Kobojunkiee:
Your light does not shine by your feeding yourself this word you speak....God made clear the works one needs to engage in this in order to get the light to shine,this in Isaiah 58 This is God's own instructions as far as making the fasting and letting the light shine in your life.

I never said that but Okay.

Kobojunkie:
Darkness and light have nothing to do with the human idea of transparency. God sees through to the very heart of every men so there is nothing that any man can hide from Him to begin with. So the human idea means nothing where God is.

Okay.

1 John 1:6
[6]If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

Let's pray
<<Heavenly Father we thank You for everything you have done for us, those we have seen, even those we haven't seen, Let all glory be to your name.
We acknowledge Lord that we have offended you in the course of the day, please have mercy on us, cleanse us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Please enlighten us in your word Father, guide us into your truth and glorify yourself. Amen.

Dear Followers Of Christ
Today our emphasis lies on the importance of transparency in the affairs of any follower of Christ.
As Followers of Christ, we bear a heavy responsibility. We are projections of the invisible God. The scriptures say He is The light in which no darkness is found. Therefore as His followers no darkness should be found in us.
And according to the passage, it is impossible to have fellowship with Him and be walking in darkness, If you truly walk in Him, you can't walk in darkness, is you walk in darkness you don't have fellowship in Him. Let us reevaluate our lives and clarify our stance.
Peace...

2 Peter 3:2
[2]that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,
2 Peter 3:7
[7]But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Let's pray.
<< Great Teacher, we your students have come today to appreciate you for all you guidance and teachings in the past and present. We humbly ask that once again you teach us. Guide us into the truth of your word to your glory. Please cleanse us of all defilements and hindrances to your flow in our lives. Use us as vessels into honor fit for your use, sanctified for every good work. Shine in us, let the world are your light through us and glorify you. Amen.>>

Hello Fellow Followers
Many people seem to forget that the word of God is a double-edged sword, that which can protect can harm, that which can progress can prevent.
Brethren, please let us stop treating the words of God with levity and laxity. Every word of God is accountable to God. No matter how insignificant, every word of God is God himself, God honors His word more than His name.
On the flip side, because of this, we can be assured that as far as Good has said it, He will do it, all we need to do is obey Him.
Peace...

2 Peter 2:8
[8](for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—

Holy Spirit of God be glorified, we humbly invite you to l into our midst, please teach us, lead us and guide us into your truths. Remove every impediments to your flow in our lives.

Dear Followers Of Christ
The bible says "Bad company corrupts good manners" and Mr. Lot was a good example of this.
I think this is another reason why no one can attain perfection in Earth. Apart from the bloodline of sin we inherited from Adam, everyday interactions also defiles a person.
The Bible puts it as tormenting one's own soul, especially when it is conscious.
This is another reason why praying for yourself is not enough, you also have to pray for the community and environment.
One way to curtail this is to disconnect from defilements. Whether it is because of your workplace, or your neighborhood, or whatever. But there are some circumstances example of your family is source of the contamination, you can't outright disconnect from them. You will have to make constant Intercessions, take up the job of a priest. And of course also thoroughly cleanse yourself after every interaction. But let it not be that you intentionally dwell there in the midst of defilement like Lot, be like Christ, hate and shun sin and sinfulness while embracing purity.
Peace...

2 Peter 1:2-3
[2]Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,
[3]as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

King of Kings and Ancient of Days, we bless and adore you, for your majesty, dominion and power endures forever. Please Father we are here in your presence to be taught by you, please enlighten us with your word for you are the great Teacher. Let your word produces maximum fruit in our lives to your glory.
Cleanse us and purify us through the blood of Jesus. Use us to do your will. Amen.

The Knowledge of God

Dear Followers of Christ,

I believe that one of the greatest goals a man can have in his life is to know his Maker. Man has always been searching for the origin of things since He gained sentience by lets not go there for now.
Our emphasis today is on the benefits of the Knowledge of God as illustrated in the above passage. But first, let's clarify, I don't really know how to put this, you can't study God, He isn't a subject or natural phenomenon that can be understood if observed. No. God can only be known through revelation. And this revelation comes through the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit only comes on those who have accepted Christ into their lives this is the foundation.
As a Songwriter said, when you know God, you know yourself. In short there is no looks in knowing God.
Let me also through in, God reveals Himself in stages, in levels, the more you walk with Him, the more He reveals Himself.
Stay Blessed.
Peace...

