Remember My Victory in Jesus

Hebrews 2

Inspired thots

D E C E P T I O N

~ very prevalent today;
~ acts very subtly;
Consequence: stray from the Lord.
One must be TRULY alert all the time ~ one way is to 'pay MORE Careful attention' v1
else, we have let our guards down - the devil jumps in at the chance to mislead. Soon enough, it will be a case of the frog or tortoise being boiled to death slowly because it adjusted to its environment.

P E R F E C T I O N

~ quite the Opposite
~ comes through Suffering v10
Consequence: made brothers with Jesus
Perfection comes through suffering that people of God will be empathetic and not concentrate on self. It is always the Father heart reaching out to His own.

S L A V E R Y

~ fearing death is being in slavery
Consequence: it is SIN because there is unbelief that Jesus has conquered death through his death; Jesus, through his death has destroyed the devil who holds the power of death (v14)
Jesus has done everything for His people to be like Him.

Righteousness Reigns! Righteousness Rules!

Hebrews 1

Inspired thots

Jesus ~ God's favored One!

v8 ~ this verse caught my eye and mind: and 'righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom'
While most kings rule with an iron fist or rod, Jesus chose to rule with a scepter of righteousness.
Truly, how Great is my king! He looks at the good and does not instill fear ~ for fear is not of God. (1 JOhn 4:18)

I must live in righteousness as that is how Jesus will rule; 1 John 3:7

v14 ~ Angels: they are ministering angels to God's people (those who inherit salvation)
Angels are powerful like wind and fire but they serve to serve God's people for they are joint heirs with Christ, just as Christ is more superior than them. Hallelujah!

v11 ~ Jesus will remain forever! Praise Him!

Preparing the Self in ALL Ways for the Lord's coming

James 5

Inspired thots

The Lord is really serious about cleansing and molding His people to be the immaculate bride for His coming. This chapter is so into character building through how one is - not greedy or concern about money, be patient with one another and the things to come, endure persecution and suffering, and praying in all situations.

It is all about the heart, the soul, the flesh, the mouth and the spirit.

The heart can be filled with greed - which leads to self indulgence; wanting to make big bucks for a life of luxury on earth (v5)

The soul needs to be trained up in patience - waiting in expectation for the things to come; holding on to what is known and accepted (v8)

The flesh must be pommeled into submission and endurance over the physical suffering or persecution. How blessed I am in this nation of peace and tolerance although there are winds of contention. Prayer is so important to blow them away.

The mouth is a small evil which can spark great trouble. Better to keep it shut than causing harm to self and others. Simplicity in words is best.

All in all, the cherry on the top is prayer to enlighten the spirit. It is important to God to have all His people communing with Him and one another.

Life is all about Others through Me in Christ

James 4

Inspired thots

My life is not about ME. Its about Others.
Galatians 2:20
'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Yes, I am told I am a BUILDER ~ and I agree! I build up others. I must remember to use my gifts to build Others and not just Self.
Yes, I have been building small and comfortable 'houses' but God is not finished with me yet. Praise God!
God wants me to build bigger things / 'houses' for Him. Youth? Young People? Not just children.
Just when I thought of moving on from CM... I am a phlegmatic. I dont quite like to step out though within I know I can, and yet,... I dont know if I can...

Keep DWELLING deeper into God's word. Yes, I am... I need more, especially for character building. When I am built up, I can build Others. Yes, I believe God will use me to build up His end-time army from the next generation.

Dont be BOXED up! People have boxed me up, and I allowed them! Forgive me, Lord, that I allowed people to size me up and box me in. God does not want me to be BOXED up. Break free from the box.

God is a God of surprise.
Yes, life with God can be wonderful with surprises, if not I learn to ask and expect it. I will from today. LORD, I pray that You will be in control and bring along Your will in my life everyday. For as Your word says (v14) 'What is my life?' I dont know what will happen tomorrow. But thank God, I know WHO holds my tomorrow!

Nov. 26 2010 - Jessie Kumar

What Comes out of the Mouth Flows from the Heart

James 3



Inspired thots

Today's lesson is simple: keep my mouth shut until I have blessings to speak out.

But quite hard to do; hence, an active alert all the time is required to achieve the goal. This is how good habits are formed. Keep focusing on the needful instead of allowing the negative to step in through any back doors.

