There is no stagnation in life without a cause. Where there is no rain there will be stagnation, fruitfulness, struggles and unprofitability; but when one comes under God’s rain, it will usher you into strong realm of flowing in prosperity, wisdom, understanding and knowledge – sorrow free and God given wealth. ‘The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and He added no sorrow with it. – Prov. 10:22.

Overflowing is the desire of God for all His children but then individuals have to work towards making it happen and certain principles are required to be followed amongst others:

Access to Right information

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make ye free”- John 8:32. One make things happen when one is well informed or have information about it. Noah in his days positioned himself for right information; this helped him to avert destruction from his household. It is the right divine information that sets one for miraculous, that opens one up for heavens rain. Revealed truth and correct information put into your hand the keys to the kingdom’s treasury.

Until the first things are given attention to, every other thing could be mixed up. God told Joshua in Joshua 1:8- “This book of law shall not depart out of thy mouth but thou shall meditate day and night, thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and then thou shall have good success.” Holy Bible becomes source of right information.

Get yourself into the Ark of Safety

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blothed out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord”. – Act. 3:19. And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. Gen. 7:7

Until you are saved, you are not safe. Unless your life is anchored on Jesus, you will be drowning in the sea of life instead of overflowing. For the god of this world (satan) has a lot of hidden destructive agenda for you if your life is not secured in the Lord.

God did not build the ark for Noah but He (God) gave him information about the ark. Noah made his choice and built the ark of salvation but then God at a point was involved because He (God) shut them in by Himself to prove that HE was involved and that HE approved of their safety and salvation – Gen. 7:16.

You must think God’s thought

“For as he thinketh in his heart so is he… ”Prov. 23:7. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 2.

You are what you think. Man’s thought has a way of moulding his destiny. God has access to man through the mind as well as the devil. Destructive negative thoughts are as inhibitive as creative thoughts are lifting. Until one learns to think the thought of God, one can’t enjoy His abundant provisions.

God’s thoughts are made known to man by God HIMSELF to avoid doubts for example:

Jeremiah 29:11 -“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Isaiah 14:24 -“The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.

God’s thought are positive and good, so condition your thought, life and way of life in line with God’s word if you want to overflow in His promises.

To be continued. Maranatha

 Deacon Wole Bodunde

“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids (Pr. 6:25)

The heart is a hollow muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the blood vessels to various parts of the body by repeated and rhythmic contractions. It is found in all animals with a circulatory system, which includes the vertebrates.  The average human heart, beating at 72 beats per minute, will beat approximately 2.5 billion times during an average 66 year lifespan, and pumps approximately 4.7-5.7 litres of blood per minute. It weighs approximately 250 to 300 grams (9 to 11 oz) in females and 300 to 350 grams (11 to 12 oz) in males.

In as much as the heart is the most important part of man—for out of it are the issues of life—it would be natural to expect that Satan, when he intended to do mischief to manhood, would be sure to make his strongest and most perpetual attacks upon the heart. The heart is very sensitive and processes information very fast therefore must be guided jealously.

The present generation seems to be groaning under the yoke of all kinds of iniquities.  A man’s eyes see a woman’s beauty in a second. Thus far there is no sin. But three sinful stages follow that are a prelude to adultery or fornication. The eyes linger and move to fascination with the details of her beauty, the heart moves from nobly admiring to hungrily desiring her, and the soul becomes willing to the invitation of her eyes. Here are the three steps to hell!

The depraved heart of man is polygamous. It is never content. The other woman is always more desirable, just as the forbidden fruit in Eden exceeded all others in appeal. The unknown is always presumed superior to the familiar. Fallen man is vulnerable to a beautiful woman, as the pleasure she embodies exceeds any other in this life. Therefore, wise men must rule their eyes and heart to resist her dangerous beauty and wiles.

