Prayer is a priority for any person who desires to be used mightily by the Lord. Jesus often slipped away to spend quiet moments with His Father. If the Son of God needed prayer time, then we surely can’t live well without it! Those who “go it alone” become weary from bearing unnecessary burdens in their lives. There are serious results of carrying that extra weight throughout life.

When a person is drained spiritually, emotionally, or physically, he or she becomes more susceptible to discouragement. Joshua was exhorted to meditate on the Law day and night, because his success was dependent upon following the will of God. (See Josh. 1:8-9.) Keeping the heavenly Father at the centre of one’s focus builds confidence. Without spending time in prayer and Bible reading, believers enter a vicious cycle where troubles loom ever larger as man-made solutions fail. Under such conditions, discouragement is unavoidable.

Loss of confidence is soon followed by doubt. A believer immersed in prayer and Scripture reading will find security in God’s power and presence. But someone who questions His faithfulness will seek refuge everywhere except in those disciplines. Eventually, he or she will step out of God’s will while chasing a counterfeit solution. Sadly, the result is often a marred testimony.

Forsaking prayer results in a downward slide. But the direction can be reversed at any time. The corrective steps are simple: Confess your prayerlessness to the heavenly Father, and then make a priority of regular quiet time with the Lord. In those moments of communion, He will make burdens light, offer encouragement, and fill your heart with confidence
.
JAMES 5:16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Matthew 7:7
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take
.
IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

nuelzy:
yummy popcorn...








what thread is this sef

Just to notify you guys that Iron mike is on the rise again. Hope he learns from his past mistakes.

Everyone deserves a second chance in life

What does Christ’s resurrection mean to you? Is it simply an event in the distant past with little relevance for 2016, or does it affect how you think and act each day? Many people look at Easter as an occasion for purchasing new clothes and going to church. But it’s not just a day to celebrate the empty tomb and then move on as if nothing has changed.

Since we didn’t personally witness the risen Christ after His burial, imagining that first Easter morning is difficult. Not only that, but our traditional celebrations and familiarity with the story make it easy to overlook the stunning magnitude of what transpired. Then we run the risk of taking the resurrection for granted and missing the impact it still has.

In 1 Corinthians 15:13-17, the apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of the resurrection’s importance by describing what would have happened if Jesus had not been raised. Our Easter celebrations would be a big lie, and our faith would be worthless. Worst of all, we’d still bear the guilt for every sin we’ve ever committed—with no hope of forgiveness, salvation, or eternal life in heaven. If Jesus hadn’t been raised, His death would have accomplished nothing.

That’s why Easter is an awesome reason for celebration. Jesus died in our place to satisfy the requirement for our atonement—a price far too high for us to pay. His resurrection proves that the Father was satisfied with His sacrifice (Rom. 3:25) and counted it sufficient for the forgiveness of all our sins (1 Cor. 15:20-23). And because of Christ’s victory over death, we too will be resurrected and receive an imperishable inheritance reserved for us in heaven. This hope enables us to rejoice every day, even in the midst of trials and suffering (1 Pet. 1:3-9).

So if we have already attended an Easter service but remain unchanged for the rest of the year, we’ve missed the purpose of the resurrection. Each day is an opportunity to let the living Christ impact our character, conduct, and conversation as we “put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the one who created him” (Col. 3:10). In essence, we are displaying God’s nature with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love (Col. 3:12-14).

Jesus’ resurrection should also direct and motivate our mission. Christ told His disciples, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Having seen the risen Lord and being filled with His Spirit, those first Christians spread the message of salvation throughout the Roman world. The impact of their witness was so great that they were described as “men who have upset the world” (Acts 17:6).

Throughout the ages, the gospel of Christ has continued to be proclaimed, and people all over the world have been saved. Today, it’s our turn to share the same message, which offers forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life to all who believe. No other major religion has a leader who overcame death. How can we keep silent about the most important event that ever happened?

This month you will celebrate Easter by gathering with fellow believers, joyously singing of Christ’s resurrection, and listening once again to the story of the empty tomb. But don’t let the familiarity and holiday customs steal your wonder and appreciation. As you continue rejoicing at Jesus’ victory over death, look forward to that day when He will return and resurrect all those who have trusted Him as Saviour. And keep living in the newness of life that He’s provided for us through His resurrection power.