1 Peter 5:6
[6]Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Heavenly Father we praise you for another day, thank you for your gift of Life, protection and sustenance, Let your name alone be praised.
We cling to your mercy seat and sell for mercies, we've sinned and done and done things which anger you, please forgive us. Have mercy on us, wash and sanctify us through the sacrifice of Christ.
Please teach us your word today Lord, open our hearts and pour forth knowledge, give us deep understanding and keen insight to your word, show is the wonderful things in your law. Amen.

Hello Fellow Followers
Today's scripture tells us that in order to be lifted we must humble ourselves. Your Lifestyle can be likened to a spring- With humility being compression and pride being extension. And as is the case with a spring, the more you humble yourself, the further you will shoot out.
See v. 4
1 Peter 5:4
[4]and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
When the chief shepherd appears, it may be today, it may be tomorrow, it may be at the last day, but in what state will He find you. Compressed and ready to shoot out or extended and ready to shrink?
Your Choice.
Peace ...

1 Peter 4:18
[18]Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

Heavenly Father, we bless your holy name for who you are and for all you do. Please receive our worship.
Please Father, cleanse us through the blood of Jesus, cleanse us, purify and sanctify us. Teach us your word Lord, give us deep insight and revelation. Let us abide by your truth. Amen.

Hello Fellow Followers,
I can never stop iterating this, because this is basically the truth of being a Follower of Christ. Your qualification is by grace, so put aside every form of pride and conceit.
No matter how righteous you are, you scarcely make the cut, there is nothing to boast about when it comes to righteousness. Instead boast in the fact that Jesus is Lord and that He is Lord in your life.
Peace ...

James 3:2
[2]For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
1 Peter 3:10
[10]For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

Holy Spirit of God with gratitude and appreciation in our hearts we come into your presence, for all you are, all you have done, all you are doing and all you will do we say thank you. Cleanse us with the blood of your son Jesus Christ, sanctify us by your sacrifice.
Teach us your ways and cause us to walk in your truth. Cause us to beat God fruit that all may see and glorify you. Amen.

What's up fellow followers?
Today's scripture is real eye-opener, if I could say so, it succinctly explains the importance the figurative tongue in a person's life. Buy tongue here, we mean an individual's speech faculty.
The passage says "if a man does not stumble in speech, He is a perfect man" This means a long as you are perfectly able to control your speech at all times you can control every other aspect of your life. Even Christ said, "It is not what enters a man that defiles Him, but what comes out of Him". This is honestly ridiculously mind-blowing, I mean perfection can't be that easy right? But there's a catch here James 3:8 -
[8]But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
But don't let this deter you, Jesus said "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible". So put in your best effort and leave the rest to God once H He sees your determination, He will surely give more grace.
Peace...

1 Peter 2:2
[2]as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word we are about to read, we ask for your direction and guidance, granny us deep insight into your word to the glory of your name. Amen.

Never underestimate the power sound doctrine has to a believer of Christ. Growth is only possible by regular intake of the truth. That is why we must study the word of God daily, we must listen and learn from others... A wise man can derive wisdom, even from a fool. Don't let anything hinder you especially when the word of God is involved. Never settle for less, go for the best.
Peace.

1 Peter 1:14
[14]as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;

Father Lord we bless your holy name, let your name be praised and glorified in our lives, cleanse us and purify our lives as living temple unto you. Let us bear and obey your word. Amen.

God calls us His children into holiness, He is a holy God, therefore we are His children must be holy.
Never should you take a conscious decision to sin, never should you take a conscious decision to transgress God's laws. Abide in Him and let Him abide in you, you will be amazed.
Peace

James 5:8
[8]You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Heavenly Father, take all the glory for all you have done and all you will do, let your name be glorified for you make all things work for our good. Purify us through your word, sanctify us through the sacrifice of Christ. Let your word move freely though us producing your will. Amen.