Solomon and his wife wanted to save their son from adultery (Pr 6:20-35). Here he gives rules, consequences, and warnings to protect his son from this heinous and horrible sin. Wise men will consider these things day and night (Pr 6:21-23), lest they destroy their estate, reputation, and soul by succumbing to her beauty and sinful ways (Pr 6:24-35).

Sin follows a simple course. Every man has lusts. When those lusts are given an object and allowed to consider it, they will powerfully entice the man. The lusts plan the sin, and the man executes it. Then the sin brings painful consequences and eventual death. These are the real facts of life that every young man should be taught (James 1:13-16).

The appeal of an attractive woman is incredibly powerful. It destroyed the sons of God and brought the Flood (Gen 6:2), and it took David down in seconds (II Sam 11:2). No woman can fully understand the instantaneous draw a beautiful woman has on the soul of a man through his eyes. It is an overpowering object of desire, unless he is walking in the Spirit and ruling his spirit. So Christian women must dress modestly (I Tim 2:9-10).

Man! When you see a beautiful woman, and you will, do not let your heart obey your lusts to fantasize about how much you want her and how happy she could make you. You must not think on her details in your heart. It is acceptable to say, “That is a beautiful woman,” like when viewing a house, car, or garden. But it is unacceptable to think, “I love those curves, and without clothes, she would give pleasure I have never had before.”

The eyes are windows of the soul; they can sometimes express more than words can tell. Solomon knew of their power (Song 4:9). Immodest women paint their faces to accent their eyes, as did Jezebel (II Kgs 9:30). Wanton eyes are the tools of whores (Is 3:16). When a woman uses her eyes to flatter a man and offer herself intimately to him, the most discreet and powerful enticement a man will ever face, the trap is complete. So, Christian women must maintain a look of shamefacedness and sobriety (I Tim 2:9-10).

What are the cures for her beauty and eyelids? Remember the three steps to hell, and provide a defense against each. There is much wisdom here. Solomon had 700 wives, princesses, and 300 concubines. Through wide experience, and exceptional understanding from God, he knew more about women and their dangers than you and your counselors.

First, avoid seeing a beautiful woman and moving to fascination with her by reducing your exposure to only the necessary. Take precautions against encountering beautiful women, especially acquaintances. This cure includes colleagues, neighbors, or church members. Jesus said you should be willing to cut off your right hand to avoid her (Matt 5:27-30; Rom 13:14). When you feel the rising heat due to a desirable woman, get away quickly while your visual impression is still noble admiration and virtuous appreciation.

Second, keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life, so it will not recall the images of her beauty and cause you to play with them by fantasy (Pr 4:23). Fill your heart with wisdom, righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come (Acts 14:25). Think about Jesus Christ, heaven, Scripture, and prayer (Phil 3:20; Col 3:2). Daily activities must include self-examination, repentance, and confession (Ps 139:23-24). Remind yourself of the terrible consequences of sexual sins (Pr 5:1-14). Renew the covenant with your eyes (Job 31:1).

Finally, to avoid her invitations, reject casual social interaction and eye-to-eye contact. The price is too high, the danger too great. Every man knows which women tempt him, and they cannot be his social companions or correspondents. And this warning includes both looks and conversations. Remember that phones, BBM, Facebook, email etc. can also carry seduction.

The man who has excited his lusts to a feverish pitch with pornography, unhindered fantasies, or other lascivious practices will not stand a chance. His body and mind craves the first opportunity. The rules of this proverb are too late; the burning desire for sexual satisfaction turns even average women into objects of lustful desire (II Pet 2:14). If they are weak or wanton, he will go down as certainly as sheep go down to the slaughter.

Christian woman, take heed to covering yourself and limit your casual conversation with men, especially if you are attractive. You will never understand the pain and trouble you cause by your physical presence and friendliness. Stay at home; love your husband; dress modestly, hide your eyes; talk to women; hold your children; be merciful and virtuous!

