Blessed Are The Pure In Heart

Text: Matthew 5:5-8; Hebrews 12:14

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God” Matthew 5:8

The statement in Matthew 5:8 was spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ as part of what is called the Beatitudes among “the Sermon on the Mounts”. Here Jesus was addressing not only His disciples but also the multitude of people who gathered to hear what He, Christ, had to say about the heavenly Kingdom.

There are two issues raised in the statement. First, the purity of heart, and second, the issue of seeing God at last. These two thoughts are reiterated in Hebrews 12:14. It is thus clear that except a man is holy, he cannot make heaven or see God.

A number of deductions can be made from the two texts referred to. One, God expects that our hearts be made pure in order to see Him on the last day. But how can the heart be made pure – the heart described in Jeremiah 17:9 as “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…”

Two, He commands that we follow peace with all men. But the unsanctified man cannot follow peace with any man, not to talk of all men.

In the light of what the Scripture says in Genesis 6:5, “that God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”, one wonders how the natural man is to live in peace with all men without a change of life, without the heart’s transformation.

God told Moses, “thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live” (Exodus 33:20). To see God on the last day, our hearts must be purified, purged, made holy; and this is done only by the act of God.

Little wonder, therefore, that the sanctification experience is a must for all believers in Christ. As long as we live and hope for the second coming of Christ, we must follow peace with all men and live a holy life.

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True Liberty

Text: Galatians 5:1-13

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 1:1 (NIV)

Everyone that is in physical bondage desires to be free. The Bible speaks of the children of Israel who “sighed by reason of the bondage” (Exodus 2:23). To have liberty therefore is to be free from bondage or slavery, from servitude or from being under a yoke.

It is not only by reason of physical confinement that one can lose one’s liberty. The sinner is in spiritual bondage. “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant (slave) of sin” (John 8:34). He or she is under the dominion of sin, Satan, self and fear.

Consequently, he/she commits adultery and fornication; he/she steals and tells lies, smokes and drinks. He/she is covetous and malicious, engages in gossip and causes harm to others, etc.

In this state of sinfulness, the sinner may think that he/she is exercising his/her liberty to do what he/she likes. But when he/she comes to realize that these actions are not only antisocial but also displeasing unto God, he/she becomes weary and burdened with the guilt of his/her sins.

Yet, he/she finds that he/she still cannot free himself/herself neither is there any power on earth that can free him/her. No wonder the cry of his/her heart is: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24).

But only Jesus Christ can give true liberty: “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” for, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (John 8:36, Acts 4:12).

Jesus Christ is our divine Liberator, Saviour and Redeemer who ransoms us from spiritual bondage and captivity.

Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have freedom from the power of sin and its pollution, from self-will, guilt and condemnation, fear of God’s wrath and of future judgment.

Our liberty through Jesus Christ enables us now to obey God from our hearts, live unselfish life, love God and our fellowmen with all our hearts, to please God not by keeping the law but by grace through faith.

This liberty enables us to have fellowship with God and the children of God, consecrate our lives, energy, time and talents to the service of God and helps us to live a life of holiness and righteousness.

True liberty is in Jesus Christ alone. Won’t you come and be saved and set free? Won’t you whisper from your heart: I yield?

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You Are Running Out Of Time

“Are you this chicken-hearted, Dave? When did you start taking this thing serious? No Dave, no! I can’t let you lose your senses. You’re not going anywhere. In fact, I’ve had enough; I can’t bear no longer. Up! Let’s get out of here!”

These words burst from Susan in an angry rush. She rose from her seat, grabbed David’s right arm and pulled him towards the exit.

Ordinarily, David and Susan would have chosen a five-star hotel or an amusement park for some moments of sinful pleasures. But somehow, for reasons beyond them, they decided to attend an open-air Gospel meeting that was being held in the city by a renowned international evangelist.

Although they had heard so much about the miracles happening there, they didn’t believe in such things. So this fateful day, they agreed to go and see things for themselves. At least, this would add some new dimension to their fun, they thought.

When they arrived at the venue, they wriggled their way through the mammoth crowd to a vantage position from where they were sure to have a clear view of all the proceedings. But the story changed that evening when the evangelist made a call to salvation at the end of his sermon.

