*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING (The Second Quotes)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

We put the end tie to our Relationship is Everything mini series with some fab Quotes again.

*Blessings here:*
*"We can improve our relationships with others by leaps and bounds if we become encouragers instead of critics.”*

*Someone to tell it to is one of the fundamental needs of human beings.”*

*“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow.”-Swedish Proverb*

1 Thessalonians 5:11- *So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.*

Acts 28:2- *The natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.*

*Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can flourish.-Barbara Smith*

*Commitment is inherent in any genuinely loving relationship.- M Scott Peck*

*Little kindness and courtesies are so important. In relationships, the little things are the big things.- Stephen R. Covey*

*Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.- Oprah Winfrey*

*Personal relationships are the fertile soil from which all advancement...all success... all achievement in real life grows.- Ben Stein*

*Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand. - Emily Kimbrough*

*Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something: they're trying to find someone who's going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take. -Anthony Robbins*

*Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.-- Stephen R. Covey*

*When you look for the good in others, you discover the best in yourself.-Martin Walsh*

*Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”-Marcel Proust*

*SO I SAY:*
*Relationship is Everything... Don't Toy with it!...It is a Wrap!*

*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING (The General)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Inching close to ending this series & I like the sub title- *The General*😃

So we live in a world not just with close intimate people but  with people from all walks of life.

The truth is sometimes our many intercourse with such people may even take many rounds than our friendship lovemaking with our close people.😉

The truth is not all the important things we need in life can be obtained from people we term as Close people.

Another Truth is that there was a reason God put us in this basket of Life where we are bound to come across each other.

This simple reason is shown in *Rom.12:12- One Body, Many Parts.* We are to see ourselves as one people in Christ, supporting&complimenting one another to build that one body unit in Christ.

What underpins this is or should be- *LOVE*-Remember, all the laws have all been summed up into-Love God& *Love your Neighbour( which is General) as yourself*

So, Now this:
_How come almost all your associations&interactions are terribly bad& you know it is mostly your undoing..Admit it!_

_How come everyone's report about you is bad as they overtly&covertly forewarn the new ones who try to get close to you_

_How come you look back and you can't find even one person within those brackets to rely on in time of need...well,unless you fake something up_

_How come you don't seem to care about the many toes you step on...all that matters is to get there..Get there& i bet you will see the nothingness of them all...Relationship!_

_How come with all your talent,giftings,skills,attributes you only seem to be hanging in there & not as successful as should...Check...maybe Your Relationship?_

_How come?...have you sat down to think about it...That genuinely the many that surround you only seem to be containing you perhaps because of what thy will get&truly not people to rely on_

Beloved, it is high time we cared about our Relationships whether Close or  General.

It may interest you to know that God is interested in our relations with others. Sadly, we are quietly losing many in the faith because of our  stinking (human) Relationships.

God is telling you that he wants to win the many dying souls whether within &without also through this. Take Note!

_Remember, even with God, the more we stay away from our Personal Relationship with him,the more we lose him._

*SO I SAY:*
*All we are Saying with all these is that RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING Close or General.. Never TOY with it*

(Let's end the series with some quotes tomorrow)

*GOD* _( OTMSpecial)_

*(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)*

*(Where Are You?...Hope you find yourself...)*

_If it *just* took all the Nobility, Discipline, Innocence & Quietness to....Then it is Those people...I don't know where that would leave you?_

_If *just* being in& around this world embracing all the vices were the disqualifers, I wouldn't even bother, I am already steeped..._

_If all that was required was an unassuming,Creative&witty Self, then you know them ...Count me out._

_If a dull,dumb,self proclaimed useless was a no fit...Then I know myself&would mind my own business._

_If the demands was Good looks, a charming&presentable self with that aura, then those pool are over there...look no further_

_If that despicable, annoying, in your face& want to impress figure is a No-No,then I surrender it all to self._

_If a Good heart,Gentle Soul, Generous self&a Good name, then we know those to pinpoint..._

_If wickedness,callousness,greediness &a bad reputation...in my genes..i tick all the boxes_

*In all these a lot has happened & keep on happening...Telling us it is not what it seems...*

*...That all has fallen short & that noone can be unless it has been given from above*

