My Peace I Give Unto You: Not As The World Giveth

John 14:26-27, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

       What a precious promise from our dear God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! What a beautiful statement and truth: “MY PEACE I GIVE UNTO YOU: NOT AS THE WORLD GIVETH, GIVE I UNTO YOU.” I love that, Jesus not only promises to give us TRUE PEACE, but He contrasted it to the FALSE PEACE that the world gives, and assures us that His peace is very different than the world's. The world's peace is temporary, unfulfilling and vain. God's peace is everlasting!
I got to thinking, how does the world give a person peace? The word “peace” in John 14:27 comes from the Greek word eirene, which by implication means “prosperity.” I love that! Jesus gives us true prosperity, which is the peace of God that passes all understanding. There is no greater wealth. In sharp contrast, the world equates “prosperity” with worldly success, wealth, fame, pleasures and good health. But the Word of God teaches that true prosperity is having peace in your soul with God, knowing that your name is written in Heaven, and that you are presently right with God in your daily walk.
My friend, you can be totally broke financially, very sad, emotionally hurting, dying with cancer, and all alone in the world; yet you can have great peace in your soul if you are saved and right with Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The reason why we can have such great peace through prayer is because God sees what we cannot see. We don't have to fear tomorrow, because God is already there!!!
I recently noticed something in the Bible that I hadn't noticed before. For decades I was very familiar with Hebrews 13:5, which is God's promise never to leave nor forsake us. But I had never noticed the next verse, and it is precious...

Hebrews 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

THE LORD IS MY HELPER!!! I WILL NOT FEAR WHAT MEN CAN DO UNTO ME!!!
 
There is Peace in Knowing That God Will Right All Wrongs In Eternity
Have you ever found yourself perturbed, upset about a situation, frustrated that there was nothing you could do while someone was wronging you? I have been defrauded, oftentimes. God's warnings against defrauding one another applies to Christians too. 1st Thessalonians 4:6, “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” One thing that I have learned in the Holy Scriptures about the justice of God is that every sin must be accounted for.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” I love that!!! I love it because I spend my private time working on my website ministry. One day my labors will be openly rewarded. This also means that the wicked, horrible and monstrous things that people do in secret will openly be revealed and judged in eternity. Those self-righteous sinners who criticize, gossip and condemn others the most here on earth, will be the most ashamed and harshly dealt with in eternity by God the Father.
Here on earth, people categorize sins and don't place any priority on hundreds of crimes, simply because the local government cannot afford to pay the police to respond, investigate, process or prosecute them. In other cases, people just don't consider many sins a crime, but they are in God's eyes. Americans don't consider a woman walking nude along the beach a crime, but it is an abomination in the sight of almighty God. Our nation has deteriorated so much, that even same-sex unions and abortion are no longer considered sins and crimes. Man's laws do not superceded God's laws. It's the other way around. God's laws always trump man's laws!!! Men are capable of the most inhumane evil when they abandon God, and as history evidences, men never learn from their mistakes. America's youth are utterly confused about right and wrong, because our society has abandoned the moral standards of the Holy Bible! As Americans increasingly tolerate sin, each succeeding generation of youth become more amoral (no morals), and the Illuminati come that much closer to confiscating everyone's guns and establishing a Godless Thug Totalitarian Communist Police State!!! Ugly perilous times are ahead for Americans!!! God will not be mocked, sin always undermines a nation!
Whatever people do unto others, that is exactly how God is going to treat them. It's called the “Reciprocating Law Of Life.” Matthew 7:1-2, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Even though redeemed Christians cannot be punished (damned) for their sins in criminal court at The Great White Throne of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), they can and will be chastised (disciplined) and suffer loss of rewards in God's civil court at The Judgment Seat of Christ (2nd Corinthians 3:11-15; 5:9-11).

When we are hurt or wronged, by prayer we need to place the matter into God's omnipotent and caring hands for judgment. If we don't pray, then we limit God's hands because of our pride. James 4:6 teaches that God resists THE PROUD, but He gives grace to HELP IN TIME OF NEED (Hebrews 4:15-16) to THE HUMBLE (those who pray and trust upon the Lord). God cares my friend, more than you could ever know. The big question is do you care? The very moment that you ask God to avenge you of wrongdoing against you by others, He marks that incident down and schedules it for a court date in eternity. Luke 18:7, “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” When someone hurts you, in any one of a thousand hurtful ways (even if to be unkind to hurt your feelings), the Lord will avenge His children, especially those who request to be avenged. Matthew 18:6, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

Romans 12:19 promises that God will avenge His children of all evils committed against them (and vice versa if left unreconciled). Jesus warned in Matthew 12:39 that men will be held accountable even for their idle words. How much more shall men be held responsible for their hurtful, lying and critical words against others! It is a matter of faith. The unsaved man has no right to claim any of the promises of God, except spending eternity in the Lake of Fire.
 

There is Peace in Serving God and Doing Right
Ephesians 5:12, “For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” Evil has always been done under the cover of darkness, to conceal it. This is why there are secret societies, because they are evil. Freemasonry is evil. Bohemian Grove is evil. Skull and Bones are evil. Jesus said that He spake openly and in secret said nothing. John 18:20, “Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” I have perfect peace in knowing that I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of in serving God. It is an honest undertaking. I love playing musical instruments, which is a good and honest thing. It is the abortionists who operate in their private clinics, because they are too ashamed to operate in hospitals. It is the homosexuals who masquerade in society, refraining on Wikipedia from declaring their gay marriage status. It is the strippers who are ashamed to do their dirty dancing in the light, so they come out at night under cover of darkness to expose their unholy flesh.
Young people, if you do what is right, then you can walk tall in confidence and never have to flee in fear. Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” What a beautiful Bible verse!!! I was listening to an episode of Pacific Garden Mission's UNSHACKLED today, and I heard the story about a troubled young man running from the law. He and his friends had stolen some merchandise at a local store. When they saw a police car, they sped away in panic, and led the police on a high-speed chase, which resulted in a tragic crash that landed them all in critical condition in the hospital. It turns out that the police officer had only intended to pull them over because of an inoperative taillight. But you see, those boys knew they had done evil, and were LIVING IN FEAR. That is what the Bible means when it says in Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” If you always purpose in your heart to think no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, and do no evil, then you'll be as bold as a lion in the presence of the legal authorities. It is criminals who live in fear, and flee when no man pursueth.
I believe this is what the Bible means in Revelation 21:8, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” They are FEARFUL because they know they are living in rebellion, wickedness and defiance against a holy God. They know their day of reckoning is coming, but they don't care!
I care! I care because God cares, and I have the love of God in me as a Christian. I have made many mistakes in life, and am far from perfect, but I want to be perfect like my dear Savior Jesus Christ. I have peace in my Savior. Ephesians 2:14, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” That “middle wall” was the dividing partition that once separated a holy God from unholy men. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, removed the wall. Ever since, every Christian has full access to the throne of God because of the blood of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15-16).
 
