God is Gracious

God is gracious! Have you ever found your will to do what’s right weakening, as you became discouraged with what you saw in your life and the world around you? No doubt, we all have felt overwhelmed by the darkness both within ourselves and in our world. 

The prophet Nahum reminds us of God’s active hand, working even in the darkest of times to bring justice and hope throughout the world. Nahum lived in a dark time, a time in which the faithful few must have wondered how long they would have to resist cultural and spiritual compromise.

After allowing approximately two hundred years of powerful Assyrian kings and rulers, God announced through Nahum His plans to judge the city of Nineveh. While the book as a whole clearly shows God’s concern over sin, His willingness to punish those guilty of wickedness, and His power to carry out His desire for judgment, it also contains rays of hope shining through the darkness. 

A small but faithful remnant in an increasingly idolatrous Judah would have been comforted by declarations of God’s slowness to anger (Nahum 1:3), His goodness, and strength (Nahum 1:7), and His restorative power (Nahum 2:2). Also, most significant, the people of Judah would have immediately taken hope in the idea that Nineveh, their primary oppressor for generations, would soon come under judgment from God.

Though God will judge sin, He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2Pet. 3:9); that is why He gave His only Son to be the Savior of the world. Jesus came 

"to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins (Rom. 3:25). If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just, to forgive us and to cleanse us from our sin” (1Jn.1:9). You may ask why? It is because righteousness will exalt a nation, but sin is a reproach to its people (Prob. 14:34). 



We serve a gracious God! He is calling on the Body of Christ to stand in the gap for the nation. God said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chron. 7:14). 

I believe the question is, can God count on us to stand in the gap? The prophet Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8). Should God choose to grant mercy, that good gift will not compromise His ultimate sense of justice for all in the end.

Prayer changes things! “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you; maybe healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jam. 5:16).

How Knowledgeable Are You About Wearing A Fabric Face Mask?

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals are curious about the proper use of fabric masks. The W.H.O. release updated Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19 on 5 June 2020.

It has new scientific results on fabrics that can be used for masks. Watch this video to learn more about which individuals should consider wearing a fabric mask, how to wear it and how to maintain it.

The masks help stop the Coronavirus from spreading if used correctly. However, your face mask is working double duty to protect everyone: It keeps you from spreading your germs and can stop other germs from getting into you. However, if used thoughtlessly, the masks can also cause unwanted side effects. Here are a few and how to prevent them.

1.     They Can Mess with Your Sight - Don't Touch Your Face - "Wearing a face mask makes the exhaled air go into the eyes," wrote Antonio I. Lazzarino, Medical Doctor and Epidemiologist, of the University College London, in a letter to the journal BMJ about the side effects of face masks. "This generates an uncomfortable feeling and an impulse to touch your eyes. If your hands are contaminated, you are infecting yourself."

The Rx: Resist the temptation to touch your face and wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds after contact with substances like door handles, elevator buttons, packages, or anything else where germs thrive.

2.     They Can Be Uncomfortable - Finding the right fit starts with using the right cloth. "Cotton material is considered to have better ventilation and will trap less of the moisture that builds up from breathing and sweating," reports CNet.

The Rx: Make sure it is "snug, not tight," says CNet. "While you want your mask to fit snugly around your face to help prevent respiratory droplets from escaping or coming in, you don't want it to be so tight that it hurts your face. Also, if it is too tight, that gives you less room to breathe well."

3.     They Can Restrict Your Airflow - "Face masks make breathing more difficult," points out Lazzarino in his letter. "For people with COPD"—that's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes a decreased air flow—"face masks are in fact intolerable to wear as they worsen their breathlessness. Moreover, a fraction of carbon dioxide previously exhaled is inhaled at each respiratory cycle. Those two phenomena increase breathing frequency and deepness, and hence they increase the amount of inhaled and exhaled air."

