Title May 2020

“And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:25

When we receive salvation, it doesn’t end with separating ourselves from open sins such as fornication, theft, corruption, abortion, or indecent dressing. The Christian life also requires us to live a life of self-control — restraining ourselves even from things that seem harmless but can hinder our faith and fruitfulness.

There are many things we can do that are not sinful in themselves, yet they drain our spiritual strength and occupy our time until we become unfruitful in the Lord.

EXAMPLES OF LACK OF RESTRAINT

Your worldly friend may invite you to a birthday party. That may not be sin, but before you accept, ask yourself — what will this add to my spiritual life? Perhaps the only gain will be laughter and entertainment, but spiritually you will lose more than you gain.

Or maybe you enjoy watching certain dramas or TV shows. You might think, “There’s no harm in it.” Yet soon your mind becomes enslaved by them. Your joy is tied to how the episode ends, and your thoughts are constantly there — that’s bondage of the mind.

Some people befriend everyone around them, even the ungodly, and call everyone “my friend.” But not everyone should be part of your inner circle. You can greet your neighbors and live peacefully, but you don’t need to join them in every conversation or hangout.

You may have over 50 WhatsApp groups — from kindergarten friends to neighborhood chats, jokes, and sports groups — yet you only belong to one Bible study group. Ask yourself, what do all these groups add to your spiritual life? The Lord Jesus said that “the seed that fell among thorns was choked by the cares of this life” (Luke 8:14). When your mind is filled with worldly noise, the Word of God in you cannot grow.

A CALL TO DISCIPLINE

The Apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race that requires strict discipline:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things…
Therefore I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:24–27

Just like athletes avoid distractions to win a temporary medal, we must exercise even greater restraint to obtain a crown that never fades.

Not everything pleasant should be tried. Learn to say no to certain invitations, programs, and friendships so you can have more time to pray, meditate on God’s Word, and grow spiritually. Otherwise, your time will always feel “too short,” and your spiritual life will remain stagnant.

HOW TO REGAIN YOUR TIME

Start by reducing unnecessary distractions.
Choose only a few close friends who help you grow spiritually.
Leave worldly entertainment behind — movies, shows, and social media groups that feed the flesh and not the spirit.

Ask yourself: does that old school WhatsApp group from 15 years ago help your walk with God today?
If not, leave it. Before the age of social media, you lived in peace — why not now?

Also, avoid unnecessary attachments with worldly people. Be a good neighbor, yes, but don’t join their ungodly gatherings. Do not fear losing human support, for “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me.” (Hebrews 13:6)

When you begin to separate yourself from these distractions, you will gain precious time — time to pray, study Scripture, and worship. As you build this discipline, you will notice a deep peace in your heart, and God will begin to reveal Himself to you in powerful ways.

Your spiritual growth will become rapid, and you will bear fruit for God. But if you continue to live carelessly and without restraint, months and years will pass and you will remain spiritually immature — vulnerable to the enemy’s deception.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Therefore, beloved, exercise self-control in all things.
Cut off what weakens your spirit and invest your time in what draws you closer to God.

“He who loves discipline loves knowledge,
but he who hates correction is stupid.”
— Proverbs 12:1

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In the days of ancient Israel, God commanded Moses to establish Cities of Refuge — special places where anyone who accidentally killed another person could flee for safety until justice was carried out.

“Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan,
then you shall appoint cities to be cities of refuge for you,
that the manslayer who kills any person accidentally may flee there.”
— Numbers 35:10–11

There were six cities in total — three on each side of the Jordan River — and they served as sanctuaries for those who unintentionally took a life. These cities symbolized God’s mercy and justice.

The person who caused death by accident could run to these cities before the avenger of blood reached him. There, he would find protection until he stood before the congregation for judgment.

