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GOD MAKES ALL THINGS NEW
"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" Revelation 21:5
God is the creator of everything on earth, and everything He created was good. Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."
However, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin brought a curse upon the earth. Genesis 3:16-23 describes how God punished humanity and cursed the earth, which He had initially created as good and pleasing. Additionally, after Cain killed his brother, Genesis 4:11-12 recounts how God pronounced a curse upon him, saying, "Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."
Therefore, sin and curse destroy the world, making human life difficult and full of suffering. But God is merciful, and as our Creator, He has never stopped helping humanity and solving the problems and suffering caused by sin.
The things that have been destroyed because of sin and the curse, God, in His mercy, makes them new. In Isaiah 43:18-21, God says:
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
My message for today says, "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new.'" This is a message for you. If God can recreate the entire world, can He not much more do the same for your life or health? If anything in your life has been destroyed and seems beyond repair, pray to God today to make it new because God is the Creator, and He can make it new. We are used to asking God to repair and fix things, but now it is time you pray differently, pray for something new. Our God is the Creator
Prayer: God, You created the heavens and the earth, and for you, nothing is impossible, I ask You to make New every situation and everything in my life that seems impossible to fix. Amen.
May God grant us love and peace wherever we may be. Let us love and appreciate each other, and in whatever we do, let us do it in unity so that God's blessings may be upon us all and we may live in peace.
This Sunday, I pray for you, may you be an agent of love, unity, and kindness wherever you may be. Amen.
Have a wonderful Sunday.🙏
Live a Righteous Life
"The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous." Proverbs 3:33
Some people believe that the Old Covenant ended 2000 years ago after Jesus died on the cross. Therefore, they believe that the curses and punishments written in the Torah no longer exist in the world. This view is not correct because even now, people are living under the Old Covenant.
The Old Covenant ends when you believe in Jesus Christ. Firstly, the Old Covenant written in the Bible, which is also called the Torah, was specifically for the nation of Israel. If you are not an Israelite, you are not under that covenant. But the punishments and judgments written in that covenant were used by God to govern the entire world.
So, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ, the curses written in the Bible will be upon you when you sin against God. Therefore, I wish you take today's word very seriously, which says:
"The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous."
For you and your offspring to avoid curses, you must live a righteous life and do good deeds. If you believe in Jesus Christ, your actions must align with your faith. Do not think that because you attend church services, pray, and give offerings, you are exempt from curses. In the book of Romans 2:5-9, the Word of God says:
"But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God 'will repay each person according to what they have done.' To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;"
Here, the word refers to both Jews and Gentiles, meaning judgment is for all people, both Jews who had a covenant with God and Gentiles who did not. God judges everyone without favouritism.
There is no way you can escape God's judgment. So, today choose God's blessings to be upon you by doing what is right so that you and your offspring will be blessed. Amen.
Prayer: Oh, LORD, I pray that you grant me the ability to live a life that pleases you. May my actions align with my faith in you so that I and my offspring may be blessed. Amen.
Reliable Protection
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10
Jesus Christ is the only reliable protector because no one else with power might like Him, for He has conquered all the enemy's forces and is seated at the right hand of Almighty God, reigning forever.
Therefore, when the Word of God says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might," it teaches you to be confident in Jesus' strength and power.
We indeed pray and believe in God, but sometimes our hearts are frightened by the challenges we face, and we begin to have fear and doubt, thinking that bad things will happen to us. That is when you are told to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. In Psalm 91:2-7, it is written:
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."
This is the assurance you must have in our God. God is a reliable protector; do not rely on humans or other gods. Humans have many methods of protection, but they have limits; there are things that human protection can not prevent. Only God can protect you. Therefore, trust in God's protection because He is with you, protecting you at all times.
Prayer: Oh Lord, I place my trust in You and in Your strength. I will always trust in You because You are my God. Amen.
Jesus Christ is Your Advocate
Who will accuse God's chosen people? God Himself declares them not guilty. Romans 8:33
Jesus did not sin nor deserve any punishment; He accepted all the accusations on our behalf. Jesus agreed to bear our judgment when He was crucified on the cross. The punishment that was on us was placed on Him so that we who believe in Him will not be condemned again but be free.
After the apostle Paul understood the work Jesus did on the cross, he asked, "Who will accuse God's chosen people?" because no one can accuse us since God has accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's life, which is His blood, as a ransom for our sins and transgressions.
Even Satan cannot accuse us before God anymore. Initially, he had that opportunity and accused many of God's chosen ones, as he did with Job. But in the book of Revelation 12:10, God's word says:
"I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.'"
The position of the accuser of humanity before God has been removed, and now our advocate, Jesus Christ, sits in that place as our high priest and intercessor. Even if we err, He is there to defend us and not to condemn us. God's word says:
" My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2"
So, if you believe in Jesus Christ and the work He did on the cross for you, know that God has accepted you and does not condemn you. If God does not condemn you, do not let anyone condemn you, and no one can accuse you before God because Jesus Christ is there to defend you.
