We make choices all the time, and our choices shape our lives. Making choices represent the fundamental tool we use in facing the opportunities, challenges, and uncertainties of life. It is therefore important that we make the right choices because we do not always choose the consequence of our choice.

A man can either chose by sight, like Lot, or chose by faith like Abraham. When a man chose to go in the same direction as Lot then he’s following after the footstep of the first man, Adam.

Adam in the Garden of Eden: Gen 2 & 3.

Adam was created innocent he had no knowledge of good or evil. Think of a grown man say 30 years old, who had no sense of right or wrong, no power to differentiate between the two.

Also Adam was created morally neutral – neither sinful nor holy, but innocent – and God put those two trees there so that he might exercise free choice. Adam’s option when faced with decision of good or bad is to refer it to Jehovah God.

In the midst of the garden, that is in the place of special prominence God planted two trees. Gen 2:9

These two trees, then, typify two deep principles: they represent two plans of life, the divine and the human.

The tree of life is God himself, for God is Life. And the fruit of that tree, is our Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot eat the tree but you can eat the fruit. The fruit is the edible part, the receivable part of the tree. So one can say that the Lord Jesus is God in a receivable form.

If Adam should take of the tree of life, he would partake of the life of God. Thus he would have in him a life derived from God. A race of men having the life of God in them and living in constant dependence upon God, but if instead, Adam should turn the other way then he would become a self-dependent being. Judging and acting apart from God.

Adam had a choice and the history of humanity is the outcome of the choice he made.

What are the questions we need to ask when making choices?

Is my choice in conformity with God’s word? To correctly answer this question, a man needs to know God’s word. Col 3:16a “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly”. 2 Sam 13:4-6 It is apparent that Amnon did not ask himself this question or he asked and answered it wrongly when he yielded to the advise of his cousin, Jonadab and pretended to be sick in order to rape his sister, Tamar. This same cousin that gave the advice was the one that reported the incidence as evil. 2 Samuel 13:32. So watch the advice you take. One of the most remarkable moments in Jesus ministry must have been when he looked at some of his follower and asked, why do you call me Lord when you won’t obey me? Luke 6:46. To choose to live by self-will is a dangerous and damaging thing for any child of God.

Would I want everyone to know about my choice? Eccl 12:14 => “God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.”

The bible in 1 Kings 1:5-7 talks about Adonijah as a man who exalted himself, saying I will be king. He kept it as a secret from his father and from other righteous and Godly people in the land. He confided in Joab, the commander of the Isael’s army, who also was a murderer and Abiathar the priest, who happened to be the only person remaining from the lineage of Eli the priest.

Sometimes it is no brainer if we’ve (decided to or) picked the right or wrong choice, that’s why the bible made us to understand that whosoever know the right thing and does not do it, to him it is a sin. We know that we cannot divorce righteousness from justice. Job 19:14, Is 32:1, Jer 22:3. A man cannot say he is righteous, if he is not able to give good judgement. So, the question for us as teachers is: will I commit to spiritual growth or will I commit to spiritual politics like Adonijah did? 1 Kings 2:15. It is important that you make an intentional decision to grow in the word and not follow the practice of this world. Come out from among them and be ye separate says the Lord, and touch not the unclean things.

Will my choice harm someone else? It is so disappointing that our society is so self seeking. Whatsoever choice to be taken we consider self first, it doesn’t matter if it will adversely affect someone else or if it will hinder the progress of the work of God, in as much as I have protected myself in a Lot-wise way, it is okay. This same thing is what led to Adonijah’s death. 1 Kings 2:23-25. He demanded for Abishag the beautiful girl that rightfully belong to Solomon, not considering the effect of this on Solomon. This choice of Adonijah led to his death.

