FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD
Believe, Come, and Diligently Seek Him

Key Scripture:
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

Thought Of The Day...
There are many things we desire from God—healing, provision, direction, protection, restoration, peace, deliverance, and breakthrough. But Hebrews 11:6 turns our attention from what we want God to do for us to what pleases God.
And Scripture gives us the answer:
FAITH PLEASES GOD.
Not perfect circumstances.
Not having every answer.
Not knowing how everything will work out.
Faith.
Faith says, “God, I may not understand what You are doing, but I still believe You.”

• WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD
The Scripture does not say it is difficult to please God without faith. It says:
“Without faith it is impossible to please him.”
Why is faith so important?
Because faith reveals where our confidence rests.
When everything is going well, it can be easy to say, “I trust God.” But genuine faith is revealed when the diagnosis is uncertain, the money is tight, the family is struggling, the door has not opened, the prayer has not yet been answered, and you cannot see what God is doing.
Faith says:
“Even here, I trust You.”
Job declared:
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” — Job 13:15 (KJV)
There will be seasons when you cannot trace God's hand. But you can still trust His heart.
Your circumstances may change, but God has not changed.

• YOU MUST BELIEVE THAT GOD IS!
Hebrews says:
“…he that cometh to God must believe that he is…”
Before believing God for something, we must believe God is.
He is God when you understand Him.
He is God when you don't.
He is God when the door opens.
He is still God when the door closes.
He is God when the answer comes immediately.
He is still God when He makes you wait.
Sometimes our faith becomes focused primarily on God's gifts: “Lord, give me this. Lord, change that. Lord, open this door.”
But mature faith says:
“Lord, even if You don't give me what I requested when I requested it, I still want You.”
Remember the three Hebrew men standing before the fiery furnace:
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” — Daniel 3:17 (KJV)
But then they declared:
“But if not… we will not serve thy gods…” — Daniel 3:18 (KJV)
That's powerful faith.
God can.
God is able.
I believe God will.
But even if He chooses another way, HE IS STILL GOD!

• FAITH COMES TO GOD
Notice the wording:
“…he that cometh to God…”
Faith doesn't run away from God during trouble.
Faith runs toward God.
When you're hurting—come.
When you're confused—come.
When you're disappointed—come.
When you're weary—come.
When you've made mistakes—come.
When you don't know what tomorrow holds—COME TO GOD!
David said:
“When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” — Psalm 61:2 (KJV)
Your feelings may tell you to withdraw.
Your disappointment may tell you God has forgotten you.
Your circumstances may tell you prayer isn't working.
But faith says:
“I'm going back into His presence.”

• DILIGENT FAITH DOESN'T QUIT SEEKING!
The verse concludes:
“…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
There is a difference between casually seeking God and diligently seeking God.
Diligence means persistence.
It means you keep praying.
You keep believing.
You keep worshiping.
You keep reading His Word.
You keep serving.
You keep showing up.
You keep trusting God even when nothing appears to be changing.
Jesus taught:
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1 (KJV)
Some answers require faith that refuses to quit.
You prayed yesterday?
Pray again.
You worshiped yesterday?
Worship again.
You believed yesterday?
Believe again today.
Don't allow God's silence to convince you that God is absent.
Silence does not mean abandonment.
Waiting does not mean denial.
Delay does not mean God has forgotten you.

• GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO SEEK HIM!
God promises that He is:
“…a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
But we must understand the greatest reward of seeking God.
The greatest reward is not merely receiving something from His hand—it is experiencing more of His presence.
Sometimes the reward is an open door.
Sometimes it is healing.
Sometimes it is provision.
Sometimes it is restoration.
But sometimes the reward is strength to endure what God has not yet removed.
Paul prayed three times for his thorn to be removed, but God's response was:
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
Paul asked for removal.
God gave him sustaining grace.
Never limit God's reward to one particular answer.
Sometimes God changes the situation.
Sometimes God changes you while you're walking through the situation.
Either way, God remains faithful.
DON'T STOP BELIEVING!
Perhaps you have been praying about something for a long time.
You've asked.
You've waited.
You've cried.
You've prayed again.
And you're wondering:
“God, when will You answer me?”
Hebrews 11:6 speaks directly into that season:
KEEP BELIEVING.
KEEP COMING.
KEEP SEEKING.
KEEP TRUSTING.
Your faith is not wasted.
Your prayers are not wasted.
Your worship is not wasted.
Your obedience is not wasted.
God sees every moment you choose faith instead of fear.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)
You don't need to see everything God is doing to believe God is still working.