Don't have much to say today fellow followers, the sum of today's charge is that no matter what people say, no matter the criticism, standfast in Christ. Be immovable like Mount Zion. No matter how long it may seem or how deceptive the message seems, the coming of the Lord
Peace...

James 4:3
[3]You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

With thanksgiving in our hearts, enter your presence. We ask for your teaching and guidance Great Teacher. Fill us with your word and let us manifest it always. Please cleanse us with the blood of Jesus Christ, sanctify us and make us pure and acceptable in your sight prepared for every good work. Amen.

Fellow followers of Christ this passage bears a vital key to followership. When we ask from God, we should not do it from a selfish standpoint. We should ask based on God's will and in order to fulfill God's will. Again when we ask we should ask with an aim of being a blessing, of impacting lives positively. In this way we will not be asking amiss.
Peace...

James 3:1
[1]My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

Heavenly Father take control. We appreciate you for all you have done, for the Holy Spirit, got your Son Jesus Christ, for the blood. Please cleanse and sanctify us, set us apart unto you. Let your name be praised. Please teach us, speak to us individually in ways we understand. Do this to your glory. Amen.

The above scripture is a very powerful deterrent. As God hates duplicity, He wants us to live what we preach. So before you teach, or judge, or condemn any body double check yourself as the ultimate judge is impartial.
Peace..

James 2:22
[22]Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

Father please help us, we your children are here in your presence for only you can enlighten us. Plant your word in us and cause it to grow to your glory. Manifest your self to us, speak to us in a language we can understand. And please sanctify us by the sacrifice of Christ, look on us through the lens of mercy. Glorify yourself. Amen.

The Synergy of Faith and Work

Many hold on the belief that all you need for salvation is to have faith, you can go about your life in any manner you wish, do anything but faith will save you. Others think that faith is not necessary, afterall they can live morally upright lives what is the need of believing on a bring they cannot see?
Both have their merits and demerits but ultimately both are flawed. For your works, your actions are an expression of faith. You can say you believe in a loving God and go about not loving, you can't believe in a holy Good and go about in unholiness, you are deceiving yourself.
Works alone cannot save, it is work that has been rooted in faith that has potential to yield appreciable result.
Through faith, we are saved, through work (conscious effort) we stay saved.
God called us out of the world to be separate, to live apart from the defilements of this world. Don't let God down.
Peace...

In the name of the Father we gather today. To bless and to give praise to the one who is able to saves and who saves for Her first loved us. Father be praised.
Please teach us your word for you are omniscient. Lead us in the right way to your glory. Let your will be done. Please Heavenly Father sanctify us through the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus cleanse us and make us pure in your sight; sanctified for you, prepared for every good work. Have your way. We decrease that you increase. Let all come to the fullness of your truth. Amen.

James 1:26-27
[26]If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.
[27]Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

God created us to be a society, it was intentional.
As is evidenced here, our religion is not complete of we do not help those less privileged. There is a reason God did not create everyone of equal social standing, He wants us to depend on each other even as we depend on Him. He wants us to help each other even as He helps us.
And one funny thing I have seen is God wants us to interact with others without defiling ourselves, that's not to say widows and orphans are defilements, but the entirety humanity! No matter how miniscule your interaction you will still be defiled. It is like walking through a smoky area, of course you will start smelling smoky after sometime. But God has already provided a way out, He doesn't instruct is at our own expense but His, so fear not. The blood of Jesus is available for us. God calls us to be light, We have to maintain a higher potential difference from others so we do not get defiled, but instead we cleanse others.
Let us not live empty lives, putting up a facade of religion but denying the responsibilities attached.
Learn to help.
Peace.

Philemon 1:15-16
[15]For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,
[16]no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

God of all things, we come into your presence today with praise and appreciation in our hearts and lips, we thank you for who you are, for what you have done and for what you will do. Be praised.
We have come to be taught by your oh omniscient God, teach us, guide us into all truth, let us not be hearers only, but hearers and doers of your word.
And please cleanse us, we invoke the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus for a total sanctification. Let us be like You. Amen.