By making this choice, will it help me be a better person? Out choices can either make us or break us. 1 Kg 12 talks about when the entire land of Israel came to make Rehoboam king, and they said to him”thy father make our yoke grievous: now therefore lighten the heavy yoke that thy father put on us” He later answered them “my father make your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions”

The people answered the king “what portion have we in David? To your tent , O Israel: now see to your own house, David. Rehoboam made a choice without considering whom he is becoming by virtue of that choice. We all want to make the best choices in life. In making those choices it is important that we consider whom we are becoming by virtue of our choice. 1 Cor 6:12 says all things are lawful unto me, but all things are not beneficial, all things are lawful for me, I will not be brought under the power of any. So, any choice that will not take us closer to the glory is no choice for us to consider, as believers.

What are my priorities or what do I value most? Anytime a person doesn’t know what his priorities are, he can find himself in trouble, because he is liable to chose wrongly. Things that matter most must not be at the mercy of things that matter least. 1 Cor 9: 15 è But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. Apostle Paul knew his priorities. What are your own priorities? In twenty to forty years what are you doing now that will still be important to you? The house you live in, the car you drive, the vacation you take, the work and business you are doing won’t mean much to you. What really matters? If you haven’t defined your values, I encourage you to do so. Then work hard to keep the unimportant from becoming important, and the important from becoming unimportant in your life choices.

Will my choice be harmful to me or lead to my doom? It is important that our choice lead towards our being glorified rather than condemnation. In our text of today, Gedaliah trusted in he flesh by heavily relying on human being, he didn’t know that all lizards lie prostrate, and we do not know which one suffers from belly-ache. He forgot that there are enemies that pretends to be friends. Nothing stopped him from investigating just like King Xerxes of Persia did when a plot was told him by Modecai through Esther. His choice led to his death. Rom 5:12-21. Adam’s choice led to the doom of mankind “by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners; even so by one man’s obedience shall many be made righteous”. The lord Jesus also was faced with choice making in the garden of Gethsemane, but he chose to do the will of the father by redeeming mankind.

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Letting go is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges we face. Our egos easily and all too eagerly attach to things, people, and outcome. Letting go of these attachments can be painful, particularly when we can’t see what’s ahead.

To let go means to release, it means to relinquish your grip, it means to control yourself from continually holding on to things, people, or outcome, just like Isaac let go of the first well he dug which he called Esek – Quarrel. He equally gave up the second well, Sitnah – Hatred, and as he would not allow these two distractions to hold him back from soaring in fulfillment, he dug the third well, Rehoboth – broad places (space for all). Perhaps there is a self-limiting or destructive pattern in you that needs to be released, or may be you feel compelled to pursue a dream that requires letting go of your current work. The important thing to remember is that no matter how scary it may feel, you possess an inner strength and courage that is greater than any situation that may come your way. So you have it in you with the power of God  that works in you to let go of Anger, Fear, Guilt, Worry, Shame, Self-doubt, Sadness, Failure, Confusion, Ungodly customs and traditions, human laws, and old wives fables.

Hindrances to letting go

Fear – The Fear of losing Control :- It is significant to note that the first sentence recorded from man in the Genesis account of creation included the phrase “I was afraid” Gen. 3:10.

Fear of losing control has rubbed so many people of the blessings and joy that comes from letting go. Let us look at the story of the rich young ruler, which is accounted for in all four of the gospels. Let take the account of Luke in Luke 18:18-23. This man was very wealthy, and his wealth has put him in control. By letting go of it, he will lose control and the fear of losing control has taken away his joy. Bible says: when he heard this, he was very sorrowful. If you allow it, the desire to be in control can talk you into trading your joy.

Hear is a story I got from the book ‘Making Progress’ by Louis barter.

Here is how to catch a monkey. You need a basket, a lid with a hole just large enough for the monkey to stick her hand into, and a banana. You firmly attach the basket to something immovable. You stash a banana inside the basket, attach the lid and wait. The monkey will come put her hand through the lid to grasp the banana. But, guess what – the hole is not big enough for the monkey’s hand to fit through when she’s got a banana in her fist. All she has to do is to let go of the banana in order to be free of the trap. Amazing as it seems, the monkey won’t let go of the banana even in the face of being captured. The fear of losing control of the Banana will make the Monkey sacrifice his joy and freedom.

When you refuse to let go because of your fear of losing control of what you see, then you are inadvertedly giving room for failure. May failure not be our portion in Jesus name.

