The Word of GOD for Today : October 2021

Sunday, October 31, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 19:1-7 (10.31.21)

¹ Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and a fool.

² Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good;
haste makes mistakes.

³ People ruin their lives by their own foolishness
and then are angry at the Lord.

⁴ Wealth makes many “friends”;
poverty drives them all away.

⁵ A false witness will not go unpunished,
nor will a liar escape.

⁶ Many seek favors from a ruler;
everyone is the friend of a person who gives gifts!

⁷ The relatives of the poor despise them;
how much more will their friends avoid them!
Though the poor plead with them,
their friends are gone.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Saturday, October 30, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 13:10-25 (10.30.21)

¹⁰ Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.

¹¹ Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears;
wealth from hard work grows over time.

¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

¹³ People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.

¹⁴ The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

¹⁵ A person with good sense is respected;
a treacherous person is headed for destruction.

¹⁶ Wise people think before they act;
fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.

¹⁷ An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble,
but a reliable messenger brings healing.

¹⁸ If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.

¹⁹ It is pleasant to see dreams come true,
but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.

²⁰ Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.

²¹ Trouble chases sinners,
while blessings reward the righteous.

²² Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren,
but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.

²³ A poor person’s farm may produce much food,
but injustice sweeps it all away.

²⁴ Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children.
Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

²⁵ The godly eat to their hearts’ content,
but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Friday, October 29, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 13:1-9 (10.29.21)

¹ A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline;
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

² Wise words will win you a good meal,
but treacherous people have an appetite for violence.

³ Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
opening your mouth can ruin everything.

⁴ Lazy people want much but get little,
but those who work hard will prosper.

⁵ The godly hate lies;
the wicked cause shame and disgrace.

⁶ Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
but the evil are misled by sin.

⁷ Some who are poor pretend to be rich;
others who are rich pretend to be poor.

⁸ The rich can pay a ransom for their lives,
but the poor won’t even get threatened.

⁹ The life of the godly is full of light and joy,
but the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Thursday, October 28, 2021

ABC's For Living..... (10.28.21)

ABC'S FOR LIVING

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

"I AM Too blessed to be stressed!" The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

Love and peace be with you forever,
Amen

P.S.: GOD LOVES YOU...PASS THE WORD ON TO MORE PEOPLE. LET THEM KNOW! GOD LOVES THEM!!

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 2 (10.27.21)

The Benefits of Wisdom

¹ My child, listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
² Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.

3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
⁴ Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
⁵ Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.

⁶ For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

⁷ He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
⁸ He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will fill you with joy.
¹¹ Wise choices will watch over you.
Understanding will keep you safe.

¹² Wisdom will save you from evil people,
from those whose words are twisted.
¹³ These men turn from the right way
to walk down dark paths.
¹⁴ They take pleasure in doing wrong,
and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil.
¹⁵ Their actions are crooked,
and their ways are wrong.

¹⁶ Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,
from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
¹⁷ She has abandoned her husband
and ignores the covenant she made before God.
¹⁸ Entering her house leads to death;
it is the road to the grave.
¹⁹ The man who visits her is doomed.
He will never reach the paths of life.

²⁰ So follow the steps of the good,
and stay on the paths of the righteous.
²¹ For only the godly will live in the land,
and those with integrity will remain in it.
²² But the wicked will be removed from the land,
and the treacherous will be uprooted.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 5:1-14 (10.26.21)

Avoid Immoral Women

¹ My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen carefully to my wise counsel.
² Then you will show discernment,
and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
³ For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
and her mouth is smoother than oil.
⁴ But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
⁶ For she cares nothing about the path to life.
She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.

⁷ So now, my sons, listen to me.
Never stray from what I am about to say:
⁸ Stay away from her!
Don’t go near the door of her house!
⁹ If you do, you will lose your honor
and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
¹⁰ Strangers will consume your wealth,
and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
¹¹ In the end you will groan in anguish
when disease consumes your body.
¹² You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
¹³ Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
¹⁴ I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Monday, October 25, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 6:16-35 (10.25.21)

¹⁶ There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
¹⁷ haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
¹⁸ a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
¹⁹ a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.

²⁰ My son, obey your father’s commands,
and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
²¹ Keep their words always in your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
²² When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.
²³ For their command is a lamp
and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline
is the way to life.
²⁴ It will keep you from the immoral woman,
from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.
²⁵ Don’t lust for her beauty.
Don’t let her coy glances seduce you.
²⁶ For a prostitute will bring you to poverty,
but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life.
²⁷ Can a man scoop a flame into his lap
and not have his clothes catch on fire?
²⁸ Can he walk on hot coals
and not blister his feet?
²⁹ So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife.
He who embraces her will not go unpunished.

