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Don't we often forget to put God first in many things we do - actually, in the most important things that we do? Of course, many of us (hopefully) successfully defile our natural laziness to put Him first on Sundays; however, we are very quick to (regrettably) leave Him behind at church just as we begin yet another daunting week. In fact, many of us call God our Father on Sundays, and then go through the rest of the week acting like orphans.

We fully well know that it is only with God that all things are possible, yet we still set out with (supposedly) the "real desire" to have fulfilling relationships with our spouses, children, families, friends, co-workers, etc, without first seeking and cultivating our friendship and relationship with God who made us. Some of us remember His advice to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, so all things may be given to us as well, yet we wholeheartedly devote our short lives on earth to our jobs, businesses, politics, studies, fitness, finances, sports, investments, etc, with little or no time for What Matters Most, and then we consistently complain when none of them seem to fill that void within us. Pitifully, millions of lives (and increasing) everyday are devastated because they continue to lean on their own understanding instead of trusting in the Lord with all their hearts - as King Solomon, who is the richest and wisest man to ever live, advised in the Book of Proverbs.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus Christ said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"; and yet many people struggle on their own to keep their marriages and parent their children, and then fail because they refuse or forget to heed The Master's Call. Many others who barely succeed in keeping their marriages together live in utmost pain, and absolute disunity, contrary to God's plan of both man and woman becoming one in marriage (Mathew 19:5). Some try to make ends meet by working longer hours or many jobs, and yet are even choked the more with debts and very tight financial situations. Because people refuse to obey the Lord our God, and carefully follow all His commands and decrees, they are oppressed and robbed day after day, with no one to rescue them. Furthermore, they have anxious minds, eyes weary with longing, and despairing hearts, and then live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of their lives (Deuteronomy 28:29 & 65-66. In fact, I strongly recommend that you read the whole of Deuteronomy Chapter 28). Consequentially, about 50% of marriages these days end up in divorce within the first 7 years, while the rates of violence and suicide continues to multiply astronomically, with rippling effects tragically scarring the lives of many others, especially the younger generation.

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Here is The Simple Truth: "You must begin with God, your Creator. You exist only because God wills that you exist. You were made by God and for God - and until you understand that, life will never make sense. It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end" (Rick Warren, in his book, "The Purpose Driven Life"). According to someone else, "The great secret and central fact of the universe is that there exists a Spirit (Intelligent Energy) of Infinite Life and Power that is back of all, that animates all, and from which all comes. And to the degree that we come to a realization of this Infinite Source and learn to connect ourselves with it, do we make it possible for this power to work within us, to manifest through us. What you call this "Infinite Source" or "Intelligent Energy" is up to you. But there is no denying that it exists. It is where Your Life Power comes from, for you to use (or not use) as you choose".

So if you are yet to become a believer in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, then consider this a message from God; for He commanded me "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all His commands". He also warned me in Mark 8:38 that "If I was ashamed of Him and His words in this adulterous and sinful generation, He will also be ashamed of me when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels."

Besides, my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord, for in His goodness and mercy, He has made me a living testimony to those who know me. He continues to bless me beyond my wildest dreams, while making me successful in many areas of my life that I would have otherwise failed - success meaning godliness and contentment. In addition, and most excitedly, He has gone to prepare a place for me in one of the many rooms in God's house. What is more? Because of His grace, I am now a Citizen of Heaven! As a disciple of Jesus Christ, my past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. And I sincerely desire these and many more blessings for you as well, which is why I strongly encourage and exhort you to delay no further in beginning the fulfillment of your purpose here on earth.

Another simple truth is that we are all going to be dead longer than we are alive, and thus should really start working towards where we would like to spend eternity. If you need any information about how to begin, or require some spiritual insight on whatever you might be struggling with today, then send me through insights@TheExhortation.com, and I will be honoured to either assist you personally or connect you with someone in your area who gladly would.

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Page III

My friends; rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Like C. S. Lewis once said, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world"

If you are already a disciple of Jesus who has The REAL Desire to remain one, then consider this a brotherly reminder from a fellow soldier. Like Paul reminded his comrades in 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, I remind you today that "We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

"Aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the presence of God who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; and this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see".

Remember that if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. Therefore, I pray that the Holy Spirit whom you received after your baptism continues to help you persevere in whatever you are facing today, while gradually increasing and solidifying your faith in God - in every situation. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

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- Kong Fuzi (Confucius) 551 BC – 479 BC

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