“Those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Therefore, I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

“If the Spirit of God dwells in you, then you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Those who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, will not seek to gratify the desires of the flesh. Therefore, we must always clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against our soul. Those who belong to Christ Jesus, have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” To God be the glory!

“I pray that out of the riches of His glory, He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him, and your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong; and from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight will emerge.”

Too many times when we are facing hardships, we choose to suffer in silence. Why? Because of pride; we are ashamed to let those closest to us, know what we are going through; we forget that there is power in numbers. Scripture reminds us, that, where two or three are gathered in My name and agree about anything we ask for, that it will be done by our Father in heaven. Therefore, whatever you are going through this morning, reach out to someone and ask them to pray with you, to make your petition know to God, and remain confident of his promise, that when you ask it will be given to you, when you seek that you shall find, and when you knock, that the door will be opened to you.

“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, who are we loving more that God? Know that our God is a jealous God! If we want to be followers of God, we must first give up following our own way, take up our cross whatever that may be and follow Jesus.

We can never imagine the length, breadth, height, depth, nor width, of the power of our God. This is how the Lord works, and nothing could be added to it, or taken away from it. “The Lord makes some poor and others rich; he brings some down and lifts others up. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons, pines away. The bow of the mighty is now broken, and those who stumbled are now strong. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order. Therefore, talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.” 1 Samuel:2

Have you ever felt the presence of the Lord in your life? I felt the powerful presence of the Lord in my life, when he placed me in the midst of the valley for eight years. My brothers and sisters in Christ, when the Lord takes hold of us, and the Spirit of the Lord leads us to high mountains and deep valleys, be content where you are; because I know from experience, that the valley is a good place. It is a place where you could find yourself, a place where you could connect with God on a deeper level, and when he brings you out, he will bring you out victoriously. Too many of us find ourselves in deep valleys and on treacherous mountains, and we grumble and complain; but know that the more rebellious you are in the valley, the longer your stay will be. Learn to be content where you are. God has a plan and a purpose for your life and mine.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us not just pretend to love others; but love one another genuinely. We must hate what is wrong, and hold fast to what is good. It’s amazing, how many of us claim to have friends and family whom we love, and still, intentionally hurt them. We are not happy when they excel at anything, we are not encouraging; instead, we try to tear each other down, instead of building them up. Scripture reminds us, that love does no harm to his neighbor, love does not keep records of wrong, love does not dishonor others, loves does not envy or boast, love is not selfish and that love heals all wounds. My brothers and sisters in Christ, he who does not love, do not know God, for God is love.

I don’t know if you believe that your time has come to arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you; but in these difficult times, many of us have experienced what seems like darkness in our lives, we are wondering what could be next, but Scripture reminds us not to lose heart, because even though deep darkness covers the earth, the Lord will rise over you and over me, that his glory will be upon us, that our hearts will swell with joy, and that nations shall come to our light, and kings to the brightness our rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see!

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. I am in love with my garden and I know I spend a lot of time in my garden, sowing, watering, weeding; but for every beautiful flower or ripened fruit I enjoy, I give God the glory and praise, for without his aid nothing moves. Thank you, Lord!