FAITH IS ACTION... Hebrews 11:7-16:- Faith is often thought of as a thing we have—a belief in something or someone. But in the Scriptures, faith is more than a passive possession—it’s a firm confidence that results in action. In today’s passage, an action follows every mention of faith. Noah prepared an ark, Abraham obeyed without knowing where he was going, and Sarah confidently anticipated the son God promised. Instead of sitting back, believers should count on God’s promises and act accordingly, as did the men and women listed in Hebrews 11. The Lord accomplished amazing feats through their lives when they believed Him and moved out in obedience. Like a muscle, faith grows the more we put it into action. In this way, believers strengthen their trust in God and His promises, even when they don’t live long enough to see the fulfillment in their lifetime. Are you acting on your faith in God and His Word? When you see a command or warning in Scripture, do you obey it? Are you letting biblical truths about God’s character and power shape your thinking and responses? If so, your faith is growing strong. Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 10-12

LETTING GO OF BAGGAGE.... Hebrews 12:1-3:- If you’ve ever had to carry luggage while running to catch a flight or the bus, you know how difficult and exhausting it can be. Have you considered that the same could be said about carrying baggage from your past into your Christian life? Sometimes the burdens we carry have been with us since childhood—painful experiences during those formative years can have a profound impact, even into adulthood. And things we saw, heard, or felt could negatively affect our spiritual life today. In fact, it’s possible to be unaware of the load because after bearing it for so long, we may have become accustomed to the weight and bulk. Perhaps it even feels normal, but it’s not what the heavenly Father wants for His children. To run with endurance the course God has set for your life, you must lay aside these encumbrances. He can break any lingering unhealthy pattern and replace it with hope and deep satisfaction in Him. As you consider your background and childhood experiences, ask God to reveal the truth clearly. When you recognize ways in which others have had a negative influence, pray the He will give you a forgiving spirit and healing for any wounds that remain. Bible in One Year: 1 Chronicles 28-29

Change your thoughts and you change your world. Every big thing starts small, more often as an idea. Do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. When we face challenging times, we may ask, Why me? But we're told: Don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer. It will prepare you for even greater happiness. Times of testing happen to everyone; it's how we face them that matters. When life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what other great men experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. How can we be glad in times of testing? We can remember that great people experienced inexplicably hard things, and be grateful that God's using our tests to make us more like him. Tests strengthen our faith, purify us, help us grow spiritually and prepare us to do great things. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. After trials, there is always a blessing waiting for us on the other side, so let's thank God for what he's doing in us. This new wave of COVID-19 is devastating. Wear a mask. Avoid crowds. Protect yourself and the people around you. Follow COVID-19 protocols. Stay blessed and have a Splendid day. By Divine Kpetigo ©2021 Copyright Reserved

HOW TO LISTEN TO GOD’S WORD—- It’s amazing how two people can hear the same sermon about the same portion of Scripture and yet walk away with completely different reactions—one could be deeply affected and the other indifferent to the message. Why does this happen? The main reason is the condition of a person’s heart. Nehemiah 8 is an amazing scene of God’s people coming together to hear His Word. They had been in captivity for many years and were hungry for His Word. For most of them, this was the first time they heard the Scriptures. Are you hungry for God’s Word? Do you listen eagerly with an expectant mind and heart? When we genuinely long to know more of the Lord, it’s easier for our mind to focus on what He’s saying—and this is the case whether we’re listening to a pastor or teacher, reading our Bible, or following a book study. So many things clamor for our focus, but nothing is as important as what the Lord has to say. He is worthy of our undivided attention. Remember, Jesus promised that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness would be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). Rest assured that whoever listens to God’s Word with an open heart and alert mind will receive from Him. Glory Hallelujah!

Trust God not just when things are going well, but also in the difficult times. God is looking for men and women of faith!!

WHEN YOUR WORLD IS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN..... JOHN 14. We don’t often receive a warning before our world crashes down around us. Catastrophic events in our life usually come suddenly, leaving us at a loss about how to cope. A spouse walks out, an accident or heart attack takes a loved one, a fire destroys our house—the possible calamities that could befall us are endless. But as believers, we don’t have to live in fear. Today’s chapter contains some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He was crucified. He was warning them that their world was about to be turned upside down. As they struggled to grasp the reality that Jesus was going to die and leave them, they must have thought His instructions sounded impossible: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). But just moments later, Christ gave them the amazing promise that the Holy Spirit would come to indwell, enlighten, and empower them (John 16:5-15). An untroubled heart begins with salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Then it develops further as the Holy Spirit guides us in truth. Therefore, let’s dive into God’s Word and have it imprinted on our heart for the inevitable day when trouble comes.

SAVING TROUBLED FRIENDSHIPS Matthew 5:21-26:- We all want our friendships to last. But each relationship involves two imperfect humans who were born with a sinful nature—that means hurt feelings are bound to happen. And if they go unaddressed, the friendship can be damaged. How do we avoid this common pitfall? First, acknowledge that damage exists. This takes place the moment you say, “Something isn’t right. I’d like for us to find and fix the problem.” It’s helpful to work together to assess how the trouble began—perhaps it resulted from a misunderstanding, an unresolved conflict, one person’s busyness, etc. After recognizing the problem, take responsibility for your part in it. Apologize without justifying your actions or blaming anyone else—doing so shows love and commitment. An apology must be followed up with amends. Ask your friend what specific action you both can take to rebuild the relationship, and then be sure to do it. Repairing a troubled friendship requires humility to admit faults, effort to fix the problem, and time to heal. Instead of waiting until a relationship is in trouble, wise friends will go through these steps as soon as they are aware of having hurt a loved one. Preventative care can soothe minor scrapes before they become serious wounds. Bible in One Year: Nehemiah 8-10

Please let’s get around people who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you! Amen!

My Dear, please let go of what was and have faith in what will be! God has more for you than what was behind you!

1 Corinthians 13: 4 -7 ... Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" May the good LORD give us the grace to walk in the above God kind of love towards one another in Jesus' mighty name.