The Rx: "This may worsen the burden of COVID-19 if infected people wearing masks spread more contaminated air," he continues. "This may also worsen the clinical condition of infected people if the enhanced breathing pushes the viral load down into their lungs." If you feel you have COVID-19, you should quarantine yourself away from others and remove the mask. Contact a medical professional to discuss the next steps.

Source: https://www.eatthis.com/face-masks-side-effects/

After reading the article, I found myself with more questions than answers. So, I began to do some research into how does a restricted airflow affect ones breathing and wellbeing? The following questions and answers are the result of my quest for answers to my concerns.

Questions & Answers 

Can stress affect oxygen levels?

If you have a breathing problem like asthma or emphysema, stress can make it even harder to breathe. Under stress, your heart also pumps faster. Stress hormones cause your blood vessels to constrict and divert more oxygen to your muscles so you will have more strength to take action.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body#1

What happens if you breathe your own carbon dioxide?

When CO2 levels are elevated in the body it is known as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can occur for a number of reasons, one of which is rebreathing our own exhaled CO2. Rebreathing CO2 can lead to increased blood pressure, headaches, muscle twitches, rapid heart rate, chest pain, confusion, and fatigue. The Better Oxygen Mask for Patient Safety. #thebetteroxygenmask #patientsafety @One_OxyMask

Source: http://thebetteroxygenmask.com/harmful-effects-of-rebreathing-carbon-dioxide-co2/

What happens if carbon dioxide is not removed from the body?

Buildup of carbon dioxide can damage the tissues and organs and further impair oxygenation of blood and, as a result, slow oxygen delivery to the tissues. Acute respiratory failure happens quickly and without much warning.

Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/respiratory-failure#:~:text=Buildup%20of%20carbon%20dioxide%20can,quickly%20and%20without%20much%20warning.

What are the signs of co2 retention?

The condition, also described as hypercapnia, hypercarbia, or carbon dioxide retention, can cause effects such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, as well as serious complications such as seizures or loss of consciousness.

Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypercapnia-symptoms-treatment-914862

What is Hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis?

Hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis ensue when impairment in ventilation occurs and the removal of carbon dioxide by the respiratory system is less than the production of carbon dioxide in the tissues. Lung diseases that cause abnormalities in alveolar gas exchange do not typically result in alveolar hypoventilation.

Source: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/301574-overview

What causes hypoxemia and hypercapnia?

It occurs when the oxygen transport across the alveolocapillary membrane is impaired. Since both oxygen and carbon dioxide transport occur through the alveolar-capillary membrane, theoretically it should cause both hypoxemia and hypercapnia. However, hypercapnia is uncommon due to diffusion limitation.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28144061/

What is the treatment for hypercapnia?

Options include:

• Ventilation - Non-invasive ventilation, such as a CPAP mask, may help to treat hypercapnia
• Medication - Certain medications can assist breathing
• Oxygen therapy - People who undergo oxygen therapy regularly use a device to deliver oxygen to the lungs
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320501

What happens during hypercapnia?

Hypercapnia, or hypercarbia, is when you have too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in your bloodstream. It usually happens as a result of hypoventilation, or not being able to breathe properly and get oxygen into your lungs. Your body can then resume normal breathing and get more oxygen into the blood.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/hypercapnia 

What are the symptoms of not enough oxygen in the blood?

Symptoms of low blood oxygen levels:

•         Shortness of breath.
•         Headache.
•         Restlessness.
•         Dizziness.
•         Rapid breathing.
•         Chest pain.
•         Confusion.
•         High blood pressure.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321044

What happens if carbon dioxide levels in the blood are too high?

Respiratory failure is a serious condition that develops when the lungs cannot get enough oxygen into the blood. Buildup of carbon dioxide can also damage the tissues and organs and further impair oxygenation of blood and, as a result, slow oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Source: https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-heart-lung-blood-institute-nhlbi

What are the early signs of respiratory failure?

Signs and symptoms of respiratory failure may include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and air hunger (feeling like you cannot breathe in enough air). In severe cases, signs and symptoms may include a bluish color on your skin, lips, and fingernails; confusion; and sleepiness.

Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/respiratory-failure

Can you recover from acute respiratory failure?

Many people with ARDS recover most of their lung function within several months to two years, but others may have breathing problems for the rest of their lives. Even people who do well usually have shortness of breath and fatigue and may need supplemental oxygen at home for a few months.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ards/symptoms-causes/syc-20355576

What happens to the body during respiratory failure?

When a person has acute respiratory failure, the usual exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs does not occur. As a result, enough oxygen cannot reach the heart, brain, or the rest of the body. This can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, a bluish tint in the face and lips, and confusion.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324528 

What are the complications of respiratory failure?

Complications of acute respiratory failure may be pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal (GI), infectious, renal, or nutritional. Common pulmonary complications of acute respiratory failure include pulmonary embolism, barotrauma, pulmonary fibrosis, and complications secondary to the use of mechanical devices (ventilator).

Source: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/167981-clinical

What is the treatment for acute respiratory failure?

Doctors typically use this method of delivering oxygen until they can slow, resolve, or reverse the underlying cause of respiratory failure. Other acute respiratory failure treatment strategies include medications, such as antibiotics to treat infections and diuretics to reduce the amount of fluid in the lungs and body.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324528

How long does it take to recover from acute respiratory failure?

On average this is 7 to 14 days. Beyond this time, doctors may suggest a tube be placed directly into the windpipe through the neck (tracheostomy) by a surgeon. Usually the doctor believes it may take weeks more to recover from ventilator support.

Source: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/ards/ards-treatment-and-recovery 

What are the signs of worsening hypercapnia?

Severe hypercapnia symptoms include:

• Confusion.
• Coma.
• Depression or paranoia.
• Hyperventilation or excessive breathing.
• Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Muscle twitching.
• Panic attacks.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320501 

What does hypercapnia feel like?

Hypercapnia is excess carbon dioxide (CO2) build-up in your body. The condition, also described as hypercapnia, hypercarbia, or carbon dioxide retention, can cause effects such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, as well as serious complications such as seizures or loss of consciousness.

Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypercapnia-symptoms-treatment-914862 

What are the symptoms of too much carbon dioxide in the body?

Hypercapnia, or hypercarbia, as it is sometimes called, is a condition arising from too much carbon dioxide in the blood.

• Severe symptoms
• Confusion.
• Coma.
• Depression or paranoia.
• Hyperventilation or excessive breathing.
• Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Muscle twitching.
• Panic attacks.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320501#causes 

How do you lower co2 levels?

Installing and maintaining a good ventilation system will help reduce CO2 levels. As the system brings in fresh outdoor air, the CO2 will naturally dilute and become less concentrated, keeping the indoor carbon dioxide within safe levels.

Source: https://learn.kaiterra.com/en/air-academy/tips-for-reducing-co2

What would cause high co2 levels in the blood?

Hypercapnia, or hypercarbia, as it is sometimes called, is a condition arising from too much carbon dioxide in the blood. It is often caused by hypoventilation or disordered breathing where not enough oxygen enters the lungs and not enough carbon dioxide is emitted.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320501 

How does the body get rid of carbon dioxide that has accumulated in the lung?

When you exhale, this moves stale air with high carbon dioxide levels out of your lungs. Air is moved into your lungs by suction.

Source: https://www.psd1.org/cms/lib/WA01001055/Centricity/Domain/36/BreathingLabProtocol.pdf

How do you remove carbon from your lungs?

Ways to clear the lungs:

• Steam therapy. Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus
• Controlled coughing
• Drain mucus from the lungs
• Exercise
• Green tea
• Anti-inflammatory foods
• Chest percussion

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324483

How do I get more oxygen in my blood?