³⁰ Excuses might be found for a thief
who steals because he is starving.
³¹ But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole,
even if he has to sell everything in his house.
³² But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool,
for he destroys himself.
³³ He will be wounded and disgraced.
His shame will never be erased.
³⁴ For the woman’s jealous husband will be furious,
and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge.
³⁵ He will accept no compensation,
nor be satisfied with a payoff of any size.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Words..... (10.24.21)

Words.....

Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

The words that we speak have the power to inflict deep hurt and pain on one another. Once an evil or demeaning word has been spoken to another, you can no longer take it back. It is written in the Bible, life and death is in the power of the tongue. The tongue is the smallest member of our body; but yet, the deadliest.

Everyone will be held accountable for the words they speak about, and to, others. And GOD hears every word that a person speaks about his (or her) brother or sister. I say brother and sister because GOD made each of us to love one another like a brother or a sister.

Evil deeds and evil words, mean deeds and words, deeds and words that do not uplift, that do not encourage, that are loose and unnecessary and unbecoming - should not be committed against a brother or a sister.

It is almost always true, that people act out on feelings they are harboring in their heart. Others treat you according to how they feel about you; and for hurt and damaged people, they sometimes will treat you how they feel about themselves - disrespecting, demeaning, and unlovingly - often masking that they were 'just playing' or 'just joking.' But at the heart of it all, at the core of it all - that is not true. A person who cannot uplift, who spends their time putting people down, is not a healthy and whole person. GOD is not pleased with their words, actions or thoughts; for what they speak is not true. And often they know it. Often it is their deficiency that is the issue, and they try to deflect it, lash out and make excuses that their behavior is okay. And that others should accept it. It is not okay. If GOD doesn't say it about you, no one else should either. And GOD loves all His Children, just the same.

And at the end of the day, we must pray for; speak to them lovingly, yet firmly; and ultimately forgive, people who speak ill of others. The reason being is that their heart is hurting or hardened or the enemy has more of a place in their lives than GOD does; and they need the comfort and peace that only the presence of JESUS can bring. So we must pray. Pray without ceasing. And not engage in empty words, false conversations or be a witness to their hurtful words or behavior. We must pray that their words and actions turn toward love and respect and the way GOD would want us to act. That they would act and speak in a way that reflects the sacrifice that Jesus made for ALL OF US on the Cross. For Jesus gave His Life, so that we may be healed, healthy and whole. Brothers and sisters in Christ ought to know this and act accordingly. We must be 'the example of Christ' when encountering those whose conduct may reflect 'a moment of forgetfulness' that they too, are sons and daughters of the Most High.

When someone speak hurtful words to you (and of you), forgive them and pray for them. Forgiving them does not mean you have to remain in the environment that they are in, or continue to be the recipient of (or witness to) their wickedness. You can also love them, and forgive them, at a distance. Take such deeds to the Lord; let Him guide your mind, heart, words and actions; and allow Him to work it out.

Always remember, the enemy will use whomever he can to do his work. the enemy's mode of operation is to kill, steal and destroy. People with an ungodly, double-minded, double-speak, deadly tongue - most times they do not realize they are being used by satan. The Bible clearly speaks about this. And that satan will destroy them, once he has used them to the fullest extent of satan's purposes....... Which is all the more reason why we must pray for them. For their deliverance, and that they would harken to GOD's voice and calling; and not satan's voice and calling.

And as you pray, ask GOD to guard all your thoughts, and to guard each and every word that proceeds out of your mouth. So that when you do speak, when GOD releases and ordains that moment, that you can and will communicate clearly, lovingly and graciously with everyone - by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Prayer ~
Father GOD,

I need Your Help with making me conscious
about words I speak to and about others.

Father, I also need help with forgiving those
who have spoken words to me that were
meant to be hurtful and demeaning.

Lord, take control of my tongue and my thoughts
by making me mindful of what I say. Even in
those moments when those who are speaking
hurtful words, are not mindful of what they say
to or about me.

Let me be focused on what You say about me; and
what You Say that I should do. Not my human
reaction to what they say about me. Help me to
not stoop to their level, not to react back; but to
do and say what You would have me to do.

Protect my mind and heart from words spoken to me, that were meant to be hurtful and demeaning.

