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What is The Power of God’s Joy

April 7, 2022 - By Sarah Luma
Discover the profound truth that genuine joy comes from God, transcending the fleeting pleasures of accomplishments or possessions. In this post, explore the transformative power of God’s joy and learn practical ways to experience it in your life. Unlock the secret to lasting happiness that originates from a divine source, leading you on a journey of fulfillment and purpose.

Nehemiah 8:10 said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Unlike fleeting happiness, joy is a divine virtue gifted by God, free from negative counterparts like “unjoy.” This enduring joy remains constant through all seasons of life, whether in times of goodness or adversity. Embrace the timeless and unwavering nature of God’s joy, providing solace and strength in every circumstance.

The dictionary defines joy as a “lively emotion of joy and gladness evoked by a success or of well-being” or “to experience great pleasure or delight in a thing.” God’s joy is not a temporal emotion. Everyone both Christians and unbelievers have experienced one or more circumstances where it was difficult to maintain their joy and stay positive.

But for every situation Jesus kept the joy of God, thus it is imperative for every Christian to emulate Him despite the situation we are experiencing.

1 Chronicles 16:27 “Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.” God has joy.

What is joy?

Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Sadness is the opposite of joy. Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

In our modern age, many individuals tie their joy and happiness to external conditions, making them susceptible to sorrow and bitterness when things don’t align with their expectations. This vulnerability creates a fertile ground for the devil’s influence, as he thrives on sowing discontent and denying the gifts of joy and peace.

The presence of perpetual sadness not only clouds judgment but also corrodes the foundations of careers, marriages, and familial bonds. This toxic cycle limits people from reaching their full potential, leading to unwarranted suspicions and overanalyzing the actions of others. It’s crucial to break free from this cycle and rediscover the innate joy within, resilient against life’s fluctuations.

There’s power in God’s joy

A sad heart can’t pray.

.

When sadness takes hold, it’s natural to adopt a victim mentality, questioning why challenging situations seem to target us specifically. These “why me?” questions can become a common refrain.

However, joy is different. It’s a byproduct of faith, rooted in the unwavering belief that God’s love encompasses us, regardless of our circumstances. This conviction gives us the strength to anticipate positive outcomes even during tough times. Joy is a force that transcends adversity, reminding us that God is ever watchful, aware of our struggles, and working for our ultimate good.

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

What is God’s will about our joy?

Jesus’ plan for us Christians is for us to have complete joy at all times.

John 15:11 Jesus Christ said, “l have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete”.

No man (spouse, husband, children, parents, etc) or achievements (job, degrees, position…) can give us full joy.

The world has temporal happiness based on its environment. For example, some people drink alcohol, travel, or read books just to forget about their troubles. Yes, momentarily they find relief, but the next day or within hours, they go back to square zero.

Romans 14:17. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit”.

God expects us to be joyful at all times, despite the difficult or happy situations we are experiencing. The power of God’s joy surpasses every form of happiness that we will ever have.

This is evident when Paul told the Philippians repeatedly in Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice”.

The contentment with what you have and who you are in Christ is sufficient reason to maintain a joyful heart.

Why is a happy heart relevant?

A happy heart is a grateful heart. Psalm 81:1 “Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob.”

Indeed, remaining in a state of worry or unhappiness won’t alter the challenging circumstances we face. It’s essential to recognize that this is a tactic often employed by negative forces, often associated with the concept of Satan, aiming to disrupt our joy.

These forces attempt to chip away at our well-being by introducing destructive elements, pain, and a barrage of negative experiences. However, the power to counter this lies within us, through our choice to reject these influences and maintain our inner joy.

By understanding this strategy and actively guarding our joy against such attacks, we empower ourselves to navigate through difficulties with resilience and maintain a positive outlook, no matter what obstacles we encounter.

However, as devoted Christians, we need to identify Satan’s plan to rob us of our joy by praying to God for His joy and gladness. (Psalms 51:8)

We admit everyone has failed to keep their joy, and sometimes we make mistakes and forget to be joyful, particularly during challenging periods.

