Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Godliness is a God-centered life. Godliness is a life characterized by reverence, devotion, and obedience to God. It involves aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with God's principles.

Contentment is finding joy in what God has given you.

Have you ever wondered how someone could stay calm or even feel joy when everything around them is falling apart?

Paul gives us a glimpse of that mystery in Colossians 3:15.

Peace is a settled confidence rooted in God Himself. You must consciously entrust your past, present and future into God's hands.

In our world today, the issue of pretence has become a serious matter in the body of Christ. Pretence simply means living a life that is not real, putting on an appearance that does not match who we truly are inside. Sadly, many believers have fallen into this trap. Outwardly, they appear godly, attending services, praying, and singing hymns, but inwardly, their lives contradict the standard of Christ. This double-standard life has eaten deep into the church, and some have even justified it by saying, “Times have changed, and we must change with them.” But the truth is clear: while times and seasons may change, Christ and His standard do not.
The Scriptures declare in Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters.” Yet today, many attempt to do just that, walking with God on one side and with the world on the other. But the cross of Christ does not allow for divided loyalty. It draws a clear line between righteousness and unrighteousness, holiness and compromise. God says, “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). His call to holiness has not expired with time. The same God who was holy in the days of Abraham, Moses, and Paul is still holy today. To lower His standard because of cultural shifts is to imply that God Himself has changed, but Malachi 3:6 reminds us, “I am the Lord, I change not.”
Pretence is a dangerous spiritual deception. Jesus, in Matthew 23, rebuked the Pharisees sharply for this same sin. He described them as people who looked clean outwardly but were full of corruption inside. Pretence makes us comfortable in sin while convincing us that all is well. It blinds us from true repentance because we cover ourselves with religious activities. It makes us quick to condemn others while excusing ourselves. And perhaps worst of all, it confuses unbelievers who look at the church and see no difference between the world and those who claim to follow Christ.
Today, many justify their compromises with the excuse that “the times have changed.” They say, “What was considered sin before is not as serious now,” or “We must blend in to be relevant.” But my friends, the cross of Jesus has not changed. Holiness has not expired. Truth has not evolved into something relative. The culture of the world does not determine the standard of Christ. Paul warns us in Romans 12:2: “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we adjust our morals to fit the world’s trends, we are not following Christ; we are abandoning Him. Christ came not to adapt to sinful times, but to redeem people out of them.
God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Christianity is not an outward show—it is an inner transformation that reflects in our daily lives. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This means there is no room for double life, no space for secret sins covered up by public religiosity, no pretending on Sunday and compromising throughout the week. The world is not in need of pretenders but of witnesses, genuine men and women whose lives reflect the power and purity of the cross.
Beloved, pretence may deceive man, but it can never deceive God. Scripture makes it plain in Galatians 6:7: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The mask of hypocrisy will one day be stripped away. Christ is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:27), not a church hiding behind excuses of modernity. This is the time to tear away the false covering and return to genuine Christianity—where our words, actions, and hearts align with the standard of Christ.
If you find yourself living a double life, hear the voice of the Spirit today: repent and return to the Lord. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” There is still mercy available for all who will lay aside pretence and live sincerely before God. And if you have not surrendered your life to Christ, or you once did but drifted away, today is the day of salvation. Do not harden your heart. Confess Him as Lord, believe in your heart, and commit to walk in truth.
Pretence is a dangerous mask. It destroys our witness, corrupts our souls, and separates us from the reality of Christ’s transforming power. Let us put it away. Let us return to authentic, genuine Christian living. Let our lives declare Christ not only by what we say but by how we live.

