Category: SANCTIFICATION

Scriptural Readings:

Romans 8:9-10, Ephesians 5:8-9

Our planet is not heading towards peace and truth. We are experiencing wars and rumors of wars as the Bible unmistakably prophesied and continues to unfold more truths. Unbelievers, on the other hand, continue to defy the truth about what the Bible forewarned with their logical responses. Regardless of what thoughts they have, our world is short of getting better.

Romans 8:9

King James Version

V9 “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

New Living Translation

V9 “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)“

King James Version

V10 “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

New Living Translation

V10 “And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God”.

The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, commitment becomes an obligation. When we were born again, our spirits were brought back to life. Now, holiness is identified as a primary pathway for living an earthly life. holiness is identified as a primary pathway for living an earthly life. This perspective suggests that pursuing this way of life is essential and is absolute.

Is it possible?

Holiness is to be alienated for God, as we have established from the earlier articles. Now, it is not the question of why; it is now a question of how. How many of us ever thought seriously and truly believe in God’s spirit being in us? Does the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwell in us? For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:8-9). These verses tell us that transformation is not impossible.

Ephesians 5:8-9

King James Version

V8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

V9 “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)”

New Living Translation

V8 “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”

V9 “For “this light within you produces only what is good and right and true”.

The Consequences.

At any given time, we can fail. Although the spirit of God is in us, it is still an erroneous decision that we make. Let’s see what we have if we dig deeper into these Bible verses. Romans 8:9-10, Ephesians 5:8-9 reveal what is absolute. The two words, Spirit and righteousness, are essential. They are key to living a life of holiness. They help us achieve what God wants from us.

*God’s Spirit

Understanding a spiritual life seems complicated. The Holy Scriptures say something important. “For God is not the author of confusion. He is the author of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” One thing surely will happen is that our human feelings will collaborate with our spirits. Yes, the feeling of loving the world and its ways will become a feeling of sickening disgust. If it does not happen, God will show us how to get rid of it. It happens either the hard way or the easy way.

If a person is filled with God’s spirit, these are some things that will happen:

The presence of God’s spirit – The term “confirmation” signifies a state of certainty or assurance. The manifestation of this presence of God’s Spirit in humans is confirmed in many Bible verses. What does this significance tell us? Assurance. God’s Spirit assures us of His presence. It confirms His presence in our mortal body. It guarantees the fruit of the Holy Spirit in every effort we make. There is no doubt in the promise of Jesus Christ. He said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Prayer will now be an obligation for delight. Godly fear will grow and develop. Prayer becomes your most valuable possession. Only the Trinity is what is in your mind. What would happen next is that you can’t help but find a time of prayer in everything you do. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good. An evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil. The mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart. (Luke 6:45). Pray without ceasing. (I Thessalonians 5:17).

*God’s righteousness.

Righteousness is the opposite of wickedness or sinfulness. It unquestionably states God’s distinctive characteristic. Absolute righteousness is God’s righteousness. Nevertheless, due to man’s own way of righteousness, it has a different meaning and purpose. At this point, we can now draw the line between righteousness and our sinful nature with strong conviction.

If a person is filled with God’s righteousness. These are some things that will happen:

Christlikeness – Now the reality is that the spiritual battle begins, and hating sin is a battle cry. The only thing that drives us to live is to be like Jesus Christ. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8 28-29. Revealing Christlikeness will become a clear picture of living a lifestyle in our mortal bodies. It is through His grace and mercy that we will endure sanctification. This triggers the start of the true meaning of spiritual life for God. It exposes Christlikeness in us.

Dependence on God alone – We’re created to spend an eternal existence with God. Our mortal lives hinge on God alone. Passing from spiritual death to life, our dying earthly bodies undergo a total vow to the spiritual norms of God. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5. This is an indirect commandment with an absolute outcome.

God alone can fully satisfy every human (Spirit, soul, and body: I Thessalonians 5:23). Let not the final hours in our deathbeds of our lives settle this fact. Losing us was not what God had planned. God did not withhold His love for us sinners, that He came down to take us back again (John 3:16).

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we have to be ready. It can happen in the blink of an eye when the trumpet sounds. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming back. Time is of the essence. We are urged to be the harvester of a plentiful harvest. It is our obligation to bring others to Jesus Christ(Luke 10:2). Please share this article with others. Help me to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have no financial gains in this effort, much more, a spiritual mission from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Scriptural readings:

Hebrews 13:20-21, Romans 12:1-2

“Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” This timeless Spanish proverb accurately captures the essence of the very nature of humankind. It suggests that the inner circles we belong to are embedded in our innermost qualities and values. Self-assessment at times is a burden, but undoubtedly, we see the thoroughness of ourselves in the end.

