May 25 Proverbs 25v28

28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

The Proverbs were written at a time when superiority among kings was shown by conquest of land. Kings and Kingdoms conquered neighbouring land and continued to expand as much as possible. It would have been absurd to find a city without walls, except it were broken down or conquered like Jericho. It would be plain foolish.
In our days too, security is tight. We've built all kinds of walls and borders, from brick to electric walls to even laser walls. Walls are important. In our lives too, walls are important. Self control, restriction is necessary. We need to have rule over ourselves. It is a fruit of the Spirit called temperance (self-control) . Discipline falls under it. Christians cannot operate on the spur of the moment. It is dangerous. It is like a city that is broken down and without walls. Enemies can invade at any minute.
God wants us to be in as much control as possible. Its against the Spirit if food, or alcohol, or nicotine, or anything else possesses you. Flee addictive things. Be safe. Have self-control. Have rule over yourself.

May 26 Acts26:18b

18b. And from the power of satan unto God.


Apostle Paul was one of the greatest men to be used of God. He was used to write many books in the Bible. One of the purposes that Jesus gave for saving him (Paul) was to help to turn others from the power of Satan unto God. No wonder Paul had uncommon insight into the things of God. Some things that we could just look as normal and harmless, were exposed by his writings as of the flesh and not of God.
Christians need to know that satan has power. Jesus spoke of the power of Satan in our Today's passage. Many today under-rate the enemy at their peril. They've been so deceived to believe that the devil is harmless. That was what Eve also thought.
The devil is the god of this world. He controls a lot of the system of things. We are not to be ignorant of him or of his devices. Many 'christians' have being made prey by satan and have become entangled with his ways! But reading through and obeying the instructions given to us by God through Paul, we can be turned from the power of Satan to God. Thats why we don't just dismiss his writings as just his idea, or just for some group of people. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. That's the way Paul saw it, that's the way Peter saw it, that's the way the early church took it. Lets go on the same road to Heaven.

May 26 Acts26:18b

18b. And from the power of satan unto God.


Apostle Paul was one of the greatest men to be used of God. He was used to write many books in the Bible. One of the purposes that Jesus gave for saving him (Paul) was to help to turn others from the power of Satan unto God. No wonder Paul had uncommon insight into the things of God. Some things that we could just look as normal and harmless, were exposed by his writings as of the flesh and not of God.
Christians need to know that satan has power. Jesus spoke of the power of Satan in our Today's passage. Many today under-rate the enemy at their peril. They've been so deceived to believe that the devil is harmless. That was what Eve also thought.
The devil is the god of this world. He controls a lot of the system of things. We are not to be ignorant of him or of his devices. Many 'christians' have being made prey by satan and have become entangled with his ways! But reading through and obeying the instructions given to us by God through Paul, we can be turned from the power of Satan to God. Thats why we don't just dismiss his writings as just his idea, or just for some group of people. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. That's the way Paul saw it, that's the way Peter saw it, that's the way the early church took it. Lets go on the same road to Heaven.

Image123:

May 25 Proverbs 25v28

28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

How we need to constantly keep this in mind. Refreshing, thank you. . and many blessings to your day.

@pilgrim.1
Well we thank God. Its good to hear, thank you too.

May 27 Proverbs 27v18


18. Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honored.


Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof. Come to think of that. Many people rarely think about that. They would rather pass the buck; I'm not a farmer, the tree is not mine, I met it there like that, I have other things to do.
People have become irresponsible because they pass the responsibility to everyone else but themselves. But whoso keeps the fig tree shall eat the fruit. You don't have to wait for the government. That gutter can be clean, that pothole can be filled.
You know sometimes, in some areas, there's always this time consuming hold-up because there's a pothole in one street that all the cars must pass through everyday. And then we keep on going through 'hell' and blaming government for being irresponsible. Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit, he that serves his master shall be honoured. Get serving, keep on serving, don't be weary of well doing, you will be honoured. It may be by your master, it may be by someone else, but you'll be honoured. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatever a man sowr, he will reap.

God Bless you Image 123, and may he continue to use you to bless people thru this avenue and other mighty ways, am really blessed by your daily contributions.

@okemoni
AMEN!! Thanks for the prayer, i'm always excited when i'm prayed for, because I've seen God answers prayer. Thank you.