I pray this prayer in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen

Saturday, October 23, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 6:1-15 (10.23.21)

Lessons for Daily Life

¹ My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt
or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—
² if you have trapped yourself by your agreement
and are caught by what you said—
³ follow my advice and save yourself,
for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy.
Now swallow your pride;
go and beg to have your name erased.
⁴ Don’t put it off; do it now!
Don’t rest until you do.
⁵ Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter,
like a bird fleeing from a net.

⁶ Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
⁷ Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
⁸ they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.
⁹ But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
When will you wake up?
¹⁰ A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
¹¹ then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

¹² What are worthless and wicked people like?
They are constant liars,
¹³ signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
¹⁴ Their perverted hearts plot evil,
and they constantly stir up trouble.
¹⁵ But they will be destroyed suddenly,
broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Friday, October 22, 2021

Do Not Be Afraid to Ask (10.22.21)

My Child,
There is something you want to ask Me,
but you wonder if you have the right
to do so.

All My Children need to realize that I Know everything about them. I Know their thoughts, even when far away. Therefore, I Already Know what it is you want to ask of Me.

Child, I Am waiting for you to ask.
You have not, because you ask not.
Ask, and you will receive, so that
your joy will be full.

I Am Your Heavenly Father, and it is My Pleasure to supply your needs. It is My Joy to give you the blessings of My Kingdom, blessings that are stored up for you.

Do not allow the enemy to bring condemnation upon you, and cause you to feel unworthy of the promises of My Kingdom. There is no condemnation to those who are in My Son, Jesus Christ; and you with Me.

You have the right to live a blessed life.
It belongs to you.

Hear Me Child.

You have the right to live a blessed life.
It belongs to you.

If you remember, I Sent My Son, so that you would have life more abundantly. Some of you, Children, seem to have forgotten this. Some of you seem to have forgotten who you are, and to Whom you belong to.... So let Me Remind you.

You Are My Child.
You Are My Love.
I Love You.

You are a Child of the King.
Your inheritance is waiting for you.
You are blessed and highly favored.
And all that I Have, belongs to you.

Therefore, as My Child - a Child of the King - come and talk with Me.
Talk to Me, Your Father, and ask for what you need.
Come now, Child. Do not be afraid.

Ask My Child, just ask.
Ask My Child.

Just Ask.....

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 139:1-2 - O Lord, You have searched me and have known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.

John 16:23-24 - And in that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Before now you have asked nothing in My name; ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Luke 12:32 - Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Galatians 4:7 - So that you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, also an heir of GOD through Christ.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 7 (10.21.21)

Another Warning about Immoral Women

¹ Follow my advice, my son;
always treasure my commands.
² Obey my commands and live!
Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
³ Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.

⁴ Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.
⁵ Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman,
from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman.

⁶ While I was at the window of my house,
looking through the curtain,
⁷ I saw some naive young men,
and one in particular who lacked common sense.
⁸ He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman,
strolling down the path by her house.
⁹ It was at twilight, in the evening,
as deep darkness fell.
¹⁰ The woman approached him,
seductively dressed and sly of heart.
¹¹ She was the brash, rebellious type,
never content to stay at home.
¹² She is often in the streets and markets,
soliciting at every corner.
¹³ She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
and with a brazen look she said,
¹⁴ “I’ve just made my peace offerings
and fulfilled my vows.
¹⁵ You’re the one I was looking for!
I came out to find you, and here you are!
¹⁶ My bed is spread with beautiful blankets,
with colored sheets of Egyptian linen.
¹⁷ I’ve perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
¹⁸ Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning.
Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses,
¹⁹ for my husband is not home.
He’s away on a long trip.
²⁰ He has taken a wallet full of money with him
and won’t return until later this month.”

²¹ So she seduced him with her pretty speech
and enticed him with her flattery.
²² He followed her at once,
like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
²³ awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart.
He was like a bird flying into a snare,
little knowing it would cost him his life.

²⁴ So listen to me, my sons,
and pay attention to my words.
²⁵ Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her.
Don’t wander down her wayward path.
²⁶ For she has been the ruin of many;
many men have been her victims.
²⁷ Her house is the road to the grave.
Her bedroom is the den of death.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Worrying Is Not Good For You..... (10.20.21)

My Child,
Worrying is not good for you. Place your trust in Me, and what I Am able to do, what I Have done, and what I Am planning to do in your life. For many of you, going to others for advice and comfort will only make things worse. Believe it or not, Beloved, there are those who want to see you miserable so they can rejoice behind your back. There are others who think that they know the best for you, but they have their own issues and are just focusing on you to avoid their own issues. There are others who are so torn and conflicted, that they cannot see the wooden beam in their own eye. And there are those who still see the 'you, you were' 3, 5, 10 years ago - they cannot see the you who has overcome, the you you are now, nor the you you will become. Not everyone is your friend, Child. Not everyone deserves a voice in your life. Not everyone is being honest, so why do you continue to confide in them?