The warning here also applies to the whorish Church of Rome and her harlot daughters (Rev 17:1-6). They seductively adorn their exteriors to attract men, while covering the base deceit and fraud of their doctrine. They use their wiles to seduce the simple, without telling them of the hell to come. They appear attractive and are forward in their invitations, but they are the enemies of Christ. Come out of her, my people (Rev 18:4).

Dcn. Mike Ben

Thank you.

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Proverbs 14:14

The concluding part of last week edition was the antidote to a backsliding heart. Five points were mentioned namely: Identity your current condition, Meditate on Christ and His Work, Pray to God for the grace you need, Repent of all known sins and Return to Christ in fresh dependency.

You will agree with me that backsliding is a gradual process which if not tackled could lead to Apostasy. Apostasy means to fall away from the truth.  Therefore, an apostate is someone who has once believed and then rejected the truth of God.  To avoid this, below are the practical steps to stay away from backsliding.

Practical Stepladder to Avoid Backsliding

1. Examine your faith-life regularly.  Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?  2 Corinthians 13:5
2. If you find yourself drifting away, turn back immediately. See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  Hebrews 3:12-13  
3. Come to God daily for forgiveness and cleansing. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14
4. Continue daily seeking the Lord with your whole heart.  And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. I Chronicles 28:9
5. Stay in the Word of God; keep studying and learning daily.  Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Proverbs 4:13
6. Stay in fellowship often with other believers. You can’t make it alone as a Christian. We need the strength and prayers of other believers.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25
7. Stand firm in your faith. Expect difficult times in your Christian life. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22;  It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
8. Persevere.  Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:15-17
9. Run the race to win.  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training ………… we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  1 Corinthians 9: 24-25. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…  2 Timothy 4:7-8
10. Remind yourself of what God has done for you in the past. Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised … we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10: 32, 35-39

 Tips

• Develop a daily habit of spending time with God. Habits are hard to break.
• Memorize favorite Bible verses to recall in difficult times.
• Listen to Christian music to keep your mind and heart in tune with God.
• Develop a Christian friendship so that you’ll have someone to call when you feel weak.
• Get involved in a meaningful project with other Christians.

 Finally, the following are what you require:

• A Bible
• A Daily Relationship With God
• A Christian Friend
• A Bible Teaching Church

 God bless you real good.

 Deacon Mike Ben

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Proverbs 14:14

Continued from last week.

It may be, dear Christian, that you have drifted somewhat but have never noticed it. You may be like Samson who “wist not that the Lord was departed from him” (Judges 16:20). We need to search our hearts and we need to watch and pray lest sin creep up on us.

What Does Backsliding Look Like?

1. When prayer ceases to be a vital part of a professing Christian’s life, backsliding is present.

2. When the quest for biblical truth ceases and one grows content with the knowledge of eternal things already acquired, there can be no mistaking the presence of backsliding.

3. When the biblical knowledge possessed or acquired is treated as external fact and not applied inwardly, backsliding is present.

4. When earnest thoughts about eternal things cease to be regular and gripping, it should be like a warning light to the backslider.

5. When the services of the church lose their delights, a backslidden condition probably exists.

6. When pointed spiritual discussions are an embarrassment; that is certain evidence of backsliding.

7. When sports, recreation and entertainment are a large and necessary part of your lifestyle, you may assume backsliding is in force.

8. When sins of the body and of the mind can be indulged in without an uproar in your conscience, your backslidden condition is certain.

9. When aspirations for Christ-like holiness cease to be dominant in your life and thinking, backsliding is there.

10. When the acquisition of money and goods becomes a dominant part of your thinking, you have clear confirmation of backsliding.

11. When you can mouth religious songs and words without heart, be sure backsliding is present.

12. When you can hear the Lord’s name taken in vain, spiritual concerns mocked and eternal issues flippantly treated, and not be moved to indignation and action, you are backslidden.

13. When you can watch degrading movies and television and read morally debilitating literature, you can be sure you are backslidden.

