The prodigal son in one of Jesus’ parables made a wise decision to forsake his sinful lifestyle, return back home to his father and plead for forgiveness and acceptance back into the family after he had a deep self realisation and analysis of his life’s deplorable conditions. He had left his fathers house where he was greatly loved and cared for and had travelled to where he mingled with people of bad and evil influence on him, and squandered his inheritance with them in sinful pleasures. Soon, he was totally ripped off of all he got and abandoned. His last resort of survival was feeding from the food he fed to the pigs in his care (Luke 15:11-32). Quite dehumanizing! Sin messes up one’s life real good!

However, one day, he realised himself that the hardship and suffering faced was self afflicted and unwarranted and that life was much better back at his fathers house he had left. He decided to forsake his self styled sinful life and return home. He was welcomed back into the warm loving embrace of his father who had longed for his return. And there was great rejoicing over him at home. .

Beloved, have you, like the prodigal son, wandered away from God your creator and father in pursuit of the sinful pleasures of the world? Probably, all you wanted was just freedom to enjoy and be seen as someone sociable, become popular and famous only to discover that you have ended up messing up your life with your indulgence in drugs, sex and other nefarious activities? Probably, the sinful desires to enjoy the wealth and appulence your surposed friends seemed to be enjoying made you get involved in fraudulent activities, joined the occult and involved in money rituals only to discover that all of them are highway to HELL and you wish to forsake all but don’t know how to go about it?

Well, the good news is that God is willing to save you and accept you back once you have come to the realizations that you have sinned against God and you are ready to fully surrender and forsake your sinful lifestyle. God would never reject, cast away, or condemn anyone that comes to Him in repentance through Jesus Christ (John 6:37; Romans 8:1). The angels in heaven rejoice greatly over any sinner that returns back to God (Luke 13:7).

Know that, no matter how far you have wandered away from God and the years, no matter the evil and bad things you have done and are involved in, no matter how messed up your life is, you are not beyond redemption, restoration and being accepted back by God. God loves you and He is calling you to return to Him saying, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ).

The call is urgent, because sin is deadly (Rom. 6:23). So don’t procrastinate on your return, because your being alive till the next minute is not guaranteed! Don’t rebel because eternal damnation in Hell awaits those who reject God’s salvation.… But if you refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured...” (Isaiah 1:18-20; John 5:24).

God through the gift of His only begotten son Jesus Christ to the world, his suffering, death and resurrection has done everything that guarantees you being forgiven, accepted, loved and restored back into God’s family and given the gift of eternal life ( John 3:6; 5:8; Acts 10: 40&43; 1 John 1:9).

Jesus is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7:25).

Just come to Him the way you are by humbling following the steps of prayers below just the way you understand them with a sincerity of heart.

1) Believe that God loves you and that Jesus His only Son died for your sins. John 3:16.

2) Admit you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23).

3) Confess your sins. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

4) Repent of all sins. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (Acts 3:19).

5) Invite Jesus into your heart “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me,” (Rev. 3:20).

6) Forsake everything that led to the former situations you were. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let them return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isa. 55:7).

7) Look for a Bible believing church to attend and to fellowship .

7) Read your Bible and pray everyday

“CAST YOUR CARE UPON HIM FOR HE CARES FOR YOU.” (1 PETER 5:7).

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

For prayers and further encouragements contact.

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There are certain unpalatable situations of life that could bring one to a terrible state of despondency - discouragement and hopelessness. I am talking of situations where looking to the left nothing seems to be left, looking to the right nothing seems to be right, looking backward everything seems to be held back, and looking to the future, everything seems bleak. I mean times when all the types of prayers and fasting known and prayed seemed not to go beyond the ceiling over one’s head. Times when all we had worked and labored for and things we are holding unto come crashing at our feet. Times when people we had loved, cherished, helped and cared for, who are supposed to support and encourage us turned their backs at us and antagonize us. Times when there is no one to help wipe away our tears and no one to lean upon. Is there a way of victory out of such situations? Sure, there is a way out!

The Bible gives us a perfect example of someone who was in a situation similar to the above mentioned who came out victorious. The name was King David. According to the Scripture, a time came when Ziglag, a city of the Philistines where David, his family members and his band and their families (1Samuel 22:1-2) had taken refuge in his escape bid from King Saul’s who was after his life was invaded, burnt to the ground and his and others’ wives and children were taken to an unknown place by an invading enemy in their absence (1 Samuel 30:1-2). It was a very devastating and hopeless situation for David and his men that it was recorded that (David inclusive), “they lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep,” (1 Samuel 30:4).

To worsen the already terrible situation for David whose two wives and children were among those carried away, the people of his band that included his blood family members and friends whom he trusted and had been good to, those who should comfort and encourage him threatened to stone him because they saw him as the cause of all their problems (I Samuel 30: 6). What a terrible state of despondency to find oneself?

David was obviously very distressed (1 Samuel 30:6) and at a cross road at this point for many reasons.

(1) He was a fugitive in a strange land. King Saul was after his life because he did not want him to succeed him as king. David never desired to be a king but was chosen and anointed as one by the prophet of God.

(2) The Philistines he ran to for refuge are untrustworthy and did not like or trust him and had rejected him from fighting for them

 (3) His place of abode was invaded and burnt to ashes and his wives and children were carried away.

(4) Those who had invaded and carried away his family members and properties were unknown; the place they were taken to and their welfare unknown.

(5) The people who he regarded as his own family and friends had betrayed him and were against him because they believed he was the cause of their problems.

(6) His life was been threatened by those with him and also by King Saul.

(7) He did not even know how long he had to wait and run before ascending the throne he was being persecuted for.

It is interesting to know that, amidst the terrible, disheartening and discouraging situations, David didn’t give in to despair or hopelessness. It was recorded in the Scripture that, “he encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30: 6). This implies he turned God-ward. He entrusted himself to the Lord his God. It implies he removed his focus and mind from all the unpalatable situations and happenings around him and fixed them on the Lord his God (Psalm 57:7. Ps 16:8 ). It implies, he took solace in his God whom he knows loves him and would never forsake him. He encouraged himself in his Lord and God, the great deliverer, the ever present help in the time of trouble who had delivered him in the past from out of all troubles. He took solace in his God who had taken him from following after sheep and anointed him as king and had given his words of helping him to ascend the throne. He must have encouraged himself in his God by thanking and praising him for his mercies and love that endures forever as he used to do before.

King David’s sojourn to the land of the Philistines was one he took without seeking the face of God as he usually does due to his fear of King Saul’s threat to his life. Truly, faith exits when fear moves in! Going to the camp of the enemy for refuge was something he shouldn’t have done in the first case because there was no reason to do so. God had not failed to protect or deliver him from troubles and death before now. Therefore, “encouraging himself in the Lord his God” was the best decision he made in the right direction. He was not disappointed because God strengthened him, helped him know where the invaders were, killed them all and also enabled him to recover all that was taken away by them and to also have spoils of
war of the invaders (I Samuel 30: 7-20). God also helped him to ascend the throne the enemy did not want his to ascend (2 Samuel 2:4). King David’s Psalm 18 gives us an inside story of God’s help for him at that time.

Beloved, know that as long as one is alive and trying to fulfill destiny in this fallen world of sin under the devil, one is bound to come across disheartening, disappointing and discouraging situations. The times we are in now does not help matters either. So many unforeseen situations and terrible happenings in the society such joblessness, failures, hardship, disappointment, temptations and trials, illness, losses, delayed blessings among other life challenges. To worsen the already terrible situation is the simple fact humanity has lost it as prophesied in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. The love of many have waxed cold, relationships are broken, divorce is on the increase, deceit, desertion, cruelty and other man’s inhumanity to man are the order of the day. Facing one or more of these is capable of making one to be sad, sorrowful, dejected, discouraged, dismayed, full of anxiety, downcast, broken hearted and depressed.

However, such times are not times to be angry with people, isolate oneself and give up on life. Suicide is not an option! It is not a time to run from pillar to post or run to the camp of the enemy (kingdom of darkness) for refuge no matter how secured it might look. Crying one’s eyes out does no good too. Doing all these will be of no help, they will only compound one’s problems.

At such times of discouragement and distress, the best option is to go to God your maker, the help of the helpless for help as King David did, entrusting ones life to Him. King David was said to have encouraged himself in “the Lord his God” because there was an existing faith relationship between God and him. King David had an intimate personal faith relationship with God. Therefore he could encourage himself in Him in the time of his life’s storm.

The only means through which one can encourage oneself in God and be helped at all times is to enter an intimate personal faith relationship with God. This is not a matter of being religious or belonging to one church denomination or the other. It is a conscious deliberate decision willingly made to have God as one’s personal God and Father by the eternal covenant in which He gave Himself to us with all His attributes, with all that He is and has, to be our portion for ever. God has provided Jesus Christ as the eternal link for any one that willingly turns to God to have him as “my own God and Father.” (John 100: 12-13; 3:16). By this, one becomes a child of God having the Almighty God as one’s own God, portion and everything according to his covenant that, “I will be their God and they shall be my people (Ezek. 37:27). "God is our own God to trust, to love, to run to in every dark and troublesome nights. He is ours to commune with in every bright and sunny day, ours to be our guide in life. He is our help in death and our glory in immortality. He is our own God by providing us His wisdom to guide our path, His power to sustain our steps, His love to comfort our lives, His every attribute to enrich us with more than royal wealth.” Charles Spurgeon.

Having Jesus Christ as ones personal Lord and Savior, trusting and hoping in Him alone helps one to find unfailing refuge in God’s righteousness, His faithfulness, his love and his promises in times of trouble (Psalm 9:10; 46:1-3). Knowing that we have the God of the whole universe is our Emmanuel keeps the heart hopeful and from being afraid.

At such times too we must give ourselves to prayers seeking his face to know what we should do as King David did (1 Samuel 30:8 ). Surely, God answers prayers (Psalm 18:6; 57:2).

Thanksgiving and praising God as characterized by King David in times of troubles as could be seen in his Psalms is something we should imbibe. Thanking and praising God at all times particularly during life’s challenges strengthens the heart, keeps the heart at peace and rejoicing. Apart from this, giving thanks and praising God confuses and defeats the enemies. (Psalm 9:1-3; 27:1-3). DON’T GIVE IN TO DISCOURAGEMENT AND DESPONDENCY.

“NAY, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVES US.” (Romans 8:37)

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

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In the most recent times, the news of young people especially ladies falling into depression and committing suicide as a result of being jilted by their lovers is on the increase and this is very saddening and worrisome. Being depressed is a terrible emotional and mental state to be in.

Depression is real and it is a very serious mental problem that must be handled with caution because it can easily overwhelm its victim. According to the renowned Christian counselor Gary R. Collins, Ph.D. "depression overwhelms its victims with feelings of despair, fear, exhaustion, immobilizing apathy, hopelessness, inner desperation, and thoughts of suicide." Unfortunately, depression is said to be higher among youths schooling than their counterparts not in school because those in school are under many pressures like societal, parental, financial, and academic pressures. Depression is also high among single working-class ladies in their thirties and above because they are under job, parental, and societal pressures to get married.

Jilting happens mostly when two people who have no business being in a love relationship with each other in the first place are. Although, in most cases, there are usually early red alert signs that the relationship is heading nowhere or towards hitting the rock, however, the one who would bear the brunt would ignore the signs because he or she believes things would get better and work out with time. The one that suffers heartbreak when a supposed love relationship collapses is usually the one truly in love, the most committed, and the one who has put in his or her everything in such a relationship and has remained loyal and true.

Nothing can equate with the pain, trauma, and agony one suffers emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally as a result of being jilted because of what love is. Love generally is the greatest of all passions as it simultaneously affects the mental, the heart, and the sensory organs. Therefore, when one is jilted, one becomes traumatized mentally and emotionally. The heart seems shattered into a million pieces and it hurts, and all the organs in one's body begin to malfunction. This makes the pains and sorrows of being jilted something felt all over one's body and it is something that makes one confused, weep profusely, and become depressed. Once one became depressed nothing in life matters again. It is in this state of confusion, depression, and despair that Satan would prompt one to make the wrong decision to commit suicide. This is why it is advised that anyone jilted should not stay in isolation and should be on suicide watch by friends and family members. No matter the intensity of the pain felt, take heart, and don't allow it to overwhelm you to the extent of becoming hopeless and in despair. You must never give up on Life. Suicide is not an option!

Now that it has happened, you have to be strong and brace up. Pick up the bits and pieces of your heart together and forge ahead. Although, the pains of heartbreak takes time to heal, however; accepting the whole situation as it is, helps to heal the wound on time. Go through the pains and not around the pains because only then will you learn valuable life lessons and also gain experience. If you need to cry, then, cry, it brings inner relief. Try not to be angry with yourself and your offender. To forgive may seem difficult, but you must forgive your offender for your peace of mind and healing. Let go and let God!

Being jilted though very painful, is something not worth dying for at all because it is not the end of life. No man or woman is worth dying for. Being jilted is like other past sad experiences. Therefore, it is bound to pass away with time. Whatever makes you think you cannot live without the supposed lover that dumped you is a lie because you survived before he or she came into your life and you are bound to survive after he or she must have left. Others before you who were heartbroken survived it. So you too will.
I want you to know that for someone who claimed to have loved you to dump you, means he or she never really loved you in the first place because love fails not. (1 Cor. 13:8 ). Such a person is not worthy of you at all and not meant for you. What is not meant to be would not be. If a particular man or lady doesn't want you several others will! Consider this, if you kill yourself because someone dumped you, the one who dumped you loses nothing because it is not his or her life and he or she does not feel your pain while you, who commits suicide would lose your life, reputation, and everything and also put your family and loved ones in great pains and sorrow.

