Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12

The Promise and Its Conditions: A Reflection on Hebrews 13:5

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

This is a personal promise from the Lord, one that the hearer is ready to gladly receive. And rightly so. But are we also willing to consider the conditions of this promise?

For this, let us read the verse in its fullness:

Hebrews 13:5

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

How does this relate to day to day growth?

We will discuss this in the telegram group.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁

Climbing stairs is an upward journey, a rhythmic dance of placement and progress. One foot finds its footing above while the other releases its hold, propelling you higher. Likewise, today, may you position your thoughts ahead, lifting your spirit as you would your trailing foot.

This rhythmic ascent is not a delay but a deliberate rhythm. Life often requires us to pick ourselves up, step by step. Higher ground isn't found on level terrain; it demands an incline, an angle. This angle can be a path to conquer or a descent into doubt.

Remember, the higher you climb, the greater your purpose unfolds. Each small step upward reveals a new dimension of your potential. Your destiny awaits at the summit.

The drawing related to this post will be available in the reels and more page. Have a blessed weekend.

Reaction, Mindset, Goal, and Accountability

Running the Race to Win and Fighting the Fight for the Knockout Blow

Paul wrote these letters to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey, and the recipients were in Corinth, which is in present-day Greece. Around AD 53-55, he encouraged the Corinthians to live disciplined and purposeful lives, much like athletes who train rigorously to win a prize.

So how does this relate to us today? Let’s dive into the verses as they were written, and then explore their equivalence in today’s modern vernacular.

“But everyone striving controls himself in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So I run accordingly, as not uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be disapproved.” 1…

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗦: 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛

Proverbs 15:13 tells us, A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

The passage is self-explanatory, yet a closer look reveals valuable lessons.

The first is the contrast between joy and sorrow. In our modern world, people often accept sadness as a justification for withdrawing from their surroundings, believing it will lead to healing. Unfortunately, this isolation can deepen sorrow and break the spirit.

The "joy" mentioned in Proverbs comes from repentance, the turning away from unproductive old ways. Seclusion alone won't bring joy. Reflection and a willingness to change the behaviors that led to isolation are essential.

Overthinking steals joy. When fixated on problems, we lose sight of solutions. Every sigh depletes our energy.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalms 31:24

The phrase 'Be of good courage. Speaks of' fastening upon, to be constant and be established.

For we know there will be moments when certain things and circumstances will attempt to make you lose faith, and other challenges will inundate your life. Even though you have faith in the Lord, there are moments when you are not constant in your fellowship with Him because other things consume your time more than your walk with the Lord. Consequently, you may find yourself feeling unstable and ungrounded.

But “Be of good courage,” that is, be constant and established. Therein lies the promise: the Lord shall strengthen your heart. For His mercy’s sake, as your hope remains in Him.

Those who encounter love in the fullness of their years, having never basked in its glow, are confronted with their deepest fears upon its unveiling. The terror of losing this newfound treasure transforms them into their own adversaries, besieged by a tempest of worry and anxiety.

Based on the painting; Fragile Yet Unshattered: The Journey of Two Souls

Unfulfilled expectations can be a bitter pill to swallow, not because we deny reality, but because of the time we've invested in hope. Yet, through endurance the sweetness of a realized dream will become a reality tp those who endure and the joy will be unparalleled in the end.

Pray in your times of loneliness

Psalms 4:3 ... The Lord has set apart those that are godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

In the time when we feel we are all alone, it is usually because we are doing the right thing. Therein, let not pity be our companion, even if it is present. May it usher us into a place of prayer. In your place of isolation, it is your Opportunity to pray. For it is written; The Lord has set apart those that are godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

However, Stand in awe, and sin not.

This we read in the next verse. The sin in this case at times is the act of not accepting the place of isolation wherewith we find ourselves as we seek a means out through fellowship with the world. instead,…

Read Psalms 40

Reading from Psalms 21:5

His glory is great in thy salvation: honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him.

Honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. (You the believer)

Not only are you now saved, furthermore:

Honor and majesty are laid upon you. (Through Christ)

Honor speaks of an imposing form and appearance. That all will see. Beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory and a goodly honor. As majesty, re-emphasize the Lord's honor upon you.