When we are able to let go of our fear of losing control itself then we are able to witness the health benefits that is imbedded in the act of letting go. People who do not worry a lot and who let go of problems are less vulnerable to physical health problems than people who are not able to let go. Feeling exhausted is not the same as being exalted. So, let go and let in the prince of peace, and our peace will be multiplied in Jesus name.

Fear – of the unknown and unbelief:- When you see people with negative filters, it’s because other things have confused them that they cannot amount to what they are intended to be. In the case of the disciples, there are two things that Jesus continually warn them about. Fear will paralyze you. Fear of the unknown tend to make us hold onto the past or present, which has the tendency of preventing one from soaring in fulfillment or later be a painful snare while one soars in fulfillment.

The most destructive element in the human mind is fear of the unknown. It creates unnecessary aggressiveness, which may result in needless attachments.

Exodus 4 talk about Moses’s excuses based on the fear of the unknown and unbelief.

When you continue to see your own inadequacies, deficiencies, then you make God to get someone to help you do it. God gave Moses Aaron, not because he needed Aaron but because he refused to believe God. So, the very thing you forced God to use to help you is that very thing that will stand as hindrance to you. Guess who comes with the idea that it’s not only Moses that can hear from God. So, the very thing you forced God to use to help you looks to replace you.

When it is time to release, you have two choices; you can either try to hold onto the past with closed fist, or you can choose to embrace today with an open hand. As you already know the former will cause you (and others) unnecessary pain and suffering, while the latter might trigger some fear of the unknown, yet provide rich, new experiences for your heart and soul. Which will you choose?

Greed :- Greed has proven to be the DOWNFALL of many Godly man, it’s DANGEROUS- leading you deeper into the heart of sin, until before you know it, you’re not only surrounded by sin, but you’re leading in it as well. And in the end your treasure, all that you’ve longed for, the better house, the bigger car, The multi-thousand congregation, the better toys, the fatter bank account, all of it will be consumed by fire - totally DESTROYED, leaving you with nothing but maybe your life.

Greed is a fat demon with a small mouth and whatever you feed it is never enough. Greed is costly, it’s not a cute little sin that just sits there being harmless, it robs, steals, kills and destroys all that you hold precious. Greed is what ruined Lot, Greed is what destroyed King Saul, Greed is what made Gehazi to wallow in disease, Greed is what lured Demas away from Paul, Greed destroyed Judas making him to fall from grace to grass, and it threatens us all today.

When the rich young ruler came to Jesus, he went away sad, because Jesus told him to gain treasure in heaven by offloading all his wealth. But because he couldn’t let go, he denied himself of Jesus Christ. Seeing that, Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and solemnly warned them, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25). Years later, Paul wrote to young Timothy and warn him saying “…the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:10-11)

Proverbs 28:25 says Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity. {reference our text}.

Emotional and Mental grip on the Past:- Emotional and mental grip on past failures, past successes, impossible associations and relationships, unforgiveness, rejection, and the likes are preventing us from letting go.

In Genesis 15:4, God promised Abram a son—”…one who shall come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” Abram had lived in Canaan for ten years (16:3), but he still did not have a son. It was then that Sarah made her suggestion—”…the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children through her” (16:2).

Believe it or not, the flesh is capable of producing something that will satisfy you and even appear to be the fulfillment of God’s promise to you. In Genesis 17, God appears to Abram and informs him that Sarah would conceive and bear a son. In that instant the distance between Abram’s desire and God’s desire becomes apparent. Abram was totally satisfied with a son, but God’s purpose demanded a Savior. Abram says to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” (Gen. 17:17), but God’s response is “NO, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant…” (17:19). Indeed, God will bless Ishmael, but Isaac alone will fulfill God’s desire and purpose.

For a season Abraham is able to maintain his fantasy, but in time a conflict arises between Ishmael and Isaac. Abraham is compelled to send Ishmael away.

“So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water, and gave them to Hagar, putting them on her shoulder, and gave her the boy, and sent her away. And she departed, and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba” (21:14).