Curses and judgment from people have no power over you because Jesus Christ is there to defend you, and His blood speaks better things for you always. Therefore, do not be afraid. Continue to trust and depend on God always. Amen
Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my advocate. I commit my life into Your hands always to be safe and free. Amen
ENJOY THE LIFE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
" All of us should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God's gift. Ecclesiastes 3:13 GNT "
The blessing of God is in the work of our hands. Work is a blessing from God. God created humans to live a life of joy and pleasure, not a life of hardship and suffering. But for a person to live such a life, they must work. Joy and pleasure are the results of work.
Genesis 2:2 says, "By the seventh day, God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work." Here we see that even God worked and then rested, enjoying His work.
What we learn from today’s Word is:
1. Enjoy the Work You Do:
The work you do is not a burden but a responsibility that you should perform with joy. Sin made our work hard and burdensome (Genesis 3:17-19). But now we have been forgiven, and that curse is lifted from us.
Therefore, if there are things making your work burdensome, pray to God to remove them so you can start enjoying your work now. If you don’t live a joyful life while working, even when you retire or grow old, you won't be able to enjoy your life anymore. So, the time for you to live a joyful and restful life is now. You must balance your work and rest, enjoying your life now, not later.
2. Be Thankful and Content with What God Has Given You Now:
There are people who are still struggling to achieve great success. Maybe you are living like this, too. God’s Word says that having the opportunity to eat and drink is a gift from God. So start enjoying what God has given you now; don’t wait until you have more to start enjoying. No! Your time to be happy is now.
Some people feel they don’t deserve happiness if they haven't achieved their goals yet; this is a wrong notion. The time to be happy is now. Do not compare yourself with others; enjoy what God has given you now, even if you have your future plans.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 says, "This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink, and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot."
So, God’s will for you is to live a joyful life from the day you are born to the day you die. In every stage and situation you go through in life, there are blessings that God has released for you, even if they are small. Learn to enjoy them.
Prayer: Oh, LORD, grant me the ability to be content and enjoy the fruits of my labour. Let me live a life of joy and peace always, for life is a gift from You. Amen.
GOD WILL ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS
Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me. Psalm 66:20
Our God is faithful and merciful to His children. In this Psalm, King David praises God because He accepted his prayer. You will see in the words of today's verse, that David speaks of himself personally when he says, "Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer," so the prayers answered here are those of David.
By using this testimony of David and many other testimonies in the Bible, I assure you that indeed God faithfully answers the prayers of His people. However, many criteria determine whether a person's prayer will be answered.
In this Psalm, David begins by saying, "I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer." (Psalm 66:17-19) You see, David says his prayers would not have been heard if he had cherished sin in his heart.
Indeed, God hears and answers prayers, but some things can hinder our prayers. Isaiah 59:1-2 says, "Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that he will not hear."
God is faithful and ready to hear and answer our prayers, but sin separates us from God and causes our prayers to be unacceptable to Him. When you see that your prayers are not being answered, know that the problem lies with you, not with God.
There are many hindrances to our prayers, but the main hindrance discussed here today is sin. So do not be surprised if you see others' prayers being answered while yours are not. It is not that God has favouritism. Examine your life; maybe you are living a life that pleases God, but there is a certain sin troubling you. Strive to overcome it. Make every effort to live a holy life.
God also listens to the prayers of sinners, but those prayers must be of repentance and asking for forgiveness. Only then should other prayers follow. If you have not prayed for mercy and forgiveness from God and been forgiven, all your other prayers are invalid. So repent first before asking God for your other needs.
Prayer:
Lord, you are faithful. You listen to and answer our prayers. I pray that you grant me the grace to live a life that pleases you so that my prayers may find favour before you. Amen.
GOD HAS APPROVED YOU
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
The most important thing in life is for God to approve you. When God approves you, no one can reject you. Even if opponents arise, God's ways are unstoppable; they will be amazed as the one they oppose is elevated daily because God has approved them.
In the Good News Translation (GNT), this verse is translated as, "Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work..." 2 Timothy 2:15 GNT. The emphasis in this translation is on being approved by God.
The first step to obtaining approval is to be accepted by God. Know this: all of us who believe in Jesus Christ and confess Him as our Savior have already received God's approval, he has accepted us as his children.
The major problem for many people is self-rejection before God due to their weaknesses; they see themselves as unworthy before God and believe God does not accept them. God's word tells us that it is important when we approach God, we do so as people who are already accepted by Him. A believer should not go before God as a cast-out.
The second step concerns our lives here on earth. As we live here, we should also present ourselves as those accepted by God. Let me give you an example of a common mistake. Someone may believe in Jesus, have repented of their sins, and fully believe they are forgiven, but if you ask them if they would go to heaven if they die today, they might say they don't know. They are not sure they are accepted by God.
If you have doubts about your personal relationship with God, you cannot be confident before people about your faith and purpose here on earth. Timothy was encouraged by Paul to be confident and assured of his approval before God and the work of God he was doing here on earth.
So today, be diligent and strive to overcome all doubts and insecurities about yourself and the work you are doing. Be confident that what you are doing is right and that God is with you. Amen.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, give me confidence and assurance that You are with me and that I am approved by You, so that I may live a victorious life always. Amen.