Yes, the tongue is a restless evil; v8 it cannot resist getting a swipe at others.

Another reason for quick words is the outward expression of the full inward trash accumulated in our hearts (v14). Daily cleansing is the solution. Start from inside out. We tend to speak out what we have stored up.

On Display ~> faith in action

James 2:14-26

Inspired thots


B E L I E V E + W O R K S

One OR the other is not good.
~Faith alone is insufficient; it must be supplemented by Works.
~~>Works flow out of Faith; it is a RESULT of true Faith.
~~~~When someone does WORK, it showcases his FAITH.
~But if one says he has faith, there is no observable proof.
~~Faith without deeds is useless.

v19 : Even demons believe and that is insufficient for their salvation. Their belief is KNOWING and even to ACKNOWLEDGING the truth or the fact but not a change of their heart or behavior.
They chose to do otherwise than what their belief reveals about God.

Faith and deeds go hand in hand together. One cannot be without the other. v22
Faith without deeds is like the body with the spirit - an empty shell. hmmm... time to fill up!

F a v o r i t i s m ~> Judgment

James 2:1-13

Inspired thots

F a v o r i t i s m.

Yes, I must be careful about this; in today's world, it is SO easy to have quick 'negative' thoughts when we size up people. Yes, the way we dress 'tells' on us but it should not cause us to think badly against the person.

My sinful nature is so quick to have bad thoughts of others in any situation; for example, when someone falls down, a 'cheerful' glee springs up within first before sympathy sets in. Conscientiousness must be diligently present to guard against evil and unkind thoughts to be the first to spring up to the mind. I have to keep praying against such unkind thoughts and rebuke them; and slowly I feel the rise of a more compassionate spirit.

It is so easy to 'insult the poor' - to ignore them with many 'reasonable' excuses; yet, it is the 'rich' who gives trouble because of their wealth and arrogance. Why do we subject ourselves to such 'torment'?

It's all about L O V E. First time I really see these words 'the royal law' -> Love your neighbour as yourself. Mark 12:30

Mercy triumphs over judgment. V13
Being merciful may be hard for me to exercise but it does not mean I should be exercising judgment either.

Many a times we have to choose between 2 evils but when it is so clear which is evil and which is good, there need not be a choice. Mercy is good. Judgment is evil. Only God is the judge. God will judge us with the same judgment we judge others - and that can be quite harsh. So, better be wise and exercise 'do to others what you want others (GOD) to do to you' Matt 7:12 - the Golden Rule.

It all ties up ~> favoritism >>> judgment

Continue on the path that leads to Bliss

James 1:19-27

Inspired thots

v26 'But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does'

This verse stands out today because it is refers to what I am working on now.
Praise God that He always relates, reminds and realigns me to His word and will.

If a man, any man, can look at God's law intently, ALL THE MORE the child of God -- me.
I need to look INTENTLY into the PERFECT LAW which is God's word - Ps. 19:7 (revives the soul)

God's word brings FREEDOM! I must choose freedom over bondage. I must keep in mind my Eternal Destiny.
It is a daily process--continues to do -- regularly. Discipline can only be cultivated through a habit - read God's word daily.

not forgetting ~ as age catches up, it is hard to remember. Constant reminders and recalls are important to help me not to forget. Going slow on matters will help me to 'sink' it down.
But as the true word teaches, DOING IT is the best way NOT to forget!

Reward / Consequence ~ Blessed! to be on the favored side... to be moving along smoothly... bliss.

Trials - Character Building

James 1:1-18

Inspired thots

T R I A L S...
such a scary word; but seriously, what trials do I go through?
This land is so peaceful and beautiful that it is hard to imagine trials that can pommet me or others.

I think my current trials are of the self where the character needs molding and changing; the old self needs to die and shed like old skin, and the new self emerges more refined like Christ. Fear, worry, greed, pride, impatience, disobedience, arrogance, self-centeredness... these have been my 'character-building' trials.

I thank God that I am not persecuted like those in harsh religious fanatical lands where one is persecuted for their faith, especially Christianity. Why particularly Christianity?

Life is a Constant Struggle

1 Peter 5

Inspired thots

Is God speaking to me? Am I willing to accept what He says? or am I waiting to hear what I want to hear before I take His answer?