“And they shall be cities of refuge for you from the avenger,
that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation in judgment.”
— Numbers 35:12

A SYMBOL OF CHRIST OUR REFUGE

The Cities of Refuge were a prophetic picture of Jesus Christ — our eternal refuge from judgment and condemnation. Just as the manslayer fled to the city for safety, so we flee to Christ for salvation.

Without the City of Refuge, the guilty person would be killed.
Without Christ, the sinner faces eternal death.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.”
— Proverbs 18:10

Just as those cities were easily accessible to everyone, the door of salvation through Jesus is open to all people — rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, man or woman. Anyone can run to Him for mercy and forgiveness.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

THE HIGH PRIEST AND THE END OF CONDEMNATION

In the Old Testament, the one who fled to a City of Refuge had to remain there until the death of the high priest. When the high priest died, the manslayer was free to return home, no longer in danger of death.

“But if the manslayer at any time goes outside the limits of the city of refuge where he fled,
and the avenger of blood finds him outside the limits of his city of refuge,
and the avenger of blood kills the manslayer, he shall not be guilty of blood,
because he should have remained in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest.
But after the death of the high priest, the manslayer may return to the land of his possession.”
— Numbers 35:26–28

This was a prophetic symbol of Christ’s redemptive work.
When our High Priest — Jesus Christ — died on the cross, our debt was fully paid, and our guilt removed. His death set us free from the curse of sin and from the hand of the avenger, who represents Satan and divine judgment.

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come,
with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands,
that is, not of this creation.
Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood
He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.”
— Hebrews 9:11–12

RUN TO CHRIST — YOUR CITY OF REFUGE

Beloved, the message of the Cities of Refuge is a call to run to Jesus without delay.
The world today is full of sin, guilt, and condemnation.
Every person has sinned and stands guilty before a holy God — yet there is a place of safety.

That place is in Christ alone.
He invites every sinner to flee to Him and find mercy before it’s too late.

“That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie,
we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.”
— Hebrews 6:18

If you have not yet come to Him, the time is now.
Do not wait until judgment catches up with you.
The avenger of blood — sin and death — is near, but Christ still stands with open arms saying,

“Whoever comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
— John 6:37

A FINAL CALL

The gates of the City of Refuge were never closed.
Day or night, anyone could run and find safety.
In the same way, the grace of God is still open today, but one day the door will shut when Christ returns.

Run to Him today. Confess your sins. Receive forgiveness through His blood.
He is your refuge, your protector, and your deliverer.

“For You have been a refuge for me,
a strong tower from the enemy.”
— Psalm 61:3

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are my refuge and my salvation.
I run to You today with all my heart.
Forgive my sins, cleanse me by Your blood, and keep me safe within Your mercy.
Thank You for dying in my place and setting me free.
Amen.

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When an animal enters a wildlife reserve, it is under protection. Inside the reserve, no hunter can touch it because it is under the law of the land — the park belongs to the government. Within that boundary, there are rangers watching over it day and night.
However, if that same animal leaves the reserve — even by a short distance — it exposes itself to danger. Hunters can now freely attack and kill it because it is no longer under protection.

That is how it is for us who are in Christ.
As long as we remain inside the refuge of God, Satan cannot harm us. But the moment we step out of that divine boundary, we expose ourselves to his attacks.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
— Psalm 91:1

The “secret place of the Most High” represents that divine refuge — the place of obedience, holiness, and fellowship with God. Whoever lives there enjoys divine covering. The devil may roar outside, but he cannot enter that sacred zone.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
— Proverbs 18:10

The Name of the LORD here represents Christ Himself — the refuge of the righteous.
When you are inside that tower, sin cannot rule over you, fear cannot dominate you, and curses cannot touch you. But if you walk away from that place through disobedience or carelessness, you have left your safety behind.

BEWARE OF STEPPING OUTSIDE GOD’S COVERING

There are many who once walked in God’s will but later turned aside. They started living in compromise, in the love of the world, in secret sin — thinking they still had God’s protection. Yet, outside the boundaries of holiness, there is no safety.