I Am the truth, the life and the way!
I Have power over everything.
I Know everything there is to know about you,
for I formed and knew you in your mothers womb.
I Am the only one who can change your situation.
And I Am the only one who can see what man cannot see.

So trust in My Ability to change things in a positive way.
Trust those that I send your way, AFTER you have come to Me.

Talked to Me.

Prayed with and through Me.

Discerned with Me.

You are very precious to Me, and I do not want you to worry. When you worry, it does not help anything or anyone. Especially you.

It is not good for your emotions or your body. So, please do not worry, Child. Instead, place your trust in Me, always.

And again, be careful who you share your concerns with, not everyone wants you to be happy. Not everyone is happy themselves. And not many of them 'go to Me, first;' too many of My Children live in AND of the world. They pick up their phone (to call and complain or seek counsel or comfort) before they pick up their Bible (to seek council, comfort, true wisdom, discernment, the proper answer).

Only share when you know they have My Wisdom and My Spirit OVERflowing in their lives. And even then, there are things that you cannot share. Things that I have not yet finished with. So practice your own discernment, when you need to be mindful of your words, leave it in My Hands and let My Holy Spirit lead and guide you.

Also, not everyone will help you, but I Have promised to never leave you nor forsake you. I Know all about your needs, your desires; and I Know about everything that is happening in your life. I Am the best "person" to help you, so come to Me - especially for those moments when the enemy may attempt to place negative thoughts in your mind. Rebuke him, in the Mighty Name of My Son Jesus, and he must - and will - flee!!

Read and Meditate on God's Word
Matthew 6:31-34 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell GOD what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience GOD's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Worrying doesn’t change anything,

but trusting in GOD changes everything

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 26:17-28 (10.19.21)

¹⁷ Interfering in someone else’s argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

¹⁸ Just as damaging
as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
¹⁹ is someone who lies to a friend
and then says, “I was only joking.”

²⁰ Fire goes out without wood,
and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

²¹ A quarrelsome person starts fights
as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

²² Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.

²³ Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,
just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

²⁴ People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
but they’re deceiving you.

²⁵ They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
Their hearts are full of many evils.

²⁶ While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

²⁷ If you set a trap for others,
you will get caught in it yourself.

If you roll a boulder down on others,
it will crush you instead.

²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims,
and flattering words cause ruin.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Monday, October 18, 2021

Rise Up & STAND in the Anointing that God has Placed Over Your Life (10.18.21)

My Child,
With My Word, you can bring any giant (in your life) to its knees.

My servant David would have failed in hand-to-hand combat with Goliath; because he would have been fighting in his own strength. David knew what he needed to defeat Goliath. David needed Me. He needed My Strength.

So, I ask you, why are you trying to overcome
the giants in your life with your own strength?

You cannot win this battle in the flesh.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. - Ephesians 6:12
You need to use My Strength, and My Weapons, against the enemy to destroy him. David knew this, and when he stood to face Goliath, he did not stand in his own natural strength. He stood in the strength and power of Me, His GOD.

David was standing for Me.
David was fighting for Me.
And I Was not going to let him lose.
And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand, and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. - 1 Samuel 17:43-47
You see, My Child, it is not you whom the enemy hates. It is not you whom the enemy is attacking. It is the 'Jesus in you' that the enemy is coming against. Recognize, right now, that the enemy is coming against Me, the God you serve. Against Me, the God you represent. he is coming against I Am Who I Am - God - The One Who has delivered you, kept you, and healed you. For I Am The One Who blesses you every day.

Child, get fired up like David, and face your giants.
Let the enemy now know who you are, whose you
are, whom you represent, and who is on your side.

Do not face these giants in your power; face them in My Power and Strength, a combination that cannot lose.
GOD is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
- 2 Samuel 22:33
In the name of My Son, Jesus, STAND in the anointing that I Have placed over your life!

Stand in the power that I have imparted in you!
Stand in My Power, fight the good fight of faith, and
know that I Will win the battle for you.

Stand, go forth in the Mighty Name of My Son, Jesus, and with every step you take, unleash the power of My Word against the giants in your way. Do not stop speaking My Word, until they are falling at your feet. It was not the rock that defeated Goliath; it was the faith David had in Me, that knocked Goliath off his feet.