There is Peace in Casting All Our Cares Upon the Lord In Prayer
In my early Christian life I was taught to memorize key verses of interest in the Bible. This is still widely taught today in religious circles. But I've learned over the decades as a believer that there is an inherent flaw in such thinking, because so many times popular Scriptures are quoted out of context. It is a bad thing to focus upon a single Scripture without considering the surrounding text. For example: I had always quoted 1st Peter 5:7 to myself from memory (i.e., Casting all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you), but then became frustrated when God didn't immediately show me some sign that he really cared. Then one day I studied the surrounding verses and it changed my way of thinking about 1st Peter 5:7...

1st Peter 5:6-10, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

When you just focus on 1st Peter 5:7, it gives the impression that anytime you have any kind of burdens, problems or difficulties, you just hurl them God's way and then He does something about it to make things better. That's what I felt for years. When things didn't get better, going from bad to worse, I became discouraged. But carefully notice verse 6, which says God will exalt us in “DUE TIME.” I looked up the Greek word for “exalt,” which is hupsoo, meaning “to elevate (literally or figuratively): to lift up.” The Greek word for “care” is merimna, meaning “solicitude,” which is “a feeling of excessive concern.” In other words, when we have feelings of excessive concern over a matter that is burdening us greatly, making us miserable or distracting us from everything else, consuming our mind, God instructs us to throw those worries and concerns to Him, and then be patient, knowing that in God's proper time, He will lift us up out of our afflictions.
 
There is Peace in Using Our Suffering for God's Glory to Help Others
Notice in verse 9, that we are instructed to consider that our sisters and brothers in the Lord are enduring the same afflictions around the world. We are not alone!
Also, notice in verse 10, that the Bible says God's grace uses such afflictions to strengthen us, make us perfect (complete), stablish us (set in the right direction), and settle (lay a basis for, erect, that is, God uses the miseries in our life to lay a foundation to build a meaningful life upon). Nearly everyone (including most believers) have a pity party, complain and wallow in their problems and afflictions; but the Scriptures teach something very different. The Bible teaches that in order for God's power to rest upon us (believers) and our ministry for Him, WE MUST SUFFER...

2nd Corinthians 12:9-10, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Without personal suffering we cannot mature in the Lord. Without lemons you cannot make lemonade. As only God can do, He takes the inexplicable pain, loss, abuse, suffering and misery in our life and uses it to shape us further into the image of Jesus Christ. God is truly amazing! The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways! The Word of God is strange indeed! What other book in existence teaches that all the sad, mean, unfortunate, bad and hurtful things that happen to us in life are WORTH MORE THAN GOLD??!!

1st Peter 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

Do you know what the last part of that verse means? It is beautiful. The Bible is saying that hopefully the problems, burdens, pain, misery, loss and tribulations in our life have been put to good use, bringing honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Jack Hyles preaches a wonderful message about this truth in his awesome MP3 sermon titled, WASTED SUFFERING.
 
The Insane, Ungodly, World Has No Concept of True Peace of Soul
If you have been a born-again Christian for enough years, as I have (over 35 now), then you truly know the different between the peace which the world has to offer verses the peace that the Holy Spirit and the inspired Words of God give the believer. The younger generation naturally esteems “prosperity” with a high-paying career, generous career benefits, a decent retirement plan, a big home, financially well-off children, a university degree, et cetera. But the Bible says that character is more important than wealth. Proverbs 19:22, “The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.” We live in a nation of liars today—from lawyers, to judges, to realtors, to those who file for divorce, to false preachers, to the government, to the Bible-corrupting movement, et cetera.
What a blessed truth in John 14:27 from the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that Jesus mentions the gift of the “Holy Ghost,” the promise of the “Comforter,” in John 14:26. Do you know why the Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Holy Ghost? A “ghost” is a spirit that has returned from the dead. Amen! The “Holy Ghost” is the resurrected Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9). The reason why a Christian believer can have a peace beyond anything the unsaved world could ever know, is because of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. The believer's physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1st Corinthians 3:16-17 - Note: All references are only to the trustworthy King James Bible). Every believer has God's Holy Spirit living inside his or her physical body. God is amazing!!!
When I am troubled—because I am having a bad day, am mistreated by people, learn some horrible news, find out about something sad, have to deal with problems caused by incompetent employees at a medical clinic or billing department, have to deal with life's difficulties, am cheated by someone, am overwhelmed with life itself, or just plain depressed knowing that most of the world is headed straight for the Lake for Fire—I am reminded by the indwelling Holy Spirit of numerous encouraging Scriptures:

Luke 10:20, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:22, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
Psalms 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
2nd Corinthians 4:17, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Hebrews 13:5-6, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

There is Peace in Having God's Promise of a Wonderful Future in Eternity
Rejoice Oh Christian, for the light afflictions of this world pale in comparison to the awesome blessing, peace, joy and splendors which are ahead in Heaven; Especially to those who love the Lord, live for others for Jesus' sake, and serve Him day and night faithfully furthering the preaching of the Gospel to get souls saved...

