"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way" - Psalm 37:23 (NIV).
Once upon a time for anyone identified as a Born Again Christian it was a taboo to be seen lingering in or around a bar, the kind with all tribes of drinks, busy playing discotheques music. In fact, certain types of music, particularly dance Congolese rumba beats, were a no go area. More importantly, a touch of an alcoholic beverage was an admission of backsliding. It was unheard of for a believer to lift a bottle of beer or touch a glass of wine.
Today, one might find though a more relaxed approach among believers in Christ, leading one to wonder why previous generations were so puritan. Well, there is a story. Many of the early generation of believers had been saved from some of these indulgences. After they accepted Christ they were completely liberated from what for some had become destructive addictions. So, to associate with any of those was to defeat their liberation.
And, besides, some also knew that while they were now liberated by the power of Christ they needed to keep far from old habits since a close and renewed encounter may rewaken that suppressed urge. Just a touch of that old bottle could suddenly render one hopelessly dependent again!
Among the Alcoholic Ananymous groups once one is liberated from alcoholism it is recommended they change living environment. This is because they know the old environment might trigger back the old bad habits. This was also the point of these believers- why start playing with fire again!
Doesn't it make sense! Everyone has certain strength but a worthy point here is unless you know your strength, it is better to keep far away from some of these seductions, just in case. For you never know how far down you may slide the moment you dare!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you who knows my strength, help me avoid such indulgences that may lead me astray and that I do not fall prey to their ravages, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
