Tuesday, January 18, 2022

The Five Results of Backsliding

 


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By Emem LoBus

 

1.    We grieve the heart of God our Father.

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God; by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:30-32

 

2.    Sin in the life of a believer hinders others from being saved or growing their faith.

“For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died.  And thus, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.” I Corinthians 8:11-12

 

3.    God will not answer prayer.

“Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul.  I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.  If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear;” Psalm 66:18

 

4.    God will allow trouble and sorrow, sickness and even physical death.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he does not judge the body rightly.  For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.” I Corinthians 11:30

 

5.    We lose our reward when we get to Heaven. 

“ …each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.  If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.”       I Corinthians 3:15

 

We must keep our eyes firmly fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ, read His Word and pray to keep from willingly stumbling; and when we do stumble remember the unmeasurable value of His gracious gift to us -- His spiritual soap (I John 1:9). 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·      Ray Jr. – Ray’s father passed away after his struggle with cancer.  Continue to pray for Ray’s family.  Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely during this time of loss and personal pain.

·      Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

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