One of the reasons why we read, study and meditate on the word of God, is to arm ourselves for victory in the face of temptation. Every time Jesus was tempted either directly or indirectly by the devil, he overcame by speaking the written word. Learn to hide the Word of God in your heart, that you may have what to say in the hour of temptation. You must deliberately make out time every day, to read and meditate on the word of God.

The word of God has the power to keep us from sin. Referring to the Bible, John Bunyan wrote: "Either this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book". The word of God purifies and cleanses us from all sin when we simply obey the instrcutions of the Lord. Jesus said, "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life" - John 6:63. His words rescues man from the power of sin and spiritual death.

In the multitude of words you will find exaggeration, pride, hypocrisy, lying, slander, gossip, etc. To avoid these vices let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. There is a time to be silent, and a time to speak - Ecclesiastes 3:7b. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding - Proverbs 17:28. May the Lord help us to know when to speak.

As the opportunity comes to help someone, use it without delay. See yourself as a conduit of the blessings of God. DO NOT hinder the flow. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee - Proverbs 3:27-28. Do whatever you can to help that needy person now because a missed opportunity may never come again.

Water Lilies typically grow in very shallow, muddy or miry water. Just like the water lily which stands out white and beautiful in miry water, it is also possible for the believer to exude purity in this filthy world. Although the believer is in the world, they are not of the world. Jesus said: They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world - John 17:16. Beloved, you are there to shine and light up the dark world around you. Always remember that light is stronger than darkness.