14. When breaches of peace in the brotherhood are of no concern to you; that is proof of backsliding.

15. When the slightest excuse seems sufficient to keep you from spiritual duty and opportunity, you are backslidden.

16. When you become content with your lack of spiritual power and no longer seek repeated enduements of power from on high, you are backslidden.

17. When you pardon your own sin and sloth by saying the Lord understands and remembers that we are dust, you have revealed your backslidden condition.

18. When there is no music in your soul and no song in your heart, the silence testifies to your backsliding.

19. When you adjust happily to the worlds’ lifestyle, your own mirror will tell the truth of your backsliding.

20. When injustice and human misery exist around you and you do little or nothing to relieve the suffering, be sure you are backslidden.

21. When your church has fallen into spiritual declension and the Word of God is no longer preached there with power and you are still content, you are in a backslidden condition.

22. When the spiritual condition of the world declines around you and you cannot perceive it; that is testimony of your backslidden stance.

23. When you are willing to cheat your employer, backsliding is apparent.

24. When you find yourself rich in grace and mercy and marvel at your own godliness, then you have fallen far in your backsliding.

25. When your tears are dried up and the hard, cold spiritual facts of your existence cannot unleash them, see this as an awful testimony both of the hardness of your heart and the depth of your backsliding.                                          (Taken from Revival, Richard Owen Roberts)

You may want to take issue with a few of the “evidences” listed above, but before you do that consider them carefully lest you miss identifying a real problem in your life. And what if you find some of these things true of yourself?

The Cure for Backsliding

 1. Identity your current condition

You cannot return if you do not know you have lost your way. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen.” (Rev. 2:5);

2. Meditate on Christ and His Work

If we are to be captured by the glory of Jesus, led to worship Him for all He is and has done for sinners, then we must see these things again and again. There is never a returning to Jesus apart from the word of God. When we respond to Him we are responding to his word. We find ourselves in a backslidden state because, in part, we lost sight of the glory of Christ. So we must see it again.  “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)

3. Pray to God for the grace you need

That we can return is grace. That we will return is a promise made by God! Are you aware of your condition? Do you want to be revived? Perhaps you’re so cold you don’t even know if you really want it. Pray that God will do what He has promised, that He will heal your backsliding. “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. …They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine.” (Hos. 14:4-7)

4. Repent of all known sins

The backslider is one who has forgotten the grace of repentance. His heart has become insensitive to his sin, and he has lost sight of his desperate and immediate need for Jesus. Returning to Jesus necessitates the painful awareness of and the turning from our sin. “Repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Rev. 2:5)

5. Return to Christ in fresh dependency

Those who know Jesus know a trustworthy Savior. Those who have wandered from communion with Him have lost a sense of dependency on Him for sustaining grace. We have lost sight of just how needy we are of grace; grace to come to Christ, grace to keep us with Christ, grace to return to Christ. It is as we recognize our current condition, see the glories of Jesus, seek the Lord for grace, and repent of our sin that we return to our first love. “Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 1:3)

Next week we shall look at Practical Stepladder to Avoid Backsliding.

God bless you real good

Deacon Mike Ben

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.”  Proverbs 14:14

Continued from last week.

Last week, we looked at the background of the subject and few examples that should humble us and teach us that even the mightiest of God’s saints sometimes backslide, fall into sin, and so lose the sweet joy that every Christian ought to have.

It is worthy to note there are some people in the Bible who did not backslide. For example, Adam, when he fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, was not a backslider. He had never been born again. He had never been saved and so could not backslide. In the Garden of Eden he had been created a perfect man and had perfect fellowship with God as one of His creatures, made in His image. But, he had not been redeemed by blood. Up to that time in the Bible, blood had never been mentioned as a remedy for sin. There had never been an animal sacrifice picturing the coming of the Saviour. There had never been a gospel message nor any need of one. There had never been a prophecy of the coming Saviour.

Adam, as a sinless being in the Garden of Eden, like Eve his wife, was not a Christian. He was simply a perfect man, as she was a perfect woman. When Adam fell into sin and ate the forbidden fruit, he was not a backslider. He was, for the first time, a poor lost sinner who had never been converted, who had never been born into God’s family, who had never been born again, who had never been redeemed by the blood.

