Since arriving in Swaziland I have been trying to buy a Sea Container to use for storage as we have nowhere to store AIM equipment and donations that are scattered around, stored at our homes.

I happened to mention, once again, to someone in Matshapa that I was looking for a container and he told me that Trans World Radio (TWR) had one that they had been trying to sell for over six months. Talk about lack of communication! Our AIM offices are in the TWR building in Manzini - we are their tenants! Once back at the office I contacted the resident engineer at TWR and he confirmed that they had a container for sale at the "Antenna Farm" situated 35kms from Manzini. The following day the two of use drove out to the farm and after a quick inspection of the container we became its new owners. This was the easy part!

The wooden structure that served as a kitchen at Ruby's care point, one of the places where we are feeding children, was in the planning for upgrade early next year, but between the termites and the strong winds that we experienced during October the wooden structure was blown apart leaving the Gogo's cooking for the children in the open. We decided that the newly acquired container would be ideal at the care point for the Gogo's to use as a kitchen until the brick structure was built. Once again I am without storage!

I borrowed Pete Johnson, a missionary brother's eight tonne truck and set out for the Antenna Farm to load the container destined for Ruby's care point. People from TWR and AIM stood looking at the truck and the container on the ground behind it and asked a logical question, "How are we going to get that container onto this truck." I replied, "Just give me a minute I am thinking." Have you ever looked at what seemed an impossible situation, trying to come up with a plan while everyone around you is making statements to the effect that, "it is impossible" or "it cannot be done"? Very soon you start believing that there is ‘no way'. However, Philip 4:13 states that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

After a short walk around the property I found two long poles, we drilled holes through the end of each pole and secured them together with a length of threaded bar and straddled them up against the front of the container, I was getting strange looks and there was intense whispering going on behind my back. I could just imagine what was going on in their minds! I secured a chain around the two poles where they met to help the threaded bar and hung a 3 tonne chain block on the chain. From there on it was simple, we lifted the one end of the container up into the air and reversed the truck as far in underneath it as it would go. Moved the poles with the lifting gear to the other end and lifted that end onto drums with heavy timber stacked on top of them. Back the poles went to the other end again and we lifted the container off the truck so that it could back-up to the drums and we let the container down onto the truck.

"How are we going to get it off the truck again", everyone wanted to know as there was no place to load the poles, "I am thinking," was my reply. The following morning I purchased a three meter length of galvanized 63mm diameter water pipe, loaded it into the Combi and off we went back to TWR to escort the truck to Ruby's care point. It is very difficult to find a flat piece of land in Swaziland especially around Manzini, it is like living in the centre of the valley of a 1000 hills! Ruby's care point is situated on the side of a gently sloping hill, but sufficient for the container to want to slide off the side of the truck and go rolling down the hill as soon as it was unchained. So the Combi was secured with a length of chain to the container keeping it in place while we loosened the chains. In my minds eye I saw the container sliding off the truck and catapulting the Combi through the air like the small round stone out of David's sling, but praise God it held! Using a High-Lift 4x4 jack we lifted the back of the container up and let it down again onto the drums packed with timber. We then lifted the front of the container up with the jack, just above the truck sufficient to get the pipe between it and the truck and let it down again. I told the driver to drive the truck forward very slowly while our Combi was still securing the container from falling off the side or moving forward off the drums. It rolled along the length of the truck body on the pipe until a small section was left on the truck. We jacked it up again and drove the truck out from under it, now the container was left standing almost 1.5 meters (5 feet) in the air with one end on the drums and the other end held up by the jacks. We hastily stacked building blocks under the jack end and lowered it onto the blocks. From here on it was simply a case of lowering it down gently little by little removing timber and blocks out until it was safely down on the ground.

Once it was leveled, the Gogo's excitedly moved their cooking pots and food into the container, no more carrying everything long distances every day.

All the glory goes to the Lord Jesus for not just blessing us with the container, but also for giving us the strategy and wisdom to move it from the TWR Antenna Farm where it has served the kingdom as a storage facility for many years to the new site where it is now being used to feed hungry children out of. Praise God for His goodness and abundant provision!

Colin Cotterrell

13-11-2007

You will be amazed, in this day and age, how many people still do not believe in the existence, activities and eventual demise of the person known as the devil, but ......

The answer to this question would depend entirely on whether you believe in God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit, and on your acceptance and belief that the Bible is God's infallible and unchangeable Word, which is still as relevant and profitable today as it was when it was written, and is given to us "…. 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" 2Tim 3:16-17, and " In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began;…." Titus 1:2

Many will say, " Kathy you do not know what you are talking about, the Bible is old hat, not for us and cannot be taken literally." And yes, it might not be for you because for some or other unfathomable reason you have not come into a living, vibrant, life-changing relationship with the author, Jesus Christ - the author and finisher of our faith, but all who have and even for those who do not KNOW Him as they should, God's Word is very relevant, at all times!

