Category: Faith

BE AWARE OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16. What is the Time Now? Do you know what time of the day it is?

 BE AWARE OF THE TIMES WE LIVE IN- THE DAYS ARE EVIL 

 Do you know what time it is at the geographical position you are in now? Where are you? What did you just say, and what did you just do in the last 12 hours? What are your longitudinal and latitudinal coordinates now? What have you done today and what are you doing now? What is next? Are you prepared to meet Christ right now at wherever your Geographical position is?  It is never too late to make a U-turn. So do it now.

Even though we are God’s holy children, we also need to be aware of what time it is in our world. “The evil one still exercises his control over the hearts of many people. God wants us to “redeem the time,” making the most of every opportunity we have to touch the lives of others with his grace and to resist the temptation and overcome the opposition of the evil one.”

The days we live in are evil. The state of affairs are being played before us like a movie and this is why this subsequent  verse from James is advising God’s people to take heed unless they fall. James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. 

 Ephesians 6:10-11 also emphasize: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil”. 

1 Peter 5:9: “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world”. We have to know what’s right and what’s wrong as professed Christians. 

We’ve got to be careful and be shrewd, we’ve got to be able to discern, we’ve got to be able to listen to the Holy Spirit in us, we’ve got to be able to ascertain the moments of times, we’ve got to be able to know clearly who we identify ourselves with, we’ve got to be able to know who we follow and we’ve got to know who we listen to. Seems too much of “we’ve got to”? Nope. You have to build an intimate relationship with the Lord and your eyes will begin to open to see all around you.

How? It’s simple. Read the Bible, pray along with it every day and listen to the voice of the Lord. The Bible and prayer are the communication tools as well as your armor for an intimate relationship with the Lord. Press on, even if it’s difficult to understand some verses. The Holy Spirit in you will guide you through the Scriptures with times. As professed Christians we must be very vigilant, shrewd and discerning to the facts and the truth presented by Scriptures. 

Again, we are living in a TIME that has been clearly stated by the Holy Bible.  If we are conscious about all of these surroundings, we should not be caught flat footed as God’s children by the evil one. Let our Spiritual compass be the Lord and he will guide us to navigate through the times we are living in.

He will open our eyes to see the temptations the devil sets up before us each day. Fully conscious of such devices, we will be ready to fight it off before it finds a root in us. Simply, we should not allow the devil to attack us before we act. Be wise and be not unwise about the realities of the times we are living in. 

Child of God be discerning. READ THE BIBLE and don’t close it up. Don’t display it on your bookshelf. This is the Gospel, our FAITH and our HOPE.

LIFE OF FAITH AND WALK OF FAITH

LIFE OF FAITH AND WALK OF FAITH

The two most important things in our Christian theology are:

1. the life of faith  

2. the walk of faith.

These two pillars are significant points in the life of a Christian and if you understand these two points correctly your spiritual growth will be stronger. We have to be conscious of the fact that faith and godliness are not separate but are two sides of the same coin. 

Romans 1:17 states: “For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.” [life of faith].

Hebrews 11:6 states: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”. [the walk of faith].

Hence as we all strive for holiness; true godliness must have its root in a living faith in Christ Jesus. Christians must be careful to seek one without the other on the same parallel. You cannot nurture faith and forget holiness. Faith without godliness would be like having a strong foundation for a house, but no walls or roof. It is incomplete because it offers no true shelter for this divine purpose in life. We must have faith, for this is the foundation: We must have holiness of life, and we must have godliness for this is the framework for our faith and hope. We need the superstructure of spiritual life if we need to live and walk in faith.

Here is a question:  What would it mean to you if you build a house and inhabit in it without a roof? What purpose would it serve when the storm comes?  Even so we need the superstructure of spiritual life if we would have comfort in the day of doubt.

Seek a holy life with faith, so that the Lord can build his house in your life otherwise no matter what you do, you may be able to build the house but the house cannot stand in the Spirit. 