1st Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
Romans 8:32, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

If you thought the 1971 movie, “Willie Wonka And The Chocolate Factory” was something, you will love Heaven! If you thought the Land of Oz was something in the 1939 movie, “The Wizard Of Oz,” then you'll love Heaven! Do you think for a second that a fictitious Hollywood movie will exceed the beauty, fun, joy and desirability of the Kingdom of God and all that God has planned for the believer? Not a chance in a quadrillion times a quintillion times a septillion!!!!
The Lord gives us peace through the Comforter, that is, the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:1-2, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Amen! We have PEACE WITH GOD THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!!! Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to Heaven!!! Apart from the name of Jesus, there is no salvation (Acts 4:2). Having peace with God comes through faith in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, receiving His sacrifice on the cross as full-payment for your sins, believing that He was buried, and raised up from the dead three days later. That's the Good News (i.e., the Gospel) by which men are saved if they BELIEVE!!! Do you believe my friend? Know Jesus, Know Peace; No Jesus, No Peace!
The world seeks peace in all forms—financial security, marital security, owning a home, belonging to a club or group, religion, manmade tradition, secular philosophy, worldly principles, evolution, et cetera. Other seek temporary peace in sin—booze, sexual immorality, drug addiction, television addiction, et cetera. None of these things can bring lasting peace or satisfaction!!! The only true lasting peace and satisfaction come from knowing that you've been born-again by the Word of God (1st Peter 1:23). It is knowing that your name is recorded in the Lamb's Book Of Life in Heaven!!! When times are tough and the going gets rough, remember that everything is still alright in my Father's house in Heaven!!! Amen and amen! God is never surprised or caught unawares! God never says, “Oops!” Nothing ever occurs to God! Think about that! We don't have to worry about tomorrow as believer's, because God is already there!!!
So when you find yourself irritated, frustrated with a situation, angry about something, perturbed, upset toward another person, et cetera, just remember the Lord's words in the Scriptures John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” We can have such great peace because Jesus overcame the world and conquered death. Jesus lived a sinless life! He died and was buried. CHRIST IS RISEN!!! Because Jesus resurrected, He has sent His Holy Ghost, as promised. John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
 
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus!
Always remember to KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS!!! If you look at people and circumstances, you'll get dragged into their conflicts, bickering and shallowness. Ah, but if you stay focused on eternal things and the Lord Jesus Christ, then everything will pale in comparison. Just love everyone and stay focused on your walk with God, by praying and abiding in His Word continually. HAVE FAITH IN GOD. Stay focused on the BIG PICTURE! In 100 years from now, none of this life will matter. The only thing that will matter then is whether you DIED IN THE LORD (Revelation 14:13), or IN YOUR SINS (John 8:24). All that will matter then for believers is what we did for Jesus' sake and the Gospel's (Mark 10:29-30).
When I find myself at times overwhelmed with life, emotions and people, or frustrated with a situation, I am always reminded of the promises of God in the Scriptures. The future couldn't be more bright for the genuine Christian. My heart is always comforted when I think of God's promises in the Holy Bible. If you want to feel extra close to the Lord, then stand for Him publicly. Witness the Gospel to others. Boldly let others know that you are a born-again Christian. This will bring persecution. 2nd Timothy 2:12, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” Most Christians have a private faith, too private! Do your neighbours know that you're a Christian? Do your co-workers know that you're a Christian? Does your family even know? Lot's family in the Old Testament didn't even know that he was a Christian. They laughed at him as one who mocked (Genesis 19:14).
We are living in wicked times, an amoral generation of selfish pleasure-seekers, arrogant disrespectful youth, promiscuity and irresponsibility. The time has never been more important than now to walk close to God, to abide in the Scriptures, to pray without ceasing, and “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Satan's spirit works through the children of disobedience, i.e., the unsaved (Ephesians 2:2). As Christians, we need to be smarter than the average bear!!!
I shall never walk alone, so promises the Word of God. Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Here is a precious Scripture promise from Psalms 27:10, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” Isn't that beautiful? If you are all alone in the world, even if you've been forsaken by yours own parents, God will adopt you as His child (if you are born-again) and be your family!!! Hallelujah!

What Is gift of Discernment?

Someone I know recently expressed an opinion that surprised and in some ways disappointed me. I said to myself, “I thought he would have more discernment than that.”
The experience caused me to reflect on the importance of discernment and the lack of it in our world. We know that people often do not see issues clearly and are easily misled because they do not think biblically. But, sadly, one cannot help reflecting on how true this is of the church community, too.
Most of us doubtless want to distance ourselves from what might be regarded as “the lunatic fringe” of contemporary Christianity. We are on our guard against being led astray by false teachers. But there is more to discernment than this. True discernment means not only distinguishing the right from the wrong; it means distinguishing the primary from the secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. And, yes, it means distinguishing between the good and the better, and even between the better and the best.
Thus, discernment is like the physical senses; to some it is given in unusual measure as a special grace gift (1 Cor. 12:10), but some measure of it is essential for us all and must be constantly nourished. The Christian must take care to develop his “sixth sense” of spiritual discernment. This is why the psalmist prays, “Teach me good judgment and knowledge” (Ps. 119:66).
The Nature of Discernment
But what is this discernment? The word used in Psalm 119:66 means “taste.” It is the ability to make discriminating judgments, to distinguish between, and recognize the moral implications of, different situations and courses of action. It includes the ability to “weigh up” and assess the moral and spiritual status of individuals, groups, and even movements. Thus, while warning us against judgmentalism, Jesus urges us to be discerning and discriminating, lest we cast our pearls before pigs (Matt. 7:1, 6).
A remarkable example of such discernment is described in John 2:24–25: “Jesus would not entrust himself to them … for he knew what was in a man” (NIV).
This is discernment without judgmentalism. It involved our Lord’s knowledge of God’s Word and His observation of God’s ways with men (He, supremely, had prayed, “Teach me good judgment … for I believe Your commandments,” Ps. 119:66). Doubtless His discernment grew as He experienced conflict with, and victory over, temptation, and as He assessed every situation in the light of God’s Word.
Jesus’ discernment penetrated to the deepest reaches of the heart. But the Christian is called to develop similar discernment. For the only worthwhile discernment we possess is that which we receive in union with Christ, by the Spirit, through God’s Word.
So discernment is learning to think God’s thoughts after Him, practically and spiritually; it means having a sense of how things look in God’s eyes and seeing them in some measure “uncovered and laid bare” (Heb. 4:13).
The Impact of Discernment
How does this discernment affect the way we live? In four ways:

1. It acts as a means of protection, guarding us from being deceived spiritually. It protects us from being blown away by the winds of teaching that make central an element of the gospel that is peripheral or treat a particular application of Scripture as though it were Scripture’s central message.