Rise up now in your spiritual authority.
Rise up in My Strength - the strength of your Lord - and know that there is nothing in the world that will stand against you when you come in My Name.

Rise up, in My Name, and all the earth will know that when I Am for you, who can be against you?

Rise up.
Fight this battle.
I Will not let you fail.

Sunday, October 17, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 26:1-16 (10.17.21)

¹ Honor is no more associated with fools
than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

² Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

³ Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle,
and a fool with a rod to his back!

⁴ Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or you will become as foolish as they are.

⁵ Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or they will become wise in their own estimation.

⁶ Trusting a fool to convey a message
is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison!

⁷ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

8 Honoring a fool
is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

⁹ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

¹⁰ An employer who hires a fool or a bystander
is like an archer who shoots at random.

¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit,
so a fool repeats his foolishness.

¹² There is more hope for fools
than for people who think they are wise.

¹³ The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road!
Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”

¹⁴ As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,
so the lazy person turns over in bed.

¹⁵ Lazy people take food in their hand
but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

¹⁶ Lazy people consider themselves smarter
than seven wise counselors.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Saturday, October 16, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 11:24-31 (10.16.21)

²⁴ Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything.

²⁵ The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

²⁶ People curse those who hoard their grain,
but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

²⁷ If you search for good, you will find favor;
but if you search for evil, it will find you!

²⁸ Trust in your money and down you go!
But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

²⁹ Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.
The fool will be a servant to the wise.

³⁰ The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
a wise person wins friends.

³¹ If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,
what will happen to wicked sinners?

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Friday, October 15, 2021

Do You Remember? (10.15.21)

My Child,
Do you remember your earlier days? When some of you were as 'bold as a lion;' and always stood your ground, as you confessed My Name? There was a time when, for some of you, there was a great anticipation to spend time with Me, whether it was reading My Word or being in prayer.

Do you remember the times when you were lost in My Presence - while you worshiped, soaked, or just rested in the shadow of My Arms? All the while you did this, your heart was set on seeking My Face. In those days, many of you had the faith to step out of the boat and to walk on water, much like My Son did, because your eyes were fixed on Me - The Author and Finisher of your faith. You knew and you believed, with childlike faith, that you could do all things through My Son, Jesus Christ, who strengthened you. And THAT made you more than a conqueror in Me.

Then, for many of you, the wind and the waves of the 'sea of life' begin to intensify. Too many of you began to look at the storms and the circumstances of life, instead of keeping your eyes on Me.

And thus, many of you started to sink.

However, know this My Beloved, I Have not left you. I Never left you. I AM Still holding your hand. Even when you don't know it. Even when you can't feel it. Even when you wonder where I AM.... I AM right there...... Though you may be underneath the surface of life's waters and feel alone, I AM the same. Yesterday, today and always. I AM the same GOD that you knew before. I AM The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, Elijah, and you. I AM the same yesterday, today, and forever. I Never change. And because I Never change. Because I Knew you first. Because I Knew you before the world, your parents - before you knew you; call out to Me. I AM here for you. Just call out to Me - with praise, expectation, humility, boldness, trust and conviction. Call out to Me!

My Child, if you lift up your holy hands in praise.... If you cry out to Me with praise, prayer and thanksgiving...... If you do these things..... I Will lift you up, and place your feet upon solid rock.

In this world, you are going to have trials and tribulations, heartache and pain - but do not fear. For I Sent My Son to set the world free. To be an example. To set a precedence. I sent Him to show ALL MY CHILDREN, that with His Death on the Cross & Resurrection on the Third Day, that I Have overcome this world. He - My Son - showed you, Children, how to overcome this world.

So for many of you, you are walking with Me. Trusting Me. You are here, reading My Message to the nations. And you are spending time in My Word, with Me in prayer and communing with those who LOVE Me, spend time with Me and encourage you - in Me - constantly, persistently, consistently.

And for those who have wandered away. Those who used to walk with Me, struggle in walking with Me, or have never walked with Me. If those of you will once again seek Me, with all your heart, you shall find Me.

You are never out of My Sight, Child.
Nor are you ever 'too far down,'
that I Cannot reach down.
And save you.

I Love you, My Child.
I Want the best for you.
I AM Always here for you.
I Leave you not.

Now come and spend time with Me.
Study, embrace & steep in My Word.
For I Have much for you.
Much for you to do.
Much to give you.
And much for you to give & do
for others.

Remember.

Never forget.

My Love for you.
Be bold.

Stand your ground.

For we - yes, we - you and Me,

have much to do. Together.