*Then I met you...not in the temple but in my heart...*

*And I knew if It had not been...It had not been for You...Where will we be?*

_*So This is What I Will Say,It has Been YOU...*_

           *...GOD🙌🏻*

*(Whoever🗣....Seek him!...Find Him!... An #OTM Special🙏🏻)*

*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING (The Close Ones)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

What happened to faithfulness,loyalty, honesty...Being there...A friend? ( _The David&Jonathan one comes to mind.)_

Hmm the camel passing through the needle is even easier.No wonder for many this subject is wiped out from their plate. _(Do you blame them...😉)_

However, I've always said that if there is no single person on earth who can prove trustworthy, then we are doomed. _(There was at least a few in Sodom right?...& *so there are today*)_

You'll definitely need someone.It may be hard to find but if you rely on him, he'll lead you to the waiting arms of such equally expecting people.Remember, the all in all Jesus  had people from the lot,in fact an inner circle(close people) to work with.

Aside all the things we see in John 15, I see this, that (close) Relationship is key... That, it is everything&that is what God required first before the blessings (Matt.6:33)
_ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener... Remain in me, as I also remain in you.No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me...._

*NOW THIS UNTO OUR CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS:*
*If you say she is a close pal, why does she take your issues,troubles,joy&pains as hers...Always going  the extra mile when it is even clear she can do little. What about hers?... Are you in it?...What is the Relationship?*

*If you say you are close, why does he see no difference without you... Why is there no forward looking with you in it...What do you add to the Relationship?... Are you in it?...What is the Relationship?*

*If you have decided to remain as close pals,why do you betray her that way...*_(Recounting the many stories here?)_ *Where is the love?...What is the Relationship?*

*If you say he is close, why do you take him for granted,unduly&wilfully taking advantage...Where is the Love..What is the Relationship?*

*If you say you are close, why is it that what is holding the relationship are the material things...& you almost always have to explain yourself amidst the lies&contradictions?...Are you for it?...What is the Relationship?*

*And if you say you are close...JUST WHEN do you SHOW UP?...What is the Relationship?*

When God said I love those who love me...What he simply meant was that- He loves us all,Gives salvation to all yet to those who give it all, bear it all& commit it all&are close to him,they obtain more from him. It is biblical.Nothing is stopping you from committing to him.

However, if you continue to remain half-hearted, a time will come you will be cut off.(John 15,Prov.29)

And so when the above scenarios persist in our human relationships& you rightfully lose that aspect of that person, don't start raining those Bible verses on them as if they are the guilty ones. You certainly know the change cloth to wear in order to get back to the life train.

*The Akan Bible-Akok) )b3n )ni na )di ab3b3sr3 ampa(The hen who is closer to its mother eats the grasshopper's thigh🤣)*

*SO I SAY:*
*RELATIONSHIP is EVERYTHING-Dear CLOSE ONES... Keep it well&Don't Toy with it.*

*FASTING&its PRAYER on MEDITATE(The Others Version)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Last week we looked at _Fasting&its Prayer (The Isaiah version)._ Today, we throw it wide throughout scripture.

Fasting is normally treated as an alien to the Christian life. Meanwhile, it is just as part of the Christian life as the blessings we desire to claim everytime. *_(If we PAY OR REQUIRE people to fast&pray for us, why don't we allow them to take the blessings for us then?)_*

In Matt.4,Just before Jesus began his ministry,he started off with *Fasting&what I call its Prayer*...And from there it became a part of his 33-year stay on earth. _( *Remember, In Jesus' steps, we walk!*)_

Fasting is one of the key ways to prepare ourselves towards an impending assignment.However, it is important to be on guard at all times for the unknowns of life can catch us unawares.A reason we don't need to make it an option or only when things are bad.
It should be a LIFESTYLE... CULTIVATE IT!