He preached about God and His love for humanity and about Jesus, His only begotten Son, who shed His precious blood to redeem man from eternal doom.

The sermon melted David’s heart; he was completely broken. In his brokenness, he rose to answer the preacher’s call but Susan would have none of it. She prevailed on him and prevented him from moving out for the call.

As she pulled him toward their car, parked across the road, she continued scolding him, “Dave, how could you be so pliable? How dare you! Have you easily forgotten the reason we came here? For fun! Nothing but fun! She spat out in disgust.

“We are leaving immediately! In fact, let me have the car key. I’m moving it!” Dave, who had been quiet all this while, handed over the key sheepishly; still unable to explain what was really happening to him. Susan, boiling with rage, got into the car, turned on the ignition and whisked her partner away from the meeting; away from the mercy and saving grace of God.

They hadn’t gone too far from the venue when they had a fatal accident. Unfortunately, David died on the spot. Susan was admitted to the ICU of a nearby hospital, having sustained some serious injuries to her head and spinal cord. While on the bed, the words of the evangelist came back to her faintly: “Now is the time to repent and turn to God; tomorrow may just be too late.”

Tears ran down her cheeks. She tried to mutter some words of prayer but just at that moment, her breath became too heavy. She breathed rapidly and then, she ran out of time. Death had come for her too.

Did you know that sooner or later everyone runs out of time? Death is certain for everyone and indeed, you will also run out of time someday, for “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Maybe sooner than you expect, you will be the silent guest at your own funeral. You friends will fade as your time on earth ends, and all the benefits you spent your lifetime working for will be gone forever.

The Bible admonishes, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation…harden not your heart” (2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:8).

Don’t delay any longer, tomorrow may be too late. Give your life to Jesus; do it now! Kneel before God in prayer of repentance; confess your sins to Him; plead with Him to forgive you those sins; believe He has forgiven you; sincerely forsake those sins; and henceforth, live your life according to all that is written in the Bible.

Remember, “You can’t repent too soon because you don’t know how soon it may be too late.”

*** Culled from DCLM Gospel leaflet ***

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Through It All: Memoir Of My Many Trials And Triumphs by Kola Olugbodi

BOOK REVIEW

“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him”. – John 9:1-3 (NIV)

A similar situation as depicted with these verses above was the case of Mr. Kola Olugbodi and unarguably, the works of God were mightily displayed with miracles and wonders.

“Through It All: Memoir of My Many Trials & Triumphs” is a book that summarizes the magnitude of God’s goodness, grace and faithfulness in the life of a man sold out to God in Christ Jesus.

Mr. Kola Olugbodi’s experiences might not be so peculiar – contracted polio at an early age, had a tough childhood, grew with disability, failed O-Level exams once or twice, had his marriage proposal turned down three times by the love of his life, eventually got married and had issue with the fruit of the womb, job issues, business nosediving to bankruptcy, becoming a debtor that stood behind bars for days and a host of other human problems.

“It is right it should be so:

Man was made for joy and woe;

And when this we rightly know

Through the world we safely go.

Joy and woe are woven fine,

A clothing for the soul divine”

These poetic lines by William Blake succinctly correspond with what the Holy Spirit’s inspired Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind…” (NIV)

All of Mr. Olugbodi’s travails are not entirely new to man but what stands out is how his life predominantly reflects yet another revelation of how God repeatedly proves to mankind that He is dependable and will never forsake those that put their hope and trust in Him.

“…and God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

And true to His promises, in every storm of life God has always provided a way of escape for His children, which was evidently portrayed in the life of Mr. Olugbodi, as you will come to discover in this book.

In all of our trying times and amidst the toughness of our ordeals, when God is brought into the picture, disability becomes ability, impossibility becomes a possibility and every test eventually turns out to be a testimony. Only when God is brought into the picture!

God’s ways always defy the myopic reasoning of men. “Seeing is believing” is a phrase that resonates with the human psyche but Mr. Kola Olugbodi’s memoir elucidates the potency of dogged faith that believes even without seeing.

Through it all, the hands of the lord rise strongly for the good of those that truly love Him.

“He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,

but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

It is not by strength that one prevails” – 1 Samuel 2:9 (NIV)

*** - ***

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,

who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.

They rejoice in your name all day long;

they celebrate your righteousness.