I Love you.

Read and Meditate on God's Word

1 Chronicles 16:12 - Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Psalm 77:11 - I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

Psalm 91:15 - He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Psalm 143:5 - I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands

Thursday, October 14, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 11:17-23 (10.14.21)

¹⁷ Your kindness will reward you,
but your cruelty will destroy you.

¹⁸ Evil people get rich for the moment,
but the reward of the godly will last.

¹⁹ Godly people find life;
evil people find death.

²⁰ The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,
but he delights in those with integrity.

²¹ Evil people will surely be punished,
but the children of the godly will go free.

²² A beautiful woman who lacks discretion
is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

²³ The godly can look forward to a reward,
while the wicked can expect only judgment.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

An excerpt from "You Say" by Doris Beck (10.13.21)

All, this article was written by Doris Beck. I love it and wanted to share.
~ Marilyn

~~~~~~~~~

For we are God’s handiwork, created in
Christ Jesus to do good works, which
God prepared for us to do.

- EPHESIANS 2:10

‘I am so ugly!’ ‘No one loves me because I am so unloveable.’ ‘I am so fat.’ ‘Why am I so stupid?’

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with words like these, telling ourselves lies that are destructive and tear down our self esteem. But this verse in Ephesians 2 tells something different. We are actually GOD’s handiwork, his piece of art, his creation.

Not only that, in other places in the Bible we are told that we are precious and honored in GOD’s sight and loved by him (Isaiah 43:4). In fact, he delights over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17)!

One of the things that helps me to remember what is true about me is to listen to worship music or old hymns. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with the lies, GOD uses the words of the songs to speak truth to my heart and mind.

One such song is ‘You Say’ by Lauren Daigle. In it she contrasts what GOD says about me with what I say about myself. The chorus of the song reminds me: ‘You say I am loved, when I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak And you say I am held when I am falling short And when I don’t belong, oh you say I am yours’

Are you mired in the lies that you tell yourself? Are you overwhelmed with those thoughts that pull you down? Have you forgotten what GOD says about you? He wants you to believe the truth that he tells you about yourself so that you can know that not only are you are loved by him, but you belong to him. You are his work of art!

~ Prayer ~
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you that what you say about me
is the truest thing about myself.
Thank you that I am loved by you
and that you give me strength,
even when I am weak.

Help me not to believe the lies,
that I too often believe, but instead
that I may remember what you say
about me.

Fill my mind with those thoughts today.
In Your Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen

Taken from "You Say" by Doris Beck

Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Praise Unlocks The Door (10.12.21)

My Child,
I Know that there are days when you feel like quitting.

My Precious Child, do not quit.
Please continue on the path where I Have Called you.

Change your mindset. Change your actions. Change your outlook. For if you are persistent in praising Me, you will receive the Abundant Blessings that I Have promised; and you will find that your endurance in other areas of life will grow.

Praise Me in the midst of the storm.
As praise will unlock the door.

Faithfulness, in living a life of praise, at times, can be difficult.

The world is a negative place filled with people who complain and are ungrateful. People who show little disregard for their fellow man. People who do not have a heart for me. People who hurt people, instead of following My Way, a way of Love.

However, when you praise Me you stand out from the crowd, and I Am Honored. As you continue to praise Me, I Will Bring your heart to a deeper understanding of My Love. And the more that you choose to praise Me; the more that you choose to take your mind off of the things of this world that are not of Me; the more you focus your mind on Me and what I say, and not what others say; the more that you do these things - you will find yourself being transformed into a more positive, hopeful, and confident person. Because praise will unlock the door.

In times of great pressure, it is easy to believe that I Am not on your side and that I Am not really changing your life. It is easy to believe that you should shut the world out and only do what you want to do. Interact how you want to react. That is not Me. That is you. However you MUST come to Me in prayer and praise. You must, in those moments, praise Me. Shut your mind off. Stop thinking about it. Stop talking about it. Stop seeking man's counsel and seek My Counsel. Praise Me. And bask in My Love for you. For you know full well that the idea that 'I Am not on your side, or I Am not really changing your life,' you know this is not the truth.

Never ever forget, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Give Me Praise and Thanksgiving in all things. Believe that everything I Am doing is working together for your good, because you love Me. And then give Me the highest praise.

Praise Me for being your Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer.
Praise Me for knowing that you can find refuge in Me.
Praise Me that you don’t have to be afraid.

When life feels as though it’s too difficult, you can praise Me and take refuge in the shelter of My Mighty Arms. I Will shield you from the enemy. And I Will use the stumbling blocks placed in your way to lead you to a better place - as long as your mind on ME.

Remember, praise unlocks the door to experiencing My Presence, My Blessings, My Love and My Discernment.

Praise is the key.
To unlock the door.

I Love you, My Child.

Now - #rightNow - use your Key,
the Key of Praise.
Unlock. And walk.
Through the door.

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 18:46 - The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the GOD of my salvation be exalted.