2. Discernment also acts as an instrument of healing, when exercised in grace. I have known a small number of people whose ability to diagnose the spiritual needs of others has been remarkable. Such people seem able to penetrate into the heart issues someone else faces better than the person can do. Of course, this is in some ways a dangerous gift with which God has entrusted them. But when exercised in love, discernment can be the surgical scalpel in spiritual surgery that makes healing possible.

3. Again, discernment functions as a key to Christian freedom. The zealous but undiscerning Christian becomes enslaved—to others, to his own uneducated conscience, to an unbiblical pattern of life. Growth in discernment sets us free from such bondage, enabling us to distinguish practices that may be helpful in some circumstances from those that are mandated in all circumstances. But in another way, true discernment enables the free Christian to recognize that the exercise of freedom is not essential to the enjoyment of it.

4. Finally, discernment serves as a catalyst to spiritual development: “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning” (Prov. 14:6, NIV). Why? Because the discerning Christian goes to the heart of the matter. He knows something about everything, namely that all things have their common fountain in God. Increase in knowledge, therefore, does not lead to increased frustration, but to a deeper recognition of the harmony of all God’s works and words.

How is such discernment to be obtained? We receive it as did Christ Himself—by the anointing of the Spirit, through our understanding of God’s Word, by our experience of God’s grace, and by the progressive unfolding to us of the true condition of our own hearts.
That is why we also should pray, “I am your servant; give me discernment” (Ps. 119:125, NIV).

Keys for Unlocking a Happy and Blissful Marriage

They are the tragedies of divorce—bitter ex-spouses, broken promises, and confused children. Don’t let this happen to your family! Whether your marriage is going through tough times or is experiencing marital bliss—or even if you’re not yet married but are considering it—the Bible offers proven guidance to help your marriage last. It’s advice from God, the one who created and ordained marriage! If you’ve tried everything else, why not give Him a chance?

Seventeen Keys for a Happier Marriage

1. Establish your own private home.

“A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

Answer:   God’s principle is that a married couple should move out of their parents’ homes and establish their own, even if finances require something modest, such as a one-room apartment. A husband and wife should decide this together, as one, and remain firm even if someone opposes. Many marriages would be improved if this principle were carefully followed.

2. Continue your courtship.

“Above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’ ” (1 Peter 4:8).

“Her husband … praises her” (Proverbs 31:28).

“She who is married cares … how she may please her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:34).

“Be kindly affectionate to one another … in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10).

Answer:   Continue—or revive—your courtship into your married life. Successful marriages don’t just happen; they must be developed. Don’t take one another for granted or the resulting monotony could harm your marriage. Keep your love for one another growing by expressing it to each other; otherwise, love might fade and you could drift apart. Love and happiness are not found by seeking them for yourself, but rather by giving them to others. So spend as much time as possible doing things together. Learn to greet each other with enthusiasm. Relax, visit, sightsee, and eat together. Don’t overlook the little courtesies, encouragements, and affectionate acts. Surprise each other with gifts or favors. Try to “out-love” each other. Don’t try to take more out of your marriage than you put into it. Lack of love is the biggest destroyer of marriage.

*The Revised Standard Version of the Bible, (C) 1946, 1952, 1971 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission.

3. Remember that God joined you together in marriage.

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. … So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:5, 6).
Answer:   Has love nearly disappeared from your home? While the devil wants to break apart your marriage by tempting you to give up, don’t forget that God Himself joined you together in marriage, and He desires that you stay together and be happy. He will bring happiness and love into your lives if you will obey His divine commandments. “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). Don’t despair. God’s Spirit can change your heart and your spouse’s heart if you will ask and let Him.

The wrong kind of thinking can destroy your marriage.

4. Guard your thoughts.

“As he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife” (Exodus 20:17).

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

“Whatever things are true … noble … just … pure … lovely … of good report … meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Answer:   The wrong kind of thinking can profoundly harm your marriage. The devil will tempt you with thoughts like, “Our marriage was a mistake,” “She doesn’t understand me,” “I can’t take much more of this,” “We can always divorce if necessary,” “I’ll go home to mother,” or, “He smiled at that woman.” This kind of thinking is dangerous because your thoughts ultimately govern your actions. Avoid seeing, saying, reading, or hearing anything that—or associating with anyone who—suggests being unfaithful. Thoughts uncontrolled are like an automobile left in neutral on a steep hill; the result could be disaster.

5. Never go to bed angry with one another.

“Do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26).

“Confess your trespasses to one another” (James 5:16).

“Forgetting those things which are behind” (Philippians 3:13).

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Answer:   To remain angry over hurts and grievances—big or little—can be dangerous. Unless addressed in a timely manner, even little problems can become set in your mind as convictions and can adversely affect your outlook on life. This is why God said to let your anger cool before going to bed. Be big enough to forgive and to say, “I’m sorry.” After all, no one is perfect, and you are both on the same team, so be gracious enough to admit a mistake when you make it. Besides, making up is a very pleasant experience, with unusual powers to draw marriage partners closer together. God suggests it! It works!

With Christ in your hearts and home, marriage will be successful.

6. Keep Christ in the center of your home.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1).

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6).