For you are their glory and strength,

and by your favor you exalt our horn.

Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord,

our king to the Holy One of Israel.” – Psalm 89:15-18 (NIV)

“Through It All: Memoir of My Many Trials & Triumphs” is a motivational pill everyone should read and be inspired to confront and overcome life’s challenges, not alone but by the strength and power of the living God. For where there is the living God by your side, there is a way. Victory is assured!

Mr. Kola Olugbodi’s life is a sheer miracle “that the Lord has done and it is marvelous in our eyes”.

You can purchase the book “Through It All” via this link: https://amzn.to/2Mmt4ja

It is worth a read!

*** Book review by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale ***

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Faith Under Fire

My Dearest Friends,

“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…” 1 Peter 1:7.

Herein is a valid consolation for every believer in distress and anguish, not losing sight and thought of the assurance of peace and gladness through it all.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David wrote in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Being a man or woman of faith does not exempt you from the travails of life. Just as “the rain falls on the just and the unjust”, the believer and the unbeliever alike share similar life’s experiences.

We hurt, we struggle, we fail, we fall, we fall sick, we groan and we are consumed by the burden of living each day at a time, but these are not enough reason to surrender and forsake our faith even when the tempest is at its peak.

We should know that God never promised a smooth sailing by reason of our choice to repent of our sins and accept His grace in Christ but He did promise to guide and guard us through till a safe landing is attained.

Jesus told a parable about a man who built his house on a rock and a man who built his house on the sand. The same storm came to both houses but when all was said and done, the man's house on the rock was still standing.

Both builders had the same opportunity and faced the same storm but what distinguished the result was the foundation. The house built on the rock exemplifies a life with the foundation of faith. A life built on faith in God is never shattered or defeated.

Often times, after the storm leaves you come out better than before the strong winds started blowing. Increase, promotion and divine health emerge, and a peace of mind that passes all understanding overshadows the pains of the past.

As a believer, I encourage you to shake off the victim mentality and put on a victor mentality.

In Christ Jesus, you are equal to and ready for anything the enemy throws your way. That sickness is no match for you, so don't let it overwhelm you. You can handle it. You have been armed with strength in the Lord.

Isaiah 51:9 says, “Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord...” God has you in the palm of His hand and He's not about to let you go. There is an anointing on your life that protects you and enables you to overcome the wiles of the enemy.

“Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

Beloved, I wish above all that you prosper and live in health and holiness continually. Please see below a short video titled “Faith Under Fire” to enliven your soul and remind you about the attitude you should have when trials come your way.

May the God of peace and the peace of God abide with you now and always. Amen.

God bless.

*** Written by Randall Brewer (Edited by Jacobs Adewale) ***

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How To Please God

You become like the people you spend the most time with, so choose your friends carefully. If you spend time with angry, resentful people, you risk becoming an angry, resentful person yourself. That’s because attitudes are contagious.

Here’s a wonderful story that illustrates the point.

A man purchased a newspaper at a newsstand every day. He always greeted the vendor very courteously, but in return received very gruff and discourteous service; the vendor would rudely shove the newspaper in his face.

The man, however, would politely smile and wish him a nice day. This went on for several days until a friend asked, ‘Does he always treat you this rudely?’ The man replied, ‘Unfortunately, he does.’

The questioner asked, ‘Are you always polite and friendly to him?’ The man replied, ‘Yes, I am.’ The questioner continued, ‘Why are you so nice to him when he’s so rude to you?’ The man replied, ‘Because I don’t want him to decide how I’m going to act.’

The Bible says: “If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example and you must follow in His steps.

He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, not threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly’ (1 Peter 2:20-23).

“Without faith”, says Hebrews 11:6, “it is impossible to please God”. It’s good to have faith but having only faith is not enough; it must be accompanied correspondingly by works of righteousness in the newness of life born of God in Christ Jesus (James 2:14-17).

As a born-again believer, there are several ways to please God but when you live a life that daily glorifies and reflects the character of God in accordance with His commandments and will; this is how to truly please God.

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Working Together In Unity

None of us can do individually, what all of us can do collectively.