May 28 Job 28:28

28. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Considering God the Lord, who spoke the universe into existence, it doesn't take genius to know that there is power in the Word of God.
The book of Hebrews says God at many times and in various ways spake to men BY His prophets. Many times, you'll see something like "The Lord spake unto Moses, speak unto the people". The Lord didn't communicate much directly to ALL. Even in the new covenant, God has spoken to us by His Son. But our Today's passage says God said something to man.
This is direct to ALL. This is very important. This is powerful. What can be this important? Unto man he said, Behold, see,
(1.) the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and
(2.)to depart from evil is understanding.
You know the book of Romans tells us that those that are 'without understanding' are unrighteous and worthy of death. To depart from evil is understanding! Many people do not understand, they continue to make empty mouth confessions, saying 'I'm God's righteousness, I'm in right standing'. Yet they make no effort to depart from evil . This is called misunderstanding.
And God is saying unto man, see, Behold to DEPART from evil is understanding. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. Listen to God from today, AHEAD OF every other thing, whether its your heart, head or whoever.

May 28 Job 28:28

28. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Considering God the Lord, who spoke the universe into existence, it doesn't take genius to know that there is power in the Word of God.
The book of Hebrews says God at many times and in various ways spake to men BY His prophets. Many times, you'll see something like "The Lord spake unto Moses, speak unto the people". The Lord didn't communicate much directly to ALL. Even in the new covenant, God has spoken to us by His Son. But our Today's passage says God said something to man.
This is direct to ALL. This is very important. This is powerful. What can be this important? Unto man he said, Behold, see,
(1.) the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and
(2.)to depart from evil is understanding.
You know the book of Romans tells us that those that are 'without understanding' are unrighteous and worthy of death. To depart from evil is understanding! Many people do not understand, they continue to make empty mouth confessions, saying 'I'm God's righteousness, I'm in right standing'. Yet they make no effort to depart from evil . This is called misunderstanding.
And God is saying unto man, see, Behold to DEPART from evil is understanding. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. Listen to God from today, AHEAD OF every other thing, whether its your heart, head or whoever.

May 30 Proverbs 30v26

26. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks;


Wisdom is the secret of the achiever. The Achiever is exceeding wise. Very wise! What that means is that they make more wise decisions than foolish ones. Life is full of decisions. Everyday, there are lots and lotsa decision to be made. The difference between the achieves and the mediocre or even complete failure, is that, the achiever is EXCEEDing wise. He makes more wise decisions than foolish decisions.
The cony in our Today's passage is what we may call a rabbit. Now, one blow will kill a rabbit. Three (3) such blows may not even make a sickly person unconscious, not to mention kill.
The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks. The cony's wisdom exceeds many humans' today. The chapter says they are exceeding wise. They not sulking, and asking foolish questions, and blaming God and others, they've made wise decisions. They turn everything that they've got into strength. That's why they can make houses in the rocks. You too can be an achiever. You've got more than the feeble folk conies in you. Be diligent and wise to be an Achiever.

June 1 Philippians 1:10

10. That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ;


Its a great month already. My prayer to God for you is as our Today's passage which is also a prayer: That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense, not just today, or this month, but till the day of Christ.
What a prayer to be answered at the beginning of the month! It's a lifelong, life-changing prayer. The standard of many believers has fallen, They can not approve the things that are excellent. They've settled for less, not for the best. What do you approve of? Some have even gone on to disdain and discourage EXCELLENT things. How excellent is your walk with God, Is your present life the best that you could live to please God? Do you hate and even persecute believers who approve of excellent things?
God's will is that you may approve things that are excellent, and that you should be sincere and without offence all the days of your life.
Sin is not excellent, stain is not excellent, worldliness is not excellent. These three and more should not be approved by you, in your life or in any other person's life. Discern what is THE BEST and be filled with the fruits of righteousness all through life. May God bless you.

June 1 Philippians 1:10

10. That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ;


Its a great month already. My prayer to God for you is as our Today's passage which is also a prayer: That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense, not just today, or this month, but till the day of Christ.
What a prayer to be answered at the beginning of the month! It's a lifelong, life-changing prayer. The standard of many believers has fallen, They can not approve the things that are excellent. They've settled for less, not for the best. What do you approve of? Some have even gone on to disdain and discourage EXCELLENT things. How excellent is your walk with God, Is your present life the best that you could live to please God? Do you hate and even persecute believers who approve of excellent things?
God's will is that you may approve things that are excellent, and that you should be sincere and without offence all the days of your life.
Sin is not excellent, stain is not excellent, worldliness is not excellent. These three and more should not be approved by you, in your life or in any other person's life. Discern what is THE BEST and be filled with the fruits of righteousness all through life. May God bless you.