PRAYER HAS THE POWER TO REMOVE EVIL
"Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just; For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds." Psalm 7:9
There are things in our lives and in the world at large that cannot change until God is involved, because there is a great spiritual power from Satan that enables these things to exist and continue to operate.
The Word of God says in Acts 10:38, "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." You see that phrase "Holy Spirit and power"? For Jesus to save those who were oppressed, He needed the power of Holy Spirit, and it is also written there "God was with Him". Because some people cannot be freed from the oppression of the enemy without God's intervention.
The Word of God also says in the book of Isaiah 59:14-16, "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him."
To end evil and strengthen the righteous, God must be involved. Because the origin of all evil and wickedness is Satan, and the origin of all good is God.
You can not end evil and wickedness without Gods help. When you deal with evil people you Must know they are Agents of Satan whether they know it or they don't. Though David was the king of Israel and had the power to fight those wicked people. For him it was just to make one decree as a king, but he knew he needed God, which is why he prayed.
In your life, child of God, wickedness and oppression cannot just end on their own, or you can not end them by your own strength, prayer is needed. And even if you are a good person, you still need prayers for protection, because if you don't, the enemy will attack and destroy you completely.
Prayer is the way to invite God to intervene in our affairs. Therefore, take heart in the Lord and pray diligently.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I ask you to give me strength in prayer, to stand and pray for your righteousness in my life, and I also pray, "Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just."
How to Be Led by God
"Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths." Psalm 25:4
God has given us the freedom to live our lives on earth as we choose. This verse shows us that for God to guide you on your life's journey, you must ask Him and invite Him into your life.
This psalm is a prayer of King David who, despite being given the position of leader of Israel by God, knew that he also needed to be guided. This teaches us that no matter what position we hold, we still need to be taught because there are many things we do not know.
Now let us analyze this prayer. When he says, "O LORD," it shows that this is a prayer directed to God Himself. It is very important in your life to choose who will guide you. David chose God to be the leader of his life, which is why in Psalm 23:1-2 he says, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
When he says, "Show me thy ways," you cannot be led by God if you do not know His ways. The first step to being led by God is to know His ways. So that in your life, when you need something, you know the godly way to get it. For example, if you need a job, you must know the godly way to get that job, so that you are not tempted to use other means to get what you need.
The final part, when he says, "teach me thy paths," is about how you will walk on that path. If God leads you, He will teach you what to do in every challenge you encounter on that path. He will teach you what to do at each step of this journey.
Or even in any matter you undertake, you must know the way of God that He wants you to follow and understand "paths"—how you will walk on that way.
Prayer: O LORD, show me thy ways, teach me thy paths, guide me so that I do not get lost on my journey here on earth. May your Holy Spirit teach and guide me. Amen.
God Will Not Abandon You
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
In our lives, there are times we make decisions to do certain things, and as we begin to do them, we encounter realities and challenges that we did not expect. These challenges are what discourage us, making us feel like we will not be able to achieve our goals.
But in today's verse, we see God encouraging the Israelites because their hearts were broken, and they lost hope after realizing the military strength of the people living in Canaan, the land that God told them was their inheritance.
The Israelites began their journey from Egypt to Canaan with great enthusiasm and joy, but when they reached the wilderness, many things discouraged them to the point where they sinned against God. But the main thing that broke their hearts was the bad news brought by the spies sent to Canaan. God's word says, "But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are.' And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, 'The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there were of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.' Numbers 13:31-33."
These reports disheartened the Israelites, and they lost hope, deciding to return to Egypt. "That night, all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, 'If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?' And they said to each other, 'We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.' Numbers 14:1-4."
This angered God because these people did not believe in Him. They were afraid when they saw the strength of their enemies and forgot that they had a God who was mightier than them and would fight for them. God then swore that those who wanted to return to Egypt would not enter the promised land, and indeed, all of them died in the wilderness except their children, who entered Canaan.
This story is very saddening, isn’t it? Now, what you need to learn from this story is not to give up or be afraid when you encounter challenges, especially if you are doing something that God has promised to make successful.
If you are doing business, do not be afraid of your competitors' capabilities, even if they have more capital or more experience than you. Let this not intimidate you. God is with you, and you will succeed. Do not fear the enemies who oppose you; God will make you succeed in ways you do not know. Just believe in Him and work diligently.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are my shepherd; you are with me to protect and prosper me on my journey. I ask you to remove fear and discouragement from me. I choose to be courageous and to have faith in you. Amen.
Wisdom Strength Salvation Stability
As we look forward to the next six months of 2024, I want to encourage you with the powerful promises found in Isaiah 33:6: "And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure."
This verse is filled with hope and assurance. Let's see how you can experience these promises in the remaining 6 months of 2024.
1. Stability Through Wisdom and Knowledge
Isaiah 33:6 promises that "wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times." In other words, God's wisdom and knowledge will help you stay steady and secure, no matter what happens. Proverbs 2:6 says, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
In the next six months, focus on learning from God’s Word and seeking His guidance. James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." Trust that God will provide the wisdom and knowledge you need for each day, giving you a strong foundation.