And so fallen angels are not backsliders. Angels in Heaven are perfect and sinless and have fellowship with God, but they are not Christians. Angels, who have never been saved and given everlasting life as forgiven sinners, cannot backslide.

Judas Iscariot was not a backslider. In John 6:64, 70, 71 we are told that Judas did not believe in Christ, was not saved but was a devil.

“But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him … Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”  

Judas heard the preaching of Jesus but never repented. He was a moral man who evidently depended on his morality and would not turn to Jesus in saving faith. At last, he fell into grossest sin and betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. But Judas was not a backslider. No one can be a backslider who has not first been a “frontslider.” Only Christians, born again children of God, could backslide.

Strange as it may seem, all Christians backslide, for all Christians sin. In I John 1:8 we are told, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” Every Christian is taught to pray daily in the Lord’s Prayer (that model prayer for all who can look up in the face of God and call Him, “Our Father which art in heaven”), “And forgive us our sins” (Luke 11:4). All Christians sin, and that means that all Christians backslide.

When you remember that “the thought of foolishness is sin” (Prov. 24:9), that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23), that “to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (Jas. 4:17), then it becomes clear that all of us have fallen short even after we are saved. We have all had foolish thoughts; we have all done some things without any special faith about them; we have all left undone things that we knew were proper and right for us to do. Who will say that every minute of your life you have loved God all you ought to, that you never pray a second less than you ought to pray, that you never leave undone a single thing that God wants you to do? You cannot say that; neither can I. And that is proof of sin.

Christians grow old. Our teeth decay, our hair turns gray or falls out, we grow decrepit in body, and finally even Christians die. That proves that Christians are sinners. For everywhere in the Bible we are told that death is the result of sin.

Adam was warned that if he sinned, “thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:17). James 1:15 says that “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Ezekiel 18:4 says that “the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Romans 6:23 plainly says that “the wages of sin is death.”

Oh, we Christians are yet frail sinners; so it is clear that all Christians backslide. And that is the reason why God must save us by grace and keep us by grace. We did not earn salvation, and we cannot keep it. We did not deserve it when we got it, and we do not deserve it now.  It is a pity that most Christians are taking the Grace of God for granted.

Brethren, will you test yourself by this simple rule? Was there ever a time when you were nearer to God than you are now? Was there ever a time when you read the Bible more, or enjoyed it more than now? Was there ever a time when you prayed more, when you had your prayers answered more frequently? Was there ever a day when you won more souls than you have won today? Was there ever a time when you were more completely absorbed in the Lord’s business? If there was ever a time when you were nearer the Lord than today, you are a backslider. You have slid back from that close intimacy with God, from that high place of blessing which you once had.

Remember that our text in Proverbs 14:14 says, “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways.” Backsliding is not necessarily getting drunk nor committing adultery, nor any outward course of sin seen by the public. Backsliding is in the heart!

Next week we shall consider what Backsliding looks like

God bless you real good.

Deacon Mike Ben

Bible Text: Daniel 1:1-16, Daniel 5:11-12, Daniel 6:3.

Prayer Point: Lord, make me what you want me to be so that I can produce what you want me to produce.

In part one of this series, we gave an insight to what excellent spirit is in reference to Daniel. Excellent is not a destination. It is a state of mind, a life style. To be excellent is to be the best among the best. It means condition of being extra-ordinary, more than best, something that can’t be faulted.

And before you can become excellent, you must have the spirit.

• Daniel was preferred above presidents because of this spirit.  Dan. 6:3.
• The traceable godly spirits that Daniel possessed include: Holy Spirit like Paul; Full of knowledge, great understanding of time like men of Issachar- I Chro. 12:32; Spirit of purpose like Esther that refused to be defiled- Esther 2:7, 17; defending the purpose of God for his life like Joseph who refused to do evil against God when tempted- Gen. 39:7-9.