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Answer:   This really is the greatest principle, because it’s the one that enables all the others. The vital ingredient of happiness in the home is not in diplomacy, strategy, or our effort to overcome problems, but rather in a union with Christ. Hearts filled with Christ’s love will not be far apart for long. With Christ in the home, a marriage has a greater chance at being successful. Jesus can wash away bitterness and disappointment and restore love and happiness.

7. Pray together.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

“Pray for one another” (James 5:16).

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally” (James 1:5).
Answer:   Pray with one another! This is a wonderful activity that will help your marriage succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Kneel before God and ask Him for true love for one another, for forgiveness, for strength, for wisdom—for the solution to problems. God will answer. You won’t be automatically cured of every fault, but God will have greater access to change your heart and actions.

8. Agree that divorce is not the answer.

“What God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).

“Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matthew 19:9).

“The woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives” (Romans 7:2).
Answer:   The Bible says that the ties of marriage are meant to be unbreakable. Divorce is allowed only in cases of adultery. But even then, it is not demanded. Forgiveness is always better than divorce, even in the case of unfaithfulness.

When God ordained the first marriage in Eden, He designed it for life. Thus, marriage vows are among the most solemn and binding for a person to take on. But remember, God meant for marriage to elevate our lives and meet our needs in every way. Harboring thoughts of divorce will tend to destroy your marriage. Divorce is always destructive and is almost never a solution to the problem; instead, it usually creates greater problems—financial troubles, grieving children, etc.

9. Keep the family circle closed tightly.

“You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).

“The heart of her husband safely trusts her. … She does him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:11, 12).

“The Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously” (Malachi 2:14).

“Keep you from the evil woman. … Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? … So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent” (Proverbs 6:24, 25, 27, 29).
Answer:   Private family matters should never be shared with others outside your home—not even parents. A person outside the marriage to sympathize with or listen to complaints can be used by the devil to estrange the hearts of a husband and wife. Solve your private home problems privately. No one else, except a minister or a marriage counselor, should be involved. Always be truthful with each other, and never keep secrets. Avoid telling jokes at the expense of your spouse’s feelings, and vigorously defend each other. Adultery will always hurt you and everyone else in your family. God, who knows our mind, body, and feelings, said, “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). If flirtations have already begun, break them off immediately—or shadows could settle over your life that cannot be easily lifted.

10. God describes love make it your daily goal to measure up.

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7).
Answer:   This Bible passage is one of God’s greatest descriptions of love. Read it again and again. Have you made these words a part of your marriage experience? True love is not mere sentimental impulse, but rather a holy principle that involves every aspect of your married life. With true love, your marriage stands a far greater chance for success; without it, a marriage will likely fail quickly.

11. Remember that criticism and nagging destroy love.

“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Colossians 3:19).

“Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman” (Proverbs 21:19).

“A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike” (Proverbs 27:15).

“Why do you look at the speck [splinter] in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank [whole board] in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3).

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Answer:   Stop criticizing, nagging, and finding fault in your partner. Your spouse might lack much, but criticism won’t help. Expecting perfection will bring bitterness to you and your spouse. Overlook faults and hunt for the good things. Don’t try to reform, control, or compel your partner—you will destroy love. Only God can change people. A sense of humor, a cheerful heart, kindness, patience, and affection will banish many of your marriage problems. Try to make your spouse happy rather than good, and the good will likely take care of itself. The secret of a successful marriage lies not in having the right partner, but in being the right partner.

12. Do not overdo in anything; be temperate.

“Everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

“Love … does not seek its own [selfish advantage]” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5).

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

“If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4).

“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body,

How You Can Successfully Build a Happy Marriage

Most married couples lack true happiness—and have no idea how to build it. GOD instituted the marriage covenant—and the principles governing its success. Without them, real happiness is impossible. With them, you can experience a boundless JOY you have never known!  How many truly happy married couples do you know?—and are you even sure of these? Is your marriage happy? Are you enjoying the life you anticipated? Statistics suggest the answer is probably “No.”Most married people are unhappy—with many a virtual study in misery. They have no idea what to do about it or where to turn for answers. Millions stumble along, bouncing off one marital problem into another, never knowing how to address them—let alone solve them!Married life has been the brunt of endless jokes, where traditional conduct and the roles of husbands and wives are ridiculed—and depicted as a bondage that only foolish people enter. Many equate marriage to surrendering their “freedom” to a lesser, unhappy state of existence.Others choose to marry, sincerely believing they will find perfect bliss—they will “live on love”—only to discover that true happiness is far from automatic. Some even conclude, often within days, that marriage was the worst decision of their life.Sadly, so many enter marriage with no understanding, no preparation, no training and no idea of how to achieve a lifetime of happiness with their chosen partner. Many couples spend far more time planning for a one-day wedding than for the lifelong marriage that should follow it. As a result,

The Secret to Having a Happy Marriage is Revealed Here

 

All that dancing and laughter—weddings are a lot of fun, but being married isn’t always a piece of cake. (Sometimes it’s more like the frosting chunk that went up your nose during the smash—good intentions, but wrong outcome.) There’s actually a lot of work that goes into living “happily ever after,” so whether you’ve been married for years or just tied the knot, we asked the experts what couples can do to have a happy marriage. Follow their helpful tips for a stronger, healthier and yes…more blissful bond.

First of all, even happy couples argue.

No marriage is happy all of the time. “Like all relationships, there are ups and downs,” says psychologist Erica MacGregor. But when you do fight, happy marriages listen to each other’s point of view, recognize when the argument is going off the rails, and make the necessary repairs, she says. In fact, Dr. Juliana Morris, a family and couples therapist, says that some of the happiest couples she has worked with “have weathered hard times.” So if you and your spouse sometimes argue, or are going through a rough patch, this does not necessarily mean you are in an unhappy marriage. In fact, it probably means you’re normal.

Focus on each other’s strengths.

