A Day of New Beginnings. Part [12] 01/10/2024 (Evening thought)

John 15: 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abides in the vine no more can you, except you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.

This is particularly true in the spiritual realm, and hence the reason why we must be on full alert, night and day, lest a gradual retrogression imperceptibly takes hold on us, and before you know it, we’re back to square one, or even worse. Persons who were struggling with latent tendencies, deep in the recesses of the mind, and who, by God’s grace were able to make a turnaround, must greatly treasure their new lease on life, for it is a day of new beginnings that should lead to eternal life.

And, as such, being, and staying connected to your Only source of power should be the top priority at all times. Staying connected to Christ is the key to living victoriously, and therefore, whatsoever might be the urgency of the moment, nothing trumps our time with Christ, who alone is able to keep us from falling back into a relapse.

If life permits, many of us will be graced with a day of new beginnings, and like the infirm man in the narrative, we too might have to do mortal battle against our internal, and external foes, of which the internal foes are the most dangerous. The Christian wins his battles on his knees, and therefore, it is of critical importance that we remained plugged in to the source of our power at all times.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

A Day of New Beginnings. Part [11] 01/09/2024 (Morning thought)

2nd Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

In one television ad, a person was featured, exhaling cigarette smoke through a hole in her throat, since the addictive habit, not being overcome, drove her to the point where a Stoma or hole, had to be put in her throat after her larynx had to be removed at the age of 42. In the TV ad cigarette smoke could be seen billowing from the hole in her throat, and, it was then hoped that some poor souls would see it, and reason from cause to effect if haply they might avoid the adverse consequences that can accrue.

There are instances where a relapse can lead to a lot of devastating results, both to oneself, and to one’s family, if the warning Christ once gave to the infirm man goes unheeded. In the battle to lose weight, it becomes increasingly difficult every time one starts a program, and then stops, if and when, returning to the former ways.

In other words, with each relapse, the hurdles and challenges become greater, and ultimately require considerably more effort to overcome than previous attempts. Now, even though we encourage one and all to keep on trying, the facts on the ground point to increasing difficulty, with every relapse.

Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goes he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!