01 - Jan

Every new year provides us with the opportunity to “go again”. One thing that I have come to appreciate about life is that success comes not just by applying the right principles but for the right length of time.

There is a third factor which is wrong choices. The choices we make in life will never leave us the same. They either advance us or plunge us into a life of woes and miseries.

Something that could be worse than ignorance is rebellion, another cause of man’s misery. If ignorance is acting in the dark, then rebellion can be seen as acting contrary to light. Another word for it is stiff neck. 

Today and for the rest of the month, our focus will be on the sources of misery. The goal is that by identifying them we will be at the same time equipped to eliminate them.

Unless people are converted and become as little children, they have no chance of making it to the kingdom of heaven. What is it about children to make them a measuring rod? Their love is one thing. Malice is alien to children; they have so much love to give.

When you do whatever you find faithfully and God’s blessing comes on it, that becomes a stepping stone to a higher height.

If someone is angry at you, don’t aggravate the matter. Unless it becomes absolutely necessary, don’t even border to offer explanation to exonerate yourself. Genuine apologies out of a sincere heart will pacify the offender.

Our text says one sinner destroys much good. The outcome of your action does not stop with you. People within your immediate household or workplace may all be affected by your choices and actions.

Note that God expects us to mature to a point where our thoughts and ways will begin to approximate His. That is the essence of training in godliness. Our text says that the disciple who is properly trained will be like his teacher.

Knocking at the door is a request for consent to enter. He has power to break down the door and enter. He can even enter without passing through the door.