men behind the pulpit stop lying about tithes and seed

June 2 2Thessalonians2v 13

13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:


Being grateful is a quality character. As humans, we should always be grateful, both to fellow humans and to God. We need to always know that unthankful people displease God.
If only we'll take time to meditate, there's a lot that we're to praise and thank God for. Our minds should not forget any of God's benefits to us. Some people only praise God when they feel like it. They praise God only if that sister is leading the praise and worship. Some give thanks only when that brother is handling the instrument. For some, its only when they have enough money or just got a mouth watering offer.
But this passage tells us we are bound to give thanks. Its our duty, our responsibility. And its not just about being bound to give thanks because we're in a meeting, it says ALWAYS. Bound to give thanks always to God. That's the attitude that opens prison doors. That's the attitude that ushers in a tangible presence of the Lord. You should get that attitude today!

June 2 2Thessalonians2v 13

13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:


Being grateful is a quality character. As humans, we should always be grateful, both to fellow humans and to God. We need to always know that unthankful people displease God.
If only we'll take time to meditate, there's a lot that we're to praise and thank God for. Our minds should not forget any of God's benefits to us. Some people only praise God when they feel like it. They praise God only if that sister is leading the praise and worship. Some give thanks only when that brother is handling the instrument. For some, its only when they have enough money or just got a mouth watering offer.
But this passage tells us we are bound to give thanks. Its our duty, our responsibility. And its not just about being bound to give thanks because we're in a meeting, it says ALWAYS. Bound to give thanks always to God. That's the attitude that opens prison doors. That's the attitude that ushers in a tangible presence of the Lord. You should get that attitude today!

June 2 2Thessalonians2v 13

13. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:


Being grateful is a quality character. As humans, we should always be grateful, both to fellow humans and to God. We need to always know that unthankful people displease God.
If only we'll take time to meditate, there's a lot that we're to praise and thank God for. Our minds should not forget any of God's benefits to us. Some people only praise God when they feel like it. They praise God only if that sister is leading the praise and worship. Some give thanks only when that brother is handling the instrument. For some, its only when they have enough money or just got a mouth watering offer.
But this passage tells us we are bound to give thanks. Its our duty, our responsibility. And its not just about being bound to give thanks because we're in a meeting, it says ALWAYS. Bound to give thanks always to God. That's the attitude that opens prison doors. That's the attitude that ushers in a tangible presence of the Lord. You should get that attitude today!

June 3 2Thessalonians 3:16

16. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. KJV

Its a good thing to be a child of God. You know, God gives us unspeakable joy. The christian is an example of an irrepressible life.
You're just happy, so happy. God-given happy. It's a most wonderful feel. Maybe it's because the Maker of all things dwells in you. Maybe its that the Spirit that raised up Jesus Christ lives in you. It's hard to explain. And sometimes, God is speaking to you, and your inner man jumps up with shouts of joy. He's telling you Words out of this world. Words with the power to form the world over and again!
It's such kinds of Words that we find in Today's passage.

The Lord of peace himself give you peace ALWAYS . For time, I'll just be cried and leave you mostly to meditate on the verse itself. It's something that God

Himself would do. He's not sending anyone to you, thats not guaranteed. No angel, no man, Himself. He wants to

give you peace always BY ALL MEANS. It is finished. Your peace has come. Peace in every area of your life.
And if you're thinking of postponing it till later, the Word says

NOW . God wants to give you peace now. May the Lord be with you all.

June 4 Revelation 4v9,10

9. And when those beasts give glory and honor and THANKS to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

It is a privilege for we, mortals to know the immortal God. Many have scorned this great privilege. As for the few who have made use of this privilege, we ought to be always filled with thanks, awe and gratitude to our loving God the Father.
The living creatures (beasts) give glory and honor and THANKS to the eternal God. Ever wondered why Thanks? These living creatures are in Heaven, round the throne of God, settled. And yet thankful.
We, who are on earth should be more thankful. He has drawn us nigh by Christ Jesus. He has given us things that angels marvel at. While we were yet sinners, unworthy, He loved us. We should fall down before Him and worship Him, casting our crowns before His throne in submission. Start thanking God, you could never thank Him enough.