Can we pray for joy?

But just like David prayed after committing adultery in Psalms 51:12, “Restore unto me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with a free spirit”, we can also ask God for restoration every time we fail.

As Christians, we are not shielded from the inevitable health challenges, marital trials, financial hardships, and other life difficulties. It’s important to understand that such challenges are not contrary to scripture; they are part of the human experience.

However, our strength lies in the choice we make to guard our peace and joy, irrespective of the circumstances. We firmly believe that nothing should disrupt the inner serenity that comes from our faith. This choice is rooted in our unwavering trust in the enduring power of God’s joy, a joy that transcends seasons of abundance and adversity alike.

By choosing to rely on this divine joy, we equip ourselves with the resilience to face life’s ups and downs with grace and a steadfast spirit, knowing that our faith sustains us through every trial. It is through this unwavering commitment that we find solace and triumph over the storms of life, maintaining our peace and joy regardless of the challenges that may arise.

A joyful woman

What does it mean to be joyful?

Joy is that decision we as mature Christians should make daily, depending on God to be in a happy state no matter how we feel or think physically.

When you are confident as a Christian that your situation will be worked out for good by God, you will be cheerful and wear a smile on your face daily.

Joy is a choice from a God-fearing heart, recognizing only God can maintain it. When your heart is restful, and you trust God, you will experience unspeakable joy and peace.

Even though Paul and Silas were beaten and unjustly imprisoned, they choose joy by praising God.

No matter the situation you have now, one thing is sure, beyond the trial there is a triumph. That scar can be turned into a star.

Joy is our conquering power (John 16:33)

No one can take the joy of God from us. John 16:22 “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”

Recommendation for God’s joy

In order to maintain the power of God’s joy every day, try the following recipe:
- Study God’s word daily.
- Listen to gospel faith-building music daily.
- Communicate with fellow Christians as often as possible.
- Pray continuously.
- Be regular and committed to a local church.
- Maintain a smile by controlling your thoughts.
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Honesty: What are the benefits?

March 28, 2022 - By Sarah Luma
Honesty is a vital part of strong moral character. It reflects values such as integrity, truthfulness, and transparency, and shows a commitment to living without deception, cheating, or dishonesty. A truly honest person strives to act ethically in every situation.

Honesty also includes being trustworthy, loyal, fair, and sincere. While we all value the truth, the reality is that every one of us has experienced lies—both from others and sometimes from ourselves. We expect honesty from the people around us, yet it can be challenging to practice consistently.

Jesus, the perfect example of truth, calls us to live with honesty no matter the circumstance or relationship. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and as committed Christians, we are called to follow His example in our daily lives.

In this post, we will explore how choosing honesty helps us reflect God’s character and live more like Christ in what we say and do.

Honesty is a rare virtue only faithful Christians have.

…That’s a difficult statement to make, isn’t it? Yes, it is. But it’s true. God is faithful to His Word, and because of that, every Christian is called to be faithful to theirs.

Our integrity is revealed through both our actions and our words. The real test is this: are they grounded in the Word of God? Do they reflect His truth, or simply our emotions and convenience?

Honesty is towards God and man

“We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man”. 2 Corin 8:21

Col 3:9 “Do not lie to each other…”. Lies telling is not acceptable as a Christian practice. Paul urges honesty to us.

Not surprisingly, liars are family members of the devil as seen in John 8:44.

Today, it’s common for some to remain silent or apathetic when they witness unholy actions from church friends and family. They justify this with statements like “I don’t want to hurt their feelings” or “I don’t want to judge them.”

However, these reasons should not serve as excuses for avoiding a loving, polite conversation to address the matter.

How to be honest

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Eph 4:25.

Firstly, since we despise situations where people tell us lies, let’s be sincere enough to also be truthful to everyone.

Only those with pure hearts will see God, as Matthew said in chapter 5. Honesty in your heart is first directed towards God before people.

