Author: James Cheef Wright

15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof, but he that doeth the will of God, abideth forever.

Why God Warns About the World’s Influence

Scripture teaches that the god of this world is Satan. This does not mean that he is equal to Yahweh, but that he has temporary influence over the fallen earth — especially over the unbelieving. He is the author of the pride and lust that leads to covetousness and envy. Desire becomes an appetite the more the eyes behold, because just as he tempted Jesus with the kingdoms of the world, he tempts those in the world to live like kings — often far beyond their means.

God wants his children to have abundant lives. After all, the riches of the world belong to Him, and He gives them for our enjoyment. But idol worship is just as real today as it was in the day of the golden calf — and throughout many generations of Israels history. John chose his words wisely when he warned us to not love the “things” of the world. Inanimate objects, strange as it may seem, can have an effect that resembles infatuation. As believers we love the people God created and we love Him, because God is love and His love flows through His children. But it is impossible to feel God’s love from a material object. Material items cannot return affection, offer comfort, or possess a Spirit that testifies with our spirit. Only God can do those things.

The Danger of Misplaced Affection

“Love not the world“, because the world is driven by three forces: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — and these three work together to pull us away from God. Paul reminds us that “the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh” (Galatians 5:17). This is the ongoing spiritual warfare that believers face in the form of temptation. The appetite of the flesh is fed by what the eyes see. Through the eyes, our pleasure points are triggered. This is why Jesus says, “Whosoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

Jesus was not condemning attraction, but the sin of lust. Lust begins with what the eyes see, takes root in the mind, and settles in the heart, empowering the flesh. David lived this reality when his eyes were drawn to Bathsheba while she bathed. What began as a moment of admiration became a seed of desire and possession. When the eye moves from simply admiring God’s creation to desiring to possess it, lust is at work.

Possession leads to a prideful life because it takes credit for what was received from God and attributes it to the work of the possessor. The prideful heart only sees what is in front of it and is incapable of seeing who God is — the Protector and the Provider. When lust and pride blind us from the Protector and Provider. When lust and pride blind us from the God who protects and provides, we become vulnerable to the god of this world — the one we must not love because he does not love us. His only aim is to steal us from our Heavenly Father, kill the eternal life God has promised His children, and destroy our time on earth — one lust-driven desire after another. The world and its cravings provide satisfaction for a short time but leave the soul empty continually. Only those that do the will of God abide forever.

God’s Jealousy: Protection Not Envy

God Himself tells us that He is a jealous God, (Exodus 20:5; Exodus 34:14). The Hebrew word translated “jealous” is qanna’ and it has a much deeper meaning than its English counterpart. It does not describe the petty envy toward a rival or the insecurity of a lover afraid of losing affection. Qanna’ expresses the fierce, protective zeal God has for His people — a holy passion that refuses to let evil separate His children from Him.

Time after time the Hebrews practiced idolatry, the Israelites joined themselves to pagan lifestyles and women as Solomon did, and Jewish leaders created laws that focused the people on religion instead of God. And time after time, God’s discipline was followed by the removal of pagan gods and rituals — even the total destruction of entire cultures — and ultimately the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. All of these actions by God reveal the deep zeal He has to protect His children from the evils of this fallen world.

Just as God Doesn’t Change, Neither Have We

Unfortunately, we today are not unlike the Hebrews, the Israelites, or the Jewish leaders of the first century. Paul points us to the Old Testament in 1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” Yet believers still join themselves with unbelievers, ignoring the warning of 2 Corinthians 6:14. And again, Paul provokes us to examine ourselves when He asks in 2 Corinthians 6:15, “What harmony has Christ with the devil, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?”

Just as the words of the Old Testament prophets fell on many deaf ears, and the instructions of the New Testament were ignored by many in the early church, today they still are.

Jesus in the Flesh: Not for His Experience, but for Our Example

This is why in Matthew 11:29, Jesus says “Learn of me“. Jesus did not take on the form of the flesh to simply understand the temptations and emotions mankind faces so that He could become a compassionate High Priest to God’s children. He already knew. He was in Heaven when pride seized Satan and the war that followed resulted in the casting down of Lucifer and the angels who followed him. He watched as Satan influenced Eve to doubt God’s instructions, and how Eve in turn influenced Adam to sin. He witnessed the satanically-provoked envy that took root in Cain before he killed Abel. He saw in real time the provocation of the Hebrews in the wilderness that led to a forty-year journey and the death of an entire generation before entering the Promised Land.

Jesus came so that humanity could learn from Him, and through learning His ways and following Him, be redeemed and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. His healing miracles and casting out of demons show reveal the physical, emotional, and spiritual cost of mankind’s fall to sin. His compassion rooted in love, His righteous indignation toward injustice, His weeping when feeling the pain of Mary, His humility when washing the disciples’ feet as a servant — Jesus took on flesh to give us living examples of what it means to be righteous, holy, and godly. These are the attributes that lead to eternal life with the Father, and the reason we are called to follow Jesus and become Christlike.

The words of the prophets and the instructions of the New Testament could not penetrate the human condition deeply enough to keep the heart aligned with God. But Jesus in the flesh, experiencing our weaknesses without sin, showed us that even in a fallen world, it is possible to align our hearts with God and walk in His ways.