The saying “actions speak louder than words” highlights the idea that our behavior can uncover our true character. It is essential to be conscious of how our actions communicate our intentions and values. Our views and efforts create a unique definition of us. They confine us, shaping our boundaries. Together, they accent our role in the twenty-four-hour trade of this realm. By this time, this idiom should not be an alien to us.

Hebrews 13:20-21

King James Version

V 20 “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,”

New Living Translation

V 20 “Now may the God of peace—
    Who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
The great Shepherd of the sheep,
    and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—

Let us see something.

The concept of starting with God is central, as it emphasizes an everlasting covenant established through Jesus Christ. This covenant serves as a foundation for endeavors that are aligned with His purpose. It confirms His will or purpose for us. Our initiative, which is not of His will, won’t work, nor will it prosper. ...Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please reread this paragraph. But before doing so, say a momentary prayer. Ask for His mercy to cleanse you from your sins. Then pray for the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. He will always give this richly.

King James Version

V 21 “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

New Living Translation

V 21 may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts(Exodus 31:1-3). God knows us from the inside out, how many hairs we have, and what our next plans are. Keep in mind that God has a plan for all of us. We do not see the bigger picture, but we are a part of it. Every second that we breathe now has a meaning, and this is for the glorification of God. Again, our success does not come from our hard work. Instead, it results from God’s power working within us. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17).

Romans 12:1-2

King James Version

V. 1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

V. 2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

New Living Translation

V 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

V 2  Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Verses 1 and 2 are now necessarily to be seen as prophetic verses. The word beseech in Greek is “parakaleō” (παρακαλέω). It is pronounced as (par-ak-al-eh’-o). The meaning is to call to or for. This can be accomplished in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.; consequently, resulting in a variety of senses. It is now more fitting to understand the context. We have to put our acts together (to be holy). Jesus Christ is on his way to pick us up.

Evil lurks in every corner, slipping into our lives the moment we let our defenses falter. It’s impossible to overlook; its presence is a constant reminder of the fragility of our peace. It’s why we have to trust God, the Holy Spirit, to work in us. He tells, confirms, and instructs us.

At this time, God, the Holy Spirit, must have jolted every Christian. They realize that what is happening around the world perfectly matches what the Holy Bible tells us. We are at the end of times. God wants us to prepare. We should not be scared of the arrival of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The outlook and emphasis of our daily living must be focused on our spiritual side. Our attitude has to be the total opposite of what is normal in this world we are living in. There has to be a clear-cut definition of what is of Godly and what is evil. Prayer and seeking God’s will are the main components of an unmistakable effort of a holy life. We should not be distracted by whatever challenges we face. What should matter most is the declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Satisfaction is defined by a lifestyle that involves sacrifices and challenges, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment. This is the definitive and absolute state of God’s promise of holiness. This is particularly true in a world filled with elements that are deemed abominations to the Lord.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if this article somehow enlightened you, please share it. Do the work of an evangelist. (II Timothy 4:5) Our job living in these end times is to bring to Jesus Christ those who are lost. We will not get our reward on earth. Yet, it is gratifying when we hear God Himself speak to us. He says, “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21).

Scriptural Readings:

Luke 11:24-26, II Timothy 3:1-5

Significant challenges confront our world today. These include social unrest, political turmoil, and the looming threat of global conflict. These issues create hatred, confusion, and anxiety, and again, we have no reason to dispute or reject them.

Luke 11:24-26

King James Version

V.24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.

V.25 And when he cometh, he findeth [it] swept and garnished.

V.26 Then goeth he, and taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first.

The New Living Translation

V.24 “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ 

V.25 So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order.

V.26 Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.”

What’s the point?

Commonly, one focuses more on daily events than on our spiritual life. When was the last time we seriously asked ourselves about our spirituality? Have we recently paused and thought about Jesus’ incredible promise? He will grant us a mansion in heaven. Or an ignorance of what this place called hell is all about? The point is we will land in either of these places for eternity.

It is time to tilt the balance on spirituality. If we do not regret the evils we are dealing with, they will increase in quantity and quality. God is always taking our attention; God’s discipline is on its way. I must reiterate that there’s no misunderstanding here. The point is to repent.

What’s the point?

It is the point. As soon as our faith is opposed and threatened, we must stand on our ground and confront it. Remember that the devil will not die. He is doomed to suffer eternity in the lake of fire. The unsaved will join him there. He and his evil spirits will relentlessly pursue our spiritual death by destroying our faith.

It seems we are taking it lightly. Still, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact this one word can have on us. We can’t afford to overlook this. Sin is the gate to hell. If one’s idea or view of life in its absolute context aligns with reality, one needs to reconsider. Nightmares simply are experiences. The question of Heaven and Hell’s existence persists. Some view them as fictional constructs. This belief leaves us to grapple with truth versus falsehood circumstances.