All these summed together made him to exploit his generation, but not without facing challenges.

Challenges faced by Daniel (caused by Unexpected Change)

• Daniel was taken away into captivity from his parents. Unexpected change bends us out of shape especially when they are interfering with the general peace and security of our families.
• Confronted with drugs, sex, absorption, violence and even pornography in our society, including our public schools, we get angry, depressed and confused.
• We supposed that unhappy changes in our world violated our rights and just were not supposed to happen.
• This is not in the case of Daniel. He was forcefully uprooted from his parents and home land. He did not panic. Yet he did not cease to be godly.
• In a situation that could produce bitterness, he did not become an angry man, all because he has been taught to honour God and trust him.
• Godly training at home remains the key factor for producing fruitful Christian in a Christian world.

  Qualities of Daniel

• Daniel was good looking, gifted and smart. He was handpicked by Babylonia for a unique educational programme.
• He was trained in Babylonia but not by Babylonian.
• He was not absorbed into their culture and became one of the faceless cronies.
• Daniel’s home training for God could not be erased by his subsequent training.

Just say ‘no’ gracefully- I Cor. 6:17-20

• Daniel’s next crisis came wrapped in attractive package. His special training programme included wine and delicacies.
• Daniel could not have easily found several good reasons for saying ‘yes’ to this. The king expected it, others were doing it and it would taste good. How about your being lured to ungodly things.
• There was only one reason for saying ‘NO’ – it would defile him in the sight of God. (Many of our youths had lost their virginity years back).
• Daniel said ‘no’ but in a worrisome way.

Fuel for ego

• Temptation can come in all shapes and sizes and from any direction. In fact, our very victories can trip us if we become over confidence or proud.
• Daniel knew this – Dan. 1:17-19
• Daniel and his friends did not abuse the success and abilities God gave them by taking off an ego trip. (How are you using your talents)

What made Daniel Excellent?

• He purposed. Dan. 1:8-11. You need to determine what you will do.
• He had excellent spirit. Dan. 5:11-12.

The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Proverbs 14:14

Last week, we learnt about “Four Vital Elements to Spiritual Growth”. Today, we shall focus on a Backslider. May the Holy Spirit minister to you in Jesus Name.

Are you a backslider or Frontslider? Can you compare your spiritual state now with that when you were first saved? Have the services of the church lost their delights in you? Examine your life if backslidden condition probably exists.

What is Backsliding?

Backsliding is when a person who follows Christ turns away from Him. To the backslider, God is no longer the main focus of his life. Without God’s leading, the person suffers a lapse morally and reverts back to sin. He “backslides” into his old way of life. The backslider is one who has forgotten the grace of repentance.  To say it simply, a backslidden Christian is one whose communion with Christ is waning and whose faith is weakening. The Christian life is not always an easy road. Sometimes we get off track. The Bible says to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ daily so that no one turns away from the living God. If you have found yourself backsliding, or drifting away from the Lord, these practical steps mentioned below will help get you back on course today.

A backslider is a saved person who falls into sin. A lost sinner cannot be a backslider. You have to go somewhere before you can slide back. But someone who is truly born again, a child of God who falls into sin, is a backslider. It may be outrageous and gross sin known to everyone or it may be merely coldness of heart, a lukewarmness of heart instead of the burning fire of love for God. But when a Christian loses any of his joy, or loses part of his sweet fellowship with God, or falls into sin, then he is a backslider. Remember that only Christians can backslide.

We have many examples of this in the Bible. What an honest Book the Bible is to tell us of the failures and sins of God’s people through the ages! God wanted us to know that the men of the greatest faith, saints who had truly been born again, were frail people such as we are and subject to the same temptations and surrendering sometimes to the same sins.