If we become committed to the word of God and study it daily, we will speak like Jesus with confidence and truthfulness in every situation.

honesty is from God bible verse

What are the benefits of honesty?

When you are always honest, you become trustworthy, both in the eyes of God and in the eyes of your friends and family. Prov 12:22.

God is honorable, and He does what He says He will do.

God checks our integrity and intentions every time we do something. We need to be deliberate in everything we do.

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 1 Chron 29:17.

It’s important to align our actions with God’s truth.

We all recognize when we’re being truthful or tempted to tell a lie. The urge to be untruthful is a common experience that everyone faces at some point in life. Temptations are a part of our journey.

In the scriptures, we see even Jesus faced temptation from Satan, who tried to lead Him astray. However, the reassuring news is that we don’t have to give in to these temptations, just as Jesus didn’t yield to the demands of the adversary.

But as Apostle John counsels us in 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”, our actions and reactions should be in truthfulness.

Honesty reflection questions

Sometimes we act pretentiously in order to please our friends, but we need to sincerely examine ourselves before acting by asking ourselves some reflection questions
1. “If Jesus were here now will He do what we are about to do?
2. Will Jesus speak or respond to this person this way if He were here now?
3. What l am about to do, has anyone in the scriptures ever done it?
4. Will God be glorified in my action?…”
Let’s be bold towards ourselves and speak the truth to ourselves and others.

1 John 1:16 “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”

Isn’t it funny we can lie to ourselves and even deceive ourselves! -how unbelievable but a reality.

We need to decide to consciously define ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and be ready at all times to encourage and share with our friends or family.

It’s untruthful to tell yourself “l am uninformed, foolish…” just because you made a mistake. We do this frequently, and later we start thinking we are foolish. We do not have to give up on ourselves after a mistake. Our real identity is what God says about us. God will never reject us because we weren’t truthful, but continually lying will affect our fellowship with him. Our relationship will never change.

We admonish you to choose to speak only God’s word to yourself, even after making a mistake. God loves you.

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Godly Friendships: What is the Biblical Definition?

March 22, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Did you know that friendships were part of God’s perfect design from the very beginning?

If God thought you could live on earth alone and still fulfill your purpose, He would have created just you. I often remind my friends and family of this truth.

The first time God recognized that His creation was incomplete was after He made Adam.

In Genesis 2:18, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” So God created Eve—not just as a companion, but as a helpmeet and a true friend to Adam.

Every human being desires to have someone they can confide in and share their lives and everyone has had a friend at one or all stages of their lives.

Have your childhood friendships endured the test of time?

Discover the profound impact of patience, tolerance, and forgiveness on maintaining meaningful relationships.

Today, the bonds of friendship and marriage often face challenges, stemming from impatience and an unforgiving attitude. This blog delves into the inspiring examples of Godly friendships in the Bible, providing insights on how to nurture and emulate these valuable connections.

How to maintain Godly friendships

We will maintain stronger friendships if we invest time in building sacrificially.

James. 4:11 “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”

True friendship entails sacrifice and love. It implies giving, sharing, and supporting each other in all circumstances. Jesus defines sacrificial friendship in 3 John 15:13 “Greater Love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”.

Example of true friendship

A vivid example can be seen in 1 Sam 18:1-4. “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt”.

As Christians, we have to be really cautious about the people we consider friends. “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray”. Prov 12:26.

Friendships are always beneficial, but the kind of friends you keep should be people with spirituality and integrity who can motivate you to build a positive relationship with God. As unnoticed as it may sometimes seem, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”( 1 Corin 15:33).

Sometimes, our friends may reject us and abandoned us because of irreconcilable differences, but we should remember God is our ultimate friend, and he will never reject us.

I encourage equally to refuse to give up on God because someone doesn’t treat us friendly. We might get tired of trying to maintain some friendships, but God never gets tired to be with us.

What are the qualities of Godly friendships?

