Title January 2024

How to Restore Your Spiritual Strength

Feeling spiritually weak?

Have you found that your faith feels faint, your love for God and others has grown cold, your peace is disturbed, and your righteousness feels far away? These are not uncommon experiences for believers.

The Christian life is not always a continuous upward path—it includes valleys, wilderness seasons, and moments of dryness. But God, in His grace, has provided a clear way for us to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit within us. Scripture doesn’t leave us without guidance. What you’re feeling now doesn’t have to be the end—it can be the turning point.

Let’s walk through a biblical principle that brings spiritual restoration.


1. The Fruits of the Spirit Are Signs of Spiritual Health

A life led by the Holy Spirit produces visible and inward fruit. According to Scripture:

Galatians 5:22–23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

When these qualities are lacking, it’s a strong indicator that we’ve drifted from the Spirit’s fullness. The absence of these fruits doesn’t mean we’re lost—it means we need to reconnect with the source of life: the Holy Spirit.


2. The Principle: Surround Yourself with Spiritually Healthy Believers

The Bible gives us a key strategy for rekindling our spiritual lives:

2 Timothy 2:22 
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

In the doctrine of sanctification, God uses community as one of the means by which He grows and purifies us. Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation. Sanctification is both personal and communal—we grow not just by our quiet time with God, but by the company we keep.

Just like iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), fellowship with sincere believers helps restore what we have lost spiritually. Their fire can spark ours.


3. Why Isolation is Spiritually Dangerous

Many believers make the mistake of withdrawing when they feel weak or ashamed. But spiritual isolation only leads to further dryness.

Hebrews 10:24–25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…”

The early church understood that gathering together was essential. That’s why the New Testament is filled with “one another” commands: love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another. These can only be fulfilled in Christian fellowship.


4. Where to Find These Spiritually Uplifting People?

The Answer: In a Bible-teaching, Spirit-filled Church

Look for a church that:

  • Preaches repentance (Mark 1:15),
  • Emphasizes the Second Coming of Christ (Titus 2:13),
  • Teaches and models holiness in body and spirit (1 Peter 1:15–16),
  • Is marked by worship, humility, and a genuine pursuit of God (John 4:23–24).

Romans 10:17 
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Sitting under sound biblical teaching, in a church committed to truth and holiness, reignites your love for God and builds you up in faith.

Acts 2:42 
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

If your local church doesn’t meet this standard, pray and look for a community that does—even if it requires effort or distance. Your spiritual health is worth the investment.


5. Warning Signs of a Spiritually Weak Church

Be cautious if:

  • The congregation’s behavior and appearance reflect worldliness instead of reverence.
  • The sermons avoid repentance, holiness, or the coming judgment.
  • There’s no clear call to transformation or growth in Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.”

Holiness is not legalism—it is the fruit of a Spirit-led life. A church that doesn’t aim for it cannot help you grow in it.


Restoration is Possible

If your love has grown cold, your peace disappeared, or your faith is flickering, don’t lose hope. God’s Spirit is still willing and able to restore you. But He works through biblical community, through sound doctrine, and through a life of repentance and pursuit of Him.

Reconnect with believers who are sincerely walking with God. Plant yourself in a living, Spirit-filled church. Don’t isolate. Don’t delay.

You will see:

  • Your faith grow strong again,
  • Your love burn anew,
  • Your peace return,
  • And your life become fruitful once more.

Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”


May the Lord bless you and lead you back into the fullness of His Spirit.

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IF YOU ARE A YOUNG PERSON, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION AND BE WISE!



1. Evil Thoughts and Rebellion Often Begin in Youth

Genesis 8:21 (ESV) says,

“And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.’”

This verse reveals a profound truth: human nature is marred by sin from an early age. Our hearts tend naturally toward evil and rebellion, which often begins in youth. The fallenness of human nature means that the battle against sin starts early and requires constant vigilance.

Similarly, Jeremiah 22:21 (ESV) states,

“I spoke to you when you were prosperous, but you said, ‘I will not listen.’ This is the word that the LORD declared to me: ‘Yet you say, “I am innocent; surely his anger turns from me.” Behold, I will bring you to judgment because you say, “I have not sinned.”’”
Jeremiah condemns stubborn disobedience that often roots itself in youth a refusal to heed God’s voice leads to ruin.


2. Seek God in Your Youth  Don’t Wait Until Old Age

Ecclesiastes 12:1 (ESV) urges,

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

This verse highlights the urgency of turning to God early in life. Youth is the season for embracing God’s ways; waiting until old age risks hardness of heart and regret. The Old Testament wisdom literature consistently teaches that spiritual formation is best established early.

Jesus echoes this call to commitment in Matthew 11:29 (ESV):

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
The “yoke” symbolizes submission to God’s teaching a commitment best made when young.