PRAYER...
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today declaring that You are God, and besides You there is none other.
Lord, increase our faith.
When we cannot see the way, help us trust You.
When we don't understand what You're doing, help us trust You.
When our prayers seem unanswered, help us trust You.
When our bodies are hurting, our finances are strained, our families are struggling, our hearts are heavy, and our minds are weary—help us trust You!
Father, forgive us for the times we allowed fear to speak louder than faith.
Forgive us for the times we doubted Your goodness because we could not understand Your plan.
Today we declare:
YOU ARE STILL GOD!
We believe that You are.
We believe You are faithful.
We believe You are able.
We believe You are our Provider.
We believe You are our Healer.
We believe You are our Deliverer.
We believe You are our Keeper.
And we believe You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You.
So we will seek You when life is good, and we will seek You when life is difficult.
We will seek You when doors open, and we will seek You when doors close.
We will seek You when we understand, and we will seek You when we don't.
Give us faith that refuses to quit.
Let our lives declare:
“I DON'T HAVE TO SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I KNOW THE GOD IN WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED!”
We trust Your timing.
We trust Your wisdom.
We trust Your Word.
We trust Your plan.
And most importantly, we trust You.
In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen and Amen!

DECLARATION OF FAITH...
Today I declare:
I WILL WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT!
I believe God is.
I believe God can.
I believe God is able.
I believe God is faithful.
I will not allow what I see to cancel what God has spoken.
I will diligently seek Him.
I will keep praying.
I will keep worshiping.
I will keep trusting.
I will keep believing.
And even while I am waiting, MY FAITH WILL STILL PLEASE GOD!
BELIEVE. COME. SEEK. TRUST.
GOD IS STILL FAITHFUL!
“But without faith it is impossible to please him…” — Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)

1. The Body of the Word as the necessity of the Father.

2. The Body of the Word is what the Father must always have and what he cannot do without.

3. Today, Jesus Christ has made us to be a kingdom of priests to satisfy the necessity of the Father.

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August 19
“WHO GOD IS TO ME”
MY SHEPHERD
Psalm 23:1 (LLV) —
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Perhaps
no picture
of God
is more familiar
than this one.
A shepherd.
And perhaps
because it is
so familiar,
we can read
the words
without stopping
to consider
what David
was actually saying.
“The LORD
is my shepherd.”
David knew
what being
a shepherd
required.
A shepherd
did not simply
point the sheep
toward a pasture
and walk away.
He stayed
with them.
He knew
where water
could be found.
He searched
for safe pasture.
He watched
for danger.
He tended
the injured.
He searched
for the wandering.
And when darkness
came,
the shepherd
was still there.
So when David
called the LORD
his Shepherd,
he was saying
something deeply
personal.
God
knows me.
God
leads me.
God
watches over me.
God
provides
what I need.
And God
stays
with me.
Then David adds:
“I shall
not want.”
That does not mean
we will receive
everything
we desire.
The sheep
does not choose
the pasture.
The shepherd
does.
The sheep
does not know
where tomorrow's water
will come from.
The shepherd
does.
“I shall not want”
is therefore
not a promise
that life
will contain
everything
we wish for.
It is
a declaration
of trust.
My Shepherd
knows
what I need.
There will be
green pastures.
There will also be
dark valleys.
There will be
still waters.
There may also be
enemies.
David will tell us
all of that
before the psalm
is finished.
But through
every changing scene,
one thing
does not change.
The Shepherd.
Perhaps
that is why
David begins
there.
Before the pasture.
Before the water.
Before the valley.
Before the table.
Before the overflowing cup.
The LORD
is my shepherd.
Everything else
in Psalm 23
rests upon
that truth.
A new beginning does not need to know everything about the road ahead:
I only need to know that my Shepherd knows the way.
Reflection: Am I trusting my Shepherd to know what I truly need, even when His path or His provision looks different from what I expected?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Shepherd. Thank You for knowing me personally, providing for me faithfully, watching over me carefully, and never abandoning me along the way. When I cannot see what lies ahead, help me trust that You can. Teach me to follow Your leading and rest in the assurance that my Shepherd knows exactly what I need. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP

“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33

It has been said, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”

This statement reminds me of the account in Matthew 19 of the rich young man who came to Jesus seeking answers. Here was a man who, of all men, should have been content and fulfilled. He had great influence and affluence. Yet despite all his accomplishments, there was something missing in his life. He asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (verse 16 NLT).

“‘Why ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments’” (verse 17 NLT). Jesus was not implying that by keeping the Ten Commandments, a person would be saved. Rather, Jesus held the Ten Commandments up as a mirror to show this man his sin.

“‘I’ve obeyed all these commandments,’ the young man replied. ‘What else must I do?’” (verse 20 NLT).

I think Jesus probably smiled at this. He saw what this man was really all about. So, He took it up a notch and said, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (verse 21 NLT).

Verse 22 says, “But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (NLT).