Solomon’s advice in Prov 22:24-25 “Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared” can be a guide in selecting your friends.

Like Job’s friends, our friends are expected to show love and compassion in both hard and good times. “…they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.” Job 2:11.

We see in Prov 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother”, some friendships supersede family relationships. Friendships can be an unbreakable bond if we deliberately invest to keep it with love.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity”. Prov 17:17.

Some self-reflection questions.

Are you a reliable friend to your friends?

Are you honest and do you treat them like yourself?

It is pathetic if we cannot keep good friendships. God stresses the importance of friendships through Solomon in Eccle 4:9-10, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up”.

True friends need to always pray with and for each other at all times. Christian friendship entails jointly building a relationship that is directed to God. Like Job says, “My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend”. Job 16:20-21.

God regards us as friends, not servants.

We are friends of God. What is a privilege? God doesn’t see us as enemies, despite our mistakes. He loves us unconditionally.

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:12-15.

Jesus considers us loving our friends as a command. Thus, we need to be deliberate and willing to maintain our relationships despite the disagreements that might arise sometimes.

I encourage you to treasure your friends and share with them what God has revealed to you through his Word, just like Jesus did.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Phil 2:3-4.

Jesus’ definition of true friendship can only be compared to our relationship with God. Therefore, we can use the above-listed scriptural guides to strengthen our Godly friendships with both God and man.

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Rejection: Biblical Strategies for Overcoming it.

March 20, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

“Rejection doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough. It means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer.” – Anonymous

Before anyone rejected us, God accepted us. But how do we handle rejection in our lives?

Almost every Christian has faced rejection—by parents, friends, colleagues, or even in deeper relationships.

Yet Jesus Himself experienced rejection, even by those He came to save, though He was fully God and fully accepted by the Trinity.

John 1:11 “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him”.How we deal with the negative feelings of rejection affects our peaceful Christian life. God doesn’t want us offended, but not everyone will accept us.

Can you believe it is part of God’s plan for Jesus to experience rejection? Surprised! Yes, it is. God reveals through David in Psalms 118:22, “The stone which the builders rejected. Has become the chief cornerstone”.

Prophet Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ rejection. Isaiah 53:3“He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, “He is a nobody!”.

Rejection is not preventable, but it is solvable.

We cannot escape rejection completely, but God can see us through if we use the scriptures to deal with it.

My father rejected me nine months after I was born for reasons I still do not understand decades later. Though he accepted me again when I was 12 years old after my mother died, I still sometimes wonder “why” he did that in the first place.

However, the scripture“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” Psalms 27:10 has been my consolation from God. He will never forsake you even if a man abandons you.

There is no logical explanation for rejection. Only God knows why.

God will always accept you. In Isaiah 49:15, “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!” God’s love is unconditional towards all his creation, you inclusive.

Jesus’ earthly ministry is an example for us. Thus, the following steps are worth emulating. Since I began applying them, I have experienced an inexplicable peace of mind in all my relationships. Try it!

1. Expect rejection

Anticipate experiencing rejection. This could be from either people you have or do not have relationships with. This is the first step of healing.

Jesus warns us to expect it.“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” John 15:18.

When rejected, please do not think it strange and doubt your God. Everything Jesus experienced reflects what we will share, so just copy what He did.

You cannot control how people will treat you in different situations, but you can control whether to live sour, bitter, or offended with the pain of the past. Rejection by man is not the denial by God.

1 Peter 2:4. “You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for a great honour.” Believe this; it is true for you, too.

2. Choose to be with those who accept you

You cannot force people to accept you always. Strangely, sometimes the most hurtful rejections are those from our closest family relatives, friends, or spouses.

Joseph experienced rejection and abandonment. Sadly, his biological brothers sold him. He decided to forgive them and reconciled with them years later, but his career/ministry advanced. He worked with integrity and maintained trustworthy relationships with all the Egyptians he met. Gen 37-50.

If you try to reconcile and maintain a good relationship with those, who rejected you but do not want to accept you, switch your focus to other people. Yes-change your company without bearing grudges against those who rejected you.

