Question: As followers of Christ who trust in God’s power and providence, is it right to hire security guards to protect our personal property or church assets? Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (NIV). Does that mean relying on security measures is unbiblical? Answer:No, it is not a sin to hire guards or put in place protective measures for your property. In fact, the Bible supports wise stewardship and personal responsibility. God gives us wisdom, and part of that wisdom includes safeguarding what He has entrusted to us. Hiring guards does not contradict faith—it only becomes a problem when we place our ultimate trust in human security instead of in the Lord. The key is where our faith rests. What Does Psalm 127:1 Really Mean? “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” (Psalm 127:1, NIV) This verse is not condemning human effort—it’s reminding us that all human effort is ultimately fruitless unless God is involved. It does not prohibit taking action or using guards; rather, it teaches that true security comes from the Lord. When God blesses your work or protection, your efforts are not in vain. Biblical Example: Nehemiah’s Balance of Faith and Wisdom A great example is found in the life of Nehemiah. When God called him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he faced serious threats from enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah. Nehemiah fully trusted in God—but he also took practical steps by posting guards. “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” (Nehemiah 4:9, NIV) This is a perfect biblical model of faith in action. Nehemiah didn’t trust in the guards alone—he prayed first. But he also didn’t ignore his responsibility to protect the people and the work. This teaches us that spiritual dependence on God and practical wisdom go hand in hand. Even Jesus affirmed the value of planning and protection: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14:28, NIV) Wisdom involves preparing for risk and acting responsibly. Trust in God Must Always Come First We are called to be wise stewards—not careless. Leaving your house unlocked overnight or your business unsecured while expecting nothing to go wrong is not faith—that’s recklessness. God protects, but He also expects us to act wisely. “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7, NIV) This was Jesus’ response to Satan when tempted to jump from the temple, relying on angels to save Him. Deliberate carelessness while expecting divine protection is testing God, not trusting Him. If by accident you forget to lock your doors and God protects your property, that’s His grace. But choosing not to lock them while saying “God will protect it anyway” is presumptuous and unbiblical. Guarding Spiritual Things Is Even More Important While guarding physical possessions is wise, guarding your spiritual blessings is even more important. Salvation, faith, and truth are precious gifts that Satan actively seeks to steal. “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11, NIV) “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV)“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:24–25, NIV) These verses emphasize spiritual vigilance. After salvation, we must not become spiritually lazy. The enemy is always trying to deceive, discourage, and rob believers of their spiritual inheritance. As Christians, we must take responsibility for protecting what God has given us—physically and spiritually. Just as God sends His angels to guard us: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11, NIV) —we too are called to guard what He’s entrusted to us. Doing so reflects God’s own nature as a protector. Let us trust Him above all, but also act with wisdom and diligence. May the Lord bless you and help you to be faithful with everything He has entrusted to you. A Final Word:If you have not yet received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I urge you to do so today. These are the last days, and Christ’s return is near. When the trumpet sounds and Jesus comes for His people, where will you be? Please share this message with others.If you’d like to receive regular Bible teachings through email or WhatsApp, send a message to:+255693036618 or +255789001312