“He that breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him.”
— Ecclesiastes 10:8

The hedge is God’s protection. When you break it — through rebellion, bitterness, or immorality — the serpent (Satan) gains access.

Sometimes God warns His children before they step out of His will — through the Word, through dreams, or through servants of God — but if they ignore His voice, they soon find themselves wounded by the enemy.

HOW TO REMAIN WITHIN GOD’S REFUGE

1. Stay in the Word of God.
   Constant meditation and obedience to Scripture keep your spirit in alignment with God.

   “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
   — Psalm 119:11

2. Live a life of prayer.
   Prayer maintains your connection with heaven. When you cease praying, you drift away from the covering of grace.

   “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”
   — Matthew 26:41

3. Walk in holiness and obedience.
   Obedience is the gate that keeps the refuge closed to the enemy. A single act of rebellion can open a door for destruction.

   “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
   — Isaiah 1:19

4. Avoid ungodly company and worldly influences.
   Evil associations slowly draw believers out of God’s boundaries.

   “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
   — 1 Corinthians 15:33

A FINAL WARNING

Outside God’s refuge, there is nothing but danger. Satan hunts for those who wander away.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8

Do not let pride, sin, or discouragement pull you out of God’s covering. Stay in Christ — the true refuge — where peace, safety, and eternal life abide.

“Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
— John 15:4–5

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Refuge and my Fortress.
Forgive me for every time I have stepped outside Your will.
Today, I choose to return to You completely — to abide under Your shadow, to walk in obedience, and to live in holiness all my days.
Keep me within Your covering until the end.
Amen.

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Shalom!
May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed forever. Welcome again to another message of eternal life.

Let us read from John 1:35–39:

“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.
And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’
The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, ‘What do you seek?’
They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’
He said to them, ‘Come and see.’
They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day — for it was about the tenth hour.”

WHY DID THE SCRIPTURE MENTION THE TIME?

You may wonder — why did the Bible record the exact time, “for it was about the tenth hour”?
At first glance, it may seem like a small detail, but in the Word of God, every moment and every word carries meaning.

Those two disciples — one of them being Andrew — left John the Baptist immediately after hearing him testify, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” They began following Jesus quietly from behind. They didn’t want Him to disappear from their sight; they followed patiently, step by step, without Him even speaking to them.

What they didn’t know is that the Lord had already noticed them.
He knew they were following from afar, searching for something deeper.
And when the right moment came — the tenth hour — Jesus suddenly turned and asked, “What do you seek?”

That was the turning point. The moment of revelation. The time when the Lord Himself decided to stop, turn, and reveal who He was to those who had faithfully followed Him in silence.

YOUR “TENTH HOUR” WILL COME

Beloved, the Bible tells us:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” — Luke 11:9–10

You may be following Christ — praying, reading His Word, doing all you can to know Him — and yet you feel He hasn’t turned toward you. Do not give up!
Jesus has already seen your effort, your longing, and your faith. The only thing remaining is for your tenth hour to arrive.

Before your sun sets — before darkness falls in your life — the Lord will turn toward you. He will reveal Himself to you personally, just as He did to those two disciples.

Remember Simeon, the righteous man who was told by God that he would not die before seeing the Messiah (Luke 2:25). Indeed, that promise was fulfilled — his “tenth hour” came.

In the same way, your hour will come — that divine moment when the Lord turns to you and says, “Come and see.”

Do not lose heart. Keep following. Your tenth hour is near.

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” — Luke 11:10

May the Lord bless you.
Share this message with others, and if you would like to receive these teachings through email or WhatsApp, send us a message through the comment section below or call +255 789 001 312.

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The Church of Christ is compared to the human body. Just as a body has many different parts hands, feet, eyes, ears, mouth, etc. all functioning under the direction of one crucial part: the head. In the same way, the Body of Christ (the Church) has many members, but our Head is Christ Himself.