It is stupid for anyone to think that by committing suicide one punishes the one that jilted one or that God will avenge one's death on the one that jilted one. One question you should ask yourself is this; what negative impact will your death have on him or her? None! He or she continues with life and would move on with the next available person. As long as he or she didn't kill you with his or her own hands and neither sent someone else to kill you, he or she wouldn't even be arrested or charged to a law court for manslaughter or murder! Therefore, be wise and think with your head and not with your emotions when jilted. Don't harm or kill yourself for an undeserving person. Better days and people are always ahead of people, including you. You must stay alive, take good care of yourself and become successful since dying would not allow you to show the one who jilted you that your life is not dependent on them and that you can be fulfilled and happy without them. So, please don't commit suicide, it is never a punishment or a revenge option. Live, so that you can tell the story of how you overcame and be a source of encouragement to others.

Always remember that being jilted by a supposed lover like other disappointments is a blessing in disguise. Therefore, be grateful to God for removing from your life an unworthy being and future heartbreak instead of wasting your time grieving over spilled milk. Brace Up. Be strong and courageous and allow whosoever wants to leave to go away so that better someone would come. Don't beg him or her to take you back because it will still end in tears. Don't tie your life and happiness to anybody.

Know that the one that jilted you might go about spreading nasty and untrue things about you in an effort you feel bad and probably make you hate yourself. However, don't let such talk bother you. Don't isolate yourself or indulge in self-pity. Instead, love yourself more, look your best and go visiting places. Nothing is wrong with you because the Bible says, "You are beautifully and wonderfully made." (Ps. 139:14). God loves you and He says you are precious and honorable in His sight. (Isaiah 43:4).

Friends may come up blaming you for being the cause of the breakup, but don't be bothered. It is your business and not theirs. No matter what anybody says, don't ever allow anyone's judgment to weigh on you or pull you down. That someone lets you down does not imply you will never find love again. You will. I assure you that someone else more lovely and loyal would come your way soonest. Love yourself more. Take good care of yourself while you enjoy the liberty God has given you by saving you from a relationship that would probably have gotten you killed if it had continued! Try and put all that has happened behind you. Move on with your life. You have better days ahead. The best is yet to come. You would soon find true love.

The devil might want to capitalize on your sad experience and come up with a lie that nobody cares or loves you. Don't ever believe this lie because many people love, admire, and adore you that you are not aware of just yet. The reason why I have taken the time to write this is that I care about you and I love you. PARENTS SHOULD PLEASE STOP PRESSURING THEIR SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE TO MARRY. This is one of the reasons that made those jilted to commit suicide.

[b]HOW TO AVOID HEARTBREAK
[/b]a) Be aware of the fact that falling in love with someone of a different religious belief, fundamental values and ideologies is risky. So be wise. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3).

b) Know and be able to differentiate between like, love, lust, and infatuation. For example, someone may just like you because he admires certain things in you. Maybe all he just wants from you is to be a talking pal - an ordinary friend. Let it remain as that, don't develop feelings for such a person. Don't fall in love with such a person, and don't force yourself on such a person; else, you will be wounded. Be sensitive to early red alert signs that show the imminent collapse of the relationship such as cheating, seriousness, any form of abuse, and comparing you with others.

c) Know that humans lie a lot. Not all who profess to love you are in love with you. What some persons who come to you are after is sex and their behaviors like inappropriate touching and sex talks and demands would reveal this. Once such persons have satisfied themselves they would go away. Don't fall in love or give yourself to someone who just wants sex because no matter what you do, such a person can never be emotionally attached to you, they will dump you in the end.

d) Don't indulge in premarital sex. (Hebrews 13:4). Girls mostly think that having sex with a man would make him stay and marry them. Some even believed getting pregnant would make a man fall in love with them. This is a big lie. Sex endears a female to a male emotionally, but sex is not so to most males, it is just a mere way of satisfying their sexual urges.
What makes being jilted heartbreaking for many is the feeling of being used and dumped after several sexual intimacies and wasteful spending on them. Stop investing heavily in someone you are not yet married to. True love between two partners is what sustains the relationship and not beauty, giving of expensive gifts, and free sex.

e) Don't pressurize anyone to give you an engagement ring or marriage promises. Know that giving engagement rings and marriage proposals means nothing serious these days.

f) At times listening to family members most especially parents' observation remarks on the one you are going out with could save you from heartache.

g) True Love is very scarce these days. Therefore it is very important, to seek the face of God who is love, and the source of true love in prayers for someone that would love and cherish you. It might take some time for the right person to come. But it is worth the wait. Be loyal with sense.

h) Do not live within the expectations of your parents, society, and traditions on when to marry and who to marry. Your life is not dependent on parental, societal, and traditional laid-down rules. It is dependent on God's will, purpose, and time for your life. Marriage and having children is not a do-or-die thing. It will happen when it will happen. God's time is the best.
Conclusively, the best thing to do in the face of heartbreak is to turn one's pains to God through Jesus Christ in prayers and ask for His help and strength. He is our burden bearer (Matt.11:28-30). He knows and understands how you feel because he passed through such when He was denied, rejected, and crucified on the cross by the very people He loved so much and had come to save you. He is the perfect healer of broken hearts (Psalm 147:3). He would heal you of your broken heart and give you His love and peace in replacement. His love fails not (Lamentations 3:2. God truly loves and cares for you. So cast your burden upon Him and you will be glad you did. "CAST YOUR CARE UPON HIM FOR HE CARES FOR YOU." (1 PETER 5:7).

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I
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THE PROBLEM OF SUICIDE The rate at which people commit suicide worldwide these days is very alarming and terrifying. More worrisome is the rate of suicide among Nigerians once reputed to be the happiest people in the world. These days, there is hardly a week that cases of suicide in the urban cities are not reported in the social/mass media while there are many unreported suicide cases that happened in the suburbs. Unspecified numbers of people tried unsuccessfully to kill themselves daily while many are battling with suicidal thoughts. A World Health Organization (WHO) study published by Spectator Index reported on, July 2018 that Nigeria has fifteen percentage (15%) per 100,000, ranking as the 5th highest rate of suicide in the world! (That is to say that, in every 100,000 suicide cases worldwide, Nigeria has 1500 cases) This is alarmingly high!

Based on my personal study of suicide cases in Nigeria as reported in the social/mass media, I discovered that those suicide victims cut across all ages, religions, tribes, gender, status and professions. This is to say that all categories of people were involved: the elderly/young people, male/female, the married/the unmarried, the rich/the poor, the celebrities/commoners, the illiterates/the intellectuals, the religious/non-religious, working class and non-working class.

What even makes it more terrifying is the simple fact that it is difficult to identify those who are contemplating suicide because most people conceal their problems and inner pains and fears. Behind so many smiles, fine dresses and make-up are people going through various levels of pains and depression on our streets and around us than we know of. This implies any member of our family, friends, colleague or neighbor could be contemplating suicide without us knowing it.

We must all arise and join hands together to fight against suicide before it claims more lives. SUICIDE IS EVIL. IT IS NOT AN OPTION. WE MUST ALL SAY NO TO SUICIDE.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT: If you are reading this and you are contemplating suicide or battling with suicidal thoughts, please know that suicide is not a solution to any of lives challenges or problems. Suicide is not an option at all, so don’t consider it.

On no condition should you give up on yourself or on life. No condition, no matter how critical or overwhelming can overcome you except you give in to it. It is important you keep hope alive knowing that hard times or conditions don’t last forever; therefore whatever hardship you are passing through now, shall surely pass.

No hardship or challenges is worth dying for. You were created to have dominion over life’s circumstances, so don’t be a victim of your circumstances. Don’t believe or fall for the evil/negative suggestions, reports and antics of the devil. Know that Satan is an enemy of your soul and he is out to steal your joy, destroy and kill you, “The thief cometh not, but to steal, to kill, and to destroy” John 10:10b

You are precious and a vessel of honor unto God who has made you fearfully and wonderfully in His own image and likeness. Genesis 1:26; Psalm 139:14; Isaiah 43:4. You have a purpose to fulfill in life, so live and accomplish your purpose. Know that God loves you, “The Lord hath appeared of old unto thee, saying, yea I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah31:3. He is your very present help in time of trouble “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. He has promised to help you, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10. He has promised not to leave you or forsake Hebrews 13:5. God is faithful and reliable, put all your trust in Him, He will never let you down. Talk to God personally and with all sincerity telling him all your troubles and you will be glad you did “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify me Psalm 50: 15.

Believe in God and be strong, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:1, 27

God loves you and so do I.

Let us pray: Father, I thank you for the lives of everyone reading this post because you are the God of all flesh, the owner and lover of every soul of men. You are the King of Peace and all powers belong to you and nothing is impossible for you to do. Father, speak your powerful words of peace that silenced the rages of mighty seas in the time of old into every raging storms of life in the live of this your child. Intervene in all affairs of his/her life and make a way for him/her where there seems to be no way. Give him/her positive turn around and breakthroughs. Loose and destroy satanic bondage. Deliver those having covenants of death over their lives and let them live in Jesus the Prince of Peace’ name I pray. Amen

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In 2 Kings 4:8-37 was written the story of a godly, wealthy, and very hospitable Shunammite woman and her husband. Their hospitality in providing a room in their house to Prophet Elisha and his servant made him pray to God and prophesied a son for them. She delivered a son nine months later. The son grew up as he should be v.17-18.

Sadly, one day the woman's grown son died after a brief sickness v. 18-20. This woman on realizing what had happened to her only son carried the dead boy to Elisha's room, laid him on Elisha's bed, and locked the door. She asked her husband to send a servant and an ass as she had decided to go and meet Prophet Elisha through whose prayers she had conceived the son. All she replied to her husband who tried to discourage her from embarking on her journey to Mount Carmel where Elisha ministered was, "It shall be well."

She saddled an ass and instructed the servant to ride fast to Mount Carmel, giving no consideration to her being a woman. Elijah saw her from afar and knew from her countenance that there was a problem. He sent Gehazi his servant to run to her and asked what the problem was and all she told Gehazi was "It is well" v 25-26, despite knowing that all was not well at home. She got to Elisha and held his feet. All she did even in the anguish of her soul was questioning Elisha and she never mentioned the fact that the son had died v.27-28. Good enough, the dead son came back to life as Elisha laid on him three times and prayed for him v.33-37.

Prophet Elijah was the master of Prophet Elisha mentioned in the story above. He was a great, fearless, prayerful, and powerful Prophet of God who did great and uncountable exploits for God in the land of Israel as revealed in 1 Kings - 2 Kings 2. However, a time came when he fled to the wilderness because of Jezebel's threats on his life (1 Kings19: 2-4). While there, he said to God, "It is enough: now, O Lord, take my life: for I am not better than my fathers." (I king 19:4). He had what he asked for because God took him to heaven with by whirlwind by a chariot of fire and horses of fire (2 Kings2:11).

THERE IS POWER IN OUR SPOKEN WORDS.
The above stories drive home the effects our spoken words have on us and our situations positively and negatively. There are enormous powers in our spoken words. We could see that all that proceeded from the Shunammite woman's mouth despite the seemingly terrible and heartbreaking situation were positive words that ministered life and health, "it shall be well,- it shall be alright" "It is well - it is alright." These are great words of faith! She did not say any negative words about her son or the terrible situation at hand. Her words and actions were based on her strong faith in the God of Elisha. What we say out of our mouth to a very large extent reveals what we believe in our heart (2 Cor. 4:13). She got what she spoke and, in the end, all was well! Of a truth "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.” (Romans 10:10).

On the other hand, Prophet Elijah's words were negative. The situation he was in did not warrant his reactions and the request that God should kill him. The wrong perception he had of the situation, loneliness, exhaustion 3-4; 18:46, and discouragements 1 Kings 19:1-4 and grief v10 overwhelmed him, and were responsible for his outburst statement. Notwithstanding, he got what he spoke! Did God not say that "As truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you." {Num. 14:28 }.

The truth we must know is that most of the negativities many of us are experiencing at the present that we attribute to the attacks by our enemies, witches, wizards, and village people are the results of our past negative talks to our-self and our situations! The Scripture refers to our spoken words as fruits of the lips (Is. 57:19; Heb. 13:15) Therefore, when we speak, (good or bad words) we sow seeds into our individual life, situation, and environment and in the fullness of time we reap what we sowed be it good or bad. Every negative word spoken brings negativity to our lives while every positive word brings positive effects to our lives. The Scripture says, "A man shall eat goods by the fruits of his mouth; but the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul; but he that openeth wide his mouth shall have destruction." (Prov. 13:2-3). Therefore, the Psalmist advised, "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." (Psalm 34:12-13).

SCRIPTURAL DESCRIPTION OF THE HUMAN MOUTH AND TONGUE
Man with the help of the organs in the mouth most especially the tongue can take in food and drink as well as formulate distinct syllables and form intelligible words and also put the words together to form tangible sentences. The Bible describes the tongue as a small member of our body because of its physical size compared to other human organs.(James 3:5).

