Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:1-13)


How often have you heard a sermon about the five wise and five foolish virgins? We usually hear that the foolish virgins were denied entry because they lacked oil. But the real issue was their lack of readiness. They slept until the call came and had done nothing to prepare. Only then did they go to buy oil. The Lord was still there when they returned, but He told them, "I know you not." Only those who were ready entered. The lesson is not simply about oil; it is about being prepared. If we stay ready, we will have the oil and everything else we need to enter. If you are not fully ready when Jesus returns, He does not know you. Behold, He is coming! Get ready while you still have the chance.

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day" (Genesis 1:1-5).


“In the beginning.” We should be ready to share when and where God saved us and speak often of our personal testimony. The first five books of the Bible recount what God did. The opening five verses of Genesis show Him establishing the New Testament plan of salvation by separating light from darkness. Salvation does the same: God brings us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Do you remember the day you were saved? Never forget your testimony. Share it often with everyone willing to listen.

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:1-3)


We often hear, “I don’t have the strength to go on, endure this any longer, etc.” Others ask, “Please pray for my strength in the Lord.” Do these words sound familiar? Why do some people remain strong through adversity while others struggle to continue?
Eleanore Roosevelt once said, facing fear builds strength, courage, and confidence. At times, we must overcome fear to grow stronger in our walk with God. John taught that those who fear are not perfected in love for perfect love will cast out fear. Isaiah declared that the LORD JEHOVAH was his strength, song, and salvation. When we know God and worship Him, He gives us strength to persevere. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Draw strength from the Lord, and you will always be able to carry on.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
(Luke 4:14-19)

Before traveling abroad, we should learn the customs and courtesies of that region, since what is acceptable at home may not be acceptable elsewhere. In the same way, we should learn the customs and courtesies of God's Kingdom. Luke tells us that Jesus regularly attended worship on the Sabbath. If we profess faith in Jesus Christ, we should follow His example by making church attendance a habit. As God's chosen children, we should also cultivate a desire to pray, worship, read His Word, share His goodness, and understand Christian customs and courtesies. Holiness is part of this way of life, for God calls us to be holy. Take time, then, to understand the customs and courtesies of His Kingdom and put them into practice.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)


Henry Ward Beecher said, "It's not work that kills men, it is worry." Why worry about what we cannot control—the weather, other people's actions, transportation delays, or death? Instead, we should focus on what we can control: our attitudes, our actions, and our eternal salvation. Paul said, "We should be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." So today, don't sweat the small stuff. Focus on what you can control, and you will find peace within yourself.

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God"
(2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)

In football, both the offense and defense can be flagged for infractions. Some include offsides, holding, tripping, premeditated celebration, and excessive celebration. Here’s how they apply to the church.
OFFSIDES: If you are yoked with unbelievers, fellowship with the unrighteous, are in a relationship with darkness, and eat at Satan's table, you are guilty of being offsides.
HOLDING: If you don’t pay tithes or give offerings, and clutch your purse or wallet when offering time comes, you are guilty of holding.
TRIPPING: If you think darkness is light and light is darkness, and believe you can do what the world does and still make it to heaven, you are tripping.
PREMEDITATED CELEBRATION: If you decide to skip church to go to a game, visit an amusement park, or do anything other than be in the house of God, you are guilty of premeditated celebration.
EXCESSIVE CELEBRATION: This penalty should apply to every Christian every day. When we think of the goodness of Jesus and all He has done for us, our souls should cry out, “HALLELUJAH, praise God for saving me.”

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) seems to be what most people use for traveling these days. It is a good tool, and I'm glad we have one. It sure makes it easier to find our direction and destination. But there is one thing it doesn't do. It doesn't show us how to get to heaven. There is no GPS for that. But there is a B-I-B-L-E that has the directions from earth all the way to glory. We just have to read it and obey it. The wise men followed the star in search of Jesus, and they found Him. If we follow that Bright and Morning Star, we'll find Him too, and we will even find our way home. Checked your map lately?
 

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
(2 Corinthians 6:2)
 
How much time do you spend meditating of God’s word? Let us meditate on one word that stands out in this particular scripture, the word, “Now”. Most people that read the Bible go through their day not giving too much thought to the word "Now".  The word "Now" can mean that something is happening or that we need to take action quickly.  A parent who is upset with their child's wrong behavior may say, "I want you to do what I told you, NOW!!!!"; calling for immediate action on the child's part.  
One man said, "The word 'Now' is like a bomb through the window, and it ticks."  Paul said that now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  I think he meant that because tomorrow is not promised. We need to act now because it is the accepted time.  It means to do it right now.  Do you need salvation in your life today?  If so, today, NOW, is the time. Read and apply Acts 2:38-42, as that is what 3,000 people did on the Day of Pentecost when they were told to save themselves from this untoward generation. They acted immediately upon the "Now" that Peter spoke of.  Accepting salvation now can prevent regret in your future. Remember, you will spend a longer time in eternity than you will on this earth. So, prepare for the eternal. Don’t put it off.