5 Tips to Increase your Blood Oxygen Naturally

• When the weather allows, open your windows. Access to fresh air is essential for breathing more easily
• Grow green things. Introducing live plants into your home will increase available indoor oxygen
• Exercise
• Practice mindfulness
• Eat fresh, iron-rich foods

Source: https://lunginstitute.com/blog/5-tips-to-increase-your-blood-oxygen-naturally-2/

On July 15, 2020 Rebecca Klar from The Hill publication reported that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) is prohibiting local municipalities across the state from mandating that masks be worn in public to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

Further Info: The Angle - What they're not telling you - https://youtu.be/RBlyh96yL7Q

Medical Disclaimer

All content found in this article was provided for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

The information herein is provided on an "as is" basis. If you think or suspect that you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Links found in this article are intended for educational reference only and are taken at your own risk. We are is not responsible for the claims of external websites and education companies.

Tell the Truth

This question is still relevant today as it was over 2000 years ago, when it was asked by the Jesting Pontius Pilate, "What is Truth?" (John 18:38)

Understanding cannot be forced on someone who chooses to be ignorant; because "there are none so blind as those who will not see."

In Matthew 9:26, after raising Jairus' daughter from the dead Jesus became famous for His healing miracles and authoritative teaching. Two blind men followed Him and shouted, "SON OF DAVID, have mercy on us!" (Matthew 9:27).

What a strange thing to say. How do they know He is from David's lineage? And why do they address Him like this? It occurs to me that the answer to that question might be important.

In Matthew 1:1 (NLT) it says "This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:" but why would two blind men be interested in or know about His lineage?

Very simply, they call Him "Son of David" because that was a COMMON TITLE FOR THE PROMISED MESSIAH. They are submitting to His authority as a king who is so powerful, He has the authority of God to heal them.

Every Jew knew that the Messiah was coming sometime and they knew that the Messiah was to be the "Son (or descendant) of David". Consider this, Jesus said to the Pharisees, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains" (John 9:39-41).

These two blind men could see more than many people ever will. THERE ARE NONE SO BLIND AS THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE JESUS FOR WHO HE IS. They saw the authority He had and THEY CRIED FOR MERCY.

Now that's a good place to start if there is ever going to be healing of the soul. Rewriting history by cancelling culture, removing statues and burning down structures will not bring about meaningful change, until people wake up from their stupor, and believe the truth. So, ask yourself this question, "What is Truth?" Watch this video for some historical facts:

COVID and The Church

According to a report from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention two people infected with COVID-19 spread the virus to more than 30 people during church gatherings in Arkansas in early March, before the first case was ever diagnosed in that state.
COVID-19 has taken thousands of lives. But have you noticed that it is no longer a priority in the wake of George Floyd’s killing? Why is that so? Well, could it be that the fake news media was successful in pushing the fear of the pandemic to control the narrative in order to keep the people lockdown; but now they have a new horse to ride?
They push the narrative that millions where going to die, even counting people that died from other ailments. Ask yourself, “how many people has died from the flu this season?” Can you now see that it was all staged? Are people social distancing in the protests and rioting? Where is the outcry and fear for the next wave that the left has been pushing?
How could it be that they shut down the Church but have the bars open, what were they afraid of? They prefer the spirit from the bottle over the Spirit of God? A war is being waged against the Church! You tell me, where was the Church in all of this take-down? Here's how the Apostles would have responded, "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Here is my question, "Which god is the Church worshipping? At who's altar do the Church worship? Is the Church caught worshipping at the altar of political correctness? Paul told Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2Tim. 1:7).
The Church caved! Could it be that the Church is no longer experiencing the power of Pentecost (Acts 1:8)? These are some serious questions that the Church must ask itself. Where is the power of discernment in the Church to recognize that they have been had? The rum bars and the abortion clinics are essential, but the Church is not! You are kidding me!
Saints, this is how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Dan. 3:16-18).
Church, this is what Jesus gave us, "I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).
We find in Matthew 24-25; Jesus makes two key points about his return: It will be a) sudden and b) unexpected. Therefore, many people will be caught unprepared to meet him (Matt. 25:1-13).
I think the deeper connection goes like this. As we move closer to the Last Days and the end of the world “as we know it,” anxiety will rise, tumult will increase, nerves will fray, society itself will be shaken to the core, troubles will mount, and it will seem as if the world itself is spinning out of control. But what should we do to hold on to our faith? We should pray; earnestly, fervently, repeatedly, unitedly, persistently.
As Peter says (1 Peter 4:7), “The end of all things is at hand; therefore, keep sane and sober for your prayers.” The pressures of worldliness will become greater as the end draws near, therefore, all the more must we watch and be sober unto prayer, and not lose heart. “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).
Why is prayer increasingly important in the Last Days? What things discourage you from praying more than you presently do? If Jesus were to come to today, would he find faith in your heart? Ask God to give you "praying grace" today. Shalom!