(1) However, it is said to be mighty and powerful in deeds. v6) And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body and setteth on fire the course of nature….v8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:5-8 ).
Is it not surprising that the tongue has no bones yet it is strong enough to break a heart, it is fleshy yet the words that come from it emit fire that is capable of setting the course of nature on fire. It defiles the whole body, snares the soul and kills the spirit. Jam 3:6; It has no fangs yet its poison is said to be deadly. It is stuck in the mouth yet said to be unruly and untamable.

(2) The tongue is also said to have the power of Life and death. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue" (Prov 18:21). Can you now see why we were advised in the Scripture concerning the tongue,
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his soul; but he that openeth wide his mouth shall have destruction." (Prov. 13:3).
"Whoso keepth his mouth and and tongue keepth his soul from troubles." (Prov.21:23).

BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU SAY TO YOURSELF AND SITUATIONS.
All the points written above about the mouth and the tongue are all revelations to the fact that our words are not something to be used carelessly. They are all revelations to the fact that there are enormous powers in our spoken words! Therefore, each person must be very careful of what comes out of his or her mouth; because your words can build your life or destroy it. Positive words impact lives positively. It creates, repairs, heals, and builds. Positive words minister health and life. It edifies others. (Ps. 34:12-13; Prov. 15:4; 12: 14,18b). Negative words defile the whole body, snare the soul and kill the spirit of one another (Jam 3:6; Prov. 12:13 15:4). Negative words destroy the course of nature and our environments (James 3:6).

More often than not, our spoken words to ourselves and situations at all times particularly when we are in difficult situations are our undoing. This is because during unpalatable situations most especially during life's challenges we easily let loose our guard on our emotions and feelings. We allow them to overwhelm us and at such times we complain, murmur, curse, abuse, insult, and say hurtful words of condemnation and criticism. We speak terrible negative words to God, others, ourselves and situations because of the bitterness, anger, pain, and anguish of our souls as Prophet Elijah did. This ought not to be so, because you will eventually have what you say. The Scripture says "thou art snared with the word of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of the mouth." (Prov. 6:2). The two cogent points of the effects of our spoken words as revealed above are as thus (a) our spoken words snares or traps, bonds and entangles one (b) we are caught or captured or held in captivity by our spoken words.

Another time we let loose our guard over our emotions and feelings are when we are with close friends in our leisure time. We joke, gossip, slander, backbit, mock and make jests of others and we say things we shouldn't say. This is the time we say profane and corrupt and unwholesome words Jesus Christ warns us about. "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words thou shall be justified and by your words thou shall be condemned." (Matt.12:36-37). This implies every one of our spoken words whether good or bad, deliberately or carelessly made counts. They are taken into account against each individual and are by what each individual shall be judged on the day of judgment. Every careless word spoken whether as a joke, swear, or curse has serious repercussions on the speaker. Apostle Paul added his voice to this too saying, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Eph. 4:29). God hears everything we say and does not know jokes! Therefore, Apostle Paul charges "Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish and sinful talk, nor coarse jesting but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4).

ARE YOU TALKING LIFE OR DEATH TO YOUR LIFE AND SITUATION?
As human beings, we all involve in self-talk consciously and unconsciously, positively and negatively on a daily basis. To self-talk implies talking to oneself. But are you aware that you hear, believe and internalize what you repeatedly say to yourself? The Scripture says faith comes by hearing. If faith comes by hearing, then doubt, fear and other negativities too come by hearing. We are recipients of what we say. If all you confess daily are negativities such as "life is hard for me", "I am tired of life", "Nothing is working for me." "Bad luck is following me", "This sickness will kill me.", "This Country can never be good again."

Self-abuse, self-insult, self-curse, self-condemnation, and others have negative effects on one. Be sure what you say is what you will get if you don't repent and renounce all your negative words. Learn from the Shunammite woman who responded to her son's death by saying, "It shall be well and "It is well." King David proclaimed life to himself even when facing serious life challenges saying, "For I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm118:17).

Always remember that as a Christian you are a king and a Priest unto God. (Rev 1:6). As a king, your word is power. (Eccl 8:4; Matt 18:18). And as a Priest, iniquity must not be found in your lips (Mal 2:7) because God honors the words of His servants. Therefore, you must be holy in all manner of communication. (1 Peter1:15). You are to praise God, bless people and not curse. (Rom. 12:14: Heb. 13:15).

Therefore, speak faith to your life, others, and situations as the Shunammite woman did and have back that which the devil had killed in your life and situations (Col 4:6). "Let the weak say I am strong" (Joel 3:10). Proclaim the Lordship of Jesus over your Country and situation for peace and stability by always saying, "The Lord reigns!" (Psalm 96:10).

WHAT TO DO
a) Confess your sins of evil speaking
b) Renounce all evil words you have spoken and possibly their effects on your life by embracing His gracious Salvation through faith in His son Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
c) Ask God to help you have control over your lips and tongue (Psalm 141:3).
d) Refrain your tongue from evil (1 Peter.3:10).
e) Cultivate the attitude of gratitude by obeying all the charges on in in the Scripture in Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3;15-17; 2Timoty 2:1; Philippians 4:6
Giving thanks to God always weans one sinful communication. Therefore. Apostle Paul charges "Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish and sinful talk, nor coarse jesting but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4).
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

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Man's words are means of expressing his heart - mentality, thoughts, emotions, feelings, and spirituality. The type of tongue and words that proceed from each individual depends on who the person is and the powers in operation in such an individual's life (Matt. 12:35-37; Luke 6:43-45). This implies that a godly and righteous individual's tongue brings forth positive words which are righteous, good, sure, right, true, pure, lovely, kind, light, wise, creative, and holy words such as pronouncing blessings, words of encouragement and gratitude, prayers, praises, thanksgiving, blessings, encouragements, greetings, exchange of pleasantries (Proverbs 20:10; 12;8; 15:4; 25:15). Ungodly and wicked individual's tongue brings forth negative words which are foul, evil, profane, bad, destructive, toxic, evil, terrible, untrue, and wicked words such as curses, insults, abuses, condemnation, threats, blackmail, deceit, flattery, destructive criticism, mockery, lies, blasphemy, and foolish jesting. Each person speaks great volumes of words each day. Some of our spoken words are directed to God, some at our fellow humans, some at our situations and environments, and some at our very selves.

STARTLING SCRIPTURAL REVELATIONS ABOUT THE TONGUE AND SPOKEN WORDS
The ability of man to make intelligible words and speeches is one of the greatest and most powerful gifts bestowed on mankind. Man with the help of the tongue can formulate distinct syllables and form intelligible words and also put the words together to form tangible sentences to express and communicate with God and fellow mankind.

Interestingly, the Scripture made some startling revelations about our tongue and spoken words that reveal that utmost care must be taken about the use of our tongues and our spoken words. The first revelation is that the words of a man are spirit and life in that it is from within man's heart created in the image and likeness of God whose word is spirit and life (Matt. 12:34, John 6:63). This implies that though our spoken words cannot be seen, nevertheless they exist and remain in existence even after the speaker is dead because spoken words may be forgotten but never die.

Another point to note is that God knows and understands all words we say no matter how it was said, where and when said and the dialect or tongue used. God hears everything we say (Psalm 139:4). Ironically, Satan who is out to ruin mankind at every chance he gets also hears all we say.

The Scripture also reveals that the words of a man's mouth are deep waters. Prov 18:4. This implies that every word a man speaks whether by whispering, shouting, blabbing, murmuring, stammering, singing, jesting or other ways is not just surface, mere, empty, or ordinary and meaningless words but something that is very deep down and full of things than one can ever think and imagine (Prov.18:8 ).
The tongue is also said to have the power of Life and death. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue" (Prov 18:21). This makes it the most powerful and the most dangerous organ which must not be misused, toyed with, or taken for granted. It has the power of life because it can impact lives positively. It creates, repairs, heals, blesses, causes increase, pacifies, edifies, comforts, encourages, builds, and brings salvation (Romans 10:10). Positive words minister health and life (Ps. 34:12-13; Prov 15:4; 12:14, 18b).

One can say categorically that man's words are the area of executing the spiritual dominion charges he was given. "God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish in the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth (Genesis 1:26). Man's dominion is in his words which is spirit. You shall decree a thing and it shall come to pass. He was to speak, order, proclaim, decree, bless, bind, loose, and command things in creation by his words. Always remember that since man is created in the image and likeness of God whose words are powerful and creative, and His means of operations, His spoken and unspoken words form and shape things in a man's life and environs. The Scripture reveals that all things created apart from man were created by the words of God and they are sustained and preserved by His words. This implies the word is the mechanism that spins the world into being and what sustains it (Jer.10;12; Romans 4:17; Heb.11:3).

The tongue has the power of death when what proceeds from it is wickedness and evil. This is because the tongue according to James 3:5-8, "is a fire" i.e consuming, burns, destroys. "A world of inquiry - full of sins". "It defileth the whole body i.e. pollutes, corrupts, make unholy." "Setteth on fire the course of nature i.e.affects and destroys everything in nature" "full of deadly poison- i.e. very deadly full of venom, toxin." (James 3:5-8 ). Negative words defile the whole body, destroys, influences the heart and attitude of the hearer negatively, snare the soul and kill the spirit (Prov. 12:13; 15:4).

Note that James 3:6 says "It setteth on fire the course of nature; it is set on fire of hell." This implies its fire has destructive and consuming effects on everything in nature because its power is like the fire of hell. The power of our spoken words is not only over the speaker but also over other hearers and the environment as well (John 6:63).

Also, note that the tongue is said to be "it is an unruly evil", i.e.uncontrollable harmful, bad and cruel. "No man can tame it and no man can undo that which has been spoken". This implies it is untameable by any man; it is an unruly part of the human body. God alone has the power over it. No wonder King David the great Psalmist prayed to God saying, "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; Keep the doors of my lips" (Psalm 141:3).

The Scripture also says, "thou art snared with the word of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of the mouth" (Prov. 6:2). The two cogent points of the effects of our spoken words as revealed here are thus: (a) our spoken words snares or traps, bonds, entangles us (b) we are caught or captured or held in captivity by our spoken words. Every negative word spoken brings negativity to our lives. Therefore, the Scripture encourages us to confess positively in Joel 3:10 saying "…let the weak say I am strong." Self-abuse, self-insult, self-curse, self-condemnations, and others all have negative effects on one. If the Scripture says faith comes by hearing likewise doubt, and other negativities too come by hearing, we are recipients of what we say. You believe and internalize what you repeatedly say. As I believe so I speak (2 Cor. 4:13). Indeed, "A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life; but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction" (Prov.13:2-3).
Jesus Christ revealed further that one's words don't only work against one in the world, but also on the day of judgment as thus; "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words thou shall be justified and by your words thou shall be condemned" (Mat. 12: 37). This implies every one of our spoken words either good or bad, deliberately or jokingly said, counts. They are taken into account against each individual and are by what each individual shall be judged on the day of judgment. Every careless word spoken either as a joke, swearing, or curse has serious repercussions. God does not know a joke (Num. 14:28). Truly, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and tongue keepeth his soul from troubles" (Prov.21:23). "He that refrains his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19).

THANKS-SPEAKING IS IT!
God in His love for humanity especially those who are His true followers through faith in His Son Jesus Christ has through the godly men of old given us charges in the Scripture to avoid the pitfall of the power of our spoken words and tongues such as; "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile." (Psalm 34:12-13; 2 Pt.2:11).
"But as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." 1 Pt. 1:15.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers… let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice." (Eph,4:29,31).

One sure way of having total control of one's tongue and words as being charged is being of grateful disposition and giving thanks to God at all times through the help of the Holy Spirit by obeying the charges on thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16: 8, 34; Psalm 50: 14; 100:4; 118:1; 147:7; "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20).
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father by him" — Colossians 3;15.
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" - Philippians 4:6.

"Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking, nor jesting , which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks" (Ephesians 5:4).
Living in total obedience to all these charges has proven to be of immense benefit to believers not only in the area of conversations but in all other areas as already discussed so far.

Remember that as a believer, Jesus Christ has made us kings and Priests unto God. Rev. 1:6. As a king there is enormous power and authority in your Lips (Matt 18:18, Ecc. 8:4). As a priest you are to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruits of your lips giving thanks to his name with the fruits of your lips' (Heb. 13:15).
Therefore, be careful of what comes out of your mouth because your words can build your life or destroy it beyond your imagination. Repent and ask God for forgiveness of all wrong usage of words.

Speak faith and let your speech be gracious (Col. 4:6)

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
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Thinking is of the mind and it means to reflect upon an issue or thing.   Humans think a lot and we speak a lot too. However, we do more thinking than talking. These thoughts come uninvited and anything can trigger them such as what we see, hear, feel, touch, smell, a taste or a memory. There are different degrees of thinking one can get to depending on the content in mind.  Shallow thoughts are those thoughts that we dismiss without giving much time to. Very deep thoughts are the ones we keep on thinking about, ruminating, pondering, weighing in our mind for a very long time. One can become so engrossed in deep thoughts to the extent of losing consciousness of all happenings around us. Thought patterns are of two types: the negative and the positive. Negative thoughts have to do with bad and ungodly thinking while positive thoughts have to do with good and godly thinking.

ORIGIN OF NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS

Man at creation was good, pure and perfect so was everything he did including his thoughts. His thoughts centered on God and all the beautiful things in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, his thoughts and imaginations were positive, good, true, pure, lovely, light, wise, and holy because God was in it.