Psalm 106:1 - Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

Romans 5:3-5 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Hebrews 13:15 - By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In everything give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 John 4:4 - Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world

Monday, October 11, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 11:1-17 (10.11.21)

¹ The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,
but he delights in accurate weights.

² Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.

³ Honesty guides good people;
dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

⁴ Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,
but right living can save you from death.

⁵ The godly are directed by honesty;
the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

⁶ The godliness of good people rescues them;
the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

⁷ When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.

⁸ The godly are rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.

⁹ With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

¹⁰ The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;
they shout for joy when the wicked die.

¹¹ Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,
but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

¹² It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
a sensible person keeps quiet.

¹³ A gossip goes around telling secrets,
but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

¹⁴ Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
there is safety in having many advisers.

¹⁵ There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;
it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.

¹⁶ A gracious woman gains respect,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Source: NIV (New International Version)

Sunday, October 10, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 18:1-13 (10.10.21)

¹ Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
they lash out at common sense.

² Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.

³ Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

⁴ Wise words are like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

⁵ It is not right to acquit the guilty
or deny justice to the innocent.

⁶ Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.

⁷ The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.

⁸ Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.

⁹ A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.

¹¹ The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

¹² Haughtiness goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.

¹³ Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Saturday, October 9, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 18:20-24 (10.9.21)

²⁰ Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.

²¹ The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

²² The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the Lord.

²³ The poor plead for mercy;
the rich answer with insults.

²⁴ There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Friday, October 8, 2021

Praise Will Lead You to Victory (10.8.21)

My Child,
There is so much going on in your lives, that for some of you, it is affecting your time of prayer with Me.

You don’t have to know what to pray, because My Holy Spirit will make intercessions for you. All I Want you to do is to humble yourself before Me, praise Me (no matter what the circumstances, through the good and the bad), and bless My Name. Yes, just take the time to say, “Thank you, Lord," and call upon My Name.

Praise is your pathway to peace.
Set everything else aside.
And enter into a time of praise.

I Have heard your every cry.
Now, sing a song of praise.

Take your mind away from the things which trouble your spirit, and bless Me. Just say "I Bless the Lord." For Child, your deliverance is at hand. Therefore, you have nothing to fear. Do not allow the evil one to steal your peace. Resist him and he will leave you alone.

Trust in Me and know that I Am near to all who are of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. So, why don’t you praise Me? Yes, knowing that I Am with you is more than enough reason to give Me all the praise, all the honor and all the glory.

Praise is the pathway to unblock what the enemy
is trying to do.
Praise is the pathway to keep your hope alive in Me.
Oh, how I inhabit the praises of My people.

Praise Me for My Love.
Praise Me for My Tender Mercies.
Praise Me for My Loving Grace.

Praise Me, for you were created to praise Me. You were created to praise The One Who gave you everlasting life. Prayer is the key to the door. And prayer is the first step, but it is not the only step. Praising Me will unlock the door and lead you through.

Lift up My Name in praise, this day.
And send the enemy of your soul fleeing.

Praise precedes Victory EVERY TIME.

Now, praise your way to victory.
For I Am Lord of Breakthrough.
And I Love you, My Child.

Pray.

Praise.
Walk. #OrderedSteps

Victory.

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Psalm 22:3 - But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Psalm 34:1 - I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalm 34:4 - I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:17-18 - The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 148:5 - Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

Romans 8:26-27 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of GOD.

Ephesians 4:27 - Neither give place to the devil.

James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Shift from 'Anger & Offense' to 'Focusing on the Lord & Helping & Forgiving' (10.7.21)

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go

down while you are still angry

- EPHESIANS 4:26

Anger. It’s showing up everywhere. In all kinds of situations, all kinds of people.

To say we’ve become an easily-offended society understates the issue. We are living in an atmosphere where we would rather focus on the speck in someone else’s eye than deal with our own planks. I ask you, isn't there a better way?