John 6:40
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

1 Corinthians 6:14
And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.

Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

EdStock/iStock

Do you think you can beat Mike Tyson? Fat chance, but you can own the champ’s home and be his neighbor—if you’re the lucky buyer of his contemporary mansion in Henderson, NV.

Listed at $1.5 million, the 5,804-square-foot home was on the market for only a day before receiving an offer. The home’s already in escrow, according to listing agent Kenneth Lowman.

Such a quick close can only come from a knockout of a home, right?

The former boxer certainly pulled no punches when he renovated the mansion, adding a 25-foot lighted waterfall in the sunken great room on the main level. Other contemporary touches include the remodeled kitchen. The house boasts five bedrooms and four updated bathrooms; the master bathroom features a floating tub, an LED-lighted rain shower, and marble throughout.

He and his wife [Lakiha Spicer] did the remodel with selling in mind,” Lowman says, noting that they figured “if they made it contemporary and modern, it would be easier to sell.” Apparently they were right, as evidenced by the rapid offer. And if escrow were to fall through, Lowman says there are “three or more people in line” to offer contracts.

The buyer will be Tyson’s neighbor as well. The 49-year-old media personality and actor (he’s currently working on the Adult Swim’s “Mike Tyson Mysteries”) purchased a home double the size down the street last month for $2.5 million.

“They really love the neighborhood. They really just wanted more space,” Lowman explains.

Tyson bought the home in 2008 for $1.75 million. With all the updates, he’s going to take a hit on the investment. However, says Lowman, the former knockout king can weather the blow because he scored a good deal on his new digs.

http://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/mike-tyson-selling-nevada-home/

Jesus knew what was about to unfold. He sensed death and darkness closing in upon Him, yet He did not seclude Himself in preparation. Rather, the Lord chose to spend the final fleeting hours with His friends around a table flowing with bread, wine, and spiritual significance. Jesus wanted to be close to those whom “He loved ... to the end” (John 13:1).

The apostle Luke takes care to point out that Jesus and His disciples gathered in the upper room to celebrate the Passover. There, they shared a meal known as the Seder, whose ritual and symbolic foods recall how God liberated Israel from bondage in Egypt, crushed Pharaoh’s armies, and cared for the former slaves in the wilderness until they arrived in the land He’d prepared as their home. Every Passover at the shared meal, Jewish families retold the grand story of God’s provision and rescue—a reminder that God was not finished with them, that He would restore and spiritually heal their people yet again.

Given this, Jesus’ meal with His disciples carried all these echoes of Israel’s history and stirred again their firm faith in the guarantee of God’s promises. In the days ahead, those men would face sadness and confusion. Stung by the horror of the cross, they would quake with fear and outrage. They’d grasp for hope, clinging to any possibility that the story Jesus had begun was not finished. But all this travail was still to come. For now, Jesus ate and drank with the disciples and tried to explain to His perplexed friends how He would soon pour out His very body and life for their healing.

Offering this cup and broken bread, Jesus knew that His death would enact what the prophet Isaiah foretold—that it would require His wounds if any of us were ever to be healed (Isa. 53:5). Though the disciples could not comprehend the meaning of His words at the time, our Saviour presented a promise to die and then to rise from the dead for them, for all of us who would believe it.

John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

1 Thessalonians 4:14
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

John 6:40
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

1 Corinthians 6:14
And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.

Romans 8:11
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Luke 14:14
And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

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I can show you it is still on hold if you like. We can look at the way they prayed. Three different ways they pray at different stages in their history.

Ok. I summit to acquire greater knowledge

During that initial Last Supper, Jesus took the wine and declared, “This is the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matt. 26:28). Once again, those words would have stunned Jesus’ original hearers. Every Jew knew about a long story of covenants in which God repeated, I will be your God and you will be My people. It sounded good in theory, but one side of that covenant—our side, in case you’re wondering—continually ruined the deal. So throughout the Bible, God kept promising there would be one more covenant, not to abolish but to fulfil the old one.