Brethren, sometime ago we talked on empathy towards Sinners-- this was truly a very important subject. But today let's see something else, that is our attitude towards believers.
The above passage bears testimony to the master-servant relationship between Philemon and Onesimus.
Onesimus was Philemon's runaway servant. Philemon was a follower of Christ though, we aren't sure if He converted before or after Onesimus ran away.
But coincidentally, Onesimus encountered Paul the Apostle and converted to Life, He became immensely helpful to Paul. When it was time for Onesimus to return, Paul sent a letter to Philemon his master. The scripture above is an excerpt from that letter.
We learn from here that no matter the social status of a person be He slave or master we are all brothers in Christ and we should treat each other as such.
No discrimination, no favoritism, no pride. We must take each and every member of Christ's body as beloved brothers. No man is an island, even Jesus surrounded Himself with people.
Let us emulate Christ's standard, instead of seeing ourselves as better than others, let us esteem others as better than us an adopt an attitude of service.
As Jesus said, one glaring compulsion to the world about Christ is love and unity among His followers.
Peace...

Titus 3:2-3
[2]to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
[3]For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

Empathy Toward Sinners

Great Teacher who can teach you. We thank you for everything you have done in our lives, we thank you for who you are, we thank you for your existence, we say hallowed be thy name. We have come today to draw from you Father, we ask that you fill our souls with God things, satisfy us with your living waters. Cleanse us and let us be acceptable in your sight, teach us your ways and let us radiate your light. Make us beacons of hope in this dark world. Amen.

I have seen lots of people who after receiving Christ adopt a condescending attitude towards others. This is wrong!
One of the reasons Christ can was so He can be better empathetic towards our weaknesses as He performs the role of our High Priest.
In dealing with unbelievers, we must keep the following in mind:
- God's immense love towards all His works... Sinners included.
- The joy in heaven over the conversion of a contrary soul.
- The sacrifice of Christ.
- The fact that we were one like them before Christ saved us.
- The reward for a converted soul.

God wishes that all be saved, and as His children it is our duty to fulfill His wishes.
May God give us grace to obey.
Peace.

Titus 1:15
[15]To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.

Holy Spirit of God we come before you today, we ask for you guidance and teaching for you are the best teacher, we appreciate all you have taught us and we all for more, bring us to the fullness of your truth.
And let us be hearers and doers of your word. Cleanse us Lord and let you word grow in us producing maximum result. Amen.

Similar to what Jesus Christ said, it is not the external that contaminates but the internal. If your inside is pure, then nothing can easily defile you, but once you the devil has managed to breach into that purity, he knows he can get you easily.
So like the word of God says brethren, Guard your heart aggressively. If you feel that something is bad there is a good chance it is.
It is better to suffer loss than to let your conscience be tainted. God loves those with pure hearts and guiltless consciences, so brethren strive to attain this.
May God give us grace.
Peace...

2 Timothy 4:1-2
[1]I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
[2]Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Holy Spirit thank you for your existence, we surrender ourselves into you for guidance. Please please us into all truth purify and sanctify us. Plant your word in us and cause it to held more than a hundred fold. Amen.

For any disciples of Christ, preaching the gospel is not a choice, it is non-debatable. God expressly commands this. He died for the whole world so we owe Him the duty of doing our best to ensure that His sacrifice is of maximum effect.
God wants all men to come to the knowledge of the truth, so today brethren I charge You, preach the word, be prepared to defend it. The best evangelism you can do is your lifestyle, so live what you preach.
May The good Lord grant us grace abundantly to obey this command.
Peace...

2 Timothy 2:13
[13]If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

Heavenly Father we come into your presence seeking your face. Lord we need you, please fill out hearts with the knowledge of your truth. Bring us to the cross, cleanse and purge us of all our sins and iniquities. Make us yours indeed.

If there is one thing that is undisputable in this world, it is the faithfulness of God. He is the epitome of faithfulness.
The only issue is with us, we are the ones who break the link, who open the gates for intruders.
But being faithful does not mean that He will do what you expect Him to do. He will do what He said He will do, God works according to His standards and His laws, not ours we must endeavour to do our part, which is to have faith, and to love Him and to turn away from every form of wickedness and ungodliness.
May God give us grace.
Peace.