June 5 Ephesians 5 v 33

33. So each husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself, and each wife should respect her husband. CEV


Everywhere today, marriage failure is prevalent, and has almost become a norm in some societies. Divorce is a way of life for many. Infact, it is in the marriage back-up plan for some.
Is this the perfect will of God? No. So where have we missed it? It's in the culture. Most of our culture is against the divine manual for marriage. The growing culture in our societies (both developed and developing countries) is a, you respect me then I respect you culture. Mutual respect. If you don't respect me, then I don't, will not respect you. Such a culture will not make a marriage work.
Many are fast settling for less; I'll rather divorce him than respect him; I'll rather divorce her than love. Lazy people who can't make their marriage work. But you know what? If we'll follow God's command, we'll eat the good of the land. He is the One who knows how best the human body functions. He knows how to make your marriage work. His culture is 'Husband love your wife, wife respect your husband'. And it's not just a culture, with grace for the pastors or for the deacons only, it is for EVERYONE IN PARTICULAR, EACH HUSBAND, EACH WIFE , you included. Love your wife as equally as you love yourself. Wife, reverence your husband. New Testament! Reverence. To tone it down, let's say with our contemporaries, respect your husband.

June 6 1Timothy 6:18

18. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;


Apostle Paul was a man mightily used of God in revealing to the church, the manifold riches of God's grace. He was most 'firm' in preaching that christians were saved by grace through faith. He always warned about resting or boasting on works.
Of a truth, many have come to explain Paul's writings to be against works. Anyone who's doing some good work is likely to be 'attacked' with some several quotes from Paul's epistles, or accused of operating under the law and not under grace.
Our Today's passage reveals to us that Apostle Paul wasn't a hater of good works. Paul encourages believers to be rich in good works. In our cultures today, if a believer does something good, or openly discredits some bad work, it's common to hear SHOUTS of "nobody holy pass" and such things. But our passage says we should be RICH in good works, do good, be ready to distribute and willing to communicate.
Let's learn from the balanced life of the early Christians. Let our moderation be known. Ephesians says we're saved by grace, and are God's workmanship, created unto good works.

June 7 Ecclesiastes 7v9

9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.


Anger is not a good thing, for anyone. I'm yet to see the person that anger looks good on. It is and fearful thing, and we're meant to be associated with faith, not fear. Only people who have no confidence get angry.
Anger is not a wise thing, you'll only find it close to fools. For your own good, you shouldn't be angry with people in authority. You'll be undoing your self. The story has been told of a man who was so angry at God, that he pulled out some strong mucus and spat it upward to God. You guessed right. He received it right back in his own face. That may sound very foolish, but that's just how foolish anger is. It blocks the brain and dis-stabilizer the heart and other organs.
The preacher is giving us timely, timeless advice. Don't be so east to get angry. Anger is not the first move to make for the wise. It's a move closest to the bosom of fools. Our learned friends have discovered that it takes more energy to frown than it takes to smile. Don't waste your energy. Put on that priceless smile now. It's for your own health.

June 8 Proverbs 8v34

34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.


Anytime you come across the word 'Blessed is ', you need to be extra attentive. There usually follows a key to blessings. Hope you saw what I just wrote? A key to blessing[b]S [/b], so be attentive.
Our Today's passage brings us one of those keys. The key here is hearing, watching, waiting. Looks like we've got three keys already, but it's actually one key with attitude. It's a key that gives you confidence when you've got it.
What's the verse telling us? The blessed man is the man/woman that hears. You know like when we say "faith comes by hearing the Word of God", This is it. The man that hears is Blessed. This hearing is not a 'hear when I need to' key, no, it's a watching daily key. You do not keep this key away in some cupboard until you need it. No, it'll become rusty. You bring it out everyday if you intend to use it for your blessings. You watch DAILY i.e you meditate on, and listen to God's Word daily.
And it is not a 'what have I not done today' task. It is a priority task, waiting at the posts of my doors. That is thirst, that's commitment. That is the attitude that brings down the blessings. Like it has been mentioned, it's a confident and sure key.

June 9 Acts9 v 5

5. And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.


The Bible is very plain about the position of the church i.e the children of God. The Bible says that the church is the Body of Christ. Many times, it seems we forget that literally. The church is the Body of Christ and Christ is the Head.
If we're kind and generous to the body, then we're automatically kind and generous to Christ. But if we're stringent and stingy towards the church, then we're automatically stingy and stringent towards Christ. It's become popular to hear people say, "the church (the Body of Christ) has enough already, let me give my resources to outsiders". Such a person is simply saying,'that's too much for Christ's Body, let me take care of some other Body'.
It's the exact thing too when you abuse, insult, or look down on a child of God. You're doing it to Jesus. Mocking christians, saying evil concerning them, and discrediting them, all amount to persecuting Jesus Himself. That's what Jesus was telling Saul in Today's passage. It is not going to favour the 'Sauls of this world' in the end. Don't fight against God. Take it easy. It is a hard thing for you to kick against thorns.