II Timoty 3:1-5

King James Version

V.1 This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come.

V.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

V.3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

V.4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

V.5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

The New Living Translation

V.1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.

V.2  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

V.3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

V.4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

V.5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

What’s the point?

Which of us are listed here from the verses above? I would say we will land on at least one of them. Another question is, how many of us are there? The absolute meaning of these verses must genuinely move us. If it doesn’t, we will find ourselves in hell. These indications are barometers of the end times but also serve as a meditative area for us to contemplate.

Life is a journey with a clear destination. For the younger generation, taking life to extremes is empowering. It makes them feel like anything is possible. Nonetheless, aging brings challenges.

What’s my point?

It’s all about living by God’s standards. There is nothing wrong with a way of living our lives of holiness. Unless we get our acts righteous in His sight, we are on the border of destruction. There are no exceptions. All of us should be on the path of holiness. If the signs of the end times are a joke, it’s not funny. The Father promised us salvation by sending His Son. Yet, here we are, living our lives as if there were no heaven or inferno.

As Christians, if we are not rational about the disturbances happening around the globe, there is something wrong with us. If all the evils we see today are not obvious, then there is a problem. We are playing with the devil. Jesus said, “Whoever is not with us is against us.”

Scriptural Reading:

Romans 12:1

What time is it? An everyday question filled with mysteries. Why mystery? Although we may be unquestionable of our query at one point, the process does not conclude there. Some people believe time will stand still in the future, while others may show up stretched without an end. Do we have an authentic and valid intention in asking about time? The only constant entity in our universe is time, and without it, everything would be meaningless and chaotic. Time, in the truest sense of the word, is absolute.

Is my time up (not necessarily the lifetime)? It is about time. We blame time for our errors. These are only a few unanswered questions and studies about time that need more time to figure out. The answer to every doubt about time lies within itself.  

Everyone will agree that time is the only possession that is priceless. It is also an aspect of our lives that we can never take back or turn back on. Have we ever asked ourselves what to do with our time? Regardless of what we are consciously aware of, what if we have more or run out of it? One thing for sure is that we do not have the time to figure this issue out. We think we have time on our hands or have it safeguarded. However, it remains an enigma, and for all we know, we ran out of it.

Romans 12:1

King James Version

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

New Living Translation

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. It is truly the way to worship him.

Real time.

When we reach the end of the time frame for something we are working on, it feels like we need more time. Why? Because of the condition. Time tells us about our condition. How time flows reveals everything from birth to death. God holds time, and we make our own decisions. We have to reflect on this every second of our lives.

The moment we were born again, not only our body belonged now to God but also our time. A personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will completely seize our whole being, spirit, soul, and body. Does this mean we surrender our free will? No, not at all. It is why we still sin because we choose to do it. Right? Our time now is to determine what we consider our enemy or who can be our supporter.

Holy time.

When the day ends, we look at the bottom line, asking, did we accomplish God’s will? But seek you all first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

The reasonable service the apostle Paul is referring to is what God had instructed us to do. As soon as we receive instructions on what we are to act on, we submit our bodies as a sacrifice, and these actions are the only actions acceptable to God. We can now say that time dedicated to fulfilling His desires It is considered sacred or holy to Him. Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Redeem time.

We are living in the end times. The signs are unmistakable. The days are evil. As Christians, what are we told? Redeem the time. What is to redeem the time?

Some Christians might not be serious about the second coming of Jesus Christ, and it seems the days ahead are just as ordinary as the previous days. Most probably, we are ignorant of what is happening because we are busy with our daily routine, and being spiritual seems an option daily.

Just like in the time of Noah, people were carrying out their ordinary routines when the flood came. In our modern times, some of us may find ourselves stuck in traffic, having a conversation (I hope not an argument) with the boss, or maybe in the bathroom doing our business when the rapture will occur, and after this is the second coming of Jesus Christ.

All of us will face God on judgment day. If God finds us unworthy, the only issue we can think of is what did I do with my time? Now is the time to ask ourselves, “What am I doing with my time?”

Conviction is real. It is whether we heed it or ignore it. Arguments may arise when asked what is more significant, our earthly or spiritual lives are. The answer is abundantly clear. Our temporal life ends, but our spiritual lives continue. This article is a wake-up call for all Christians. Jesus said I will come like a thief in the night. We can interpret this warning as death or just as Jesus promised us of His second coming. Nonetheless, it all boils down to the meaning of the end.

Final word.

Jesus Christ will come for us Christians for the second time. It is a promise. Count on it. When He said, “It’s finished,” He is coming for us to be with Him forever. Let there not be a time of slackness for us when He returns (II Peter 3:9). Nothing is better than having our bodies seen by God as Holy, one thing that is acceptable to Him.