Mark 6:4-6 “4 But Jesus words to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.”Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marvelled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching”.

Decide to invest your time in those who need your support, and continue showing love towards everyone you meet.

Jesus never stopped His purpose because his closest people rejected him.

3. Pray for those who rejected you

This is the most unlikely thing anyone will like to do given how painful rejection can be. I agree. It is difficult, but I found peace with God and man since I started applying this principle to all my friends and close relatives who rejected me.

The hurt can change our lives, but we must choose to push it to the positive side.

Jesus, on the cross with all the pains, prayed for God to forgive all human beings for rejecting him. Luke 23:34. “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots.”

It is even ironic that Jesus, even as God, felt rejected by God. “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).” Mat 27:46. What a complex paradox! That says everyone hates rejection, the devil uses rejection, but God loves you regardless.

You probably just said I don’t understand the gravity of the pain you felt! Yes, I acknowledge I cannot fully understand your pain because I did not experience the exact situation you went through. But I know that even though all cases are not the same, we can imitate Jesus by letting go of the hurt.

I encourage you to forgive and pray for those who have rejected you. Be open like God to accept them lovingly if they repent but refuse to condemn them. James 2:13 “because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

There are millions of testimonies of those who dealt with rejection. You are no exception. Thus, I admonish you to expect rejection even as a Christian. However, decide to move on with your purpose. Lastly, wholeheartedly pray for those who rejected you. We have to refuse not to give up.

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Dressing with Purpose: Reflecting God Through Appearance

March 13, 2022 - By Sarah Luma
“The first impression people have of you is who you are.” – Anonymous

Is that really true? Partly. People often judge us by what we wear.

God looks at the heart, of course, but He also cares about how we present ourselves. Sometimes, people only hear what we have to say based on our appearance.

Yes, we are misjudged by our outfits at times. But this post isn’t just about physical dressing. Our spirits also need to be “dressed” according to God’s divine purpose.

So I encourage you: dress neatly, dress decently, and let your outer appearance reflect the beauty of your inner spirit.

Does our dress affect how people address us?

Our clothing has a significant effect on how people regard us. Since ancient times, dress has been used to depict professions. Everyone gives honor to military officials when they see their uniforms. If we respect our jobs, we can honor God through our clothes.

A typical example of dressing our spirits is in Apostle Paul’s allegorical analysis. He explains using Roman soldiers’ uniforms in those days. Eph 6: 13-16.
- “Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
- Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
- In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
- And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people”.
Who instituted dressing?

God instituted dressing when He made clothes for Adam and Eve (Gen 3:21-23).

Dressing up appropriately is what everyone has to do. Strangely, some Christians nowadays are either indifferent or nonchalant. There has to be a balance between what we wear physically and what we wear spiritually. Some people cannot reconcile some Christians’ dress with the gospel, so they wrongly address them as such.

There are some Christians who think focusing on building the spirit is essential. As a result, the emphasis is not on the physical. They dress and expose their bodies, saying God is within. At the same time, another group of Christians has established exaggerated doctrines on how to dress. For example, they insist that ladies wear headgear or hats in church.

The list is long for denominations, but one thing is certain decency, in general, is imperative. From the Biblical characters and Jesus, inclusive is relevant. Jesus is our standard.

Everything God created was good. Also, everything He has given man the wisdom to develop is for the well-being of man. The purpose of clothes was for us to cover our nakedness. Choosing to dress half-naked is disregarding God’s intent for creating clothes.

When our dressing is inappropriate, we shouldn’t be surprised when people inappropriately address us too.

“Looking good is good business.” How you look is how you feel.

Everyone, at the least most people, dance or smile when they wear new clothes. Some women usually make turns around the room. Others move in front of the mirror, envisaging the occasion; they will wear the new dress.