June 10 Acts 10:35

35. But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.


The Acts of the apostles, these are the things that the Apostles did. We come to Acts 10 and we hear experienced truth from the mouth of Apostle Peter, or better still, the Holy Ghost speaking through Apostle Peter.
This passage took place after calvary (crucifixion) and resurrection. i.e after the law if you please. The passage came after the Holy Ghost baptism at Pentecost. At this Acts 10 time, He that will teach us all things has come.
Then comes out this eternal truth about God's workings, In EVERY nation, he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him. Today's passage just went through with telling us that it's wrong to assume that;
(1.) we should not fear God in the new testament era.
(2.) we should not work righteousness in the new testament era.
Many have unbalancedly believed that all we need in the new testament era is to love God, not fear Him, but he that feareth God in every nation is accepted of Him. Every nation. Many have unfortunately supposed that, in this new testament dispensation, we can behave anyhow and do anything as God doesn't care. all He sees is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, the Lamb sacrificed. Well, ananias and sapphira will show you that it's not that way. He that works righteousness is accepted with Him.
We've being saved by grace from our sinful helpless state, so that we can be saintly helpers, zealous of good works. Works of righteousness. Let us grow in grace and in the knowledge of God.

June 11 Acts 11v23

23. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart, they would cleave unto the Lord.


The people of Antioch had turned to the Lord. The Word of God was preached to them, they gave their lives to Christ and repented of their sins. Barnabas was then sent to them from Jerusalem to strengthen the new believers.
When Barnabas came, he saw something, he saw the grace of God! That's what makes us glad as christians. That also gladens Christ, seeing grace in the life of God's children.
I do not understand believers who you can not see grace in their lives: they're the only ones that feel that they're born-again. Others around can not see it. But Barnabas, when he came, he saw the grace of God, and was glad. I'm praying that we'll see the grace of God in you. I'm praying to God that others will begin to see the grace of God in your life. And when the light has begun to shine, cleave unto the Lord.
Stay glued. He is your husband. Don't think divorce. God doesn't force us to come to Him, or stay with Him. It takes our purpose of heart, our will, like Daniel in the old testament. We choose to cleave unto the Lord. The sinners' prayer is not the end, but the beginning of Life's journey. Stay glued to Life. Stick to the Lord no matter what comes. The Lord is your strength.

June 14 Acts 14v15

15. And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:


Apostles Barnabas and Paul went to a place called Lystra, a city in Lycaonia. while there, they were used of God to heal a cripple who had never walked before. Due to this, the people were about to worship the apostles and to make sacrifice to them.
But the Apostles ran in among the people, and with a loud voice said "We also are men of like passions with you". This is from the horse's mouth, as it were. You know, some of us have grown and gotten used to the perception that the people of the Bible were superhumans. On a higher plane than we are, having more grace than we have. Infact, we refer to them as Saint. They are Saint. We are sinner. They're closer to God. We're not fit to be holy.
But St. Paul and St. Barnabas are saying, "We also are men of like passions with you". Men like you. What we did, you can do. The way we lived, you can live. We lived above sin, keeping God's commandments. You also can live above sin, keeping God's commandments.
You too can live a blameless and perfect life. A Godly life. A Holy Spirit empowered life. The Apostles were men like us. Elijah was a man like us. They had blood running in them, they ate, slept, saw, heard like we can. Let us press towards the Heaven's prize. We have no excuse!

June 15 1Corinthians 15v2

2. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.


A lot has been discussed recently on this forum about the human will. Many have claimed and almost forced the idea on us, that the humans have no say whatsoever in their salvation. They say it is strictly what God wills, irrespective of what man wills. They've quoted mainly from the epistles of Paul.
But do you know that it is the will of God that ALL should be saved and no one should perish? That will is not going to be! It is conditional. WHOSOEVER believes will not perish. WHOSOEVER believes not is condemned already.
Our Today's passage says 'you are saved, IF you keep in memory(hold fast) what I preached unto you. The passage rounds off by introducing a possibility of 'believing in vain'. A worthless, useless belief. A christian experience that doesn't get you to Heaven, the believers' home. Salvation is not just a "I raised up my hand the other day" thing. It is a lifelong experience. The gift of ETERNAL life.
We are saved, IF we keep/hold fast what was preached unto us.
What exactly was preached to you? The love of God to you. Remember that. Keep in memory.
What was preached to you? God's hatred for sin. Always remember that.
What was preached to you? Repentance (confessing and turning away from sins). Never forget that.
Do not believe in vain. Your salvation has condition, so says this epistle by apostle Paul. Remember this, and God will remember you. You will not fall. Amen

June 16 Romans 16v17

17. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.