The Pride Born in Heaven Became Sin on Earth

Whether through the words of the prophets, the instructions of the New Testament apostles, or the teachings of Jesus Himself, Scripture reveals a common thread — the seeds of sin are planted in the mind and rooted in the flesh, drawing humanity to what is contrary to God. The flesh seeks immediate satisfaction, while the Holy Spirit looks to lead the believer back to the glory that was lost. That glory is so precious that sharp discernment is required to abide in God’s will and receive eternal life.

The pride of Lucifer may have been born in heaven, but the sin that made him Satan now roams the earth as a mind-ravaging spirit. This is why we are called to follow the example of Christ in the flesh. Compassion, humility, and righteous indignation are the breeding grounds for love — and When love is the foundation, a sin-filled life cannot take root.

Scriptures to Align the Heart With God’s Will

Matthew 12:50 – The Call to Belong to God’s Family

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.

1 John 2:5 – The Call to Keep His Word

But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

Galatians 5:25 – The Call to Walk by the Spirit

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Hebrews 2:1-4 – The Call to Focus on Jesus and Not Drift from God

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

For if the word spoken through the angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,

how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard

God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

James 1:8 – The Call to Single-Minded Devotion

A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.

A Prayer to Say Focused on God and Resist Drifting

Father God in Heaven, Your creations bring endless beauty into this fallen world. But along with that beauty come the distractions of this evil age, intent on pulling my heart away from You. I pray for the strength to admire and enjoy what you give me without craving to possess what is not meant for me. Teach me to see Your love in You have made, without pridefully seeking the short-lived satisfaction the world offers. Keep my heart anchored in You, and let my desires reflect Your will for me. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.

Trinitarian Benediction

As you navigate this fallen world, may you see through the single-minded eye of Christ Jesus. May your heart be rooted in the will of God, never drifting. And may the Holy Spirit be the strength that empowers you to overcome the flesh.

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13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

It is both common and good to memorize Scripture. Sometimes we need verses at the ready in order to give glory to God in moments of celebration. Other times we lean on them for our own strength, or to instill strength in others. In fact, throughout the Bible, we are reminded to ground ourselves by meditating on and living according to the Word of God.

Yet even unbelievers quote — and misquote — some of the most popular verses in the Bible. Phrases like “Money is the root of all evil” or “An eye for an eye” are repeated everywhere yet are among the most misquoted and taken out of context. Believers are not immune to this — but the effects can be long lasting and unintended. For the Christian, misquoting or taking Scripture out of its intended context can lead to a weakening of faith, lack of trust in God’s Word, and in the worst-case scenario, lead to a complete falling away.

When Scripture is misunderstood or made to mean what the human experience wants it to mean, false expectations are formed. Beliefs become anchored in promises God never made. And when those expectations collapse, high hopes come crashing down — not because God failed, but because His Word was never understood as He intended. Often the Father is blamed when the child never truly knew God’s heart.

Another glaring issue is the challenge of translating Hebrew and Greek to English. Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament. Sometimes English does not always have a word for what the original text expressed. Other times, English requires the order of the original words to be rearranged so the sentence flows in a way English is naturally spoken. This is where the phrase “lost in translation” becomes more than a cliché: it becomes a reality that can twist or dilute what the text was meant to convey. This is partly the case with Philippians 4:13. Another issue is taking Paul’s words out of the context of struggle-to-strength, and instead placing them into the realm of promise and personal achievement.

Most English translations read “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The original Greek order is, “All things I can do“, and this makes a profound difference. The Greek reflects a posture of endurance through struggle. The English translation carries a posture of personal ambition. Personal ambition sets unrealistic expectations — but endurance through struggle is the true power and strength Christ provides — a strength that often enables us to meet or exceed our own expectations.

Now that we understand the original order and posture of Paul’s words, we can further extract what he meant by “all things.” Rarely does a single verse or phrase in Scripture stand on its own: the surrounding text is usually required to fully grasp the weight of what is written. Philippians 4:13 is no exception. The meaning of all things only becomes clear when read within Paul’s conversation about being content in hardship.

Philippians 4:11 says, “for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” The phrase “I am” in verse 11 naturally leads into “I can” in verse 13. If we were to lace verses 11 and 13 together, Paul’s thought could actually be expressed this way: “for I have learned in whatsoever state I am… I can do.” His ability to “do” in verse 13 flows directly from his contentment in verse 11. The strength he speaks of is not for selfish ambition, but for personal endurance through struggles and circumstances he’s in.

Now let’s take a look at what “all things” are. In verse 3, he speaks of the women who “labored in the Gospel” with him — a reference to spreading and living the Gospel. In verse 8, he instructs the Philippians to think on things that are “true, just, pure, lovely, have virtue and are worthy of praise.” But it is verse 12 that most scholars and theologians agree defines the “all things” of verse 13. In it Paul writes:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Here is where we see the true posture of endurance through circumstances, not the pursuit of selfish ambitions. Paul’s “all things” are not achievements, goals, or dreams — but they are a wide range of experiences he has endured by depending on Christ’s strength within himself.

We are given the essence of “through Christ who strengthens me.” With the correct understanding, Paul’s thought could fully be expressed this way: “I can endure all circumstances I find myself in, through the strength I have in Christ.” Given the size limitations of the parchment his letters were written on — and the fact that much more thought was given to the context of writings back then compared to now, there was no need to oversimplify what would have been clear to his original readers.