Praise the Lord Jesus! Welcome as we delve into the Word of God. Before we explore the deeper implications, it’s essential to first understand the foundational meaning of the Sabbath. What Is the Sabbath? The word “Sabbath” means rest—ceasing from work, entering a time of peace, and being refreshed. In the very beginning, God created the heavens and the earth in six days, as detailed in Genesis 1:1-31. On the seventh day, He rested. This was not because He was tired, but to establish a pattern for humanity. God, who is all-powerful, chose to rest to set apart this day as holy, which we read in Genesis 2:2-3: “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” This seventh day was blessed, sanctified, and set apart as a day of rest, not only for God but also as an example for humanity. Thus, the Sabbath was meant to be a sign of God’s perfect work and a pattern for His creation to follow. Later, when God gave the Ten Commandments to Israel, He commanded them to keep the Sabbath day holy as a reminder of His creation and His covenant with them: Exodus 20:8-11 (NKJV) “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” The Sabbath as More Than Just a Day However, the Sabbath wasn’t just about resting on a specific day. It was about entering into God’s rest—a concept that transcends one day or year and points to a deeper spiritual reality. The concept of the Sabbath finds its full meaning in the idea of divine rest, which was set out at creation but had a greater fulfillment to come. For instance, in Leviticus 25:1-4, God instructed the Israelites to observe a Sabbath year every seventh year, during which they were not to farm the land but let it rest. Leviticus 25:1-4 (NKJV) “The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to the Lord. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard.'” This was a further extension of God’s pattern of rest, and it teaches us that both the people and the land need regular rest in order to be restored. But it didn’t stop there. After seven cycles of seven years (49 years), the 50th year was to be declared the Year of Jubilee, when the land would again rest, and debts would be forgiven. This year of liberation and rest points to the ultimate liberation God promises His people. Leviticus 25:11-13 (NKJV) “That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee for you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field. In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his possession.” The Year of Jubilee symbolizes ultimate freedom and restoration, a glimpse of the eternal rest God has in store for His people. It points us forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise—a rest that goes beyond physical land or a specific time, but into the eternal peace and joy found in His presence. The Spiritual Fulfillment of the Sabbath While the Sabbath observances in the Old Testament were important, they were ultimately a shadow of the true and eternal rest God had planned for His people. This deeper rest is what we read about in the New Testament, especially in Hebrews 4. The author of Hebrews reveals that the promised rest, the true Sabbath rest, is not just about a day, a year, or a physical land, but about entering into God’s rest through faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:8-9 (NKJV) “For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” Here, the author is making the case that if the physical land of Canaan had been the final promise of rest, then God wouldn’t have spoken of another rest. This shows us that the rest promised to Israel was merely a type of the eternal rest that comes through salvation in Christ. Hebrews 4:10-11 (NKJV) “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” This teaches us that true Sabbath rest is found in ceasing from our own works and entering into God’s work—trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross. This is the rest that remains for God’s people, and it’s available to us now through faith. The Final Fulfillment of God’s Rest: The Millennial Kingdom As we look forward to the future, we see that the ultimate fulfillment of the Sabbath rest will occur in the Millennial Kingdom, a time when Christ will reign on earth for 1,000 years. This is a time of peace, joy, and rest for God’s people, as described in Revelation 20:4-6. Revelation 20:4-6 (NKJV) “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” The Millennium represents the ultimate “rest” that God has promised, where Christ rules and His people enjoy perfect peace and fellowship with God. It’s a picture of the eternal rest to come, the final Sabbath where God’s people will live with Him forever in perfect harmony. Conclusion: Entering God’s Rest In conclusion, the Sabbath is not just about a day of rest or a yearly break—it’s a symbol of the ultimate rest God promises to His people. The physical rest commanded in the Old Testament points to a deeper spiritual rest found only in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to enter this rest by ceasing from our own works and trusting in the finished work of Christ. Hebrews 4:11 (NKJV) “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” We must remain faithful, trusting in God’s promises, and look forward to the eternal rest He has prepared for us in His Kingdom. May we continue to rest in His promises and eagerly await the ultimate fulfillment of His Sabbath rest.