Ever wondered why supermarkets have big wall mirrors where clothes are? Could it be because everyone wants to look at themselves in different outfits? “People go-to wedding celebrations to see the kind of wedding dress the bride will be wearing, “Anonymous. How accurate is this statement?

Is God interested in how we dress?

God has an interest in the kind of clothes we wear. He created Males and Females with specific differences warranting unique dressing. Even though our generation has made alterations to the type of clothes, these changes are now based on each gender group. However, as Christians, we need to be cautious and deliberate in what we wear.

Many quote Deut 22:3 as evidence for gender clothing. It says, “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wears women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.”

Spiritual decency, according to God, is not about the price tag of your clothes. Neither is it the colourful hair extensions. Nor the height of our heels, or is it the brand/kind of pieces of jewellery and accessories you wear. These are not bad. But they have to be in moderation.

In simple words, Apostle Paul again explains in 1 Tim 2:9-10. “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”

Let your conduct reflect how you dress.

Apostle Peter equally remarks about the qualities of beauty and fashion in relation to dressing. He commends Christian women nowadays to adopt the dressings styles of married women in the Bible and to consider how they were addressed. Their sauce affected the address they received

His recommendation is in 1 Pet 3:2-5. “when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands”.

“The clothing of the people in Biblical times was made from wool, linen, animal skins, and perhaps silk. Most events in the Old and New Testaments took place in ancient Isreal. This is why most Biblical clothing is ancient Hebrew clothing. They wore underwear and cloth skirts.”

It is not scripturally acceptable for a God-fearing man or woman to dress naked partially. We have to treasure and value our bodies. This entails keeping them clean and well-covered. Nudity is a secular fashion trend that isn’t Biblical.

The value and cost of Jesus’ clothes in Mat 27:25 are of good quality. That sounds like an assumption, right? Unfortunately, it is not. The evidence is“After they had nailed him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.” You accept they couldn’t have cast lots for something worthless, right?

Our dressing affects how people address us, whether we are aware or not. We are responsible as Ambassadors of Christ to uphold reliable impressions everywhere we go. How do you dress?

For more Godly advice, consider reading the article giving up is not a Christian Option.
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3 Ways to Avoid Giving Up

March 8, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Life’s challenges never stop. It’s a reality we all face.

And sometimes, we come close to giving up. But there is a way to keep going: align with the design of our Creator. That’s the only way to persevere.

According to Macmillan Dictionary, “Giving up is one of those times in life when you stop doing something that you regularly used to do.”

The urge to give up often comes from depression, frustration, or rejection. Even Jesus experienced moments of burnout and doubt during His earthly journey. Yet He never gave up. Could God give up on Himself? Absolutely not.

Under pressure, Jesus chose to obey God’s will. His example reminds us that following God’s purpose often means letting go of our own desires.

We see in Luke 22:39-42 a typical example of how Jesus overcomes the difficulty of giving up. “Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Do you know why it was easy for Jesus to deal with the agony of giving up? Indeed, you said, what could it be?

It was because he had a custom of always praying. The power of prayers cannot be overemphasized.

From this scripture, prayer doesn’t stop temptation but prevents you from falling into it.

Step 1: Make a constant praying habit.

A habit is indeed a regular choice, but the idea that it takes exactly two weeks to form a habit is not universally accurate. The time it takes to form a habit can vary for different individuals and behaviors.

When prayer becomes an integral part of one’s lifestyle, it can indeed provide strength to resist the temptation of giving up, as it fosters spiritual resilience and connection.

The reasons behind someone taking their own life are complex and can’t be generalized. In Judas Iscariot’s case, various factors are speculated, including guilt and the weight of betrayal. People may consider ending their lives due to a range of mental health issues, emotional distress, hopelessness, or other personal struggles. It’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity and seek professional help when dealing with suicidal thoughts.

A deep, selfless prayer connection with God prevents thoughts of ending one’s life during tough times. Life is a divine gift, and taking it by one’s own will goes against God’s purpose.

Just as Jesus’ prayers were unwavering and sacrificial, we should align our will with God’s, trusting His superior plan.