Scriptural Readings:

John 10:27-28, Romans 8:1, Hebrews 13:5, Luke 10:17-20

In our hectic and fast-paced lives, reminders play a crucial role. The inevitability of forgetting things is a daily challenge that affects people of all ages. It is typical to require a reminder, as forgetfulness can be a formidable adversary in our daily lives.

The overrated line, “Oh, I forgot,” has become the exaggerated script for many. Recognizing the critical nature of remembering, we understand the significance of not forgetting. The consequence of forgetfulness can extend beyond the individual, resulting in the loss of something valuable and necessary for a select few, even if not universally beneficial.

When we turn our backs on God, we consider, at some point, that this idea is His will. Correct? Nope, it is, of course, ours. He will do everything to prevent us from turning our backs on Him. And as He promised, He sealed us with His Holy Spirit. Marking us for salvation is not the only purpose. But also to be used by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we limit our minds to the idea that the Holy Spirit exclusively seals us and makes us Christians. But it is not so. To contain God is impossible. What is factual is that our will is our priority, not His. Our agenda is to fulfill our desires, putting His will at the end of our list.

His will is for us to be holy, like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

When we transgress, we do not fear the Lord. We are unafraid of anyone or anything. Our mantra becomes “we can do it our way.” But why? Yes, all will still sin, but the crucial difference is our conscious and willful persistence in sin. This poses the danger of regressing to our former state. Instead of progressing towards holiness, we revert to our former sins. Let’s pause and reflect on this. Does this resonate with you?

A reminder is not just a reminder. It tells us about two essential things: who and what we are. First, we are sinners needing a savior; the second is a passing on from the first. Christ’s atoning sacrifice saved us. It must be clear that we are now washed clean by the blood of our Savior and Lord and must live a holy life.

Our lives often require constant reminders to protect us against the wickedness of the world and to help us stay closer to God. It’s difficult to remain pure and avoid sin, but thankfully, God has provided us with various tools to simplify these complex tasks. Always keep in mind that the Holy Spirit is with us, and take some time to read, study, and follow the flow of the following verses. They will remain with us, no matter what happens.

John 10:27-28 

King James Version

V.27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

V.28 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

New Living Translation

V.27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

V.28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,

When we pray, Jesus listens to us and responds, even though we may not hear His voice audibly. He has promised us eternal life, and we should be grateful for this gift. We may question this promise, but we must acknowledge its unwavering faithfulness. We should read His message prayerfully and consider what God tells us, as the Christian faith revolves around our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:1

King James Version

There is therefore now no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

New Living Translation

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

As a Christian, there is a significant difference between walking in the Spirit and continuously being in the flesh. Although it is possible, the difference lies in which one rules over you. For instance, if pornography, drugs, and illicit relationships are still a problem for you as a Christian, then it means that the flesh is still in control. It is important to note that this does not imply that you are not a Christian. It just means that you are still struggling with the flesh. The solution to this problem is sanctification, getting rid of the flesh.

Hebrews 13:5

King James Version

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.

New Living Translation

Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.

Covetousness possesses envy and greed. What is happening today is that we fail to acknowledge and perform this commandment from God of getting rid of this evil from us eventually, into disregarding contentment.

First, it starts as a commandment but eventually becomes a reminder. However, we have failed to follow both. It is a commandment that we tend to forget completely. How can we be reminded to avoid covetousness? Again, as Jesus taught us to be content. There is no other way.

Please take a moment to read this verse twice and reflect on its meaning. What do you believe God is telling to communicate to you the first time you read it? Does your understanding of the message change the second time you read it? Does His message remain the same, or does it differ? As a Christian, you may interpret this verse as discouraging prosperity because of the word contented. However, what about those who are poor? Does this mean that they should be satisfied with their financial situation? Does it also imply that they should not strive to improve their financial status?

Look at the words covetousness and contentment. Would you consider that these two words are related? God taught me a lesson in this verse, and I want to share it with you.

God teaches us contentment, not poverty, and rewards our efforts through Jesus. It is an acceptance of what you have. We depend on Him alone for our lives. It is an acceptance of what you have. If you have more, accept and share it. If you have less, acknowledge it, too, but it does not mean you have to stop and have the right to be better financially. It is at our Father’s disposal to bless us both materially and spiritually. His will is always to alleviate us from our situation. I used the word alleviate because whether we have too much or less, problems will still haunt us. Rich and poor people experience the same difficulties, and having much or little in this world will not change us spiritually, only Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:17-20

King James Version

V.17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

V.18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

V.19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

V.20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

New Living Translation

V.17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!”

V.18  “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!

V.19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.

V.20  But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

God reminds us that the only way to live a pleasing life to Him is by His grace and mercy. We must depend on Jesus Christ alone for our lives and our Father recognizes and rewards all of our efforts through Him. Throughout our lives, the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us and work with us. Our daily routines are a part of the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – one God. Alleluia!