It is glaring that Abraham would have experienced some pains while letting Ishmael go. Abraham had taught Ishmael how to fish, hunt, tend sheep and pitch a tent. When he looked at Ishmael, he saw himself. Perhaps Ishmael did not fulfill God’s purpose, but he was the fulfillment of Abraham’s desire for a son. How do you send what has satisfied your heart for 17 years away without dying yourself? Abraham must have grieved the tremendous loss of Ishmael.

It is interesting that the name Isaac means laughter. Abraham could not embrace the joy of God’s fulfilled promise until he was turned loose of his substitute.

Is it possible that the promise you’re waiting for is being held back by your refusal to let go of your Ishmael?

Maybe the answer you desire isn’t being hindered by the Prince of Persia, but by your own unwillingness to send Ishmael away. Could it be that the reason you’re stuck where you are is because you’re hanging on to things God wants you to let go of?

In Conclusion:

You need to relinquish all elements of holding on from your life. You idea to life should be such that can trust and obey, for there is no other way. I believe in whom I serve the Jehovah Jireh, that all we need on this journey shall come to us. We will not get all we need for the entire journey today. We shall receive today’s supplies today, and tomorrow’s supplies tomorrow. We were never intended to carry supplies for the entire journey, the borden then would be too heavy, and the way was intended to be light.

Prayer:- Make us to conform to the image of your son.

I will borrow the definition of Distinction from the recent mail sent by one of our leaders in this church, and it says:  I have made my children in such a way that when the people of the world are sitting, they would be standing, when the world is standing, they will stand out, when the world stands out, my children must be outstanding and when the devil dares the world to be outstanding, my people will be the standards to be used! That to me, is distinction.

Integrity can be a slippery word to define. It’s like the story of some theologians who were trying to come up with an accurate definition of the word, so they invited a philosopher into the room. “Tell us,” they said, “What is integrity?” The philosopher pondered the question. “Integrity,” he finally said, “is what you’re like when nobody else is around.” The panel thanked him, then ushered in the businessman and asked for his definition. “In my world,” the business man said, “Integrity means a person is as good as his word.” After thanking him, the panel invited a lawyer to join them. “What is integrity?” they asked. The attorney’s eyes cautiously scanned the room. He crept over to the door, opened it, looked outside to make sure nobody was listening, and then bolted it shut. He closed the windows and sat down close to the Theologians. “Tell me,” he finally whispered, “What do you want it to mean?”

The term “integrity” has within it the idea of an integer. What is an integer? Within the realm of mathematics, an integer is one whole number. It is not one number and part of another number. It is not fractionalized. Rather, an integer suggests completeness or wholeness. Integrity is doing the right thing especially when it costs us.

A man of integrity is one whose Godly beliefs have been integrated into his behavior. A person of integrity is not fractionalized with duplicity or hypocrisy. A heart and life of integrity is consistent in one honest direction. If a person of integrity begins a job, they finish it. If they make a promise, they keep it, even if it gets pricey. If they commit a huge mistake, they admit it. They do not stretch the truth to get out of trouble. Their yes is yes and their no is no, because they imbibe the fact that anything beyond this is from the evil one. The men and women of integrity has a pure motive. They do not manipulate people. If they believe something, they support that belief with their lifestyle. In this sense, they are whole and complete without a fractionalized life.

There is the tendency for you to think that when one sees a man of integrity, one easily know them. But in 99.9% of the case it is not so. In the book of 1 Samuel, we read how King Saul turned out to be a disobedient king. God told Samuel that one of the sons of Jesse would be chosen as Israel’s next king. Seven of Jesse’s sons were passed over. When Samuel was looking at Jesse’s sons to determine which one of them was to be anointed the next King of Israel, the LORD told Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:7 “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

We learn from this that integrity is not something that we can necessarily see. Samuel could not see it, but God could. So integrity is an issue of the heart that God sees. David, Jesse’s youngest son, was finally chosen. It’s okay that such a young guy was chosen, but this is not the most remarkable fact in the story. The amazing thing I find in this story is not so much that David was the youngest, but that God was examining hearts at such an early age. God is watching your heart. And so the all-important issue that we must all face is “Do you have a heart of integrity?” because Integrity is the bedrock of ministry.