Now, with the cup of Passover wine in His hand, Jesus declared the unthinkable: That new covenant was here, right now, in Him. Jesus summarized that covenant in His micro-sermon—“This is My blood ... poured out for many.” It is for you and for me and “for many”—just as Jesus is the lamb “who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29

Let’s place ourselves in this scene. Like the disciples, we are the ones who have fallen away. None of us are righteous, and yet we keep defending and promoting our “innocence.” Like all of the disciples, we have or soon will betray the Son of God, and yet there He is, not only eating and drinking with us, but also offering His life, His blood, for us. The words of that long-awaited new covenant from Jeremiah 31:34—“For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more”—are now being fulfilled right before our eyes.

It is a sheer gift that leads to wide-eyed wonder. But with the wine, Jesus also called for our response—“Drink of it, all of you” (Matt. 26:27 ESV). Not “think about it” or “try harder to earn it” but “drink it.” That’s what faith looks like. In other words, like the cup of wine, salvation is there for you. Jesus holds it in His hands and offers it to you. But you must believe it, open your heart, and receive it—all the way down into the centre of who you are. So “Drink of it, all of you.”

John 2:1-11
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Psalm 104:14-15
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.

1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

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Israel’s promised kingdom was right at their doorstep, right within their grasp, but that promised program was put on hold. The very blood that was to initiate Israel’s New Covenant, we have a fellowship in that, we have a communion with that blood, it’s the blood that redeemed us as well.

The promised program has been released. Slowly but surely

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But remember we are not the sign nation, and we have not become the assumers and fulfillers of God’s program with that sign-nation. Many think we have, that program has been placed on hold while God completes his plan and purpose for the saints of this dispensation. What you say is good learning and understanding, but this is the age of Grace?

Agree that we live in the age of Grace, but one cannot eradicate the role of the Israelites in regards to God's program. Salvation came to the Jews first, then the gentiles.

With above in mind, does that give the Jews more significance before God? No. We are all equal before Jehovah. One God! One people! One mediator!

For thousands of years the Jewish people had a special script for their most important event of the year—the Passover. Brimming with drama and intensity, the Passover included a carefully prepared order of words, symbols, foods, tastes, smells, and actions. So if the father of the household went off script as he led the Passover meal, everyone present would immediately notice.
And that’s exactly what happened when Jesus gathered His band of followers as death loomed. The evening started like a typical Passover meal—they were celebrating the way Jews had done for centuries ... until Jesus intentionally went off script and started talking about Himself. As the Saviour took the Passover bread in His hands, He said something utterly shocking: “Take, eat; this is My body” (Matt. 26:26).

The Passover was all about deliverance for a particular people (the Jews) from bondage and into true freedom. But the entire
storyline of the Bible pointed to an even deeper liberation from a more tragic bondage—deliverance from sin for the entire human race. As He held the bread in His hands, Jesus calmly announced that His broken body would be the one and only source of that deeper, universal deliverance and freedom
.
“This is My body which is given for you” (Luke 22:19)—some church historians call this sentence “the words of institution” because our Saviour was instituting, or inaugurating, a new chapter in the story about God and the human race. But notice that Jesus went off script so we would know this new chapter comes through His initiative, not ours.

Even as He was handed over to death, the Lord was graciously acting to save, forgive, and bless us. At every step, it is Jesus who initiates. Jesus writes (or revises) the script. Jesus gives us the Lord’s Supper, a meal to share with Him—the one who said, “I am the bread of life.”

And with a simple piece of bread, Jesus declares how salvation comes—not by our striving but by His grace, not as a human project but as a divine gift. Hosanna!!! Glory be to the God in the Highest!!!

John 6:50-71
This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. ...

John 6:32-35
Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

John 6:55-59
For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

Matthew 4:4
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Ecclesiastes 11:1
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Some animals that we fear the most; lions, dogs, wolves, tigers, black bears and beagles all have one thing in common: If threatened, they will sting, bite, spray, or maul you. But there’s this predictable trait about lambs: They never attack; instead, throughout history wolves and other predators have attacked them. When lambs are mentioned in the Bible, it’s usually in the context of a sacrificial offering. For example, in the Passover—the central event of the Old Testament—God rescues His people through the blood of a lamb.