For 37 years I did what I thought was right and even though I was raised with a Biblical background my life was definitely not guided by the Word of God, until that day when I came face to face with the Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God! Therefore I can testify to the relevance, effectiveness and changing ability of God's Word having walked with the Lord Jesus for 18 years and not one day has passed that He has not spoken to me in some way or other either through His Word, His Spirit, circumstances, day to day events, nature or other people!

Yes, there are other voices that try to interrupt and manipulate as we apply His Word in our lives, and yes, often we allow ourselves to be deceived, but the Lord Jesus has been ever faithful, never leaving our side no matter what! Matt 28:20

Others can say, " But every one interprets the Bible differently," and yes, that unfortunately has been true for centuries now (Foxes book of the Martyrs), but it is not my interpretation of God's Word that matters at all, but it does matter how the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to mould us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus! And that is something the devil will not tolerate, that we are unshakably and fully submitted, committed and obedient to the will of our heavenly Father, never allowing the evil one to get a hold on us long enough to manipulate us away from that intimacy that Jesus wants with us every day!

Jesus says to all those who do not accept Him as Saviour of the world, Lord of lords and King of kings, that " You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" John 8:44. We have a choice to make - who are we going to believe: the Creator of ALL or the father of lies?

So, assuming that you do believe in Father God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit we can continue looking at this issue of the existence of the devil.

There are various words used for the devil in God's Word, e.g. great dragon, that old serpent, devil, evil or wicked one, satan, Lucifer, son of the morning, Beelzebub, prince of the devils, prince of this world, prince of the power of the air and the spirit that works in the children of disobedience.

To assist you to come to an understanding, I have given you Scripture references to help you find the authenticity and truth of God's Word and its relevance in our lives in the here and now, always remembering that the devil will try and bring lies so that our eyes can be taken off the cross of Calvary, where Jesus, the Son of God, hung to pay for our sins, so that we can have eternal life with Father God and not land up in the lake of fire, where the devil actually wants us so that he will not be there alone - for eternity!

1 Chron 21:1; Job 1:6-9, 12; 2:1-4, 6-7; Ps 109:6; Isa 14:12; Zec 3:1-2; Matt 4:1, 5, 8, 10-11; 7:10; 9:32-34; 10:25; 11:18; 12:22, 24, 26-27; 13:39; 15:22; 16:23; 17:18; 25:41; Mark 1:13; 3:22-23, 26; 4:15; 5:15-16, 18; 7:26, 29-30; 8:33; Luke 4:2-3, 5-6, 8, 13, 33, 35; 7:33; 8:12, 29; 9:42; 10:18; 11:14-15, 18-19; 13:16; 22:3, 31; John 6:70; 7:20; 8:44, 48-49, 52; 10:20-21; 12:31; 13:2, 27; 14:30; 16:11; Acts 5:3; 10:38; 13:10; 26:18; Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 5:5; 7:5; 2 Cor 2:11; 11:3-4; 12:7; Eph 2:2; 4:27; 6:11; 1 Thess 2:18; 2 Thess 2:9; 1 Tim 1:20; 3:6-7; 5:15; 2 Tim 2:26; Heb 2:14; Jam 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 3:8, 10, 12; Jude 1:9; Rev 2:9-10, 13, 24; 3:9; 12:4, 9, 12-17; 13:2, 4; 16:13; 20:2, 7, 10.

Next we will look at the Lord Jesus Christ and what Father God has to say about Him in His Word, so watch this space!

After becoming born again in 1989, it was an immediate thing for me to start giving of what the Lord Jesus blessed me with, even if it meant not having cash flow until His blessings came through. It was not something that I had thought through or something that was hammered into my head, it just seemed the godly things to do and I still believe that it is the godly thing to do after almost 18 years of walking with the Lord Jesus by my side! Through thick or thin, plenty or nothing, and let me tell you, there were many times that I had absolutely nothing, but gave I gave and blessed He has blessed and at time more abundantly than others!

Have you ever been confronted by an offended believer and did not know what to say? Do you feel that there might be issues in your life that might be an offense to the Body of Christ and do not know how to deal with it?

For many years I lived to satisfy what I thought was my own will, only to find out, at the age of 37, that I was living according to the will of the devil.

What is the will of the devil? Satisfying all the desires of our flesh!