Christianity On the Rise In China

Christianity is on the rise in China, but the CCP demands the people "have no other gods before me." Is this the start of a new era of persecution against Christians and Catholics?

The Communist Party of China plans to rewrite the Christian Bible, functionally destroying thousands of years of Christian faith and history. ... Local priests reported to “Tang Zhe” that the move to force Catholic churches into the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association is disastrous.Dec 29, 2019

In China, they're closing churches, jailing pastors and even China's Communist party is intensifying religious persecution as Christianity's popularity grows. However, the Pope and Vatican made a controversial deal with the officially atheist Chinese Communist Party that has a major impact on the lives of Catholics and Christians living in China.

The Chinese Union Version (CUV) has been considered by Chinese churches a beautifully crafted, classical Bible easy for memorization and it has been handed down through generations. Throughout the history of Chinese churches, many believers paid a high price in order to own and read this Bible. 

Today, many Chinese parents teach their children with their favourite scriptures. For these reasons, we remain faithful to the original style of the CUV by upholding the principles of “not to make amendments for the sake of changes” and “make minimal changes.” 

The above was a brief overview of how the CNV Bible was accepted among the Chinese churches and individual Christians around the world.

How to Recognize the Glory Has Departed

The Bible is inspired by God Himself! It is His Word, containing His wisdom, His goodness, His intentions, His judgements, and His heart. Therefore, its exhortations, guidelines, commandments and encouragement give us very concrete and infallible insight into God’s will for us in every aspect of life.

Paul writes that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God …” (2 Timothy 3:16). He instructs believers to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

You know something is wrong when people incessantly refer to what it used to be in the church’s glory days. In the Old Testament, 1Samuel chapters 4 records a sad commentary in the life of the children of Israel. The chapter gave an account of a period in Israel’s history when God’s presence was lifted from its place amongst them.

The Bible tells us that the enemy of the Israelites, the Philistines, who had been the antagonizers and oppressors of Israel for years had gathered for battle near Ebenezer at the city of Aphek. As the battle waged on, victory was not in Israel's favour. They began to ask themselves, “Why has the Lord defeated us before the Philistines.”

What they began to recognize was that it was not their good or bad military strategy, full or empty bank accounts, good or bad political leaders in office, or what they do or think about themselves that is the ultimate reason for the calamity or well-being of nations and individuals. According to His sovereign Will, it is the Lord God almighty who raises up and casts down individuals and nations.

Israel raised a question but had already answered it in their hearts. They concluded that the Lord caused them to be defeated, because He wasn’t present with them in the battle.

So, they said “Let us bring the Ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” The orders were given, and the Ark was brought to the battle by Hophni and Phinehas, the wicked sons of the priest Eli. But the enemy's response was in defiance of the presence of the Ark; they told each other, “Take courage, be men and fight.”

Israel experienced a slaughter that day because of their foolishness and presumption; the thought that they could twist the Lord's arm to favour them without having to submit their will to His. As a result, they lost the battle against the enemy.

You see, when Eli the priest heard that his sons Hophni and Phinehas had been killed in the battle, he fell backward from the stool, broke his neck, and died. Phinehas’s wife, who was in labor at the time when she heard the news of her husband's death, recognized the Glory had departed from Israel. Then with her dying breath she named her son Ichabod and asked, “Where is the glory?”