So you can imagine the disciples’ shock when John the Baptist introduced Jesus, their Lord and Messiah, as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The God of all creation, the one “through [whom] all things were made” (John 1:3NIV), comes to the earth as ... a lamb?

It’s a strange story. Christianity is the only view of life that presents a vulnerable God—a God who, in love and for love, subjected Himself to be mauled by His own creatures. Of course, it’s important to note that Jesus the vulnerable Lamb is also the mighty Lamb who rules on the throne, judges the earth, and triumphs in war (Rev. 5:6; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 17:14)—but even then He is the lamb “who was slain from the creation of the world” (Rev. 13:8 NIV).

It’s also a daring and original story, the story of us all—broken people who have wandered so far in the wrong direction, sunk so deep in the jungle of sin, that we cannot find our way home or lift ourselves out of the pit. Someone had to enter those dark woods of our own making; someone had to descend into our self-chosen abyss; someone had to find us and rescue us—even if that meant dying in our place. And that is the story of Jesus, the lion who came as a lamb. Unlike the millions of sacrificed Passover lambs slaughtered throughout history, Jesus willingly gave His life “to take away the sin of the world.”

God comes to us as a lamb, as the Lamb of God, to prove that He is for us, not against us. Why would you not place your whole life in His hands?

John 1:36
And he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

Revelation 12:11
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

Revelation 5:11-12
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Delaying tasks can be a big problem: Important tasks are neglected, and the benefits of finished work never come to pass. Even worse, though, postponing in spiritual matters can be disastrous.

Every person is going to spend eternity somewhere. The destination is determined in this lifetime by a choice to either accept or reject Jesus’ offer of forgiveness. But eternity seems distant, and there is so much to enjoy in this life, so some people feel that they can delay this decision until later. They assume, I’ll just wait until I’m closer to death. Then I’ll ask Jesus to save me.
The problems with this reasoning are obvious. First of all, there is no guarantee that you will have any warning before death.

Second, by spending a lifetime rejecting Christ’s offer, you run the risk of developing a hardened heart. Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another ... so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Saying no to God frequently throughout your life may result in being unable to say yes when death comes knocking at the door. In fact, you may not even be interested in Christ’s offer anymore.

There is great danger in abusing the grace of God. All people who are not protected by salvation in Jesus Christ will face the terrifying reality of judgment, as they stand before God without a Saviour. (See Heb. 10:26-27.)

By putting off a decision for Christ, you not only lose the immediate blessings of a deeply personal relationship with God now; you also risk future separation from Him for all eternity. Don’t defer! Come to Christ today: Acknowledge your sin, ask His forgiveness, and trust Him as your Saviour.

John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.

John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

Romans 10:13
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 5:11-13
And this is the testimony that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Peter’s interaction with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee illustrates three important principles.

1. Compliance in small matters has eternal significance and leads to blessings from God. A seemingly small act—loaning a boat to Jesus—resulted in Peter being called to become a fisher of men.


2. Following Jesus is always beneficial to others. For one thing, Peter’s action made it possible for more people to hear Jesus’ words of truth and life. Later on, when Peter lowered nets back into the water at Jesus’ request, his obedience meant a big catch for his co-workers. In a similar way, when we live out biblical principles, our families will be enriched, and those within our circle of influence will be encouraged to follow our example. And as we share how God responds to our obedience with His goodness, others may be motivated to seek after His Son Jesus

.
3. God may tell us to respond or act in ways that make little sense. The Lord told Noah to build an ark, instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, and directed Joshua to conquer Jericho through silent marching on six days and shouting on the seventh. All of these men agreed to God’s plan even though it did not make sense. Their trust in God overruled any concerns and led to great reward.

God has a plan for our eternal good, and it is foolish not to obey Him. Like Peter, we have no idea what God will do in and through us if we commit to living a life of obedience.

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,
2 Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Until Nigerians understand the benefits of earning a living legally, situations like this will continue to occur.

Currently, Olajumoke is the prayer point of most Nigerians. It is pathetic to say the least

Stealing in high places gets rewarded with titles. Honestly and integrity has become obsolete words. God help Nigeria

In John 14:15, Jesus taught His disciples, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” He repeated the connection between love and obedience several times because of its great importance. (John 14:23; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6.)