A meditate on these verses will do:
_2 Samuel 1:12-They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword._

_Acts 13:2-While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”_

_Acts 14:23-Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust._

_Exodus 34:28-Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments_

_Joel 2:12-13-“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”Rend your heart and not your garments.Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity._

_Acts 13:3-4-So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus._

_Daniel 9:3-5 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments..._

_Matthew 4:4 - _But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God._

_Joel 1:14-Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD._

_Matt.6:16-18-“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you._

*SO I SAY:*
*MAKE IT A HABIT...MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE...ONCE A WEEK IS ALL YOU NEED TO START...Fasting & its Prayer..MEDITATE!*

*Ex-Communication-DETAILING CONTROVERSIAL CONTROVERSIES*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Heyy, the fun-loving  ever running series *Controversial Controversies*
is back&this time &for the weeks ahead, we'll be Detailing them-My Views &yours as well.
We look at what is locally called 'Ntu S3n' (that is Ex-Communication)

First of all, I believe we're all responsible for our own actions. Wherever we are now is due to our actions.This is its meaning- _Either one which is guided by God to reach that height or another fueled by our own flesh towards this low._
And so it falls back to God's Grace for you, the Christian.Ours in it is to count on that Grace to get to where he has placed us.

With that said, since we humans look at the outward,if you go and enjoy your sex and *ONLY get pregnant 'a',* you don't expect the Church to clap for you.And it will be bad&bizzare for them to do nothing.

The Shock&its surprise(Are we anymore😉) is expected esp. if you're seen in that 'spiritual light'.It is okay if you are relieved of your position&its responsibilities. Some 'smooth' scolding by the elders are all in order I believe.

However, THIS IS IT... We are mostly interested in the fall&punishment forgetting that the act &tag associated with it is already humiliating enough for them unless one who doesn't have a conscience.Anytime an example is to be given...guess what? we will be thinking&looking at them.

Beloved, what is key in all these is the GET BACK UP AGAIN(Spiritual Health & Reformation)...
This is what Jesus is most interested in.Ain't we all imitating the Christ?...In his steps, we walk!...

So this is what Jesus did-Never did he encourage Mary Magdalene _( see my description here-the *prostitute*)_ in her sins but he discouraged any act  that sought to make it impossible for her to Rise up again. _(Prov.24:16 -For though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up...)_

As a church, this should be central in our move even as we embark on this. *And come on THAT SITTING AT THE BACK& DRIVING OUT OF THE CHURCH 'no de3'...* Thank God,it has reduced drastically  because that rather hardens them. LET'S STOP!

Church,(which is You&I) even as we make the act uncomfortable,let's ensure we make the 'fallen' ones comfortable as we  comfort,console, bring them close&restore them back to the faith.

Remember,Jesus has commissioned us to fulfil these words in his absence- it is the sick who needs a Doctor &it is the sinners he came for not the righteous.

Finally, I just 'wonna' say Hello to all those  who do crucify them,crucify them meanwhile you are in it,you're only not been caught.God Has seen you.(👀Onyame Ahu Wo...👀)

*SO I SAY Ending in these words by my ardent readers:*
_Christians are not happy when the hear the word excommunication but the bible say it all in 1 Cor 5:1-13_ *(Serwaa)*

_There must be another way to go about it Counseling will do...Because of it people deny or lie about their misconduct to stay in the church Even if they're expelled it's not a ticket for repentance_*(Mrs Zigah)*

_The church is supposed to be a lifeboat rescuing the perishing, the wounded and blemished but that don't mean we should tolerate immoral behavior too._*(Adelaide)*

*FASTING&its PRAYER on MEDITATE(The Isaiah Version)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

_*Prayer and Fasting can be likened to Learning. Learning can take place anywhere&anytime but sometimes to be able to have a full&effective grasp, it is important to get into a quiet,serene place and soak it well.*_

*We can pray anywhere&at anytime but sometimes it is needed to withdraw to a secluded place,wait&gain more from God. This is where Fasting comes in to effectively help us in our wait.It takes us from the surface to the deeper things of God. *Whoever the christian you are,You Need this!*

*In a time where the pursuit of money, wealth,fame, success, even to make ends meet is a big challenge...The last thing to think about is Fasting?...We know it is there... It is good...but hardly does it come to mind let alone...*

*And in all fairness, you look at your current predicament&the unending sequels to it, Prayer even becomes difficult let alone consider Fasting.*

*However, Fasting&its prayer is one of the keys that hold us as Christians in this passing World*

Sure this special Fasting Scripture from Isaiah 58 will help even as you meditate on them:

*Isaiah 58:3-7-_*
_3‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers._
_4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high._
_5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?_

_6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?_

_7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?_

*SO I SAY:*
*MAKE IT A HABIT...MAKE IT A LIFESTYLE...ONCE A WEEK IS ALL YOU NEED TO START...Fasting & its Prayer..MEDITATE!*