God tells how Noah got drunk and lay naked in his tent. He tells how Lot sought the fellowship of the wicked Sodomites, lost all his influence, got drunk and ruined his own daughters. The Bible tells how Abraham deceived, calling Sarah his sister. Even saintly Moses lost his temper. When God commanded him to speak to the rock that Israel might be watered from it a second time, in a temper he beat upon it with his rod and so dishonored God that he lost his chance to enter the Promised Land.

David, a man after God’s own heart, a man used to write the Psalms, that blessed book of devotions for the saints through all these centuries, committed adultery with Bathsheba and then had her husband Uriah slain to hide his sin. The Bible tells how Samson, a judge of Israel who had been filled with the Holy Ghost and was a Nazarite from his birth, kept company with harlots until God left him powerless, a slave of the Philistines with his eyes burned out.

The Bible tells how Peter denied Christ and cursed and swore, how all the disciples forsook Jesus and fled; how later Peter, fearing the Jewish Christians, played the coward again, and led even good Barnabas away with his dissimulations. The Bible tells how Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, was a coward, a secret disciple. Even Paul the apostle went up to Jerusalem against the plain leading of the Holy Spirit.

So the saints of the Bible fell into sin. They were backsliders.

These examples should humble us and teach us that even the mightiest of God’s saints sometimes backslide, fall into sin, and so lose the sweet joy that every Christian ought to have.

A Christian who backslides is like a child who disobeys his parents. It does not affect his sonship but it affects his fellowship, his joy, and the approval of the Father.

To be continued next week

God bless you real good.

Deacon Mike Ben

Are you a brand new follower of Christ, wondering where to get started on your journey? Here are 4 vital elements to move you forward toward spiritual growth. Though simple, they are vital to building your relationship with the Lord.

Step 1 – Read your Bible daily. Find a Bible reading plan that’s right for you. A plan will keep you from missing anything God has written in His Word. Also, if you follow the plan, you’ll be on your way to reading through the Bible once every year! The easiest way to truly “grow up” in the faith is to make Bible reading a priority.

Step 2 – Meet together with other believers regularly. The reason we attend church or gather with other believers regularly (Hebrews 10:25) is for teaching, fellowship, worship, communion, prayer and to build one another up in the faith (Acts 2:42-47). Participating in the body of Christ is fundamental to spiritual growth.

Step 3 – Get involved in a ministry group. Most churches offer small groups and many ministry opportunities. Pray and ask God where you should “plug in.” It’s the people who really “get plugged in” that find their purpose and soar in their walk with Christ. Sometimes this takes a little time, but most churches offer classes or counseling to help you find the place that’s right for you. Don’t get discouraged if the first thing you try doesn’t seem to fit.

Step 4 – Pray daily. Prayer is simply talking to God. You don’t have to use big fancy words. There are no right and wrong words. Just be yourself. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation. Pray for others in need. Pray for direction. Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with His Holy Spirit. There is no limit to prayer. You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while sitting or standing, kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin to make prayer a part of your daily routine.

Deacon Mike Ben

Text: Dan.  5:11-12, Dan. 6:3

Excellence is not a destination. It is a state of mind, a life style. To be excellent is to be the best among the best. It means condition of being extra-ordinary, more than best, something that can’t be faulted.

• Daniel was preferred above presidents because of excellent spirit. – Dan. 6:3.
•  The spirits Daniel possessed includes: – Holy Spirit like Paul – full of knowledge; great understanding of time like men of Issachar – I Chr. 12:32; Spirit of purpose like Esther that refused to be defiled – Esther. 2:7, 17; defending the purpose of God for his life like Joseph who refused to do evil against God when tempted- Gen.39:7-9.

What made Daniel excellent?

• He purposed. Dan. 1:8-11. You need to determine what you will do.
• He had excellent spirit. Dan. 5:11-12.

What is excellent spirit?