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” We have a new life and guidance by the Holy Spirit hence, if we should live our lives in consistent alignment with the Spirit but not by our own desires, but by following Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions we will divinely fulfill the godliness and our faith in Christ. This will require an active, daily commitment to yielding in to the Spirit’s control, to allow Him to guide us toward righteousness, obedience, and love for others. 

Walking by the Spirit is the practical application of a life lived by the Spirit, requiring daily surrender and obedience to the Spirit’s will and guidance. 

In essence, Galatians 5:25 is a call to a dynamic and ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit, where Christians should actively seek guidance and direction in a constant, self-control manner.  

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit, let us be led in the Spirit, live in Obedience and bear Fruits.”

There’s always hope rooted deep in our faith for us as Christians. This is the Gospel truth for our FAITH and HOPE.

THE CHARACTER OF PEACE

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…. John 14:27

THE CHARACTER OF PEACE IN THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

As long as peace negotiators have assuaged or have little perception of peace, they will in no way be looked differently in a different way at the peace table and would not comprehend the issue at the table rightly so if in fact Christ is not placed at the center of the negotiation as well. Peacemakers at the opposite end of the table can’t talk peace if there’s a gun at each other party’s  head. The world does not understand this. It takes the Lord to break the impasse.

The fact remains that: “The continuous refusal from each other to settle any impasse at Peace treaties has rendered and   reduced peace negotiations to a mere name brand,” because we lack the understanding of the presence   of God — the character of peace in the Fruit of the Spirit. At the end of the day, God is the only PEACE MAKER, not man. It is better to approach peace with God in mind as the negotiator.

To be concise, the character of Peace in the Fruit of the Spirit highlights also in this case that authentic peace is rooted in a foundation of mutual understanding, respect, and the absence of fear or external pressure. People at the table should be quick to listen, be careful in their point of views and how they are presented at the table without anger but with wisdom.

When these conditions are not met with God in mind and  in prayer, attempts at the negotiation table are fruitless, as the core essence of peace cannot be achieved under the shadow of conflict in this case but significantly leaving the Lord God outside of the discussion. 

What the Scripture says:  James 1:19-20 states: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  

Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord”. 

Romans 12:18: encourages us to make a sincere effort to be peaceful and accommodating to others as far as it depends on you.

Fundamentally, Romans 12:18 confront all peace negotiators in this case to embody a peace-making attitude, even in difficult circumstances, by doing everything within our power to promote harmony as the Scripture says and with faith and hope. 

To all Christians don’t talk Faith without Hope, and don’t walk into negotiation room or table without Faith and Hope in the Lord. This aligns with the principles of the Bible in time of peace negotiation. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” [John 12-27]. This is the Gospel truth of our FAITH and HOPE.

WISDOM QUOTES IN TOUGH TIMES


WISDOM QUOTES IN TOUGH TIMES WITH SCRIPTURES

They say that “Tough times create strong people”. The saying suggests that it’s a situation of survival through strength. Everyone is a casualty and your survival depends on determination, discipline and incorruptible mindset to adapt to the harsh reality of the current situation in the environment. It requires mental courage with unique qualities through Christ Jesus and remember that God is calling you at this time to encounter him in your suffering.

I have seen other friends gone through tough times but to some the bend on the road ended their journey. Some continued beyond the bend and became strong men who in turn created good times for others.

I am a living testimony of what it means to live in hard times at my age. Others may share with me similar issues. It could be personal, it could be spiritual, it could be family, it could be a geo-political and socio- economic chaos.  In any case, yes, I learned, I survived, and became a strong man and my experience in my hard times also created good times for others.

I won but not with my might, or my wisdom or my strength or my degrees and academic qualifications on the walls, but through my Christian belief through prayers with my eyes and heart gazed at the Cross my Lord Jesus Christ was lifted on, crucified died and was taken off, buried and resurrected the third day for me so that I can also believe strongly in him and testify to his glory that his death was worthy for me in every situation of my life.

The phrase “tough times create strong people” is often attributed to Michael Hopf: “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times”. 

