Every day in the God's Word

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

FRIDAY DECEMBER 26, 2025.

SUBJECT : REJOICE ALWAYS IN THE LORD!

Memory verse: "Rejoice always.” (First Thessalonians 5 vs 16.) 

READ: Philippians 3 vs 1; 4 vs 4:

3:1: Finally, My brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice.

INTIMATION:

To rejoice is to delight, be joyful, be happy, or make happy. To rejoice in the Lord is to be joyful, happy, delighted, or gladdened in the Lord for who He is, and what He does, is doing, and can do. Rejoicing is pleasing to God hence His demand on people to be joyful. God encourages joy. God doesn’t intend for religion to be only meditation and introspection. He also wants us to celebrate. 

Serious reflection and immediate confession of sin is essential of course, but this should be balanced by celebrating who God is and what He has done, is doing, and can do for His people. Therefore, worship involves both celebration and confession. In believers’ meetings, there are times for meditations and times of celebration—rejoicing in the Lord and demonstration of His goodness. 

One of the feasts that God gave to Moses for the children of Israel is the feast of Tabernacles, also called the feast of ingathering (Leviticus 23 vs 33 - 44). It was a special celebration involving the whole family that lasts for seven whole days. The feast taught family members of all ages about God’s nature and what He had done for them, and was a time for renewed commitment to God. 

In our societies in the world today, families need rituals of celebration to renew their faith and to pass it on to their children. Among Christians are Christmas and Easter. Also, Churches and Fellowships have other special days to commemorate God’s goodness and nature. 

But the apostle Paul tells us that rejoicing in the Lord should be a constant practice for us. It was so important to him that he emphasized the word ‘rejoice’ twice in a verse of just nine words (Philippians 4 vs 4.) In his letter, from the prison in Rome to the church in Philippi, he emphasized the need of rejoicing in the Lord always. 

Although, it seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to rejoice. But his attitude teaches us an important lesson: As believers in Christ, and trusting in God, our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. The apostle Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.

It is in our nature to get easily discouraged about unpleasant circumstances. It’s also easy for us to take unimportant events too seriously. There are times when the last thing we want to do is rejoice. Our mood is down, our situation is out of hand, and our sorrow or guilt is overwhelming. Yes, but this is as a result of our not looking at life from the right perspective: Our focus is on the circumstance we face, instead of on Him who controls all circumstances. 

We can relate to the writers of the psalms in the Bible who often felt the way stated above. But no matter how low the writers felt, they were always honest with God. And as they talked to God, their prayers ended in praise. When you don’t feel like rejoicing, tell God how you truly feel, be attentive, and you will find out that God will give you a reason to rejoice; Even at that same time, God has given you that day, that hour to live and to serve Him, be glad!!

You may not have been joyful because you have a wrong perspective of life. For instance, in the event of someone abusing you, calling you names indicative of the person’s regard of you as useless. Such circumstance is mostly unpleasant and discouraging. But such should not be taken serious, and not worry you, knowing that the ultimate assessment that matters is God’s assessment, not fellow human’s assessment. “Let God be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3 vs 4.)

Several occasions necessitate our rejoicing in the Lord always. They include: (1) His Incarnation—the union of God and man in the person of Jesus Christ, (2) God’s power available to us, (3) His presence with the Father interceding for us, (4) His presence with us, (5) His ultimate triumph, (6) Hearing the gospel, (7) Our salvation, (8) Receiving the Lord, (9) Our enrollment in heaven, (10) Our liberty in Christ, (11) Our hope in Christ, (12) Our prospect of reward, and (13) The obedience and godly conduct of fellow believers. 

The apostle Paul, gives us three very important commands—be joyful, never stop praying, and be thankful (First Thessalonians 5 vs 16 - 18). Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should be continuous, and not fluctuating with our circumstances or feelings. However, obeying these commands often go against our natural inclinations. But when we make a conscious decision to do what God says, we will begin to see life in the right perspective, that is as God sees it. And when we do God’s Will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.