Jesus knew the problem with this young man was that possessions had possessed his soul. But Jesus just as easily could have said something completely different to someone else. What is really holding someone back from Christ and from further spiritual progress can vary from person to person.

Jesus revealed the hard truth about discipleship in Luke 14:33: “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own” (NLT). Nothing should be more valuable, more precious, or more important to us than our relationship with Christ.

Jesus drives this point home further in Luke 14:26–27. “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple” (NLT). Nothing should ever be more important to us than our walk with Christ.

That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly come before Jesus and ask, “Lord, is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of my relationship with You?” We must be willing to do what the rich young man would not and sacrifice anything that gets in the way of our spiritual growth.

God bless you!

Love is not feeling some emotional force its deliberate choice


Truth is, love is not a feeling over which we have no control, that is driven without thought by waves of emotion. (I think that might be a definition of infatuation.)

Real love is deliberate and thoughtful.
The essence of love is the deliberate choose to be love.
Our emotions are impacted by stress, whether or not we are sick, under pressure, distracted or just plain tired. Therefore, how we feel emotionally is often a very poor guide for how we should show love.
In contrast, consider how God loves us. John declares that God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is the foundation, the essence and the best descriptor of His character, as well as the motivation for everything He does.

With great care God so loved the world that He was willing to allow His Son to come to earth and die so that our sins could be forgiven (John 3:16).

IT'S A DELIBERATE CHOICE AND SACRIFICE YOU MAKE EVERYDAY...CHRIST LOVE THE BRIDE(CHURCH)
THAT HE GAVE HIMSELF TO DIE FOR HER
EVERYDAY YOU GIVEN A CHOICE TO LOVE...that CHOICE IS SACRIFICE THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SELF DENIAL FOR OTHERS

SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans"
Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2

---

INTRO
Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2
We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it.
Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”

1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD
Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries:
Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction”
Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams
Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God

1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.”

Warning to Christians and non-Christians:
If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed.
And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16

2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD
Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline:
Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown.
Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”

The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity.

Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry.
If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind.

3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION?
We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12
Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted.

Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game:
Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30
Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2
Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16

If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.”

4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND
Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18
Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2
Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23
Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9

CLOSING WORD
Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026.*

*A LIFE THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR GOOD*

Scripture:
“Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” — Mark 14:9 (KJV).

*Reflection – What Legacy Are You Building?*

In Mark 14:9, Jesus spoke about a woman who poured expensive perfume on Him as an expression of love and devotion. Some people criticized her, but Jesus valued her sacrifice and declared that her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached.

Her action teaches us that genuine love for Christ is never wasted. What may appear insignificant to people can be precious in the sight of God.

She did not perform the act to become famous. She simply loved Jesus and gave Him what was valuable to her. Yet her devotion became part of the Gospel story.

Today, we are reminded that our lives should leave behind a legacy of faith, love, service, generosity, compassion, and devotion to Christ.

*Prophetic Declaration:*
Today, I declare that my life shall bring glory to God and become a blessing to generations after me. The things I do for Christ shall never be wasted.

I declare that I will not live merely for temporary recognition or human applause. My greatest desire shall be to please God and faithfully fulfill the purpose for which He created me.

Today, I receive grace to give my best to the Lord—my time, talents, resources, strength, knowledge, opportunities, and abilities. I shall not hold back what God has given me when He calls me to use it for His Kingdom.

I declare that my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and relationships shall become platforms through which God's love and goodness are demonstrated.

I proclaim that the Lord shall make my life fruitful and impactful. Through my words, actions, prayers, service, and generosity, lives shall be touched and people shall be encouraged to draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Today, I reject selfishness, pride, bitterness, and the desire for unnecessary human approval. I choose to serve with a sincere heart, knowing that God sees every sacrifice made in love.

I declare that every good seed I have planted in faith shall produce fruit according to God's perfect timing. Seeds of prayer shall produce testimonies. Seeds of kindness shall produce blessing. Seeds of service shall produce impact. Seeds of generosity shall bless others.

I proclaim that my name and influence shall be associated with good works, godly character, compassion, integrity, and faithfulness—not for my own glory, but so that Christ may be glorified through my life.

I declare that God shall give me opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. May I recognize those opportunities and respond with courage, love, and generosity.

Today, I choose to leave a godly legacy. I want my children, family, church, community, and future generations to see evidence that I lived for Christ and served Him faithfully.

Like the woman in Mark 14, may my devotion speak even after I am gone.

My life will count.
My service will matter.
My love for Christ will bear fruit.
My good works will bless others.
My legacy will point people to Jesus.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!

*Action Steps for today:*
Begin with gratitude: Thank God for giving you gifts, opportunities, relationships, and resources that can be used for His glory.

Read Mark 14:1–9: Reflect on the woman's sacrificial act of love toward Jesus.