1 Timothy 5:24
[24]Some mens sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.

Dear Father, thank you for this opportunity to learn from you again, we ask for deep insight into your word, please show is great and mighty things we know not. Amen.
Father we invoke the sacrifice of Christ Jesus let the blood speak for us, cleanse us and dedicate us unto you. Father take control, now and forever. Amen.

God's ways are not ours. It pleased God to turn the wisdom of this world into foolishness. If you judge God based on conventional wisdom you will end up frustrated.
We should not be overly engaged with people, no matter how good they seem because sometimes some people's wrongs aren't obvious. Good is the ultimate judge let him be the judge of your human relations.
Peace.

1 Timothy 4:1
[1]Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

Living God we come before you, cleanse us and purge us of our ways take control over us. Please give us deep insight into your word manifest yourself mightily. Amen.

Whenever I see people blaspheme God in one way or the other, I just sigh and shake my head or offer a word of prayer because ultimately, some things are meant to be.
Inasmuch as we acknowledge this, we should bridle ourselves lest we fall into the same fate. Remember you have a choice and for every choice, there is an appropriate reward.
Peace.

1 Timothy 1:16
[16]However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

Heavenly Father we are here for you, take charge over our lives, manifest your knighting in power through us to your glory. Cleanse us and make us superconductors of your current. Amen.

What better way to show mercy than to those who do not deserve it? We are perpetually under the accusation of death by the devil due to our sin and sinfulness, so the fact that you are alive, that alone is an indicator of God's mercy. But God doesn't stop there, He clothes you, protects you and provides for your needs. Only God can be so merciful. Even when we constantly wrong Him, He looks past it all and still loves us. Father we appreciate your grace and we do not take it for granted, please help us reciprocate. Amen.
Receive Christ Jesus Today
Peace

2 Thessalonians 3:10
[10]For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Lord take charge over us today, we thank you for all you have done, all you do and all you will do. Please cleanse us of our filth and evil, make us vessels of honor unto you. Let your word floored through us unimpeded, producing maximum result. Amen.

God does not like idleness, it opens up room for the devil, it doesn't glorify God, it projects a bad image, and it makes others uncomfortable. God even warns to abstain from idle people, it seems that they have a corruptive effect.
And of course, of you have nothing to do, God has nothing to bless according to this promise that He will bless the work of your hands. Put your natural ability to good use. Glorify God in all your labor and He will glorify you.
Peace

2 Thessalonians 1:12
[12]that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We enter your presence today with thanksgiving and with expressions of praise.
Father we say Please be glorified in us. Take the honor in our lives. Exalt yourself alone, and as you word says bring us together with all to your glory. Amen.

One thing about God is that if you allow Him to take glory in your life He will glorify you in Him. He is a God of reciprocity. With God you get what you give. Learn to sow good seeds into your future. You will be amazed at your harvest.
Peace.

The Tempter Wants to Make Vain Your Labor

1 Thessalonians 3:5
[5]For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

Heavenly Father, we invite your sweet presence into our midst. Please take charge over all we say and do. Cleanse and purge us of all sin and fittings of our heart. Make us receptacle to your word. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Brethren, sometimes, when the Devil realizes that he can't stop you from doing that good deed you are about to do, he restrategizes. Instead of stopping you, he will try to get you to do something that will make your effort futile, Thus, making you frustrated and shaky in faith.
My point is this, don't be complacent that you can now do things you couldn't do, perhaps you can now pray very well, you win allot of souls, you have the gift of giving... Etc. Don't let the devil steal your job, watch and pray, lest the tempter tempts you to vanity. Let your works be committed to God always do not trust in your ability, trust in God alone.
Peace..

1 Thessalonians 2:13
[13]For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

What you believe.

Holy Spirit of God we invite you into our midst, take charge of our lives. We live by, because, and for you. Let your will be done expressly in our lives. Manifest yourself in your power and glory. Change us Lord, purge and revitalize us unto yourself. Feed us your word and let us bear fruit accordingly, In the name of Jesus we ask. Amen.