Don’t Be Discouraged
Life is hard. That is the plain truth. Every day we wake up to the harsh realities of the world we live in, rising prices, hunger in many homes, unemployment for graduates who worked hard to earn their certificates, and endless news of killings, kidnappings, and corruption. Everywhere we turn, there seems to be a reason to sigh in despair. Even as Christians, these prevailing hardships sometimes shake us, leaving us destabilized and questioning: “Where is God in all of this?”
The devil takes advantage of such moments. He whispers: “You need to survive. Just do what others are doing. Cut corners. Bend a little. It doesn’t matter how—just make sure you belong.” Sadly, many who once walked with Christ fall into this trap. In desperation to “make it,” they cross the line. Some get involved in internet fraud, others sell their bodies, some join cults, and many dabble into dishonest businesses. The desire to belong, to escape hardship, has led many to ruin. Yet, the word of God comes clearly today: “Don’t be discouraged.”
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist cried out, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Discouragement is real, but it is not final. Hardship is real, but it does not define the end of our story. Throughout Scripture, we see that suffering was never the conclusion for God’s people. Joseph endured betrayal and prison before he sat on the throne in Egypt. Israel groaned under the weight of slavery before the Red Sea parted. Even our Lord Jesus wore a crown of thorns before He was given the crown of glory. Child of God, your present struggle is not your final destination—it is only a passage.
The temptation in these moments is to compromise. When food is scarce, when bills are piling, when the pressure to “show success” is unbearable, the world’s shortcut begins to look attractive. But Jesus warns us in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” There is a kind of wealth that destroys, a kind of success that is short-lived, and a kind of comfort that leaves eternal regret. The devil has nothing to give for free—every offer comes with destruction attached.
But here is our assurance: God is still on the throne. He is not blind to your struggles, nor deaf to your cries. The same God who sent ravens to feed Elijah in the wilderness, who brought water from a rock for Israel, and who multiplied loaves and fishes for the hungry crowd is the same God watching over you today. David said in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” God has not changed. He who was faithful then is still faithful now.
Beloved, understand this: faith is not tested in good times; it is tested in fire. Daniel’s faith was not proven in the palace but in the lion’s den. The three Hebrew boys did not demonstrate their loyalty to God by singing hymns in the temple but by refusing to bow before the golden image, even when the furnace was seven times hotter. In the same way, your faith is being tested in this season. Will you stand with God, or will you bow to the pressure of compromise? James 1:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
So I say again: don’t be discouraged. Don’t let the hardship of today rob you of the glory of tomorrow. Don’t let the pressure of belonging push you into ungodly means of income. Don’t sell your eternity for a temporary taste of comfort. The God who lifted Joseph, who preserved Daniel, and who restored Job will also lift you.
And perhaps as you hear this message, you realize you have already crossed the line. Maybe you have compromised, maybe you have given in, maybe you feel trapped in the web of sin or shortcuts. The good news is that Christ is still calling you back. In Matthew 11:28, He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to remain where you fell. His arms are open. His blood still forgives. His mercy still restores.
Therefore, rise up from discouragement. Hold on to your faith. Refuse to bow to compromise. For though the night seems long, joy is coming in the morning.