Scriptural Reading:

Psalms 46:10

King James Version

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted4 in the earth.

New Living Translation

“Be still, and know that I am God!

    I will be honored by every nation.

    I will be honored throughout the world.”

Who is God? For some, the question is, what is a god? People usually associate gods with religion. Right? Some people claim to have found their god by adding the letter “l” between “o” and “d,” naming their god “gold.” Some may even deny the existence of a supreme being, saying believing in a god is just a fairytale.

We must wake up to the fact that we are absolutely on the wrong track. Trusting ourselves entirely to some of our beliefs is the silliest thing we’ve ever done. It is an alarming truth that demands our attention. Today, some Christians are losing faith in our Almighty God, a worrying trend, precisely what the Bible prophesied about the end of the world. One of the many reasons is that our time demands us to do almost everything except our Maker. Now, chaos and confusion wear away the foundation of our faith in Him, turning our backs on Him and turning to another. What do we have to do to increase our faith? What are we going to do to protect the foundations of our faith? Every moment left on this earth gives us a reason to ask ourselves these questions.

Be still…,

We believe we live in a fast-paced lifestyle that exceeds our timeline.” But the truth is, we never improve for the better. We never leave where we were initially. The truth is we are in a make-believe world. Prayers with wishes are nonsense. We call this attitude, “Who needs a god?” or “What is the point of having a god anyway?” Sometimes, we ask why the Creator needs our attention, but it always ends up with Him getting our attention. When problems seem to halt us, we all have every reason to blame, including the Almighty, not knowing He’s always there for us. How can we know if He is there if we continue to move as fast as we can? We think we have left the Lord behind, but the truth is, we have not moved an inch. Be still. It is a commandment.

.., and know..,

We now live in a world that defies almost anything we believe in. Things we think are impossible can be possible in just a few years. Are we serious about how we can reach omniscience? Facts and information we can trust are essential to success in every aspect of our lives and become our guidelines, even in our spiritual lives. And where do we end up? More chaos. What do we have more of? A host of problems include anxiety and disappointment. What does it profit a man if he gains the entire world but loses his soul? At this point, we must ‘Be dead serious’ about our spiritual condition. What other things must we have and know?

..I am God Almighty.

Is the first commandment still fresh in your mind? In the first place, He wrote it because he knew we would have more than one Supreme being. There is still much for us to learn, experience, and be grateful for from our Creator. And the thing is, instead of approaching Him from His throne of grace, we choose not to, but rather, determine what we think is appropriate for us. In most circumstances, we end up with the wrong things.

The more it pleases our minds, gratifies our flesh, and is associated with sin, the more it is reasonable. Our Lord countless times warned us about this lifestyle. We cannot serve two masters simultaneously. It’s either we hate one and love the other. (Matthew 6:24). OurGod will take corrective action to grab our attention, that is for sure. We should not lose our identity as His children and Him as our Father. It is for the same reason that Satan does not want us to be with our Creator. He lost this relationship, and now, he wants, if possible, all of us to be with him in eternal damnation.

And finally,

In shedding his blood at Calvary, Jesus secured our salvation, as Almighty God had already done. Modern-day gods appear in many forms to steal, kill, and destroy. Anything takes us away from our Creator, and our Lord Jesus becomes our god, anything. We seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. He dwells in us. It alone tells us that the Creator we have, worship, and love with no condition is the modern God Almighty of all time. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). 

Scriptural Readings: 

John 8:3-10; Hebrews 10:16-17; John 15: 4-8

John 8:3-10

King James Version

v.3  And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

v.4   they say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

v.5  Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

v.6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

v.7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 

v.8 And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

v.9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

v.10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

New Living Translation

v.3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

v.4  “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

v.5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

v.6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].

v.7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”

v.8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

Is it a mistake or a wrong choice? Getting trapped in these tricky questions is inevitable. Correct? These are the common inquiries we ask ourselves as our endeavors end with mistakes and questions of morality.

There is no exception to making a mistake or generating a wrong choice. And the thing is that we do it over and over, expecting that one day it will end. State-of-the-art technology is undoubtedly a great help. However, it will still offer more options and increase the chances of picking unnecessary ones.

Blaming is another thing. For some, it is the death blow. It is another burden on our consciences. Our suffering extends beyond overwhelming emotions to include mistakes and incorrect decisions. Now, we raise the universal question. What do we do next?

Here is a scenario of a picture-perfect crime, wherein guilty should be the verdict. But it did not end the way it had to. Living with imperfection is our life. Making a choice happens at the onset, with the possibility of a right or wrong outcome, while at the far end, we can only find our mistakes. For us to be sensible, we must have God’s righteousness. We can never see the divine unless God allows us to. That is why we should have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Acceptance is now the name of the game. The minute we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we enter the divine, and humanity falls behind.