However, when man fell into sin through disobedience of eating of the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, he became depraved, alienated from God, send away from the Garden of Eden to the cursed world and became a slave under Satan the devil. As a result of what happened, man stopped glorifying and being thankful to God, a result of which his heart and imaginations became affected negatively, “because that, when they knew God, they glorify him not as god, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish hearts was darked” (Romans 1:21).
The longer man stays in the fallen world and in contact with Satan the terrible, wicked, cruel and evil ruler, the more his heart and imagination becomes darker, defiled and corrupted continually (Gen. 6:5).

Unfortunately, unprecedented negative things, events and situations of things in the world due to satanic influences and man’s inhumanity and wickedness to man has given rise to more terrible and dangerous negative thoughts and imaginations. Negative thoughts about life and one’s negative situations such as lack, sickness, joblessness, spouse’s infidelity, childlessness, failure and several others are joy, happiness and peace killers. As one continues to think the worst of one's situations, one would experience inner heat, headache, lack of appetite, restlessness and mental anguish. Many who committed suicide do so as a result of long-term battle with defeatist thoughts that left them with no joy, gladness and peace of mind and eventual severe mental anguish.

Negative thoughts are toxic. Just as toxins and poisons contaminate and totally destroy things they come in contact with, so also are evil thoughts. Negative thoughts make the heart sorrowful, bitter, weak, grieve, wicked, foolishly, selfishly, angrily and hopeless, depressed, panicky, afraid, bitter, confused. Undoubtedly, the increase of depression, terrorism, suicide, murder, wickedness, ill health, unproductivity and several others have to do with the increase of negative thoughts.

Negative thoughts have been the greatest hindrance to success in any man’s life because negative thoughts affect our emotions, our feelings, behavior, our well-being, our actions, our words, our relationship with others and God negatively. Evil thoughts and imaginations turn one to a pessimist who always expects things not to be successful. Evil thoughts weaken, demoralize, discourage and destabilize the heart and make one not to attempt or undertake any tangible work. Thinking the worst continuously in any negative situation opens wide doors for Satan and his demons to invade one’s life. “Thoughts are magnetic, and thoughts have a frequency. As you think, they are sent out into the universe, and they magnetically attract all like things that are on the same frequency, everything sent out returns to the source-you” - Rhonda Byme. Negative thoughts poison the human immune system thereby weakening and destroying them. Once the immune system is weak, one becomes vulnerable to diseases and infirmities. Feelings of inadequacy which cause inferiority complex and loneliness feelings have its roots in one’s negative thoughts of oneself.

To avoid these negative effects of negative thoughts on individuals, the Scripture advised believers to (a) forsake evil thoughts. Isa. 55:7. (b) guide our minds. 1 Pet 1:13. (c) to immediately cast out every evil imagination. 2 Cor 10: 5.
How can we achieve these? By cultivating the attitude of gratitude to God continually by obeying all the charges on thanksgiving.

In thanksgiving, one’s spirit contacts and connects to God who is Light, Holy, Righteous and Good, thereby influencing one's thoughts and imaginations positively. Giving thanks to God always for all things and in whatsoever one does in word and deed as charged in Ephesians 5:4, 20 and Colossians 3:15 helps fill man’s heart with beautiful and wonderful thoughts on God thereby leaving no room for evil thoughts and imaginations. Gratitude helps one to see and appreciate many blessings of God that surround one making one contented instead of thoughts on what one does one have. It helps order one’s communications right. Giving thanks to God as charged in 1 Thes. 5:18 helps one to see good in every situation, thereby helping one to find joy in everyday amid life’s heartbreaking events and situations. Giving thanks to God for all men as charged in 1Timothy 2:1-2 helps not to think evil of any man thereby fostering good relationships. It helps appreciate people more and appreciate each other’s flaws and help develop love for others. Worries and anxieties for things boost evil thoughts and imaginations while giving thanks to God as charged in Phil 4:6 makes one develop confidence and trust in God. Conclusively, an attitude of gratitude helps one to retain God in one's memory and imaginations and meditate on His attributes.

A lifestyle of gratitude helps cultivate holistic positive thoughts and imaginations as charged, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things that are true, whatsoever things that are honest, whatsoever thing are just, whatsoever things that are lovely, whatsoever things that are of a good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8 ).

Many people who committed suicide did so because they entertained negative/evil thoughts and imaginations mainly bothered on the world and life’s experiences, negative thought of themselves and, negative thoughts on the future. With these, looking ahead they see continuing hardship, frustration and hopelessness. Nothing in this world brings problems into one’s life and makes one miserable than one’s thoughts and imagination! However, thanking God for all things and in all situations gives hope and minister life (Rom. 8: 6).

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
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Guilt - this is an unhappy emotion resulting from self-condemnation one has when one knows he/she has done something wrong. It makes one become ashamed, withdrawn, sorrowful and suffer low self-esteem. Guilt the greatest of all energy drainers, it takes away sleep makes one to be suspicious of every other person it causes tension, disability and depression (Romans 5:5). Guilt is associated with feelings of sorrow, pain, discouragement, anxiety, remorse, regret, shame, blame-shifting, weeping, self-condemnations and self-punishment. It also has its physical manifestation of tension, tiredness, lack of appetite and sleeplessness as Psalm 38 revealed.

Disappointment- is an emotional response to a failed expectation. It leads to discouragement, sadness, pain, lack of focus, blaming God, others, self, and the cause of a critical mindset.

Revenge - is something evil you do to make someone suffer for making you suffer. Paying evil for evil. Wanting to take revenge makes one a wicked and vindictive person (Prov. 20;22).

Hate - is the feeling of ill-will toward another. Harboring evil in one's heart against another poisons the heart and causes congestion. It hinders and eats up the heart. it blocks energy, it brings disorientation, and despondence and decreases the flow of power.

Ingratitude - arouses in one with mixed feelings of all negative emotions. The more intense the ingratitude in one, the more severe feelings of anger, sadness, blame-shifting, sorrow, pains, lack of peace, loneliness, fear, exhaustion, apathy, hopelessness, inner desperation, and thoughts of suicide. Discontentment or dissatisfaction with what one has is a major cause of ingratitude. Ingratitude does not value, appreciate or give recognition to anything or anyone because of the lust of one's heart for more or for something else. It makes one to be rude, callous, complain, murmur, disloyal, dissatisfied, and to take things for granted including life. Therefore, it is very easy for those given to ingratitude to commit suicide. Ingratitude brings pessimism, self-condemnation/hate and low self-esteem; it makes life miserable which leads to depression which makes one hate life.

Negative emotions are so many that we can’t finish treating them all in this write-up. However, one thing that is certain is that gratitude to God has the power to control and subdue all of them by whichever name they are called, their manifestations and diverse effects. Being grateful changes one's negative emotional responses about a particular unpalatable situation positively because it secretes happy hormones that calm nerves and give inner peace and joy. Fearful situations are met with boldness and courage. Worrisome cases are met with calm. Anger with restraint and soberness, guilt with repentance and remorse. One becomes optimistic amid discouragements, calm amid strive, Patient amid tribulation, brave amid danger, cheerful amid sadness and gloom.

Therefore, train your emotions to respond positively to negative situations with gratitude to God by obeying all the charges on thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16: 8, 34; Psalm 50: 14; 100:4; 118:1; 147:7; Colossians 3:15-17; Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:4.

The less one responds to negative situations negatively by responding with gratitude the more peaceful, loving, joyful and beautiful one becomes.
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

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Worry/Anxiety is defined as a state of feeling of being troubled about actual or potential problems. Worrying, like other emotional feelings, has the good and the bad side. It is good when our worries are short and is soon over. Worry prods one to use problem solving skills to address one's concerns. However, when worry persists longer, it overwhelms and leads to anxiety which is a negative emotional feeling. Anxiety solves no problems but aggravates it.

Anxiety makes one not to be composed, it causes tension and nervousness, it causes sleeplessness and agitation, it makes one to pace up and down. It causes trauma and agony. Anxiety makes the heart discouraged, cranky, irritated and edgy. It makes one lose heart, become hopeless, helpless, downcast, fret, unrest, agitated. It makes one lose focus. It steals peace from the heart and replaces it with unrest. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).

Scientifically, there is research that shows worry can weaken our immune systems, cause depression, heart disease, muscle tension, memory loss, respiratory disorders and digestive conditions.

However, anxiety does more than that, it also affects us spiritually in that it makes our trust in God to wane. Anxiety is allowing problems and distress to come between us and the heart of God. It is the view that God has somehow lost control of the situation and we cannot trust him. A legitimate concern presses us closer to the heart of God and causes us to learn and trust in Him all the more.

God does not want any of those that have embraced His gracious salvation through faith in His only begotten son Jesus Christ to suffer from the effects of worry and anxiety on the heart. For this reason our Lord Jesus Christ warned us against it in Matthew 6:25-32. When we worry it shows a lack of faith in God’s fatherly care and love (Eze. 34:12; 1 Pet 5:7).

Apostle Paul told us what to do with our concerns for solutions for our troubles. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understandings, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Phil. 4:6-7.

One sure way of achieving a worry and anxiety-free life as believers is being of grateful disposition and giving of thanks to God at all times through the help of the Holy Spirit by obeying the charges on thanksgiving. 1 Chronicles 16: 8, 34; Psalm 50: 14; 100:4; 118:1; 147:7; Colossians 3:15-17; Colossians 2: 6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18;; 2 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:4.

By thanking God for all things and in all things, one is actually acknowledging and declaring one’s trust in the Sovereignty and power of God over all one’s life affairs and problems.

Thanksgiving brings confidence into our spirit and a deep unshaken faith. Gratitude in the face of life storms keep the heart at rest, peace, joyful, healthy, hopeful and strong. As you thank God for all he has given, what he has done in the past, your faith increases. And one receives answers to one's desires.

If you're worried about things and problems over the years and have not solved those problems, why not stop worrying and start thanking God for them. Relax, Stop worrying. Give God thanks, He is in control!

CAST YOUR CARE UPON THE LORD FOR HE CARES FOR YOU. 1 Pt 5:7

To be continued…

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

Depression is a state of sad and sorrowful feeling or being emotionally downcast that we all feel at one time or the other which we easily get over with. However, it could easily become overwhelming and becomes deep sadness and sorrow whereby one develops sadness over everything and at all times.

Sadness is an emotional feeling associated with feelings of loss, discouragement, helplessness, grief and dissatisfaction. This is also known as the spirit of heaviness. All the unpalatable life situations and experiences of life such as losses, ill health, bereavement, side effects of drugs, inferiority complex, disappointment, and all negative emotions and feelings associated with them, such as grief, guilt, anger, anxiety, unworthiness, and negative thoughts and pessimism could lead to it. According to Collins, “The more intense the negative emotions and feelings, the more severe the depression. Severe depression overwhelms it’s victims with feelings of despair, fear, exhaustion, immobilizing apathy, hopelessness, inner desperation, and thoughts of suicide.”

It is an emotional situation that puts the mind under perpetual torture and torment. Its pains affect the heart by making it broken, weak and heavy. A feeling that makes it seems one is unwanted by all and makes it seems all what one lives for has grumbled and makes living unworthy. Nothing destroys joy and gladness faster than this and when it happens everything around one is affected

No other emotion makes people commit suicide as depression - the feelings of hopelessness and despair! No other feeling renders a person almost useless and lifeless in life as depression because it takes away all inner drive and reduces strength and disrupts lives. It takes away motivation and makes one lose interest in work and other functions. It suppresses the immune system causing ill health. These scriptural verses describe it better, “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.’ (Proverb 15:13), “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14). “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones” (Proverb 17:22).

God not wanting his children to experience depression and its effects is among the reasons He charged the believers to maintain an attitude of rejoicing in the Lord God of our salvation always - Ecclesiastes 11:9; Psalm 32:11; 33:1; 68:3; 95;1-2; 100:2; 105:3; Joel 2:23; John 16:33; Phil 4; 4; 1 Thes. 5:16; 1 Peter1:8. So how can we be in the attitude of always rejoicing?
One sure way of achieving this as believers is being of grateful disposition and giving of thanks to God at all times through the help of the Holy Spirit by obeying the charges on thanksgiving -1 Chronicles 16: 8, 34; Psalm 50: 14; 100:4; 118:1; 147:7; Colossians 3:15-17; Colossians 2: 6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:4.

In genuine thanksgiving, one’s spirit contacts and connects to God in whose presence is fullness of Joy (Ps 16:11). When the heart is truly grateful most especially unto God for the salvation of our souls and all that is bestows on us (Col 1:10-14), the Holy Spirit releases joy into the heart and wonderful feelings of inexplicable joy and gladness erupts from the heart like fountain of water and flows into all parts body, soul and spirit. It spreads to all the places where the blood circulated from the heart reaches. It gives a sort of glow which shows in your looks and makes one beautiful.

It has been scientifically proven that gratitude triggers the happy gland in the heart and it releases the happy hormones serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and oxytocin which flows into the entire human faculty and the joy of it cannot be hidden or contained, it revitalizes the body and it is expressed in the words, actions and ways of life. One becomes optimistic and empathic. It boosts self-esteem and also boosts the feelings of attachments, safety and trust.
Being grateful changes one's negative emotional responses about a particular unpalatable situation positively. It calms nerves and gives inner peace.

When a believer has fallen into a low state of feelings, the best way to lift oneself is through gratitude as King David did. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Psalm 42:11.