Proverbs 16:3

MAKING IT COUNT
Text: Ephesians 5:15–16 – “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Life is a precious gift from God, but what we do with it is our gift back to Him. Each day we live is a page written in the story of our lives, and one day that story will be presented before God. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we making our lives count? Many live carelessly, wasting opportunities as if they will live forever on this side of eternity. Yet the Bible reminds us that our days are numbered. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” In other words, life is short, fragile, and uncertain. James 4:14 compares life to a vapour that appears briefly and then vanishes away. Understanding this truth should compel us to live wisely, intentionally, and purposefully.
To make life count, we must first understand the value of life. Time is limited, and opportunities are precious. Once lost, they cannot be regained. Your influence matters too, how you live will affect not only your own future but also the lives of those around you and generations to come. This means we cannot afford to drift through life aimlessly; we must live with purpose and direction.
How then can we make life truly count? First, by making our salvation count. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Without Christ, life is empty no matter how successful it appears outwardly. The most important decision anyone can make is to surrender to Jesus Christ and build their life on Him. Second, we must make our service count. 1 Corinthians 15:58 encourages us to be steadfast and abound in the work of the Lord, for our labour in Him is never in vain. Don’t be a passive observer in God’s kingdom, be actively involved in His mission. Souls are perishing, and the harvest is plentiful; what you do for the Lord will echo into eternity.
Third, we should make our relationships count. Hebrews 10:24–25 urges us to consider one another, stirring up love and good works. Life is not just about accomplishments; it’s about impact. Use your relationships to encourage, uplift, and bring others closer to God. Forgive quickly, love genuinely, and speak words that build, not tear down. Finally, make your decisions count. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. Every choice we make shapes our future, so seek God’s guidance in every step you take.
Why is all this important? Because time is running out. Romans 13:11 warns us that salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Eternity is real, and Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that it is appointed for man once to die and after this, the judgment. We will all give an account of our lives to God (Romans 14:12). On that day, what will you present to Him—excuses or evidence of a life well-lived?
The Bible is filled with examples of those who made their lives count. Paul could confidently declare in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Esther risked her life to save her people, seizing her God-given moment in history. And Jesus Christ Himself, though He lived only about 33 years on earth, filled every moment with purpose, culminating in the cross where He triumphantly declared, “It is finished.”
Beloved, you have one life to live, and it will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last. Are you making it count? If you have not yet given your life to Christ, today is the time. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. If you are already in Christ, evaluate your walk with Him: Are you living intentionally, redeeming the time, and impacting lives for His glory?
Let us resolve today to make every breath, every talent, and every opportunity count for God. May we, like Paul, be able to say at the end of our journey, “I have finished my course,” and hear the Master’s words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

KINDNESS

Text: Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
In today’s world, where selfishness, bitterness, and harshness seem to be the order of the day, the command to be kind stands out as a divine necessity. Kindness is more than mere politeness or good manners; it is a reflection of God’s nature in the life of His people. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, meaning it is evidence of a Spirit-filled life. True kindness is not passive but active; it moves beyond mere words to tangible deeds of love and compassion.
To understand kindness, we must first define it from a biblical perspective. Kindness is the deliberate act of showing goodness, compassion, and mercy to others, whether or not they deserve it. Luke 6:35 teaches, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” This shows that kindness is selfless, unconditional, and practical. It is not based on feelings but on a decision to do good as God commands.
Our perfect example of kindness is God Himself. In creation, He shows kindness by providing for both the righteous and the wicked; “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). In salvation, His kindness reaches its peak: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Titus 3:4–5 calls this the “kindness and love of God our Savior.” Daily, His kindness sustains us; His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23). If we have received such overwhelming kindness, how can we refuse to extend it to others?
Why, then, must we be kind? Firstly, because God commands it. Micah 6:8 reminds us that one of the things the Lord requires of us is to “love mercy.” Secondly, kindness reflects Christ in us; Colossians 3:12 calls us to “put on kindness” as part of our Christian character. Thirdly, kindness is a powerful tool for evangelism. Acts of love often speak louder than sermons. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Finally, we all need kindness. Today you may be the one showing it, but tomorrow you may be the one in need of it.
The Bible is filled with inspiring examples of kindness. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–37 teaches that kindness knows no boundaries of race, religion, or status. Dorcas, in Acts 9:36–39, was known for her acts of kindness, making garments for widows, and her good works spoke for her even in death. Jonathan’s kindness to David in 1 Samuel shows loyalty and selflessness in friendship, and David’s later kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1–7) shows how kindness can endure beyond generations.
How can we show kindness in our daily lives? We can start with our words. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” A kind word can lift a broken spirit or calm a troubled heart. We can show kindness through our deeds by helping those in need, visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, and supporting the weak (James 1:27). Forgiveness is another profound act of kindness—letting go of grudges, as Christ forgave us (Matthew 18:21–22). Lastly, we can be kind through hospitality—welcoming others into our homes and hearts (Hebrews 13:2).
However, obstacles hinder many from being kind. Selfishness blinds us to the needs of others (Philippians 2:3–4). Pride makes us feel superior, unwilling to stoop low to help (Romans 12:16). Unforgiveness hardens the heart, making kindness impossible (Ephesians 4:31–32). If we are to be truly kind, these barriers must be torn down by God’s grace.
Kindness, therefore, is not optional for the Christian; it is a command and a calling. It is a mark of spiritual maturity and a witness to the world that Christ lives in us. Imagine a church filled with kindness—grudges would fade, unity would thrive, and unbelievers would be drawn to the love of Christ.
But let us not forget, beloved, that the greatest act of kindness ever shown was when God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This is kindness we did not deserve, but which we desperately needed. Perhaps you are here today, and you have not yet received this kindness. The kindness that forgives your sins, that gives you eternal life, and that transforms your heart so you can truly love others—this kindness is found only in Jesus Christ.
Friend, without Christ, your efforts at kindness will always fall short. You may do good outwardly, but the power to forgive enemies, love sacrificially, and live selflessly can only come from a heart changed by Him. Today, He extends His hand of kindness to you. He invites you to turn away from sin and accept Him as Lord and Savior. 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