Prayer: Abba Father, give me the grace to rejoice in You always; having the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that I may be called a tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that You may be glorified, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 64108

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011 

MARRIAGE WITHOUT DESTINY IS VANITY

Date: Friday, December 26th, 2025 

Title: MARRIAGE WITHOUT DESTINY IS VANITY

Ecclesiastes 4:9, Genesis 2:18

Marriage in itself is not fulfilment—it is meant to be a vehicle for destiny. The Bible says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). God did not create Eve for Adam just to cure loneliness, but to help him accomplish the divine assignment: “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). Marriage is not just for children, sex, or companionship; it is for destiny fulfilment. When a marriage is not tied to destiny, it quickly becomes vanity and eventually frustration.Many couples enter marriage chasing comfort and end up asking, “Is this all there is?” They soon discover that physical things alone cannot sustain excitement in marriage. True fulfilment comes when the union is yoked to a higher purpose in God. That is why the devil tries hard to push believers into marriages without destiny. Once you are tied to the wrong partner, you waste years managing fleshly issues instead of advancing divine purpose. A destiny marriage, on the other hand, keeps you sharp, focused, and productive in God’s programme. It multiplies your impact and preserves your generational assignment.Practically, singles must ask: “What has God called me to do, and who will help me accomplish it?” Don’t enter marriage just to silence pressure from family or society. Don’t accept pity proposals or emotional manipulations—these are traps of vanity. If you are married already, lift your home into destiny alignment. Decide together that your marriage will be a platform for advancing God’s kingdom, not just a playground for personal desires. When marriage is destiny-driven, it never loses flavour; it only increases in relevance and fulfilment.THOUGHT TO PONDER: Do I see marriage as a platform for destiny fulfilment or just as a fulfilment of personal desires? Is my union tied to purpose or drifting into vanity?

Prayer: Lord, let my marriage serve Your eternal purpose. Deliver me from vanity and align me with destiny in my home.

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 64108

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011 

Everyday in the God's Word

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY DECEMBER 25, 2025.

SUBJECT : THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS!

Memory verse: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2 vs 11.)

READ: Isaiah 9 vs 6 - 7:

9:6: For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

9:7: Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

INTIMATION:

Christmas is an annual festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Son of God, and holds on 25th December—Christmas Day. The name Christmas comes from the Mass of Christ. A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for them and then came back to life. It’s also the season when Christians celebrate the coming of the King who’s to liberate the world from sin and evil. It is a time of God’s show of His great love for Christians—followers of Jesus (John 3 vs 16), by sending His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born, and to die for the sins of the whole world.

The fall of man in the book of Genesis is the foundation of Christmas. The fall of man into sin at the Garden of Eden necessitated the need for a Savior to be born to deliver the world from sin. The bad news of Adam’s sin was punishable by death (Genesis 2 vs 17). Jesus would fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, for He would be Immanuel (“God with us,” see Isaiah 7 vs 14). Jesus was God in the flesh; thus, God was literally among us, “with us.” Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present today in the life of every believer. In Jesus, the infinite, unlimited God took on the limitations of humanity so He could live and die for the salvation of all who would believe in Him. His story is one of truth, love, and hope—it brought salvation to all of those who believe. 

Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for all of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our lives, and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. Jesus came to the world to restore the dignity of man that was lost to Satan through Adam’s treason at the Garden of Eden. God sent His only Son to die for us so that we could be spared from the eternal death we deserve, but instead receive eternal life (John 3 vs 16.) Because Jesus lived as a man, He fully understands our experiences and struggles (Hebrews 4 vs 15 - 16). Because He is God, He has the power and authority to deliver us from sin (Colossians 2 vs 13 - 15).

Christ’s work is to defeat all evil on earth. First, He defeated sin and death, and in the end He will defeat Satan and all evil. World events may seem out of control, and justice may seem to have vanished, but God is in control, allowing evil to remain for a time until He sends Jesus to earth again. Then Christ will present to God a perfect world,

Jesus means “the Lord saves.” Jesus came to earth to save us because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate the sinful nature present in all of us. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus didn’t come to help people save themselves; He came to be their Savior from the power and penalty of sin. 