We must remember that Paul nor any of the other writers of scripture wrote to an audience thousands of years in the future — nor were their thoughts interrupted by chapter and verse divisions. They wrote to people who shared their language, understood their culture, was familiar with the struggles of their era. Their readers instinctively understood the text — something we tend to lose when we lift a single verse out of its original setting.

God’s promises never fail, and the inspiration given to the writers of scripture needs no new clarification in order to fit our culture. We must, however, adapt our culture in order for Scripture to be effective in our lives. This does not mean so-called “going back to the Stone Age” or abandoning technology that defines our generation. Technology advances every generation and creates a culture around that technology. What doesn’t change is the human condition — and that is what makes Scripture relevant, powerful, and effective today.

When you read Scripture, give to it the thought and patience it deserves. “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” is a helpful acronym for the Bible because it reminds us that we are reading an instruction manual. One with a wealth of wisdom that does not promise a life free of struggle, pain, or affliction — yet offers peace, prosperity, and patience in the midst of them. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Scripture, with the correct understanding, gives life — and an abundant life.

Amen.

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12. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
13. But exhort one another while it is called today, unless any of you be hardened through deceitfulness of sin.

For decades — perhaps even centuries — Christians have practiced their faith by going to church on Sunday. This has been the primary way many acknowledge God. And truth be told, the sermon has often replaced the personal reading of Scripture. Rightfully so, Jesus is proclaimed as Lord and Savior from the pulpit, and in the congregation — with choirs and musicians leading worship in song. All of this is good and should be done.

But when you peer between the lines of Scripture, you find that the phrase “brothers and sisters in Christ” is more than just words — unlike the feeling the words have today. In many churches, once the service is over, congregations go their separate ways with little thought of those they were just worshiping with. In contrast, the New Testament writers reinforce the bond that followers of Christ should share.

• Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
• Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
• Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love

These verses show that unity, encouragement of one another, and expressions of love are commandments inspired by the Spirit of God. Commandments given not to brag and boast of one’s commitment to Christ, but to ensure that our faith remains strong against falling away, and that the Spirit within us rises above the flesh when temptation comes.

The phrase “Take heed” in Hebrews 3:13 isn’t as gentle as it sounds in English. The Greek word is “blepo” and it is a strong warning to “see to it“, to be vigilant and watchful “lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Every New Testament writer understood the dangers believers faced, and their writings illustrate the opposition to those that followed Christ. There was persecution that often led to imprisonment or death. Jews that didn’t believe Jesus to be the Messiah and encouraged Christ following Jews to return to Judaism — even encouraging Gentiles that followed Christ to instead follow Jewish customs. There were also those who worshiped pagan gods or no god at all. The early Christians no doubt needed each other to remain firm in their faith after the ascension of Jesus.

Although the writer of Hebrews is unknown, what is known is their deep connection to the early Church, and their understanding of the weakness of the flesh in a society driven by sin. It was not unlike the time of Judges 17:6 when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Although we live in a far more developed world today, the threat of temptation has not changed. That is why the command “But exhort one another while it is called today, unless any of you be hardened through deceitfulness of sin” is as relevant today as it was in the first century.

Christ is the head of the Church body, and no believer stands alone. Unity makes the Gospel strong in the places where sin loves to thrive. The English term exhort comes from the Greek parakaleo which means to urge, to call alongside, to encourage, or to strengthen. We are commanded to encourage and strengthen each other’s faith so that no heart becomes hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. We are to exhort one another not just to avoid sin — but to help our brothers and sisters through the darkness of depression, the weight of anxiety, and to provide peace over anger. Just as Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ.“

Christians should cultivate faith-based relationships that grow by gathering together in our homes for Bible study, prayer, and even simple social opportunities that allow us to leave the world behind for a few hours — or even a day or weekend. Instead of arguing and debating on social media about the differences in interpretation of Scripture, we should embrace those differences and recognize that often times interpretations are shaped by personal experience. We must stop relying solely on the organized church and its buildings to practice our faith and learn Scripture. When believers act as the Church, faith becomes stronger in the community, and the community itself becomes stronger. It is our responsibility to make uprightness the norm by living righteous lives through faith and encouraging the same in our brothers and sisters.

Proverbs 27:17 reminds us “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This is every Christian’s call to faith-based duty to strengthen the Church, spread the Gospel, and ensure the stability of the brothers and sisters beside them. A duty rooted in righteousness and shaped by every holy-inspired Word of Scripture. When we walk in spiritual discernment, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our paths become enlightened instead of stumbling in the darkness. These are the steps that guard our hearts and help us to avoid “departing from the living God.”

Father God in Heaven, we pray that the Church grows stronger in spiritual wisdom, individually in the Gospel, and together as the body of Christ. Lead us into fellowship willingly, not out of duty. Let none be ashamed of the faith nor the calling to discipleship. Let your glory shine everywhere darkness loves to reign. In Christ Jesus’ Name. Amen.

19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
20. Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you: and loe, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 is clear — but do modern translations give many believers an incomplete or even incorrect understanding of what He meant? And if so, could Christians unintentionally be falling short of what it means to follow Christ? To fully understand Jesus’ words, we must lean on the original Greek text.

One of the most noticeable differences between the Greek text and some English translations is this: the word “make” is not in the Greek text.

So Jesus could not have said “go and make disciples of all nations.” Furthermore, you cannot turn a nation into a disciple. This English translation is not only confusing, but also not linguistically nor practically possible. But, for the English lexicon, along with the authority given to the disciples, adding the word make, makes it make sense.