To be continued…
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

Grief is the natural emotional response to the loss of any precious thing such as a job, fortune, opportunity, health, money, loved one and several other things. The most devastating grief is the loss of a loved one such as a spouse, sibling, friend, parents, and a child because they are irreplaceable and the death irreversible and colossal. The physical symptoms of grief are weeping, sighing, loss of appetite, dry mouth, insomnia and tiredness.

Grief can be normal or intense. Normal grief produces sorrow, pains, loneliness, anger, guilt, emptiness and sadness. The Bible reveals that king David grieved for the anticipated death of his infant son and his grown up sons, Amnon and Absalom in 2 Sam. 12:15-17, 13: 31,39: 18: 33. In 2 Sam. 1: 11-27 He grieved the death of King Saul and his three sons especially Jonathan who died in battle.

Job was thrown into intense grief for the loss of everything he had in one day including all his children as revealed in Job 1:13-19. He wailed (Job 3: 3, 11).

The Bible is not in any way against believers both male and female, old and young mourning the death of their loved ones. Afterall, Jesus Christ wept when he got to the tomb of Lazarus, his friend (John 11:35). Weeping helps to relieve the inner pains caused by grief. Unexpressed grief could be very unhealthy and dangerous!

However, the Christians are warned against the intense type of grieve and mourning associated with unbelievers who are without the hope of eternal life (1 Thes. 4:13-18 ). Intense grieve causes intense guilt, inconsolable weeping, sorrows, lamentations, insomnia, depression, helplessness, hopelessness, despair, and thoughts of suicide.

For the aforementioned reasons, the Christians are encouraged to give thanks to God in everything, for all things, in whatever they do and say during the period of their grief (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3:15-17).

This is because gratitude to God inwardly and deep down the heart in times of grief lifts up burdens, uplifts and encourages our heart. It prevents one from murmuring, complaining, grumbling and speaking evil against God. It keeps one from yielding and sinking deep into despair. It helps to keep one’s hope alive to face the future. Gratitude to God in the face of loss of our loved ones helps keep the heart at rest, peace, comforted, healthy and strong. God surely wipes away our tears in time of our griefs.

“Refrain thy voice from weeping and thy eyes from tears.” (Jer. 31: 16). Meet all losses with thanksgiving and you would be glad you did!.

To be continued…

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

Anger in itself is not bad because it can be constructive. However, it can easily become overwhelming and out of control, from moderate annoyance to violent rage which is very destructive (Eph. 4:26).

One becomes angry due to hurt, fear, frustration, disappointments, threats, injustice, or an unfair or a bad happening. We get angry more with people than with the circumstances we find ourselves in. It can be of short duration and it can persist for decades in the form of bitterness, resentment or hatred. It can be hidden inside one's mind and held inside or expressed openly.

It is oftentimes destructive when it persists in the form of aggression and revenge. It is a leading cause of accidents on the roads, broken relationships, depression, sickness, anxiety, grief, interpersonal tension and Revenge. It makes you hurt and pained, According to Gary R. Collins, Ph.D., a renowned Christian psychologist "...anger clearly can get out of control and cause a variety of problems, including revenge, verbal and physical abuse, and passive aggression." During anger bouts, more cortisol and adrenaline hormones are secreted and released into the heart. The heart rate increases and beats very fast (palpitation). The body appears to be on alert, ready to flee or fight. The heart beats faster, blood pressure and muscle tensions increase, neurological and chemical changes occur within and the person may feel hot, and unable to relax or sleep."

Discouragement is one of the major things that trigger anger. We get discouraged when things don't work or come up the way we wanted them to be. It kills every zeal and inner peace and power. Anger with one or both parents is one of the leading causes of suicide among youths who due to their young age have little or no control over their emotions. The Scripture warns parents not to provoke their children to anger in Eph. 6:4; Col 6:21.

The consequences of overwhelming anger are nothing compared to its cause. Eccl, 7:9. It is a form of mental derailment and foolishness (Prov.14:17). It is very destructive; it blinds, and damages individuals, friendships, homes, health, physical looks, happiness, family, business, and everything. Anger can make one destroy all that one had worked for in life within a minute. Uncontrolled anger has made many turn arsonists and murderers. It consumes like fire and often leaves in its trails anguish and regrets.

For the reasons above, God charged us (a) to cease from anger and forsake wrath, Psalm 37:8. (b) be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Eccl. 7:9. (c) not go into friendship with an angry person, Prov. 22;24, (d) he that soon gets angry dealest foolishly, causes strife, abounded in transgression and makes one a candidate of hell fire. Prov. 14:17; 29:22. Math 5:22.

The good news is that gratitude helps one control one's anger problems. Being grateful and offering thanksgiving to God always for all things and in all things changes one's anger about a particular unpalatable situation positively. It prevents anger from turning into rage because it calms nerves, and gives inner peace and joy.

Train your emotions to respond positively to situations with gratitude to God and you would be glad you did.
Meet all annoying negative situations and actions with fellow humans with and thanksgiving and see the result (1Timothy 2:1).

To be continued…
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

WHY GRATITUDE IS AN ANTIDOTE

Gratitude, one of the natural positive emotional responses is considered as the best and most powerful emotional responses in humans. The reason gratitude is considered as the most powerful positive emotion having power over all other emotions is because a grateful heart contacts and connects to God directly. When a heart is thankful to God, the Holy Spirit in man fills and lifts the heart and soars up and ascends to the presence of God contacts and connect to God in whose presence is fullness of Joy and peace. Peace, streams of joy and happiness floods ones the heart and overflows to the other part of ones body soul and spirit. Apart from that contact with God establishes within us a flow of the same type of energy that created the whole world and is Sovereign over it. This energy flow is very strong and cannot be easily affected by situation, and storms of the earth and happenings in the physical world around us.

Being grateful changes ones negative emotional responses about a particular unpalatable situation positively. gratitude calms nerves, gives inner peace and joy.

Meeting all unpalatable situations, fears, pain, hurt or discouragement with gratitude works like a soothing balm. The less one responds to negative situations negatively by responding with gratitude the more peaceful one becomes. Gratitude to God in one's heart prevents anger from turning into rage; sadness into despair; envy into despise and hate.

Train your emotions to respond positively to situations with gratitude to God.

OVERCOME YOUR FEAR WITH GRATITUDE

Fear has two sides, the positive or healthy type and the negative or unhealthy type. The positive type is the natural feeling that is borne out of reverence for God and is called fear of God. Fear of God is good and in several places of the Bible, we are encouraged to have this type of fear. Fear of God keeps one in check from doing anything that will make one displease God and also keeps one from sin and all forms of evil (Prov.1:7; 8:13; 16:6). It brings riches, honor and abundant life (Prov. 22:4). Joseph exemplified great fear of God.

The second fear is a common emotional condition and inner feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, worry or dread one has when one thinks he/she is in danger or that something bad might happen or when one is afraid of a particular thing including people. Fear varies in degrees. It may manifest in a mild way as mere anxiety over something or total unreasonable dread or hatred (phobia) for something or to paranoia (unfounded fear or suspicion of other people). When it becomes a phobia or paranoia, it has increased to a high emotional degree which is dangerous and destructive.. At this abnormal or overwhelming state, more of cortisol and adrenaline hormones are secreted and released into the heart. The heart rates increases and beats very fast (palpitation). According to Gary R. Collings, Ph.D, a renowned Christian psychologist “In times of anxiety, the body appears to be on alert, ready to flee or fight. The heart beats faster, blood pressure and muscle tensions increase, neurological and chemical changes occur within and the person may feel faint, jumpy, and unable to relax or sleep. Fear is disabling, unpleasant and makes one timid. It robs us of our peace. It is a dark shadow that envelopes us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. It makes one to lose courage, become cowardice, and makes one to involve in serious negative thoughts. Fear makes one to compromise one’s faith.

It magnifies a problem, hence, it makes a mountain out of a mole and makes one lose focus. Fear is like a magnet attracting the very things we fear as in the case of Job. It clouds our judgment and distorts our perspective. It cuts life short and it is the major cause of various kinds of emotional and anxiety disorders, panic attack, behavioral disorder, personal disorder and depressive disorder, mental break down when it is prolonged, intense and uncontrollable. The Scripture adds that, “The fear of man bringest, a snare...” and in 1 John 4:18 that, “fear hath torment.”

Interestingly, there is no other commandment God commanded several places of the Bible both in the old Testament and New Testament as "Fear not.” See Deuteronomy 20:3-4; Joshua 8:1; Prov. 3:25-26; Isaiah 41;10; 43:1;5; 54:49 and several others. One basic truth revealed why we become easily afraid of things, people and situations is lack of faith and trust in God most especially, “His Presence with us” which actually is the condition for us not to fear (Deuteronomy 20:3-4; Joshua 8:1; Prov. 3:25-26; Isaiah 41:10; 43:5).     

One sure way of overcoming fear as believers is confronting our fears with gratitude to God as King David revealed he did in Psalm 56:3-4.

Being in an attitude of gratitude and giving thanks to God most especially for His abiding presence and love, Sovereignty, power and promises to us helps one to remain calm, bold and courageous when one faces threats, dangers and in helpless situations. It boosts ones faith and trust in God.

To be continued…

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

savesoulmejjj:
I'm not a Bible Scholar.

What is the Meaning of a life that is full of Suffering ,Trouble and Confusion .

The dead doesn't feel any of these .I lost my first Wife after a Terrible sickness befell her ,She had a Son for me. My mother have been down with Illness ,The sight of her Groaning Pains , Saying Son , I'm in Pains ,I'm Dying makes me feel so Bad .

I'm not Lazy ,I have always worked so hard before Things became worse.

Recently I decided to sell off two acres out of the 3 acres I bought when things were okay to take care of My mother's Illness and use remaining Money to Start some little things over again ..I have not gotten an Offer .

My Children are Home due to School Fees ,The Landlord is Threatening me to throw me and my family out .

Feeding has become so Terrible .

If life Becomes so Un-bearable ,The dead doesn't feel any more Pains ..When there is Option of Suicide to End it all.

Why would such be Regarded as a SIN when it is Sure that we shall all die one day ?

N:B : Fasting and Praying ...I have done very well to the extent I was recently diagnosed of having Peptic Ulcer ..

Please read Love Lash write ups on suicide @ www.lovelashblog. com. Thanks.

a)Understanding the emotions

God created all humans both male and female with natural emotions and feelings, this implies emotions are universal, although its expressions change from culture to culture. Emotions are caused by hormone secretion responses of some of the glands in our body to our interpretations of specific triggers such as thoughts, happenings, what one hears, sees, eats, drinks, likes and dislikes.

Going by God’s original design of man, all the human natural emotions both the positive ones known as pleasant or happy emotions such as love, joy, gratitude,awe, hope and the negative ones known as unpleasant emotions such as anger, guilt, fear, sadness, anxiety, grief, disgust and their associated feelings in their normal stages are good and beneficial to mankind. They are designed as man’s inner means of responding to reports of different things, happenings or situations from the physical and spiritual realms by the human senses to the inner glands through the mind.

Different positive and negative happenings and situations trigger different glands and each triggered gland releases hormones (chemicals) it produces into the bloodstream and are responsible for the different positive and negative emotions. Different positive and negative emotions each have different feelings associated with it.

All these different emotions lie dormant in man until their glands are triggered by one’s responses either negatively or positively to different negative or positive happenings and situations. Emotions are caused by chemicals released in response to our interpretation of a specific trigger. Feelings are often fuelled by a mix of emotions. Feelings are experienced consciously while emotions consciously and unconsciously.

When triggered up, any of the different emotions can rise to a very high degree and become excessive or overwhelming, depending on the depth of the response which determines the degree and amount of hormones released by the glands into the heart. The more frequent, duration and depth of any emotion triggered, the stronger, and powerful such emotions becomes until it becomes part and parcel of such individuals character until it become a habits. This implies that how each individual respond to different things and situations is responsible for his or her emotions and feelings’ levels and upsurges. It also implies that the power to control one’s emotions and feelings lies within the individuals having being created with will power.

Although, very high increase in the level of the positive emotions could be harmful to the individuals, however, increase in the degree of any of the negative emotions is often very dangerous and harmful to the individual’s body, soul and spirit and other areas of such individual’s life. "The greatest enemies of success, and happiness are negative emotions of all kinds. Negative emotions holds you down, tire you out and take away all your joy in life. Negative emotions from the beginning of time, have done more harm to individuals and societies than all plagues of history.” Brian Tracy.

Therefore, it is important that we have control our negative emotions so that they will not ruin us. But how can we achieve this? By cultivating the attitude of gratitude of course!

b) The commandments and charges given to us on being thankful and offering of thanksgiving to God in the Scripture in 1 Chronicles 16: 8, 34; Psalm 50: 14; 100:4; 118:1; 147:7; Colossians 3:15-17; Colossians 2: 6-7; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6; Ephesians 5:4 are for our benefits. These charges on thanksgiving are channeled to help the believer overcome all negative emotions.

As already said earlier on, whenever one in response to the pleasant and delightful positive input of things, happenings and situations received from the Spiritual or physical realm is grateful to God, the spirit of God in man soars high up and connects to God, the source the fountain of joy, streamsof joy and happiness floods ones the heart and overflows to the other part of ones body soul and spirit. The Psalmist captured the real expressions of the emotional feelings of gratitude here, “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like then that dream. Therefore was our mouth filled with laughter; and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great thing for them. The Lord hath done great things for us: whereof we are glad" (Psalm 126: 1-4).