(Let's do another part tomorrow morning)

*Relationship is Everything (The Close Ones)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

It is all about the value of Relationships. Appreciating our relationships with one another as a  people in this mini series. *That is the objective*

Jesus knew this& that is why he rounded up the whole laws in 2 Relationship cycle
*First, Loving God& then Loving your Neighbour as yourself.*(Matthew22:36)

_And ooh does it always have to be about Romantic Relationships😍...Well, That is a very special one(Anyway,it is soon coming here on the Rel Series)._

_And *just for now* we are *not* talking about those casual or very formal business relationships...There are people we just click when we see each other &there are those we have very nice working relationships with&case closed._

On the table, we are talking about those we consider close, *friends* even considered brothers.

The questions are: Are there any today?...Is it even necessary?... Is it worth it to have?...Are you one?...Do you have one?

What goes on there
?...in that Relationship?... What are the scales like...Are they  balanced?..In as much as the relationship is unconditional esp.the Close ones, should one person be bearing all the burden?

In our next edition, we will clearly bring you the templates with Jesus' inner/close Relationshipswith his disciples, the use of John 15....but let me whet your appetite with this...

*God loves everybody...No doubt!..but in Proverbs, he says *'I love those who love me🤨...And those who seek me,find me....*  (Prov.8:17).

*The difference in this seemingly conflicting truths is how Intimate our Relationship with God is though he gives all salvation...*

*SO I SAY:*
*We are not done... but just do know Relationship is Everything!...Don't Toy with it!*

*GIVE IT TO GOD(FA MA NYAME)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Ordinarily, *Give It to God* won't be a bad advice.Would it?...In fact, it will be the best since our God knows and wields all the power...

Well, not in the African setting especially Ghana where I hail from. People have become *tired* of the other(mostly I stress mostly their fellow Christians) abusing *this best advice of 'Fa Ma Nyame'* to intentionally cheat, deceive, manipulate and finely take undue advantage.

Then, after everything, they or some other people will come to plead... _'ooh 3ny3 hwee, Fa ma Nyame'(ooh,you let it go,Give it to God )_

No wonder, *Duab)* _(properly known as  Imprecation&commonly known as Curse)_ is so Common.That has become People's best devised strategy today.

However, in all these, I ask not overlooking your pain, hurt,sweat,the sacrifices & the naked unfairness....

...How has your resorting to *Duab)* or any other human ways cured the wickedness in this world?... The unfairness to you?...Has it stopped?..The truth is it keeps compounding.

Indeed, the ways of man are not of God as Proverbs tells us.
_Romans 12:19-Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”_

Beloved, at the end of the day, All it takes is to *GIVE IT ALL TO GOD!*
I think mostly, this rich biblical saying has been misinterpreted.
*Give it to God does not mean Be or stand at that same position to be cheated or manipulated. It means to be wise,prudent and allow God to guide your steps right.*

*Give it God does not mean continue to do hmm hmm& say Yes whiles naively hurting& grieving.*
*Give it to God means be firm& bold to say No whiles not being rude or going the extreme to lose that person in the faith.*

*Again, Give it to God does not mean continue to accept&allow those mediocrities & 'little wrongs as they say in order not to seen in a 'way.'*
*Give it to God  means helping&defying all those negative human obstacles to correct& establish what is Right AS LED..I repeat AS LED BY THE SPIRIT.*(sure, you add more..😉😎)

Let's wrap it up with these scriptures:
Romans 12:17
_Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him;...for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good._

Romans 8:28
_And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose._

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE IT TO GOD.MAY THE GOOD GOD HELP US IN DOING THIS RIGHT....'FA MA NYAME!'*

*Masturbation(Sexual Immorality) on MEDITATE*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Woo...these things😳😬
*...YET let's Talk about them...And Need I remind you the verses coming...(So, Tell me What will you not find in the Bible..That's for another day)*

So like this, if you take a sharp object,hurt yourself,blood oozing just for no good reason...What other thing should we call this other than Unusual,Strange&...

Well, the above is how I will describe this self stimulating sexual behaviour... *masturbation* which is really spreading thick & fast across the divide...even sadly among Christians.