• It is a spirit different from others – not common, not found among crowd.
• It is a spirit that thinks of possibility even at the face of stormy or worsened situation. – I Chr. 4:9-10.
• The spirit that maintains courage, indifferent to fate, heroic fortitude and sublime endurance. – Josh 10:12-14.
• The spirit that concentrate on victory when others are perambulating and complaining about a situation.
• It is a spirit that allows smile to give a poetic languor of deep thought to every line of countenance.
• It is a spirit that encourages when others are discouraged.
• It is a spirit that gives accuser no cause for affront.
• The spirit that is aggressive after success where others are grieved and oppressed.
• The spirit that will not allow situation or what is heard to constitute a hindrance.
• The spirit that will compose and look straight ahead to behold success afar.
• The spirit that will make time his slave and destiny his footstool and tackle all crosses with perfect composure.

This spirit is required for success in all life endeavours.

We shall by HIS grace continue in this study

 Deacon Wole Bodunde

Text: Proverbs 4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

Last week we discussed “What are you excuses”. I appreciate God in your life as you let the Word dwell in you richly. Today, we shall focus on the Froward Mouth.

A froward or a forward mouth is a mouth that is not easily controlled (forward and forward are taken to mean the same thing and shall be used interchangeably in this article). Rule your speech. Guard your tongue. Mark your words. After keeping your heart with all diligence, from which come the issues of life, Solomon warned you to reject ungodly speech (Pr 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life). Beginning with the thoughts and intents of the heart, wisdom demands you govern your speech (Pr 4:24), your eyes (Pr 4:25), and your feet (Pr 4:26-27). A forward mouth is an individual that tells lies all the time and one that is always saying bad things about others. A person with a forward mouth is always cursing and is also very proud. People with froward or forward mouths are very common in the church, houses, society and are also very unpleasant to deal with. 

It is impossible to have godly and gracious speech without a pure heart, for the content of the heart supplies the mouth (Matt 12:33-35). You can tell a good heart by kind and holy words, and you can tell a bad heart by harsh or carnal words. Jesus said it; believe it. Kings love the perfect man who speaks graciously from a pure heart (Pr 22:11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend).

This proverb does not warn you to stay away from those with froward mouths and perverse lips, for that advice is given elsewhere (Pr 14:7 Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips; Pr.19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge; I Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners). It warns you to get rid of your own froward mouth and perverse lips. The context is ruling your own heart, lips, eyes, and feet (Pr 4:23-27), not avoiding others with those sins.

Solomon taught his son and told him to listen and submit to his fatherly instruction (Pr 4:20). He then exhorted him to keep his advice directly before him and firm in his resolve (Pr 4:21). And he encouraged him by saying that it would give him life and health (Pr 4:22). Then in order, he told his son to guard his heart, lips, eyes, and steps (Pr 4:23-27).

A foolish mouth will ruin your reputation (Eccl 5:3, Eccl 10:12-14). An offensive mouth will cause trouble with men (Pr 12:13, Pr 13:3, Pr 14:7, Pr 18:6-7, Pr 22:10, Pr 24:9). And then you will give account of every idle word in the Judgment (Pr 6:16-19, Matt 12:36-37, Eph 5:3-6).

 Kind and wise speech will build your reputation (Pr 15:4, Pr 18:20, Pr 24:26). Appropriate words will enhance your relationship with men (Pr 10:32, Pr 15:23, Pr 16:13, Pr 25:11). And the blessed pleases God with his constructive and helpful words (Pr 12:22, Eph 4:29, Col 4:6).

Improve your speech by cutting your words in half, if you talk more than the average person (Pr 17:27, James 1:19). You then must rule your spirit, for it can kindle a fire from hell (Pr 16:32, James 3:3-8)! And you have to avoid arguments (Pr 26:4-5, II Tim 2:23).

If you keep your heart at peace with the Lord and man, it will be difficult for you to speak harsh or painful things. If you keep your heart pure with the Lord and man, it will be difficult for you to have foolish or carnal speech. If you fill your mind with noble things, you will have precious material for conversation (Phil 4:8). May God guide your tongue. Let your mouth minister grace to the hearer.

God bless you real good.

Deacon Mike Ben