That is the very nature of Man; 'God did not answer' because He did not answer as I want ~ that is why it is difficult to hear from God. He has spoken and it was not accepted because it is not as I wanted. Forgive me, Lord!

2 issues: to continue to be a shepherd in a small group willingly although I have been for a very long time.
And, not to view money so big and important. He will provide the best for me; just enough is good enough. Perhaps more will cause my heart and self to deteriorate.
Only let the PEACE of God dwell in me!

I am thankful that I am not physically persecuted like other nations' brethren. God knows I cant survive it all even with minor testings of my emotions, self and will. Sigh! Have mercy, Lord!

The Future Starts Now - for US and THEM

1 Peter 4:12-19

Inspired thots:

1) For God's people
~ v17 Judgment begins with God's people ~> discipline; molding to be more like God
~ may not be pleasant but necessary
~ a preparation for the future
~ positive inclination

2) For those who dont know God
~ to pray for their salvation.
~ if not saved, worse judgment for them than for God's people
~ negative inclination

Hence, it is alright for God's people to undergo discipline for our betterment to prepare ourselves for the eternal future.
But, how sad for the suffering of those who dont know Jesus as Lord and Savior?
Pray for their salvation. Give them the chance I had.

Called to Pray

1 Peter 4:1-7

Inspired thots

I am reminded (again) my life is NOT my own; I have been redeemed by Jesus and hence, 'the life that I now live, I live by faith in Christ Jesus my Lord' ~ Gal. 2:20

The past is gone~NOW is the time of living... for the Lord.

The outstanding lesson in this passage today for me is from v7-12;
~ the end of all things is near...
~ be clear minded and self-controlled SO THAT YOU CAN PRAY

That is more important than making money and being occupied with other tasks.
Praying seems so 'inactive' ~ not many people indulge into it.
Clear-minded to pray; hmmm... so that my own thoughts do not interfere with what God wants me to pray.
Self-controlled to pray: a disciplined indulgence to overcome self needs and wants to focus on others' needs.

Live as Christ live

1 Peter 3:8-22

Inspired thots:

First, a call to live in harmony with one another. Surely, my God is a God of peace. I am to display His peace-loving attribute, holding Christ in high esteem (v15) to motivate a godly character.

God is truly no respecter of persons as His only Son died for all; hence, my attitude and behaviour to respect all (v15b) for whom Christ died to redeem. He went even to minister to the spirits in prison. What does that really mean?

Water Baptism saves ~ it is a pledge of a good conscience toward God, besides a declaration of your position in Christ.

Submission = Beauty

1 Peter 3:1-7

Inspired thots

The Lord is good! I missed the message yesterday as I was in SS but today God gives me the message personally. He knows all things. Praise Him!

Submission again. Must be a difficult topic for many, as God would know.
Today, it is submission in a marriage - from a wife to her husband.
To God, Submission is beauty. Not the outward adornment to create an illusion of physical beauty but an inward expression of who one really is.

And the beauty that is exhibited from submission is from the inside - an inner beauty that is 'UNFADING which is of Great WORTH in God's sight' v5

Long ago, women have no cosmetics to beautify themselves physically. They are 'WYSIWYG' - what you see is what you get. The only way to make them more attractive to the soul is the soul - the gentle and quiet spirit which men like.

v6 nails it correctly that women do not submit because they fear. They fear mistreatment and so they force themselves to be at the forefront of control. But in God, there is no fear so as a woman, I can submit easily to my husband.

My husband who is godly knows how to treat me in Christ so that his prayers will not be hindered; he has to mind his connectivity with God.

In community living or in a union, there must be only one head though all are part of one another, to allow orderliness.

Submission because of Security

1 Peter 2:13-25

Inspired thots

Submission is such a difficult word;
To submit to the authority is easier when there are laws and deterrents such as punishments.
Outside, it is difficult as man is born 'sinful' and covetous.

It is God's will... v15 how fantastic that I can know God's will... another part of it as I always question "What is God's will?". Yes, John 5 speaks of Jesus giving us the answer to that question. But like a person, it is not just a ONE thing. Hence, it is necessary to know more of God through the whole bible than just one part of it.

God's will - do good; silence foolish men.
Live as free men but as servants of God - the right perspective for anyone who loves God.