The Bible teaches that we are all different parts of one body, and Christ is the Head. Just like in the human body, no part exists without a purpose, so it is with us in the Church. If you’re truly saved, then you have a role to play there’s no such thing as a believer with no responsibility in the Body of Christ. One key trait of the body is how its parts work together in remarkable unity.

Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

You can’t claim to be saved, then let months or even years go by without contributing in any way to the Body of Christ. If that’s your reality, it may be a sign that you’ve become disconnected from the Body that you were cut off long ago. You may still attend services, but spiritually you’re no longer recognized as part of the functioning body.

If all you do is constantly receive preaching and teaching, but there’s no visible fruit or service in your life for Christ, it’s time to seriously re-evaluate your walk with Him.

Characteristics of a Living Member in Christ

Here are three key signs that show someone is an active, living member of the Body of Christ:

1. They Serve the Church with Their Resources

Every Christian has a responsibility to give to the work of God. Supporting the spread of the Gospel isn’t just for the benefit of those receiving it it’s also the duty of those who are part of delivering it. Every believer is called to contribute, as God has blessed them, to ensure the mission continues.

No one is exempt this responsibility belongs to every member of the Body.

2. They Pray for the Church

Prayer is at the heart of every Christian’s life. Every member must lift up the global Church in prayer, even though we can’t all meet in person. Just as the parts of a physical body don’t all interact directly but still work in harmony, so we are spiritually united in prayer.

Eyes can’t wash themselves they need hands. And even one hand can’t function fully without the other. In the same way, we are called to support one another in prayer, bearing one another’s burdens.

3. They Share the Good News with Others

Jesus, our Head, gave us a clear command to go into all the world and make disciples. That commission wasn’t just for a few; it was for all of us.

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Every believer has been given a gift, a calling. Whether you’re a preacher, evangelist, teacher, prophet, singer, writer, or someone who ministers in other ways you are called to do it with passion, in Spirit and in truth. When you actively use your gift for the glory of God, that is evidence that you are a living, functioning member of Christ’s Body.

So Why Are Many Christians Missing These Three Traits?

It’s because they don’t want to remain in Christ and walk in obedience to Him. And the truth is, if you don’t stay connected to the Head, you can’t function as part of the Body.

Jesus Himself said:

John 15:4–6 (NIV)

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

If you’re living a half-committed life—one foot in the world, the other in the church—you will never become a fruitful, living member. You’ll be like a branch that’s already been cut off, waiting to be burned.

Remember, you don’t need to have every gift—just like the human body, no part does everything. But God has given each of us a unique gift that plays an essential role in the Church. Your gift matters.

Now Is the Time to Become a Living Member

If you’re ready to truly live for Christ, then repent of your sins, return to Him fully, and if you haven’t already get baptized properly by full immersion in water, in accordance with Scripture:

John 3:23 (NIV)
“Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water…”

Acts 2:38 (NIV)
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

From that moment on, begin living a life that reflects the salvation you’ve received.

As you walk with Christ, you’ll begin to see Him working through you. The gift He’s placed in you will start to operate and you’ll find your role in the Body of Christ. On that final day, you’ll be honored with the reward meant for faithful, functioning members of His Church.

May the Lord richly bless you.

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Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus. Let us come together and learn words of life.

The Bible says:

Revelation 14:14–16 (NIV)

“Then I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man, with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.
Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, ‘Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.’
So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.”

Beloved, the hour of harvest is very near — indeed, it may be upon us now.

You may ask: How do we know it’s near?
We know because we see a clear separation happening now between weeds (tares) and wheat  both in the church of God and across the world.

Many once said, “Why doesn’t Jesus judge the world now?” I want to tell you: they may face that judgment while they are still alive  unless they repent.

They don’t realize that God’s secret in delaying judgment on the wicked is hidden in the parable of the weeds and the wheat, taught by Jesus. Let’s read:

Matthew 13:24–30, 37–43 (NIV)

“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
The owner’s servants came to him and said, “Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?”
“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. So just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the age.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus doesn’t uproot the weeds before the time because when they are young, weeds and wheat look much alike.