Scientists have proven that when the heart responds in gratitude to anything or situations the glands are triggered up and would release happy hormones such as serotin, dopamine, endophins and oxytocin into the blood stream and wonderful powerful feelings of inexplicable joy and gladness erupts from the heart.

Being grateful does a lot of good to the body. It calms nerves and makes one at peace inwardly and outwardly. One is full of expectancy and radiates so much sweetness and kindness to other people around. One is energized and could literarily undertake any task successfully without getting tired.

To be continued…

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. As a verb, its definitions include; “expect with confidence” and “to cherish a desire with anticipation” - Wikipedia.

Scripturally, hope is among the three greatest Christian virtues consisting of faith, hope and love (1 Cor. 13:13). Hope is spiritual, therefore, a thing of the heart just like faith and love. Hope is inseparable from faith and a confident trust in God (Ps. 33:21-22; Heb. 11:1). Hope concerns the future (Romans 8:24-25). It involves much more than a mere desire or a wish for something in the future, “The Biblical hope consists of assurance in the heart, even a firm confidence concerning future things, because these things are based on God’s promises and revelations”.

One of the basic truths revealed by Adam and Eve’s obedience to satan’s suggestions that eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil would not make them to die but rather would make their eyes open and they shall be as gods knowing good and evil (Gen 3:4-5) was their lack of confidence in God their Creator and His wonderful plans concerning their lives and future (Jer. 29:11).

Unfortunately, their sin of disobedience to God’s commandment (Gen.2:16-17) caused ruination to God’s original perfect plans for their future and creation at large. God’s image and likeness in man became depraved and corrupted. Man became alienated from God in whose presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forever more (Psalm 16:11). Sin destroyed the love, unity and harmonious relationship between God and man, man and his wife and other creations. Shame, guilt, fear and condemnation came upon man causing destruction to man’s inner peace, hope, love and joy. In place of blessings and fruitfulness is fruitlessness, hard labour, pains, hardship and suffering. Death in all its ramifications became operational to all living things. Man lost his dominion over creation to satan and he became a slave to him. The presence and activities of satan the evil and wicked one on earth has defiled and destroyed it; the earth has become chaotic, unstable, dangerous, restless, and full of evil and wickedness (1 John 5:19).

How would man originally created to worship the Holy God in holiness and purity of heart worship God now that he is depraved and alienated from God, the source of his life and everything? How would man face life and the future when Satan and sin have destroyed everything that would have given him a blissful present life and a beautiful future? How would humanity not collectively go into despair from the daily perplexing, brutal, unspeakable heart wrenching deaths, natural disasters, sicknesses, uncertainties, losses, pains, hardship, fruitlessness, demonic and satanic attacks, tragedies and nasty challenges challenging his existence and future? How would a man's heart find help, love, peace and joy to comfort his soul in the midst of life’s troubles? Man is indeed in a hopeless situation without God! (Eph,2:12; 1 Thes. 4:13).

We thank God who in His love and mercy sent His gracious salvation to the world through the death and resurrection of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ from the dead has sent help to mankind from above against all that troubles his soul on earth and for life hereafter (Luke 1:68-75). God, through the death and resurrection of His only begotten son Jesus Christ from the dead has begotten us again to a lively hope to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not, reserved in heaven for us who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1: 3-5; Romans 8:24-25). This implies that God, through the gift of Jesus Christ to the world, His death and resurrection has provided a glorious safe guard for the believer so that when satan's temptations, our sinful nature and trials of the world attack us, hope may be an anchor of our soul and provides eternal life. This implies that Jesus is our hope (Col 1:27; 1 Tim.1:1). The Holy Spirit is the One that impacts hope. Jesus as an anchor of hope is sure and steadfast, very strong and immutable (Heb 6:19-20). This hope does not put one to shame or disappoint (Romans 5:5; Psalm 22:4-5; Isaiah 49:23). The purpose the Christian hope serves in securing a believer’s life can best be understood by a ship’s anchor whose purpose is to secure a ship firmly in one place against winds and currents that would otherwise move it off course or endangered it. Therefore the believers must put their hope and trust in God and Jesus alone and nothing else (Psalm 33:16-17; 147: 10-11; 20:7; Luke 12:13-21; 1Tim.6:17).

It is important that we believers maintain our hope in God and in His words and promises always because certain situations such as delay, life’s challenges, discouragement, worry, fear, rejection, tribulations, betrayal and disappointments can make one’s hope weak, wane or lost (Prov. 13:12). We must never lose hope in God no matter what besets us in life. This is because nothing makes anyone become redundant, clueless, sick, heartbroken, useless, downcast and hate life as loss of hope. Moreso, nothing leads one to the pit of despair as loss of hope. Hope is a powerful essence to life, “what oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life” – Emil Brunner. “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow- O.S. Masden.

Therefore, it is very important we keep hope alive. But how? By maintaining an attitude of gratitude of course! Two glaring things hopelessness reveals are lack of trust and communication with God. However, a man with an attitude of gratitude is one with steadfast faith and trust in God and one that communicates with God always! One that acknowledges and appreciates God giving thanks to God for all things, in all things and in whatsoever he does or says. Such a man can never despair no matter what happens. Because a man who acknowledges, appreciates and thank God for everything and for all things both in the past and in the present will hopefully be trusting God for the future even when it seems bleak and will know that because the God of all grace with whom nothing is impossible to do, is able to do great things even in seeming very hopeless situations as in the case of old Abraham and Sarah and the promised child (Romans 4:17-21).

Be resolved to maintain your faith and confidence in God always, irrespective of your unpalatable present experiences by thanking and praising for His past goodness and faithfulness in your life as the Psalmist did; “Why art thou cast down, o my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance….” (Psalm 42:5-6).

It is good to start your day with thanksgiving, hope, great expectations and positive thoughts and end your day by thanking and praising God (Psalm 92:1-2). Always remember that because Jesus lives and owns the future, no matter how bad things are today, tomorrow is another chance to make things better. Be thankful for your past, present and promised blessings because doing so helps keep hope alive.

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

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The Garden of Eden before the fall of man was described to be a place of joy gladness, thanksgiving and voice of melody (Isaiah 53:3). This implies it was a peaceful, joyful and conducive place, a) because the presence of God, the owner of peace, love and joy and the source of all these was there (Psalm 16:11; Jer 32;41), b) the heart of man was under the control of the Holy spirit and in right relationship with God, c) All creatures lived together in peace, love, joy and harmony, d) man was still in his sinless state and free from worries, fears and anxieties.

Unfortunately, when Adam and Eve fell into sin of disobedience to God’s commandment and ate of the forbidden tree, the peace, joy and harmonious living they had been enjoying was destroyed (Gen 3:1-7). The peace between God and man was destroyed and most importantly Adam and Eve experienced guilt and shame and were afraid for the first time before God which implies they lost their inner peace (Gen 3:8 ) likewise the peace between Adam and Eve, his wife (Gen. 3:12,16). Nature was cursed on their behalf (Romans 6:22). All these were the beginning of man’s inhumanities to man, wars and conflict.

Peace, which is an important necessity of life for the individual person and all the people in the world at large, is something difficult to attain in this chaotic fallen world of sin under the rule of Satan. Conflicts, wars, natural disasters, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, couple with lots of man’s inhumanities to man and others are the order of the day and made harmonious living impossible. All the attempts of the world leaders to make peace, work for peace among nations and to make peace reign in the world at large are all to no avail. This is because peace by man is mechanical and externally driven. Genuine peace belongs to God and Him alone can bring peace. Peace cannot be found where sin is practiced and glorified. It cannot be found where there are prevalent works of darkness and wickedness (Isaiah 48:22). Righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any nation (Pro.14:34).

All the terrible happenings worldwide are making the hearts of many to fail and be greatly troubled. Apart from this, many individuals lives are devoid of peace due to internal self inflicted conflicts, pains, hurts, sorrows as a result of godlessness, guilt, sicknesses, fear, anxieties, worry, shame, discontentment, wickedness, revenge,  ingratitude, bitterness, resentment,  unforgiving, jealousy, hate, envy, cruelty, animosity, reviling, pride and others as written in 2 Tim 3:2-5. Many are ready to spend huge some of money just to enjoy peace yet it eludes them. Genuine and lasting peace is internal and is of God and therefore can be found only in Him. It cannot be found by any that practices wickedness. There is no peace for the wicked (Isaiah 48:22). It cannot be found where there is no true love and holy living (Heb.12:14). Without Christ no individual can experience perfect peace only known and understood by a regenerated soul.

We thank God who in His love and mercy sent His salvation to the world through His only begotten son Jesus Christ to restore peace to the world (Isaiah 9:6-7; Ezekiel 34;26;37:26; Micah 5:5; Luke 2:14). At Jesus' birth, the angels proclaimed that God’s peace had now come to the earth (Luke 2:14). He gave peace to His disciples as a lasting legacy before he went to the cross (John 14:27; 16;33). By His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers and thereby made peace possible (Col. 1:20; 2:14-15).Therefore when anyone believes in Jesus Christ, one is justified by faith and has peace with God (Romans 5:1). Jesus is our peace (Eph. 2:14). Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believers (Gal. 5:22). As one submits totally to the leading of the Holy Spirit by walking in obedience to His commandments on peace, His peace rules in our hearts because peace is a condition we have to enter into (Ps. 122:6-7; Col 3:15; Ps. 34:14; Jer:29:7; 2 Tim 2:22; Romans 12:18; Heb 12:14).

The more one is thankful to God, the more peaceful one’s life. Nothing keeps and comforts the soul with gladness and inner peace as a heart of gratitude. "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understandings, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6-7).   

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

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The Garden of Eden before the fall of man was described to be a place of joy gladness, thanksgiving and voice of melody Isaiah 53:3 a) because the presence of God, the owner of joy and the source of joy was there (Psalm 16:11; Jeremiah. 32:41; Zephaniah. b) the heart of man was under the control of the Holy spirit and in the right relationship with God c) All creatures lived together in peace, love, joy and harmony. D) Man was still in his sinless state and had everything he needed.

Unfortunately, everything came to ruin after man fell into sin of disobedience to God’s commandment and was driven out from the garden to dwell in the world to dwell with Satan the evil and wicked one whom he had obeyed. Meanwhile Satan has no joy; he is the owner of sadness and gloominess. Man’s fallout with God robbed him of so many good things of life such as love, joy and peace. As man increased numerically, so also increased evil and wickedness, wars, natural disasters, and other negativities. The heart of man was at the receiving end of these negativities. Negativities hit hard on the heart like a blow with a blunt edge, pierced like arrows, burn like fire, and blow like gushing whirlwind, upset and terrified the heart arousing storms of diverse negative emotions and feelings. These make a man's heart become troubled, afraid, broken, wounded, heavy, hard, bitter, sad, sorrowful, depressed and several more. All these are negative responses and are joy destroyers. Once the heart is affected negatively and joy destroyed, the body and spirit also become affected negatively, They become weak and sick. The importance of joy in the heart cannot be over emphasized as these Scriptural verses reveal; “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13). “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?” (Proverbs 18:14). “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones (Proverbs 17:22). “All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:13, 15).

We thank God who in His love and mercy sent His salvation to the world through His only begotten son Jesus Christ to restore joy to the world (John 3:16). God’s kingdom is that of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). The kingdom of God on earth is marked by the restoration of joy through Jesus Christ (Isaiah 9:2-3). Jesus came to give joy through His salvation (Isaiah 61: 3). Jesus, through the Holy Spirit brings joy to a heart that receives Him as Lord and Savior. Most true believers can testify of the great joy that filled their heart when they became born again. Among the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believers given by Him is joy (Galatians 5; 22-23). The joy that Christ gives is not known to the world and is not in any way comparable to what the people of the world refers to as joy which is in actual fact is happiness which is caused by outward things and happenings around and can be destroyed by man or changed circumstances. However Jesus’ own joy is Joy unspeakable and full of glory. The joy Jesus gives cannot be taken away by any man (John 16:22). Since it is the joy of the Holy Spirit from within us based on the love, grace, blessings, promises and nearness of God to those who believe in Christ, it is independent of circumstances or happening around one or what others do or say or as a result of drugs and food or drink taken. This truth King David acknowledged sayings, “you have put gladness in my heart more than in the season of their grain and wine increase” (Psalm 4:7). This is the type of joy that can rejoice at all times both in the good times as well as in troubled times of tribulations, oppositions and great sufferings as Apostle Paul did.

Among God’s topmost desires for His children is to maintain an attitude of rejoicing in the Lord God of our salvation always for our good especially for the sake of our hearts. Therefore we are given charges on this in places such as; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Psalm 32:11; 33:1; 68:3; 95;1-2; 100:2; 105:3; Joel 2:23; John 16:33; Phil 4; 4; 1Thes. 5:16; 1 Peter 1:8. Definitely, our maintaining a cheerful disposition at all times is of great significance to God and of great benefits to us. So how can we be in the attitude of always rejoicing? What can make the heart maintain its joy in the Lord always irrespective of negative happenings around us?

One surest way of achieving this as believers is being of a grateful disposition and giving of thanks to God at all times through the help of the Holy Spirit. Thankfulness from the depth of one’s heart involves the entire human faculty and the joy of it cannot be hidden or contained, it revitalizes the body and it is expressed in the words actions and ways of life. It is an action one cannot predetermined because it is possessive in nature, once in charge it takes absolute control of the man. Its intoxicating power is more than that of wine. When the heart is truly grateful especially unto God for the salvation of our souls and all that is bestows on us, (Colossians. 1:10-14), the Holy Spirit releases joy into the heart and wonderful feelings of inexplicable joy and gladness erupts from the heart like fountain of water and flows into all parts body, soul and spirit. It spreads to all the places where the blood circulated from the heart reaches. It gives a sort of glow which shows in your looks and makes one beautiful. Nothing makes one more beautiful as having a happy heart.

