These past days were very challenging for me because, in addition to not being in the comfort of my home, I had a battle with cold.

When I reread the post for 22nd, I couldn’t even make sense of it!

Perhaps the brain had some fog. I am thankful that I am much better today.

Thank you all for your prayers.

And I have since edited the post.

Today’s Bible reading has several verses that spoke to my heart. But, I have to be content with discussing just two Verses today, from  

Proverbs 23:17-18 which says,

“Let not thine heart envy sinners: But be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.  For surely there is an end; And thine expectation shall not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:17-18 KJV).

To envy is to covet what others have. At the base of envy are resentment, jealousy, and discontentment. 

Soul Searchlight:

Have you ever envied people you think are wealthier than you?

The Psalmist had that same attitude. He was envious of the prosperity of the wicked. 

He complained bitterly about the ungodly and how they prosper and increase in riches. 

He was really mad at God for allowing that state of affairs. He also wondered whether there are any benefits of living a Godly life, if the ungodly are seemingly more prosperous.

That state of mind lasted until he went into the place of prayer. Then he received divine revelation of the end of the wicked. 

Which changed his mind and attitude very quickly. 

Read it in Psalm 73:3-23.

We are cautioned to not envy the wicked or desire their company (Proverbs 24:1).

There is absolutely no need for you to envy anyone or desire what they have.  

Because, you have no idea how they acquired their wealth,  nor do you know the state of their marriage, the burdens of their inheritance or their workplace drama- those things they have that you desire.

Instead of being envious, make that decision today that going forward, you will ask Gof for anything and everything, until you get results. For as it is written, “your expectations shall not be cut off” Proverbs 23:18

For example, Abraham refused to be a man-made or self-made man. He told the king of Sodom,

“…I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich” (Genesis 14:23).

And we know that God blessed Abraham without measure. Read Genesis 12:1-3.

Always remember that God who did for one person is able to do for others! 

Instead of envy, work towards appropriating the benefits of salvation, and be a blessing in your world. 

Learn how to link up to God’s flow through obedience and faith. 

 Read Isaiah 58: 1-12,in order to know how to appropriate the blessings of salvation. 

Let us pray:

ABBA Father,  thank you for giving us a new heart that is devoid of envy, but filled with love for you and for others.

As we go forward, we renounce envy, jealousy, discontent, blame, wrath and lies. 

We embrace your lovingkindness,  abundant grace, supernatural favors, and unlimited goodness.

We proclaim Our liberty to function in this world as salt and light. And refuse to grant further liberties to the unfruitful works of darkness.

We proclaim also that we are healed of all psychological defects and physical ailments in our body, for we bear the marks of Jesus Christ.

Thank you Father for opening our eyes daily as we study your Word, in Jesus’s name. 

Shalom from Hephzibah Christly, Ph.D.,#TheSpiritualWarrior,  December 23rd 2024.