In part this disgrace came upon Israel because of a failure in leadership. Eli and his sons were concerned with pampering and honoring themselves more than honoring God. Therefore, God stripped them of honor and brought judgment upon their heads.

Sin is never a merely private matter. Our personal apathy be it bitterness, greed, gluttony, lust, pride or self-centeredness and self-preoccupation; whatever the personal sin, often affects the lives of those around us, thus bringing disorder and infection, pain and loss to others.

The sad story of Israel was that Eli died when he heard that his wayward sons, Phinehas and Hophni, died in the battle with the Philistines, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured and taken away from Israel. The word Ichabod literally means “inglorious” or “there is no glory.”

The glory of God is used to describe God’s favor and blessings toward His people. In the Old Testament, God’s glory is seen as a pillar of fire and cloud that followed the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt, guiding and guarding them (Exodus 13:21).

Once the Ark of the Covenant was built and placed in the tabernacle in the wilderness, and later in the temple in Jerusalem, God’s glory resided there as a symbol of His presence among His people. When the Ark was captured by the Philistines, the glory departed from the Israel, and Ichabod became a reality.

Jesus referred to the glory of God leaving Israel when He said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone (to death) those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate” (Matt. 23:37–38).

In that passage, Jesus indicted their leaders, and by indicting the leaders, He indicted all the people who followed the leaders. He said their house was left desolate, Ichabod, the glory had departed. Notice that He said, 'your house is... desolate'. Not My house, not My Father’s house as He used to call it. Now it’s your house because God was not present, Ichabod! God is no longer there, it’s not the Father’s house; it’s not My house; it’s your house.

In examining himself, the Psalmist said, "Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults" (Psalm 19:12). Then after recognizing God's omniscience, he confessed to God, "You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar" (Psalm 139:2). The prophet Hosea concludes, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them" (Hosea 14:9).

Therefore, through discernment by the Holy Spirit, we can recognize when the Glory has departed; because spiritual and carnal (dead works) cannot co-exist. There’s no wonder that miracles, breakthroughs and the anointing on God’s Word are so few and far apart, or non-existence. It is a terrible thing to experience the loss of the glory of God. One wonders how many churches today have lost the glory of the Lord, whether willingly or unknowingly.

The same things that caused Ichabod in Israel, sin of disobedience, idolatry and sacrilege are present in many of today’s churches. Christians must never take the glory of God in our midst for granted, lest we wake up one day and find that Ichabod has become a reality among us.

In Revelations 2:5, Jesus admonished the church of Ephesus to “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.…” The phrase “first works” literally means, “the actions that were indicative of you at the first” or “the things you did in the very beginning of your spiritual journey when you first fell in love with Jesus Christ.”

What were these “first works” that once distinguished the church of Ephesus? Scripture reveals several characteristics of this prominent church in its early beginnings:

• They possessed a great spiritual hunger (Acts 18:20).
• They enjoyed rich fellowship among the brethren (Acts 18:27).
• They had an eagerness to repent and to receive what God had for them (Acts 19:1-6).
• They cherished the Word of God (Acts 19:8).
• They sacrificed their religious reputation for Jesus (Acts 19:9).
• They were committed to applying God’s Word to their lives (Acts 19:10).

God is faithful, therefore, if we confess our sins, He will extend His mercy and abundantly pardon us.
Father, You are a God of love and mercy, and You are not willing that I should lose my way. I am deeply convicted by what I have read today.

I recognize that You are calling me deeper and higher, and it is my responsibility to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and to respond positively to what I have read.

I now repent for backsliding, for letting my once passionately intimate relationship with you slip and be replaced by carnal and worldly concerns. I am guilty of being an accuser of the brethren, and for slaying them with destructive words.

I admit that I’ve done this, and I confess my sins and repent according to 1 John 1:9, and according to Your Word, I receive full forgiveness.

Now that I am free, Lord, please restore the Glory! I reclaim what I have lost, and I move forward to obtain what You have for me in the future. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen!