The Promise and Its Conditions: A Reflection on Hebrews 13:5

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

This is a personal promise from the Lord, one that the hearer is ready to gladly receive. And rightly so. But are we also willing to consider the conditions of this promise?

For this, let us read the verse in its fullness:

Hebrews 13:5

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

How does this relate to day to day growth?

We will discuss this in the telegram group.

The drawing related to this post will be available in the reels and more page. Have a blessed weekend.

Reaction, Mindset, Goal, and Accountability

Running the Race to Win and Fighting the Fight for the Knockout Blow

Paul wrote these letters to the Corinthians while he was in Ephesus, which is in present-day Turkey, and the recipients were in Corinth, which is in present-day Greece. Around AD 53-55, he encouraged the Corinthians to live disciplined and purposeful lives, much like athletes who train rigorously to win a prize.

So how does this relate to us today? Let’s dive into the verses as they were written, and then explore their equivalence in today’s modern vernacular.

“But everyone striving controls himself in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. So I run accordingly, as not uncertainly; so I fight, as not beating air; but I buffet my body and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be disapproved.” 1…

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗜𝗦𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗦: 𝗕𝗘𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛

Proverbs 15:13 tells us, A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

The passage is self-explanatory, yet a closer look reveals valuable lessons.

The first is the contrast between joy and sorrow. In our modern world, people often accept sadness as a justification for withdrawing from their surroundings, believing it will lead to healing. Unfortunately, this isolation can deepen sorrow and break the spirit.

The "joy" mentioned in Proverbs comes from repentance, the turning away from unproductive old ways. Seclusion alone won't bring joy. Reflection and a willingness to change the behaviors that led to isolation are essential.

Overthinking steals joy. When fixated on problems, we lose sight of solutions. Every sigh depletes our energy.

Pray in your times of loneliness

Psalms 4:3 ... The Lord has set apart those that are godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

In the time when we feel we are all alone, it is usually because we are doing the right thing. Therein, let not pity be our companion, even if it is present. May it usher us into a place of prayer. In your place of isolation, it is your Opportunity to pray. For it is written; The Lord has set apart those that are godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.

However, Stand in awe, and sin not.

This we read in the next verse. The sin in this case at times is the act of not accepting the place of isolation wherewith we find ourselves as we seek a means out through fellowship with the world. instead,…

Based on the latest painting

The Power of Spiritual Wisdom

One does not teeter on the fence of decision-making when they are called to transcend barriers. Their focus should not be swayed by the external forces compelling them to choose. Instead, serenity and the readiness to respond will manifest when their attention is devoted to the Word.

Check the art gallery for the painting.

Though the past remains unchangeable, your future holds the promise of a blank canvas. It is pristine and unmarked, offering a realm of endless possibilities. By embracing the lessons of the past in the present moment, you chart a course forward, guided by the lantern of wisdom, towards a horizon of new beginnings.

In such newfound wisdom, trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟯:𝟱-𝟲

Exposition on the book of Ephesians

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Ephesians 4:1

• Understand your calling, and paths will emerge for you to heed and pursue it. Act in a manner that honors your vocation. Remember, it wasn’t by your will power that you entered this calling; you were summoned to serve the Lord.

• In fulfilling this role, proceed with modesty and without arrogance. Maintain faith even in matters beyond your current understanding, trusting that comprehension will come in time.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

ALL THINGS

The greatness of God is beyond everything and definitely whatsoever you are going through.

Let us look at John chapter 1 verse three. (John 1:3) For an insight to the phrase “all things.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Upon first glance of the passage above, even with our focus on the phrase “all things,” we perceive it as a whole.

However, the word describing the phrase “all things” carries a far insightful meaning. It speaks not of a whole at once, rather all things as in an infinite detail. This is the Greek word, pas – meaning each, every, each part and parts. Every item of creation, one by one.

Who are you? Do you truly know yourself? You know your name, but it was given to you by someone else, not of your own choosing. So, who are you really? You have your own thoughts, but can you control them? Are you truly in control?

Pause and look at the time on your wristwatch or device. Do you see the time? Say it out loud. Then, consider your surroundings, whether you’re at home or somewhere else. Look at the time again and pause.

Can you confidently say that you control what will happen around you an hour from now? So, are you really in control as you think you are?

Being aware of the time doesn’t mean you control your destiny. If you’re not in the driver’s seat of life, do you even know where you’re headed? Even now, you can’t hold a perfect thought to ponder this question.…

Acquiring wisdom and showing the fruits thereof.

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

Proverbs 8:1

Or as it is rendered in the original text. ‘Does not wisdom call? And does not understanding speak?’

Observe, in order for a call to be heard, one must be listening. Furthermore, in order for the call that is heard to be deciphered, the same person who has heard must be willing to engage in the summary of the matter that is at hand.

That is to say, when we position ourselves to listen, we are not driven solely by emotions of which are often uncontrollable. Instead, when we are listening, we are akin to a soldier at a precise place and time, unknown to the soldier, he trusts not his emotions, for he is under command, and he waits for the commanding order before he acts. After he has heard,…