In the same way, in former times it was difficult to spot homosexuals or people with hidden sin in the church. But today they are openly visible, sometimes with their own congregations and leaders. In the past, it was rare to find someone calling himself a Christian yet living in blatant sexual sin  now, you’ll see it even in how people dress and behave in houses of worship. Some even claim the title of pastor or prophet.

Sinners once concealed themselves among the righteous. Today, they are out in the open.

If you study history, from the 19th century and earlier, such things were scarcely known or tolerated. In most places, the world believed at least in “some God.” But now, a tide of atheism is sweeping many to deny God altogether.

This is a sign that the wheat and weeds have matured, and separation is occurring.

In earlier times, a believer would not have mingled with worldly music or entertainment. Today, you see many doing exactly that  even within the church.

You might wonder: Where did all that boldness come from?
It is not true boldness  it is the weeds maturing and distinguishing themselves from genuine wheat. They cannot live holy lives, because they never were true wheat to begin with. In the beginning, they only pretended to be Christians to receive the blessing of grace. Now that they’ve grown, they no longer need to hide.

And that leads to the angels of the Lord coming to reap the world  a time that is very near.

They will bind the weeds in bundles before casting them into the lake of fire. When someone hears truth but hardens their heart, the angels “seal” them  this is the metaphorical binding. Once sealed, it becomes difficult for that person to turn back. They remain resolute and disobedient to the end  awaiting only final judgment. (This is based on scripture, not human judgment.)

Salvation is not passive.

This is no longer a time for indifference.
It is not the time to celebrate sin inside the church.
It is not the time to imitate every trend of the world.
It is not the time to accept every false teaching from false prophets.
This is not a season to cling to religion  this is the time to build your personal relationship with God before the days of peril come.

Remember the angel’s command:

“Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”

The time is now.
Are you waiting to be gathered among the weeds?
If not, then surrender your life to Christ and He will heal you.
Run to the cross and receive true salvation  which is freely offered now, but a time is coming when it will no longer be available.

May you be blessed.

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The story of creation holds deep and powerful lessons. In Genesis 1:27, we’re told:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” — Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

But if we carefully look at the six days of creation, we notice something interesting: one important creation was left out the woman. Imagine the scene as God finishes His work and rests on the seventh day yet Eve hasn’t been created. It’s almost as if God “forgot” her. But He didn’t. There was a profound reason behind the delay.

God left Adam alone on earth for a significant period of time. During that time, Adam observed all of creation. He saw the sun, the stars, the animals, the trees, and the beauty of everything around him. And he likely thought, “Wow, God has made everything perfectly. I don’t need anything else.”

But Adam didn’t realize that God wasn’t finished yet. There was still a masterpiece waiting to be revealed a part of creation so precious, God had reserved it for the right time.

After that long stretch of solitude maybe months or even years life in the garden continued as usual. But when the moment came for God to complete His creative work, He returned to the garden. This time, He didn’t form someone from the dust again. Instead, God dealt directly with Adam.

He caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. And while Adam slept, God reached into his side removing one of his ribs. We’re not told exactly how this happened, but we know it was an intimate and deliberate act. Perhaps that’s why the Bible says God put him into a deep sleep because what He was about to do was too profound, too sacred.

Even today, surgeons put patients under anesthesia before performing major operations. It’s not because they don’t want the person to see what’s happening, but to prevent distress and ensure the procedure goes smoothly. God, the first and perfect “Surgeon,” knew Adam needed to be still and unaware for what was coming next.

From that rib, God formed Eve. And when Adam woke up, he found someone beside him someone new. Not an animal. Not a creature of the field. But someone like him. She spoke like him. She looked like him. And in that moment, Adam recognized that she was made from his very body.

And when he looked at her again, he realized something even deeper: nothing else in all creation compared to her.

