourself in trouble.

Fear leads to worry and worrying won’t help you

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” ~ Luke 12:22-26

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” ~ Mark 4:39-40

Fear makes the problem seem more than what it is

By being fearful you don’t end up getting your problems solved. Not a bit. You need to focus on the right steps to help yourself. Remind yourself that you are loved by God and he will be there for you in the hardest of times, if you only believe in him.

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” ~ Psalm 34:4

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” ~ Romans 8:38-39

Fear of man (or woman) only keeps you down in life

Fear no man nor woman because it is not worth it. Such fear is a trap. People lose a lot of things, even their souls due to this, because they keep confirming to the sinister schemes of the sinful world. Reject this fear of man (or woman) and be a true believer in God.

The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Fear can keep you away from the Will of God

Beware of fear, because it can keep you away from the Will of God. Be strong and courageous for the Lord God and reject any fear of people and society when it comes to doing all the good things God has planned for you.

Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (1 Chronicles 28:20)

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15)

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

And finally..

I pray that you are able to make a decision to live without fear for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God be with you!

Prayer points for 2021

When times have been tough and there seems to be no cure to what ails our world, let’s turn to the Lord God the Creator of the Word for refuge and relief. Let’s not put our trust in vain people who will only test their solutions with us but don’t take accountability for the consequences. We need to trust and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Living God, to deliver us from all evil, now and forever.

(Even if you end up reading this anytime in 2021, maybe you were stuck with work or partying, remember that this is God’s gentle reminder for you; to ask for grace and mercy in the name of Jesus, that your life be secured and holy.)

Please do note that unless you desire that the Lord God guards and defends you as you praise His Holy Name, don’t expect that He rebuilds your life nor make the future to be hopeful. You need to believe that God exists and that He can and will defeat all the power of darkness, if only you ask in faith right now. This is a time to reflect and pray for a better year ahead in 2021. For this we can read the below verses:

Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1-2)

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel,
can avail against the Lord.
The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30-31)

Now for the prayer points for the year 2021, I’ve broken them up into five basic categories as mentioned below. Pray each of them as applicable to your own need. Faith in Jesus Christ is the key to a victorious 2021, keep this in mind as you pray them out. Also ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you as you pray, so that you remember any special thing that you need to pray for this year and do not miss it. Here are the prayer points:

Personal prayer points

• O Lord I pray that I get more opportunities to love and serve you all through the year 2021.
• Keep me and my loved ones safe from all sickness, dangers and terrors, and calamities by your grace. Let not the enemy prevail against me in any way.
• Protect my health, intellect, memory, and finances O Saviour of the world. Remove all debt and financial liabilities out of my life. Help me to make the right decisions about the way I work and spend my money.
• Bless my family, friends, and loved ones with safety in spirit and in body too.
• Let all demonic influences be exposed and removed from my life and from my loved ones, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
• Open my eyes to take every day fruitfully by reading and believing in your Holy Word.
• Help me by your Holy Spirit to put my hope neither in any man nor woman but only in Christ Jesus the Lord.
• I pray that I keep getting wisdom from above to help me walk wisely and in the light of Jesus Christ.
• Bless me with gratitude as my attitude so that I don’t fall into pride and vanity. Amen.

National prayer points

• I ask for forgiveness and healing for my nation in which I live and which you have ordained me to be in O God.
• I pray that all evil leaders and corrupt officials are booted out of their seats and positions of power. I also desire that these bad ones are not let loose again to carry out their evil plans against anyone.
• Please instead of them give us real and true leaders that seek only the welfare of the nation.
• In the name of Jesus I pray that there be no earthquakes, no sickness, no tsunamis, no snow nor sand storms nor forest fires for every area I pray for in this nation (try to think which place needs which sort of safety).
• I pray that the borders of my nation are secure and all traitors are stopped from carrying out their evil deeds.
• I ask that there comes no civil war in this nation nor is there any infringement of the rights of the people in the name of false peace and false safety by the government.
• Grant that those who plot against my fellow Christians and true Jews in my nations are only met with failure in their evil schemes. Amen.