Before making any decision that affects your eternity, take time to reflect seriously. Eternal life is not something to approach casually—it requires deep thought, sincere faith, and a clear understanding of who Jesus Christ is. Many people today have been blinded spiritually. The Bible says: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”— 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV) Satan deceives people into forming wrong conclusions based on disappointments with others—especially church leaders. For example, someone may see a pastor fall into sin or hypocrisy and conclude, “If this is what Christianity is, I want no part of it.” But that’s a tragic mistake. People fail—but Jesus never did. Scripture says of Christ: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”— 1 Peter 2:22 (NIV) Your pastor or fellow believer may have disappointed you. Perhaps you discovered their hidden sin, or saw them living a double life. But Jesus remains holy, faithful, and trustworthy. Don’t let someone else’s sin determine your relationship with God. Jesus Christ is the standard of righteousness. He said: “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?”— John 8:46 (NIV) No one—past or present—has ever successfully accused Jesus of sin. He lived a perfect, sinless life and fulfilled all righteousness. So if you’re looking for someone worthy of your trust, look no further than Him. Stop following flawed men. Follow the flawless Savior. On Judgment Day, excuses will not stand. You won’t be able to say, “Lord, I gave up because my pastor sinned.” That will not justify your own rebellion. The Bible says: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”— Romans 14:12 (NIV) You won’t answer for what your pastor did. You’ll answer for how you responded to the truth. Some say, “I’m young. I can’t live without giving in to temptation—there’s too much pressure.” But God will point to someone younger, living in more difficult circumstances, who still chose righteousness. The Bible says: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”— 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) Your struggles are not unique. Others have overcome through Christ—and so can you. Their lives will testify against excuses. This is what Scripture means when it says: “Do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world?”— 1 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) The faithful lives of true believers—lived in purity, integrity, and sacrifice—will stand as evidence. Their obedience in this sinful world will show that righteousness was possible through Christ. Maybe you left the faith because Christians around you were fake or hypocritical. Perhaps church politics, gossip, or even abuse made you bitter. But remember, the Bible never told us to fix our eyes on Christians—it told us to fix our eyes on Jesus: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”— Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) You weren’t called to follow men—you were called to follow Christ. So stop using others’ failures as your excuse to walk away from God. That excuse won’t save you on the Day of Judgment. If you haven’t yet received Christ because of confusion, disappointment, or delay—this is the time. Don’t wait for a perfect church, a perfect pastor, or a perfect moment. Come to the perfect Savior now. The Bible warns: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”— Hebrews 3:15 (NIV) We are living in the final days. Satan knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12), and he is working harder than ever to distract and destroy. Don’t be caught asleep. Don’t let excuses, anger, or spiritual laziness rob you of eternal life. Wake up. Repent. Return to Jesus. He is still calling, still forgiving, and still saving. “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”— Revelation 22:7 (NIV) May the Lord bless you and give you strength to surrender to Him today.
Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey of Holiness in Christ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! Today, we reflect on one of the most crucial, yet often misunderstood, aspects of the Christian life: sanctification. Many believers embrace salvation but stop short of pursuing the daily transformation that God desires. To walk in victory and reflect Christ’s character, we must understand and actively engage in the process of sanctification. 1. What Is Sanctification? Sanctification is the process by which believers are progressively made holy—set apart for God’s purposes and transformed into the image of Christ. While justification happens instantly when we believe in Jesus (Romans 5:1), sanctification is an ongoing process throughout the Christian life. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…”(1 Thessalonians 4:3, ESV) There are three phases of sanctification in biblical theology: Positional Sanctification – We are made holy in God’s sight the moment we believe in Christ (Hebrews 10:10). Progressive Sanctification – We grow in holiness daily through the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification) – We will be made perfectly holy when Christ returns (1 John 3:2). 2. Who Is a Saint? According to Scripture, every believer is a saint—not by human recognition, but by God’s declaration. The Greek word hagios (ἅγιος), translated “saints,” means “holy ones” or “those set apart.” “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…”(1 Corinthians 1:2, ESV) A person becomes a saint not through years of religious deeds, but through repentance, faith in Jesus, and receiving the Holy Spirit. From that point, they are called to live out their holiness daily. 