As Christians the scripture forewarns us to take heed lest we fall. When you fall you go through “suffering” (that is hard times).  But our “suffering and trials”, when faced with our Christian faith, can build perseverance, character, and hope to create stronger Christians. So “hard times” is to the world of unbelievers  – as “suffering” is to the Christian.   

Sufferings are hard times, as hard times are to suffering if it is interchangeable. Here are several Bible verses that support the idea that going through hardship can build strength and maturity:

It is our weaknesses in Christ that sends us into Suffering and it is through our Suffering that we become strong and tough in our Christian relationship with the Lord as the world around us in society.

These Are Some Takeaway Key Verses On How To Generate Strength Through Trials As Christians:  

Romans 5:3-4 – This passage notes that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

James 1:2-4 – This verse encourages believers to find joy in trials, as they test faith and develop perseverance, leading to maturity.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – Here, the apostle Paul speaks of God’s power being made perfect in weakness, finding strength in Christ during difficulties.

Isaiah 40:31 – This scripture promises renewed strength for those who trust in the Lord.

Philippians 4:13 – This well-known verse states that strength comes through Christ to face any situation.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Advises to be strong and courageous, as God is with you.

John 16:33 – States that in the world there will be trouble, but to take heart because Christ has overcome the world.

1 Peter 5:10 – Mentions that after suffering, God will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

In Christ your weakness is your advantage to depend on the Lord to deliver you through “suffering.” Have Faith in Christ and keep your Hope alive always.

This is FAITH and HOPE Diaries.  Share.

HOPE FOR SALVATION

HOPE FOR SALVATION
Romans 8:24-25- “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”
What is Apostle Paul saying? To me, Paul, the Apostle of Jesus emphasizes that, based on our faith in Jesus Christ there’s salvation for “anyone.”
Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever (anyone) shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” There is nothing too complex about this verse but it’s not easy to see the simplicity of it too. Simply put, it is about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word “anyone” in the verse also refers to people, whoever you are, wherever you live, regardless of your status, or a particular characteristic. In short, this is the universality of the gospel message.
“Believing in Him” means trusting and depending on Christ for salvation. This is an open invitation to all who call on the Lord in repentance with faith and believing with hope. Luke 5:32 confirms that Jesus came to call people who know they are sinners and need to repent, not those who think they are righteous. Salvation is for anyone who’s ready, regardless of what you are and who you are. You have to repent, believe, and activate your faith to receive your salvation.
Here is the deal if you are a non-Christian. You must be conscious of the fact that this hope of salvation is rooted in the belief that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God. IT IS FOR ALL HUMANITY. The deal is cemented and never to be walked back. It is the pathway to an unshakeable hope for salvation. All you have to do is come boldly repent for your evil past or sins and declare that you have ACCEPTED him as your Lord and personal Savior and indeed as the son of God.
The Lord’s promise of salvation provides comfort, strength, and hope in times of difficulties and encourages us as Christians to live an honorable and virtuous life.
If you are not a professed Christian and you are reading this piece, I must say you are not here by chance. The Holy Spirit has brought you this far. Do not turn your back on the Lord.
If on the other hand, you are devoted or a baby Christian, it is a reminder for you to increase your relationship with the Lord, eradicate your unbelief, and stop being focused on your “selfish self.”
I would emphasize that this hope in Christ in the subject under discussion is much bigger than the idea of an everlasting life where believers in Christ will experience timeless life with God in Heaven beholding our Lord God forever.
I will also stress that Christians who are struggling with hopelessness should remember their covenant with Christ. Your faith, trust, confidence, and motivation will increase your hope and break the chain of hopelessness to allow you to glorify the Lord here and eternally.
Your future is brighter than you think. Don’t you ever quit, open your heart to the Lord. Hope with perseverance will yield results for God’s glory. Without hope, we don’t have Christ and without Christ, we don’t have salvation.

DECISION
1. You have the choice to renew your Salvation, and the time is now.
2. You have the choice to accept the Lord as your Lord Jesus your Salvation. The time is now.
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.”
// RADS//
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