Hosea 5

God starts by blaming the priests and house of Israel for not living in correct manner for the nations spiritual corruptness, they didn't even respond humbly when rebuked. Apparently when they do seek the Lord it isn't with repentant hearts but is instead superficial, and so they will not find Him. Verse 10 mentions landmarks (referring the spiritual lines) that Judah kept crossing, changing their boundaries for their convenience. 
However the final verse indicates that God is doing this for the purpose of reconciliation with His people. They will not truly repent and earnestly seek Him until affliction makes them look to God.

This all reminds me of myself, how I struggle to get over sexual sin, or bitterness, or loneliness. I know the Law and I know the gospel, but I still struggle to overcome these stumbling blocks, am I earnestly seeking God or am I seeking christian character? Despite being a sinner, I'm mostly convinced I'm on good terms with God because I've repented and am still repenting. I assume God is going to break me if I don't get through this by myself. Why is it that I frequently seek the Lord after affliction comes, why not seek Him now? 

Prayer/response:
- Continually pursue God before His hand forces me to

Hosea 4

Verse 6 tells us that God is removing Israel from its priestly status. They were no longer above reproach, no longer repenting, no longer representing God for who is He to the nations. So fallen astray had Israel been that even the priests engaged in worldly passions. This is because the people had neglected knowledge, since the priests were still in duty I'm going to assume that people offered sacrifices but it was in obligational and unrepentant hearts. They were content with their minimum devotion and felt justified, this very much mirrors western christian culture. I know this cultural attitude isn't helpful because I don't just read scripture but I also study it! 2 Timothy 3:16 calls scripture God-breathed, isn't this obvious enough that any other culture or knowledge that counters scripture isn't edifying for our faith? Psalm 138:2 says "you have magnified Your word above all Your name". When God sought for a term to express His nature, He calls Himself “The Word” (John 1:1). 

Prayer/response:
- Always read the Bible more than I preach it
- Be above reproach by aspiring towards holiness
- Let lg be fruitful tonight. Help move Suzanne and Annalizs heart towards you

Hoses 3

Goner having drowned herself in adultery, God commanded Hosea to go back to her and to love her. This is the type of love that I call scandalous as it seems so unreasonable in my mind. Despite this Hosea went the extra mile to buy her back when he could've just claimed her since they were already in a legal binding ceebs lol.

Verse 5 seems to reference Christ's 2nd coming??? Seems to be a trend to call the Messiah "David" in some Old Testament prophecies idk. Also "they shall fear the Lord and His goodness" reminds me of John 14:15 "if you love me you will keep My commandments." I reckon this is a call for continual repentance, seeking a right relationship with God that isn't motivated purely out of fear but also adoration. There will be no restoration unless we turn back to the Lord.

Prayer/response:

- Sydney has turned it's back on you. If it be your will, let there be revival

- Daniel Chung commit to a church and grow in you

- Help me love the way you want me to

Hosea 2

I think they referred to the covenant relationship as a marriage because God calls Israel a heathen wife, no longer worthy to be His wife. The covenant relationship was broken as Israel made a whore of herself catering to the Gods of other nations. Israel justified her harlotry because she received good things from her lovers such as economic security and sexuality enticing rituals etc. However, because God is so loving He will draw Israel back not allowing her to find contentment in her sinful ambitions, thus Israel will return to God. God will allow Israel to suffer what they had brought upon themselves for a time which will make them realise that it is only God they should cherish.

Verse 16 stood out to me. "you will call Me 'My Husband, And no longer call Me 'My Master'". I came to God last year because I was scared for myself and friends. I submitted in my actions I guess but my mind and heart is difficult. In regard to scripture God isn't satisfied with obligatory and fearful motives, He always wanted intimacy. Idk if love and intimacy is the same thing but I want to love God. God restricts me for my good, not a lot of things feel like freedom which is maybe why I don't feel love for God. How do I get this? I've repented, I've prayed, I've given up many things I think. lol what do u want me to do God

Prayer/response
- Help Vicky rely on you
- Please let prison be helpful for Kevin
- Help me represent you well tonight 

Hosea 1

God commands Hosea to marry a woman of harlotry (either she was already a harlot or she was an imminently potential one). His heathen wife Gomer represents the one sided covenant relationship between God and His faithless people. God told Hosea to name their children with deeply significant meanings;
1. Jezreel - name means "God will scatter", God will avenge the blood of Ahab and take vengeance upon Jehu for reckless mass murder
2. Lo-Ruhamah - name means "not pitied", God will judge Israel and will pull away their blessings
3. Lo-Ammi - name means "not my people", God disowns Israel. v9 I will not be your God
After such a bleak introduction of this book, the conclusion of this chapter is rather hopeful. God tells Hosea that He will embrace His people again after His judgement is exercised, both Israel and Judah will gather together together and appoint one head which is a reference to the Messiah (appoint Jesus??? don't understand).

Prayer/response:
- Remember that God is faithful
- Remember my worth
- Put more effort into deeper and longer prayers

1 Corinthians 16 + Book Summary

Paul gives 5 applications for the Corinthian Church which can just be painfully obvious to apply for chEMistry;
1. Be on Guard. Be watchful for wolves in sheep clothing.
2. Stand firm in the faith. Place the basis their faith and lives in the gospel, not secularism
3. Be courageous. Rely on God and pursue Him in times of prosperity and peril such from dealing with sin within the congregation to extreme persecution.
4. Be Strong. 
5. Do everything in love. Because without love, all their actions would be in vain

The problems Paul had to address in this book were divisions, greediness in food and status, abuse of christian freedom, attitudes on spiritual gifts. Capable leaders can successfully shut down drama, but it takes a Godly leader to lead these issues back to Christ, edifying not just their actions but also their attitudes. Paul was hard on the Corinthians because of love. Love only. This in radical form is why Paul Washer told 5000 teenagers that if they don't throw away casual faith they will go to hell. When I complain about consistent labour in Church, the root reason is because I don't love.

The final two verses, god dammit i want this.
v23 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
v24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen

I'm so hateful. Idk what it'll take but one day God willing I will embrace this radical love.
v23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
v24 My love be with you Cheil, all in Christ Jesus Amen.

Prayer/Repentance:
- Love
- Love
- Love

1 Corinthians 15: 29-58

Lol this goes way over my head, shout out to anyone who has to do essays on this in Bible College cause this is confusing asf. Just like the Holy Spirit, this seems to be an intentional mystery from God. I'm hesitant to confirm assumptions or else I might labelled heretic but I can only trust and believe what Paul has stated. It was through the first Adam that we received our natural bodies and through the last Adam (Jesus) that we will receive our spiritual bodies in resurrection. What has been revealed to us that cannot be questioned are 4 characteristics of our resurrected bodies; no more illnesses and death (decay), no more sin (shame), no weakness in temptation, no more limits to the time/space sphere (not sure what that last part means). 

No idea how I can apply this other than I shouldn't make up ideas on resurrection of the body and just be content with what the Bible says. I can only pray that my resurrected body doesn't have a distorted cartilage like I do smh.

Prayer/repentance:
- I take care of my earthly body
- Continue to grow the missionary team in their readiness and spiritual health
- Help Kanye, even though I doubt him please let fruit bear in his life and pursue you. Let him be proof that despite our capitalist indulgences that you are the only one worth making music for, proclaiming and living for. 
- Cape Town be ready to receive you
- Spiritual revival in Sydney, inspire us and place radical perseverance in our hearts

1 Corinthians 15: 1-28

A theological issue that Corinthians struggled within the church was Dualism which taught that everything physical is evil, so the concept of Jesus giving us new bodies was considered unthinkable. Another theological issue were the Jews who were influenced by Sadducees who didn't believe in the resurrection of Jesus or anyone in the Old Testament. Paul has to re-enforce the authenticity of Jesus by referring Him back to Old Testament prophecies that the resurrection and new bodies are good and God willed.

Paul empathised the importance of the gospel story, reminding them that their entire redemption relied on the cross and deaths defeat. If Jesus did not die in our place even if he was the Messiah then we would all have false hope. It would be better for us to indulge in our secular pursuits to cherish the small time we have, if it would not be for the gospel. 

Every saint got a past, every sinner got a future. I think back how many people I know who grew up in their christian cultures have left the faith, and somehow a dropkick like me prospers in it. Praise God as this reminds me that only God can guarantee our faith's authenticity rather than how we compose ourselves or how we grew up. And so I'm always encouraged the way Paul considers himself as the lowest of the apostles since he was not personally discipled by Jesus like them as well as his extreme involvement in Christian persecution. Somehow despite this God used Paul the most, and Paul credits only God for this.

Prayer/repentance:
- Given the opportunity, instill in me a fear for you to be a witness to Tahmid
- Keep me in labour
- Whatever it takes, please help me love you. i'm tired of this obligatory shit

1 Corinthians 14

Tbh I can't relate too much as this made me think of the charismatic worship. Apparently praying in tongues was ok if used properly. Tongues need to be interpreted to the congregation to understand the message. Tongues or prophecy has no worth if it couldn't be edifying/understood by those listening. There has to be order. The gift of prophecy (teaching/discerning) was more important that speaking in tongues as Paul claims because it edifies the church rather than specific individuals. This is also because Jesus desires gentiles to be saved, so he'd want them to receive the gospel in a way that is comprehensible to them. I think the lesson in this is that whatever we do in regard to Church should be to build each other up, not just in the obvious gifts such as teaching or praying in tongues but in minor things as well. This pleases God. 

Paul also discusses gender roles. To put plainly, Paul calls it shameful for women to speak out in Church. I don't know how else I can articulate this without sounding like the biggest asshole. Shame is such a strong word wow. Apparently some women were out of order and publicly disruptive in the early church services. The where therefore expected to seek spiritual advice from their husbands. Shout out to Cheil women, they are the real mvp. I hope that they can continue to pray and support us men to uphold and take the spiritual responsibility God calls us to have.

Prayer/response:
- Attempt to be more loving in my words, to edify those around me even if I feel like a faggot doing it
- Help Kevin, Wilson and Daniel as they await their sentence. Please in still in them a heart and longing for the gospel rather than the indulgences of drugs and sex. If opportunities are provided, help me be the best witness I can be to them even if i'm not close with them
- Be a better witness at Tafe
- Help me be loving to my lg

1 Corinthians 13

Apparently v8-10 states that all our gifts are temporary. They will not be necessary when Jesus comes again. When we are with Jesus we will grow to a full understanding of Him,  we will express nothing but perfect love toward God and each other

Out of all the characteristics/gifts the most important one is love. 

Love is important bruh i get it. I could be the best preacher, bring the most people to church, contribute the most money and yet all these are mostly in vain if not in love. I'm regretful of what i've done to people and how I was a poor witness to them, but I don't seem to be overcome by the blood of the lamb. I work for God, yes, but what happened to my love? I don't know what it's going to take for me to feel that, how long do I have to labour on until I feel love for others like how Jesus loved me? If this be a cross I have to carry to the grave then carry it I shall, but pls no cause ceebs. I guess Paul was literal when he wrote "Love suffers long" v4.

Prayer/response:
- do what I can to love God
- Help out Elice to be the best witness she can be toward Millie

1 Corinthians 12

Paul talks about the necessity of the Holy Spirit, just by believing in God is not enough or being a good person. Jesus is not truly our Lord unless we have the Holy Spirit since the Spirit is what enables us to accept Him. Without the Spirit we would have no know Christ. 
Our gifts are all meant to point back to God and glorify Him, though vastly be very different in their characteristics all come from the same Spirit. 

Paul gives a roll call of spiritual gifts and why we need each other. He does this cuz some of the congregation members were judging the use of gifts on the basis of experience and not content. Others were demeaning themselves because their gifts weren't so showy or as obvious as others, Paul points that even the non presentable parts of the Body should be held as high respect and needed, referring them to internal organs. 

Cheil has been in its transitioning stage for 2 years I reckon now. When I came back from a 2month meditation I found myself frustrated with the lack of action there was to reaching out to newcomers as well as discipleship to the younger men in Cheil. In my eyes I was one of the few who reached out to the seemingly neglected or lonely. My inner pharisee started to ignite and I made many comparisons between me and them. One such person was Shellyn as I never saw her contribute much and just stayed in her comfortable clique. Earlier this year however, reading Romans 12 opened my eyes. Shellyn is gifted in Children's ministry in a way that I could never reach. The first 5 years of a child's life are fundamentally important and she's doing God's work by uniquely articulating the gospel to them in a way that would not typically work with adult non christians. How dare I view myself higher than her or more hardworking. I can look at what Cheil has become and we still lack in many areas but damn, God really has worked through us and it shows. 


Prayer/repentance:
- repent for my pride and self reliance
- May Cheil continue to pursue you
- Guide Jerrys mind and heart for a biblical sermon

1 Corinthians 11

I had trouble understanding this chapter in regard to head coverings but this is the first time it has been made clear to me. In Corinth culture, a woman with covered head symbolised a subordinate relationship to her husband. This wasn't a complete necessity but Paul states that cultural symbols if in line of Godly character should honour male and female roles including head coverings, they should be respected. This is why Paul was upset and discouraged men for wearing head coverings for it suggested a reversal of Godly gender roles. Men should be submissive to Christ, women to their husbands (along the lines of scripture, women must always submit to God first). I shouldn't forget that Jesus sets an example for us because even he submitted His father despite painful circumstances.

Paul also addressed rumours that there was division in the church. When we are together unity, we glorify God. Despite our numerous differences, our unity is evident that God is graceful to all His children, King Jesus has come and He will come again.

Prayer/response:

- Cheil continue to build up men into spiritual leaders. Give us humility

- Provide me with opportunities to share the gospel in tafe

- turn to scripture for my trials first, people second

- help out Suzanne and Annaliz, if you allow it please let them take not just LG but also you more seriously

- help me take my prayer life more seriosuly

1 Corinthians 10

Paul talks brings the Corinthians back to Moses time when God did miraculous things despite the Israelites consistent whining. It took them 40 years to finally take God seriously, This is Paul's way of telling the Corinthians that it's better to correct themselves rather God correcting them. A warning to put simply.

When people ate together it was a sign of intimate fellowship, meals back them were more significant than today which is why i'm using that Paul empathises food in this chapter. It makes sense now that in Chapter 5 Paul expects the Corinthian Church to not even eat with those were excommunicated. 

Paul stated that just cause we are free from the condemnation of the law it doesn't mean that when we are permitted to casually or trivially sin, it has small effect. A mature Christian  could evangelise with their spiritually younger bro/sis, the mature attempts to appease the pagans at the expense of stumbling the younger. Paul tells me that I should be considerate of others feelings despite it's potentially trivial nature, especially those who are attempting to follow Christ. I should be building them up first and foremost, this pleases God. 

Prayer/response:
- imitate christ for who He is
- vision team, ready their hearts and minds for lifelong missions

1 Corinthians 9

I'd imagine that missionaries throughout history have taken much inspiration from this in their evangelistic methods. Acts 20:24 can be applied much. Paul's identity was in Christ which meant that he compromised his human rights for the sake of building up and winning over potential believers. He went so far as to refuse payment for his ministry work, maybe this is connected to another predicament (i don't remember the verse) in which Paul wanted to disassociate himself as much as possible from a False Prophet image. He only wanted necessities like food etc. 

I try to model myself after Paul, there are still so many improvements I can make to beneficially find common ground with others with the possibility of winning them over. I'm speaking specifically for sheltered or church cultured people, high fives and christian banter is pretty gay in my eyes but the way I feel is irrelevant, I should be aspiring for fellowship nonetheless because God loves them. The pagans are somewhat easier for me to reach out, but even I must be careful that I don't embrace their secularism to the point in which I'm not representing Jesus for who He is. 

Prayer/response:
- apply verse 17 to my life. Grace isn't a reward but a stewardship.
- Matt and Jane to rest fruitfully
- Do not forsake Vicky if it be your will
- continue to find common ground in cheil even if it feels weird
- Bless Teacher Thandi and her family. May she be a shining light of grace in Masi
- Help Peter Kim witness to his church clique

1 Corinthians 8

I guess I'm a bit proud that I'm reading a John Macarthur Study Bible, i'm learning more. I like to learn about subjects I'm invested in. I hope day to enter Bible College, but all this head wisdom does little. I should love others with the wisdom in the ways I know now. 

When I knowingly cause a brother or sister to stumble, I'm not only offending that person but I actually sinning against Christ. The line can be more blurry since sometimes those weak in the faith are actually not offended, but their observation of me can actually not be helpful to their development. I know smoking isn't a sin issue in my life (not a regular smoker) but if the chance I smoke in front of a more sheltered or new believer then I'll have to think very hard how seriously I take others. Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial (1 Corinthians 10:23)

Prayer/reflection:
- Think carefully what I say or do in front of vulnerable believers 
- Pioneers connect to be fruitful for attendees
- Vicky to not give up on you, please do not forsake her if you will it
- Please in still love for you Lord, let me overcome my trials through the power of grace and not obligation
- Be loving in how I witness Christ to believers and pagans alike

1 Corinthians 7

I would never have expected it to be a sin to not sexually satisfy my spouse from abstain lol. Unless it be for the purpose of mutual agreement such as fasting etc. My body don't belong to me but rather God's and He wants me to sexually satisfy my wife. Deprivation of this could lead to temptation to both. Right now, that would mean for me to abstain from anything that would stumble my sexual purity. Don't rewatch the first 2 seasons of GoT etc. 

Marriage is Holy. It's so Holy that it's even discouraged to divorce an unbeliever unless for very specific circumstances. 

I've thought about lifelong abstinence, possibly even considered it a couple times. Those I love are heading to hell, I don't want guilt to overshadow my consciousness telling myself I could have done more if I was single. If I remain single I'll have less distractions and more time to serve God, that sounds nice. But if I continue to burn and struggle with passion, it's better that I not cave in to sin so I should marry. Idk what will happen since my life does not belong to me, but I hope and trust that I submit to what God calls me to. Tbh I can watch more movies if I'm single lol

Prayer/repentance:
- Women are trash, don't rely on them lol
- Run away from sexual impurity, cut off my right hand if it causes me to stumble
- Help build up scy from the little I'm able to do
- Help out mission team. Grow them
- Be a good steward, don't forsake my studies
- Help me love my lg, stop attending for obligatory motives

1 Corinthians 6

Corinthians ppl were apparently suing each other, Paul considered them petty and said they should be resolving their issues within the community. Those within the congregation (hopefully matured christians) would have the Holy Spirit to biblically discern their decisions which is by far more beneficial that secular law becoming involved. We are supposed to be witnesses of Christ not to each other but also to the law, to represent unity in Christ would be a good witness to our governments and general society. 

I'm also to remember that my body is not my own, grace is good but I shouldn't abuse it. My freedom of expression will not represent God's character, imitating His son will. 

Prayer/response:
- love and pray for those young in faith in our congregation
- annaliz, do not forsake her. help me love her
- kevin wang and peter kim. please continue to prune them, let them love you more
- matt and jane to have fruitful rest
- do not abuse the privileges of grace 

1 Corinthians 5

Excommunication is placing the believer outside the privileges of fellowship and cooperate worship, allowing him/her to indulge in the destructiveness of the flesh. The unrepentant believer may be forever lost, but it's better that his/her influence may cripple us no longer for if tolerated will likely to corrupt the body overtime. If I am to truly love others I need to remember that drastic scenarios need drastic action, the health of the Body is no small matter. 

Prayer/response:

- Stop feeling bitter against James Yang, love him

- Be serious in uplifting the Church, care about Cheil's health

1 Corinthians 4

I think if I was a Christian I should genuinly miss church since I haven't gone for 2 weeks. I don't really that much. I don't think me not loving my congregation disqualifies me of grace but it must be a serious indication of sin not yet properly dealt with. Belonging is still a big idol, idk how long this will be a thorn in my side but I'll  carry on the race to please God above all.

Paul did manual labour to support himself in which the Corinthians thought as beneath themselves, Paul didn't care as it was only God's approval he was after.

At the end of this chapter Paul gave lovingly rebuked them. It takes a lot to say "imitate me", I hope I can reach that level of Christian character someday.

Prayer/response:
-
-
-

John F Macarthur - Killing the Sin in Your Life

1 Colossians 3: 1-9
Matthew 5:29-30

-Paul talks bout the transition from doctrinal knowledge to behaviours. In essence this sermon was about sanctification. Jesus is all that is sufficient so we should be adequate, we have all died in Christ and so are made anew (new creations). Therefore I should be living with Christ as my identity, purposely setting my mind on heavenly virtues that belong to God
- Jesus doesn't literally tell us to cut off our hand if it causes us to stumble but rather that we must deal drastically with that which causes us to sin. Pornography, pride, social status, comfortability etc. I know what the law is, I know that the law is good and I want to obey the law but my corrupted body wants to rebel agains't the law of my mind. I have to deal with this depravity in a healthy and Godly directed way.
- the desire to have more than what I'm not entitled to can be crippling
- Same sex urges is sinful just as opposite sex urges are sinful because it is a desire to have what I don't have the right to own.
- sexual sin is the product of idol worship and I am the idol. t
- The easiest point to deal with sin is at the level when it begins, hasn't become a cornerstone in my lifestyle
-the strength against sin doesn't come from feeling good about oneself but rather feeling guilty. feeling a longing for reconciliation
- in Isaiah 66 God says that he seeks whoever has a broken and contrite heart
- in this age of continuous slander i must all the more be careful of how my words can affect others. I love absurd humour but it probably will not build up most
- If i allow bitterness to take hold of me because i was offended, i should recall what on earth made me feel like i'm so important that i have the right to hold bitterness

I must be drastic in my seriousness towards sin because I must reflect Jesus not just to others but also in my spirit. If I am a follower of Christ, the battle is won and the more I pursue God the more I submit gladly.

1 Corinthians 3

There was division going on, some said they followed Paul and others Apollos but 
I doubt this is a massive sin issue in my life but I always better watch out. Our missional efforts must always go towards leading and building up Christ in peoples lives, not to our ego or their convenience. Paul established the groundwork for the lost (preaching the gospel/theology) while Timothy and Apollos strengthened the churches from Paul's teachings. They had different roles to play but the foundation was built on God, and all the credit went to Him because it is only King Jesus who saves. He does not share the merit nor split the hard work with missionaries, the act of salvation is only achieved by Christ. Paul explained that rather than looking them himself and Apollos they should look to Jesus. 


Prayer/response:
-  keep myself accountable and be a good Stewart both in my studies and my Christian living
- Keep God as the foundation of my ministry
- Cape Town. May they know you and be strengthened in you

1 Corinthians 2

Paul disses eloquent speech as a necessity for preaching the gospel, we shouldn't add or subtract, shouldn't twist, only the gospel story in itself saves. We should keep it original! Of course we can use intelligent or different words for its appropriate audience but it should always centre on the purpose and necessity of the cross, it must never deviate. Paul also disses human reasoning, even the religious officials who were supposed to be the wisest men in Israel failed to discern Jesus as the messiah. This proves that only true children of God will be to discern through the Holy Spirit, our salvation is out of our control.  

Prayer/reflection:
- pray for mission team
- don't rely on my own abilities

1 Corinthians 1

Paul urged the Corinthians to stop diving over trivial issues and unify. He doesn't want people to hold their allegiance to him or Apollos but rather King Jesus. I think what stood out most to me is that God has destroyed the wisdom of the wise, the foolish of this world are actually saved. Me, a dropkick, saved. wow. The only boasting I should be doing is not in my own achievements but rather that God is supremely valuable.  God provides true wisdom, not my meme collection or career driven church. 

God's Glory and Your Purpose: Devotions with John Piper Day 5

The Consumption of all Things

Habakkuk 2:14
Romans 8:18
Matthew 13:43

All creation will receive the freedom of the glory of God's children. The creation is secondary, God's children are primary. We are going to be gloried and brought into complete conformity to Jesus. The creation will be made suitable for God's Children. 
  
God glorifies Himself in reconciled relationship with not just each other but for also our environments.  

I didn't understand this plan too much. I don't think I'll be doing another YouVersion devotion anytime soon. There's difficulty understanding these, I spend too much time attempting to juice out the meanings or applications that it can become a chore. 

God's Glory and Your Purpose: Devotions with John Piper Day 4

How the Rescued Life Looks

Romans 4:20

2 Corinthians 3:18

Abraham didn't waver in unbelief but grew strong in his faith giving glory to God. As he went through trials, he was glorifying God.

Life changes when I'm trust in Jesus, just like most people this is a struggle. Trusting in God is seeing him as glorious and being satisfied I'm Him, His presence, His promises etc.

- We are justified through faith apart from works of the law. In OT God didn't just demand sacrifices but also a personal sacrifice of our own ego. Yahweh is God, not me, my decisions and mentality have consequences.

As the final days comes closer, as my pursuit for God grows I become more like Him since. I become like what I should treasure, the glory of God. This cuts off the roots for our sinful pursuits If this is done it should show effect, maybe not immediately but all God's followers are shown to be growing like Him.