FOR HOW LONG?
Life has seasons that test the very core of our faith. We pray with tears streaming down our faces. We believe with all our hearts. We labor in hope, clinging to God’s promises. Yet, sometimes, the answers we seek seem delayed. And in the silence of unanswered prayers, a question often escapes our lips: “For how long?”
It is not a question of rebellion but of longing. It is the cry of a weary soul, like David’s in Psalm 13:1: “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” If you have ever tossed on your bed at night, staring into the darkness, wondering if heaven still hears you, know this: you are not alone.
The pages of Scripture are filled with men and women who once asked this same question.
• Abraham waited twenty-five long years for the son God promised, watching his body age and Sarah’s womb remain barren. Yet, at the appointed time, Isaac was born.
• Hannah wept year after year in the temple, mocked by her rival, yet she held Samuel in her arms at God’s perfect time.
• Joseph dreamed of greatness as a teenager but spent thirteen years as a slave and prisoner before seeing a throne.
Each of them must have whispered in quiet moments, “Lord, for how long?” And yet, their lives testify to this unshakable truth: God’s timing is perfect.
Habakkuk 2:3 declares, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Beloved, your delay is not denial. God is not late; He is meticulous. What appears as silence is often His preparation. Behind the scenes, He is aligning people, circumstances, and resources to bring about not just an answer, but the right answer at the right time.
But why does He make us wait? Waiting has a purpose. It refines us. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” Waiting shifts our focus from the gift to the Giver. It teaches us that faith is not measured by how loudly we shout “Amen!” but by how firmly we stand when heaven seems quiet. The waiting room, though painful, is never wasted; it is God’s classroom where He teaches us to trust Him beyond what we see.
Still, let us be honest—waiting is hard. There are days when the enemy whispers, “God has forgotten you.” Circumstances seem to laugh in your face, saying, “Nothing will ever change.” Perhaps you have prayed for a child, for healing, for a job, for a breakthrough in your family, and nothing has happened yet. Hear me: God has not forgotten you. History proves it. Sarah laughed at ninety, but she still cradled Isaac. The Israelites panicked at the Red Sea, but God split it wide open. Mary and Martha mourned for four days, but Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. When God seems late, He is often setting the stage for a miracle that will silence every doubt and bring Him greater glory.
But in all of this, there is a greater question we cannot ignore. While we wait for earthly desires, have we secured our eternal destiny? What is the use of receiving your deepest earthly longing if, in the end, you lose your soul? Mark 8:36 asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Today, the most urgent call is not for a job, a spouse, a healing, or a promotion, it is the call of salvation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, left heaven, died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again so that you might have eternal life. He offers this gift freely, but He will not force it upon you. He calls you to believe in Him (John 3:16), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30), confess Him as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
Maybe you have been waiting for the “right time” to surrender your life to Him. Friend, that time is now. Tomorrow is not promised. Just as your earthly prayers have an appointed time, so does your life. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Listen closely: God is speaking to you right now. He is saying, “I have not forgotten your prayers. I have not overlooked your tears. Trust Me with your life and your eternity.” Will you keep Him waiting? Or will you come?
Beloved, your “how long” will not last forever. His promises are sure. His timing is flawless. Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep serving. And above all, give Him your heart today. For the greatest miracle is not when you finally hold what you have prayed for, it is when Christ holds you, saves you, and gives you eternal life.