This is clearly seen as God replies to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you before you were born, I set you apart, I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

How to do it?

We don’t know everything about ourselves. Do you agree that is strange to say? I bet you just nodded. Yes, it is.

But, similarly to the production process, only the producer can give the original manual with explanations of how to use a product. This is an example of God as well.

Just like Jesus, it is easy and almost natural for us to want our will done in our lives, but we must always recognize that God’s will should always be sought, especially during difficult times.

God acknowledges there will be challenging periods when you feel like giving up, but he still expects us to submit to His will and trust His plans for our lives.

In the same way, he reassures Jeremiah in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is what he wants us to believe in our lives.

Step 2: Praying earnestly is the solution for giving up.

Could this be a repeated point? No, it is not an error. It emphasizes the power of prayers during happy and unhappy times. You cannot afford to stop praying, especially when you are in a desperate time like Jesus, preparing for death.

Several times, Jesus replied to the Pharisees and his disciples, saying, “Verily, Verily…”. That implies the stress on the importance of what he was talking about. (John 14:12)

Again, in Luke 22:43-44, we see “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground”.

No one wants to give up on life deliberately. Everyone expects empowerment from God to deal with their difficulty. The good news is that God is aware we cannot overcome without his strength, which is why he continually sends his angel to strengthen us.

Psalm 73:26 is a vivid example of how David was peaceful when he admitted he could not do anything alone. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” We all need God’s strength daily.

The phrase can describe the intensity of Jesus’ internal and external pain, “his sweat was like drops of blood.” This reflects absolute agony, yet he prayed the most in such a state.

Once again, you can only deal with the urge to give up on suffering by praying earnestly and lovingly. Maintain a solid, unbreakable bond with the Holy Spirit even in bad times.

Step 3: Prayer prevents you from giving up

You are probably asking why prayer is the title of this step. Good question. The answer is already what you said, and your heart has just confirmed it.

Alluding to Luke 22:45-46, we see how Jesus repeats the power of prayers to his disciples. “When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

There is no denying that the sorrows and pains of life can overwhelm us and exhaust us so badly that we will prefer to do things our way and sleep whilst life passes us by. I encourage you always to make prayer a lifestyle to prevent you from giving up.

We can choose a smile after the prayers, believing God is aware of the temptation and will deliver us from anything if we call upon him.

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Godly Living Posts / Quotes

Reasons to wear a smiling face daily

March 1, 2022 - By Sarah Luma

Did you know that a simple smile can have a direct impact on your health?

Choosing to smile daily offers both spiritual and physical benefits. In a world filled with uncertainty and constant challenges, finding reasons to smile may seem rare—but it’s more important than ever.

Let’s explore fascinating truths about smiling and why it’s worth making it part of your daily lifestyle.

How Can Smiling Daily Improve Our Health?

King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 15:30,
“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.”

This joyful expression lifts our spirit—our heart—and fills us with life. The heart, in this context, represents our inner being, the place where God dwells. That’s why Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from them.

A confident smile rooted in our identity in God can be a powerful remedy against depression. As Proverbs 17:22 says:
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength.”

Can We Ask God to Smile on Us Daily?

Absolutely. God desires to bless us with His presence and favor—His divine smile. When we open our hearts and seek His ways, we can invite that smile into our daily lives.

Psalm 119:135 – “Smile on me, and teach me your laws.”
Psalm 31:16 – “Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!”

It is God’s goodness that sustains us through every season, both the good and the difficult.

Psalm 4:6 – “Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?’ Let your face smile on us, LORD.”

If we ask God to smile on us, He will help us reflect that joy outwardly.

Even King David prayed for God’s smile to stay with him throughout life:

Psalm 39:13 – “Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again before I depart and am no more.”
Psalm 80:19 – “O Lord God of hosts, restore us; cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.”

God’s smile brings restoration and salvation—gifts freely available to those who seek Him.

Can Sin Affect Our Smile?

