WOE TO THE DRUNK AND DRUNKARD

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Today’s Reading:

Isaiah 5: 11 – 17

“Woe (judgment is coming) to those who rise early in the morning to pursue intoxicating drink, who stay up late in the night till wine inflames them! (Isaiah 5:11)

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Everything you consume has either a positive or negative impact on your health. You are what you eat. Checking your state of health now is directly proportional to what you have been taking in over time. So whether you want to live long or less has to do with what you eat, including other factors, though. By definition, Alcohol is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid that is produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast. It acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, meaning it slows down brain function and body responses. The effects of alcohol are also obvious, Short-term: Relaxation, lowered inhibitions, impaired judgment, slower reflexes. Long-term: (with excessive use): Liver damage, addiction (alcoholism), heart problems, mental health issues, among other things. Alcohol does more damage than good.

The issue of alcohol has been one of the debatable issues among the Christians or rather let me say denominations because an individual who calls himself or herself Christian (little Christ as seen in Acts 11:26) shouldn’t have anything to do with alcohol consumption whether as a drunk (someone who has consumed too much alcohol), drunkard (someone who habitually drinks alcohol) or social, moderate or occasional drinker. It’s so sad that globally, countries dominated by Islam or Muslims consume less alcohol. In the scripture above, it clearly states that woe is to anyone who gives himself to intoxicating drinks. Why? Because it controls them. People who drink are under the influence of alcohol, and the scriptures say be filled with the Holy Spirit, not with wine, Ephesians 5:18. Anyone who drinks intoxicating wine is under God’s judgment. It’s not a sin to take fruit wine, but anything other than that is not approved by the word of God. Those who approve of intoxicating wine and alcoholic drinks because Jesus turned water to wine, and Paul asked Timothy to take a little wine because of his stomach problem, are misinterpreting the scripture. We need to use the scripture to explain the scripture. Taking a verse and making doctrine out of it without considering other biblical passages is an injury to God’s word.

Are you under the influence of alcohol or just a moderate drinker? Any group you belong; God wants you to exit. Don’t let the devil deceive you that it doesn’t matter. Alcohol is also harmful to health. Why not cry to Jesus to deliver you from the spirit of alcoholism? You can be free, come to him now.

JAMES ALADE

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.

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Prayer:

1. Oh Lord, break the yoke of alcohol upon my life.

2. Let God send deliverance to those who have been captured by that spirit in Jesus’ name.