WHAT ARE MY IDOLS?
Brethren, I want to begin with a question that demands a personal, honest, and urgent answer: “What are my idols?”
Idolatry is not just about bowing to a carved image or worshipping a statue. It is far more subtle, far more personal, and far more dangerous. It is anything—anything—that takes the place of God in your heart. The Bible declares plainly in Exodus 20:3, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Idolatry is not just an Old Testament problem; it is alive today. It creeps into our homes, sits quietly in our hearts, and steals away the devotion that belongs only to God. It is not always obvious; in fact, it often wears a friendly face. Family, career, wealth, ambition, entertainment, even self—these are not evil in themselves, but when they rise above God in our priorities, they become idols.
Paul warns in Colossians 3:5, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you… and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Did you catch that? Covetousness—an excessive desire for things—is idolatry. You may never bow to a shrine, but if your heart is consumed by money, status, or comfort, you are guilty of the same sin that provoked God’s wrath in the days of Israel.
Examples That Speak Loudly
Consider Israel at Mount Sinai. They had just been delivered from slavery by God’s mighty hand, yet when Moses delayed, they made a golden calf and called it their god (Exodus 32). How quickly they turned away!
Consider Solomon, the wisest king to ever live. Blessed beyond measure, yet his heart was stolen by foreign wives and their gods (1 Kings 11). Wisdom was not enough to save him when idols crept in.
Consider Demas, a companion of Paul, once faithful in the work of the Lord, but Paul wrote of him in sorrow: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10).
What about you? Are you relying more on wealth than on God? Do you love entertainment more than prayer? Do you prioritize your career, family, or hobbies above worship? What would you struggle to surrender if God asked for it?
Why Idols Are Deadly
Idols are not harmless distractions—they are soul killers. Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters.” You cannot serve God and something else at the same time. Idols rob God of His rightful place, and they lead to death: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Jesus Himself warned in Matthew 10:37, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”
Brethren, idols do not just endanger your spiritual life—they can cost you your soul eternally.
The Way Out – Total Surrender to Christ
There is only one way to break free from idols: full surrender to Christ. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Daily denial. Daily devotion. Daily allegiance.
But surrendering to Christ begins with obedience to His Gospel. Here is the way, according to the teaching of Christ and His apostles:
• Hear the Word (Romans 10:17): Faith begins by hearing God’s message.
• Believe in Jesus (Hebrews 11:6, John 8:24): Without faith in Him, you cannot be saved.
• Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38): Turn away from sin and every idol.
• Confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10): Proclaim Him before men.
• Be Baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16): Baptism is where your sins are washed away, where you put on Christ, and where you are added to His church (Galatians 3:27).
• Live Faithfully (Revelation 2:10): Remain loyal to Him until death.
A Final Plea
So, I ask you again: What are your idols? Are they worth your soul? Jesus asked in Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Will you continue to cling to your idols until it’s too late? Or will you cast them down today and come to Christ? The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
The Lord is calling you right now. If you have never obeyed the gospel, come and confess His name and be baptized for the remission of your sins. If you are a Christian who has drifted back to idols, repent and come home. Do not wait. Do not delay. Eternity is too long, and your soul is too precious.
The Lord is calling. Will you respond?

1 Peter 5:8