Yes, sin has the power to affect our countenance.

In Genesis 4:7, God told Cain:
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door…”

Unrepented sin weighs heavily on us. It can dim the joy from our faces. But when we surrender to God and choose righteousness, the burden lifts—and joy returns.

Spiritual maturity involves recognizing sin’s influence and choosing to walk in obedience. That decision leads to consistent, joyful smiles.

Can Smiling Be a Tool for Evangelism?

Absolutely. A genuine, heartfelt smile can reveal the goodness of God to others.

Psalm 126:2–3 says:
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’”

When we smile sincerely—especially during trials—people notice. They may even begin to wonder about the God who gives us strength to smile in hard times.

Job 29:24 – “I smiled on them when they did not believe, and the light of my face they did not cast down.”

Our smile can be a silent sermon, a testimony of faith.

Matthew 6:16 also teaches us that our appearance matters before God:
“When you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do… Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”

God sees and rewards a joyful, faith-filled countenance. A smile becomes a visible reflection of our relationship with Him and an encouragement to others.

When Should We Smile?

There’s no specific time to smile—we’re called to smile always.

Romans 12:12 says:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Even in grief or pain, we can choose joy. Life will give us many reasons to frown, but we can make the firm decision to smile through it.

Proverbs 14:13 reminds us:
“Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, and the end of joy may be grief.”

Still, choosing to smile—especially when it’s difficult—is a powerful act of faith rooted in our trust in God.

Even when the emotions don’t match, we can still choose to smile intentionally.

How Should We Smile?

Job 9:27 says,
“If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression and smile.’”

This verse reminds us to resist dwelling on what’s missing or what has gone wrong. Instead of feeding our complaints, we should make the conscious choice to shift our focus and preserve our joy. Smiling becomes an act of spiritual discipline—a decision to lift our countenance even in the middle of hardship.

What Is the Relationship Between Smiling and Hope?

A true sign of trust in God is the ability to smile, even when the future feels uncertain.

Proverbs 31:25 says,
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.”

This powerful image shows us that our smiles are rooted in hope—hope not just for this life, but for the eternal future we have with God. A smile can reflect deep assurance that God is walking beside us through every chapter.

Living Joyfully Takes Effort

While everyone desires a joy-filled life, experiencing consistent joy requires intentional effort. Smiling daily doesn’t come from relying on our own strength or emotional stability.

Our emotions naturally fluctuate with circumstances. But spiritual joy—the kind that lasts—is anchored in the presence of God. It’s a fruit that grows in our lives when we depend on the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22 tells us,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”

When we welcome the Holy Spirit into our hearts, He begins to produce joy in us. This joy isn’t about feeling happy all the time, but about being grounded in a deeper, unwavering gladness—one that sustains our smile even when life feels heavy.

We don’t need to force joy or wear a fake smile. Instead, we can draw from the deep well of spiritual joy that the Holy Spirit freely gives. This kind of joy allows us to smile genuinely, even in the midst of difficulty.

A daily smile becomes truly lasting when it’s anchored in the joy of the Holy Spirit—not in our shifting emotions, life circumstances, or personal willpower. Smiling each day isn’t about pretending; it’s about inviting the Spirit of God to fill us with a deep, enduring joy that naturally shows on our faces.

A daily smile becomes truly sustainable when it’s rooted in the joy of the Holy Spirit—not in our moods, circumstances, or personal strength. Smiling each day is not about forcing an emotion, but about allowing the Spirit of God to fill us with lasting joy that overflows through our expressions.

Additional Scriptures About Smiling
Proverbs 15:13 – “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.”
Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Isaiah 12:3 – “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

These verses remind us that joy is a spiritual gift that brings both inward peace and outward expression through a smile.

Reflection Questions
Why is smiling every day important for believers?
How does it reflect our trust in God and the joy we receive from Him?

When is the best time to smile?
Are there moments when smiling is hardest? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into those moments?

Looking for more encouragement?
You can explore additional faith-building articles and insights here.

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