Jesus came to give us peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14 vs 27.) With the Spirit of Jesus—the Holy Spirit—at work in our lives, we have deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is confident assurance in any circumstance; with Jesus’ peace we have no need to fear the present or future. Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict.

Jesus came to give us life. He said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10 vs 10.) in contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life He gives right now is abundantly rich and full. It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance.

You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look into God’s Face and tell Him you have received His Christmas gift. You should ask yourself: “He came to be my Lord and Savior, to save me from sins and reign as King in my heart; have I fulfilled the significance of His birth by responding to the significance of His death and resurrection? (See Acts 2 vs 36 - 38). If you forget about Jesus in this Christmas season, you’ve missed the entire and glorious point of the celebration. Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself totally to You, and confess You as my personal Lord and Savior, forgive me my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness, that I may live for You henceforth, in Jesus’ Name I prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 64108

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011 

DESTINY MARRIAGE DEMANDS DIVINE ACCURACY

Date: Thursday, December 25th, 2025 

Title: DESTINY MARRIAGE DEMANDS DIVINE ACCURACY

1 Corinthians 6:17, Deuteronomy 32:30

Marriage is not just two bodies coming together—it is a fusion of spirits. The Bible declares, “He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17). When you marry outside God’s will, you tie your spirit to a person who can either dilute or destroy your destiny. On the other hand, when you marry in God’s will, one shall chase a thousand and two shall put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30). Marriage amplifies destiny, whether for good or for evil. That is why divine accuracy is non-negotiable. You cannot afford to gamble here—this is about eternal assignments, not romantic feelings.Destiny marriages don’t happen by chance; they are products of submission to divine leading. Satan knows the power of agreement, so he works hard to push believers into unions that neutralise them. If you marry someone who does not carry the same spiritual burden, your energy will be spent dragging them along instead of pursuing your call. A man who has no vision cannot lead you, and a woman who has no consecration cannot help you. Don’t reduce marriage to emotions, appearance, or convenience. Accuracy in marriage is as important as accuracy in ministry, because your partner becomes part of your covenant journey.Practically, train your spirit for accuracy now. Don’t let impatience or pressure push you into Ishmael while Isaac is on the way. Refuse to baptise lust as “compatibility” or call human arrangement God’s will. Ask hard questions: “Does this person strengthen my walk with God? Do we carry the same spirit for destiny?” If the answer is no, then heaven’s answer is no. If you are already married, align your home to God’s standard and fight for accuracy in destiny together. Marriage is not for experiments; it is a covenant of accuracy for destiny fulfilment.THOUGHT TO PONDER: Am I demanding divine accuracy in the matter of marriage? Or am I letting emotions and pressure decide what only God should decide?

Prayer: Lord, align me with the covenant partner You have chosen. Deliver me from every error and keep me accurate in destiny.

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 6410

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011 

Every day in the God's Word

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24, 2025.

SUBJECT: CRAVE FOR THE HIDDEN MANNA!

Memory verse: "He who has an ear, Let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden Manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” (Revelation 2 vs 17.)

READ: Exodus 16 vs 13 - 16 & 31:

16:13: So it was that quails came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp.

16:14: And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground.

16:15: So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.

16:16: This is the thing which the LORD has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one’s need, one Omer for each person, according to the number of persons; Let every man take for those who are in his tent.

16:31: And the house of Israel called its name Manna. And it was like white coriander seed, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

INTIMATION:

“Hidden manna” suggests the spiritual nourishment that the faithful believers in Christ will receive. Christ is our daily bread who satisfies our eternal, and spiritual needs. In John 6 vs 48 - 51, Jesus compares Himself to manna: “I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

Jesus is the Living Bread (the hidden manna), which provides spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger. To eat living bread means to accept Christ into our lives and become united with Him. We are united with Christ in two ways; (1) by believing in His death (the sacrifice of His flesh) and resurrection and (2) by devoting ourselves to living as He requires, depending on His teaching for guidance and trusting in the Holy Spirit for power.