Jesus did say, “Therefore having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you.” Here we see the challenge the translators faced — the Greek phrasing that states, “disciple all nations”, which sounds confusing in English. We are back at the same problem — you cannot turn a nation into a disciple.

But the King James translators resolved this by understanding the use of the Greek word matheteúsate (“disciple”) and translating it correctly into English. They recognized that disciple is being used as a verb meaning teach. Jesus was not referring to people as disciples in this phrase — He was referring to the act of discipling, the act of teaching. He was telling His followers to go and teach — to instruct or train people from every nation in the way of Christ by guiding them into His truth, helping them grow a desire to obey everything He commanded.

It is also worth noting that “mathétés” is the noun form of the word disciple, and it simply means learner or pupil. The Twelve should be held in high regard because Jesus chose them to walk closest to Him. But we should not disregard the fact that they were still learners of His way, just like the other 70 that were sent out on missions, and like those of us that follow Him today. Like us, they were sinners, and they stumbled to follow Him like we do today. They were learning the same Word we are learning, and teaching the same truth we teach — ordinary people following an extraordinary Savior, just as we do today.

I fear that modern translations have made many Christians feel unworthy of the exact duty that Jesus commands all of His followers to fulfill — not because they lack spiritual understanding, but because wording and teaching makes them believe they must “make disciples” in a way that makes them feel unqualified. Jesus knows every believer is a worthy disciple, fully capable of teaching His way as they learn from Him — just as the Twelve did. Jesus simply called them to teach His way. And this is one of the very reasons the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer: to lead us to the truth, remind us of who we are in Christ, and to empower us to be models to others as we grow in Christ ourselves.

Paul warned to not be taken captive by “vain philosophies” in Colossians 2:8 — wise-sounding theology that often overshadows the simplicity of Scripture. Yet today, equal if not greater authority is given to theological systems built by men such as Calvin (Calvinism) or Arminius (Arminianism). Such philosophies, have in many instances twisted Scriptures and made them feel beyond common understanding. And when human philosophies rise to the level of Scripture, God’s Word can feel distant or too complicated to comprehend. This can lead believers into false teachings or away from the Word entirely.

Does this mean we should eliminate preachers, pastors, ministers, and theologians? God forbid! Preachers with the gift to deliver messages that form the foundation of a believer’s week are priceless — when those messages are rooted in Scripture. Pastors who nurture spiritual growth can be vital to both a church and its community. The guidance, structure, and care provided by ministers is a special gift of its own. And theologians that can bring understanding to Scripture are necessary.

But the disciple is one who reflects the church as the body of Christ, outside of and beyond the church building — not just on Sunday’s, but every day. A disciple walks like Christ at home, work, in public, and in their relationships. Others sense the love of Jesus in them, hears the truth of Jesus from them, and see the character and integrity of Jesus in them wherever they go. Just like church leaders — but without the obligation to the church organization. A disciple’s identity is simply a follower of Christ, and is not tied to a pulpit, program, or ministry schedule.

Jesus called all who followed Him disciples. The challenge for them remains the same for us today — to continue learning from Him, and to apply what we are learning to how we live. We are all New Testament disciples once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and yield to His ways. And as His disciples we are expected to provoke others to emulation through both teaching and example. This is exactly what Jesus did with His earthly ministry: He carried out the instructions of the Father, and we are given the same instructions because we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. Amen

12. Who can understand his errors? Cleans thou me from secret faults.
13. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, and my redeemer.

Understanding Presumptuous Sin and Why David Prayed Against It

Jesus taught us to acknowledge the Father with the disciples’ prayer. Paul taught the early church to pray for spiritual wisdom and for love among brothers and sisters in Christ. David’s prayers in the Psalms cover a wide range of emotional and spiritual needs, but in Psalm 19 his focus is on being cleansed from sin — and in particular, from presumptuous sins. But what exactly does David mean by “presumptuous sins”? How do they differ from any other sins? And should believers today be concerned about committing them?

Believers should always be concerned about committing sin, no matter what label is attached to it. Not because we are under the law as David was, but because we are created in the image of God, and are called to live righteously in Christ Jesus. Psalm 19:12 gives us a true sense of Jesus’ words in Matthew 26:41: “The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.” We all encounter moments of weakness when we can physically feel the tension between our spirit and our flesh as we fight not to give in to the flesh. And when we do give in, we often do not understand the error in our judgment. Ironically, Matthew 26:41 begins with the words “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” — temptation being the entrance to sin, and prayer being the defense against it.

Psalm 19:12 also prompts us to hearken to the words of Paul in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” David is asking God, “what man can understand the errors of his own ways?” Although separated by centuries, David recognizes the same exact struggles Paul describes — having a spirit aligned with God’s law, but flesh that is sinful by its very nature. The exact same struggles that we face today, some 2,000 years after Paul’s writing.

The Hebrew Meaning of “Presumptuous Sins”

Verse 13 shows David’s understanding that God is all-knowing and his willingness to be fully vulnerable — spiritually “naked” before Him. In the original Hebrew, the words “presumptuous things” are not used. The proper English translation is “from proud things.” The single Hebrew word for this translation is miz-zê-ḏîm, the plural form of the word zêḏ, which means arrogant or proud. With this in mind, we understand that “presumptuous sins” are willful acts of disobedience committed against God’s law — sins fueled by pride and arrogance, exactly as the Hebrew text suggests. David is acknowledging that a prideful heart leads to sin and risks falling away from God — what he calls “the great transgression.” But a humble heart is one that seeks God, aligns with Him, and finds righteousness.