Even when anger is justified, we are warned not to let the sun go down on our wrath. It is important to deal with anger when the first hint of resentment makes its way to our consciousness. Recently someone reneged on a major commitment to me. At first, I was stunned, then as the reality began to sink in, I found myself replaying the consequences in my mind.

The offense started to take hold.

I knew if I didn’t deal with it right then, the negativity would grow into full blown anger.

I had a choice: continue to stew about it, or replace the resentment with something better. I shifted my focus to the Lord, recalled Scripture, sang praises, and asked the Holy Spirit to remove the hardness that was calcificating on my heart and help me forgive.

The circumstance turned out better than I could have imagined. But the greater victory probably occurred in my heart, mind, spirit and soul. As I resisted the pull toward resentment and anger, the Lord was able to unearth areas in my own life that needed washing. He answered my prayers, I pleased Him because I went to Him in that moment and Our Lord made me a little more like Him along the way.

Every day we face life in a fallen world. When injustices erupt, we are called, as GOD’s Children, to deal with them in a righteous manner.

~ Prayer ~
Father,
Forgive me when I choose to let anger creep into my soul.
Please help me learn to deal with wrongs and injustices
in the way you would want me to.
May I lay every offense before you.
And may I offer the same forgiveness to others,
that I desire for myself, from You.
In the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen

Throughout the Day: When someone offends you this week, rather than dwelling on it, shift your focus to the Lord and ask Him for His Help in forgiving that person, mending your heart and #foreverShifting your mindset.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 25:1-14 (10.6.21)

More Proverbs of Solomon

¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.

² It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them.

³ No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

⁴ Remove the impurities from silver,
and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.

⁵ Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
and his reign will be made secure by justice.

⁶ Don’t demand an audience with the king
or push for a place among the great.

⁷ It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you’ve seen something,
8 don’t be in a hurry to go to court.

For what will you do in the end
if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

⁹ When arguing with your neighbor,
don’t betray another person’s secret.

¹⁰ Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.

¹¹ Timely advice is lovely,
like golden apples in a silver basket.

¹² To one who listens, valid criticism
is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

¹³ Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.

¹⁴ A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Greater Faith (10.5.21)

My Children,

Many of you have either just come through, or - any day now - are about to com through, a rough trial.... And it turned out just as I Told you it would, didn't it? In fact, for many of you, it turned out even better than you could have ever imagined. I Know it took longer than you expected, but My Blessing came right when you needed it the most. There are always reasons when My Blessings are delayed, so be patient, Child. Be patient. Trust Me. And KNOW that I Am GOD. Know that I Am YOUR GOD.

My Child, before a blessing can come to pass, things must be worked out in your life to prepare you to receive. I Know that in the beginning, many of you could not believe that anything good would happen. Simply because of the way things looked. However, look at how things turned out. And how they turned this way and that way, and then turned another way, to finally turn out a different way.... Because you turned it over to Me. Because you displayed "greater faith." Because you fully trusted Me.

I Am so pleased that you did not become so weary and so faint at the tribulations, so as to give up. You never gave up Child. No matter the trials and tribulations which came against you. Instead, you chose to exercise greater faith in Me. And in doing so, I was able, you allowed Me to strengthen you by My Holy Spirit. You took your hands off the situation and trusted Me to do the impossible. And My Child, that is exactly what happened. Your trust and faith opened the door to "An Impossible Season," and I Did the impossible in your life.

You have always known that greater faith requires absolute surrender.
You have always known that in order to have greater faith you have to let go of worldly thoughts and be transformed by renewing your mind. That is the only way you can prove what is the good, and acceptable, and My perfect will. (Romans 12:2).

And most recently, you knew - or you realized - that you must surrender all, trust Me, talk to Me and walk with Me. No matter what. And exercise "greater faith."

It pleases Me that you never lost hope.
You took the limits off of Me and trusted Me.
You honored My Word.
I Am proud of you, My Child.

I love you.

And now, because of your love for Me,
you are abounding in greater faith.

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Matthew 15:28 - Then Jesus answered and said to her, O woman, great is your faith! So be it to you even as you wish. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD.

Ephesians 3:20 - Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

2 Corinthians 4:16 - For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Luke 1:37 - For with GOD nothing shall be impossible.

Monday, October 4, 2021

#ScriptureReflection - Proverbs 5:15-23 (10.4.21)

¹⁵ Drink water from your own well—
share your love only with your wife.

¹⁶ Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
having sex with just anyone?

¹⁷ You should reserve it for yourselves.
Never share it with strangers.

¹⁸ Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

¹⁹ She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love.

²⁰ Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?

²¹ For the Lord sees clearly what a man does,
examining every path he takes.

²² An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
they are ropes that catch and hold him.

²³ He will die for lack of self-control;
he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

Source: NLT (New Living Translation)