International prayer points

• I pray for peace in every nation where there is war that the killings and violence cease.
• That children are no longer harmed in places such as South East Asia, Uganda, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, North Korea and Afghanistan etc.
• That the laws of the nations are not twisted to enable the people to transgress the will of God in areas of marriage, relationships, finances, genetics etc.
• That there is true peace in Israel and all of Jerusalem.
• That there be an escape for the people of various nations from sickness, natural calamities, and financial ruin.
• May the weapons and bombs of the terror groups fail in abundance where they plot against innocent people. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Local church prayer points

• I pray that the local church finds true rest in Christ the Lord.
• That there is no racial nor ethnic discrimination in church.
• That the churchgoers both offline and online, desire to pray everyday and read the Bible everyday.
• That the people of the church worship God with eagerness and thanksgiving.
• That there is only the right understanding of the Holy Scriptures at church.
• I ask in faith that my local church is protected by the grace of God from all enemies visible and invisible.
• That my local church is kept safe against all heresies and worldly lies..
• I pray for the elders and leaders and preachers of the local church, that they be true to divine calling in serving the people of God in Christ-like humility and courage. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Worldwide church prayer points

• I pray that all resistance to the authority of Jesus Christ is met with failure by his enemies who might pose as true believers but are in reality fake ones.
• That the church of the Lord Jesus Christ continues to have faith among its various members even if this is an age where people become apostates.
• That all denominational fights are settled in a peaceful way without compromising on the true Gospel teaching.
• That all false Christian unity movements and related organizations are exposed and their plans are sabotaged by the people of God and the angels of God.
• That the Gospel is preached to every nation on Earth in accordance with the will of God.
• That signs and wonders of the Lord by the Holy Spirit pave way for the preaching of the Gospel and healing of the nations.
• I ask for the safety of missionaries and even the general Christians in areas where the persecution against those who believe in Christ is dangerous and tyrannical.
• I pray that in regions where Christians are in majority, that they are not lax in keeping the faith nor are they stuck in worthless pursuits of worldly passions. May their eyes open to the truth and not be fascinated by the darkness of the world. O Lord, cause the preachers to preach to the people over there without diluting the Word of God. Amen.

I wish you a blessed and prosperous New Year in the Lord Jesus Christ. May the joy of the Lord be your strength. I pray to God that the Enemy of your soul is not able to outwit you. I also pray that you cling always to the Word of God in all that you say, think, or do. Amen.

Jesus Christ be with you, this entire year 2021 and forever!

 

Always win the test of your faith

 

Times that are difficult. Times that have temptations. Times that are of the VUCA type (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity). Times when others lose the faith. Any of these or all of these or a combination of these is what you get when your faith is tested.

It doesn’t matter how big or small the test is. It doesn’t matter what is the source of the test. What matters is that are you willing to win against everything that is trying to fade away your faith? I’m not talking about faith in yourself, not about faith in doctors nor about faith in your nation or state. What I’m talking about is your faith in the Lord God!

Whether its a pandemic called Covid 19, or World War 3 itself, you should always strive to keep your faith in Jesus Christ. Keep it lest you lose your Godly reward!

 

Verses for reflection:

Jesus said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Never be envious or jealous of others if you love God

Never be envious or jealous of others if you love God, because that would amount to doubting God’s goodness in your life.

Why must you be envious of sinners, especially those who look prosperous?

Do you want to have their final hopeless end as well? Or do you want to have the hope which comes from Christ Jesus alone?

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. (Proverbs 23:17-18)

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. (Psalm 37:1-3)

Image credit – Daily hope by Pastor Rick

Envy is a sin that starts first in the mind but once it’s put into action, it can harm others and self too

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death. (James 1:13-15)

Some people are utterly lazy and some lack the right mindset for success, yet these people get very envious and jealous of others who succeed where they failed. Instead of being happy for the success of others, they only find faults with that person. In offices, you will see such kinds, who refuse to talk to a recently promoted colleague just because of envy. In families, you will notice people who won’t help their suffering kin but will do everything to mock a family member who just came out of joblessness, because of jealousy. In politics, you will see one politician who is willing to burn down the entire nation, just because he or she cannot see another politician getting praised by the people for his or her government policies. (Just to be clear, I’m not talking about any specific country, nor about some specific religion. I’m talking about the whole wide world.)