2. Strength in Salvation
The verse also talks about the "strength of salvation." This means that God's saving power will be your strength. Psalm 46:1 tells us, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." No matter what challenges come your way, remember that God's salvation gives you strength and protection.
Think about how God has helped you in the past. Romans 8:31 says, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Over the next six months, lean on this promise. God's saving power will help you face and overcome any problems, keeping you strong in your faith.
3. The Treasure of Reverence for God
Finally, Isaiah 33:6 says that "the fear of the Lord is His treasure." This "fear" means having deep respect and honor for God. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
In the coming months, make an effort to honor God in your life. Spend time in prayer, worship, and thinking about His greatness. Psalm 25:14 says, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them." As you respect and honor God, you will find He guides you and reveals more of His promises to you.
As you move into the next six months of 2024, remember the promises of Isaiah 33:6. Seek God's wisdom and knowledge for stability, rely on the strength of His salvation, and treasure your deep respect for Him. Trust that God will be with you, guiding and blessing you through every step.
May this time be filled with God's presence, bringing you peace, strength, and understanding. Amen.
You are a Child of God
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children; Romans 8:16"
The Word of God says in the book of John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God;" if you have accepted Jesus in your heart and you believe in Him, you are already a child of God.
Now, as a child of God, do not listen to the words of people and the lies of the enemy. There have been certain teachings that discourage people and disrupt their faith. Some people have set their own criteria and standards to tell others whether they are children of God or not. These religious rules and human qualifications can not shake your faith if you know the Word of God.
I will repeat this word here again "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God;" therefore, you are a child of God if you have accepted Christ and believe in His name. You do not need to prove this to people for you to know that you are a child of God. This is an internal matter, a matter of faith in your heart.
The one who testifies that you are a child of God is not people, not your friends, not certain people in the church, nor your pastor or church elder. The one who testifies that you are a child of God is the Holy Spirit who is within you. Romans 8:16 says "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children;"
So, child of God, listen to the Holy Spirit and diligently study the Word of God so that people do not disrupt your faith. It does not matter what weaknesses you have. They do not make you any less a child of God. God is there to help His children. The important thing is for you to have steadfast faith in Christ Jesus and a diligent desire to grow spiritually, and God will help you because He is your Father.
Prayer: I thank you, Heavenly Father, for the grace you have given me to become your child. I pray that you keep me from the deception of the enemy and of people. May your Holy Spirit teach me and guide me in your ways. Amen.
God’s Call for Reconciliation
"The Lord God called to Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?'" (Genesis 3:9)
It is human nature to hide our weaknesses. Here we see Adam being sought by God after committing sin. Adam’s purpose in hiding was not because he recognized his mistakes and was afraid to meet God face to face. No! Adam hid because of the weakness he saw in his body. If you read the next verse carefully, you will see this:
"He said, 'I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.'" (Genesis 3:10)
In this verse, the emphasis is on "I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." He doesn’t say, "I was afraid and hid because I had wronged you or sinned." Adam’s focus was on himself; he did not pay attention to the sin he had committed.
So, what do we learn from this? If you sin, you will inevitably face negative consequences. The first and most significant thing is that sin separates you from God. Sin removes you from the level of excellence and position God has placed you in. Many people are not where they used to be because of sin. Moreover, sin causes you to lose what God has given you. Adam lost the glory of God.
Now, man of God, when you make a mistake and lose what God has given you, do not hide like Adam. Many people today focus on their status. Even when they make mistakes and lose some of their possessions, their primary effort is to restore those things instead of first seeking to restore their relationship with God. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Perhaps you have made a mistake and are going through challenges, or you have not made a mistake but are facing difficulties. Do not hide your challenges; speak openly with God. If it is a sin, do not hide your sins; speak to God, ask for forgiveness, and He will forgive you. Whenever you encounter any problem, do not stay away from God; draw near to Him through prayer and supplication, and God will help you.
Prayer: O Lord, I confess all my weaknesses to You. There is nothing in my life that is hidden from You; You know everything. I come to You, asking for Your mercy to remove all challenges and shame from my life. Amen.
Humility is the Key to success and longevity
Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
Today the word of God is warning us that if a person is too proud and thinks too highly of him or herself, you should know that person is heading toward problems and failure. The Bible often warns against pride because it makes people blind, unaware of their mistakes and weaknesses, leading them to make bad decisions that can harm them.
So today let us learn why you must be humble:
1. Humility Leads to Wisdom
Proverbs 11:2 says, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." This means that people who are humble are open to learning from others and from their experiences. They understand that they don’t know everything and are willing to listen and grow. In contrast, proud people often think they are always right and do not listen to advice, which leads to mistakes and shame.
A humble person might ask for help when they don’t understand something, leading to better results. On the other hand, a proud person might refuse help and make a big mistake because they thought they knew everything.
2. Humility brings God’s Favor
James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." This verse means that God helps and supports those who are humble but stands against those who are proud. Being humble means recognizing that we need God and other people. It means we don’t think we are better than everyone else. When we are humble, we rely on God’s strength and wisdom instead of our own.
3. Promotion and honor
Proverbs 15:33 says, "Humility comes before honor." And 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." These verses mean that if we are humble, God will raise us up and honor us at the right time. When we don’t seek to elevate ourselves but instead stay humble, God sees our humility and rewards us.
Someone who works hard quietly and does not seek attention may be promoted and recognized by their boss because of their humility and dedication. Meanwhile, someone who always boasts about their work might be overlooked because their pride is off-putting.
4. Humility brings unity and love
Philippians 2:3-4 says, "In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." A humble person cares about other people and their needs. Humility makes us put others first and work together better. When we are humble, we don’t act selfishly or think we are more important than others.
For instance, in a team project, a humble person might listen to everyone’s ideas and help others succeed, which makes the whole team perform better.
5. Protection Against Trouble
Proverbs 16:18 teaches that pride leads to trouble, but humility keeps us safe. Psalm 18:27 says, "You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty." Being humble can protect us from making big mistakes and getting into trouble. When we are humble, we are more likely to recognize our limits and ask for help, avoiding many problems.
If a humble person is unsure about a task, they might seek advice and avoid making a costly error. In contrast, a proud person might refuse help, make a big mistake, and face serious consequences.
Humility helps us learn and become wise. It brings us closer to God and His help. It leads to being honoured by God in due time. Humility helps us get along with others and work well together. Finally, it protects us from the trouble and mistakes that come from being too proud. By being humble, we can live better lives and receive God's blessings.
Prayer: Lord, touch my heart, remove all the pride and arrogance. Melt my heart and make me humble. I surrender my life to the leadership of the Holy Spirit so he may teach and transform me to be a humble and wise person.
WAIT FOR THE LORD
But those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:3
Patience is a spiritual virtue, a gift that comes from God Himself. The Holy Spirit gives you endurance, and endurance cultivates patience. In the book of Galatians 5:22, it says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." You can see that patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit within you.
What does it mean to wait for the Lord? Waiting for the Lord does not mean sitting idly and doing nothing. No! Firstly, those who wait for the Lord are people with expectations. They have already done some work or task and are now waiting for God to do something to complete what they started.
You can see in this verse that the strength being awaited here is to enable you to move forward. So, waiting for the Lord means staying calm with faith and expectation that God will do something to empower you to accomplish your goals.
The important thing to know is that while you are waiting for the Lord, it is your time to deal with your weaknesses and things that could disrupt your goals. Psalm 37:7-8 says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil."
So, today, pray to God to give you patience and endurance. Do not rush or do things in your own way because you might make mistakes and ruin your blessings. But if you wait for God, He will give you the strength and ability to achieve all your plans.
Prayer:
Oh Lord, grant me the spirit of patience and humility within me to wait for you until my time comes.
God disciplines those he loves
"Behold, blessed is the one whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." Job 5:17:
The act of God disciplining humans in scripture is described as an act of love because if you err and God decides to leave you alone, your end will be bad. The punishment mentioned here is not to destroy you but to make you fear doing what God has forbidden. Proverbs 3:11-12 says:
"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."
Therefore, God's discipline is akin to how a parent disciplines their child to foster obedience and manners. The Word of God in Hebrews 12:6-11 says:
"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.' Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of Spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
If God disciplined you because of mistakes and sins, thank Him today for His love for you, repent, and change your ways. If you lost things because of mistakes and sins, continue to ask God for mercy, and He will restore everything to you.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for Your love. I ask that You enable me to love You more, even when You discipline me when I err, and to understand that You are disciplining me for my own good. Amen.
Control your speech to avoid troubles
Words hold great power; they can build or destroy. The Bible frequently discusses the importance of our words, illustrating how they can shape our lives and the lives of others. Today, I will discuss the power of words to build or destroy and the importance of wisdom in our speech.
The Power to Build
Words have the ability to build, inspire, and encourage. Kind, loving, and truthful words can inspire, heal, and strengthen relationships. The Bible shows how words have this building power:
Proverbs 16:24: "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
In the New Testament, the words of Jesus are shown to bring life and transformation. For instance, when Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, His words bring about change in her, and many in her village also come to believe in Him (John 4:4-42).
Power to Destroy
Words can also have a negative impact. Hurtful, deceitful, or thoughtless words can cause significant harm to individuals and relationships. The Bible warns about the destructive power of bad words:
Proverbs 12:18: "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
James 3:6: "And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."
The Call to speak Wisely
Given the power of words, the Bible calls us to use our words wisely and intentionally. Everyone is encouraged to use their words to reflect their faith and to bring peace, truth, and love:
Colossians 4:6: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Jesus Himself set the example of wise words in Matthew 12:36, where He says, "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."
Conclusion
The Bible provides guidance on the impact of our words and admonishes us to use our words with wisdom and love. By speaking kindly, truthfully, and wisely, we can build up those around us and manifest the love of Christ. Amen 🙏
Pure Heart
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8"
When the Word of God talks about having a pure heart, it refers to living a holy life without anything in the heart that displeases God. When it says, "for they shall see God," this sentence has two meanings: seeing God now in your daily life, and seeing God after death, living with Him eternally in His glory.
If you allow evil and bad things to dominate your heart, they will prevent you from seeing God's grace in your life. There are things that, if they enter your heart, will hinder your understanding and blind your eyes from seeing God's grace in your life.