Paul writes, ‘All of you together are Christ’s body (the church) and each of you is a part of it.’ But His body has been known to misbehave. The brain discounts the heart (Academics discount worshippers); the hands criticize the knees (People of action criticize people of prayer); the eyes refuse to partner with the feet (Visionary thinkers won’t work with steady labourers).

So Paul writes, ‘The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” (1 Corinthians 12:21).

The mega-church needs the smaller church. The liberal needs the conservative. The pastor needs the missionary. Cooperation is more than a good idea; it’s a scriptural command. ‘Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:3).

When we work together in unity, the Bible says God ‘commands His blessings’ to be upon us (Psalm 133:1-3). We haven’t been called to compare, to compete, to complain, or to criticize one another. No, we have been called to complement one another!

Jesus said: ‘When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there (Matthew 18:19-20).

What an astounding promise. When we come into agreement, Jesus notices. He shows up, He hears and answers our prayers.

“You can do what I cannot do,” says Mother Teresa, “I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” Together Everyone Achieves More for the Lord.

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The Ineffectual Gospel And The Potency Of Evil

Of all the perennial questions about God and His existence on the lips of unbelievers, these two seem not to have gotten sufficient answers as required: ‘Does God really care?’ ‘You say He is a loving and just God but why does He allow so much evil and corruption and wickedness in the world?’

You see, evil was never God’s invention from the beginning. “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good…” says Genesis 1:31. So where did the evil come from? Add letter ‘D’ to the word ‘evil’ and there you have where all the evil came from – The Devil.

But wasn’t he created by God Almighty? Doesn’t that mean God also created evil?

The concept of creation is such that, when a thing or an entity is created for a purpose, its very creation also confers on the thing or entity a tendency of being repurposed contrarily. That is why a household knife created to serve as a cooking utensil for chopping in the kitchen could as well become a tool for murder on the street.

So, if a thing such as a household knife created with and for a noble purpose could turn into an injurious weapon, what then can be said about a creature with the mind, intellect, image, and nature of God yet, possessing free will?

With the fall of man from the time of Adam and Eve, evil was born. It has misled and still misleads men and woman into acting against the will and plan of God for humanity. But God couldn’t be content beholding His precious creation treading on the path of destruction.

So, a sacrifice was required and a decision was made. And while evil permeated (even till now) the hearts of men to desecrate the world, God devised a flawless solution.

To proffer answers to the above questions unbelievers often ask: ‘Does God really care?’ Oh, certainly yes, He does care and very much. All along the troubled history and evolution of man, God has always presented Himself as a willing and able refuge in times of need (Psalm 46:1-2). In spite of our unfaithfulness and weaknesses, His faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2; 100:5).

Sometimes, however, His way of caring comes in the form of chastisement. As was often the case of the children of Israel whenever they disobey God and embrace idolatry.

The fact is, when God chastises, it leaves one with an unforgettable experience of pain to always remind of not taking the popular self-destructive road that seemeth right unto man (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25).

Besides, in all candidness, what is genuine love without discipline? That is why “the Lord disciplines the ones He loves and He chastens everyone He accepts as His own” (Hebrews 12:5-11).

‘You say He is a loving and just God but why does He allow so much evil and corruption and wickedness in the world?’ Thousands of years ago, God answered this question Himself and has taken a commendable step for all eternity.

But because the ‘whole world is presently under the control of the evil one’, and the reign of the god of this world is yet unfulfilled, God’s palliative measure would at the moment appear ineffective. Still, its efficacy in the lives of those who have responded to God’s call cannot be overridden.

What then was and is this God’s palliative measure referred to? It is the GOSPEL and what it inevitably offers to this dying and perverse world is not a savior but ‘the Saviour’, JESUS CHRIST, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Image Cred: notashamedofthegospel.com

Let’s consider this for some seconds: if the Gospel of Jesus Christ that Christianity preaches is so potent enough to curb the outspread of evil we see in the world, why hasn’t there been revival across nations? Whereas, hate, injustice, and killings are daily on the rise and nothing seems to change.

What could be wrong? You ask, right? Here is a probable answer I have found.

While studying and meditating on my DCLM daily devotional for May 16, 2018, I came across an intriguing analogy I want to share with you.

A soap manufacturer, who was an unbeliever, walked along the road one day with a preacher of the gospel. The soap manufacturer said, ‘The gospel you preach has not done much good, for there is still a lot of wickedness in the world and a lot of wicked people too.’