Following God’s agenda amounts to telling Him, “I love You.” Having the correct view of obedience,namely, that it’s an expression of love toward our heavenly Father—enables us to endure any difficulties in our life. And God also pours out His blessings on those who obey Him.

Consider Peter’s example. Jesus asked for use of his boat to preach to the crowd. Having been up all night without catching any fish, Peter might have given Jesus an excuse—too tired, too discouraged, a lot of cleaning up to do. Instead, he responded positively to Jesus’ request and took a step into a life of obedience and blessing. On the surface, lending his vessel and helping Jesus did not appear to be important beyond the moment. But God had more in mind than a one-time loan of a boat. He was going to use Peter’s life and make him a fisher of men (Matt. 4:19).

Because we cannot foresee what our Lord has in mind, we may not comprehend the importance of what He asks of us. We could be tempted to modify the request to suit ourselves, to delay until a more convenient time, or just to skip it all together. Such actions are always unwise.

God rewarded Peter with service in His kingdom. He wants to do the same for all believers. How is the Holy Spirit prompting you, and what is your response?

Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

Romans 6:16
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land
;
IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Reciting and understanding a scripture is one thing, but putting it into action in our lives can be something else entirely. So just how is a believer to “be still”?

First, we must understand that the heavenly Father is allowing our difficulties. If we believe that He is in control, then we must also believe that He has permitted these events to occur.

Second, it may be hard to comprehend, but there is a purpose behind our trials, even when life seems confusing and hopeless. The Lord won’t allow hardships to come our way without good reason.

Third, since there is a purpose for our hardships, they have the potential to ultimately be positive experiences. This doesn’t mean everything will always work out perfectly, according to our own standards, hopes, and plans. But it does mean that if we respond correctly, we may look back on the experience as a catalyst for growth in our spiritual walk.

In Romans 8:28, Paul says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” You may have heard this familiar verse many times. But in order to manoeuvre successfully through the storms of life, you must understand its truth. God hasn’t disappeared, and He isn’t ignoring us. He has a purpose in everything—even the most challenging of circumstances.

John 6:38-40
For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Ephesians 5:17
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

1 Peter 2:15
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Are these cultists real human beings?

God take control our these youths IJM

We have all experienced temptations, trials, and suffering at some point in our lives. Even as Christians—and sometimes specifically because we are Christians—we must endure pain, whether through loss, bankruptcy, unemployment, or a broken

relationship. While no one is immune to hard times, believers are empowered through the Holy Spirit to endure periods of struggle. Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” The King James Version uses the expression “be still,” indicating that our best response to disappointment is to trust in the heavenly Father.

How humbling it is to know that as God’s children, we have a direct line of communication to our Father, even in the midst of trouble. We don’t have to respond like the world, out of a heart filled with anger, depression, or revenge. Nor do we have to fix everything in our own strength. Sure, we will still be tempted by the flesh. But as we “cease striving,” we’ll learn to trust in God more and more each day.

The truth is, hardship not only forms our character but also reveals it. One common response to difficult times is anger. In moments of frustration, we run the risk of making impulsive decisions that could impact the rest of our life. But instead of getting caught up in the emotion, we should wisely be still and trust in the One who can work everything for our good (Rom. 8:28).

In this world, troubles won’t vanish (John 16:33). But when storms are brewing on the horizon, buckle up and trust God to guide you through. Only in Him can you truly cease striving.

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise should saturate the believer’s life.

One obvious way that we praise the Lord is with our voice. We can either speak or sing our worship. The psalmists put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God’s attributes. They desire to honour Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.

Genuine worship allows the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with His presence. But praising the Lord with wrong motives is an empty act. For example, if we’re lifting our hands and singing loud only because doing so feels good, then what we’re after is an emotional high. That kind of selfish “praise” falls short of heaven.

Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honour to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honoured when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work—believers’ testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God’s name.

Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He’s done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don’t just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God’s throne room ring with worship.

Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Daniel had the rare opportunity to influence four kings and their kingdoms with godly principles. Remaining true to God often meant putting himself in danger, but he never once wavered in his convictions. The record of his life shows us what is required of someone who wants to have a godly impact on those around him.