Therefore, if you have a pure heart, even when you go through challenges, you are confident that God is with you, as David said, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Psalm 23:4."
When your heart is pure, the Holy Spirit dwells within you, giving you the wisdom to know how God is involved in your daily life. The Word of God says, "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. Proverbs 4:19." But if you have a pure heart before God, His word says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28."
Bitterness, anger, jealousy, and lust prevent you from seeing God's grace in your life; you feel as if God is not with you. They make you see only negative things even in your children, your husband, your work. You fail to see that in those things God has given you, though they have weaknesses, they also have blessings. Therefore, today, pray to God to cleanse your heart, ask Him to change and purify you so that you can see His goodness and presence with you.
Prayer: Oh, LORD, have mercy on me and cleanse my heart with your precious blood so that I may see you in my daily life.
May the Lord hear your prayers and deliver you from all the things you fear and set you free from the spirit of fear so you may live a free and prosperous life.
I wish you a happy Sunday.🙏🙏
Your Bonds Are Loosed When You Pray for Others
"Then the LORD restored Job's fortunes when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." Job 42:10
There are times when we believe that our problems will be solved merely by asking God. However, this notion is not entirely true. When we pray, God provides us with a way to solve our problems, meaning after you pray and receive guidance from God, there is something you must do. God has His part, and you have yours. Therefore, don't be deceived into thinking that just praying without taking action will make everything alright.
The second thing we see in today's verse is that Job was freed when he prayed for his friends. Sometimes, God answers your needs based on how you care for and pray for others.
In the Lord's Prayer, there is a part that says, "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us." Luke 11:4. Our God is just, so the way you treat others is the same way you will be treated. Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it will be given to you..." There are things that even when you ask God, the answers He will give you involve something you need to do to get what you want. Our lesson today is about praying for others.
The church today has a problem of selfish people, especially when it comes to prayer. Many prayers today are "give me, give me" and "I ask," I ask." Even in prayer sessions and events, many prayers are about personal requests, especially for economic success. But God wants us to pray for each other and build each other up.
When you dedicate yourself to praying for others and wishing them well, God blesses the work you are doing, making it successful, and even if you face challenges, God in His grace provides solutions.
So today, if you have been reluctant to pray for others, ask God to give you the willingness. This is a ministry that even Jesus Christ practised on earth.
Prayer: Oh Lord Jesus, grant me the spirit of love to pray for my brethren and all those in need of Your grace so that I may also receive Your blessings. Amen.
If You Find God, You Find Peace
"And He said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" Exodus 33:14
When God is with you when you go through difficult situations, He will give you rest, you will have peace and assurance of getting through safely because you know God is with you.
Having God's presence with you does not mean you will not face challenges in your life, no! But it means that having God makes it different. In Psalm 23:4, God's word says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." In this verse, we see that David had assurance and peace in his heart because God was with him.
Also, in the book of Isaiah 43:2, God's word says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; nor shall the flame scorch you." When God says He is with you, be assured that everything will be alright.
Now, the important thing in today’s world is, "Make sure in your life, at all times, you remain in God's presence." Do not allow anything or anyone to be a reason for you to be far from God.
The cost of walking outside of God's presence is too high. Moses refused to continue with the journey to Egypt without God's presence and said to God, "If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. Exodus 33:15" Just think, the whole nation stood still until they were sure that God was with them. How about you? Shouldn't you do much more?
I urge you again, at any cost, to ensure your relationship with God is right. Do not let sin separate you from God or your desires. Whether someone has offended or hurt you and you have not been able to forgive them, ask God to help you.
Do not let the desires of the flesh cause you to fall out with God, nor the desire for wealth and money. Be faithful in everything you do, and you will see God's presence cover and prosper you in everything you do.
Prayer: Oh Lord, I ask for your presence to be with me always. May your Holy Spirit be with me, and may he teach me how to walk with Him in obedience and humility. Amen
Your words define you
"The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." Proverbs 10:11
God has given us authority as stated in Matthew 16:19, which says, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This authority to bind and loose is exercised through our mouths. Your mouth carries great authority, capable of building up or destroying things on this earth.
Today's word says, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life." This life comes from the words that proceed from the mouth of the righteous.
We will know what kind of person you are based on what comes out of your mouth. "Your words define you."
Today's verse highlights the difference between two people, the righteous and the wicked. Their difference is evident in the words that proceed from their mouths.
You must pay attention and re-evaluate what comes out of your mouth. What do you say about the situations around you? When you face challenges, what comes out of your mouth? when you are offended, what do you say?
The key observation here is that you will discover what kind of person you truly are when you are provoked. When provoked, what words come out of your mouth? The other day I shared this verse, which I would like us to revisit, 1 Peter 2:21-23, which says, "because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."
When Jesus was persecuted and mistreated, he did not utter evil words against those people because his mouth was full of life. Even at the end, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34
The word of God today tells you not to be a wicked person with violent words but to have your words filled with grace. Do not repay evil with evil. Do not speak evil to others; let your mouth be filled with words of blessing, wisdom, and knowledge, words that can help someone going through challenges and difficult times in their life. And also, for those who are lost, let your words be a means to gently and lovingly bring them back to God. Amen.