For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. (Proverbs 2:21-22)


Keep Political Injustice in Perspective
I am often struck by how upset believers become over injustice in today’s political realm. We should not be surprised when sinners act sinfully. Nor should we expect the world to improve simply because politicians promise that it will. Scripture warns, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).
Stay Informed—and Pray
That does not mean we should ignore what is happening. We should remain aware so that we can pray wisely for our nation and its leaders. However, I refuse to become consumed by injustice, lose sleep over it, or let it fill me with stress.
God says that the wicked will be cut off from the earth and that transgressors will be rooted out. Therefore, I will trust God to deal with them while I pray for their souls to be saved.
Remain Rooted in God’s Word
David wrote:
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalms 1:1–6).
Choose Uprightness
If you remain upright, you will ultimately see every wicked way perish.

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)

When we examine the genealogy of Christ, we encounter unexpected names that may prompt questions. Rahab, for example, was a harlot, yet she appears in His lineage. If Jesus is the Son of God, why would such a person be included in His family line?
The answer is that the right to the throne does not rest solely on genealogy or natural birthright; it rests with God Himself. He is sovereign and may accomplish His purposes as He chooses.
If genealogy alone had determined the inheritance, Reuben would have received the birthright of his father, Jacob. Because of Reuben’s sin, however, the birthright was given to Joseph. The right to the throne came through Judah because he prevailed over his brethren.
Jacob had declared:
“Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion’s whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be” (Genesis 49:8–10).
From Judah would come the chief ruler—not by natural genealogy or birthright, but according to God’s purpose.
Christ’s priesthood is described as being after the order of Melchisedec:
“For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.... For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Hebrews 7:1–3, 14–17).
The Lineage That Matters
David ruled not because of genealogy or birthright, but because God chose him from the tribe of Judah. In the same way, Jesus is not impressed by natural lineage. He looks at the bloodline established through the new birth. That is what gives you access to the Kingdom.

Acts 2:37-42
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Peter’s Transformation and Purpose
Simon Peter’s story in Scripture is distinctive because it reveals both his weaknesses and his growth. At first, he can appear tough and indifferent. Over time, however, Jesus’ actions and teachings soften him. After denying Jesus, Peter responds with deep remorse—a reminder that a relationship with Christ can cultivate humility and compassion.
Evidence of Peter’s Growth

• He received correction. Peter accepted Paul’s rebuke when his conduct toward Gentile believers was inconsistent with the gospel (Galatians 2:11–14).
• He became Spirit-led. After Pentecost, Peter preached to the first Gentile converts (Acts 10), prayed for Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8), and confronted Ananias and Sapphira for lying (Acts 5).
• He defended the truth courageously. Peter proclaimed the gospel boldly and affirmed salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37–42; 4:12).

Encouragement from Peter’s Life
If you are hesitant to stand for truth, consider rereading Acts 1–10 and 1–2 Peter. Although Peter denied Jesus three times, he also walked on water and played a central role in revealing God’s plan of salvation at Pentecost.
Peter’s life shows that mistakes made in weakness do not disqualify us from God’s purpose. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus can restore us and use us for His kingdom.

2 Chronicles 5:1-10
"Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God. Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle; these did the priests and the Levites bring up. Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude. And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims: For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. And they drew out the staves of the ark, that the ends of the staves were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen without. And there it is unto this day. There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt"


When King Solomon took the throne from his father David, he aimed to build a house for the Lord, following David's instructions. After the temple's completion, they were commanded to bring the Ark of the Lord and place it properly. Scripture states, "There was nothing in the ark but the two tables which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt." However, God had instructed Moses to include three items in the Ark as a memorial and witness: Aaron's Rod that budded, the Pot of Manna, and the Tables of Stone. Interestingly, from Moses' leadership to Solomon's, two items—Aaron's Rod and the Pot of Manna—are missing. Aaron's Rod signifies resurrection and life (John 11:25), and the Pot of Manna symbolizes the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Once the temple was built- specifically, which temple didn't matter- only the Word of Life was needed, represented by the Tables of Stone. Paul advised Timothy to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 3:1-2). When the church preaches Jesus, it addresses all essential aspects, and nothing is missing.