3. Why Sanctification Matters Many Christians wrongly believe that once they are saved, no further change is required. But Scripture teaches that without sanctification, a believer’s spiritual life will stagnate—or even wither away. “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”(Hebrews 12:14, ESV) This is a sobering truth: holiness is not optional. It is the evidence of true salvation and the path to eternal fellowship with God. 4. The Danger of Neglecting Sanctification Jesus warned that in the last days, many would fall away and return to sinful living. The pursuit of holiness must be continuous, or we risk spiritual decline: “Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”(Revelation 22:11, ESV) Just like a battery that dies when left uncharged, the soul that neglects sanctification becomes spiritually powerless. 5. How Do We Pursue Sanctification? A. The Word of God God’s Word is the primary tool for sanctification. As we read and obey, the Spirit transforms our minds and hearts. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”(John 17:17, ESV) “Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth…”(1 Peter 1:22a, ESV) Daily engagement with Scripture renews our minds (Romans 12:2) and equips us to resist sin. B. Prayer and Fasting Prayer sustains our spiritual connection with God, and fasting weakens the flesh so the Spirit can lead. Together, they produce spiritual strength and discernment. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Matthew 26:41, ESV) Fasting reminds us that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). C. Godly Discipline and Righteous Living Sanctification requires intentional effort. Just like athletes train their bodies, we must train ourselves in righteousness. “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way…”(1 Timothy 4:7–8, ESV) Walking in obedience becomes easier as godly habits are formed. D. Serving God and Evangelizing Sanctification flourishes when we serve others and share the gospel. As we pour out, the Holy Spirit continually fills us. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”(1 Peter 4:10, ESV) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”(Matthew 28:19, ESV) Evangelism reminds us of our mission and deepens our dependence on the Spirit. 6. The Final Goal: Christlikeness God’s ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of His Son: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”(Romans 8:29, ESV) As we grow in sanctification, we reflect Jesus more clearly to the world. This glorifies God and draws others to Him. Conclusion: Remain in the Journey Sanctification is not about perfection, but direction. It is about daily yielding to the Spirit, obeying God’s Word, and pursuing Christ with all our hearts. “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”(2 Peter 1:8, ESV) Let us not be passive in our faith. Instead, let us press on toward holiness, knowing that Jesus is coming soon. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV) “The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” Question:What is the meaning of this verse? Answer:Proverbs 16:1 emphasizes a crucial truth about human planning and divine sovereignty. While we have the responsibility and ability to make decisions, think ahead, and formulate plans, the final outcome of those plans ultimately rests in God’s hands. God created human beings with intellect and free will. He allows us to desire, plan, and make choices (Genesis 1:28; Deuteronomy 30:19). However, He remains sovereign over all outcomes. This means that even the most well-thought-out plans are subject to God’s will and timing. The phrase “the preparations of the heart belong to man” acknowledges our role in planning. But the second part, “the answer of the tongue is from the Lord,” highlights God’s ultimate authority in determining what actually happens, including the words we speak and the direction our plans take. Example from Scripture: Balaam’s Story A biblical example of this principle is found in Numbers 22–24. Balaam intended to curse Israel at the request of King Balak. However, when he sought God’s approval, the Lord instructed him to bless Israel instead: Numbers 23:11–12 (NKJV):“Then Balak said to Balaam, ‘What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!’ So he answered and said, ‘Must I not take heed to speak what the Lord has put in my mouth?’” Balaam’s original plan was overridden by God’s will, showing how divine intervention can redirect even the most determined human intentions. The Call to Humble Planning Proverbs 16:1 reminds believers to approach their plans with humility. The Apostle James echoes this truth: James 4:13–15 (NKJV):“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” This passage reinforces the idea that life is uncertain and that only God knows the future. Christians are called not only to plan but to submit those plans to God’s will. Personal Application You may have planned to pursue a certain career, such as becoming a doctor, but life circumstances led you down a different path—perhaps one you didn’t choose. As a Christian, instead of feeling defeated, remember that God’s purpose often surpasses our understanding: Romans 8:28 (NKJV):“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” God’s redirection is never by accident. Sometimes, failed plans are divine detours leading to something better than we could have imagined. Likewise, if you had a goal last year that didn’t succeed due to unexpected challenges, don’t be discouraged. Trust that God is still at work. The disappointment you experience may be preparation for a better opportunity ahead. Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV):“There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” Conclusion: Depend on God, Not Just Your Plans Planning is not wrong—in fact, it is wise (Proverbs 21:5). But Christians are called to plan with a surrendered heart. Trusting God means acknowledging that His wisdom, timing, and outcomes are always better than ours. So, every time you set goals or make decisions, invite God into the process. Say, “If the Lord wills.” Trust that if He approves, your plans will succeed. And if He changes them, it’s because He has something greater in store. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV):“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Shalom.