Lamentations 3:27-28 (ESV) says,

“It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silence, because he has borne it from God.”
This teaches that accepting God’s discipline early in life produces spiritual maturity.


3. Pleasure Chosen in Youth Must Be Accounted for at Judgment

Ecclesiastes 11:9 (ESV) says,

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. Yet know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

Enjoying life is natural, but Solomon reminds us that God is sovereign and will one day judge our choices. The New Testament also warns of personal accountability:Romans 14:12 (ESV): “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”Matthew 12:36 (ESV): “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

This calls for serious reflection on the consequences of youthful indulgences such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, and selfish pleasure.


4. The Grace of Salvation Demands Serious Commitment

Revelation 22:10-11 (ESV) says,

“And he said to me, ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.’”

This passage underscores the finality of God’s judgment and the separation between the righteous and the wicked. Choosing holiness means committing fully, not wavering or living in compromise.


5. When You Grow Old, You Will Lose Control

John 21:18 (ESV) records Jesus saying to Peter,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

This reminds us that youthful freedom is temporary. Aging brings vulnerability and loss of independence. Therefore, the choices you make now have eternal consequences beyond your physical life.


A Final Exhortation:

So, young person, are you prepared? What are your plans for your youth? Why not turn to your Creator today? Reject worldly desires and fleeting pleasures that only lead to harm and regret.

2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV) exhorts,

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

May the Lord Jesus bless you.

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What is the Meaning of “The Hour is Coming” and “Now Is” in John 4:23?

In John 4:23, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well:

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” (John 4:23, ESV)

To understand this statement, let’s first look at the context, beginning with John 4:19-22:

The woman said to him, ‘Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.’” (John 4:19–22, ESV)

The Samaritan woman was referring to the long-standing religious debate between Jews and Samaritans about the proper location of worship—Mount Gerizim or Jerusalem. But Jesus redirects the conversation to a deeper truth about worship itself.


1. The hour is coming”A Future Transformation in Worship

When Jesus says, the hour is coming,” He is pointing to a soon-coming change in the way people relate to and worship God. This “hour” refers to the coming of a new covenant reality, made possible through His death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (see Acts 2:1–4).

Under the old covenant, worship was tied to physical places like the temple in Jerusalem, and it was mediated through priests and rituals. But Jesus was ushering in a new covenant, in which worship would no longer be restricted to a specific place, but would be spiritual and accessible to all through faith in Christ.

This new way of worship would be based on:

  • The Spiritthe presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit (see John 16:13),

  • Truththe revealed truth of God, centered in Jesus Christ (see John 14:6).


2. And is now here”The Present Reality in Christ

When Jesus adds, and is now here,” He emphasizes that this new way of worship was already beginning — right then and there — in His own ministry. Why?

Because Jesus Himself, full of the Holy Spirit (see Luke 4:1), was the perfect example of worshiping the Father in spirit and truth. In His life and teachings, the new pattern of worship was already being revealed.

Even before Pentecost, those who followed Jesus and believed in Him were already entering into this new kind of worship — not through rituals, but through relationship. And Jesus promised that after His departure, the Holy Spirit would be given to all believers to empower them to live and worship in this new way:

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7, ESV)


3. Worshiping “in Spirit and Truth” – What It Means

To worship God in spirit and truth” means:

  • In Spirit: Empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, not bound by external forms or locations (see Romans 8:14).

  • In Truth: In accordance with the truth revealed in God’s Word and through Jesus Christ Himself (see John 17:17).

This kind of worship is authentic, heartfelt, and Christ-centered. It is not about rituals or traditions, but about intimate fellowship with God made possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As Paul writes:

For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3:3, ESV)


4. Today: Living in the “Hour” of True Worship

The “hour” Jesus spoke of has fully arrived and continues today. Since the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), the Holy Spirit has been poured out on all who believe in Jesus, enabling every believer — regardless of location, nationality, or background — to worship the Father in spirit and truth.

Peter confirmed this on the day of Pentecost:

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)

This is the ongoing invitation and calling for all believers: to draw near to God not through religious systems, but through the Holy Spirit and the truth found in Jesus Christ.


Conclusion:

When Jesus said The hour is coming, and is now here,” He was announcing the dawn of a new spiritual reality — one in which worship would be transformed from a localized ritual into a personal, Spirit-filled relationship with the Father, accessible to all through Christ.

This message remains just as relevant today: true worship is not about where you are, but who you worship, how you worship, and by whom you are led — the Holy Spirit and the Truth of God’s Word.

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Special Prayer Guide for Women in the Church

Introduction:

As a saved woman, you have a vital role in the spiritual life of the church and your family. Prayer is your weapon and your strength. This guide will help you pray effectively to grow spiritually and fulfill your God-given role. Use it alone or with other women in your prayer group.