The bread from heaven (the manna) was a special meal from God to His people that sustained them for forty years in the wilderness. As the Israelites travailed in the wilderness for forty years, traveling toward the Promise Land, God provided the bread from heaven (manna) for their physical nourishment. In ancient Hebrew, manna means "what is it?" And this was the question the famished Israelites asked each other when the manna first appeared? No one was sure. But because everyone was asking the same question, the strange milky white ground cover was called manna (What is it). 

Every morning, the desert floor east of the volcano and Red Sea was white with this mysterious substance. Like snow it lay evenly on the ground. Like frost it began to crystallize and evaporate in the midday sun. The wandering Israelites harvested the manna each day of their 40-years trek in the wilderness of Sanai. On the day it first appeared, their leader Moses declared this unusual seedless crop "bread from heaven." Most of the people were so hungry they spent less time questioning the dietary value of the manna than they did collecting it. It tasted sweet like honey. It resembled coriander seed with a waferlike consistency. 

The manna was nutritious enough. Men and women and children survived on this bread substitute. But the "bread from heaven" was an awesome creation of God, a customized never-before-heard-of food just for His chosen people, the Israelites. The manna kept a whole nomadic nation of Israel alive when their survival seemed in jeopardy. It even fueled the amazing growth of the nation of Israel so that they could supplant the people living on the edges of the desert—the Edomites, the Midianities, and eventually the Canaanites. 

The same perplexing nature and nutritional value associated with manna in sustaining the life of the nomadic Israelites, is inherent in our believe in Christ. Jesus is the bread of life that was sent from the Father in order to nourish the spiritual poverty of humanity. Our believe in Him is the ‘hidden manna’ which satisfies our deep spiritual and eternal needs. In the hidden manna do all our need to live for God consist. Therefore, crave to have it.

Prayer: Abba Father, I crave for the hidden manna. Satisfy my thirst and let my eyes of understanding be enlightened that I may know what is the hope of Your calling, and what the riches of the glory of Christ’s inheritance in those who believe. Give me the grace to live for You forever, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 64108

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011 

COURTSHIP IS NOT A TIME TO EXPERIMENT WITH SIN

Date: Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 

Title: COURTSHIP IS NOT A TIME TO EXPERIMENT WITH SIN

1 Thessalonians 5:22, Genesis 34:1–2

The period of courtship is not for testing sin but for proving character. Scripture commands, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Joseph understood this when Potiphar’s wife grabbed him; he fled rather than explain. Contrast that with Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, who mingled with the daughters of the land and was defiled by Shechem (Genesis 34:1–2). The difference is clear: one fled and preserved destiny, the other wandered and lost purity. Courtship is not permission to experiment with immorality under the guise of engagement; it is a time to guard destiny and keep the standards of God intact.Many today have confused love with lust. A man who demands sex in courtship to “prove love” is not led by God but by his flesh. A lady who strips herself before marriage is not preparing for destiny but for destruction. Wrong choices here can wound souls deeply and leave scars that counselling may never erase. God’s standard has not changed: holiness before marriage, faithfulness in marriage. You cannot lower the bar and expect a destiny marriage. Grace empowers you to flee temptation, not flirt with it. To ignore this is to fail heaven’s test before you even begin the journey.Practically, avoid environments that expose you to temptation. Don’t go to places where your purity can be compromised, and don’t assume you are too strong to fall. Even God tests men before entrusting them with serious things; you must demand the same standard. If you are in a courtship, keep it pure and Spirit-led. If you are single, prepare yourself in consecration so that when the time comes, you will not be carried away by lust disguised as love. Destiny marriage is not for careless people—it is for those who treat purity as sacred.THOUGHT TO PONDER: Am I guarding purity in courtship as a covenant responsibility? Or am I excusing sin as “love” while jeopardising destiny?

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my body and spirit pure. Deliver me from every appearance of evil in relationships.

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 64108

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011 

Every day in the God's Word

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY DECEMBER 23, 2025.

SUBJECT : OPEN UP YOURSELF!

Memory verse: "For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57 vs 15.)

READ: Romans 7 vs 14 - 20:

7:14: For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

7:15: For that what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will do, that do I not practice; but what I hate, that do I.

7:16: If, then, I do what I will not do, I agree with the law that it is good.

7:17: But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

7:18: For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me; but how to perform what which is good I do not find.