In this verse, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 4:29-34), offers a profound insight about the limitations of human wisdom and effort apart from God. Ecclesiastes is a reflective book in which Solomon documents his search for meaning in life through wisdom, wealth, pleasure, and human achievement — only to conclude that everything is “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NIV). 1. “What is crooked cannot be straightened” This statement reflects a fundamental truth about the human condition in a fallen world. Since the entrance of sin through Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), humanity has lived under a moral and spiritual distortion. Sin has bent creation out of its original design, and no human effort can restore what has been broken apart from divine intervention. Solomon realized that despite all his wisdom and attempts at reform, there are things man simply cannot fix. Some examples today illustrate this: Moral Deviation:Society may try to redefine what is right or wrong, such as legalizing same-sex marriage or altering gender identities. However, this does not change God’s original design.Genesis 1:27 (NIV):“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”Romans 1:26-27 (NIV) also speaks directly to these attempts to suppress God’s truth and follow unnatural desires. Yet, such paths lead not to freedom but to spiritual confusion and suffering. Cosmetic Alterations:Whether through skin bleaching, artificial enhancements, or surgical identity changes, many people try to “improve” themselves based on worldly standards of beauty or acceptance. But external change cannot heal internal brokenness. What Solomon emphasizes here is not a critique of people, but of the futility of trying to correct sin’s consequences without addressing the root cause — separation from God. Ecclesiastes 7:13 (NIV):“Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?” Only God can redeem what is broken. That’s the hope the gospel offers — that what sin has damaged, Christ can restore. 2. “What is lacking cannot be counted” This phrase highlights the endless human quest for knowledge and control. Despite all our technological progress and scientific exploration, we still know very little of the vast universe God has made. Even today, researchers estimate that over 80% of Earth’s species remain undiscovered. Every day, new discoveries are made, and still — the unknown far outweighs the known. Job 11:7 (NIV):“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” Solomon is making a sobering point: No matter how much man learns or gains, he will never attain ultimate understanding or satisfaction apart from God. Human striving, when disconnected from divine purpose, is like trying to count what doesn’t exist — futile and empty. What’s the Conclusion? After exploring wisdom, pleasure, work, and wealth — all apart from God — Solomon reaches a final, resounding truth: Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV):“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” This is the foundation of a meaningful life — reverence for God and obedience to His Word. Hope in Christ The ultimate solution to humanity’s brokenness is not found in philosophy, science, or self-effort — but in Jesus Christ, the only one who can truly restore and give rest to our souls. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus invites all who are tired of trying to fix life on their own to come to Him. He doesn’t promise a life without challenges, but He promises peace, rest, and eternal purpose. A Call to Respond If you’ve been searching for meaning, healing, or direction, and you realize you’ve been chasing answers without God — now is the time to turn to Him. He offers forgiveness, new life, and hope through Jesus. Prayer of Repentance: Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner and cannot fix my life on my own. I have tried many things, but nothing satisfies. Today, I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again. I surrender my life to You — lead me, change me, and fill me with Your Spirit. Help me to follow You and live according to Your will. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen. God bless you as you choose the path of life, truth, and hope in Christ.