1. Pray for Strength to Be a Gospel Warrior

The New Testament calls believers to be soldiers of Christ, standing firm for the gospel (Ephesians 6:10-18). Women like Priscilla were active in teaching and defending the faith (Acts 18:18, 26).
Scripture:

Psalm 68:11 — “The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.”

Pray to join this mighty throng with courage and passion.


2. Pray to Pass Faith to Future Generations

Spiritual heritage and discipleship are foundational. Faithful women like Lois and Eunice nurtured Timothy’s faith (2 Timothy 1:5). Passing faith is a sacred responsibility.

Scripture:

2 Timothy 1:5 — “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”


3. Pray for a Spirit of Compassionate Mourning

God calls His people to mourn over sin and brokenness, leading to repentance and restoration (2 Corinthians 7:10). Women who intercede in mourning display deep spiritual sensitivity.

Scripture:

Jeremiah 9:17-19 — “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider and call for the mourning women…’”


4. Pray for a Hunger to Learn God’s Word

Jesus commended Mary for choosing “the better part” by sitting at His feet and learning (Luke 10:39-42). A hunger for God’s Word is essential for spiritual growth.

Scripture:

Luke 10:39 — “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”


5. Pray for a Spirit of Gentleness and Calmness

Christian womanhood involves a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious before God (1 Peter 3:3-4). Gentleness is strength under control.

Scripture:

1 Peter 3:4 — “Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”


6. Pray for a Spirit of Obedience

Obedience honors God and promotes peace. Sarah’s obedience is an example of reverence and submission (1 Peter 3:6).

Scripture:

1 Peter 3:6 — “…like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.”


7. Pray for Modesty and Purity

Modesty reflects respect for oneself and God, avoiding vanity and pride (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Purity of heart influences outward behavior.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 2:9 — “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety…”


8. Pray for a Spirit of Generosity and Service

Christian generosity mirrors God’s grace and serves the community (Acts 20:35). Women like Mary Magdalene supported Jesus’ ministry generously (Luke 8:3).

Scripture:

Luke 8:3 — “…and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene)… who gave freely to them all.”


9. Pray for the Gift of Helpfulness

God created woman as a helper suitable for man (Genesis 2:18). Serving others is a gift and ministry.

Scripture:

Genesis 2:18 — “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”


10. Pray for Faithfulness in All Circumstances

Faithfulness honors God regardless of reward (Luke 16:10). Zechariah and Elizabeth remained faithful in prayer despite long years of waiting (Luke 1:6).

Scripture:

Luke 1:6 — “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.”


11. Pray to Worship God with Joy and Passion

Worship is a vital expression of faith and victory. Women led praise after God’s deliverance (Exodus 15:20-21).

Scripture:

Exodus 15:20-21— “Then Miriam… took a timbrel… and sang the women’s song of praise to the Lord.”


12. Pray for Perseverance in Prayer

Persistent prayer pleases God (Luke 18:1-8). Rizpah’s long mourning is an example of faithful intercession.

Scripture:

2 Samuel 21:10 — “Rizpah… stayed out in the field… from the beginning of the harvest until the rain.”


13. Pray for Unity and Openness Among Women in the Church

Unity strengthens the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3). Transparency fosters trust and growth.

Scripture:

Luke 24:22-23  — “Some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body.”


Additional Prayer Requests

  • Raising Godly Children: 2 John 1:1 — Children are gifts from God and should be nurtured in the faith.
  • Protection of Life: Exodus 1:15-19 — Honoring life as sacred.
  • Humility and Loyalty: Ruth 1:16-17 — Faithfulness reflects God’s covenant love.
  • Diligence in Service: Acts 12:13 — Faithful service honors God.
  • Devotion to Worship: Luke 2:36-37 — Constant prayer reflects a heart after God.
  • Meditation on God’s Word: Luke 2:51 — Internalizing Scripture is essential.
  • Wisdom in Service: Luke 10:40 — Balance worship and service.
  • Leadership Courage: Judges 4:4-5 — God raises women leaders.
  • Faithful Stewardship: Luke 15:8-9 — Cherishing God’s gifts.
  • Contentment: 2 Timothy 3:6 — Avoiding worldly pride.
  • Generosity: Mark 12:42 — Sacrificial giving honors God.

Prayers Against Negative Spirits:

Pray boldly to resist spirits of:

  • Rebellion, pride, bitterness, unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)
  • Sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18)
  • Deception and witchcraft (Galatians 5:19-21)
  • Division and strife (1 Corinthians 1:10)
  • Laziness (Proverbs 31:27)
  • Falsehood (John 8:44)
  • Harm to God’s work (Matthew 16:18)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:13

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