Seeing Sin as God Sees It

What God considers sin is often much different from what we believe to be sin. As such, there are times when we are not even conscious of our sins. This may be what David is referring to when he writes, “Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” A clearer understanding might be, “Declare me innocent of sins I am unaware of.” It also has to be considered that David may be asking forgiveness of sins only known to him and God — faults known to the Lord but may never be known by others.

Throughout Scripture we are taught to be mindful of our tongues, to speak with clean conversation, and to guard the thoughts of our hearts. In this way, as followers of Christ, we become examples of what being Christ-like looks like — and this is acceptable to God. How fitting that David closes his prayer with words that echo this very truth: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

All sin begins in the thoughts of our hearts, and proverbial fires are kindled by the sparks of our tongues. Proverbs 23:7 teaches us, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so he is.” And Jesus warns us in Matthew 12:36, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” These two verses strike at the very heart of the origin of sin — how we are shaped by thoughts we dwell on, and the weight and gravity of what we choose to speak — both inwardly and outwardly.

David’s Psalms embody the meaning of God’s words “A man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22), and Psalm 19:12-14 is no exception. In this passage we learn that pride and arrogance often lie at the root of sins we are aware of, and that there are sins we are not aware of. We see that we can pray for protection from a prideful heart and ask forgiveness for the sins we do not recognize. And when these are our prayers, the Lord is faithful to strengthen us, cleanse us, and redeem us.

3. Jesus answered, and said Verily, verily I say unto the, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

Two questions many Christians find the most difficult to answer are, “what does it mean to be born again“, and “are you born again?” Even Nicodemus — a well-educated and highly regarded Pharisee — could not grasp the meaning of what Jesus meant when He told him, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus responded to Jesus with utter confusion, stating, “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4).

Perhaps the misunderstanding goes back to not fully grasping the command and consequence God gave to Adam in Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eat eat thereof, thou shalt surely die.” While the physical process of the body dying may have begun once Adam and Eve ate of the tree, God clearly did not mean immediate physical death. We know this because Adam lived to be 930 years old. Although though Eve’s lifespan is not stated, we can assume it was similar.

Here we see a powerful revelation that forms one of the main themes of Scripture: “You will surely die” refers to spiritual death — the separation of humanity from God’s Spirit. And “being born again” is the restoration of that life through the Son, the second Adam, who came so we might regain eternal life.

Just as God is triune — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — His children are triune as well, consisting of soul, spirit, and body. A person’s spirit remains dead until they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and believe in their heart the Gospel: that He died, was buried, and rose again on the the third day. Until a person believes the Gospel, their spirit remains dead in sin.

This is what Paul reveals in Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin: and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” And in Romans 5:17 contrasting spiritual death with eternal life, “For if by one mans offense, death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”

So what exactly does it mean to be born again? “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Being born again is the birth of your spirit. You are no longer a slave to sin — your spirit becomes stronger than your flesh as you become a servant to God, led by His Holy Spirit (Romans 6:20-23). Though this is a spiritual birth, it does show in your physical essence. Foul language gives way to clean conversation. Fornication feels empty. Addictions lose their stronghold and are exchanged for sobriety. Carnal anger fades and is turned into righteous indignation toward the same ungodly things you once found pleasure in.

Being born again does not force you to change your ways — it creates a desire to do so. This is what Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3:8, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” It also does not mean you won’t ever sin again, but when you do stumble, the Holy Spirit will convict you, and you correct your course quicker.

Without the Holy Spirit, mankind’s understanding remains limited to the natural realm — spiritual things cannot be understood (1 Corinthians 2:14). This is why, without being born again, the Bible is difficult for many to understand. Jesus explained this to His disciples in John 14:26, “But the comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have told you.”

Once a believer is able to discern spiritual things “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). The Holy Spirit becomes not only our companion, but both Teacher and Witness — dwelling within us, revealing truth and confirming our identity.

This is the core of what Jesus was explaining to Nicodemus in John 3:3, “except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Not church attendance, not giving long prayers, or even being able to quote a few scriptures — none of these will give you entrance into the Kingdom of God. Only by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, believing in your heart the Gospel truth that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose on third day, can you be born again and receive eternal life.

From Old to New Testament, Scripture is clear about what is acceptable to God and what is not. He does not expect perfection — in fact, He knows that before we discover our spiritual selves, we will be dead in sin. Perhaps this is why Scripture teaches us that the natural comes before the spiritual, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:46, “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual: but that which is natural, and afterward that which is spiritual.”

When Jesus chose His disciples, He did not choose from religious leaders. He chose men in their natural state — sinners, fisherman and tax collectors — even choosing Mary Magdelene after casting our demonic spirits from her. Jesus gave the pathway to life when he said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).

Father God in Heaven, I thank you — not for the things You have given me in my natural life, but for making me a new creation in Christ Jesus and giving me eternal life. Your love for me would not leave my spirit dead or allow me to remain a slave to sin. You sacrificed your Son and raised Him to life again so that I too may have eternal life with You. I am forever grateful, and I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen

The Apostle Paul: From Persecutor to Prayer Warrior

Although Paul was not one of the twelve disciples, nor was he one of the seventy-two Jesus sent out on missions to minister, his zeal for following Jesus Christ is unparalleled. He openly admitted that he had been the chief sinner and, as a Pharisee, the chief persecutor of those who followed Christ. Yet after being chosen by Jesus, Paul became one of the greatest examples of what it means to be born again. If Paul were alive today, he would rightly be called a prayer warrior.