So, what is the difference between before and now? Here is how it happens. Conscience tells us not to sin, and we struggle. Right? God reminds us (of conviction), and we confront it. That was before. Now, God reminds us that He will fight for us. It means we are not struggling as much as we used to be and have a guarantee of success in every issue we will have in the future.

Hebrews 10:16-17

King James Version

 v.16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

v.17  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

New Living Translation

v.16  “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

v.17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”

The law of Moses says, stone her. What do you say?”

Here is an unmistakable example of humans committing mistakes. Choosing to take the woman to Jesus for conviction is unnecessary. Humanity believes that human-made laws can produce faultless answers. And, of course, Jesus answered them with a divine law exposing their mistake. God had already written His holy laws into our hearts. It is why, even if we cannot see God, we can sense and follow Him through faith in our spirit. Check these Bible verses for confirmation: I John 4:12-16, John 10:27-28, Psalms 119:11.

John 15: 4-8

King James Version

v.4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

v.5  I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

v.6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

v.7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

v.8 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

New Living Translation

v.4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

v.5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

v.6 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

v.7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

v.8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

To abide by or continue is a form of a relationship. To highlight the consequences of relationship-building in our lives, the word “abide” is used several times in this chapter. Jesus wants us to accept a relationship with Him to be productive. And the only way to accomplish this is to be true to His words. Options will always be available. As Christians, we can live wisely. It is to our advantage. We are not faultless, but we have Jesus. We either reject Him or prosper in a relationship with Him.

Jesus said we must live contrary to how this world tells us to. He wants us to deny our selfish desires in obedience to Him. It is tough, but there is a reward waiting for us. Now, we can boldly say that we made the right choice, and that it was not a mistake but, in fact, a victory.

Scriptural Readings: I Corinthians 10:13, James 4:7-8 

Notifications. How compelling are they? Have we uncovered its heart? How do we receive notifications? Do we get our messages through traditional methods, like talking face-to-face or sending letters? Or modern means, such as text messages and social media posts? We now live in a world filled with notifications in various forms. We must decide what we want to receive and how.

I Corinthians 10:13 

King James Version

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

New Living Translation

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

James 4:7

King James Version

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

New Living Translation

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Flee from the devil.

One thing leads to another. One of the many reactions we experience after realizing sin has engulfed us. And we now face hopeless circumstances. An old problem since the world began. It always starts with temptation. Temptation is often the first step in a chain of events that can spiral out of control fast. The urge to succumb to temptation can be powerful. And if one does, one might spiral into sin and sorrow. This cycle has existed throughout history. And the devil will not stop. He planned to search and destroy. He will continue to do what he loves: steal, kill, and destroy. We draw the line from here. God is omnipresent. Help and blessings are always on their way. One thing the devil cannot stop.

How can we flee the devil? Most Christians need answers to these unanswerable and universal questions. We must not back out but turn to the Bible and prayer for strength and guidance. Relying on our faith and the power coming from God, we can resist schemes and overcome temptation. God has already made his point, escape. And we have to act. We must first determine what brought us to this place, where we never intended to be. Correct? There must be a way to avoid such a place. Conviction, yes, the Holy Spirit never stops convicting us. We can feel the Holy Spirit’s call to holiness, yet many ignore it, leading us astray. To accomplish what God has shown us, we must do our part. If we do not act, destruction will follow. God did the unthinkable by giving us a way to escape, and we must do our part, the easiest part, to get out.

James 4:8

King James Version

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

New Living Translation

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

Draw near to Him.

He is doing a tremendous job.

The Holy Spirit convicts and instructs us. It may sound like a cliché, but most Christians are neglectful. Isn’t it true that we must draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us? The Holy Spirit indwells in us, and yet we ignore Him. Right? What do we do with useless things? We throw them away. Decluttering. Correct? We never regret giving away things we do not use. Moreso, we were glad we did it. From time to time, we consider it rubbish. We do this to the Holy Spirit when conviction and instruction become meaningless and useless. When was the last time we paid attention to the Holy Spirit? This question answers what, where, and how we are today. 

When we disregard the Holy Spirit, we risk losing its power and existence. When we ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we cannot receive divine guidance. We can become complacent and apathetic towards spiritual gifts and miss out on growth and transformation. If we do not listen to the Holy Spirit, we will be off track and disconnected from our faith. The way to enjoy the full benefits of a relationship with God is to heed the Holy Spirit.

