God is so concerned about how we relate with Him after our conversion. He says my people perish for lack of knowledge. Whereas, iniquities and sins separate between man and God, redemption bridges the gap. Unfortunately, many saved people still see themselves as sinners and have chosen to follow the Lord from afar. But the Lord, out of His immense love is saying: return unto me; for I have redeemed you. Redemption makes the erstwhile sinner the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

God sees every imagination of the thoughts of the heart of man. The secrets of your heart are open before God and there comes a day when He will judge them. You cannot hide anything from the all-seeing eyes of the Lord. Even the thoughts of your heart are loud enough in the ears of the Almighty God.

David, the sweet Psalmist knew how to count his blessings. When faced with any challenge, he always remembered what God had done for him in the past, and thanked Him for it. The children of Israel in the wilderness always forgot their great deliverance from Egyptian bondage and captivity, any time they encountered a little problem. David praised God and was victorious but the children of Israel perished in the wilderness because of murmuring and complaining.

The journey that leads to heaven is painful but gainful in the end. It is the way of self denial and cross-bearing. Jesus, our example endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him. The Lord of glory went through a painful ordeal on earth to gain His place at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven. He was beaten, wounded, bruised and finally crucified to die a painful death on the cross.

The principle of sowing and reaping is emphasised in various passages of the Scripture. The Lord expects us to have compassion upon those that trespass against us and forgive them, so that He will also forgive us when we sin against Him. But if we choose to harden our hearts and refuse to forgive our offenders, the Lord likewise will not forgive us when we plead for mercy because of our sins. Do not forget that you will always need God's forgiveness (for there is no man that sinneth not - 1 Kings 8:46).