Crystal Seeds Int'l

🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨MERCY✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟

🌟Beloved, hear this truth today: we are alive not because we are perfect, but because God is merciful. The Scripture says, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed” (Lamentations 3:22). If not for mercy, many of us would not be standing here today.

🌟Mercy is God withholding the punishment we deserve and giving us another chance. Jesus made it clear: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). This means the level of mercy you show determines the mercy you receive.

🌟Church, you cannot claim to know God and still be hard-hearted. Mercy must be seen in how we forgive, how we speak, and how we treat those who offend us. Judgment pushes people away, but mercy draws them closer to God.

🌟As we go out today, let us preach mercy with our lives. Forgive quickly, love deeply, and show compassion freely. Remember this: mercy is not weakness; mercy is power. And when mercy speaks, judgment is silenced. May God help us to walk in mercy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shalom!

Life may throw challenges at you that you never anticipated, but whatever comes your way, be determined not to be defeated. Put on your boxing gloves not just with the intention to just fight, but with the resolve to swing with everything you've got.

It’s either you win, or you win. No middle ground. No room for excuses. No space for tiredness.

As we step into the ember months, go forward with a dogged determination to win in life, because you will have whatever you declare.

Don’t give up. In fact, you can’t give up.

Happy New Month, and welcome to the best quarter of the year.

Keep winning!

✨✨✨✨✨ Holiness✨✨✨✨✨

Bible text and verse:

- 1 Peter 1:15-16: "but just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This verse emphasizes that believers should strive for holiness in their conduct, mirroring God's own holiness .

👉INTRODUCTION TO HOLINESS

Holiness is a fundamental concept in Christianity that is often misunderstood or overlooked. However, it is a vital aspect of our faith that enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God. In this lecture, we will explore the concept of holiness, its importance, and practical ways to cultivate it in our lives.

*Definition of Holiness*

Holiness is the state of being set apart for God's purpose. It involves living a life that is morally upright, pure, and dedicated to serving God. Holiness is not just about avoiding sin, but also about living a life that is positively devoted to God.

👉Biblical Basis of Holiness

- Hebrews 12:14: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." This verse underscores the necessity of holiness for those who seek to have a relationship with God .

- 2 Corinthians 7:1: "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." This passage calls believers to actively purify themselves and strive for holiness out of reverence for God .

- Leviticus 20:26: "You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own." This verse highlights that holiness involves being set apart and dedicated to God .

- Romans 12:1: Believers are urged to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is considered true and proper worship .

- 1 Thessalonians 4:7: God calls people to a holy life, not to impurity .

- Ephesians 4:24: Believers are encouraged to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness .

- Isaiah 35:8: Describes a "Way of Holiness" that is exclusively for those who are pure and righteous.

👉Importance of Holiness

1. *Intimacy with God*: Holiness enables us to draw near to God and experience intimate fellowship with Him.
2. *Effective Witness*: Holiness empowers us to be effective witnesses for Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
3. *Spiritual Growth*: Holiness promotes spiritual growth, as we seek to conform to Christ's image and live according to His teachings.
4. *Protection from Sin*: Holiness provides protection from sin, as we learn to recognize and resist temptation.

👉Characteristics of Holiness

1. *Separation*: Holiness involves separating ourselves from sin, worldly desires, and ungodly influences.
2. *Purity*: Holiness requires living a life of moral purity, free from sinful thoughts, words, and actions.
3. *Dedication*: Holiness involves dedicating ourselves to serving God and living according to His will.
4. *Humility*: Holiness requires humility, recognizing our own sinfulness and dependence on God's grace.
5. *Love*: Holiness is characterized by love for God and others, demonstrated through acts of kindness, compassion.

👉Practical Ways to Cultivate Holiness

1. *Spend time in God's Word*: Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture helps to cultivate a holy mindset.
2. *Pray consistently*: Prayer enables us to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and receive strength for living a holy life.
3. *Fellowship with believers*: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers provides encouragement, accountability, and support for living a holy life.
4. *Practice self-discipline*: Developing self-discipline helps us to resist temptation, overcome sinful habits, and cultivate holy habits.
5. *Seek accountability*: Having a trusted friend or mentor provides accountability and support for living a holy life.

👉Overcoming Obstacles to Holiness

1. *Recognize the enemy's tactics*: The enemy seeks to hinder our holiness through temptation, deception, and discouragement.
2. *Confess and repent of sin*: When we sin, we must confess and repent, seeking God's forgiveness and restoration.
3. *Seek God's strength*: We must rely on God's strength and power to overcome obstacles to holiness.
4. *Surround yourself with positive influences*: Surrounding ourselves with positive influences, such as godly friends and mentors, can help us to stay on the path of holiness.

👉Conclusion

Holiness is a vital aspect of our Christian faith that enables us to live a life that is pleasing to God. By understanding the characteristics of holiness, recognizing its importance, and practicing practical ways to cultivate it, we can live a life that is set apart for God's purpose. Let us strive to live a life of holiness, that we may experience intimacy with God, effective witness, spiritual growth, and protection from sin.

📝 Prophetess Elizabeth Ogedengbe

Edited & Copied by: Olajide David Kayode Smith