God has never left us, nor will He leave us in any situation. We keep running away from Him. We are more inclined to believe in evil than to accept His blessings. Evil will fill this world in the future. The Holy Spirit reveals truth with a distinctness no one matches. When it becomes unbearable, we should pray with a deep sense of faith and conviction, without a single iota of doubt. Draw near to Him. He will come near you, and the devil will flee. A divine assurance we should have claimed at the beginning of the temptation. 

It is undeniable that the Holy Spirit is available 24/7. It is up to us to acknowledge His notification. By claiming the promise of the Holy Spirit and listening to Him, we can overcome evil and live in His grace. When we pray in faith and draw near to God, we can resist temptations with assurance. It will keep our hearts and minds safe from evil. God will help us endure and remain faithful even in difficult circumstances by assuring us of His presence. With this assurance, we can trust He will help us overcome temptation and live in His will.

Scriptural Readings:

Matthew 13:15, Romans 7:15-20

Sin. What should we ask ourselves with this word? The questions will never end. With so many things to worry about, dealing with wickedness appeared to be another minor thing to consider. We have become so used to sin that we hardly recognize it as a danger to our well-being. And many of us do not even realize how influential it has been in our lives. Some of us have become desensitized to these evil acts and their aftermath. However, the real pitfall of sin lies not only in the actions themselves but in the lasting consequences that result from them.

It is imperative to remember that it is a severe spiritual problem. These activities, such as pornography and addiction, are so familiar that we have become accustomed to them. Slipping into a sense of complacency from these habits can make it difficult to break away and face the harsh reality. And the unfortunate part is that we do not recognize the long-term harm they can cause physically, mentally, and spiritually. This sinful world drags us down to hell.

When we embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He forgives us for our sins and sets us free. Sin and sins are different. Sin is the root, and sins are the products. We should acknowledge that the old man, the sinful system, is removed from us. This system should no longer operate. And it should never be available in the future. God always gives us a chance to escape temptation. It is a truth, but the sad thing is that we still choose and do what is against God. It is a fact today for some Christians.

We have two things to know and consider. First, we are not God the Creator, but creations, and therefore can sin. If we see sin as a minor thing to worry about, we are obviously and grievously mistaken. We will ignore the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Second, the last days of the church age are deceiving. People mistakenly assume that their actions are God’s will when, in fact, it pushes them away from Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to understand our limitations as human beings and to be mindful of the deceptive nature of sin as it pertains to spiritual prosperity.

King James Version

Matthew 13:15

For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

New Living Translation

For the hearts of these people are hardened,

and their ears cannot hear,

and they have closed their eyes—

so their eyes cannot see,

and their ears cannot hear,

and their hearts cannot understand,

and they cannot turn to me

and let me heal them.’

Our acts are ‌prone to sin forever, blinding us to the truth. We are inclined ‌to believe all ‌the evils of lying, justifying their works through fleshly desires, leading us to damnation. Constantly pursuing fleshly desires creates a foundation for wicked plans, protecting our evil inclinations. Instead of listening to the Holy Spirit’s convictions, we become numb to its message. Ultimately, turning away from God will keep us from receiving his love and forgiveness, resulting in spiritual death forever.

Faith and grace in God are our sustenance, and disconnection from Him is fatal to our holy life. Everything is tragic because we have lived, continue, and will live this way. Unfortunately, we are often so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives that we do not acknowledge the importance of our connection with God, which can ultimately lead to spiritual death. Faithless in God prevents humans from being graced with His grace and mercy, leading to eternal spiritual death. It is when you hate God and won’t do what He wants.

King James Version

v.15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

v.16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.

v.17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

v.18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

v.19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

v.20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

New Living Translation

v.15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

v.16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.

v.17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

v.18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.

v.19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

v.20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

Are we getting convictions?

This word will nail us down. As it strips us, it exposes our wicked intentions and evil nature. Without this word, our ungodly schemes would remain hidden, and our corrupt nature would remain unchecked. We ignore it effortlessly and happily, if not regularly. We are so eager to falsify, which is pure and divine, to fit our schemes and desires, far from pleasing God. And when this word works in us, we can no longer hide, revealing all our actions and intentions. Conviction is inevitable and not just an unwanted feeling to ignore. Trying to evade it by giving it a different meaning will not justify our actions.

Every day is the most meaningful battle we face. A time will come when we will have to decide for a split second only to find out we committed a mistake. Thinking is essential to making the right decision. It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant it is. While humans make mistakes, God has provided provisions. By listening to what God tells us, we can avert ‌evil. The Holy Spirit’s voice is powerful and inescapable.

And finally.

True to His words, Jesus promised He would never leave us by sending the Holy‌ Spirit. He had unlimited sources for solutions. God fulfills His promises as He always does. How about our part? Are we going continuously to sin or not? The only way to travel by water is by sea vessels. The only change that will make sense is a change done by God.