Based on the latest painting

The Power of Spiritual Wisdom

One does not teeter on the fence of decision-making when they are called to transcend barriers. Their focus should not be swayed by the external forces compelling them to choose. Instead, serenity and the readiness to respond will manifest when their attention is devoted to the Word.

Check the art gallery for the painting.

Though the past remains unchangeable, your future holds the promise of a blank canvas. It is pristine and unmarked, offering a realm of endless possibilities. By embracing the lessons of the past in the present moment, you chart a course forward, guided by the lantern of wisdom, towards a horizon of new beginnings.

In such newfound wisdom, trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟯:𝟱-𝟲

Psalms 50:15

And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.

Concerning this, Barnes wrote: There is no way in which we can honor God more, or show more clearly that we truly confide in him, than by going to him when everything seems to be dark; when his own ways and dealings are wholly incomprehensible to us, and committing all into his hands.

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Exposition on the book of Ephesians

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:1

• Understand your calling, and paths will emerge for you to heed and pursue it. Act in a manner that honors your vocation. Remember, it wasn’t by your will power that you entered this calling; you were summoned to serve the Lord.

• In fulfilling this role, proceed with modesty and without arrogance. Maintain faith even in matters beyond your current understanding, trusting that comprehension will come in time.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

May the days ahead be of such ...

That He (The Lord) Would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.

Ephesians 3:16

One thing that is always present with you is your awareness. Where there is awareness, may you use the right discernment. Knowing where I am is not where I want to be in my life. Considering it is our actions, and our will, which at times usually placed us in such a place. Even then, let your desire be, ‘Lord, help me, hear me.’ When we know the danger of our situation, the honest is our prayer.

To this we pray. In like manner we say:

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit fails: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalm 143:7

Self-help falls short. Embrace self-awareness to understand your situation. Yet, look beyond your condition and will. Trust in the Lord, acknowledging your limitations, and open yourself to divine guidance, support,…

Hope in Christ is the reflection of an earnest efforts to become complete.

The word ‘hope’ here, implies a good or a pleasing anticipation. And anticipation is confidence. With confidence we obtain the discernment and thrust needed to navigate forward in the journey of life.

And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as Christ is pure.

1 John 3:3

Though we in our human nature cannot purify ourselves, but as we see Christ as our hope at all times and in all circumstance, the clinging residue of a deprave world shall not be to us a contamination.

Who are you? Do you truly know yourself? You know your name, but it was given to you by someone else, not of your own choosing. So, who are you really? You have your own thoughts, but can you control them? Are you truly in control?

Pause and look at the time on your wristwatch or device. Do you see the time? Say it out loud. Then, consider your surroundings, whether you’re at home or somewhere else. Look at the time again and pause.

Can you confidently say that you control what will happen around you an hour from now? So, are you really in control as you think you are?

Being aware of the time doesn’t mean you control your destiny. If you’re not in the driver’s seat of life, do you even know where you’re headed? Even now, you can’t hold a perfect thought to ponder this question.…

Acquiring wisdom and showing the fruits thereof.

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

Proverbs 8:1

Or as it is rendered in the original text. ‘Does not wisdom call? And does not understanding speak?’

Observe, in order for a call to be heard, one must be listening. Furthermore, in order for the call that is heard to be deciphered, the same person who has heard must be willing to engage in the summary of the matter that is at hand.

That is to say, when we position ourselves to listen, we are not driven solely by emotions of which are often uncontrollable. Instead, when we are listening, we are akin to a soldier at a precise place and time, unknown to the soldier, he trusts not his emotions, for he is under command, and he waits for the commanding order before he acts. After he has heard,…

While the tranquility of the present moment may not entirely eliminate the disruptions that come with the passage of time, it does lay the groundwork for facing the uncertainties of the future. This serenity equips the mind with the wisdom needed to navigate through the impending night, towards the dawn’s break. Even though darkness may descend with the night, rest assured that the sun will rise again, illuminating what was once hidden in the shadows.

If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

The concept of sin often extends beyond actions to encompass thoughts and attitudes toward others. It’s important to remember that self-examination is a daily process. As we draw closer to the Light of the Lord, we may become more aware of our imperfections. This doesn’t necessarily mean we are becoming more sinful, but rather that our understanding of right and wrong is becoming clearer. This heightened awareness can guide us towards personal growth and spiritual development. It’s a journey of continuous learning and accountability.

But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

Thus, the Greek reads:

If we continue to confess…

Study Guide

Does the three "Woes" from Isaiah chapter 5 a call against the world or the believer?

Isaiah 5:20-22

The answer to the question is given in the 25 verse of the same chapter.

How are these "Woes" relatable to today's day and age?

If there is time, this we will discuss in the new group.

NEW YEAR

OLD METHOD

Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalms 119:130

In the verse above, the term “the entrance” signifies an “opening”. For the rest of this year, make it a habit to open your Bible every morning to kickstart your day. Before you delve into reading, take a moment to pray for guidance on where to begin.

The phrase “gives light” embodies the concept of dawn, symbolizing the start of a glorious day.

As we unveil His messages to us through Bible reading, may our day be filled with the enlightenment of understanding and glory. With the innocence of a child, let us allow the Lord to guide us, rather than allowing the unresolved issues of life to impose upon us a state of discomfort and worry.

Open the Word and receive your blessing.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2

Often, our prayers may seem like complaints to the Lord. However, let's not forget to express our gratitude, not only through our actions and words but also in our prayers. For it is in thankfulness that we truly acknowledge His grace and mercy.

Test all things, hold fast the good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Before you approve anything, examine it.

Where there is uncertainty, prayer will suffice.

“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40

1. Search

2. Try

3. Turn

As we search, we examine ourselves.

When we try our ways, we put into action that which we are learning through the discovery of who we are and who we ought to be.

Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.

Psalms 119:117

In our own ways, we shall go as we please, but become weary if we are not supported by the Lord, continually.

Exposition:

The phrase “Hold me up” speaks of the refreshment that comes after an establishment.

Often, when the mind is not established. Consequently, it wanders, and the individual is drained. Which is the absence of being refreshed. However, here is a hope: We read, “I shall be safe.” This speaks of the awareness of that which is right, in its absence.

THE TWO PROMISES

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

Herein, we have the two promises. One, of a physical protection that no weapon formed against you will prosper. Observe the terminology used. "No weapon that is formed" against you. Meaning there will be obstacles in your path. Even though you are a believer. However, although these things be formed against you. It shall not harm you. This is the promise of the Lord, but with a condition. Of which we shall careful observe in the conclusion of this exposition.

The next promise to the believe from the verse above deals with a state of mental and emotional protection. To this we read:

"Every…

Insight

Genesis 6:11

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

• Violence

The word violence used here, in the Hebrew language חָמָס

In English this is the same word, those who enacted the horror upon Israel, called themselves. (Hamas)

The Burden of Silence

A Burden Shared is a Burden Halved

At times, the silence burden is not the inner burden we carry within us, but the discomfort we sense in others, those we dearly care about.

In our presence they show not their struggles to us, even though we are close to sense their burden, but for our inability to reach their needs they seem to be so far beyond our reach.

Far away they seem when you know not what to do. But with such a burden concerning others, let us take it to another.

Take it to the Lord in prayer. The time of the initiation of the prayer by faith, to the realization of the answer, is not instantaneous. However, let it be a time of transformation in you.

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Regardless of what might have happened yesterday. How you perceive a new day, it will determine and shape how you experience today.

The phrase:

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed."

• It should birth in you the mindset of being grateful. Which is an essential part to start each new day.

Insight to your body through your mood and actions.

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. Psalms 55:18

Many were your problems, although a few might still be with you. But this day, in the quiet of your heart, try to reflect on where you once were. Your emotions, your struggles, and conflicts. Reflect on those things you have overcome.

And let it be of gladness to you.

Understand this, the Scripture said your body is a temple. This implies more than we realize, as a temple. There are duties and functions that ought to be carried out, and there are those that are responsible for the accomplishing of those things. Likewise, within you, your body which is a temple; there are over 37 trillion cells, and more are being produced at any given time. These cells…

The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way. Psalms 25:9

At times, before we learn to make the right judgment, we ought to first learn to be humble.

Even when we find ourselves in a situation with an awareness that another individual is in the wrong toward us. Still, therein you can only make the right and the needful judgment by looking not to your emotions, but trusting the LORD that He will make it right.

As the old saying goes; two wrong cannot make a right.