Complete confidence in the Lord’s ability to protect and provide empowered Daniel to make bold decisions. He delivered bad news to kings, even though such an act could have gotten him killed (Dan. 2:26-44; Dan. 5:17-28). What’s more, he challenged a law requiring him to violate God’s command to worship only Him (Dan. 6:7-11).

Daniel wasn’t intent on being popular; he was committed to doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. And when he had to face consequences for choosing the unpopular course of action, he did so with a calm and Christ-like spirit. Offering no complaint, Daniel accepted the punishment of being thrown into a den of lions—he had, in fact, broken the law.

It is so tempting to think that if we do what is right, we should be rewarded or at least protected. But we live in a broken world, and sometimes doing what is right will get us punished. How we respond to the consequences of our obedience is actually as important as carrying out God’s will. Our reaction is being watched and evaluated by those in our sphere of influence, who want to see if we really believe our claim that the Lord is in control. God is using our experience and our witness to reach others for the kingdom.

Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:4
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

John 12:43
For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

John 5:44
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Multinational companies often spend billions to influence the public. Along with money, a lot of thought, energy, and strategy go into designing ad campaigns and public relations events that will capture people’s interest.

As believers, we’re involved in a much more important endeavour—that of capturing hearts with gospel truth through godly influence. If we are to have an impact on others, we need to present a consistent witness before them.

Having a strong conviction about God’s Word is the foundation of a godly influence; we must believe the Bible is true and practical in our daily lives. Daniel clearly did. Daniel and his friends refused the king’s food and wine. Why? Because Scripture told them not to eat anything offered to idols—a common practice of the time (Ex. 34:15). Daniel put not only himself and his friends but also the commander of the officials in danger of death over the issue of food! But he took such action because he knew the Father wanted him to obey Scripture, no matter the cost.

Following the Bible’s instructions is not usually a matter of life or death. But doing so can nevertheless place us in uncomfortable situations. If we are to have a godly influence, we must be committed to our convictions. A believer’s life is often the only example of scriptural principles other people will see. So, like Daniel, we must make up our mind to follow God, regardless of the circumstances. And like the people in Daniel’s sphere of influence, those you touch will see the work done for the Lord and glorify Him (Matt. 5:16).

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Jesus journeyed into the deepest pit of despair hours before His crucifixion. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He repeatedly prayed for “the cup” to pass from Him (Matt. 26:39-44).
Christ was staring into a cup of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul flinch (Isa. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved deeds and thoughts that they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sin; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb of God took upon Himself all that was vile and dark.

Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of taking on mankind’s evil. God’s holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the heavenly Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection must have been terrifying and heart-breaking. Similar to a matrimonial divorce.

There was no question that Jesus would obey the will of God. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that’s what was required to save mankind. So, yes, in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father’s answer was, No, this is the only way, Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself for us.

Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Saviour did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14). We must do the same

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
1 John 2:2
He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Hebrews 9:12
He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Ask a group of people to define gossip, and most will mention something about spreading rumours about others. That is correct, but it’s not the whole truth. Gossip includes any idle or malicious talk that harms someone else. In other words, damaging speech is a universal sin—one that we all are guilty of at some point in life.

For example, did you ever comment negatively on how a person was dressed? Or suggest to a friend that someone you both know is in the wrong job or involved in unsuitable hobbies? Or tell an acquaintance about another man or woman’s personal life? Let me ask you a final question: Did you feel a check in your spirit while you were speaking? All of these can be examples of gossip—words that do damage and hurt others despite sounding innocent.

Idle comments are often delivered in a way that makes them seem unlike the traditional definition of gossip. People mask gossip in several ways, such as speaking in jest, offering others’ personal details “as an example,” and disguising the spread of information as a prayer request. Of course, not every tease or illustration is gossip. And the body of Christ is certainly called upon to pray for those facing hard times. Therefore, we must be able to distinguish between worthless chatter and wise speech.

What matters is the heart’s motivation (Ps. 19:14). When the intention is to mar a reputation or create instant solidarity with another person, lips move loosely—this often happens while discussing someone else’s misfortune. But a desire to please God and reflect His grace prompts us to speak only that which builds others up (Eph. 4:29).