Declare: “My life shall be a blessing, and everything I do for Christ shall produce lasting impact.”

Give your best: Identify one area where you can serve God more faithfully and commit yourself to improvement.

Do one intentional act of kindness: Bless, encourage, assist, or pray for someone today without expecting anything in return.

Examine your legacy: Ask yourself, “What do I want people to remember about my life and my faith?”

End with thanksgiving: Thank God for the privilege of serving Him and ask Him to make your life fruitful.

*Prayer:*
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the example of the woman who demonstrated her love for Jesus through sacrificial devotion.

Give me a heart that genuinely loves Christ. Help me to give my best to You—not for recognition, applause, or human approval, but because You are worthy.

Take my time, talents, resources, knowledge, strength, and opportunities and use them for Your glory.

Make me a blessing to my family, church, community, and generation. Help me to recognize opportunities to serve, encourage, give, forgive, and demonstrate Your love.

Let every seed I plant in faith produce fruit according to Your perfect will. Establish the work of my hands and make my life fruitful and impactful.

Lord, help me build a legacy that will point people to Jesus Christ. May those who encounter my life be able to say that I loved God, served faithfully, helped others, and lived for Your glory.

Remove selfish ambition from my heart and replace it with humility, compassion, generosity, and faithful service.

Let my life be a living memorial of Your grace.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Blessing for today:*
May the Lord make your life fruitful, meaningful, and impactful. May every good seed you plant in faith become a blessing to others and a testimony of God's goodness.

May God bless the work of your hands, enlarge your capacity to serve, and give you opportunities to touch lives with love and compassion.

May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of your life become a channel of blessing.

May generations after you benefit from the godly seeds you are planting today.

May your service count.
May your love speak.
May your generosity bless others.
May your faith inspire generations.
May your life point people to Christ.

“WHAT SHE HAS DONE SHALL BE SPOKEN OF FOR A MEMORIAL OF HER.” — MARK 14:9

May your life leave a beautiful legacy for God's glory.

Good morning beloved and do have a blessed and impactful day
Shalom!

*Remember: Your confession is your possession.*

* Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.*

_Please share with others, thank you and God bless you _

For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703
Or
Email: clementoyadosuAnderson Mwila.com

Dear Father,

Edmund Gettier, a philosopher, proposed an addition to the concept of epistemology-- the study of knowledge, when he argued that a person can believe something without knowing it, but no one can claim to know something without believing it. How true is this of humanity? There is also a branch of epistemology called empiricism, which supports the idea that the most reliable source of human knowledge is experience or sensory perceptions. My problem with this view is that it limits the truth of humanity’s existence to what is attainable in his lifetime.

I was reminded of Thomas, who, when the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” responded, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” The issue, however, lies not in the limitations that exist in obtaining the experience needed for an unwavering belief in You, but in how willing we are to pay the price to know what we have always believed.

It is true that many of us are like Thomas, with certain doubts and confusions, believing in Jesus but not all that He purports to represent. Perhaps this is what Edmund communicates: that there is a risk in believing when sufficient knowledge is lacking. Isn’t this one of the reasons we struggle with our faith? Isn’t this the reason we doubt-- asking questions without necessarily seeking answers?

Today, I took it upon myself to reflect on how much I have put into knowing all that I believe about You.

Translations;
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
Slide 6: Portuguese

#LettertoGod
#believe
#knowledge
#doubt
#Thomasstory

SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans"
Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2

---

INTRO
Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2
We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it.
Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”

1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD
Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries:
Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction”
Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams
Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God

1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.”

Warning to Christians and non-Christians:
If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed.
And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16

2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD
Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline:
Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown.
Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.”

The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity.

Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry.
If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind.

3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION?
We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12
Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted.

Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game:
Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30
Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2
Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16

If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.”

4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND
Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18
Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2
Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23
Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9

CLOSING WORD
Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

GOD MAKES YOU STRONG IN THE MIDST OF BATTLE

Jeremiah 15:20

"I will make you a strong wall of bronze to this people; they will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you," declares the Lord.

Jeremiah is going through a difficult time in his ministry. The people oppose him, but God reminds him that his calling does not depend on human acceptance. The Lord promises his presence and protection.

Opposition is not always a sign that you are outside of God's will. Sometimes, it simply accompanies faithfulness to your calling. God does not promise Jeremiah the absence of battles, but victory in the midst of them.

Your strength, therefore, does not come from your own ability to resist. It comes from God's presence: "I will be with you." When God is with you, attacks can arise without having the last word.

Don't back down simply because you encounter opposition. Remain faithful to God, keep your heart steadfast, and keep moving forward. What fights against you cannot necessarily defeat you.

Lord, make me as firm as a wall of bronze. In battles and opposition, keep me faithful, for I know that your presence with me is my true strength.

#GodWithMe🏼
#SpiritAndLife