Prayer: Oh LORD, purify my mouth and fill it with your words of life so that my mouth may be a fountain of life. Amen.
Do Not Judge, Commit to God
"Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." John 7:24
Righteous Judgment: It is something that has become very rare, especially in these times. By nature, humans judge matters and make judgments based on what they see and hear. Jesus said this kind of judgment is not righteous judgment. He commands us to judge righteously.
What is righteous judgment, and what is superficial judgment?
Let's start with the meaning of the word judgment; the word "Judgment" has the following meanings: 1.) A legal decision, 2.) Punishment given after that decision, 3.) Opinions or views on a particular matter, and the act of making a decision.
It is this third meaning we will discuss here.
God has warned us about making judgments without having in-depth information about the matter. Righteous judgment is the judgment made after having in-depth information about a certain matter and making correct decisions.
Today, I will emphasize the judgments we make on spiritual matters and the people we live with. In our current society, people are very quick to speak and give their opinions on matters concerning God Himself without having complete information and understanding of those matters.
Jesus told the Pharisees, "You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. John 8:15" It is very wise for you, a child of God, to remain silent on matters you do not understand deeply, especially spiritual matters.
Jesus said, "I pass judgment on no one." Jesus decided not to judge people, although He was God and knew everything. How much more do you have? As a human being, you must do the same. It is very good for you to learn to remain silent. This will save you from guilt and offending God.
When a situation arises where someone has done something that offends you or did something bad directly to you, do not be quick to make decisions and pass judgment on them because you cannot know the reality of it. First, ask God for his wisdom and help, and if that person has truly wronged you, do as Jesus did. The Word of God says:
"For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. He did not sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:21-23"
Prayer: O Lord, I pray that You teach me Your ways. Grant me a heart of humility and mercy. May I not be quick to judge people, and those who have wronged me, I commit them to You who judges justly. Amen.
Humility will elevate you
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." 1 Peter 5:6
The only one who can elevate a person and make them succeed to the highest levels, with those successes being beneficial and blessed, is God alone.
If you want God to make you successful in your life or your work, you must be humble and patient. Therefore, you must be humble and patient until your time comes. Because God's word says "that he may lift you up in due time."
Many people give up after seeing that God does not act as they want. What you need to know is that God's timing is not your timing; God has His schedules that He planned before He created you and has His time to execute them.
Lack of humility will make you interfer God's implementation of the plans He has for you. Humility is the only thing that allows God to act as He wills.
It is not easy to understand how God works in your life to bless and elevate you because God's word says "...so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9" God's ways are mystery to humans, which is why our successes come as miracles, and some people call it luck.
Therefore, today I encourage you to believe that God will act in your life, your time for elevation will come, and God will give you honor and blessings.
Prayer: Thank you, LORD, for your grace in my life. I pray that you grant me humility and patience until my time for blessing and elevation comes. Amen.
Do not be the reason for others to shed tears
"They cried out, and the LORD heard them; he delivered them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17"
Our God is a God of compassion and love for His people; He is our Father. Just as a parent has compassion for their children, so does God have compassion for us. The nature of any parent, when they hear their child crying, is to go to them and find out why they are crying. And God does the same.
This scripture says, "They cried out." In other places, it says they cried out to God, but here it simply says "they cried out." Whenever any human encounters a problem that causes them pain to the point of tears, God must come to see why a person he created is crying.
The important thing I want to tell you today is; "Do not be the reason someone cries." Do not be the cause of trouble in other people's lives. Our scripture says God hears the cries of His people. God is a just God and has great power to look into the matters of His children and grant justice where He sees oppression.
In the book of Hebrews 10:31, the Word of God says, "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." When you are the reason people cry, you already become an enemy of God because you are oppressing the people He created. No tear falls because of oppression that God will not respond to.
There are people whose suffering in life is due to the tears of others. Indeed, they pray to God, but a great judgment stands against them due to the wrongs they have done to others.
Finally, perhaps you are someone who has been oppressed by others and the troubles of this world have caused you to cry every day. I want to assure you that God is faithful and will deliver you from your troubles. The person who oppresses and mistreats you will not do so forever. God has heard your cry and will save you.
Prayer: Oh Lord, I ask for Your mercy for causing pain to others and made them cry. I pray for your divine wisdom to love my fellows and to live with love and peace with everyone. Amen.
God is our strength
"He answered and said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'” Zechariah 4:6
By the grace of God, today you have reached the halfway point of the year 2024. It is not by your might or your power. Therefore, we have a reason to humble ourselves before God and give thanks to Him.
As you reflect on everything you have gone through from January until today, the things God has brought you through, the blessings He has given you, and how He has protected you from all evil, let us praise God with these words:
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side," let Israel now say, "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us; Then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; Then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul." Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.'” Psalms 124:1-8
Thankfulness, that's what God want
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Many people interpret this verse incorrectly or misunderstand it. When the Bible says "Give thanks in all circumstances," it doesn't mean you should thank God for everything that happens to you as if He caused it. No! Not everything that happens to you comes from God.