2 Cor 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

Now! knowing that it is expected of us to conduct ourselves in this world in simplicity and godly sincerity. What are those things that come between us integrity.

Five Factors that do tarnish Integrity

PLEASURE: James 5:5 è You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter.

Pleasure has rubbed so many people of the blessings that come from being a man or woman of integrity. If we allow it, the desire for pleasure will talk us into doing things we will regret afterward.

Let me read to you a write up from the book: Strengthening Your Grip by Charles Swindoll.

“Some time ago, I heard about a fellow in Long Beach who went into a fried chicken franchise to get some chicken for himself and the young lady with him. She waited in the care while he went in to pick up the chicken. Inadvertently, the manager of the store handed the guy the box in which he had placed the financial proceeds of the day instead of the box of chicken. You see, he was going to make a deposit and had camouflaged it by putting the money in a fried chicken box. The fellow took his box, went back to the car, and the two of them drove away. When they got to the park and opened the box, they discovered they had a box full of money… He realized there must have been a mistake, so he got back in his car and returned to the place and gave the money back to the manager. Well, the manager was delighted! He was so pleased that he told the young man, “Stick around, I want to call the newspaper and have them take your picture. You’re the honest guy in town.” “Oh, no, don’t do that!” said the fellow. “Why not?” asked the manager. “Well,” he said, “You see, I’m married, and the woman I’m with right now is not my wife.”

This man has robbed himself of the blessings of integrity because of pleasure. On the surface of life, we demonstrate integrity. You return the money that’s not yours. You pay your bills on time. You work hard at your jobs. You volunteer at your church and organizations. But if someone were to write a story about your life, would you really want them to write everything? The woman you’re with now, is she your wife? The man you’re with now, is she your husband? How many times have you cheated in your marriage? Or are there child or children you have born out of wedlock that you have neglected because you cannot stand up to your responsibility? Pleasure will reap anyone of the blessing that comes from integrity. Psalm 25:21 è Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You.

King David was an example of someone that couldn’t maintain his integrity in the corridor of pleasure. When you and I sin, and our sin is made known, we may very well suffer for years or even our entire lifetime because of our sin. David’s life proves it. After Uriah and Bathsheba, David lost the illegitimate child; David experienced rape within his own family; he lost his son Absalom; he was never able to build God’s temple – something he desperately longed to do. In contrast, Governor Joseph was a man that wouldn’t let Potiphar’s wife to lure him into displeasing God. He maintained his integrity and was richly rewarded for it.

POWER :-  Many of the recent scandals in American business have developed because executives abused the power of their positions. They began to think that the assets of the publicly traded companies they led could be treated as their personal property. Unfortunately, for many people having power is like drinking salt water. The more you drink, the thirstier you get. The danger of power is those who are entrusted with it begin to make its preservation their primary concern. They easily forget that the power they have been given – whether it’s in business, government, ministry, or relationships – has been bestowed on them for the purpose of service. Those who really want to keep their power at all costs or those who want to protect the level of their power and status are most likely to compromise standard ethical behaviors, and thus cross the line of integrity.

• • • King Herod & Jesus
    • King Pharoah & Moses
    • Haman abused his office & wanted to get Modecai hanged

PRIDE :-   Pride is not an easy thing to conquer. Benjamin Franklin observed that “there is perhaps not one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive. Even if you could conceive that you had completely overcome it, you would probably be proud of your humility. Not only does pride has the potential to undermine our integrity, it can also interfere with our performance. Pride can blind you – to your own faults, to other people’s need, and to integral pitfalls that lie in your path.

Queen Vashti became proud & crossed ethical boundary by refusing the call of King Ahaserus

On the contrary when Queeen Esther was to appear before the king contrary to traditional procedure, she first seek the face of the Lord. Integrity! Doing the right thing even when it become pricey.