It’s not always easy to see past minor annoyances, and at times you may even hate your partner. But to have a happy marriage you have to accept your partner’s strengths and weaknesses and be able to set realistic expectations, says Ellen Chute, LMSW. For example, if you’re better with numbers, don’t get angry when they misbalance the checkbook. Instead, make it your job to set the budget. If their strength is cooking, they can manage meal planning instead. “Using our strengths on a daily basis is associated with greater well-being,” says Suzann Pileggi Pawelski, co-author of the book book Happy Together, which she wrote with her husband James Pawelski, PhD. “And when we help our partner use their strengths we experience more relational satisfaction,” she says.

Don’t expect your partner to complete you.

Reality check: Jerry Maguire is a movie character. When he announced “You complete me,” it sure was romantic—but it doesn’t fly in the real world. According to Pawelski, If you rely on your spouse to fulfill you, it can lead to an over-dependent relationship where you are not growing as individuals. Instead, couples in healthy relationships should “complement,” not “complete” one-another, she says. “We should be secure, mature, and whole in ourselves while being open to the other person.” So make sure you nurture your own interests and desires—take a class you’re interested in, make plans with friends—instead of waiting for your spouse to fill in the void.

But still, do things together. And have fun together.

While it’s important to not fully depend on your partner in order to maintain a happy marriage, it’s also necessary to share common experiences. “Injecting new activities and interests into your relationship can strengthen the bond,” says Pawelski. 

When couples share a unique passion, or learn a skill together—such as take a cooking class, or tennis lessons—they evolve together. According to Morris, “Happy couples have a zest for life with each other. Whether it’s a love of travel, a strong desire to build a family together, or a dedication to a common cause, these experiences enrich their relationship.”

Choose to be attracted to you spouse.

You get to decide if you think your partner is hot? Believe it or not, yes. “Attraction to your spouse is a decision that you have the power to make throughout your marriage,” says Sunny McMillan, certified life coach, radio host, and author of Unhitched. She recommends practicing “attraction thoughts.” To do this, she says, focus on the attributes you’re most drawn to, like your spouse’s great legs or the way they parent your kids (it doesn’t have to be physical). The good news is that your spouse doesn’t have to be a cover model for you to feel attracted. According to Chute, “Happy marriages are based on a sense of connection,” she says. “Physical attraction is far deeper than looks.”

Laugh with each other.

Life is stressful, so it helps if you can find lightness even when you’re in the thick of it. “Typically when a couple has humor, it means they have perspective,” says Morris who recommends couples find laughter in both good and bad times. She says that she has noticed that couples in happy marriages have an ease around each other. Whether it’s through little inside jokes, a silly unexpected text, or even just watching your favorite comedy together, connecting with your spouse with laughter can increase your bond, she says.

Be kind to one another.

"It’s so important to be respectful and understanding of your spouse,” says MacGregor. “If you are critical and judgmental it usually ends in defensiveness and resentment.” So to keep things happy within the marriage, avoid attacking your partner’s character when you're upset. For example, she says, don’t say “you’re such a slob! You never clean up your dishes.” Instead, try saying something like, “Because I made dinner, I’d really appreciate if you could do the dishes tonight.” See how much nicer that sounds? 

Celebrate small, good, moments.

“Most of us know that it’s important to be there for our partner during the tough times,” says Pawelski. But, she says, it’s just as important to acknowledge the good times, too. She says that good things actually happen more often than bad, but couples often miss those opportunities to connect. So the next time your spouse shares something positive—like a compliment from their boss, “Immediately stop what you are doing and focus your full attention,” she says. “Help them savor the moment by asking questions and actively celebrating the good news.” In doing so, you'll show gratitude for the happy moments in your marriage.

Appreciate each other.

When you're with someone all the time, it's easy to take them for granted, but according to MacGregor, you should verbally express your appreciation every day. Whether you're calling positive attention to something thoughtful they've done, or letting them know something you like about them, "We all need to feel appreciated and reinforced for the things we are doing right," says MacGregor. For example, if your spouse makes you coffee in the morning, tell them it started your day with a smile. "If we don't feel valued we may become resentful and grow apart."

Accept and expect change.

Pawelski believes that to be truly happy in marriage, couples must be willing to grow and adapt. “Our needs are always changing, people are growing, and relationships evolve,” she says. “So what we need today may not be what we need years from now.” Morris agrees: “It's crucial to bend, flex, and pivot with each other in a balanced dance,” she says. Because in successful marriages, each person supports the other so that they can grow to become the best person they can be, and that means maturing as individuals and together as a team. Until death do you part.

The Incredible Hebrew Blessings Behind Ephraim

Joseph’s Egyptian wife Asenath bore him two sons in Egypt. He called the first-born son Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁה  (menasheh). Joseph said: “God has made me forget (כִּי־נַשַּׁנִי אֱלֹהִים) completely my hardship and my parental home”. The name Manasseh is connected to the verbal stem נשך (nashach) which refers to forgetting and letting go. A very common usage of נשך (nashach) describes someone being, “relieved from debt.” This positive meaning is a better parallel to the second sons’ name,

Why Jesus Said, “I Am The Door”

John 10:1-16
We really have two distinct sections in this portion. The first five verses constitute a complete parable in themselves, and then in verses six to sixteen we have added instruction and a fuller opening up of the truth of the Shepherd character of our Lord Jesus Christ. He presented Himself to Israel as their Shepherd and this was in accordance with many Old Testament Messianic Scriptures (see Genesis 49:22-24; Psalm 23; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:10,11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:12-15). We might turn to many other passages that depict the Lord as a Shepherd; passages that were destined to have their fulfillment in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. So when He stood in the midst of Israel and declared Himself to be the Good Shepherd, they should have understood at once, for they were familiar with the Old Testament. These passages had been in their hearts and minds down through the centuries. They were looking for the coming of Jehovah’s Shepherd, and now Jesus appeared and said, “I am the Good Shepherd.”
He puts Himself in contrast with false shepherds who had appeared from time to time: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep” (John 10:1,2). I think these words are generally misapplied or given a wrong application. How often do you hear people say, “If anyone tries to get into heaven some other way than through Christ,

OBEDIENCE THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-68, 1 John 2:3-6

Praise and Worship

Topic: OBEDIENCE THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Praise the Lord. We are going to look at obedience the key to our success. As we read on; we are going to understand:

(a)          What is obedience?