What this verse means is thankfulness should be your habit. That’s why in other translations it uses the phrase "keep on thanking." You should be a person of gratitude, and even when challenges come, continue to be thankful to God; don’t let challenges make you start cursing and complaining to God.
The second fundamental point of this verse is that you should know that you have many reasons to thank God, even if you are facing challenges. You are not supposed to thank God for the bad things happening to you. What you should do is be grateful to God because there are still good things God has given you.
Now let me give you examples of how to be thankful. For example, if you experience a loss and lose all your possessions, instead of complaining, you should thank God for the strength, life, mind, and ability He has given you, which can help you regain what you lost. If you lose a close person or a child, thank God for their life. If it’s a parent, say, "God, I thank You because You are my parent." If it’s a child, say, "God, I thank You because You have given me many children and You will give me more." If you lose your job, don’t focus on those who plotted against you; say, "God, thank You because You will give me another job."
In every situation you go through, you have a reason to thank God. Your focus should not be on weaknesses or what you’ve lost; focus on God and thank Him because He is with you and thank Him for the things He has given you. Our verse says, *"For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,"* meaning God wants you to be thankful even when you are going through tough times. If you do this, God will release His power and change your circumstances, giving you His blessings.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive me for not being thankful and have mercy on me for allowing my heart to be filled with bitterness and complaints. Now I know You are with me, and Your goodness towards me has not ceased. I thank You for all the blessings that are still in my life. Amen
God cares for you always
Isaiah 30:18 says, "Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!"
God is eager to be kind to you. He desires to bless you and show you His love. God is patient. He waits for the right time to demonstrate His love in a way that is best for you. He is just and fair in all He does. His justice means He will do what is right and good and He will bless everyone who waits for his help, If you are patient and trust in God, you will receive His blessings. Waiting on God means believing that He will help you at the perfect time.
The Bible is full of verses that show how much God loves you and how He promises to never leave you alone. Here are some important bible verses to remind you of God's love and care for you.
1. God Loves You Deeply:
John 3:16: "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life." This shows the great love God has for you, sacrificing His Son for your sake.
Romans 5:8: "But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God’s love is not based on what you do but on His grace.
2. God Will Not Abandon You:
Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you." God promises to be with you always.
Isaiah 41:10: "So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will hold you safe in my hands. I always do what is right." God reassures you that He will support and strengthen you.
3. God Will Deliver You in Times of Trouble:
Psalm 34:17: "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." When you call out to God for help, He listens and rescues you.
2 Corinthians 1:10: "He has delivered us from deadly danger. And he will deliver us again. We have put our hope in him. He will continue to deliver us." Paul talks about God’s past deliverance as a promise for future help.
4. God Will Bless You:
Jeremiah 29:11: "I know the plans I have for you,’ announces the Lord. ‘I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come." God has good plans for your future, filled with hope and blessings.
Ephesians 1:3: "Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Those blessings come from the heavenly world. They belong to us because we belong to Christ." Through Jesus, you have received every spiritual blessing.
Isaiah 30:18 shows us a wonderful truth about God’s nature. He is kind, patient, just, and full of love. God loves you deeply and promises to never leave you. In times of trouble, God will deliver you and always be by your side. By trusting in Him and waiting for His perfect timing, you will be blessed. God’s plans for you are good, and His love for you will never end. Amen
You are Called to Show Love, Not Perfection
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" - 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
From this verse, I would like to teach you 3 things, First, As a believer, you are on a continual journey of transformation, becoming more like Christ each day. Even the Apostle Paul, acknowledged his ongoing need for growth in Philippians 3:12-14, where he says, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me... Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead."
Second, This verse reminds us that at every stage of life, we continue to grow, there is no level of faith you can attain while you are here on Earth where you can say that you are perfect and you don't need to learn or to pray. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, the word of God says "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Third: We are Ongoing Spiritual Battle.
The Christian life is an ongoing spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This battle requires constant readiness and vigilance. When Paul warns, "Be careful that you don’t fall," he acknowledges the real danger that even the seemingly strong can stumble.
Peter also echoes this warning in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Complacency is the enemy of faithfulness. Therefore, you must guard your heart and mind, being diligent in prayer, study, and fellowship, to withstand the temptations and attacks you face daily.
Christ calls you to demonstrate love, particularly towards those who are weak, rather than to showcase your own righteousness. The essence of Christian living is not in displaying your perfection but in embodying Christ's love. Jesus, himself taught, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). This love includes bearing with one another's weaknesses and shortcomings, as Paul advises in Romans 15:1, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves."
Moreover, in Galatians 6:1-2, Paul instructs, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." This directive reinforces the necessity of a humble and loving approach to others, understanding that you too are susceptible to falling.
So, God is reminding us of humility and vigilance in our spiritual journey. You are continuously being transformed into the image of Christ, engaged in a relentless spiritual battle, and called to extend love rather than assert your own perfection. Follow this path with a heart attuned to God’s grace, ever mindful of the care required to stand firm in faith.
Prayer: Lord, I pray to you, to help me to be humble and loving to everyone. May I show love to those who are weak. Help me to know I am on a continuous transformation journey which I will finish when I see your face in heaven. Amen