Living in whatever situation as long as one is 'CONSCIOUS of God' - God fearing. v19
When God's people are constantly aware or reminded what God has done for them, they will be conscious of God - for they have returned to their Shepherd's fold.

All things are in His control.
There is no need to retaliation.
Entrust self to God.

Salvation Path

1 Peter 2:1-12

Inspired thots

Peter teaches God's people to prepare themselves to meet with God on judgment day by living their lives as how God requires.
It is not easy as that means a call to persecution and suffering, smearing and jeering from others who do not see eternal salvation.

There are many who undergo such conditions for declaring aloud for Jesus; ethnic groups everywhere. These should be kept in intercession to remain strong in their faith and be commended for their faithfulness and endurance in persecution. James declared it as 'pure joy to face all kinds of trials and persecutions' (1:2).

I, for one, will shrink back. God still need to work in me until I am emboldened. I must remember the end - my final destination - which I must keep focused. I must remember the beginning - my salvation - when I changed my status from darknees to light.

Strange but Real

1 Peter 1

Inspired thots

Peter talked about redeemed Christian living.

It may seem mind boggling but searching my heart, it is really true that only God can satisfy.
Christians are strangers on earth - v1,17 as in John 17:16
Adjust but dont get too comfortable on earth; strangers do not belong.

~ Though I cannot SEE God,
I LOVE Him;
I BELIEVE in Him;
I am FILLED with an inexpressible & glorious JOY
and the simple reason is SALVATION ~ the ultimate GOAL.

Christians are CHOSEN, SANCTIFIED to OBEY.
New Birth in Christ leads to Living HOPE and Eternal INHERITANCE.

God's power of PROTECTION is activated by a Christian's FAITH which will be TESTED for Genuinity and RESULT in Praise, Glory and Honor to God.

As per last Sunday sermon, 'prepare your mind for action' v13
~ HOW?
God does not leave His children without answers and directions.

Many actions are prompted by the Mind; if there is NO BUY-IN from the MIND, there is no Action.

God's Word gives Understanding; understanding gives Conviction; conviction (buy-in) leads to Action.
Only when I am FULLY CONVINCED, will I choose to ACT.

But the Mind strays easily, so it is necessary to be FULLY FOCUSED v13 on God's grace
for truly, it is 'by grace you have been saved' Eph. 2:8,9
Romans 8 teaches to submit the mind to Christ (v5-8) as in Peter's exhortation 'be self-controlled'

Stay On the RIGHT Track

2 Peter 3

Inspired thots:

Last Sunday's message was to renew our minds which are not transformed when we are redeemed. It is a process of transformation as we choose to renew our minds.
Here. the word says 'stimulate into wholesome thinking' - by recalling the word of God - the scriptures. God is good indeed! There is always a solution - His way, for victory.

Besides recalling, we can renew our minds through understanding - understand what the future holds. And we can know the future - read God's word. What was written about the past has happened; hence, what is written about the future... will happen soon. v7

Indeed some of us think God works so slow... but that is because we have already His grace and yearns for the best! There are many others who have yet to know Jesus as Saviour.
God has proven true... He can work miracles. He can be so fast that we can miss it. So, lets leave everything in God's hands.

The Question Peter posed: v11 'what kind of people ought you to be?'
Prepare MYSELF in holiness and godliness for my new home of righteousness.
Be spotless, blameless and at peace with God - the only way for that to happen is to be walking in His ways.
Continue to grow in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of Jesus.

Victorious Living

2 Peter 2

Inspired thots:

1) Everything is in God's hands.
He knows when and who to rescue and protect; and he will also punish those who turn away from Him
Best to leave EVERYthing into God's hands. Let me be anxious about nothing. Phil 4:6,7

2) Slander is despicable in God's eyes; especially when it is on things that one does not fully understand.
Best to keep my mouth SHUT when the situation is getting offensive. 'Be slow to speak, and quick to listen' James 1:19 then I wont get upset and fall into sin.

3) v19 A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
Do a self-check on what is usually in one's thoughts - that is what is enslaving the person.
Is it pleasing to God? Is it worldly, flesh or Godly? Get back on God's track.
Remember not to revert to the sinful old nature. Stay on God's path. Dont be deceived.
When weak, call on God for strength to overcome.

Stay ALERT & Keep GROWing in Christ

2 Peter 1

Inspired thots:

1) Dont be dull of hearing. Repetition is necessary on things that are important, forgetfulness is eminent.

2) Keep recalling; keep remembering; keep refreshing - the things that are important and matters.

3) Add on ~ stature; character development
Effectiveness and Productivity enhanced.

4) Participate in the divine nature - to escape the worldly corruption.

It's EITHER one OR the other. Put on MORE of one to crowd out the other.

5) Make my election and calling sure. Dont be satisfied with current stability and success.
'A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come upon you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man' - Prov 6:10,11
Must always be ALERT and ON GUARD, else the enemy is always waiting to prounce.
(1 Pet. 5:8)

Stay ALERT to Be Victorious

1 John 5

Inspired thots:

The Word of God is so simple but important that repetition is often necessary which tends to make one dull of hearing because the word is taken so carelessly.

This is how one errs from the way of God - because thinking 'we already know it', our guard is let down and the influence of the world comes rushing in along with deception.

And yet, v3 says 'His commands are not burdensome...' God is really so good to man.
v4 Everyone 'born of God has overcomes the world' - victory is for me! present tense... for the Now!
It is a daily living reminder that...
~ there is daily temptations to lure me away from God
~ there is daily victory to keep me with God

'Familiarity breeds contempt' ~ when we think we already know it, we are careless or disrespectful to continue exercising the point when we hear it again.

v16 ~ A Christian does not live for him/her self alone; s/he lives for the brethren so that God's people are victorious together.

To love God is to love the brethren, for God loves them... I must love those whom God loves.

v21 ~ the last verse: 'keep yourselves from idols'
There are many things that can distract us from God; beware! these may work subtly into our lives. The only way to ward idols off is to stay ALERT against them.

2 Components for Today's Living

1 John 4

Inspired thots:

The Spirit of God within us will guide us into discerning against evil or false spirits,
as well as a heart of LOVE.

Two important factors for today's living.

It is easy to discern evil spirits when I exercise God's word into my life, and not allow the devil a foothold on me. I am glad I chose His way and guard my heart against sinning towards God this weekend. He has proven His word and principles true; and I am better off for the long run.

It is really not the 'I' to be emphasized if I want the eternal blessings God has promised, which are really for my good. (Jer. 29:11-13)

God as He IS

1 John 3

Inspired thots:

Who is God? That is a BIG Question. Many want the answer... or an answer... or what they want to hear. But no one can really give the answer if the self is not seeking and believing.
God's word says, 'Ask and you shall receive'; 'Seek and you shall find'; 'Knock and the door shall be opened'. (Matt. 7:7)

God is ready to give and open when one is ready to receive, find and knock.

God is... as He is - v2
v3 He is PURE
v7 He is RIGHTEOUS
v8 He is LOVE (chp 4)

Because He is... His children are...
Like begets like

His children will be LIKE Him... that is something exciting to look forward to...
But to look forward to that future, preparation is required now... put off the old nature and put on the new.

As God loves, so must I... yes, slowly but surely as I overcome daily with less struggles to love as Jesus loves. It can happen when I keep focus on Christ; when I remind myself how Christ did it and what does GOD want. It can happen because I want that future as being like God when I see Him. All else on earth now is not as important as that.

That is sufficient motivation to love others. To me, that is part of my preparation.

Anointed to Keep on God's Track

1 John 1,2

Inspired thots:

God does not leave His children as orphans;
He always provide for them in every way so that every need is met to stand in the faith firmly, facing challenges victoriously if one learn to walk according to HIS ways.

It's the blood of Jesus that has cleansed me from all sin to walk with Him in the light, for God is light; hence, I can fellowship with others.

Sin is so prevalent in the world, working against God's people who must stay alert against it. The only way to overcome sin is to walk in God's way. There is no other choice. It is God's way or the world's way.

v9 Love is an important factor in a Christian life; besides loving the unlovable whom we do not know, which is really hard, loving those who differ from us is just as hard, when each holds its own opinion.

v12 If I claim to be 'a child' - then remember my sins have been forgiven by Jesus which makes me know God, the Father