(b)          Consequences of disobedience and

(c)           the benefits of obedience

What is Obedience?

Generally obedience is a requirement of carrying out orders that has been given to you.

What Is Obedience To God?

Obedience to God is to do what the Lord has commanded you to do.

Our obedience to God's holy will as revealed in the bible is for our own personal happiness and eternal welfare.

A study of the bible and of human history reveals that man's obedience to God's will has always brought happiness and disobedience has always brought man unhappiness.

This is why we have in the bible an emphasis on obedience. God said “the things that I command you observe them to do” (Deut 12:32). “If you be willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19) Christ himself set the example of obedience to the Father's will. ( Heb 5:8, John 6:38, Matthew 7:21).

If you read your bible very well from Genesis to Revelation you will find out that the word of the Lord is an instruction. In every situation, there is a part you are expected to play and there is also a part which God has to play.

For an example the Lord says “give and it shall be given to you. Ask and you shall receive and seek and you shall find knock and the door will be open unto you”. Matthew 7:7-8

You will never receive until you obey to ask and you will never find until you obey to seek.

The door will never open until you obey to knock.

Knock is a command which you are expected to obey: if you refuse to knock, the closed doors will not be open unto you. It does not matter how many years you have been hearing or reading Mathew 7:7 until you apply the word by obeying to ask, seek and knock, is when you will get the results.

Obedience is better than sacrifices and hearkening than fats of rams (1 Samuel 15: 22-23). It is not only enough to hear instruction but to follow and carry out the instruction then you will receive because you played your part.

We must not be hearers only but be doers of the word -James 1:22.

When you do what the Lord instructed you to do; then whatever needs to be fulfilled will be fulfilled.

I want us to understand the following salient points (most important points):

ü We are commanded to walk in the Spirit so that we will not fulfil the lust of the flesh- Gal 5:16-18

ü We are commanded to evangelise-  Mark 16:15

ü We are commanded to forgive: when you are praying for forgiveness, you will not be forgiven until you forgive others and then you will have peace-Matt 6:14-15

ü We are commanded to be fruitful and multiply in whatever we are doing in all area of our lives-Gen 1:28

ü We are commanded to meditate on the word of God-Joshua 1:8

ü We are commanded to always pray and not to give up-Luke 18:1; 1Thess 5:17.

ü We are commanded not to worry -Matthew 6:25; Phil 4:6

ü We are commanded not to allow our hearts to be troubled John 14:1

ü We are commanded to rejoice always-Phil 4:4-6

ü We are commanded to tell God our needs- Phil 4:7

ü We are commanded to bring our tithes and offerings to the house of God- Malachi 3:8-12

ü We are commanded to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might- Eph 6:10

ü We are commanded to put on the complete armour of God in our Spirit-Eph 6:11

ü We are commanded to love our enemies as ourselves-Mark 12:30-31

ü We are commanded to depart from evil -Ps 34:14

ü We are commanded to trust in the Lord- Prov. 3:5-6

ü We are commanded to live a holy life- Lev. 19:2

ü We are commanded to love our wives Eph 5:25

ü We are commanded to submit to our husbands Eph 5:22

ü We are commanded not to provoke our children to anger-Eph 6:4

ü We are commanded to bring up our children with discipline and instructions that comes from God- Eph 6:4, Prov. 22:6

ü We are commanded as children to honour our parents; so that our days may be long and for all to go well with us-Eph 6:1-3

ü We are commanded to abide in the Lord -John 15:1-5

ü We are commanded to listen to God and obey Him-Deut 28:1, Deut. 8:1

ü We are commanded not to have other gods beside our God-Exo. 20:1-4

The points mentioned above are just few of the commands that the Lord gave to us for things to go well with us.

I want us to understand that: HALF OBEDIENCE IS A COMPLETE DISOBEDIENCE.

It is your responsibility to make sure that you obey the Lord because your obedience unto God will weakens the devil over your life. Your obedience makes God to open the windows of heaven for your sake and empowers you to rule in the midst of your enemies.

Consequences of Disobedience.

¹⁵ “But it shall come to pass, if  you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: ¹⁶Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the country. ¹⁷ “Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks”. ¹⁹ Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out”. ²⁰ The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me......  ⁶³ And it shall be, that just as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and bring you to nothing; and you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess”.(Deut 28:15-68)NKJV

Brethren, this is the word of God. It is better for us to live an obedient life than disobeying God. “He who digs a pit fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent” (Eccl. 10:8) NKJV

You see many killings happening in our nation. It is because of sin. Sin is a reproach, disgrace, demotion, hindrance, and always stands against anyone who lives a sinful life.

Devil has no power over your life; you are the one that gives the devil power over.

Your success depends upon your obedience to God. No matter your desire for breakthroughs and promotion, as long as you are rebellious and disobedient unto the Lord, you will not get it. When you are living a rebellious and disobedient life forget about good things in your life. The more you are living in disobedience the more you are empowering the devil and it is the more you are hindering God to do what He wants to do in your life.

Benefits of Obedience to God

Deut. 28 :1-14   ¹“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. ² And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: ³ Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country....

“Righteousness exalts a nation (person) but sin is a reproach” (Proverb 14:34)

Your obedience to God will make God to lift you up in every situation.

When we are telling you the truth it is for your own good. Jesus says” that you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

“Promotion does not come from the east, west, north or south but promotion comes from the Lord” (Psalm 75:6-7).

It is what God has done can remain forever.  It is what God has said that can remain forever. It is the kingdom that God have established that will remain forever. I am praying for us to gain this revelation. When you listen to God; if you walk in obedience unto the Lord, the Lord whom you obey will lift you up and set you over nations that are around you.

When the word of God is talking about nation around you: It is not talking about Namibia, Angola, South American, Africa or Zimbabwe etc. Rather, it is talking about people that are around you. Wherever you are; you will be above in every area of your life.