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Proverbs 11:13
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 20:19
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

James 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Luke 6:31
And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Is this girl for real

When Jesus called him to a life of discipleship and service, Peter left his fishing career to become a leader in the church at Jerusalem. We can learn much from both the high and low points of his transformation.

Peter publicly acknowledged that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. When the Lord asked the disciples who they believed He was, Peter spoke up and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16). He boldly confessed his faith in front of the other disciples and didn’t hold back for fear of their opinion. In a similar way, the basis for our identity—in public as well as in private—ought to be that we are followers of Christ. Our words and actions should proclaim to those around us that we belong to Him.

After Christ’s arrest, Peter’s faith faltered. When he was challenged about having been with Jesus, he denied it. Just as the Lord had predicted, the apostle refused three times to acknowledge their relationship. How bitterly the disciple wept about what he’d done (Matt. 26:69-75). But following the resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and then called him to love the lost “sheep” of the world (John 21:15-17). After being filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter began his ministry by sharing the gospel with thousands of people. (See Acts 2:6-11, 41.) Through God’s power, many were saved.

Peter is a good example of the type of person our heavenly Father can use—someone with strengths and weaknesses, who learns from mistakes and is surrendered to the Lord for His purposes. Have you committed yourself to following God’s plan for your life?

2 Timothy 2:21
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Habakkuk 2:1-3
I will take my stand at my watch post and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint. And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Acts 9:1-19
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Many people wear a cross because it symbolizes the Christian faith. But few fully grasp the depth of love that it represents.
The cross stands for what is arguably history’s most painful method of execution. Crucifixion usually began with two soldiers flogging the criminal from the front and back. They used a strap with three leather cords, each containing a piece of embedded bone that tore flesh to ribbons. No wonder Jesus fell and struggled to carry His cross after such treatment.

The soldiers then hammered a long square nail into the hands or wrists; this shape would heighten the already excruciating pain. Another nail was driven through the ankles into the wood. Raising the cross, executioners would then drop it into a hole in the ground; the thud from it falling into place would further tear the flesh. In order to breathe, the convicted man had to push up on his bloody ankles.

Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully man. He experienced the physical agony any human would feel at such brutality. On top of that, He felt emotional and spiritual anguish because the nation had rejected Him and His disciples had denied Him. Worst of all, when He took our sin upon Himself, the Father turned away (Matt. 27:46; 2 Cor. 5:21). Yet Jesus didn’t see Himself as a victim; He willingly offered His blood on our behalf and considered it a joy (Heb. 12:2). No greater love exists.

Stop to consider all Jesus endured on the cross for your sake. As you begin to grasp the enormity of His sacrifice, thank Him for His boundless love.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Philippians 2:8
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 23:43
And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

When we read about the Prodigal Son, our focus is usually on God’s amazing love, which is demonstrated by the father in the parable. We delight in knowing that the Lord responds to us the same way when we stray from Him. But today, I want to look at our responsibility to love others. No matter how difficult the situation, God has given believers in Christ the capacity to respond with this same kind of love.

LET GO
Though he had every right to refuse his second son’s foolish request, this father understood that the young man had already left home in his heart. There may be times in our lives when the most loving thing we can do is also the most difficult—to step back and let a loved one go his or her own way. When you hang on and try to control the outcome, you may actually get in God’s way.

WAIT
Once we have let go, we must then wait patiently for the Lord to do His work in that person’s life. Did you notice that the father didn’t go to search for his son? Even though he knew that pain and trouble would follow such a foolish decision, he chose to trust God instead of trying to fix the situation and protect his son from the consequences of his unwise choice.

The only way you can respond like this is to have confidence in the Lord’s good plans for the one you’re concerned about. He loves that person more than you can comprehend and understands the best way to reach a resistant heart. Your job is to watch and pray until God brings the prodigal to his or her senses. God knows best

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Humility is a healthy, godly sense of our merits, talents, and achievements. In the life of the believer, one thing stands as an obstacle to humility: pride. To think of oneself above others is the exact opposite of the humble mind-set God calls His children to demonstrate (Phil. 2:3). Pride is deceitful in that we might not recognize it in our own hearts. Even more dangerous is the person who is proud on the inside and yet appears humble to others. But God cannot be fooled.