We all need strength to carry us through the stress of each day. There is perhaps no exercise or drug in the whole world that can give us the required strength since the strength needed is from within, deep down the heart. The dispositions of your heart determine your performance. However, rejoicing does the same. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah. 8:10). It revitalizes, strengthens and invigorates the body and it is expressed in the words, actions and ways of life. One is full of expectancy and radiates so much sweetness and kindness to other people around. One is energized and could literally undertake any task successfully.

Aside the above, it is needful believers as the light of the world meant to show forth the glory of God and attract others to Christ that our lives radiates with exuberant joy and cheerfulness always, only then would you be able to preach and be a successful witness to draw men to Christ for it takes a joyful and cheerful person to attract others, flies are not attracted to vinegar, but to honey.

Another importance of rejoicing always in the Lord is that it helps keep the Holy Spirit. We saw that murmuring, complaining, grumblings speaking evil against God, by the children of Israel caused by discontentment and ingratitude over what God gave them made them incur the wrath of God.

Be resolved today as Habakkuk did to rejoice in God no matter what happens by offering Him thanksgiving in all things and for all things because He is the God of our salvation and our strength, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vine; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds feet, and he will make me walk upon mine high places. (Habakkuk 3: 17-19).

Being full of gratitude to God for a happy night rest, life, new mercies, and a brand new day loaded with benefits, first thing in the morning and throughout the rest of the day keeps one singing, dancing and smiling all day long saying “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

[quote author=Kobojunkie post=109347463] Please find a mental Health counselor to talk to soonest. [/quote Please, let us chat. God loves you and so do I.

One of the repercussions of the sin of man’s disobedience to God’s commandment not to eat out of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden was that man became alienated from God who is Love, and the source of true love. This implies that true love’s manifestations and effects such as gratitude, longsuffering, kindness, humbleness, meekness, selflessness and others written in 1 Corinthians 13:13 which helps keep the heart perfect, aglow, pure and sound became depraved and decreased greatly. It also implies that man suffered a broken love relationship between God and himself and this led to a broken relationship between him and his wife and this degenerated further into broken relationship with their children and the whole humanity and creation as a whole.

The more the fallen man got in close contact with the devil, fellow fallen humans and life in the fallen world, the more unloving and inhuman he becomes as he develops the evil viles such as wickedness, impatience, ingratitude, abuse, inhumanity, untruthfulness, unfaithfulness, disloyalty, selfishness, unforgiving, jealousy, hate, envy, cruelty, animosity, reviling, pride and others as written in 2 Tim 3:2-5; all which not only destroys relationships but also pollutes and destroys the heart. Man has become hater of God, fellowmen and himself and life generally.

However, we thank God for His mercies and thoughtfulness in His gracious salvation package through His Son Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind to include His love being spread abroad the heart of the regenerated man by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Having God’s type of love is the greatest gift of God to the regenerated man. With this, the renewed man could have a loving faith relationship with God, his fellow men and himself as expected and also cure the abnormalities and evil of his heart by the help of the Holy Spirit.

The importance of the divine love spread abroad the heart of the regenerated can never be overemphasized. Love is the greatest power needed to sustain all relationships. Love is that propelling force that makes us get into a personal relationship with God to worship Him. Love remains the most powerful and unbreakable cord that binds human hearts together. It breaks all barriers and boundaries of color, race, language, distance and religion and many more. Love is the fulfillment of all laws; love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pt. 4:8 ). Faith worketh by love (Galatians 5:6).

Love also plays a very important role in keeping the heart safe from all that pollutes and defiles it. Love and its characteristics as written in 1Cor. 13:4-5 are what make a man’s heart perfect and sound. Love is the great motive power of life. Love is the key that unlocks the human heart. It is the most potent power of change. It is the greatest and the most powerful of all passions and emotions therefore it can subdue any of them. Love softens, humbles, and heals the heart. There is no challenge love cannot undertake and overcome. It breaks every resistance and makes the heart willing. It strengthens and encourages the heart. Love insulates from pain, discouragement and difficulties associated with any given task.

Among the reasons why the charges on being grateful to God are always given is to boost the love spread abroad in our hearts so that we will be able to easily obey the two greatest commandments of loving God and our neighbors (Matt. 22:37-39). Thankfulness and thanksgiving is a sure way of developing true heart love devotion for God and man.

When we make gratitude a lifestyle, thanking God for all things, in everything and whatsoever we do in words or deeds as charged in Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3;15-17, the more the Holy Spirit helps our heart to know Him better. The more we know Him, the more our love for Him grows deeper and stronger; our appreciation of Him also grows deeper and stronger. This is because genuine gratitude seeks for the benefactor, keeps ones heart on the benefactor, recognizes, acknowledges and appreciates the benefactor and these in turn develop into personal attachment, trust and love for the benefactor. Thankfulness keeps the heart focused on the giver, brings us closer to God even giving us a glimpse into His nature and character, heart and mind of God himself. Gratitude knits the heart of the giver and the receiver together in love resulting in devotion, loyalty, dedication and commitment. As we appreciate Him more and more for who He is - faithful, merciful, gracious, compassionate, loving, kind, forgiving, eternal, infinite, powerful, all knowing, all His goodness and blessing in our lives and His acts and interventions in lives and much more our love for Him deepens and our relationship with Him is strengthened. .

As we also obey the charge to give thanks to God for all men - the downtrodden, the rich, the strangers, family, neighbours, co-workers, in-laws, friends and foes in fact everyone, for kings, and for all that are in authority as charged in 2 Timothy 3:1, our love and value of them grows and deeper relationships are fostered. One becomes more patient, humble, tolerant, kind, helpful, affectionate, compassionate, considerate and empathetic towards fellowmen. This is because love unravels and reveals hidden mysteries of God in others, while at the same time, it covers every wrong in others. You will agree with me that a person one does not appreciate is never loved. Lack of appreciation is the bane of contention between husband and wife, siblings, parents and children, leaders and followers. We can love others if we appreciate God for each other as a fellow creature created in God’s image and likeness and greatly loved and valued by God. We should also appreciate them for who they are and what God is using them to do. By loving others, our hearts open to them, accept them and become bonded to them. The heart becomes freer, happier, lighter and purified (1 Peters 1:22).

Conclusively, as we obey the charges on gratitude to God for all things - all you have both mundane and special blessings, in everything - all situations we find ourselves and in whatsoever we do in words or deeds as charged in Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 3;15-17, we develop greater self-love. Gratitude to God, our Creator who made us fearfully and wonderfully in His own image and likeness with great potentials, capabilities, gifts and talents and has given us all things freely all things pertaining to life to enjoy helps one see His goodness and loving kindness to us. This helps us to have good self-esteem, makes one appreciate oneself and strive to develop oneself. And as you appreciate yourself you are able to love and appreciate your creator and fellow humans. Most people who become haters of God, humanity and themselves are those angry or dissatisfied with one or more of their physical features and happenings in their lives. Look at yourself in the mirror, can you see yourself through the eyes of the Spirit of God in your heart the way King David saw himself in Psalm 139? A closer look at oneself – special physical features, beauty, uniqueness and much more with the eyes of appreciation will go a long way to promote self-love.

So, make it a duty to appreciate God being your God and father, for all men and yourself and see how loving and lovely you become.
GOD LOVESYOU AND SO DO I.
www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

I wondered why your father should make such a derogatory statement about you, anyways don't mind him. God created you in His own image and likeness and His breathe is within you, therefore, you a person of great value.
You are just an introvert and that does not make you less human. So believe in yourself.
If you are a Christian, know that you are not alone because God is with you and He loves you. Try and involve in a hobby like writing or drawing and dancing. if possible go and learn a skill. Please, know that suicide is not an option. If you need someone to talk to please contact me.

Among the things pointed out about the heart earlier is that it is the arena for ‘will and decision making,’ (Acts 5:4, Romans 6:17); ‘desires and wishes’ (2 Chronicles 6:7, Romans, 1: 24, Romans 10:1).

This arena happens to be the area the flesh has the strongest hold on the fallen (carnal/natural) man. The natural man loves following his own will over ‘God’s will’ by doing things his own way, making his own decisions, carrying out his own desires and executing his own wishes not minding if they are good or bad for him, or whether God is pleased or not, or others are hurt or not. Unfortunately, man doing things his own way has caused man a great lot of troubles, hardships and heartaches and especially in our relationship and walk with God because it is the cause of all acts of disobedience of man to God (Genesis 3:1-24).

Meanwhile, God’s topmost desire for His children is to do ‘His will’ - doing things as He has instructed, commanded and charged us in the Holy Scriptures. Among which are the charges on thanksgiving such as thus:

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

“and whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father by him” — (Colossians 3;15-17).

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, and giving of thanks , be made for all men; 2) for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (2 Timothy 2:1)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4).

To the natural man, these charges on thanksgiving are absurd, and illogical because they are surely contrary to the natural man’s ways of doing things and thinking and also because gratitude is a spiritual activity. Therefore, obeying them is impossible. It is not natural for the natural man who seldom thanked God for the good things of life to thank Him for all things always as charged in Eph.5:20. It is not natural for the natural man to thank God in everything as charged in 1Thessalonians 5:18, when he only occasionally gives thanks when things are going smoothly as he had planned and favorably too. It is not natural for the natural man to give thanks to God for all men, kings and all in authority as charged in 2 Tim 2:1 when he rarely thanks Him for the gift of his family members, loved ones and good people who benefited them. It is not natural for the natural man to give thanks to God in whatsoever they do in words and all in deeds as charged in Col 3:15 because those things are considered done by the human power, might and skill. It is not natural for the natural man not to be anxious for nothing and by prayer, supplications and thanksgiving present their requests as charged in Philippians 5:6 when he has no relationship with Him and lacks the assurance his prayers would be answered and there is no inner peace coupled with a life that is in turmoil. It is not natural for the natural man not to be involved in filthiness, foolish talk and jesting as charged in Ephesians 5:4 because that is the language his heart devoid of the Holy Spirit of God knows how to speak.

However, with the regenerated believers within whose heart the Holy Spirit is and God has also created a desire to love and to obey Him, giving thanks to God as charged is achievable and mandatory. Giving thanks to God for all things, in everything, for all men, in whatever we say or do and whenever we stand to pray should be a welcome spiritual activity to believers, especially knowing that it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for His children (1 Thess. 5:18 ). Our Lord Jesus reiterated that He came purposely to do the will of God so we must do like Him.

Obedience is the first thing God requires of his children. All God’s commandments, charges and statutes are enabling and are given for our own utmost good (Psalm 19:7-8 ). When we give thanks to God we are responding in obedience to Him. When we obey God, we subject ‘our own will’ to ‘His own will.’ The more we engage in giving thanks to God the more our will becomes more submissive to His own will until totally submitted and doing it becomes our lifestyle.

Many blessings and benefits beyond human imaginations and understanding are all tied to obedience to God’s commandments including the charges on thanksgiving.

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good for His mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:1)

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

Sorry for your loss. May his soul rest in peace
In Jesus name.
Sleeplessness is one of the the things that happens with grief, give yourself time and your sleep will come back gradually. At such times, prayer and thanking God for everything most especially your late brother's life are of great help. Are you aware you can pray and ask God to make you have sound sleep? Try it, for it works.
May God console those he left behind in Jesus name. [q1uote author=joshawesome post=106488583]Good morning happy people of nairaland.

I will try to be brief as possible. During the lock down my elder brother was seriously ill, we all thought it normal malaria and typhoid but getting to the hospital he was diagnosed of kidney diseases at it last stage (CKD). We all brace up and gave him all the support needed during the stage from one dialysis section to another something thrice a week.

It became worse and no improvement at sight, I literally do all thing for him, from bathing to feeding and carry him around the hospital but he faith he will come out of it. During the process he used all of his life saving to the extend of collecting and seeking financial assistance from people because the doctor advice to undergo kidney transplants.

On 2 April 2021 we went from dialysis, nurses were complaining that I allow him to drink a lot of water because at that stage he have a daily water intake and also needed blood. He did the blood transfusion and the dialysis but he had a breathing issue, the nurse place him on breathing machine the oxygen got exhausted and he was normal.

We went home by 12am, on getting home we ask for water, I told him to wait because I can even hear noise of water around his thoracic cavity. He was having difficult I had to call one of his friend so that we can take him back to the hospital but he gave up the ghost and we bury him that the same day because that was his wish. Due to his name, I was confused and angry at myself and everyone that we lost him due to 5 million needed for the transplant.

Months later I was able to get over his death a bit and went back to school, wrote the exam and graduated with first class even though the examination I didn't prepared much due to what happened. It was just God hand at work ( It only a fool that say there is no God).

Now the problem is that I can't sleep and remember my brother death that I should have done more. His death is like 5 months from now but it still fresh in my memory recently. My brother play a vital role in my education from paying my fee and monthly allowance and advice. I was thinking of using drugs so that I can sleep at time but talk me out of it. Pls how can I re again myself and also am an introvert I don't have people to talk to and I hardly go out.[/quote]

Easylion3569:
Previous thread https://www.nairaland.com/6821339/girlfriend-pregnant-please-me-im

And there was a voice, and he said to me; you're about to become a daddy.. And i said to him, i my really ready for this?

