EXERCISE SELF-CONTROL

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28 King James Bible)

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.(Proverbs 25:28 English Standard Version)

Self-control is the ability of someone to control his/her temperament in the face of challenges and confrontations. Many people will overact when somebody insults or offends them. Road rage is an example of the inability to control one's self. Why would somebody cause injury to another person or property just because somebody crosses them on the road. Are these people insane? Not really! They just snap and fail to exercise self-control. They act irrationally and become chaotic. They are like "a city broken into and left without walls." There is no rule of law. Anything goes attitude. They cannot suppress the self and the animalistic behavior set in. How do you control your anger, hunger, sexual appetite, thought processes, feelings, etc. ? Do you allow them to go beyond control? Are you able to suppress evil and wicked thoughts? When somebody hurts you, do you plan to repay by hurting them?
If you do, you are not exercising self-control. 

Proverbs 16:32 says, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Patience is a virtue that has to be desired. It is a powerful weapon that can be used to defeat, oppose or overcome adverse situations. When you are patient in times of adversities, you are able to think right and to make the right judgments. Patience takes you out of troubles. Before you act, you think through the consequences of your actions. Patience is an attitude that the world has taken for granted. We look at patient people as if they are weak yet this is one of the greatest virtues that one must yearn for. We leave in the fast and drive-through world where we want instant answers and actions for everything. We act quickly and in the end, we end up with more problems to fix. I pray that you will learn to be patient as you face difficult and challenging situations. 

Learn to control your temperaments by stopping, thinking, and acting right. Give yourself time to reflection on your anticipated actions. "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. " (Proverbs 12:16)

Whatever actions you take, ask yourself if it would bring glory to God. May you be that city that has walls that cannot be broken in times of needs and challenges. 

DELAYAL IS NOT DENIAL

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3:8New International Version (NIV)

Once in a while, we must remind ourselves of the fact that God is God and we cannot alter his divine time table. We cannot twist His hands to act in our designated time. He alone decides to perform what He wants in His own time according to His own will. When you pray, ask that the will of God may be done in your life. Allow God to answer your prayer in His own appointed time. Do not hasten Him to answer your prayer. By doing so, you fail to acknowledge that He knows what you need before you even ask. He is a loving God who answers all prayers. The answer to your prayer may appear to have delayed according to your calendar, but to God, it has not delayed. Delayal is not denial!  

A thousand years is like a day to God, and a day is like a thousand years to Him. Nothing is too small or too large for God. He can hasten the answer to your prayers or delay it for your own good. Why does He do that? God assesses the benefit or risk of the request that you make to Him. Fulfilling certain request at a certain time may not be the best for your at that time. It may be reserved for another time when it may be more beneficial to you or others. Some request may be for self gratification which may be contrary to what God wants so he will not honor it. God would only answer prayers that will bring glory to himself. In the John 11, we read of the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus. Jesus delayed for four days before he arrived at the house of Lazarus even though he was informed and he knew about his death ahead of time. He told his disciples that he did this so that the glory of the Lord would be seen and that all everybody will believe that he is Lord. Be patient in prayers, wait on the Lord until he comes through with the answers. 

Be assured that God answers all prayers. It may be yes, no, or wait.

GIVE THANKS TO GOD ALWAYS

Psalm 40

5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speakof them, they are more than can be numbered.

1 Thessalonians 5

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ephesians 1

3 ¶ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

What shall we say unto the Lord today? All we have to say is thank you Lord. God's blessing have been numerous and continuous over the past months of the year. Being alive and well is a gift not to be belittled. Having food and roof over your head is a privilege  one must not overlook. If you are well and you can eat, drink and sleep, thank God! Today is the day that you must pulse and show your gratitude to God. You must make a conscious effort to count your blessings everyday.  Let this be you prayer today: THANK YOU LORD FOR EVERY THING.

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God has done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD!

Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want."

Those that make the Lord the master of their lives will never lack anything that they need for their daily living because he has promised to provide all their needs according to his riches. When the Lord is a shepherd of your life, he guides you through all your endeavors and plans. He leads you beside the still waters in times of troubles and even lays a table before you in the presence of your enemies. The Lord ensures that you are not left in the mist of any calamity without his divine assistance. The sheep that hears the voice of his master and obeys will always find solace in unusual places. There is fullness of joy for those who rely on the Lord. He has promised that, "they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31King James Version (KJV)
Jeus, the good shepherd will ensure that his children will always have the strength to face face the uncertainties in life knowing that they are always winners. His children will always fine the good things in life. They will be the heads and not the tails. They will never give up when the going become tough. They will always be tough to get going. They will have energy to do things that others cannot do or achieve all because they are being lead by the good shepherd. 