7:19: For the good that I will do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

7:20: Now if I do what I will not do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

INTIMATION: 

The starting point of ministry is being moldable. The more you open up yourself to God, the more He comes in to mold and use you. The more you let down your guard, take off your mask, and share your struggles, the more God will be able to use you in serving others. It is notable that opening yourself can be risky. It can be scary to lower your defenses and open up your life to others. When you reveal your failures, feelings, frustrations, and fears, you risk rejection. But the benefits are worth the risk. Opening up yourself is emotionally liberating; it relieves stress, defuses your fears, and is the first step to freedom.

We have already seen that God "gives grace to the humble," but many do not understand humility. Humility is not putting yourself down or denying your strengths; rather, it is being honest about your weaknesses. The more honest you are, the more of God's grace you get. You will also receive from others. Being moldable or meek, that is opening up yourself, is an endearing quality; we are naturally drawn to humble people. 

Pretentiousness repels, but authenticity attracts, and meekness is the pathway to intimacy. Your life becomes a testimonial when people see God using you in spite of your weaknesses, and they are encouraged, and they will then think that God can use them too. This is why God wants to use your weaknesses, not just your strengths. Our strengths create competition, but our weaknesses create community.

At some point in your life you must decide whether you want to impress people or influence people. You can impress people from a distance, but you must get close to influence them, and when you do that, they will be able to see your flaws. That's okay. The most essential quality for leadership is not perfection, but credibility. People must be able to trust you, or they won't follow you. How do you build credibility? Not by pretending to be perfect, but by being honest, and open.

Our Scriptural model, the apostle Paul, openly and honestly shared his impressions at various times. In his failures he said, "For the good that I will to do, I do not; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7 vs 19.) Concerning the openness of his heart, and his feelings, he said to believers in Corinth, "O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open." (Second Corinthians 6 vs 11.) On his frustrations, he said, "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." (Second Corinthians 1 vs 8.) On his fears, he said, "I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling." (First Corinthians 2 vs 3.)

In the passage we read today, the cry of the apostle Paul is more than the cry of a desperate man, it describes the experience of all Christians struggling against sin or trying to please God by keeping rules and laws without the Spirit’s help. He opened up himself, emphasized his weakness, and sought help. We must never underestimate the power of sin and attempt to fight it in our own strength. Satan is a crafty tempter, and we have an amazing ability to make excuses. Instead of trying to overcome sin with our own human willpower, we must take hold of God’s provision for victory over sin—the Holy Spirit, who lives within us and gives us power. And when we fall, He lovingly reaches out to help us up.

The inward struggle with sin was as real for the apostle Paul as it is for us. From him we learn what to do about it. Whenever he felt overwhelmed by the spiritual battle, he would return to the beginning of his spiritual life, remembering how he had been freed from sin by Jesus Christ. When we feel confused and overwhelmed by sin’s appeal, let us claim the freedom Christ gave us. His power can lift us to victory. 

Self-determination (struggling in one’s own strength) doesn’t succeed (Romans 7 vs 15). The apostle Paul found himself sinning in ways that weren’t even attractive to him. Becoming a Christian does not stamp out all sin and temptation from a person’s life (Romans 7 vs 22 - 25). Being born again takes a moment of faith, but becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. 

Prayer: Abba Father, all to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. I will ever love and trust Him, and in His presence I will daily live, and humbly at His feet I bow. Give me the grace not to put any form of trust in myself, but to follow You to the end, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!

DONATION, SUPPORT AND YOUR GIFT IS IMPORTANT TO US:

For USA:

 Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE Account number: 214224397389 Routing number: 101019644 Bank name: LEAD BANK Bank address: 1801 Main St, MO, Kansas City, 6410

 Europe and Asia Countries : Beneficiary name: MICHAEL IHEANYICHUKWU BONIFACE IBAN: MT21CFTE28004000000000005518981 SWIFT BIC: CFTEMTM1XXX Bank name: OPENPAYD FINANCIAL SERVICES MALTA LTD Bank address: Floor 3, 137 Spinola Road, Eastern Region, St. Julian's, STJ 3011