*What do i know about being a dad?
*Don't even know the duties of a dad,
*Don't even know the responsibilities of a dad,

I told him i've lost everything i had,
& he told me, what ever will be will be.
I told him, you are wrong, how true is that statement, when what would have been, has now seized to be.

Does one have to wake up every moning suffering?
i wish i could turn back the hands of time, it seems like someone is sitting down on me.

And now, i had to enter my room through the windows. Repeating one song over & over again.

i can't even eat nor drink water now, & i'm very hungry.
I've tried to read some funny stories on nairaland if it could put that litle smile on me, but it did not.

where can i start from here, how can i prepare for my mistakes, how can i avoid that wrong decison? It really got me down, and there is no one to take me back up.

*this is my song*
.
.
.
........!

Please, don't do that thing you are contemplating. Suicide is not an option. If it all about the unborn child, I will help you take care of him or her God willing. Please contact me.

We (believers and unbelievers alike) live in a fallen and broken world under the rulership of Satan where there are so many unpalatable satanic attacks, wickedness, afflictions, oppressions, adversities, overwhelming challenges and experiences, trials, temptations and other negative happenings and conditions both physically and spiritually. Pathetically, there is nothing any man can do to prevent or avoid these happenings and situations because they are bound to happen whether we like it or not. Unfortunately, these unpalatable and negative happenings and conditions are capable of making the heart sad, sorrowful, bitter, hopeless, depressed, panicky, afraid, confused, discouraged. fearful, worry and full of anxieties if responded to through the human sensory organs. This is because the human sensory organs input in the heart negative messages based on the fallen world and fallen nature of man.

This is where one of the great importance of the Holy Spirit and obedience to the charges on giving thanks to God in everything is revealed (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ). The Holy Spirit conditions the heart and helps the believers to see and respond to all situations positively having our victorious Jesus Christ in view (John 16:33). Being thankful to God always is a response of our trust in His power and Sovereignty. My personal experiences reveal that no matter how terrible or frightening the situation is, whenever I respond to it by offering gratitude to God from the depth of my heart, the Spirit of God indwelling me takes total control of my heart, away from the happenings and situations around me and soars up and ascends to the spiritual realm of the presence of God and connects to God directly and I become fearless and confident.

Contact with God establishes within us a flow of the same type of energy that created the whole world and is Sovereign over it. The energy flows into our heart through the Spirit, fills it and the heart is strengthens. This energy flow is very strong and cannot be easily affected by situation, and storms of the earth and happenings in the physical world around us as we can see from the life of Daniel. Daniel remained strong and resolute to offer to God thanksgiving always irrespective of happenings around him and the king’s decree of death could not cause him to stop doing so. He was victorious over the death decree (Daniel 6: 1-28 ). It is very rewarding to give thanks to God in everything.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ).

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

News of deaths of people of different age groups both males and females are a common daily occurrence these days. Few had died naturally due to old age, while some due to different ailments. The rampaging coronavirus pandemic has caused millions of deaths worldwide. Apart from these, many who went to bed hale and hearty have died suddenly in their sleep due to cardiac attack, while some died through various types of accidents. Some were killed through poisoning by friends, while some were also killed by armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits without the opportunity to bid their loved ones farewell. Many had slumped and died just like that among several others sudden deaths. They had died with all their wonderful plans and dreams for a tomorrow which will never come. Eccl. 9:6.

Although, most people loath talking about death, yet it is a reality each of us - believer and unbeliever, rich and poor, old and young, male and female, educated and illiterate alike would face one way or the other either we like talking about it or not because; “…it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27). Death is inevitable; death is the unavoidable end of every living thing. Each person would die when it is time. No man has the power to defy death (Psalm 89:48; Eccl.8:8 ). No man knows when he will die.

Even though death can happen through any means, anyhow, anywhere, anytime and at any age, what is of utmost importance is where one spends eternity after life here on earth - in heaven or in hell, which is determined by how one lived one’s life on earth and the power in control of one’s life. Those who believed in Christ Jesus and lived godly lives will spend eternity in heaven which is the abode of God and His elect. It is a place of eternal peace and joy. Those who did not believe in Him and lived in sin will spend eternal damnation in hell (John 3:36). Hell, which is a place of unimaginable eternal suffering was originally created for Satan and not for mankind (Matt. 13:42). However, anyone who chooses to obey and serve Satan would have no option than to follow him to hell, the place of his final eternal destination (Romans 6:16).

The sin of disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in Gen. 2:16-18 brought to mankind death (Rom. 6:23; 5:14) in its multifaceted aspects - the physical death (Gen. 3:19); moral death/depracy, the- spiritual death/alienation (Eph. 4:17-18 ) and eternal death or condemnation and everlasting separation from God (2 Thes. 1:9; Rom. 6:16).

Yet, God does not want any to die and perish in hell but to come to repentance (Eze. 18:32; 2 Pet.3:9). Therefore, in His love He made the gift of His gracious salvation available to the world through Jesus Christ to grant whosoever believes in Him eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23). Jesus by His death made propitiation with His blood and reconciled us with God (2 Cor. 5:18 ). He abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light (2 Tim. 1:10). By His resurrection He overcame and broke the power of Satan, sin, and physical death (Rom. 5:18-19; 6:10; 1 Cor. 15:12-28; 1 John 3:8 ).

Repentance from sin, believing in Jesus Christ and making Him one’s personal Lord and Savior and living a holy life that pleases God while alive is the best decision anyone could make for many reasons such as: (a) A believer’s physical death is not death per say but falling asleep in Christ - 1 Cor:15 (b) Death of a believer is a point of transition to a fuller life, therefore, death is not the end of life but a new beginning. (c) It is a release from the affliction of this world and from the earthly body in order to be cloth with heavenly life and glory and into peace (Isaiah 57:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:1-5). At death the believer goes to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven and spend eternity with Him (Rom. 6:16).

To you reading this post I ask, in case death comes today or the world comes to an end today, how prepared are you? Where will you spend eternity? Are you aware that the number of years one spends on earth is infinitesimal when compared to that of eternity? Do you know that the way you live your life on earth and your relationship with God determines your final destination and not the church denomination you belong to, religious family background, the many years of church attendance, pilgrimages to holy lands and involving in some of the religious pieties such as payment of tithes, charity works, alms giving, or even holding religious esteem titles? Do you know that all one’s worldly wealth, goods, possessions, certificates, and achievements don’t count and cannot save anyone when death comes knocking? (Mt. 16:26). Are you aware that the worst and most painful death is not dying through any form of terrible crashes or accidents but dying without turning back to God in repentance through faith in the death, resurrection and ascension of His son Jesus Christ? Are you by faith, washed in the precious blood of the Lamb? Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of Life? Are you by faith living a life of holiness and separation unto God?

Know that repentance is only possible while one is alive. Know also that no amount of beautiful tributes written, candle lights nights observed, lengthy prayers made by the clergy, congregations and loved ones for the repose of the soul of the dead can bring about a change in the eternal destination from hell to heaven or vice versa. Know also that no form of corpse embalming, type and cost of casket, vault or mausoleum can prevent anyone from facing God’s judgment or can intimidate Him to make judgment to be in one’s favor on the judgment day. Everyone will be judged and rewarded according to his works while alive (Eccl.12:14; Rev 22:12).
Know for sure that Jesus loves you and has gone through great suffering and death all for you to live and have eternal life. Eternal life is a never-ending God type of life gotten only through faith in Jesus Christ from the moment one becomes saved and continues throughout eternity. Your soul is of paramount importance to God and should not be lost to the pursuit of worldly pleasures, prosperity, fame and popularity that are profitless and not of eternal values (Mt. 16:26; Ps. 49:17).

You cannot afford to miss this great gift of salvation freely given through Jesus Christ (Heb. 2:3). Come to Jesus Christ now for the salvation of your soul and secure your eternity with Him in heaven while you still have the opportunity to do so. Don’t procrastinate your coming to Him, believing you are still young or that you still have enough time at your disposal since the next minute is not guaranteed. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart knocking, let Him in and get saved (Rev. 3:20).

All you have to do to avoid eternal damnation is to (a) come back to God in repentance by acknowledging your need for salvation - Romans 2:23; (b) believe Jesus died for you – Romans 10:10; (c) confess your sins for forgiveness - Romans 20:9-10; (d) accept Him as your Lord and Savior - John 3:16. (e) Forsake your sins (f) Endeavour to join a Bible believing Church and grow more in ways that pleases God - Heb. 10:25.


GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

In the Scripture some human hearts were described as wicked; Gen 6:5; stony, Ezekiel 36:26; evil, Gen, 6:21; hardened, Exo,7:22; froward Psalm 51:17; proud, Psalm 105:5; perverse Prov. 12:25; foolish, Romans 1:21; impenitent Rom. 2:5 and several others. These are the negative descriptions of hearts, in bad states and conditions - They are examples of unregenerate hearts.

Meanwhile, the hearts of some men were described in the Scripture as sound Prov.:14:33; true, Heb. 10:22; pure 1 Pt. 1:22; 1 Tim. 2:22; glad, Ex. 4:14; willing Ex. 35:5,22; wise Ex. 28:3; honest and good Luke 8:15; understanding Prov. 10:8; broken and contrite heart Psalm 51:17. These are positive descriptions of hearts that are in good states and conditions - they are examples of regenerated hearts.

What causes the differences in the states and conditions - good /positive and evil/negative of the hearts? The answer is the different powers in contact and control of such hearts! God is the source of all that is good and positivities while Satan is the source of all that is evil and all negativities. Each individual is responsible for the choice of which power is in control of his/her heart and what is allowed into it.
It was mentioned in the previous post that when a heart is thankful to God, the Spirit of God in man fills the heart, lifts the heart and soars up and ascends to the spiritual realm of the presence of God and connects to God directly, and fellowship takes place. Such a heart becomes God-conscious, God-focused, God-centered and God-controlled. The more one glorifies God through thanksgiving and praises, the more one’s heart maintains its contact, connection and fellowship with God and the more one’s heart becomes more God conscious, focused, centered, and controlled to the extent that the Holy Spirit of God occupies the whole heart and makes it becomes more like the heart of Jesus - true, pure, holy, wise, honest, understanding, kind, loving and so on (2 Cor. 3:18). The Holy Spirit of God by God’s design has been given to condition the heart of the believer. The Holy Spirit is the sustaining power and dominion within us by which we gain victory over Satan, the flesh and the world. The charges on giving of thanks to God always is given for our own good and betterment.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father by him” — Colossians 3;15-17.
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com

Please let's be careful with what we write for public consumption. Can you please tell me which of the great men of God in Nigeria did not attend a secular school?

Ikemoney:
good evening all, please i need a serious advice from you guys with out insuit, Please.

have been dating this girl for close to 4 years now, and am madly in love with her, at first i never love her, she did everything for me to love which i am now, have done everything a man could do for woman, i assisted her in setting up her business, i alway ensure she is okay,her family knows me.

we have already start making plan on getting married, before now have been having trust issues with her, when ever her phone is close to me or it rings she is not comfortable, anytime i ask questions she knock it off,she will say they are just friends, at a point i was monitoring her, she knew,friends will call me they saw my girl with some one guy ,that same guy usually do call, have ask her who is the guy, she said they just friends , it was clear she was cheating her attitude towards me change, yet i kept cool for peace to reign and for what i feel for her.

To cut the story short, spoke to her family about it and her brother abroad, now she is angry and she does not want the relationship anymore,have beg her have also send people to beg her, she said never that she has move on, am confuse i really do love her, the worst part she block me on watsup and messager and she is not picking my calls, i feel she dislike me now.

when even i rmember my labour in this i feel so bad with my self, i really don't know how to move on.

Sorry o. Take heart and Please move on with your life. You can read an encouraging post on how to handle being jilted in my blog www.lovelashblog.

The old heart of man got into serious problems the very moment man sinned and was disconnected from the Spirit of God. Among the things man stopped doing because of sin was acknowledging and showing gratitude to God as a result of which man became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (Rom.1:21). This condition of the heart affects all the aspects of the heart such as emotions, thought, imaginations, will power, feelings and others. All these gave room to Satan, self and the world to have upper hands over man’s heart and life and made man a slave to do their biddings.

Therefore, the first and the most important thing a believer must do to keep the new heart is to make sure that the new heart and Spirit are kept alive and awake to God daily and at all times by acknowledging and showing gratitude to Him continually through Jesus Christ (Heb. 13:15). God is acknowledged and appreciated when our prayers are saddled with thanksgiving and praises (Philippians 4:6). We acknowledge Him when all our conversations, actions and deeds are done giving thanks to God through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:15-17). He is acknowledged and appreciated when we give Him thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18); for all men. (2 Timothy 2:1), and for all things (Ephesians 5:20).

When a heart is thankful to God, the Spirit of God in man lifts the heart and soars up and ascends to the presence of God and connects to God directly and stays there. Such a heart is God conscious, God focused, God centered and God controlled. Such a heart finds pleasure in reading God's words, seeking His face in prayers and fasting, loves, fears, obeys and does the will of God. Such a heart is protected and secured from the infiltration of the enemy. Satan, the flesh and the world cannot prosper in a grateful heart because God inhabits such a heart. Acknowledge and appreciate God always so as to enjoy His abiding Presence.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you..quench not the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

www[dot]lovelashblog[dot]com