The joy derived from the pleasures of sin is transient, yet many are being deceived to go for it instead of the eternal joy that comes with righteousness. Moses made an unpopular choice, although he knew it would cost him the throne of Egypt. Moses counted the cost of accepting to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter: although it would guarantee temporal enjoyment, the door of heaven would be shut against him. What is persecution (suffering for Christ on earth) compared to eternal suffering in hell fire?

The rich young ruler was a good man who observed the ten commandments from his youth but it is sad to discover that he was not good enough for heaven. He was disqualified, because according to Jesus, he lacked one thing: he had no power over his material possessions. He failed the test to deny himself, take up his cross and follow the Lord. Although he was a good man, he was not saved.

The Lord is a shelter in the time of storm for His people who trust in Him. Talking about the believer, The Lord said in Psalm 91 - "because he has known my name, he shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him". There is no need to worry since God has promised to be with you in your situation. The Lord is your defence and no weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper.

Where no wood is, the fire goeth out - Proverbs 26:20a. It is your responsibility to keep the fire burning continuously upon the altar of your heart by adding the wood of praise and prayer as you fellowship with God every day. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. However, if the fire has gone out, you can repair the broken altar today as Elijah did at mount Carmel.

Hannah was a sorrowful woman for a long time and she complained about her unpleasant situation of barrenness. She was provoked by her adversary to make her worry and weep over her condition. Until she learned to take her burden to the Lord in prayer, she remained a sorrowful woman. But when she prayed earnestly, the Lord changed her complaint to acclaim. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.