COUNT THE COST OF YOUR CHOICES

And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34

Every decision has its consequences; every cause has its effects and every action has its reaction.

For every choice you want to make, it is important to ask yourself whether you are ready to live with the impact of the decisions you make.

In order to walk in wisdom or godly counsel, you need to examine the long-term implications of every choice before you make it.

Some decisions look attractive in the short-term but turn out to have damaging consequences in the long-term.

When King David committed adultery and took Bathsheba into his bed, he was obviously looking at immediate pleasure rather than long-term consequences.

Even though God forgave him when he later repented, he still suffered the long-term effects of his action including the death of his child, problems in his family and, probably more significantly, the loss of God's promise of a perpetual kingdom for his descendants.

Life's decisions are not made in isolation. Every decision we make has several other linkages that ought to be considered.

Today someone may be happy with an ill-considered decision they may have made in solving a particular problem.

However, when the dust settles, their descendants may rise up to curse them for the wrong choices they made and their attendant implications.

Sometimes you may be tempted to go with a convenient option and think you have solved a current problem, but the impact of your decision may outlive you, for several years.

There is, therefore, the need for careful consideration at every stage in life in order to make the right choices and walk in godly counsel.

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom to always consider the long-term consequences of my choices.

Scriptural Reading: Genesis 25:29-34

Family: 7 things you should say to your kids every day

• There are an infinite number of ways that we can express love to our children. Here are a few phrases that I've found are the best ones to use in our homes to uplift our children and strengthen our family ties.

• 1. "I love you."

  Do not go a single day without letting your children hear these words come out of your mouth. Children feel safe knowing that you love them. Difficult days will come. There will be times when they make decisions that may not be the best. Make sure that they know, with certainty, that no matter what decisions they make, you will never stop loving them.

• 2. "You make me very happy."

  This could not be more true! (And every mom and dad knows that no truth is more important.) Children are an inexhaustible source of happiness and love. It is so important that they know this! Don't wait until they graduate or get married to tell them — just do it today.

• 3. "You are very special."

  It is extremely important that children understand from a young age that they are different, unique, and special. We all went to excel in some way. Set a goal to tell them every day that they are incomparable and the best thing that has ever happened to you.

• 4. "I like it when you..."

  Everyone enjoys knowing what they do that makes other people happy — especially your children. Take the time to point out any positive aspect about their behavior, character, kindness, talents, funny ideas or school performance.

• 5. "I am grateful for you every day."

  If you practice any faith, or if you pray on a regular basis, pray with your children and let them hear you thank God for having them in your life, and pray for their well-being. Also pray for their souls, especially when they are going through hard times.

• 6. "I believe in you/I trust you"

  Our children will grow up feeling secure if they know that we trust and believe in them. Tell them that you trust them and respect their decisions.

• 7. "Are you able to/I know you can."

  Children get easily discouraged when they are trying to do something and it doesn't work out after a couple of tries. As parents, we need to encourage them to keep trying, and let them know that we believe in them.
  When you're tired and had a long day, it's easy to be tempted to say something that may harm your children. Remember, kids are a blessing, a miracle, and a light that can illuminate your life every day. Make them feel it and know it well. Every day

DON'T WORRY

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Someone once said, "Worry is assuming responsibility that God never intended for you to have." Yet it seems so much easier to worry about things instead of sharing our concerns with God.

It seems, we think that by worrying about our problems, they will vanish into thin air. But worrying won't bring solution to our problems.

What is it that you worry about? Is it your finances? Your health? Your family? If you worry, our Scripture verse today offers some good advice.

You know, if you think about it, worry really is useless. It has never solved a problem, never dried a tear, and never changed anything.
And most of us spend most of our time worrying about things that will never happen or circumstances we can't change anyway!

Worry saps your strength, destroys your spirit, and robs you of the joy in life. It takes its toll physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is only a waste of our physical and emotional energy.

In fact, worrying is one of the leading causes of heart disease. This is why God wants you to offer your concerns up to Him in prayer.

Today, I want to encourage you to stop worrying about your future, because God's got your future!

Don't worry about your life, because He has your life! Don't worry about anything, but rather, pray about everything!

There's nothing too great for God. There's no problem too hard for God to solve and there is no problem too small for God.

Prayer: Lord, You are my good Shepherd. I put my trust in You. I will not worry about anything.

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 4:1-9

Couples, Singles Please Watch This Video by Myles Munroe

My people do not perish for Lack of Love, They Perish for lack of Knowledge. Laws of Love and Marriage by Myles Munroe, RIP pastor. Ever one got to listen/watch this video, in case you are going through challenges in your marriage, relationship this word from God might help/heal your pains.....
Yesterday topic too can be answer by this topic...

What is your opinion on this topic, pls do share your thought :)

Marriage: At what point is divorce inevitable?

Has your marriage reached the point of no return? Despite what others may say, divorce is a

choice for you and your spouse to make together.

At what point in a marriage is it too late to begin again? This is the vital question people ask themselves once they believe they've reached what I like to call "the point of no return."

This past weekend, I was talking with a very close friend of mine, and as I listened to the trials she's facing in her marriage, I honestly wasn't sure what my advice should be. It's so easy to look at someone's situation from the outside and say, "But you love each other. Isn't it worth one last shot?" And it's even easier to say, "The guy's a jerk. Throw him out!"

My friend's suffering has become too much, and she has reached that place where she feels the only option is to leave the marriage. Otherwise, she may never get over the pain, the betrayal, the dishonesty she has experienced. Several friends and family members are aware of her situation, creating a whole different level of complication.

So, at what point in a marriage is it too late to begin again? I like to say the answer is different for everyone. There are many factors to consider, but one of the first considerations is: do you still love each other? Sometimes, when two people love each other, they can make miracles happen.

If you are struggling and find yourself at that "point of no return," here are some ideas to consider.

• While you will want to seek advice from some trusted individuals, only you and your spouse know the whole story, and only the two of you should make decisions regarding your relationship.
• Be methodical about your decision-making process. Write down feelings and make lists so you can study things out.
• Take your time and don't rush into anything.
• Put your anger and hurt aside, and work hard to have deep conversations with your spouse so you can get to the root of issues that created your mess.
• Be open and honest in discussions with your spouse so you can make informed decisions about what you both think is the best solution.
  Even if you and your spouse decide divorce is inevitable, divorce can be done kindly. I know this from experience, and it's a lot better for everyone's well-being if two mature people can amicably agree to let each other go on with their lives. You will be happier, your children will be happier, and your world will end up being a better place

What is your opinion on this topic, pls do share your thought :)

By Janeen Diamond 

DEALING WITH CONSPIRACY

Now Michal, Saul's daughter, loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him.

Then Saul said, "Thus you shall say to David: The king does not desire any dowry but one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king's enemies.'" But Saul thought to make David fall by the hands of the Philistines.

Thus Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him; and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David's enemy continually.

Then the princes of the Philistines went out to war. And so it was, whenever they went out, that David behaved more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name became highly esteemed. 1 Samuel 18:20, 25, 28-30

There is a great lesson we must learn from David in how he conducted himself when Saul conspired to eliminate him.

David's continued success and good conduct only served to worsen his relationship with Saul.

Soon his very life was under threat. Saul tried unsuccessfully to kill David with a spear.

When this and all other efforts failed, he resorted to using his daughter Michal's love as a bait to get the Philistines to kill him. But in all these, the Bible says, "David behaved even more wisely."

What do you do when someone seems to be determined to destroy your reputation, your efforts, or your very life?

How do you respond when your opponents plot against you and use any available media to peddle rumour, lies and insults about you?

Do you take the same rubbish and throw it back at them, or you will exercise restraint and behave wisely? There are some battles you don't fight. It takes wisdom to discern.

Prayer: Lord, give me discernment to know which battle is Yours.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Samuel 18:17-30

Prayer for new week

In this week of Supernatural Rewards, the Lord's blessings will bless you to the point that your blessings will confuse your enemies into destruction in Jesus name!! Because it is impossible for God to forget your labour of love and sacrifice, every blessing that has accrued to you over the year will be received in double portion this month in Jesus name!

God will send you help from far and near. You will not be stranded, neither will your foot slip. Against all odds, you are going forward in Jesus name. God will bless you with the oil of gladness and He will keep you in perfect peace. Don't be afraid. He will never leave or forsake you in Jesus name.

Happy New Week from us ASB-World.