My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. (Psalms 7:10-12)

God’s Righteousness and Judgment
Sometime back, I wrote about the value of everyone reading the Bible. Many people understand that God is righteous, but fewer recognize that He is also a God of judgment.
Scripture warns that “the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalms 9:17). Yet God’s justice is joined with His mercy. Peter reminds us that the Lord is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

The Call to Repentance
Ezekiel 33:12–20 teaches that neither past righteousness nor past wickedness alone determines a person’s standing before God. Each person is judged according to the way he responds to God’s call.

• The righteous person who turns from righteousness and commits iniquity will not be delivered by former obedience.
• The wicked person who turns from sin, does what is lawful and right, restores what he has taken, and walks in the statutes of life shall live.
• God’s judgment is fair, even when people claim, “The way of the Lord is not equal.”

Our Response 
Therefore, we must repent, do what is right, and trust God to be our defense.

Keep Your Lamps Burning
Matthew 24:1-3 (KJV)
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
  
Matthew 25:1-13 (KJV)
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Wedding Customs in Jesus’ Day
Jesus tells a story about a wedding to teach us about the kingdom of heaven.

In Jesus’ day, a wedding was very different from most weddings in western society today.
1. The wedding celebration could last several days.
Today, many weddings include a ceremony followed by a reception. In Bible times, the celebration could continue for several days, even weeks, and the whole village might be involved.
2. The groom came to receive the bride.
Instead of the bride walking down an aisle to meet the groom, the bridegroom would come in a procession to receive his bride and bring her to the wedding feast.
3. The timing was not always exact.
Today, weddings usually begin at a set time. In that culture, the groom’s arrival could be delayed, sometimes even until night. That is why the virgins needed lamps.
4. Lamps were necessary.
There were no electric lights. If the groom came after dark, the wedding party needed lamps or torches to join the procession. Without oil, there could be no light.
5. The bridesmaids had an important role.
The ten virgins in Matthew 25 were attendants waiting to welcome the groom and join the celebration. Their responsibility was to be ready when he arrived.
In our day, people prepare for a wedding by choosing clothes, buying gifts, reserving a venue, and arriving on time. But in their day, preparation meant having a lamp, having enough oil, and staying ready even if the groom was delayed. Jesus is teaching us not merely to look ready on the outside, but to be ready on the inside.

Ten young women, called bridesmaids, take their lamps and go out to meet the groom. Five are wise, and five are foolish. On the outside, all ten appear to be prepared. They are in the same place, carrying the same kind of lamp, and waiting for the same bridegroom. But beneath the surface, there is a difference that will be revealed when the groom arrives.
1. The Test of the Delay

• There was an unexpected waiting period. The groom would arrive when everything was ready. In the same way, we are waiting for the coming of the Lord.
• All ten women grew tired and fell asleep, showing a human weakness that can touch everyone. That is why we need revival—to awaken us again.

• A delay will test what is truly inside us. When God takes time to answer or to return, our true patience and faith show.
• Don’t give up on your promises.

2. The Midnight Cry

• At midnight, someone yells that the groom is coming.
• They begin to scramble: All the women wake up and fix their lamps.

• The five foolish women realized their lamps were going out because they had no extra oil, so they asked the wise women to share.

• The wise women say no. There is not enough oil for everyone. They tell the foolish women to go buy their own.

• It is foolish to think we can make it to heaven on someone else’s connection with God.

3. What the Oil Means

• Oil stands for a real, living relationship with God. It represents the Holy Ghost, the anointing, and the presence of God at work in your life.

• You cannot borrow faith from your parents, your spouse, or your friends.
• Every person must know God for themselves before it is too late.

• Do not wait until the last minute to stay full of oil. It is a serious thing to put off living for God until it is too late.

4. The Closed Door

• While the foolish women run to buy oil, the groom arrives.
• The ready women go inside the wedding feast with him, and the door shuts.
• When the foolish women return and beg to enter, the groom says, "I do not know you."

• The shut door was serious.
  Today, someone who is late to a wedding reception may still slip in. But in the parable, once the wedding feast began and the door was shut, those outside could not enter. Jesus uses this picture to teach the urgency of spiritual readiness.

The same thing happened in Noah’s day. God shut the door.
Jesus ends the story with a clear command:
"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."
Do not wait until the last second to get right with God.
Check your heart today.
Make sure you have the oil of His Holy Spirit in your life right now.
Jude 1:20 (KJV)
20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. To build up means to develop, grow, and mature in your walk with God.
Also, allow the Holy Ghost to fully develop you.
The five foolish women had the appearance of faith, but they lacked the one thing necessary to go in with the bridegroom: the oil.
The oil represents the inward reality of God’s Spirit and life within a person.