Don’t even say jealousy and envy motivate you

Anyone who claims jealousy and envy motivates them to do better is just plain wrong. Such a person’s wisdom is never from God and can therefore never be justified. You can succeed in life by being truthful and kind and hardworking.

But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. (James 3:14-16)

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Aim to be free from envy and jealousy for your own welfare

Those who continue to remain envious and jealous are simply harming themselves. Firstly harming their thought life and eventually losing their body and soul.

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)

Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple. (Job 5:2)

Instead of jealousy and envy have true love and desire to grow in the Word of God

Instead of wasting your life, resist all jealousy and envy, and each sinful habit and instead love God in all truth. Read the Word of God and grow in it.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. (1 Peter 2:1-2)

Christ be with you!

Related articles:

• Envy is the mother of murder
• An Idol is anything that takes the place of God
• The counsel of the Holy Spirit will never go against the scriptures

Never go back to something God has rescued you from

A dog that returns to its vomit is like a fool who reverts to his folly (Proverbs 26:11)

Some people just like to keep returning to their sinful habits, no matter much you rescue them. They still think that the effect of their wrong choices will carry lesser or no negative effects. However such thinking is just plain wrong and is never supported by the Bible.

 

²⁶ For if we sin deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a fearful prospect of judgment, and a fury of fire which will consume the adversaries. ²⁸ A man who has violated the law of Moses dies without mercy at the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹ How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by the man who has spurned the Son of God, and profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and outraged the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10: 26-30)

 

If the Lord God has rescued you from any evil, be very thankful to him. This is one life that you have, don’t let it go waste on the same things Jesus saved you from. Don’t keep presuming that God will keep saving you each time. The Bible clearly warns us not to put the Lord your God to the test. So simply don’t stand in a place of danger trusting in miracles, when God does not approve of you going there. What place am I talking about? Its the place of backsliding (into any sin) which is just one stop before the place of Eternal damnation!

 

Never go back to bad friends and bad relations

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Come to your right mind, and sin no more. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

When Jesus saves you from bad friends, don’t walk right back with them, because they will 100% try to entice you to sin. Don’t displease the Lord God who has kept you from those who can ruin your soul with vile and sinful thoughts.

When you know that your past relationship, only made you an alcoholic or and immoral person, that relationship is simply going to lead you nowhere but in more evil things. Not worth your time nor effort, seriously!

 

Never go back to bad habits or sins

The backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his. (Proverbs 14:14)

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ( Matthew 26:41)

But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2)

What pity will people have for the drug addict who keeps doing back to drugs even after being revived several times due to his or her multiple overdoses? Such a drug addict or let me say recovering drug addicts must take help from those not on drugs to remain off such a lifestyle that can harm the body and mind as well.

In a similar way, going back to alcoholism to ‘forget’ your problems won’t make your problems disappear. These will remain and being drunk will only make it more difficult to fix anything.

Talking about both the above examples and all other sins in general including stealing, idolatry, etc you need to stay clear of them all. The same Lord God who rescued you from these sins and bad habits can give you the grace to never fall back into them. All you need to do is faithfully pray to God to give you the strength to remain true to your calling in Jesus Christ.

“Backsliding, generally first begins with neglect of private prayer.” (J. C. Ryle)

 

Christ be with you!

 

 

 

 

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit

 

 

No wise person would want friends who always are selfish. Do take note that a selfish person can cause harm to anyone especially friends and family, in his or her vain pursuits for self-gratification. This harm can be financial losses, loss of reputation, and even loss of life to name a few.  Would you still want to be friends with such friends who are selfish?

 

If you don’t want a selfish friend, it’s only fair to ask of you to never ever be selfish yourself. If you are not selfish it doesn’t mean that you to be self-harming nor self-deceiving. In fact, you’re better poised to help your friends and family. You can progress in life by being a blessing to others and yes it’s totally possible. So, if you choose to never be selfish and simply follow the Word of God you will be found truly worthy in this life and in the afterlife.

 

Verses for reflection:

1. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

2. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

3. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10:24)

4. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (James 3:16)

5. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. (Proverbs 11:25)

6. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:2)

7. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Proverbs 18:2)

8. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:31)

9. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)

10. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! (Psalm 119:36)

11. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

12. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

13. And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)