I want you to understand that you have no power to promote yourself. It is not by your work that you can get promotion. It's God who promote you when you obey Him.

I always used to tell you that wherever you are working, whether is a private or government sector, be committed to your work. Do not work because your boss is around. Do your work because it is your responsibility. When you are given another job do not murmur. Don't look at how much you are being paid. In your company you are representing God. As a student in your school you are there for God. You need to behave very well and study your books so that when you are excelling people will give glory to the name of the Lord.

God who gives understanding and knowledge will give it to you and you will be above you contemporaries. This is what the Christians do not know. When you Obey God; God will anoint you with different kinds of anointing so that where ever you appear; when you open your mouth to speak; you will speak wisdom because you have heavenly knowledge, understanding and revelation. You know what carnal people do not know. You can be able to do what ordinary people cannot do.

Once you are born again; if you begin to walk with the Lord, if you begin to obey God, no matter your family name, your academic level, no matter your past, no matter your environmental condition, you will excel above all.

o You will conquer where others are being conquered.

o You will succeed where others are failing.

o You will defeat what is defeating others.

o You will frustrate what is frustrating others.

o You will disgrace what is disgracing others.

o You will be honoured where others are being humiliated.

o You will be promoted where others are being demoted.

o You will be welcome where others are being rejected.

o You will excel where it was seems impossible for you, etc.

One thing I found in the bible is that: it was only few people have discovered this secret of obedience, they obeyed the Lord and their environment did not limit them.

No condition limited them, because they obeyed God, walked with the Lord and followed Him.

When you are walking in obedience unto the Lord you will accomplish great works.

The bible says that “be ready to punish all disobedience when your own obedience is fulfilled (complete)” 2 Cor. 10:6

When you start obeying the Lord not to doubt; then you can be able to punish doubt.

Whatever area you are struggling with; call upon God today to help you to obey Him.  A CHRISTIAN IS NOT A SINNER AND A SINNER IS NOT A CHRISTIAN!!!    TURN BACK TO GOD SO THAT YOUR LIFE WILL BE LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER WHOSE LEAVES DOES NOT WITHER-PS 1:1-4.

Conclusively, the grace to obey God is always available. There is enough grace that is more powerful than the sin that have ensnared you. There is grace to lift you up from any where the enemy has cast you down.

“Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound. But where sin abound, grace abounded much more” (Rom 5:20).

We have no excuse that the environment is so dirty we cannot resist sin; but the grace to resist sin is already given to us.

The grace to be a child of God in truth and in Spirit is there. The grace to walk in the light and not darkness is there.

Brethren, let us hold on this grace and walk in obedience unto the Lord. May God bless you as you have decided today to follow, walk and obey Him in all things in Jesus' name.

What must I do to obey God?

1.            Take heed to the word of God-Psalm 119:9.

2.            Delight in the Word of God-Psalm 1:1-2.

3.            Trust in the word of God-Psalm 37:3-5.

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does ( obey) the will of God abides forever”(1 John 2:17).

PRAYERS OF REPENTANCE

Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for dying for me. I thank you for loving me. Come into my heart, forgive all my sin and wash me with your blood in the name of Jesus.

Lord Jesus Christ! Remove my name from the book of the dead and write my name in the book of life. Thank you Lord. Now I am born again. I am a child of God, in the name of Jesus.

Prayer Points

1.            Lord I thank you for your faithfulness in my life, in the name of Jesus

2.            Every garment of disobedience over my life; catch fire in the name of Jesus.

3.            Every yoke of disobedience over my life, enough is enough; break by fire, in the name of                        Jesus.

4.            Every altar of disobedience manipulating my life; be destroy by fire, in the name of Jesus.

5.            Every altar of disobedience controlling my children, enough is enough; catch fire, in the name                of Jesus.

6.            Every power assigned to weaken me spiritually, financially, martially etc. Die, in the name of                  Jesus.

7.         Every satanic dominion over my life because of my past disobedience, scatter by fire, in the name of Jesus.

8.            Every cataract of disobedience in my eyes hindering me not to see; be destroyed by the blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.

9.            You my eyes be enlightened in the Lord, in the name of Jesus.

10.          Let my heavenly vision become clear, in the name of Jesus.

11.          Let my heavenly understanding become clear, in the name of Jesus.

12.          You my spirit man wake up, in the name of Jesus.

13.          Anything in my life that always want me to disobey God, be uprooted and be destroyed, in the name of Jesus.

14.          Chains of disobedience break and release me now, in the name of Jesus.

15.          Seeds of disobedience in my life, die, in the name of Jesus.

16.          Every blanket of ungodly fear which the enemy have used to cover my life, be removed and be  roasted by fire, in the name of Jesus.

17.          Every evil river, watering sin in my life; dry up, in the name of Jesus.

18.          Every veil of assumption over my eyes; be removed, in the name of Jesus.

19.        Any power assigned to manipulate me out of the presence of the Lord be destroyed by the  blood of Jesus, in the name of Jesus.

20.          I refused to break the hedge of my protection, in the name of Jesus.

21.         The grace to abide in the Lord, overshadow my life now, in the name of Jesus.

22.     Every conspiracy in the heavenlies, in the water and on the land assigned against my breakthrough scatter by fire, in the name of Jesus.

23.          Every satanic opposition against my progress scatter by fire, in the name of Jesus.

24.        Every satanic opposition against the progress of my children scatter by fire, in the name of                    Jesus.

25.          Every satanic opposition against the progress of my husband/wife, in the name of Jesus.

26.          Every satanic red sea confronting my progress, die, in the name of Jesus.

27.          Every witchcraft chain spread like nets against my progress; I command you now catch fire, in the name of Jesus.

28.         Holy Ghost fire; blood of Jesus, anger of God, angel of God, pursue my enemies, in the name                 of Jesus.

29.          Thank you Lord for answering my prayers, in the name of Jesus.

(Pray as the Spirit of the Lord gives you utterance!!!)