What does that include? Doing anything to the gratification of self, for example, all forms of addiction whether eating, drinking, buying, smoking, sex, drugs, money and power, placing trust in people, wealth (whether monitory or material), abilities and talents rather than in God. Satisfying all the lusts of my flesh, the lusts of my eyes and the pride of my unregenerated life! Being ruled by intellect, emotions, feelings and the things of this world!

But, … after accepting the Lord Jesus I learned that … "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God" 1 Cor 10:31

And that I needed to "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it" Psalm 34:14.

This did not come immediately after I received the Lord into my life, but with time the Lord taught me that if I wanted to truly show forth His love to all people I had to live by His Word, not out of fear or force, but because of LOVE, and I am still learning today!

He taught me that I now belonged to His Body and needed to now widen my vision to include the rest of His Body, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another" Rom 12:3-5

Now I had part in a new covenant, belonged to the Lord of lords and needed to " Let love be without dissimulation," to "Abhor that which is evil;…" to "…cleave to that which is good," and to " Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ... serving the Lord;… "Rom 12:9-10, 11b

I was now a servant of the Most High God, a Son of the Living Lord and was being called to " Be of the same mind one toward another." I was called not to "Mind …. high things, but condescend to men of low estate." Called to "Be not wise in your own conceits", and to "Recompense to no man evil for evil" but to " Provide things honest in the sight of all men," and "If it be possible, as much as lies in you," to " live peaceably with all men" Rom 12:16

The Lord had now called me to live a life of peace as far as I am able and to remember that there were others in His kingdom who did not think as I do "For one believes that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eats herbs. Let not him who eats despise him who eats not; and let not him who eats not judge him who eats: for God has received him" Rom 14:2-3

He was teaching me that there were those who were weak in their faith and that I needed to take them into consideration in whatsoever I now did and constantly He would remind me that "He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who eats not, to the Lord he eats not, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, …." Rom 14:6-7. And I am specifically talking here of people who do not eat certain foods because they believe that it is a sin to eat things the Lord says in His Word we should not eat (Leviticus 11:1-47), not people who avoid certain foods because of the proven physical damage it does to the body!

Over the next 18 plus years He has constantly reminded me that we are not called to judge each other, but He also says that "….the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ" 1 Cor 2:154-16.

It is as if the Lord is saying, yes, there are things which are to be judged by you, "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you set at nought ( to make of no account, despise utterly) your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ" Rom 14:10, and "… every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him who esteems anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if your brother be grieved with your meat, now you are not walking charitably (lovingly). Destroy not him with your meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he who in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eats with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak" Rom 14:12-21

We are not all at the same level with the Lord even though that is what He desires from us, but some of us are weaker in our walk and need the milk of the Word and good Godly examples to follow. Whereas others again, have become strong from making time to dig into God's Word and have eaten well of solid spiritual food found in His presence enabling them to soar like eagles and not be affected by many things which might cause others to fall!

I have found that it is often the easier things which trip us up and yet God has called us to "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he who loves another has fulfilled the law" Rom 13:8, which is the same law spoken of right throughout this study.

When I have obeyed the law of love or liberty, then will I know that my deeds are going to be rewarded by Him because "Love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law" Rom 13:10.

So "Let us walk honestly, ……. putting on the Lord Jesus Christ," and making "… no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" Rom 13:13-14, so that men can "…so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God" 1 Cor 4:1

Yes, I know that Jesus came to set me free! But, what did He set me free from? Was it not from the consequences of my sins? Was it not from eternal separation from God? Was it not from eternal death? Was it not from a life ruled by do's and don'ts (the law)? Was it not from the rulership of the devil and my own flesh? So if "All things are lawful unto me," I can also know, that "... all things are not expedient:…" and that even though, "all things are lawful for me," yet "… I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them" 1 Cor 6:12-13, and even when we choose to go ahead and do all the things we want to do, we need to remember that "… God has called us to peace" 1 Cor 7:15

Please do not think that it is only some activities that come under the scrutiny of others, for "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity edifies. And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of Him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat commends us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them who are weak. For if any man see you who has knowledge sit at ‘meat' in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend" 1 Cor 8:1-13

Even if you have no problem with alcohol, smoking, drugs, eating or whatever, there are others who do! And, we are being watched! Not only by the world, but also by those who have accepted the Lord Jesus due to our input into their lives and they are watching us for guidance concerning the things of God and His will so we should be " Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God" 2 Cor 6:3-4

The Lord Jesus says "Wherefore come out from among them, and be separated, …." 2 Cor 6:17, and be different, and be guided by different standards, and be motivated by the fruit of the Spirit and do not be controlled by fleshly lust. For, "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," and take note "…. we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man" 2 Cor 7:1-2

Can I say that? Can I truly say that I have not wronged anyone, corrupted anyone, or defrauded anyone? How do we know that we have not been an offence to others unless we are "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men"? 2 Cor 8:21. Especially since many people have a tendency to hold offences hidden in their hearts in their effort to deal with the pain, often causing rifts in a ministry!