The preacher made no reply until they passed a dirty little child, making mud pies in the gutter. Seizing his opportunity, the preacher said: ‘Soap has not done much good in the world, I see; for there is still much dirt and dirty people about.’

‘Oh, well,’ said the soap manufacturer, ‘soap is only useful when it is applied.’ ‘Exactly!’ said the preacher, ‘so it is with the gospel.’

The Gospel is as useful and effective as its acceptance and application. The moral, spiritual and physical condition of this world has turned from bad to worse (and heading to worst) not because the Gospel is ineffectual but because it is poorly preached and as such, it becomes unconvincing to accept as the liberating truth.

Worse still, is the saddening reality of professed believers who, either reluctantly or willfully accepted the Gospel, battle with the concept of total surrender of self to put on Christ. They wrestle with the idea of complete obedience to the Word of God (Gospel) and would rather adhere to the commandments that soothe their egos while ignoring the discomforting ones.

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil….” (John 3:19-21). Unless mankind gets to the point where the works of the flesh are loathed, self and its esteem are insufficient, the pride of life becomes insignificant, a burning sensation to experience heaven arises within and the soul desires more out of life than just to exist, the Light of God will never be appreciated.

Though the god of this world has blinded the minds of many so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ… (2 Corinthians 4:4), all glory to God that the Advocate (Holy Spirit) has come to prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment… and redirecting the lost back to the Shepherd of their souls (John 16:7-11; 1 Peter 2:25).

Oh, can you now see what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God? Having sent His only begotten Son to destroy the works of the Devil and to reconcile us back to Himself, it behooves on us to show gratitude by our unwavering faith in Him and by loving Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind. And this we can evidently do by keeping His Word and commandments (See: 1 John 3:1-3, 8; Colossians 1:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Luke 10:27; John 14:15).

So, you see now that while evil remains potent in the world, the Gospel of Christ is not in any way ineffectual by any standards. People have only failed to accept and apply it in their lives. The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God unto salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 1:16-17).

Finally, brethren, let the world delight in evil and the children of God be true to their calling in Christ. Let those who are unjust continue and let those who are filthy be filthy still; let the righteous persevere and the holy, be holy still.

It is certain that soon, all men shall face the judgment seat of Christ and He shall give to every man according as his work shall be - whether it is good or evil (See: Revelations 22:11-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:5-11).

Let those with ears hear and those with eyes see, that they may know what will become of everyone when the trumpet shall sound.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

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Do You Feel Inadequate?

In second Corinthians chapter two, Paul asks the question, "Who is equal to such a task?" And in chapter three he answers it: "Our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5).

We are aware of our limitations when it comes to meeting the needs of our families, fulfilling the demands of our jobs, persevering in spite of the energy drain and the chronic pain, battling a long-standing habit, learning a new job after being laid off, staying in a difficult marriage, and finding the strength needed to keep forging ahead when our dreams fail.

Background Image Cred: explorandolafe.wordpress.com

We pretend we have got it together. We act like we are capable of handling any situation, but deep down we know we are not. The truth is, without God's grace and power we are inadequate.

This can be a tough concept for proud, assertive types to accept. It undermines their ego to acknowledge that without God they don't know the right thing to do, the right way to do it, or where the power to do it will come from.

It is tough for them to admit they must consciously rely on Him at all times. But once you adopt that stance and start depending on God, you are on the threshold of the life you have always wanted.

What was the secret of Paul's strength? "I just let Christ take over!" And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become (2 Corinthians 12:10).

D.L. Moody said, "When a man has no strength, if he leans on God he becomes powerful." Regardless of how long you have walked with Jesus, never forget that every ounce of your adequacy comes from Him.

-- Culled from GSAF The Word for Today May 2016 --

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Looking Forward

I pray and believe that all is well with you today. It a wonderful day and I will rejoice and be glad in it. I can rejoice because I know down in my heart I am doing what God told me to do.

In the church today people need to stop making excuses for why they are not serving the Lord. Too many people are waiting for God to do something when in fact it is He Who is waiting on them to do something. Stop telling God how flawed and unworthy you are and begin to put your hand to the plow and do the job that is available to you now.