Our heavenly Father hates pride because He knows the destructive power it can have in our lives. When we are proud, what we’re really saying is that we know better than God. He places pride—“haughty eyes”—at the top of the list of seven abominations. That doesn’t mean that He hates the person who is prideful. God loves all of us. Because of that love, He despises anything that will bring harm to us.

Pride blocks our communication with God. Scripture tells us God opposes the proud (James 4:6), so we must recognize that such an attitude will affect communication with Him. We can’t expect the Lord to answer our prayers if we approach Him with a prideful heart. Our worthiness isn’t God’s basis for considering the prayer requests we bring; the fact of the matter is that we are not worthy. God instead responds to our need.

When we attempt to live in our own strength, we can expect God to ruin our successes (2 Chron. 26), ridicule our schemes (Ps. 2:1-5), and remove our status (Dan. 5). He wants us to renounce our pride before it destroys us.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:5
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 29:23
One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honour.

1 Corinthians 10:31
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

UyiIredia:
@yommyuk: Its been a while. God bless sir and thanks for the edification.

In our lives, we may have had opportunities to experience amazing things, see beautiful views, and hear wonderful music. But more marvellous than any earthly event is what Christians will experience at the return of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul urges believers to become familiar with what will occur at that remarkable time (1 Thess. 4:13). Just imagine…

WHAT WE WILL HEAR
Jesus “will descend from heaven with a shout” (1 Thess. 4:16). Perhaps the Lord will say something similar to the words He spoke when raising Lazarus back to life: “Come forth!” (John 11:43). The voice of the archangel Michael—the leader of the angelic host—and a heavenly trumpet will also be heard, calling the saints to assemble.
WHAT WE WILL SEE
Jesus will descend (Acts 1:11), to be met in the air by newly resurrected deceased saints and then, a moment later, by living believers.
WHAT WE WILL FEEL
Though it’s impossible to know exactly what the experience will be like, we can expect it to be magnificent. We’ll be transformed physically: Unlike our present body, our new form won’t be susceptible to pain, sin, sadness, sickness, or death. And in an instant, we will be brought into the presence of our heavenly Father, to remain with Him for eternity.
It’s not hard to become disheartened by the materialism, selfishness, and hopelessness surrounding us in this world. However, we can encourage one another—and ourselves—with a reminder about Jesus Christ’s return (1 Thess. 4:18). So when hardships get you down, think about this exciting event in your future. The best is yet to come!

Revelation 22:12
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done.

Mark 13:32
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

Hebrews 9:28
So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Revelation 19:11-21
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. ...

Matthew 24:44
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Apostle Paul talks about love and its pre-eminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice (1 Cor. 13:1-3). The apostle then describes the nature of biblical love, which is patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
However, we often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection. One reason is that the godly expression of caring doesn’t come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamour to place self first (1 Cor. 13:5).

A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behaviour. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That’s not what our Lord did—He loved us while we were still sinners, and He forgave us for every transgression (Rom. 5:8; Luke 23:34).

What’s more, it’s easier to point out someone else’s unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps a friend has spoken impatiently and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out the other person’s mistake, but how hard to admit our own. We’re called to love God, as well as those around us (Mark 12:30-31). We’ve received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.

Experiencing the Father’s affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of the greatest joys in the life of a believer. Take time to memorize the attributes of biblical love, and look for ways to practice them in your relationships. In times of stress, think about the list, and let the power of love transform your response.

1 John 4:8
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

Romans 13:9-10
For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

1 John 3:18
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but indeed and in truth.

1 John 4:16
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS

Stevie Wonder may have been less known had he not been afflicted with blindness. Apostle Paul would never have given the world the epistles in the bible. He already had a relationship with God due to his Pharisees upbringing. It taught him to be zealous and passionate. Daniel would have been an unknown entity if not for the Babylonian invasion of Judah and Jerusalem. Through him, the name of the Lord reigned in a foreign land. The same can be said of Joseph sojourn in Egypt.

Affliction may be for our edification and Christian development. Sickness is one of the “all things” which work together for good to them that love God. Don’t resent it. Don’t be embittered by it. God knowns best.

Psalm 37:4-6
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Mark 5:36
But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

IT IS WELL. GOD BLESS