If there is one thing in the present that we think will change us, we have to think again unless it is that God is changing us today. God doesn’t change. He wants us to change to know its spiritual meaning. Remember we have options. It is exactly what He wants us to change. If we are Christians, it has to be from better to best.

Scriptural Readings:

Ephesians 5:15-18, Psalms 14:1, I Timothy 4:1-2
I Peter 1:16.

Believing is essential for everyone. Believe it or not, deciding is the most time-consuming part of our lives. We base our decisions on what is true. It is challenging for us to trust specific things easily. It is okay to disagree with what our eyes have seen, but not everyone. Life is loaded and packed with doubts. Facts and evidence are the only things that bridge doubt and unbelief.


Ephesians 5:15-18

King James Version

V.15 See then, that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

New Living Translation

V.15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

We live with truth and lies. We have to know these concepts. But for Christians, we are told to conduct ourselves wisely. How can we live wisely? And how can we keep ourselves sensible if we do not know the distinction between truth and lies? By not being a fool. We need to understand and differentiate between these two. But how do we know we are behaving foolishly?

The answer is straightforward: Total dependence on God should always be our answer. We only know some things. Without God’s will, we are more likely to make foolish decisions since we lack the proper foundation to make wise decisions.

King James Version

V.16 Redeeming the time because the days are evil.

V.17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding the will of the Lord [is]

V.18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

New Living Translation

V.16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

V.17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

V.18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

Foolish conclusions are always available whenever and anywhere. There is a wide variety to choose from if we continue to sin. There are ways to avoid ridiculous conduct, and one is by learning and studying the word of God. When we know what God says with particular things, we can make wise decisions based on His truth. We can live sensibly and avoid unreasonable decisions and actions if we consider these God-given guidelines and follow them. Our understanding of His will differs from ours. We must inspect ourselves and evaluate our actions and decisions. It can help us improve our own lives and the lives of others. We also need to think critically and examine how we live spiritually. The Holy Spirit will confirm specifically what our Father wants, and we work on it without questions.

I Timothy 4:1-2

King James Version

V.1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

V.2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

New Living Translation

V.1
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

V.2
These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

Most of us who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ don’t admit that we are not entirely putting our trust and faith in Him. We might profess our faith in God but rarely accept that we ultimately rely on Him. On this basis, few of us continue to sin willfully. It is the same as living without the comforting presence of God. Making Jesus’ death and suffering on our behalf meaningless is a sad truth that is becoming more and more visible with each passing day.


Psalms 14:1

King James Version

To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.
The fool hath said in his heart, [There is] no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, [there is] none that doeth good.

New Living Translation

Only fools say in their hearts,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;
not one of them does good!

Faith. It connects our body, soul, and spirit. Without it, we cannot see God and develop a relationship with Him. By expressing our faithfulness and trust in Him, our spiritual needs are given and taken care of by God as we enter the spiritual realm.
Having no faith in God is evil in its entirety. Evil begins in the heart, and when our minds agree, it leads to corruption. Corruption is nothing but faithlessness in God and only produces wickedness.

When we sin or commit immoral acts, we are saying God does not exist, and there is no condemnation of what will happen. In this condition, it is crystal clear that we are foolish. Can this happen to a Christian? Yes. It is clear from scripture that none doeth right. Nothing can change this. The devil will not stop until we backslide to a point where we even blame God. Or question the existence of Jesus as Lord and Savior, or, more dangerously, turn our backs on Him.

I Peter 1:16

King James Version

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

New Living Translation

For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

It is where we, as Christians and unbelievers, differ. We have the Holy Spirit convicting us. God will use anything and everything to get us back on track with Him. God wants us to be holy. Some might think that to be holy is to be like God has a character of being impossible to sin. His holiness is entirely different from ours. For us to remain holy, we must remain unspotted, as we are prone to sin.

God made it easy for us to be in the realm of being holy by requiring forgiveness through Jesus. It will be identical to being sacred. If we sin, we confess, and He is faithful and fair to forgive our sins. In this way, we enter a spiritual realm of holiness wherein we are privileged to be forgiven and enjoy a holy place.

In Conclusion,

It is inevitable for us to seek always in our fallen nature. It is the reason we get frustrated and weary. We will forever be desirous of perfection and contentment because of our sinful disposition. Leaving us only hopeless to be found. The only remedy in our fallen nature is to face the truth that we need God.

We want to explore the vastness of space, but it is endless. So, God installed a small brain to advance us in understanding its immenseness. We want to go deeper into the depths of the oceans, but what is in the shallows is yet to be learned. And finally, the ultimate question. Will there be answers to all our questions? Believe and trust in Jesus Christ (John 4:1, 6-7). We are foolish. We need salvation (John 3:3). As we continue to have this relationship with God through our Lord Jesus, all our needs and questions will be met and answered in due time.