"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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02/05/2024 - 03/05/2024 All day“That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10)
We all crave to be blessed in life. But was there a believer who was so blessed beyond any circumstances without experiencing some sort of discomfort, in one way or another! A person may apparently be blessed in every single way yet have one troubling matter that constantly drives him down to his knees.
The one mightily blessed with riches may have a family situation that leaves him ever on edge. Someone who seems to be at the height of his profession may be living with an ailment that keeps him ever on tentacles. The one blessed with abundant health might from time to time be dealing with financial woes.
Why do such troubling situations plague even believers? One explanation could be found in the Apostle Paul’s life. Called into ministry and endowed with many gifts, including amazing revelations from above, yet he had a matter that constantly drove him on his knees. “Therefore in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me” (2 Cor 12: 7).
Paul would often cry out to God to free him of this particularly troubling matter. But the Lord came back with, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor 12: 9).
The comfort of this lesson is that God is completely aware of whatever might be ever troubling us. Moreover, it could be purposely there, that we constantly place our faith in Him, other than relying on our strength and resources, especially as He blesses us in other uplifting ways.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that whatever matter is constantly troubling me, I know it is for a purpose and you are in total control, to bless me even more, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