His affection for prayer gives us one of the shortest verses in the Bible: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He taught us to let our requests be made known to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). It was Paul who instructed followers of Christ to pray for all people — including political leaders — because when society is at peace, the Gospel can spread more freely (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But what is it about Paul’s prayers in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians that align them with the will of God — and can do the same for us today?

Why Modern Prayers and Expectations are Not Aligned With God’s Will

Paul shows that prayer forms the foundation of the church — the body of Christ — by opening each of the aforementioned epistles with prayer. Regardless of the issues that prompted his letters to these churches, even though verse divisions were not a part of the original letters, we see that each begins with Paul praying. This shows how important he felt prayer was in correcting the course of a congregation. The modern church teaches that prayers should be made in order to correct the course of a person’s life, it even teaches to pray for others. But there is a stark contrast to today, and what we see in Paul’s prayers.

Modern prayer takes “making requests known to God” and with it forms the foundation of prayer — asking for material things. Turning the promise that “God will supply all your needs through His riches in Christ Jesus”, into a service, rather than receiving it as a gift of grace. Another prayer that is common today is the “why me” prayer. Even though scripture teaches that trials, tribulations, and afflictions will come, many believers still find it strange when they do. Much worse, wavering faith has become common when prayers are not answered according to personal expectation. But if all of God’s promises are true, why aren’t more prayers met with the expectations they are made with?

Paul Prayed for Spiritual Enlightenment, Godly Discernment, and Christlike Love

The answer is shockingly simple. Paul’s prayers are faith centered — driven by a desire to understand God, learn to be Christ like, and effortlessly receive God’s promises to His children. In Ephesians 1:17-19 he prays “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”

When you pray for spiritual wisdom (James 1:5), the Holy Spirit can enlighten you to God’s will for your life — “the hope of His calling.” Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13). God has a plan for each of His children, and He provides them with the gifts needed to fulfill that plan. Rooted faith is what positions us to receive “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” — the glory of God shining through the child of God. Not works. Not wishful thinking. Faith aligned with God’s will.

In Philippians 1:9-11 Paul prays, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge, and in all judgment. That ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere, and without offense till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God.”

This aligns perfectly with the will of God because, God is love. Jesus even commands His followers to love each other as He loves them (John 13:34). When we pray to learn how to love — and that love begins to grow in us — we naturally start producing the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faith, meekness, temperance. These traits keep us from being offensive, angry, or easily stressed. And when these traits emanate from us, others are far less likely to be offensive, angry, and stressful toward us.

Judgment in this prayer is not the judgment of people or situations. Instead, it refers to the judgment we use in our everyday lives when we make decisions. Paul is praying that the Philippians would make choices rooted in love — just as we are called to do today. When our decisions flow from love for God, love for others, and even a healthy love for ourselves as God’s creation, we make choices that we are far less likely to regret later. Decisions that may not please everyone, but they will align with God — and that alignment is what produces sincerity, purity, and the “fruits of righteousness” Paul speaks of.

Are not these the exact traits most people seek for their own lives?

Why Praying for Spiritual Wisdom, Understanding, and Love Aligns Your Heart With God’s Will

Colossians 1:9-12 encompasses all of the previous prayers, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness.”

Although Paul prayed these prayers to those he ministered to, he was also instructing them on what to pray for themselves — and we too should pray in the same way — for spiritual wisdom, understanding, and love. Spiritual wisdom to discern the path God has prepared for us, that we may receive our blessings and hearts desires. We pray for spiritual understanding so we can learn God’s ways and grow to be Christ like. And we pray for love, so that by producing the fruit of the Spirit, others see God shining through us.

Timeless Prayers in a Temporal World

We do not need to pray for God to give us material things in this temporal world that He has already provided for us in the spiritual realm. Instead, we pray for the spiritual wisdom and guidance to manifest what He has already promised. When our prayers align with His will, His blessings unfold in our lives, effortlessly by walking in the Spirit.

Paul’s prayers are timeless and remain spiritually relevant to the believer’s walk with Christ today. Through them we learn to petition God for peace in times of tribulation, for love to be rooted in our hearts, and for strength in Christ during seasons of adversity.

A Prayer for Spiritual Enlightenment

Father God in Heaven, I thankfully pray for all that You are and how wonderfully and fearfully You made me to be. I pray that my heart grows in love so that in me You are seen. I pray that my spiritual understanding deepens giving me greater understanding of Your ways, and into Christ Jesus who lives in me. I pray for abounding wisdom in Your Word and into your path for my life, so that I may be a good and faithful servant, and a blessing to others. In Christ Jesus name I pray. Amen

14. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?
15. And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he with an infidel.

Yoke: A Word Rarely Used Today, Yet Rich With Meaning for the Believer

In Paul’s day farming was a well-respected and essential way of life. Eating from the land wasn’t taken for granted as it is today, so it was common practice to use farming metaphors when teaching spiritual truths. In fact, the word “yoke” appears 49 times in the Bible, showing that who the children of God attach themselves to is of great importance to Him. Jesus has specific instructions about His own yoke in Matthew 11:29-30 stating, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What we read as the New Testament was not written at the time of Paul’s ministry. When Jesus spoke of His yoke, Paul was still a pharisee so it is unlikely that he would have heard or respected any of Jesus’ teachings. This just adds weight to the significance of the yoke as a metaphor for the believer. It is a picture God intentionally preserved — one the Holy Spirit inspired writers to use across scripture, to teach His people how to walk in unity with Him.