In Scripture, oil is often connected with anointing, consecration, the presence of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil, showing they were set apart by God. In this parable, the oil points to the Holy Ghost, the anointing, and a living relationship with God.
A lamp without oil has appearance but no power.
It may look ready to shine, but when the time of testing comes, it cannot keep burning.
The lamp is what people can see, but the oil is what God knows is there.
The lamp can represent a profession, but the oil represents the possession of what God requires. The lamp is outward religion, but the oil is inward relationship.

John 5:1-14
After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. 

Thought For Today:
Sometimes we do not fully understand the consequences of sin in our lives. Many people believe they can dabble in sin without being affected by it, but Scripture teaches otherwise. James writes, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14–15).

The Danger of Letting Sin Take Hold
A person may flirt with sin only a little while before it attaches itself to the heart. Once it takes hold in the right place, it begins to affect the whole life and can bring a person down. Sin can cripple, bind, and leave a person ineffective for the Master’s use.

A Lesson From the Man at Bethesda
The man in today’s Scripture had been afflicted for thirty-eight years. Can you imagine feeling hopeless, rejected, and helpless for that long? Can you imagine watching others in the same condition, all waiting for help that seemed out of reach?
Sin can leave a person spiritually crippled in the same way. Those who are bound by sin may blame others or their circumstances, but sin itself is the true captor. When sin is allowed to attach itself to a life, it can hold that person captive until there is genuine repentance.

The Hope of Repentance
If you feel crippled by sin today, there is hope. A godly heart of repentance can get Jesus’ attention and bring real change into your life. As Paul said, sin shall not have dominion over you. Call out to Jesus in repentance, turn from the sin that has held you captive, and allow Him to make you whole.

Revelation 2:1-7
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Thought For Today:
Does it seem as though God no longer matters to many people? Why do so many who once loved Him no longer show that same desire? In many ways, their attitude resembles the church at Ephesus: they have left their first love.
When God no longer matters, people may begin to believe they have everything under control. They may think they understand love, but it is only when a person is filled with God’s Spirit that they truly begin to understand what it means to be loved deeply and completely.
The Need to Nurture Love
Love must be nurtured. When that love for God is neglected, the heart can grow cold. Over time, people may lose their desire for Him and begin to walk away from their first love—God Himself.
When God no longer matters to you, nothing else truly matters as it should. You may think other things matter, but without Jesus, you can do nothing.

• Do not leave your first love.
• Keep your love for God alive, sincere, and real.
• Continue seeking Jesus, the giver of life.
• Fall in love with Him again every day.

Jesus makes everything better, richer, and fuller.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:13-17)

Thought For Today:
Many people today are beginning to wonder where so much evil is coming from. Why does it seem to be present on every corner and even in many homes?
The answer is found in a truth that many have forgotten—or perhaps have never truly heard: God’s two greatest commandments are to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

What Happens When God’s Word Is Removed
Satan understands that when the commandments and teachings of God are removed from schools, homes, and hearts, evil gains room to grow. When God and His Word are removed from any place, love is removed with them.
And when love is removed, an environment is created where hatred and evil can take root.
But we must continue in the truth of God’s Word. Love covers sin, and God’s people are called to remain anchored in His love.

• Keep yourself in the love of God.
• Love His Word.
• Preach the gospel, because people still need deliverance from sin.

The gospel is built on love, and love remains the answer for a world in need of truth, deliverance, and hope.

Learning To Command Ourselves
 
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Thought For Today:

One of the hardest people to command is often ourselves. We can be quick to judge others while overlooking the areas in our own lives that need correction. Yet if we are honest, our first responsibility is to examine ourselves before trying to direct anyone else.

The Lord told Ezekiel, “Saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 14:12-14).

If I can only answer for my own soul, then I should be deeply concerned about my own walk with God. Before I can lead, correct, or command others, I must first learn to rule my own spirit.

Solomon said, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). A person without self-control is unprotected and vulnerable, like a city with no walls.

Do not deceive yourself. Be honest with yourself, examine your own ways, and make the corrections that are needed.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28). Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
 
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:  

Probably one of the toughest categories of people to command is ourselves.  Why are we often times harder on others than we are on ourselves?  Shouldn't we be more concerned with us than others?  The Lord told Ezekiel, "Saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD" (Ezekiel 14:12-14).  
If I can't save anyone but myself, shouldn't I be more concerned with myself than others?  You see, if I cannot command myself, how can I command others?  Solomon said,  "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls" (Proverbs 25:28). Don't try to deceive yourself.  Be honest with yourself and correct your own ways.