*Isn't the proper alternative so available(Thus,the Sposue) no matter the* so called good reasons' *we may raise with resulting to it*...Well, then I might as well get on some hard drugs to calm my nerves when lethargic/nervous...

*This is how a site describes it whether  normal or not*
_While it once was regarded as a perversion and a sign of a mental problem, masturbation now is regarded as a normal, healthy sexual activity that is pleasant, fulfilling, acceptable, and safe. It is a good way to experience sexual pleasure and can be done throughout life._

*NOW SHALL WE LET THE BIBLE ANSWER THE REST OF THE QUESTIONS.. TAKE NOTE!..MEDITATE!*

*Leviticus 15:2 -“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean.*

*Leviticus 15:16-17 -“If a man has an emission of semen, he shall bathe his whole body in water and be unclean until the evening. And every garment and every skin on which the semen comes shall be washed with water and be unclean until the evening.*
(Get to Read the whole Leviticus 15...Though of the old testament... Puts things in proper perspective)

*1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;*

*James 1:14-15-But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.*

*Romans 6:13 -Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.*

*1 Corinthians 6:19-20-Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.*

*Psalm 119:9-10-How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!*

*Galatians 5:1-For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.*

*Titus 2:11-12-For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,*

*SO I SAY:*
*AS YOU MEDITATE&PRAY OVER these verses, MAY GOD DELIVER YOU FROM ANY FORM OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY(Masturbation)*

*Pornography(Sexual immorality)* on *MEDITATE*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

Ooh don't 😳...hehe.
On the first part this morning,we are focusing on Pornography,an aspect of sexual immorality today on Meditate.

From my standpoint,these two are its major causes.Some enter into it because of _peer influence_& many others because of *Curiosity.*

Many are locked in it but note that it is not simply about the erotic physical images seen but it is very spiritual& most importantly *DEVILISH.*

Sex is of God.God created it meaning it is Good _(Gen.1&2,Gen.1:28)_.However, not in the form the devil has fakely presented it rather making you a slave to it(Addiction).

To unlock oneself from this bondage, it takes the WORD, HOLY SPIRIT,PRAYER. As I share these verses with you, please make time to Meditate& Go to God in prayer especially if you are in it. No matter how hard you've tried to stop, *HE WILL DELIVER YOU!*🙌🏻🙏🏻(You don't always have to be prayed for)

You can also Pray for someone known&unknown to get out of this.

*Now,THE VERSES:*
*Proverbs 7:21-27 -With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, ...*

*2 Samuel 11:2-5-It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king's house, that *he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” So David sent messengers and took her, and she came to him, and he lay with her..*

*Psalm 119:37-Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.*

*1 Corinthians 6:18-Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.*

*James 1:14-15-But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.*

*Psalm 119:9-10-How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!*

*Job 31:1-“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?*

*2 Timothy 2:22-So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.*

*Psalm 101:3-I will not set before my eyes anything that as worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.*

*Ephesians 5:5 -For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.*

*Titus 2:11-12-For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,*

*SO I SAY:*
*AS YOU MEDITATE&PRAY OVER these verses, MAY GOD DELIVER YOU FROM ANY FORM OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY(Pornography)*

*(Let's do another part this evening)*

*Relationship is Everything(The First Quotes)*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻 )

I bring you more 🔥, interesting&deeper insight on the mini series- *Relationship is Everything*

Here we Go😎:
*_At the heart of life lie the relationships we have with other people._*

*_It's always been a great survival value for people to believe they belong to a superior tribe. That's just in human relationships.-E. O. Wilson._*

*_Human relationships used to be easy: you had friends, boy- or girlfriends, parents, children, and landlords. Now, thanks to social media, it's all gone sideways.-Susan Orlean._*

*_If you think you are easily irritated by people, guess what? You irritate other people easily too!-Olumide Lawrence._*

*_Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other.But how can one be warm alone?-Eccl. 4:9-11_* 😉

*_When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”– Donald Miller._*

*_“You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.”— Epicurus_*

*_“We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.”—Eleanor Roosevelt._*

*_“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”— Thomas Merton_*

*_Assumptions are the termites of relationships.”- Henry Winkler_*

*_“Relationships-of all kinds-are like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers.You may hold onto some of it, but most will be spilled.A relationship is like that.Held loosely, with respect and freedom for the other person, it is likely to remain intact.But hold too tightly, too possessively, and the relationship slips away and is lost.”_*