When two oxen are “unequally yoked” there is a shorter or weaker ox teamed with a taller or stronger ox. The shorter or weaker ox slows down the two, even leading them to walk in circles instead of moving forward. In the same, way the unbeliever acts as a counterbalance to the faith of the believer. Being unequal spiritually is what Paul is warning against, not stature or strength. Unequally yoked spiritually leads to confusion, frustration, misunderstanding, and misdirection.

Interaction is Unavoidable, but Unions Can Be Costly

It is impossible to avoid interacting with unbelievers; they are in our workplaces, communities, online spaces, and even in the social gatherings believers attend. Lukewarm believers can find themselves thinking and acting like unbelievers without even realizing it. So while the unbelievers will be among us until the end of the age, it remains our duty to protect our faith by limiting the influence we allow them to have over us. Building close relationships with unbelievers risks being subtly led into sin. Gradually, the norms of the world begin to feel acceptable. “Jesus turned water into wine” becomes the justification that leads from casual to excessive drinking. “Try it before you buy it” becomes the excuse for fornication. Believers do stumble and commit sin, but being yoked together with unbelievers increases the danger of drifting into a sin-filled life.

Light cannot fellowship with darkness because of the power its gravity holds in this fallen world. The god of this world is Satan, and he uses unbelievers to spiritually blind those who are not firmly rooted in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). God has commanded the light to shine out of darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6), but for the believer’s light to shine onto the unbeliever does not require communion with them. It means that in our interactions, the way we carry ourselves and live our lives should influence them toward Christ. Light shines and can influence from a distance. Darkness, however, does not illuminate; it must draw its subject close in order to exert influence.

Light has nothing in common with darkness, Christ has nothing in common with Belial — a name meaning “worthlessness” referring to Satan himself. Just as Jesus separated Himself from the ways of Satan, God’s children must separate themselves from the ways of this world. We are commanded to form no union with the ungodly — this is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

Unholy Unions Lead to Discipline and Chastisement From God

The moral infrastructure that forms the foundation for the unbeliever is built on a completely different framework than that which forms the beliefs of the child of God. Forming a union with the ungodly will undoubtedly shake the framework your foundation is built on — leading to losses that only a complete course correction can regain. It is the kind of spiritual detour that requires being grafted back in again (Romans 11:23) — and the spiritual discipline and chastisement that comes with that process is no small matter. I speak from experience.

Choose your unions wisely and ask God for wisdom when forming them. This covers romantic relationships, friendships, and even business partnerships. When it comes to family, although we cannot choose them, we can choose to distance ourselves from family members who are not Christ-centered. Do not overlook ungodly ways for the sake of family ties — risking separation from God. Following Christ is not a walk handed down automatically from generation to generation, though a Christ-centered upbringing can be a powerful influence. This is why we must teach the young among us to follow Christ, not only with our words but expressed in the way we live. Our example becomes the yoke they learn to walk under.

Father God in Heaven, although I am surrounded by unbelievers in this world, Your light shines through their darkness, giving me the hope of the promise of your Kingdom — the inheritance I have received through your only begotten Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I rest in the work of the Cross, knowing that my faith is my bond to You. Let your Spirit guide me and show me how to be a vessel of Your light. In Christ Jesus name I pray. Amen

12. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

After the fall of man to sin, earth came under the influence of the evil one. 2 Corinthians 4:4 declares “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not”, the god of this world being Satan. In John 8:44, in no uncertain terms, Jesus tells the pharisees that their spiritual father is Satan. These may be reasons that Paul felt it necessary to enlighten the believers in Corinth, that once they accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they inherited the Spirit of God — the Holy Spirit dwelling within them (1 Corinthians 3:16).

The unbelieving world is completely spiritually blinded to the ways of God. Unfortunately, even some who claim to believe in God have taken to a watered-down Gospel — one that depicts Jesus as a great teacher, orator, or philosopher, rather than the Son of God. This completely diminishes the work of the Cross and plays right into the hands of the evil one. In the same way, prosperity preachers have turned worship services into motivational speaking events, cherry-picking the scriptures and portraying God as one who exists to serve His people.

These false wisdom’s of man blind the spiritual understanding of many even further, preventing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit from taking place. Prior to His ascension, Jesus explained to the disciples the role the Holy Spirit would play. In John 16:13, He taught that when the Spirit comes to those who believe, He will guide them to all truth. The guidance of the Spirit leads to the ability to “compare spiritual things with spiritual” — the ability to discern righteous from worldly, what is of God’s truth, from what is of man.

The natural person cannot receive the truths taught by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit convicts, the natural person calls it “feeling guilty” and soon talks themselves into the next sin. Divine intervention they call intuition or wisdom, never giving thought that the outcome may not have been for their benefit at all — but for one of God’s children who may be affected by their worldly decisions. Without being able to discern spiritually, divine moments are misinterpreted, and spiritual truths are dismissed as foolishness.

To the contrary, the spiritual mind judges all things spiritually, according to its walk with Christ. Jesus teaches in John 16:13,14 that the Spirit “will not speak of himself” and that he will glorify Jesus,“He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and show it unto you.” The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer enabling them to discern all things with the mind of Christ. For this reason, the spiritual mind is a highly coveted target of the evil one — because once a believer learns to think with the mind of Christ, the enemy loses his influence.

The Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ are gifts given freely from God to all who believe. Satan thought he had won once he was able to lead Adam and Eve into sin by doubting God’s instruction. This is the same temptation he uses on God’s children today, to draw them away from His truth. Yet even though Jesus has defeated Satan, the Holy Spirit restrains his evil influence by giving divine guidance and instruction to the believer — until the end, when Satan meets his final judgment and is cast into the lake of fire with the unbelievers. Because of this, it is our responsibility to guard our minds against worldly temptation by staying spiritually inclined through prayer and reading the Word, daily. Ensuring our place in eternity, the new Heaven and new earth, as God has promised (Isaiah 65:17, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1).

Father God in Heaven, you have freely given me Your Spirit and the mind of Christ to guide and strengthen me. You knew the evil one would tempt my weak flesh, so You made my spirit strong through Yours. You knew my natural mind would cause me to stumble, yet through Christ I will not fall. While I may be judged by others according to my foolish past, you only see the new creation you’ve made. I am forever grateful that Your ways are higher than worldly ways, and Your understanding is not that of man. I give You thanks in the name of Jesus. Amen.

31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice,
32. And be ye kind one to another. Tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

1. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.
2. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor;

Anger is Not Sin, An Angry Heart is

We read in the scriptures that both God and Jesus experienced anger — what we call righteous indignation. This is anger in response to ungodliness, injustice or the mistreatment of others. God displayed righteous indignation when dealing with the sins of the Israelites, and Jesus displayed it when confronting the hypocrisy and pride of the pharisees.

And although scripture warns us “Be ye angry and sin not, let not the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26), it is the angry heart that makes a person contrary to God. Anger is not the sin — an angry heart is. So much so that Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:10 that revilers will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Revilers are those who verbally abuse, insult, or slander others — these behaviors flow from a bitter heart, not isolated instances of anger. Heaven is a place of pleasure with no pain or sin; therefore, the posture of the heart is what God judges.

A Great Harm to Christianity and the Believer

In the same way, being a Christian is to walk after Christ —carrying yourself in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control, the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). Worshiping humbly on Sunday, but living with bitterness, wrath, and anger the rest of the week is not being Christlike and does great harm to Christianity. As believers, we are called to live lives that attract the lost and unbelieving to Christ. But when we live contrary to the character of Christ, we make ourselves hypocrites, weakening the witness of God’s Word.

Living with anger also does great harm not only to the soul, but to a person’s health and relationships. An angry nature places tremendous strain on the body and mind, eventually causing sever ramifications for the heart and brain. What begins as anger-induced high blood pressure can, over time, lead to heart attack or stroke. Bitterness of heart can also open the door to depression and anxiety, which often come from unresolved anger. Holding on to past mistakes and pain creates an environment where bitterness and resentment can flourish. Isaiah 43:18 teaches us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” It is God’s reminder that He is always creating a better future for those who rest their faith in Him.

Peace Found in Forgiveness

We are commanded to forgive — not to make the person being forgiven feel better, but to release the anger and bitterness that slowly take control of the heart. No relationship — whether family, romantic, friendship, or professional — can survive an angry spirit. Few people want to remain close to someone whose nature is dominated by anger, bitterness, or resentment.

Forgiving others, and ourselves, frees the heart for the fruit of the Spirit to flourish. Confidence is built when strength is found in forgiveness, meekness and humility — while anger is a defense and protector of pride. Forgiveness strengthens and builds relationships, and a warm word invites conversation. Joy is shared among those who fellowship, whereas an angry expression leads to isolation. We are not merely commanded to walk in love as Christ loved us, but the fruit of the Spirit grows out of a heart shaped by God’s grace — the outward expression of being born again.

The Example Christ Gave to Guard Our Hearts

Romans 5:8 declares, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ went to the Cross willingly, not angrily. He healed out of love and forgave out of compassion. When He did express anger, it was at the injustice of others, and most severely towards those who twisted and perverted the Word of God.

The essence of being Christlike is to love and forgive like Christ, and to reserve our anger for what is truly ungodly and unjust. Never sleep with anger; do so and you rise with a bitter heart — and so begins the process. When Jesus expressed righteous anger, He didn’t dwell in it. He would move on in love and peace — the example His brothers and sisters are called to follow.

God knows that in this world we will experience anger and situations that, if allowed to linger, can grow into bitterness and resentment. This is why the Holy Spirit inspired the following Scriptures — to show us how to follow the example set by Christ Jesus and guard our hearts with His peace.

Scriptures That Lead Us Into God’s Peace Through Prayer and Forgiveness

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Mark 11:25
But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

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A Prayer for Godly Peace

Father God in Heaven, in a world full of hostility, frustration, and anger, I pray for your peace that surpasses all understanding. Provide me with the peace that only Jesus can give — the peace that will form my heart to flow with the fruits of your Spirit. Your Word tells me that “He who is slow to anger is of great understanding” (Proverbs 14:29). Teach me to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19), so that my life may be healthy, peaceful, and marked with longevity. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

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Trinitarian Benediction

If pain tries to hide within your memories, may your faith in God guard your heart..
If anger tries to take root in you, may the peace of Jesus calm your spirit.
And may the Holy Spirit inspire you to always know you are loved.