If I claim to be 'a young man' - then I am strong to resist and overcome the evil one.
If I claim to be 'a father' - then I should remember tha I have known my Heavenly Father since the beginning of my faith; I have walked so long with Him - why should I turn back or away now?
Basically, there is no reason for an excuse on my actions / decisions / ill-feelings against another.
I should know better!
Thank God for His anointing to know better! v20
His HS leads and guides as I remain in HIm (John 15)

Remember - the devil is trying hard to de-track!

Love as Christ loves

2 John

Inspired thots:

Again God's word is so powerful and relevant... as it is written in Hebrews 4:12.
Its message comes appropriately in timing and content. Yes, God speaks... to me!

Such a short and simple message by so exacting!
L O V E - love for one another, especially those in the church that no division should be caused in Christ's body.
To love is to obey. To obey is to love. Walk in love. Live with love. A lifestyle.
To love means to forgive; to overlook another's offense at me.
To love means accepting the sister again despite repeated offenses towards me.
To love means being patient and forbearing with another even though our ways differ.
This is not a new commandement.

'Do not lose what you have worked for' v8 but that you will be rewarded fully.
If one is not careful, you can fall into the trap of deception and be ensnared, losing all your possessions. It takes just one seemingly harmless moment to cause the total loss.
One needs to be alert to such deception and traps. 1 Peter 5:8

Play your Role Well

3 John

Inspired thots

Commendation vs Rebuke

When one does good ~ there is commendation by others.
When one does poorly ~ there is rebuke.

Think of consequence before action.

Ways to be commended:
1) Be faithful to the Truth
2) Continue to walk in the Truth (consistency)
3) Be faithful in works
4) Be hospitable to all
5) Exhibit your love
6) Provide for others' needs
7) Be generous in giving
8) Work together for the truth
9) Imitate the good
10) Be true

The cited case of Diotrephes is a source of concern as it hints how the church is being infiltrated with the wrong attitude which can cause divisions. One must be alert to the ill changes in the brethren and to take quick action to nip the problem in the bud before further damage is done.
Leaders need to take time to sort out such issues in the church to keep the church unstained.
Hence, rebukes are necessary.

v8 ~ Others may 'go' for the sake of the gospel; When they arrive, one must offer hospitality to give them the ease and comfort to replenish their strength and encourage them in their task.
Everyone in God's kingdom has a role to play.

CONTEND and CONTINUE

Jude

Inspired thots:

I am reminded of WHY I believe, WHO I believe and WHAT I must continue on with based on WHAT I believe. It will be challenging times round the corner, if not already here. The hand of God is at work! Mount Merapi! Natural disasters occurring so frequently nowadays.
Watch the Signs.

Never impacted me that Jude was one of Jesus' brother. Though the whole earthly sibling gang was against Jesus, but I suppose by God's grace, they too saw and believed. Praise God!
Yes, loved ones are important for salvation too! Having received, freely give... Jude did that!

CONTEND for the Faith! v3 - Jude spurs me on to continue in the faith I have in Christ; not just to continue only, but to Contend for it! Fight for it, stand up for it, Continue well in it! Now is the time for OFFENSE and not DEFENSE. If I do not CONTEND, it will be harder to CONTINUE in the faith; for there will be more Opposers and Deviators who will detract one from the faith. v7 Yes, Ps has reminded us that others will claim 'it is ok to keep sinning' because one can fall back on the grace of God (Rom. 6:1)

v7-16 list the many examples recorded in the bible how those who are against God have already been marked for judgment, and serve as a reminder to me that it is established by God to judge; and so, all the more I need to CONTINUE and CONTEND for my faith!
As usual, envy and contention will lay snares across my path to detrack me and God's people, and we need to be standing strong in our faith for the Lord.

v19 - How awful to be liken to animals! ~ having natural instincts but no Spirit. John 14 tells of the way of the Spirit for our right living (John 4:24)

v20 - Jude encourages God's people to:
1) 'BUILD yourself UP in your MOST Holy faith' (1 Peter 1:16)
2) 'PRAY in the Holy Spirit' (Romans 8:26)
This is truly encouraging to ME to be reminded HOW to continue in my faith and to Contend for it; yes, I am spurred on to pray in the Spirit more these days! May the Lord grant me understanding with it.

Having stand firm, help others to do the same. v22 It's not all about me - it's about others too, whom God also loves.