So what was God teaching Adam?

God was showing him that His most beautiful creation comes from within a person not from outside.

Every man instinctively knows: there is nothing in all creation that compares to a woman.

But the lesson didn’t end with Adam. God also taught Eve something profound. He gave her the ability to carry life to nurture a child inside her body for nine months. And from within her, a man is born. No longer from the dust. No longer from heaven. But from her.

And in that same way, every woman knows: there is nothing in all creation like a man.

Through this divine cycle, the world has been filled with people.

And this same pattern continues in the spiritual realm today.

God is still creating still completing His work within the hearts and lives of people. But He needs us to be still, to surrender, and to let Him do His work without resistance. God wants to do greater things through us than we could ever do ourselves. But the question is are we letting Him?

Many times, we resist God. We fight His hand in our lives.

When He calls us to leave sin behind we hesitate.
When we’re told to dress modestly and bring glory to God through our appearance we argue.
When we’re encouraged to pray we delay.
When the Bible tells us to flee sexual immorality we indulge in it instead.
When Scripture warns us about worldly behavior we push back, saying things like, “God looks at the heart, not the outside.”

We claim we want God to work in our lives, yet we constantly resist the very process that brings transformation.

We forget: God does His greatest creative work in stillness.
If we don’t learn to be spiritually still, we shouldn’t expect God to move powerfully in our lives.

So, what now?

If you’re living in sin, this is your moment to return to God.
Begin rebuilding your relationship with Him. Let Him take His rightful place in your life so He can begin creating beautiful things in you.

True repentance means turning away from sin and choosing a new path.
And as the Bible says:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” — Acts 2:38 (ESV)

Through repentance and baptism, God gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth and gives us the peace and stillness we need for God to do His work in us.

May the Lord bless you as you surrender to Him and allow His perfect creation to be completed within you.

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An idol is anything made to resemble something  whether it’s an angel from heaven, a human being, an animal, or even a plant. The moment someone creates an object in the likeness of any of these, they’ve already made an idol.

Now, it’s not a sin to make a statue or sculpture as long as it’s not intended for worship. For instance, statues in museums are there for educational or commemorative purposes. Likewise, animal statues  like those of elephants, fish, gazelles, or even people placed in museums or public places for decoration or as national symbols, are not sinful.

The real issue begins when these objects are made or used for worship. When people begin to believe that a statue  like that of an elephant  possesses divine power and deserves reverence, or when a statue of a national hero is believed to carry a divine presence, or when a statue of a saint is treated as if the saint themselves lives in it and should therefore be honored, bowed to, or prayed to  that is where the problem lies.

This kind of behavior is what the Bible calls idol worship. Originally practiced by pagans, Satan has brought these practices into the Church, and many people have become spiritually blind  unable to recognize that they are, in fact, worshiping idols.

For example, someone might see a statue of a biblical figure  maybe Peter, Paul, or even Hannah  and treat it as if that person is literally present within the statue. It is given honor and reverence as if Peter or Paul himself is standing there. People are afraid to even step on or mishandle the statue, believing it’s sacred.

You might also see a statue of Jesus, and someone hesitates to look at it directly, fearing that it’s actually Jesus staring back at them. This leads them to approach it with reverence, humility, and even worship  eventually bowing before it or seeking blessings from it.

This is detestable in God’s sight. That’s why God commanded us not to make any image if it’s going to lead us into worshiping it or serving it. Doing so stirs up God’s jealousy, because instead of setting your heart and mind on heaven, where God truly is, your focus is placed on an object in front of you  a man-made image.

Some people even go as far as creating special prayers to be said in front of these statues using them as tools or bridges to connect with God.

Exodus 20:4–6 (NIV)
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

God desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth  not through statues or images.

John 4:20–24 (NKJV)
“Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.
You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Did you catch that? God is not worshiped through a certain statue, or in a particular place, or through a specific person or angel. He is worshiped in spirit  and truth.