Many of us know that we live in a time where it appears that people are wiser than themselves. Much knowledge makes them mad, so to say. If we could humble ourselves and heed these simple, easy warnings in Today's passage, backsliding would reduce. Discouragement will become a thing of the past.
Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine of Christ and avoid them. i.e Know them and avoid them.
Many believers today are blind and not ready to mark these people. They ignorantly say 'judge not, judge not'. But then, they'll not hear or speak with/to or evangelise 'total' unbelievers, most of whom are usually plain ignorant and foolish. They'll rather listen to and discuss with snakes and deceivers in the name of 'judge not' and united fellowship. The Word of God today is saying "mark them, avoid them . Don't be careless, watch!

June 18 Proverbs 18v20

20. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.


The Bible informs us that the tongue is a world. A world on his own. It is another universe of possibilities. In other words, it can make you or break you.
There'll be less trouble, fighting and wars if we didn't abuse the use of the tongue's world. Think about all the fights and disagreements and misunderstandings that you've had, they've being mostly as a result of what somebody said. But the mouth can be put to better use.
Our Today's passage shows us that a man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. If you sow good words, you'll be satisfied. The mouth plays an important role in your progress and prosperity.
Hardly will you see a very rich man who is dumb i.e who cannot speak with his mouth. Your mouth can 'take you places'. Your lips can fill you. Invest good words. Speak words of blessings to yourself and to others around you. Speak praise to God. Learn to make your world a better and satisfied place.

June 20 Acts 20v27

27. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.


ALL the counsel of God! All of it. The complete. Not 10%, not 50%, not 70%, not 90%, not even 99%. ALL . Declaring the whole counsel of God i.e the will and word of God. I believe this is where many of our spiritual leaders have not done well.
The early church leaders could boldly say like Apostle Paul, 'I have not kept back or hesitated, avoided to preach to you all the counsel of God'. Believers have become very weak and incomplete Today because they love to be one-sided, a cake not turned.
While there're some who are vast and established in only prayer, prayer, deliverance, fasting, yoke breaking, generational whatsit, there're some others who are engrossed only on healing, miracle, expansion, dominion, prosperity. There're those whose doctrine is solely giving to God, to church and co, sowing and reaping. There're others who all they know is giving to the poor, and organising charities and fundraisings.
God's plan encompasses ALL , not some of His counsel. Do you receive the whole counsel of God where you worship? Get me right. I didn't ask that, are you satisfied with where you worship? I ask, Do you receive the whole counsel, ALL the counsel of God where you worship? May God's will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.

June 21 Acts 21v32

32. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.



Many in our Today's society have come to hate punishment of evil. They frown at judgement. They perceive judgement as unnecessary and unfair.
How wonderful it will be, if in ALL things, we obey the injunction of the scriptures to let our moderation be known unto all men. It is godly to be moderate. The Word of God is moderate. God Himself is moderate. Some people's judgement is in excess, sadistic and unwarranted. Extreme. On the other extreme, many people's philosopy of judgement and punishment today is too mild. Spare the rod, spare the rod policies have led to increase in crime and violence all over the world.
There's a lot of rebellious and hardened chumps all over. That's why we need judges, the law, police, soldiers etc. That is why the Day is coming when God will judge the whole of humanity. There are a lot of people around us whom the Bible describes as 'unreasonable and wicked men'. We need authorities to keep them in order.
In our Today's passage, we see an example of such people. "When they saw the soldiers, they left beating of Paul ". I'm continually suprised as to why some people, in an attempt to sound spiritual, question the use of security men by christians. What happened in our text was that apostle Paul was in the city of Jerusalem, gentler than ever. His crime was that his assailants saw him. Then the next thing that happens is that they drew him out of the temple and went about to kill him. Thank God for the high rank military officers (the chief captain, centurions and soldiers) who showed up. He'll have just become 'gone too soon'.
Jesus Christ said we believers are sent as sheep in the middle of wolves. Therefore i.e because of that, be wise and yet HARMLESS. May we be wise. Foolishness is not a prestige in the kingdom of God.