“When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away,
but the godly have a lasting foundation” (PV 10:25, NLT)
If you are not sure about somebody, wait to see what happens during and after the pain of trial. The believer and the religious unbeliever look alike when all is well. Their homes, marriages and businesses prosper and they look happy. But please remember there is something called false security and temporary peace. This life is not always easy. There are seasons of pain. The trials of faith come in different ways. Peace gives way to war; health retreats for sickness to sing a solo number; trouble, loss of money and other things suddenly come close. God allows some suffering.
During the storms of life, look around you and see what happens to your friends, how they react to the pressure, the words they speak and the choices they make. Like the wind separates the wheat from the chaff, so the same troubles will separate the believers from the unbelievers. The light of God will shine in the darkness. Suddenly you know the truth that was hidden in times of peace and prosperity. The revelation may be painful but let it be welcomed. For truth is a doctor! Truth sets free from the bondage of deception! At the end of the trial, the friends that remain by your side are the true and faithful ones. They are approved by the fire of God. Any friend who could not ‘make it’ let him go!
This is an advice for the singles who plan to marry: find your life partner during war time! May your dating be in the army barracks of God, under the supervision of the Captain of your salvation! May it not on the promenades of seduction and false peace!
The same currents of air that help lift up the eagle are the same that bring other birds down!
In Christ I declare:
I am a child of God!
The foundation of my eternal salvation is Christ Crucified!
I grow in the grace and the knowledge of my Savior!
My feet are planted of the Rock Eternal!
My wings are strong to fly like the eagles!
I fear no trial of life for God is with me!
My marriage is approved by heaven!
Each trial has made me stronger and wiser!
All to the glory of God!
In Jesus name,
Amen!
Green Pastures 
I have had some friends in the past that didn’t make it through the fire with me. When difficult times came for me, they were no where to be found. It was hard to let them go, but I did and I’m thankful for it now. It helps me to appreciate and thank God for my friends who did remain by my side through the trials — like Jemine! I praise God for her friendship!
You are blessed, Lori!
May we always have to courage to bring all to the altar of fire! May we be satisfied with the remnant of gold! In Jesus name, Amen!
Praise God! Prior to my reconciliation with God. I was working, foolish and wayward; a prodigal son indeed! I was leaving with an uncle who is a staunch ‘juju worshipper’ As a newly born believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit opened the eyes of my understanding to see that I have to get rid of my friends. How? I didn’t know! So I prayed, a very ‘simple’ prayer, I asked God to hide me from them! I got a speedy answer! God blessed me with a place of mine. I moved out of ‘Egypt’ without telling anyone my new place. Since then, I have moved and stayed in the north, south, west and east of the city, Warri with godly friends and family, ‘…old things have passed away.’ It’s been over 15 years now, God is still faithful to me. HE hid me – thank you Jesus! (My first desperate need in Christ)
This is a testimony that gives glory to God, brings shame on the devil and encourages the believers! Well done Emmanuel!
Good foundation! Now in time to build with gold and precious stones…To God’s glory!