If God wanted us to worship Him by seeing Him, He would have revealed His face to the whole world. His image would be known everywhere printed on currency, hanging on walls, or made into figurines that people could bow down to. But He didn’t allow that. He wants us to believe in Him without seeing Him  and that kind of faith is precious to Him.

We don’t see Him, but we believe He exists. That faith believing without seeing is what He values, and it’s how He wants us to worship Him.

If you have a picture or image of Jesus or a saint, it should only serve as a visual aid  not as an object of worship, and not something that stirs deep emotional or spiritual attachment as though it were the real person.

God wants us to view religious images the same way we’d view statues of animals in a museum. No one looks at a statue of an elephant and runs away in fear. No one tries to milk a cow statue. And no one looks at a lion statue and trembles.

So why should we try to “draw blessings” from a statue of Mary or of Jesus Himself that we’ve created?

Satan knows this truth. That’s why he hides behind these images so that, unknowingly, people end up worshiping him. If you engage in such idol-related practices, understand this: you are not worshiping God you’re worshiping Satan.

2 Corinthians 6:16–18 (NKJV)
“And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
‘I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.’
Therefore,
‘Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.
I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.’”

May the Lord bless us, open our eyes, and help us worship Him in spirit and truth. Amen.

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In the Gospels, there are two clear occasions where the Lord Jesus rebuked and drove away Satan openly.
The first was when Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship.
The second was when Satan tried to comfort Him — persuading Him not to face the suffering that was before Him.

Let us read:

Matthew 4:8–10
“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory,
and he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’
Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get thee hence, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

And again:

Matthew 16:21–23
“From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.
Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!’
But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.’”

THERE ARE BOUNDARIES YOU MUST NOT ALLOW SATAN TO CROSS

The Lord saw that there are spiritual boundaries that no person or creature should ever cross.
And when Satan crossed those lines, he was not only rebuked — he was driven away completely.

The first boundary is worship.
Satan wanted Jesus to bow down to him in exchange for worldly glory — but Jesus refused immediately.

“You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.”

Many today are willing to compromise their faith for the sake of worldly gain.
Some worship Satan through their actions — for money, fame, relationships, or status.
Others are ready to bribe, to kill, to offer sacrifices, or to sell their bodies for financial security.
Yet Jesus, though hungry and poor at that moment, still said: “Depart from Me, Satan.”

Beloved, when you reach a place where sin is presented as the price for comfort —
Do not tolerate Satan even for a second!
Drive him away with all your strength, no matter how desperate your situation may be.

THE SECOND PLACE — WHEN SUFFERING IS NECESSARY FOR GOD’S PURPOSE

The other moment when Jesus rebuked Satan was when the enemy tried to divert Him from the cross through Peter’s words of compassion.
Peter said, “This shall never happen to You.” But Jesus discerned the voice behind those words — and cast it out immediately.

If Jesus had listened to that voice, humanity would have no salvation today.
The blood that redeems us would never have been shed.

Sometimes, Satan uses the appearance of comfort to stop us from walking in God’s perfect will.
He tells you, “You don’t have to suffer. You don’t have to go through this.”
But behind that whisper is a trap — a plan to stop you from reaching the glory God prepared for you.

The Apostle Paul understood this clearly.
He knew imprisonment and trials awaited him in Jerusalem, yet he said:

Acts 21:12–13
“When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’”

Paul refused to be discouraged because he knew the fruit of obedience was far greater than the temporary pain of suffering.

DO NOT GIVE SATAN SPACE — IN DESIRE OR IN FEAR

As believers, we must not allow Satan to gain ground in two areas:

1. Through the lusts of the world that separate us from God.
2. Through the fear of suffering that prevents us from fulfilling God’s plan.

Stand firm. When Satan tempts you with promises of success, or tries to persuade you to avoid the cross — rebuke him at once.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7

May the Lord strengthen you to stand faithfully until the end.

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