In the world we find ourselves, one thing I have come to discover is that there are multiple things, theories, laws, principles etc. And each seeks to hold a space in your belief zone. Because the powers in this world know that if they can control your belief, they can control you.
Thankfully, we all have freedom, freedom to choose what to believe in. No matter how bombarded you are with external influences, the final decision rests in your hands. You can either choose the truth - life, or you can choose lies, illusion - death.
Jesus said He is the way, the truth and the life. He also said he (the devil) was a list from the beginning and the father of all liars.
Incase you are wondering or are confused, the truth is whatever is in and/or in agreement with God's word. Lies are whatever twist the word of God or antagonize it.
What you believe in shapes your life as the scripture above says. Your belief performs active work in your life so choose wisely what you believe.
Accept Jesus Today.
Peace.

Colossians 4:1
[1]Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Heavenly Father please we are here today for you, fill us with your presence and your word. Change us, make us acceptable sacrifices in your sight. Amen.

Never look down on any body, no matter how low or derogatorily such a person may act. God is the creator of all and judge. He permits no partiality, in His sight all are equal, God grace is what makes the difference.
Peace...

1 Timothy 2:1-2
[1]Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
[2]for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

God calls us as believers into the office of intercessions

Heavenly Father, we are in your presence again to bless your name, be exalted and magnified. Cleanse us and make us holy vessels through which your word floored and acts unimpeded. Glorify yourself through us and let us radiate your light always. Amen.

No matter what ministry you find yourself in God wants each and every one of us to follow on the footsteps of our Lord Jesus. We are to make intercession and to give thanks for all men, not just for those who are good, or for those who are bad, but for all.
He even makes special mention of Kings and people in position of authority. Of course, the reward is clear to see.
May God give us the grace to obey Him in this. Amen.

Peace...

Colossians 1:11
[11]strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Ancient of Days we humbly come into your presence with thanksgiving. For who you are, for all you've done, we enter your courts with praise for you never lie, you never change, you never disappoint. Be glorified.
Great Teacher, we beseech your presence and services, teach us in purity. God lead us and cause us to walk in your truth eternally. Amen. Take all the glory forever.

One recurring theme in following Christ that you can never escape is persecution. It may come in differing severities or differing forms but surely it will come.
The world is slowly transitioning to a state in which all forms of Godliness will be punished. It is already evident in any social circle, immorality is gradually becoming more generally accepted. Of course even as light and darkness have nothing in common, those that accept negativity reject positivity.
The funny thing here is that no matter how bad it seems now, the worst is yet to come. But hey, cheer up. Even as we naturally get stronger by exercising. Persecution is a form of exercise to strengthen Christ's disciples. Christ said we should cheer up, for He has overcome the world, again the Apostle Paul through God iterates by telling us the fact that all things work together for our good... Indeed what can separate us from the love of God? Not even death, talk less of persecution.
Three vital weapons which God has given us to tackle persecution are mentioned in the scripture above: Patience, Long-suffering, Joy.
Brethren with these fruits of the spirit we have more than enough to look persecution in the face and beam radiantly. It was these weapons the Apostle Paul used when He said He rejoices in persecution. It is not a human feat, only God can do this.
In conclusion, brethren beware, never lose heart, for the promises of God are yeah.. truth, and Amen.. certainty. Heaven and Earth may pass away but God's word remains. Hold fast to Him. Nothing can equate your Heavenly citizenship.

Peace...

Colossians 1:12-13
[12]giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
[13]He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

Heavenly Father we bless and magnify you, be praised, be adored now and forever. Take the glory over is Alpha and Omega. Take the stage.
Purify us, we are your vessels, make us worthy of your name.
Teach us to understanding of your word. We are your children feed and fill us with you. Let us radiate you to your glory. Make us carriers of your light. Amen.

Sometimes, whenever the issue of Justification is brought up, I'm puzzled as why people get upset. The portion above says "... The Father who has qualified us..." This implies that ordinarily we would never make the cut to have an inheritance with God's saints in light, but God saw it pleasing to give it to us, on the condition of faith. Just believe in Him, acknowledge and Revere His existence. No hidden charges!!! What better deal could you ask for?
Receive Jesus today into your heart, He is the way to life, He is the truth about life and ultimately, He is the personalization of life. He is life. Honestly without Him you are similar to an undead... A corpse waiting for the grave.
Jesus is all you need, it is not too late to accept Him, to turn a new leaf.
Peace...