*SO I SAY:*
*This is the First Quotes on Human Relationships...Remember, Relationship is Everything...Don't Toy with it! (THe Mini Series is still on...😊)*

*_RELATIONSHIP_ is _EVERYTHING (The Intro)_*

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

*What do you expect of the RELATIONSHIP if the only time you SHOW up is when you are in need?*

*How do you expect the RELATIONSHIP to be&the love to be deep if you only check up when a very unlikely situation only reminds you...?*

*How far do you expect the RELATIONSHIP to go if your only focus has been on  thy gettings&not thy givings?*

*What do you think?... It may not have (genuinely) been said but in the end, it is the memory left&the idea behind it, that means so much& not JUST the actions?*

*Beloved, if not for Sin that caved in, the one most important thing that interested God wasn't all the beautiful creations there in heaven but the RELATIONSHIP that existed between himself,Adam&Eve.*(Gen.3.)

*Why do you think he created you& especially in his own image&likeness?... It wasn't because because he needed your help but as a matter of Relationship.No wonder, the christian life is equated to PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD!*

*My focus here-How do you treat your Relationships?... GENERALLY&with CLOSE ONES.*

This is just the intro. As we delve deeper you will understand more on this mini series.

In the end, It is the relationship that truly matters to them.What holds Iit are those *small sticky yet priceless particles of life...Brace yourselves for them.😁*

*SO I SAY:*
*RELATIONSHIP IS EVERYTHING...Don't TOY with it*

(More 🔥 to come😉...You can't miss the Quotes on this tomorrow😊😊)

*You are Beautiful-Mercy Me Inspired

*(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)*

Before I bring you, *'Relationship is Everything'* this evening, I bring you another edition of Song message from Mercy Me.

Be blessed!

_Days will come when you don't have the strength. When all you hear is you're not worth anything_

_Wondering if you ever could be loved.And if they truly saw your heart, they'd see too much._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are made for so much more than all of this._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are treasured, you are sacred.You are His. *You're beautiful.*_

_Praying that you have the heart to fight 'Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight._

_For all the lies you've held inside so long.They are nothing in the shadow of the cross._

_Before you ever took a breath.Long before the world began.Of all the wonders He possessed...There was one more precious_

_Of all the earth and skies above.You're the one He madly loves.Enough to die..._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are made for so much more than all of this._

_You're beautiful...You're beautiful.You are treasured, you are sacred.You are His. *You're beautiful.*_

*SO I SAY:*
*BE VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED... KNOW WHO YOU ARE...YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL😊*

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2o0jHNRuU

GOD'S SANDPAPER(FROM OUR DAILY BREAD)*_

(5-Year Anniv.🌻🙌🏻)

I loved the title just with a glimpse of it the day before.I sensed it was going to be good as usurp. And so here we go:
_My Friend's words stung.Trying to Sleep,I battled to stop muling over her pointed comments about my strong opinions. As I lay there, I asked for God's wisdom and peace._

_Several weeks later,still concerned about the matter, I prayed, "I hurt Lord,but show me where I need to change.Show me where she's right._

_My friend had acted as God's sandpaper in my life.My feelings felt rubbed raw,but I sensed that how I responded would lead to the building of my character-or not. My choice was to submit to the smoothing process,confessing my pride and stubborn stance. I sensed that my imperfections didn't glorify the Lord._

_King Solomon knew that life in community could be difficult, a theme he addressed in the *book of proverbs.In chapter 27,* we see his wisdom applied to relationships.He likens the sharp words between friends as iron sharpening iron: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another"v.17 shaving off the rough edges in each other's behaviour._

_The process may bring about wounds,such as the hurt I felt from my friend's words(v.6),but ultimately the Lord can use these words to help and encourage us to make needed changes in our attitude and behaviour._

_How might the Lord be smoothing out your rough edges for his glory?_

_The Lord Allows our rough edges to be smoothed over through the Sandpaper of Life._

_*Lord, this shaping process hurts but I want to submit to the process.Mould me and Smooth me*_🙏🏻

*SO I SAY:*
*THIS IS GOD'S SANDPAPER from OUR DAILY BREAD.*