God does not look for the many, He looks for the few. He is looking for “a few good men” who will love Him above all others and have hearts to serve Him no matter the cost. Always remember, the door of tomorrow will not open until you do something today.

To those who are flawed in character but mighty in Spirit the Lord gives a powerful command in Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife.” When God delivered Lot and his family out of Sodom and Gomorrah He told them in Gen. 19:17, “Do not look behind you…”

God was telling them that everything they needed to live a good life was ahead of them. Lot’s wife ignored this command, looked back, and instantly was turned into a pillar of salt. Lot’s wife lost her future because she looked back.

There is a reason the windshield of your car is bigger than the rear view mirror. God wants you focused so much on what’s ahead of you that you don’t even notice what’s going on behind you. Isaiah 43:18,19a says, “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth, shall you not know it?”

You cannot pursue your future if there is something still tying you to your past. Satan is a thief and he is after your dream. He wants you stuck in the past so you’ll never move forward. He’s hoping that you will lose your future by looking back.

The good news is that God sees you as a world overcomer (1 John 5:1,4). Your faith will overcome every attack from the enemy, including negative thoughts and memories from your past. Remember Lot’s wife. Don’t look back, always look forward.

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However, When hard times come, believe that something good will come out it and know that good things are just around the corner.

The last thing you want to do is give up because winners never quit and quitters never win. Below is a very emotional video I would like you to watch called "When You Are Hopeless".

#BeInspired

*** Written by Randall Brewer ***

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Christianity Under Attack, The Church Undefeated

It is unarguably true that Christianity, in recent times, is under fierce attack. What was once fit for theatrics in the cinemas has found its way to the church and while the pulpit is mute, the pew is pleased.

Pastors commit adultery with church members or their choristers; a church leader who reveals the secrets of members while ‘communicating with God’ through a mobile phone; praise section gone astray with choirs demonstrating bizarre dance moves and sensual waist jiggling to exalt something or someone but not God.

And here you have it: Christianity lays bare at the altar of infamy? God forbids!

Who then do we worship? What have we believed? Certainly, not the Gospel of Christ that tells us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust, and desire no friendship with the world… (Titus 2:11-12; James 4:4).

Evidently, by their fruits you know them (Matthew 7:15-20) – disguised in elegant apparels with eloquent speeches that rouses emotions, cheered by a credulous congregation – ambassadors of anarchy whose sole ministry is to glorify all that is ignoble.

To admit perplexity to such prevalent despondency in human disposition and monstrosity that has crept into the church would amount to sheer sarcasm. It was foretold that in the last days:

“Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10-12).

“People will be lovers of themselves… ungrateful, unholy… without self-control, brutal… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power…” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). And to such people, we are to have nothing to do with them.

What baffles, however, is the depth and pace at which Christians sink in a spiritual quagmire and the heightened level of influence the world wields on the ‘CHURCH’ that now takes an unrecognizable shape against the purpose and plan of God and of Christ, its Head.

What then can one say about these things? Nothing more than what the Scriptures say: these are signs of the last days and “there is a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof, are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25; 14:12).

This appalling reality saddens, knowing that such tolerance in the church waters down the authenticity of believers’ creed (but not the Gospel of Christ), and portrays Christians as hypocrites in the eyes of the unregenerate world that seeks justification to malign our conviction in the work of the Cross.

Hence, the earnestness lies on every genuine, born-again believer of Christ to stand and live for and by the truth; contending earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3).

Louder than ever is the call for due diligence in our commitment and devotion to God so the testimonies of our faith amount not to falsehood.

And we are to be neither weary nor slack in faith, knowing that “the truth of the Gospel may for a time be cast down in the street and be kept under in a measure… yet, extinguished it cannot be since He who is the Truth has said, that ‘heaven and earth shall pass away, but that His Words shall not pass away’” – John Wycliffe.

Though Christianity is under attack within and without, the true Church of God is undefeated. The gate of hell cannot prevail. No, certainly, it never can prevail.

Therefore beloved brethren, keep watch and be not of this world because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42).

Keep watch and hold on to your confession till the very end (Matthew 10:22; 24:13). Continue in the words of Christ which is the Truth, and the truth shall indeed set you free (John 8:30-32).

*** Written by Michael Olajubu alias Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***

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