We have been saved from "darkness into His marvelous light" and should "Neither be idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play" 2 Cor 10:7, "Wherefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" 2 Cor 10:12

And yes, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. If any of them who believe not bid you to a feast, and you be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake who showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: Conscience, I say, not your own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" 2 Cor 10:23-33, "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" Col 3:17

Paul is not talking here of the food itself, but of food offered to idols, which you eat without knowing that it was offered to idols, but there will also be circumstances when you will not know what you are eating and the Lord calls you to eat what is placed in front of you for the sake of the one who offers you the food, as a matter of courtesy, trusting Him to keep you safe. But, if you know that the food offered to you has been offered to idols, you have the choice not to partake for the sake of the one offering it unto you and for the sake of your own conscience. At the same time, if you know that the food contains substances that you should not be eating you have the choice to only eat that which is good for you. We need to take into consideration that this whole chapter is centered around spiritual issues and not physical or mental issues!

We are not called to please self, but to please the Lord and His Body and therefore "….. whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons" Col 3:23-25

Yes, God does have no respect towards people. In His eyes we are all called whether we answer that call or not, and according to His Word, all will be judged! "For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 1 Peter 4:17-18

All who have come into the Body of Jesus Christ are equal in His sight, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, tall or short, thin or fat, young or old, and He expects us to treat each other with respect and honour. Holding others in "higher esteem than ourselves" and not to think that because we are older in the Lord, or know His Word better, or have been set free from this and that, that we can claim more freedom than others "For, brethren, you have ( all) been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself" Gal 5:13-14

If I claim that I have been set free from the LAW, and yet use that freedom as an occasion to gratify my flesh, I am sinning against the Body of Jesus and will be held accountable for that for He says "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that ye would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law" Gal 5:16-18

There are still laws that I need to obey!

"Which laws?" you might ask.

The law of gravity, the law of aerodynamics, the laws of the country I live in, social laws, natural laws, spiritual laws "…for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he who sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith " Gal 6:7-10

The Word of God says, "…… all they who take the sword shall perish with the sword" Matt 26:52. For all intents and purposes if I live by hatred, bitterness, jealousy, strife, envy, selfish desire or gratifying of the flesh, it will kill me, eventually, and I will never be reunited with my heavenly Father for He says, "……they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God"! Gal 5:21

Our weapons are not carnal for He has given us better weapons to live by, for example "…..... love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self-control):…" and He says that "…. against such there is no law." "And they who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" Gal 5:22-25

The question we can ask here now is, " Have you crucified your flesh and the affections and lusts thereof, or are you still doing exactly the same things you did before you gave your life over to Jesus?

Paul says "If so be that you have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him who needs. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. Be therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not therefore partakers with them. For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light:…", and we understand from this Scripture, even though he does not mention many things we have issues with today, that he is saying we should PUT OFF all the former things of the OLD MAN, the person I was outside of Jesus and now PUT ON the things which are fitting for the NEW MAN I have now become in the Lord Jesus! There is a part I have to play. God is not going to do it for me! I have to PUT OFF and PUT ON!

We need to remember, no matter what we think, feel or want, "….. our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost who is in you, who you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, AND in your spirit, which are God's" 1 Cor 6:19-20

I now no longer have the right to treat my body the way I want to! I actually have no right over my body according to this Scripture, as it has been bought with a very expensive price, and all I can now do is live to glorify God in my body, soul and spirit!

The Lord wants you to "…… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Rom 12:1-2, but are we really ready to do that?

"Now we exhort you, brethren," Paul says, "warn them who are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men " 1 Thess 14-15, and do not satisfy the desires of your flesh to the detriment of others, "…but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" 2 Tim 2:22

Live the type of life that proves your allegiance with the Lord Jesus and a life that will " Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God" Heb 12:14-15, and "… be at peace among yourselves" 1 Thess 5:13b, "... that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ ……" 1 Peter 4:11b

And, "…. abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;…." 1 Peter 2:11b, "For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood" 1 Peter 2:15-17, "Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" Phil 2:12-13

We cannot afford to only live a godly life in public, for we are called to live this life even when nobody is watching us, for there is always "… a cloud of witnesses," therefore "... let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" Heb 12:1-2.

So, "Finally, ……., whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" Phil 4:8

Amen!