You is guiding you today? Is is yourself or a small god? Is your shepherd your money or your friend? I urge you to let Jesus be your shepherd today and he will direct your path. You will never be in lack of wisdom, knowledge, physical riches and spiritual blessings. Pray and ask him to come into your life and take control of it. Accept that he is Lord and he will come into your heart and dwell in you. 

May you experience the Lord in a new way today!

FREE INDEED

^{John 11:43-44}

⁴³ And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

⁴⁴ And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

In John 11, we read about a man called Lazarus, whose sisters were called Mary and Martha. Jesus was a very good friend to them. One day, Lazarus fell sick and died before Jesus was able to get to Him. Jesus delayed for four days before he got to them. This made them quite upset because they believed Lazarus would not have died if he had been there on time. But Jesus did this on purpose so that they would believed that he was sent from God, and that the glory of God would be manifested. In life, when you pray for something, there is sometimes a delay. This delay is not denial. God has an appointed time that He answers prayer so that His name would be glorified. Therefore, be patient and have faith that He who is faithful would definitely provide the solution to your prayers and supplications in due season. We cannot twist the hand of God, but we can trust that He would provide the appropriate answer according to His time table. 

Jesus delayed because He knew what He was going to do. He is the Lord over the dead and the living. Nothing too hard for the Lord, whether in life or in death. He is the resurrection and the life. At His word, Lazarus was restored to life. Today, may the Lord restore any part of your life that is dead and unfruitful to normalcy. Lazarus was set free from the bonds of death. Yes, Jesus is the giver of life so do not fear death. If you are sick of any terminal illness, believe in the healing power in the name of Jesus and you will be restored. At the command and name of Jesus, every knee bows and every tongue confesses him as Lord. He is the Lord of all! When Lazarus came back to life, he still had his hand and feet bounded. Jesus then commanded that they should "loose him, and let him go." Indeed, he that the son sets free, is free indeed. What ever is binding you and preventing you to be fruitful in serving the Lord, I command you to be free today in Jesus' name. You are free from the bondage of sin. Live a life of Holiness and you will enjoy the freedom and joy of the Lord. Be blessed and experience an uncommon favor of the Lord. 

WE MUST ENDURE SUFFERING FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST

2 Corinthians 4:11
For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Philippians 1:29 
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, endured humiliation and suffering while on earth and on the cross. It is no wonder that his followers also suffer the same even in this modern world. He did not give up even to the cross where he was crucified. A man who had no sin became sin for us so that we can be called the righteousness of God. Suffering and persecutions are not new to Christians. Those that prevail in the face of persecution will one day reap the joy of the Lord. He knows your afflictions and he is with you as your go through them. He said that, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
He has promised to be with you in all your tribulation and chastisements. Do not be afraid! Never give up! He will always renew your strength as you wait upon him to guide and direct you in your daily struggles. Persevere to the end and there is a crown of gold laid up above for you. Remember that you are always victorious because Jesus was victorious over sufferings and death. He who had began the good work in you will certainly bring it to the expected end. 

Remain faithful to the end and never renounce your faith in Jesus. He is the only Savior of the world. Your deliverance at the end of ages is assured if you keep trusting in him till the end of the world.

OF EASTER EGGS AND BUNNIES!

All that the Father gives  me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37

God has a purpose for each person on this earth. He knows those who are predestined to be called his children. There are people who will hardened their hearts forever. They will not heed to any call to repent of their sins. They will deny Christ in their hearts and in their deeds. Some will even profess that Jesus is not Christ. As we celebrate Good Friday, which represents the day that Jesus was crucified, I pray that you will acknowledge the fact that Christ died for your sins and paid the price that you should have paid for the atonement of your sins. 

 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)

.You can only benefit from his death and resurrection if you acknowledge him as Lord and master of your life. You may be part of the chosen for the Lord so don't miss out of this privilege. Whoever comes to Jesus, he will no wise cast out. He will welcome you into his fold and dine with you forever in paradise. His is inviting you this very day to come to him just as you are. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. He will wash you and cleanse you of all your unrighteousness. He will call you his own. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts during this Easter week. Let this Easter be meaningful to you. He died to save you from the bondage of sin and to set you free. 

He who the son sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36)

Let this Easter not be about eggs and bunnies!

 It is a serious business about your soul and where you will spend eternity, heaven or hell. 

It is about a savior who shed his blood for your sins. 

It is time for the world to put Easter in the right perspective.

Not eggs and bunnies!