PRIORITIES: Anytime a person doesn’t know what his priorities are, he can find himself in trouble, because he is liable to make poor decisions. Things that matter most must not be at the mercy of things that matter least. 1 Cor 9: 15 è But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. Apostle Paul knew his priorities. What are your own priorities? In twenty to fifty years what are you doing now that will still be important to you? The house you live in, the car you drive The vacation you take, the work and business you are doing won’t mean much to you. What really matters? If you haven’t defined your values, I encourage you to do so. Then work hard to keep the unimportant from becoming important, and the important from becoming unimportant.

PRESSURE: Mat 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. Pressure!

In our fast-paced culture, I think just about everyone feels some king of pressure. And with pressure comes temptation to cut corners or bend the truth. Salespeople feel pressure to increase sale volume, student face pressure to increase grade, husbands face pressure to meet up with family financial needs and desires

The pressure to want to leave the developing countries into the advanced countries has made so many to lower their standards and cross the boundaries of integrity. They have gone to the embassy to lie and have gone into the advanced countries, and have built the foundation of their living their on lies, and we know that if the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do.

The bible says Job held fast his integrity. The only reason he could do that was because of his relationship with God, despite all the pressure he faced. They said: Cause God and die, but we’re made to understand that in all his trial he did not do any wrong thing.

As you face pressure, beware of how you might be tempted to compromise your values, and ask yourself some tough questions like: Am I going to make rash emotional decisions? Am I going to make promises I can’t keep? Am I going to compromise the truth? In order to make good decisions under pressure I always remind myself of what’s at stake. First, I am accountable to God. Secondly I am accountable to my family.

Prov.30:21-23 è 21 For three [things] the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up: 22 For a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food, 23 A hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress.

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time.  And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated.  He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.  And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. Then the people fled from the Philistines. But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. And the LORD brought about a great victory. è 2 Samuel 23:8 - 12

Adino the Eznite, Eleazar the son of Dodo, and Shammah the son of Agee were the three distinguished men among the valiant men that surrounded David during his reign as king in Israel. They were men of substance, men of strength and highly courageous, ready to do all that it takes to maintain fruitfulness within their kingdom, subdue the earth with all her opposing forces, and multiply therein. As such their names become inscribed in the book of life.

A man of valor must arm himself with the grand weapons which are not canal, but mighty in God, able to pull down strongholds, empowered to cast down imaginations of the devil and equipped to subdue everything and souls that exalts itself against the knowledge of the Almighty. Just like Adino the Eznite brought down 800 men at one time by the power of the Lord God Almighty, so also Simon Peter brought up about three thousand souls in one ministration by the power of the holy spirit. You also, as a man of valor is equipped to reach out to defiant minds and bring them to the obedience of Christ.

Ye are a man of valor, when you can command the standing ovation of your Lord and master, just like Evangelist Stephen did Acts 7:56, than to look upon the decay of your generation with levity.

Zechariah 10:5 says “They shall be like mighty men, Who tread down [their enemies] In the mire of the streets in the battle. They shall fight because the LORD is with them, And the riders on horses shall be put to shame.”

You must not allow yourself to be intimidated by the presence of evil agents that protrude themselves in human forms proclaiming satanic pleasures, such as free sex, occult gatherings, same sex marriage, harming others, prayer free school, Godless societies, and the likes, which had led to the destruction of many in times past. Rather, be a strong follower of Christ, doing the will of the father and having no confidence in the flesh. You are not at anytime expected to forget that the battle is not against human flesh, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of our time, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Having received His Majesty’s commission therefore, your task is not only to win the battle, but, to win the war through the power of the Holy Spirit that works in you. You must put on the whole armor of God,  continually guard yourself with prayer, be well immersed in the word and the acts of the word, ready to share the good news in season and out of season. Above all things, you need to be well drenched in love, having fervent love for everyone because “love will cover a multitude of sins.”, just like Jesus taught me that to him who loves more, more will be forgiven. Luke 7:47

Remember, that “they overcame by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even unto death”. That is what these unique men among the great men of David did, it’s what the greatest apostles among the apostles of old did, it’s what you also as a man of valor must do, that your joy may be full. The peace of God be with you. Amen.